THE ARMENIAN CHURCH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (ACUSA) MEMBERS ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE WORLD STUDENT CHRISTIAN FEDERATION (WSCF), MIDDEL EAST REGION
During the month of September, the Midddle East Regional office of WSCF held two meeting in Brummana (Lebanon).
The theme of the first meeting (25-31 August) was the ‘Arab Spring’ and its challenges to Christian youth. Representatives from Jordan Iraq, Egypt, South Sudan and Lebanon shared their experiences and identified common challenges.
The ACUSA representative Ms. Grace Najarian spoke of the activities of ACUSA and its plans to contribute to the stability and peace in the region.
The second (1-2 September), was the annual meeting of the WSCF Regional Committee. The members included the following countries: Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Lebanon. Mr. Razmig Mikaelian represented ACUSA. The priority item on the agenda was issues related to the participation of M.E. youth in the life of their respective churches and strengthening ecumenical cooperation in each place.
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE NEWLY ELECTED COMMITTEE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (ACUSA)
On Friday 7 September 2012 the members of the newly elected committee of ACUSA presented its programme and priorities to His Holiness I. The two priorities were: Membership campaigns and related activities, and contributing the preparations of the 100th anniversary of the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
After endorsing their proposed programme, Catholicos Aram I emphasized the important role of ACUSA in keeping the University students attached to the Church, its spirituality and moral and ethical values.
ACUSA is one of the activities of the Youth Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, where Father Mesrob Sarkissian is the Director of the department and Fr. Ghevont Pentezian is the spiritual advisor.
‘PARTICIPATING IN OUR COMMUNITY LIFE MEANS ACTING RESPONSIBLY AND WITH ACCOUNTABILITY’
Said Catholicos Aram I to the members of HEHOM
12/27/2011
Around one hundred persons, alumni and current members of the Armenian Church University Student Association (HEHOM) met on 27 December to celebrate Christmas and New Year together.
The President of the Association, Mr. Hagop Handian, and the Director of the Youth Programme of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, Rev. Mesrob Sarkissian, welcomed the participants. After dinner, the alumni and current members shared experiences and discussed ways and means through which HEHOM might contribute to building sustainable Armenian communities in Lebanon, the diaspora and Armenia.
After dinner, in his closing message, His Holiness Aram I spoke of the radical changes in the world that also touch Armenians. He said that we cannot remain indifferent to these changes. We should, he said, “either adapt to these changes or adopt them unquestioningly.” He went on to say that “in either case, we need our youth to lead us. So far, we have not provided the sufficient spiritual, national or communal space for our younger generations to take responsible positions in our structures. Only through dialogue with them and their inclusion in our community life, will we develop common responsibility and accountability towards one another.” The Catholicos then concluded: “God created the universe, and then humanity in his ‘image’. He made humanity stewards of creation. It is therefore, the responsibility of humanity to build a sustainable world inspired by faith and a vision guided by mutual accountability. Today we invite our younger generation to join us in building our common life by fusing our professional know-how to the Christian vision inherited from our forefathers.”
After His Holiness Aram I left, HEHOM alumni and members discussed how to respond to the challenges posed by the Catholicos.
THE INTER-DIOCESAN ARMENIAN YOUTH CONFERENCE
OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA CONCLUDES
09/03/2011
The two-day conference organized by the Youth Department of the Holy See of Cilicia, held at the Zarehian Seminary in Bikfaya, has concluded.
The conference began with the opening speech of His Holiness Aram I, in which he invited the youth to play a leading role in the life of the Armenian Church and community. Presenters spoke of issues that concern youth; through group discussions, the youth, who represented different continents and dioceses, shared their experiences and tried to identify common concerns.
At the end of the conference, the participants adopted the following statement:
1. We affirm that we have an important role to play in the life of the Armenian Orthodox Church and in all of our communities.
2. We urge our leaders and parents to listen to our problems, understand the challenges we are facing and cooperate with us to find solutions.
3. Based on the experience of this conference, we ask the Youth Department of the Catholicosate to continue organizing similar gatherings on Diocesan and Inter-Diocesan levels.
