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:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS MEETS WITH ARMENIAN YOUTH IN TORONTO
His Holiness Aram I has insisted on holding meetings and discussions with
the youth along every step of his Pontifical visit to Canada and North
America. This time it was the turn of hundreds of young Armenian men and
women from Toronto to meet with the Catholicos.
His Holiness met with the young Armenians in the St. Asdvadzadzine Church
and Armenian Center “Hay Getron” of Toronto on October 3. The meeting
started at eight in the evening and lasted till midnight.
V Rev Fr Meghrig Parikian welcomed the attendants, affirming that the
youth they represent is gathered around its church.
Young men and women read passages from the Holy Book. Many young Armenians
attend the church on Monday evenings for readings from the Bible and for
gaining knowledge about the Armenian Church’s history.
His Holiness Aram I emphasized the concept of the church being a guide for
the life of the new generation. He considered Christian faith as a priority
and elaborated on the concept of the Supreme Good based on theological
understanding.
The Pontiff also spoke about translating the word of God in individual
people’s lives. “The Holy Book is a challenge to man to speak with God. God
challenges man to speak with Him, to engage in dialogue with his Creator. It
is a challenge to turn to God, like the God “turned” to us through His Son,
through humanization,” said His Holiness.
“The most legitimate path to being with God is executing His word. It’s
not enough to read it; it should be executed, brought to life.”
The youth had the opportunity to ask His Holiness various questions
related to the Armenian Church, Christian faith, the Armenian nation’s life,
social and moral issues, problems they face in their daily lives and other
issues.
After the official meeting in the church’s hall, His Holiness had dinner
with the youth in the Armenian Center of Toronto. Open and honest
discussions about various issues developed throughout dinner.
His Holiness highly praised the work of Fr. Meghrig who has been able to
gather the youth around their church and involve them in the church’s
activities.
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View pictures here:
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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 dioceses 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.