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ANTELIAS: The Youth Conference is Launched in Bikfayya

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  • ANTELIAS: The Youth Conference is Launched in Bikfayya

    PRESS RELEASE
    Catholicosate of Cilicia
    Communication and Information Department
    Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
    Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
    Fax: (04) 419724
    E- mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/

    PO Box 70 317
    Antelias-Lebanon

    Armenian version: http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/doc/Arme nian.htm

    THE YOUTH CONFERENCE IS LAUNCHED IN BIKFAYYA

    "The meaning of the church cannot be explained in its sanctity only, but in
    the realization of its mission, in which our youth should participate"

    SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I

    The youth conference organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia's Youth
    Department was officially launched in the Saint Mary Monastery in Bikfaya on
    August 14. The conference convenes under the theme "The Armenian Youth in
    the face of the challenges of the 21st century."

    The conference is held under the auspices of His Holiness Aram I, who also
    presided over the opening ceremony and addressed the young delegates
    participating the conference from Armenian communities worldwide. The
    conference brought together over 100 young Armenians from the Eastern and
    Western prelacies of North America, Istanbul, Cyprus, Kuwait, the Arab Gulf
    countries, Tehran and Isfahan, Syria and Lebanon. The prelacies of Greece
    and Azerbaijan in Iran did not send representatives.

    In his opening remarks the director of the Catholicosate of Cilicia's Youth
    Department, Rev. Sahag Yemishian, underlined the unique character of the
    conference and its promising prospects. He wished that the conference
    participants would appropriately discuss the ideas and proposals expressed
    during the sessions with a view to plan new projects that would improve the
    lives of young Armenians.

    The opening ceremony became all the more exciting with the encouraging words
    of His Holiness Aram I- a hearty Pontifical message spoken to the Armenian
    youth. The young participants intently listened to the wise words of the
    Catholicos who, fully aware of present circumstances, inspired them to face
    all the challenges they encounter.

    His Holiness welcomed the young Armenians that had come to Bikfaya from
    around the world and presented a thorough analysis of the difficulties that
    the Armenian youth face both at the global and national levels. Referring to
    the characteristics relevant to a person's adolescent life, he underlined
    the importance of Christian formation and a purpose-goal life. His Holiness
    considered that the Church, as a source of morality, is a compass, a path
    leading to Christ, an institution that organizes social life based mutual
    respect of the laws governing society.

    "In the life of present-day society, religion has started becoming an
    existential presence. In the past, particularly in the West, religion was an
    individual matter. Today, it is a matter of public concern. Inter-faith
    meetings are held today with utmost seriousness and uninterrupted
    continuity- a non-existing phenomenon in the past. The youth cannot remain
    indifferent towards this. However, where is the youth in all this?" wondered
    His Holiness.

    In his message, the Pontiff stressed the importance of participation. "The
    youth and passivity are opposing concepts. The youth should be present in
    our collective life. Its role is not marginal; it is important, it is
    central. Look at today's world and you will see that those occupying
    important position are mostly the youth. This is so because it is through
    your work that our life flourishes and develops. Otherwise, our collective
    life will become immobile like a swamp. Our church needs your fresh forces
    and minds," he said.

    In the last part of his speech, the Pontiff spoke about the dangers
    threatening the life of the youth. "We are becoming witness to mentalities
    and lifestyles that do not correspond to our traditions and are based on
    morally different perceptions. The youth is quickly affected by such
    phenomena. It is true that in the current world we cannot build up walls
    around ourselves or live in isolation. However, with the guidance of the
    Church the youth can find its true path, renewing the church in its mission
    and service. The meaning of the church cannot be explained in its sanctity
    only, but in the realization of its mission, in which our youth should
    participate," His Holiness stressed.

    The Pontiff's message became a guideline for the conference. During the
    following session, Garo Hovhannessian delivered a presentation entitles:
    "Where is the Armenian youth in face of the challenges of the 21st century
    and how does he overcome them?" Hovhannessian stressed the concepts of
    national identity and the need for an understanding of national belonging
    among the youth. He made a call for reviewing the concept of "culture" and
    underlined the importance of preserving the Armenian Language for the
    preservation of Armenian identity. Referring to the contribution expected
    from the youth, he said: "In our history we have not had a period when we've
    had so many of our youngsters enrolled in universities. However, we feel the
    lack of man force everywhere today. Degrees have no meaning if they do not
    contribute to our highest national interests and to the realization of our
    primary goals."

    Following the lecture, the participants were divided into workshops to
    discuss more deeply the issues at hand and prepare brief reports of the
    ideas and thoughts expressed. The workshops became serious discussions,
    healthy criticism, fiery debates and attempts to reach the truth through the
    exchange of viewpoints.

    One of the sessions was dedicated to the exchange of information on the
    experiences of the youth living in different geographic locations and
    communities. The session was also rich in relevant topics with young
    Armenians providing information about their respective communities and
    environments, explaining their concerns and the obstacles they face. The
    dangers threatening the life of the youth were also discussed with a view to
    seek preventive measures.

    The conference started with the morning service, at the end of which
    spiritual contemplation was performed by Rev. Magar Ashkarian. After the
    day-long sessions, the participants attended the Evening Mass in the St.
    Mary Monastery.

    ##
    View the photos here:
    http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/v04/do c/Photos/Photos298.htm
    http://www.armenianorthodox church.org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos299.htm

    *****
    The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
    the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the youth
    activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
    the Catholicosate, http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org The Cilician
    Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
    Antelias, Lebanon.
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