Unifying Young Europeans: The 47th European Taizé Meeting in Tallinn

Dressed in their vyshyvanka, the traditional embroidered Ukrainian blouse, Sofia, 18, and her brother Bogdan, 16, shared their story with young Europeans gathered in Tallinn’s small Ukrainian Greek Catholic church. Their world crumbled during the Russian invasion on February 23-24, 2022, when explosions forced them to flee Kherson in southern Ukraine for Ternopil in the west, where their grandmother lives.

Sharing Stories of Survival

“There are thousands of stories like ours,” Sofia told the audience. “I came to Estonia to help young people from other European countries understand our situation,” she explained. Sofia’s journey mirrors the experiences of many Europeans who have been directly affected by the ongoing conflict.

Mathieu, 22, also attended the meeting in Tallinn for the 47th European Taizé Gathering. Initially concerned about the location due to its proximity to the conflict, he saw the event as an opportunity to pray for peace. “The war in Ukraine has dragged on for three years, so in Western Europe, we think about it less,” Mathieu admitted. He found the choice of Tallinn as a “turning point” that gave deeper meaning to the gathering.

Estonia’s Role in Hosting

Hosting the meeting in Estonia was no accident. This Baltic Sea country shares nearly 300 kilometers of border with Russia, and tensions remain high due to the war in Ukraine and the significant Russian-speaking population within its borders. Estonia, with its history of Soviet occupation, understands the fragility of independence.

Natalia, a 23-year-old Estonian student, grew up knowing the potential threats to their country. “I wonder if my country might be ‘next’,” she said about the ongoing conflict. Organizing the event was particularly significant for her, offering a chance to showcase Estonia’s story and validate their place in the European community.

Michalina, a 26-year-old Polish participant, also found the event meaningful. She appreciated the focus on peace and the chance to empathize with Ukrainian refugees. “I stayed in a building that once housed Ukrainian refugees. Imagining myself in their shoes was deeply moving,” she shared.

Bringing Young People Together

The Taizé Gathering is renowned for its ability to unite European youth in prayer and reflection. Daily discussions, thematic workshops, and evening prayers structured around the theme “Hoping Against All Hope” brought participants from 45 nations together.

Natalia, a Belarusian participant, expressed the value of these meetings for those living under authoritarian regimes. “These gatherings breathe life into us,” she said. Brother Luc added that for Ukrainian Greek Catholic seminarians from Lviv, who rarely leave due to conscription laws, the event was particularly impactful.

Liubomyr, one of the seminarians, shared his experience, saying that coming to Tallinn allowed them to share their experiences, find solace in prayer, and connect with other cultures. “I was deeply inspired by the organization of Lutheran churches and their approach to making the Bible accessible,” Nazan, another seminarian, remarked.

Challenges and Opportunities

Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to attend the gathering was a common theme among participants. Brother Luc explained the challenges of obtaining visas, particularly for Belarusians, and the support from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating their attendance.

Despite these challenges, Brother Matthew stressed the importance of including all young Europeans. “We overcame many bureaucratic hurdles to attend,” Liubomyr confirmed. “Although we constantly bear ‘the weight of the war on our shoulders,’ coming to Tallinn allowed us to share our experiences, find solace in prayer, and connect with other cultures.”

The Taizé community also recognized the absence of Russian youth. “There are nearly 200 of them in Saint Petersburg, just 400 kilometers from Tallinn, who long for peace,” Brother Luc insisted. Despite being unable to publicly support them, the community plans to pray alongside their Christian brothers across the border in Narva during the participants’ departure.

Legacy and Future

The 47th European Taizé Meeting brought together over 3,500 young Christians, with notable nationalities including 1,200 Poles, 450 Germans, 250 Ukrainians, 200 Croatians, and 150 French participants. Hosting such a large group in Tallinn wasn’t without challenges, particularly in accommodating them in local families due to Estonia’s high agnostic population.

Looking ahead, the next meeting will take place in Paris from December 28, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This event will continue the community’s mission of uniting young Europeans to pray and reflect on shared themes.

As the audience dispersed, each participant carried with them newfound perspectives and a renewed commitment to peace. The stories shared in Tallinn serve as a reminder of the resilience and unity that can be forged in the face of adversity.

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