4. We need to strengthen relations between Diocesan youth-work and the activities of the Youth Department of the Catholicosate by sharing information, by consulting one another and by enhancing programmatic cooperation.
5. We ask the Catholicosate and all Dioceses to create a special web page on their respective web sites in order to widen the youth network.
We thank His Holiness Aram I for giving voice to the youth, and the Youth Committee for organizing this event.
“ARMENIAN YOUTH ARE THE ESSENTIAL ACTORS IN THE RENEWAL OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH AND REVITALIZATION OF THE DIASPORA”
Said His Holiness Aram I
09/01/2011
On Thursday 1 September 2011, His Holiness Aram I presided over the opening of the Inter-Diocesan Youth Conference organized by the newly constituted Youth Department. The participants represented Youth Departments of the Dioceses and youth organizations in the Diaspora communities. The purpose of the meeting was to share experiences, identify new areas of youth work and adopt a coordinated plan of action to be implemented in the Dioceses of the Holy See of Cilicia.
In his opening speech, Catholicos Aram I welcomed the participants and stated that our youth should play a major role in revitalizing the Armenian Church and in building our community. They should participate in the decision-making processes within our structures because the way ahead for our people is through intergenerational dialogue. He noted that globalization is breaking down all fences and declared that the Armenian Diaspora needs a new strategy and vital leadership. However, he cautioned that we must never forget our roots. He declared: “As we aspire to renew our Church and social structures to face globalization and challenges from our host communities, we should forge our new approaches on the basis of our own roots.”
THE YOUTH: THE DRIVING FORCE FOR RENEWAL
The youth became one of the main foci of my recent pontifical visit to California, U.S.A. In fact, in my sermons, lectures, public remarks, meetings with church and community leaders and interviews with media I addressed issues and challenges pertaining to the youth, affirming the crucial role that they are called to play in our community life. This strong emphasis on youth was preceded by the publication of my new book, Taking the Church to the People, in which I clearly displayed my perspectives and convictions in respect to the Armenian youth.
My visit was essentially pastoral in its very nature, purpose and scope. Meeting with people at grassroots, observing their way of life, listening to their concerns and discerning their needs and priorities were, indeed, at the heart of my visitation program. Within this context, I not only talked about the youth, I also encouraged them to talk about their own experiences, frustrations and expectations. We shared concerns and views, learned from each other and built trust between the church and its youth. Three characteristic aspects captured my attention.-
1) Our youth are ready to dialogue. They consider themselves as integral part of our community life. They rightfully criticize those who attempt to marginalize them. They do not accept an imposed status quo. They believe that they have a great deal to contribute to church and community affairs and therefore they are ready to engage in a meaningful and realistic dialogue with community and church leaders. I greatly appreciate this sense of responsibility that I found with our youth. I strongly encourage any serious effort aimed at initiating a dynamic interaction with the youth. This interaction must be frank, open and inclusive and it must be based on mutual trust and understanding. Listening to the youth and empowering them should be the driving force of this dialogue. Indeed, monologue generates stagnation; dialogue creates progress; monologue leads to isolation, dialogue builds community.
2) Our youth are eager to learn. The youth whom I met in various contexts of my pontifical visit are ready not only to dialogue but also to learn from the old generation. Indeed, dialoguing is learning, it is mutually learning and growing process. The readiness of our youth to learn is a sign of hope. I came to realize through my encounter with the youth that they are well versed in their professions; they are also aware of the complexities of the present world. They need to know more about their church and the challenges it faces. Therefore, it is the primary obligation of community leaders to approach the youth, to embrace them and integrate them in community life, sharing with them their experiences and our expectations. Learning is not merely accumulating information; it is rather identifying with the concerns and challenges of our community and church.
3) Our youth are committed to participate in the total life of the church and community. Dialoguing and learning lead to participation. The youth are not satisfied with only engaging in dialogue or learning more; they want to be integrated in the work of the church and community; they want to be part of leadership and play an important role in decision making processes. This is indeed a legitimate expectation. I strongly support the youth's commitment to becoming a player in our public life. I consider it the obligation and right of the youth. Their sense of belonging to the community must be translated by their dedicated and active involvement in all aspects of community life. I believe that our human resources are the church's and nation's greatest and invaluable riches; and the youth occupy an important place in our human power.
