The Executive Committee (ExCo) is a board of seven volunteers, elected by the General Meeting for two years, who are responsible for the work of the Council and for the implementation of the mandates of the General Meeting. The ExCo takes all political decisions needed for the daily work of EYCE, in accordance with the mandates of the General Meeting.
New Executive Committee has been elected during the 45th EYCE General Meeting, which took place in August 2023 in Poland. In Spring of 2024 Executive was co-opted with two new members.
Aino Vihonen, Chairperson
Hello everyone! I’m Aino and I’m a Lutheran Christian from Finland. I have a master’s degree in theology, focusing on ecumenism, interfaith dialogue and feminist theology. My experience in ecumenism in action is but a couple of years old, but it has gotten my heart already.
As the chairperson of EYCE I’m looking forward to serving the youth and the ecumenical community in Europe. I hope we can plan activities and events that bring us as Christians together in Europe, over borders and differences.
Contact: aino.vihonen@eyce.org
Steven Edwards, Vice-Chairperson
Hello everyone! My name is Steven and I am 28. I am from Germany and member of the evangelical church of westphalia (united). Besides my engagement in youth work and advocacy I study theology and education.
I have a strong passion for youth advocacy and strengthening the voices of marginalized groups. I am looking forward to create platforms to come together, to learn from each other and to be a living part of the ecumenical movement.
Contact: steven.edwards@eyce.com
Harald Dahler, Treasurer
My name is Harald, and I am from the northern part of Norway. I am 26 years old and study theology and education.
I have grown up in the Church of Norway, and have been active in the youth movement there for many years. In my spare time I like to do voluntary work and be with friends. I work at a soup kitchen run by the church.
Contact: harald.dahler@eyce.org
Saara Alamäki
Hei! My name is Saara, 24, and I am a Lutheran Christian from Finland! I am finishing my master’s studies in Western theology. Prior to my role in the ExCo, I have been active in the Student Christian Movement in Finland, the youth commission of the Finnish Ecumenical Council and the youth commission for CORE-forum (Interfaith dialogue).
For my free time I play roller derby and care for my (and others’) houseplants.
Contact: saara.alamaki@eyce.org
Pavel Ruzyak
Hello, my name is Pavel and I am living in Prague. Currently finishing my Master in Orthodox Christian Theology and Philosophy in Christian Context. I am also active in filmmaking and creation of social programs, cooperating with a local NGO on arts projects for visually handicapped people, especially the young ones. In my free time, I like reading good books and poetry.
Contact: pavel.ruzayk@eyce.org
Alan Shiyar Nediyamattathil Thankachan
Hej! My name is Alan Shiyar Nediyamattathil Thankachan an Orthodox theology student, belonging to the Syriac Orthodox Church from India, currently residing in Sweden.
I am currently pursuing a Master in Eastern Christian Theology focusing on International Relations and Ecumenism at University College Stockholm and Sankt Ignatios College. For my free time I love reading books and playing video games.
Contact: alanshiyar.nt@eyce.org