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: info@armenianorthodoxchurch.org
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: 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.

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View the photos here:
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, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.