During my meetings with our people I noticed both positive and negative aspects in our common life:
I witnessed on the one hand strenuous efforts towards community building; on the other hand I realized lack of enough efforts to respond to the spiritual needs of our people. Therefore, the formation of qualified and dedicated clergy is an urgent need.
I welcomed on the one hand the Prelacy's strong commitment to the Armenian school; on the other hand I was saddened to know that our children in majority are in non-Armenian schools. The cause should be identified and an alternative solution should be found.
I expressed on the one hand my joy to see our families around parish churches and community centers and organizations; on the other hand I was worried about those families who are on the fringes of Armenian life. Constant and consistent efforts must be made to bring these families to the fold of community.
I appreciated on the one hand the growing trends towards unity through mutual understanding and closer collaboration; on the other hand I was concerned to observe certain approaches which may not help deepen our unity. Indeed, unity must remain a top priority on our agenda.
We should not present a rosy picture of our church and community. Nor should we be emotional, biased or reactive. Besides significant progress and many achievements, there are also problems and deficiencies that must be addressed. A comprehensive and realistic assessment of our common life is the right path to follow. I publicly shared my concerns and expectations, and challenged our people, particularly the youth, to reflect seriously on these matters. I know that overcoming these contradictions and concerns is not easy. It requires common faith, hope and will. My visit was intended to remind our people of the pivotal importance of faith and love. Indeed, in faith we build our community and in love we deepen our God-given unity and look forward with renewed vision. My visit was also intended to become a wake-up call and a reminder that the renewal of our church and community must sustain and orient our reflection and action.
Indeed, in our common search for a renewed church, a more vibrant community and a better future the youth have a crucial role to play. I have full trust in our youth, and I invite them to assume their role.
ARAM I
CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA
7November 2011
Antelias-Lebanon
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I REORGANIZES THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
AND YOUTH DEPARTMENTS
After reviewing the responses to his pastoral letters addressed to different groups within the community, His Holiness announced the following changes in the Christian Education and Youth departments.
Rev. Masis Zobouyan will head the Christian Education Department and organize Bible Studies. Rev. Torkom Donoyan will be responsible for relations with radio and television stations and will produce CDs and DVDs on Church Music.
Rev. Mesrob Sarkissian will continue as director of the Youth Department and will coordinate the work of the newly elected Youth Committee. The new committee is organizing a consultation to be held in September. The consultation will bring together persons in charge of youth activities in the dioceses of the Catholicosate to set priorities for youth work.
‘WE SHOULD INVIGORATE OUR UNIVERSITY STUDENT MOVEMENTS,
THEY WILL BE THE ARCHITECTS OF OUR SOCIETIES’
SAID ARAM I
12/26/2010
On Sunday 26 December 2010, after the Holy Liturgy, the members of the Armenian University Student Association (ACUSA) met with His Holiness Aram I. After listening to their presentations, Catholicos Aram I said: “We have high expectations from you. You are the life-line of our society. Today, science and technology, and many disciplines in the social sciences are shaping the future of our world, including our own community. We, therefore, need educated young men and women to help us dialogue with the world and contribute to the future well-being of our planet.”
Referring to ACUSA, His Holiness said: “All University Associations in our community have a contribution to make. ACUSA has a special role among them. ACUSA is the University Student Association of our Church. Our Church is an inclusive church, the church of the people with its history, believers and concerns. ACUSA should, therefore, respond to the challenges addressed to an inclusive Church. Several among you attended ecumenical and interreligious conferences on behalf of our Church. It is my wish that ACUSA becomes more active in these domains and shares our spiritual, national and cultural values with others.”
CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE TRAINING PROGRAMME OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE (WCC)
12/16/2010
During 14-16 December 2010, the Scholarships Committee of the WCC held its annual meeitn. This year for the first time along with screening applications, they held a youth training programme. The purpose was to teach young representatives of member churches, how to write applications for individual and group scholarships.
Rev. Mesrob Sarkissian, advisor to the Armenian Church University Students’ Association (ACUSA), represented the Catholicosate.
