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

ARMENIAN CHURCH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
DUSCUSSES CHALLENGES TO YOUTH

14-15 March 2009, the Armenian Church University Students’ Association
(HEHOM) held its annual meeting at the "Birds’ Nest" Orphanage in Byblos
(Lebanon). Twenty-five young men and women attended the meeting. On the
first day the participants discussed the situation of youth today in view of
the global economic and environmental crisis, the changing moral and ethical
values and the quest for spirituality: After this overview, they identified
the concerns and challenges arising from these global issues as they impact
the lives of Armenian youth in Lebanon. Through plenary presentations and
group discussions they identified issues for further study and reflection by
the Association.

On Sunday morning, the members of HEHOM participated in the Holy Liturgy at
the St. Gayané church of Birds’ Nest. According to the Armenian Orthodox
church calendar, the fourth Sunday of the Great Lent is the Sunday of the
Steward and the lesson of the day comes from the parable of the unjust
steward (Luke 16:1-31). The Spiritual experience of the Holy Liturgy and the
lesson of the day brought another dimension to their work.

During the afternoon sessions the participants studied the message of His
Holiness Aram I declaring 2009 Year of Armenian Youth. Through this message
the youth discovered ways through which the church would accompany them as
they responded to the challenges and shaped their dreams. Father Mesrob
Sarkissian the spiritual advisor of HEHOM concluded the meeting by thanking
the participants for their contribution, and reminding them that they are
part of the church and their concerns are the concerns of the whole church.
Therefore, the response to their problems could come only through collective
effort.

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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.