THE NEW COMMITTEE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATION (ACUSA) MEETS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
03/16/2010
On Tuesday 16 March 2010, the newly elected committee of ACUSA, accompanied by their spiritual advisor Fr. Mesrob Sarkissian met with His Holiness Aram I. Following introductions, the members discussed with His Holiness their proposed two-year programme. After listening the committee’s proposals, the Catholicos gave his blessing, and assured them of the support of the Catholicosate to the work of ACUSA because he said: “The gifts of young adults to the Church and our society is the sustaining element of Armenian community life”.
TURKISH CIVIL SOCIETY SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND ASSISTED TO ACCEPT IT: EUROPE AND THE ARMENIAN DIASPORA HAVE A CRITICAL ROLE IN MAKING THIS HAPPEN
Said Taner Akçam
01/06/2010
On 6 January 2010 at 18:00 hrs, the Armenian Church University Association (ACUSA) organized an evening to meet the dissident historian, Taner Akçam. A large number of youth representing youth organizations and educational institutions came to listen to the historian at the Gulbenkian Hall of the Cilicia Museum. Ms. Gacia Kouyoumdjian welcomed the audience on behalf of the ACUSA committee.
In his lecture, Prof. Akçam said that for a long time it was forbidden to mention the Armenian Genocide in Turkey and that Article 301 of the Penal Code (which makes it illegal to insult Turkey, the Turkish ethnicity or Turkish government institutions) was a consequence of this policy. However, this topic is no longer taboo thanks to Turkish journalists, writers and activists. The independence of Armenia, the publication of “AGOS”, the possibility of networking and communication and the question of Turkey’s admission to the European Union have broken the silence. As a result, the public is informed of the issue. In 2000, the Turkish authorities reacted to this situation by publishing new textbooks, which stated that ‘Armenians massacred the Turks’. The textbooks were promoted through special seminars, public quiz events and competitions. Hrant Dink was a major figure among those who spoke for the rights of minorities in Turkey. In conclusion, Taner Akçam said that Turkish Popular Movements, the authorities in Armenia, the European Union and the Armenian Diaspora should work together to pressure Turkey to recognize the Genocide. He concluded that the time had come for the two peoples to dialogue.
The floor was then open to ask questions to the speaker.
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“The Youth Pilgrimage to Der Zor was a significant response to His Holiness Aram I’s declaration 2009 YEAR OF ARMENIAN YOUTH. 2500 Youth walked from the outskirts of this desert town to the Armenian Genocide Memorial, remembering the persecution, torture and rape of their grandparents. The purpose of the current DVD is to share the story of those two days, and recall the memory of one and a half million Armenian martyrs”.
Text: Information and Communication Department PRICE: $ 5 |
DVD
SUMMER BIBLE STUDY WORKSHOPS FOR YOUTH BEGIN IN ANTELIAS
For the second year the Christian Education Department of the Catholicosate organized with the Armenian University Church Students’ Association (ACUSA), summer sessions for spiritual reflection and spirituality in the Armenian Orthodox Church.
The first session was held on Friday 4 July 2009, in Antelias. More than fifty young women and men registered for the sessions. The theme of the first workshop was “the parables of Jesus and their implications today”, with a particular emphasis on Youth and spiritual life. The workshops will be held in Antelias every Friday evening during the summer holidays.
THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT OF THE CATHOLICOSATE HONOURS THE ARMENIAN GRADUATES OF ALL SCHOOLS IN LEBANON
07/01/2009
On the evening of 1 July 2009, more than sixty young women and men gathered at the Cilicia Museum to take part in a celebration organized in their honour. The event was jointly organized by the Youth Department, the Armenian Church University Students’ Association (ACUSA), and their spiritual advisors the young priests Sahak and Mesrob.
The President of the Youth Committee welcomed the graduates and said that His Holiness Aram I’s declaration of 2009 as the Youth Year gave the gathering a special meaning. Recalling the words of the Catholicos, he continued: “Our Church is committed to empowering the youth so that we build sustainable communities in Lebanon, in Armenia and in the Diaspora.”
After the welcome, those present watched a DVD, telling the story of the Armenian youth participation in the ecumenical movement. At the end of the show, His Holiness Aram I concluded the evening with the following message: “Our church headquarters in Antelias belongs to our people. It is through the dynamic presence of our youth that our church will be revitalized locally and globally. We are actively present on the international scene through the ecumenical movement and other fora. We could achieve all these because we believed that the Church is not an institution but a mission. A mission to be carried out by every member of the Church especially the youth The active presence of our youth in the church will further strengthen our contribution to the ecumenical movement whether in Geneva or in North America.”
After the blessings, the graduates received books and DVDs on the faith and spirituality of the Armenian Church as gifts.
More than 2500 Young Armenian Pilgrims Commemorate the 94th Anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide at the Desert of Der Zor (Syria)
YOU ARE BAPTIZED BY THE MEMORY OF OUR MARTYRS
LET THOSE MEMORIES GUIDE YOU
ARAM I
04/17/2009
On Friday 17 April 2009, His Holiness Aram I left Aleppo for Der Zor. The desert of Der Zor is the grave for a large number of Armenian victims of the Genocide by Turkey. Pilgrimage to Der Zor was the first big event to mark 2009 as the year of Armenian Youth. The pilgrimage was organized by the Diocese in Syria and the Diocese of Lebanon.
2500 Young pilgrims, high school and university students and members of youth movements and organizations, who had arrived from different parts of the world, gathered at the outskirts of the town of Der Zor. They began their several kilometres walk to the Genocide Memorial, remembering the journey of their great grandparents, their persecution, torture and rape.
The same evening, at 7 o’clock, His Holiness Aram I joined the young pilgrims. Commemorations began with the blessing of bread and salt at the entrance of the church and a special requiem for the dead. Later, Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of Aleppo, and Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of Lebanon, jointly lead a candlelight Vesper service.
On Saturday, 18 April 2009, the pilgrims went to the second station of the pilgrimage, the bank of the Euphrates River, in which the bodies of many victims had been washed away. After a brief silence the young pilgrims threw flowers into the river. At the end of this solemn moment, Catholicos Aram I addressed the youth from a nearby bridge. He said: “You should continue to challenge the conscience of the world by demanding restorative justice until Turkey takes responsibility for the Armenian Genocide. You should direct your just claims by advocating Human Rights, using political and diplomatic channels and not through violence.“ He then advised them to empower themselves through education and by choosing professions that would enable them for the pursuit of their just cause. This pilgrimage and 2009 as the year for Armenian Youth should become the driving force of this journey.
The third stop in the pilgrimage was the Holy Resurrection Church in Margadeh, which was the collective tomb for the remains of the victims that had been recovered. Rev. Dr. Paul Haydostian, President of the Armenian University Haigazian in Beirut, addressed the pilgrims. He said: “We are standing on this special place where the remains of our ancestors have been dissolved into the desert sand. Most of you have names that were also the names given to the persons who died here. Let us use this special moment to choose education and knowledge as the instrument to keep alive the memory of our martyrs and continue to advocate for our just cause”.
The pilgrimage ended by His Holiness Aram I sending the young pilgrims back to their countries with the message: “You are the custodians of the Armenian cause and should, therefore, work tirelessly for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey.”
THE ARMENIAN CHURCH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (ACUSA) CELEBRATES THE 140TH ANNIVERSARY OF KOMITAS VARTABED*
03/21/2009
On Saturday 21 March 2009, in the Gulbenkian hall of the Cilicia Museum, ACUSA honoured the memory of the great composer, ethnographer, musicologist and monk, Komitas Vartabed. In her opening speech, the President of ACUSA introduced the artist, who inspired many musicians and began a renaissance in Armenian musicology. She noted that Komitas Vartabed contributed greatly to the creation and codification of ancient Armenian spiritual music and peasants’ melodies. Among his many compositions, the chorals and the Batarak (liturgy) remain outstanding. Following this introduction, the students of the Ganatchayan Music School presented the works of the musician in concert. Archbishop Komitas Ohanian concluded the evening by paying homage to the great Vartabed of the Armenian Church, who purified Armenian music by eliminating foreign influences.
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* Komitas Vartabed was a survivor and eyewitness to the atrocities committed against the Armenians by the Turks in April 1915. On April 24, in Constantinople, he was arrested with other intellectuals. His personal experiences as a prisoner and his eyewitness account of violence and killings against defenceless Armenians affected greatly his later compositions.
ARMENIAN CHURCH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
DUSCUSSES CHALLENGES TO YOUTH
03/15/2009
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.
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO HONOUR THE WISH OF THE YOUTH,
NAME 2009 “THE YEAR OF THE CHRISTIAN ARMENIAN YOUTH”
08/16/2008
The youth conference organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s Youth Department continued the third day of its activities in Bikfaya on August 16 through a series of lectures and group discussions that provided young delegates to exchange their viewpoints on different issues of concern. The conference concluded the same day under the chairmanship of His Holiness Aram I.
After the end of the Morning service, the participants listened to the biblical interpretations of Rev. Fr. Masis Tchobouyian. The delegates then moved to the “Prapion Doumanian” Hall of the Seminary, where they listened to the President of Haigazian University, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian deliver a very contemporary talk entitled “what are the challenges of the 21st century?”
Pointing to the main challenges facing the Armenian youth in the present world, Dr. Haidostian underlined the difficulty of making choices from the several paths that the current ever-changing world offers the youth. He emphasized that today’s youth first finds it difficult to recognize harmful phenomena due to their multi-faceted nature. This in turn proves an obstacle to passing on to the second stage- choosing the best option amongst the available alternatives. This phenomenon is a symbol of development and progress but can also be considered dangerous, he said.
Dr. Haidostian affirmed that presenting a brief talk about the 21st century is next to impossible, because any such talk can become untimely in this fast-paced world. He talked about the frenzy of information and knowledge traveling in the world, assuring that they can exert an influence on the human mind even indirectly, even when people want to refuse them. Dr. Haidostian noted a fallout in values given the easy attainability of everything desired in social and material life. He also talked about the shake-up of moral principles due to the scientific explanations provided to certain phenomena.
In an attempt to predict future developments, Dr. Haidostian talked about those probable scientific developments, which will create deep conflicts in the future particularly in the Church.
After presenting these issues briefly and with concise examples, the speaker outlined four possible and yet dangerous approaches that can be adopted by the youth: a) avoiding the difficulties and giving in to self-destruction through drugs; b) Remain indifferent and criticize in particular those institutions and people involved in moral education, such as the church and the spiritual class; c) Live in confusion and deception without being able to tell right from wrong; d) Develop a negative identity, rejecting others and their advice, become involved in emotional religion and enjoy those parts of religion that are emotional.
His Holiness Aram I chaired over the final and concluding session of the conference, which became a podium for an honest discussion. The young delegates freely addressed His Holiness with their questions and the latter demonstrated that he truly is the Pontiff of the youth showing utmost patience and care and giving Pontifical advice to the young Armenians born and formed in different countries and different circumstances.
“Our church is the reservoir of spiritual and moral values,” said His Holiness talking about the national character of our Church. “We cannot separate the spiritual from the national,” referring to those periods in Armenian history when after the fall of kingdoms the Church had taken up the task of taking care of cultural, educational and even political issues. He added: “Today, however, our Church and particularly the Catholicosate of Cilicia is trying to reemphasize our church’s religious service.” His Holiness pointed to the activities of the Christian Education and Youth Departments of the Catholicosate, which are primarily involved in educating the new generation.
Finally, His Holiness called on the youth to continue their path, to increase their ranks through the use of Internet and modern technology and to gather around our church. He emphasized that it would not be possible to renew our faith or the church if we stayed away from the church. He underlined the importance of the Armenian youth’s support for the efforts to transform our church into a source for the renewal of faith.
After the Pontiff’s detailed explanations, the proposals presented during the 12 sessions of the conference were read out and adopted by the delegates.
On Saturday evening the young delegates participated in the Feats of Saint Mary held in the Saint Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya. In the next few days the participants will also have the opportunity to tour the touristic and historic sites of Lebanon.
YOUNG ARMENIANS CONTINUE THEIR HEATED DEBATES
AT THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA’S YOUTH CONFERENCE
08/15/2008
The youth conference launched under the auspices of the Catholicosate of Cilicia on August 14 has become a podium for lively discussions on issues concerning the Armenian youth.
On the second day of the conference, Dr. Joe Pirri from the Webster University in Geneva gave a talk on the use of modern technology by the youth. Given that the topics covered by the talk are some of the favorites among the youth, the delegates quickly became engaged in a heated discussion during which Dr. Pirri elaborated on the many questions addressed to him. Underlining both the positive and negative aspects of using technology, Dr. Pirri referred to a large number of websites, which give guidance on the best and most practical ways of using technology.
The question and answer period also gave way to an interesting discussion on the moral face of using the Internet. Dr. Pirri also gave detailed information on the websites dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. The reliability of sources was also discussed in this context, given that facts concerning the Armenian Genocide are often distorted to deny this tragic page of human history.
The next topic, “The Armenian Church and the Armenian Youth” was presented by V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chifdjian, who talked about the expectations the Armenian Church has from its youth as well as the latter’s expectations from the church. Through his questions, Fr. Chifdjian encouraged the young delegates to think about those forces that try to weaken the mission of the church, asserting that the solution to such challenges is the full participation of a well-formed youth in the life of its church. A number of moral and social issues were also discussed, bringing to the fore topics that often fall victims to silence.
On the afternoon of August 15 two round tables were organized, the first addressing “The self-understanding of the Armenian Youth in the face of globalization” and the second on “Faith, values and traditions in relation to scientific developments.” Both round tables stirred an active participation from the representatives of Armenian communities worldwide, echoing the free thoughts and dedication of the Armenian youth to our Church, nation and culture.
The young delegates also participated in the Morning and Evening masses. Rev. Fr. Varant Kortmosian performed the spiritual contemplation session at the end of the Morning Mass.
THE YOUTH CONFERENCE IS LAUNCHED IN BIKFAYA
“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
08/14/2008
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.
PAN-DIASPORA YOUTH CONFERENCE OPENS IN ANTELIAS
08/14/2008
Young Armenians from around the world gathered in the summer headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia on Thursday to inaugurate the youth conference organized by the Catholicosate’s youth department.
Held under the auspices of His Holiness Aram I, the conference convenes under the theme “The Armenian youth in the face of the challenges of the 21st century.” It will feature lectures by the President of Haigazian University, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, Lecturer at the Webster University in Geneva, Dr. Joe Pirri, historian Garo Hovhannesian and other prominent intellectuals.
A committee responsible for organizing the conference limited the number of participants- young Armenians from communities worldwide- to 110 to ensure the effectiveness of discussions and a result-oriented conference.
The delegates will discuss serious issues affecting the Armenian youth today through a series of lectures and group discussions over the next three days. Community representatives will convene round tables on previously assigned topics, following which small groups will discuss the issues at hand in depth and present summaries of their conclusions.
The conference will be a podium to shed light on the concerns and conflicts that Armenian youth face in present times particularly in the Diaspora. All the proposals made by the conference will be passed on to His Holiness who will take them into consideration while formulating the Catholicosate’s future projects and table them for discussion by National General Assembly to be held in early December this year.
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I GAVE HIS BLESSINGS TO
THE NEW COMMITTEE OF ACUSA
07/06/2008
The newly elected committee of the Armenian Church University Students’ Association (ACUSA) attended the Holy Mass held in the Saint Mary’s Monastery in Bikfaya on July 6. The committee convened its first ever meeting with His Holiness Aram I after the Holy Mass.
The Association’s spiritual advisor Rev. Father Mesrob Sarkissian presented the members of the new committee to His Holiness and briefed the Pontiff on the activities organized by the previous committee, including public and non-public events, thanking His Holiness for his fatherly support to ACUSA.
His Holiness welcomed the new committee and made several recommendations for the future, stressing in particular the concepts of responsibility and accountability.
The ACUSA annual general assembly was held on June 28. The meeting elected Asdghig Djamboulian, Gacia Kouyoumdjian, Ardag Manoukian, Nazeli Kandaharian and Razmig Mikayelian as members of the new committee.
ARMENIAN YOUTH AND TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE TO BE ORGANIZED
IN ANTELIAS THIS SUMMER
05/27/2008
A conference of teachers of Armenian Language, Armenian history and religion will be convened in the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias on July 17-19 on the initiative of the Catholicosate’s Armenological-educational department.
The “Armenian Education Today” conference convened in Antelias in 2004 had decided to continue discussions on issues and concerns related to Armenian education with further depth and professionalism and to devise projects in line with these discussions.
The Armenian school, with its mission of formation-both of people and Armenians- is one of the important fields of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s mission. With this in mind, Catholicos Aram I continues organizing initiatives, in cooperation with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s Armenian Department, that bring to the fore issues related to the Armenian school.
It is in this context that the conference of Armenian history, Armenian Language and religion teachers will be convened as a follow-up the above mentioned pan-Diaspora conference four years ago. The conference will comprehensively discuss issues related to all three subjects: language, methodology, teachers, textbooks, curriculum, etc. Teachers in these subjects in Armenian schools throughout the Diaspora will participate in the conference. Those interested can contact the director of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s Armenological-Educational Department, Mr. Sarkis Giragossian.
On August 14-16, 2008 a pan-Diaspora youth conference will be held in Antelias. The conference was planned two years ago but was postponed at the time due to the unstable political situation in Lebanon. Under the theme “The Armenian youth in front of the challenges of the 21st century” the conference will feature lectures, round tables and group discussions. Over 100 youths from the various Dioceses of the Catholicosate of Cilicia will participate in the conference. Those interested can contact the director of the Catholicosate’s Youth Department, Rev. Father Sahag Yemishian.
ACUSA LECTURE ON “THE ARMENIAN CULTURE IN THE 5TH CENTURY AND THE ARMENIAN IDENTITY”
05/17/2008
The Armenian Church University Students’ Association (ACUSA) organized a lecture on the “Armenian culture in the 5th century and the Armenian Identity” in its Antelias headquarters on May 17.
During her opening remarks, ACUSA Central Committee member Gacia Kouyoumdjian presented the speaker of the event, well known intellectual and pedagogue Krikor Shahinian. During his talk, Shahinian first presented historical developments in the fourth and fifth centuries, stressing that the adoption of Christianity as an official religion in Armenia aimed at emphasizing the uniqueness of the Armenian nation.
The speaker then talked in detail about the political situation created in Armenia after its division in 387 between the Byzantine Empire and Sassanid Persia. Against this background, Shahinian delved into the 5th century, talking in particular about the creation of the Armenian Alphabet, which came to further strengthen Armenian national identity, he said.
Shahinian added that the struggle for the preservation of that identity continues today. At the end of the lecture, a discussion was held on issues related to Armenian identity.
HOW TO INTERACT WITH GLOBALIZATION - (Dialogue with the youth - Number 11)
In the series of "Dialogue with the youth", His Holiness Aram I issues his number eleven address on "How To Interact With Globalization". Read the address here.
For previous addresses click here.
ACUSA releases the fourth issue of its bilingual periodical and pocket calendar.
ACUSA VISITS THE ARMENIAN ELDERLY ON THE OCCASION OF THE NEW YEAR
01/12/2008
The Armenian Church University Students Association (ACUSA) started 2008 with renewed vigor and as its first activity, it paid a humanitarian visit to the National Home of the Elderly in Bourdj Hammoud.
A long-time tradition, this annual visit plays an important educational role for the Armenian youth. Headed by the association’s spiritual adviser, Rev. Mesrob Sarkisian, ACUSA members created great enthusiasm in the hearts of those sheltered in the home of the elderly during their January 12 visit.
The student visited each room and conveyed to the elderly their encouragement and well wishes for the New Year and on the occasion of Christmas. The elderly received the youth with prayers and well wishes, asking God to protect them and watch over their path.
ACUSA members also met with the Director and the staff of the institution becoming more closely acquainted with its activities and role. They thanked the managers and the Board of Trustees for making this beautiful venture possible.