Patriarch John Meets the Youth in the Church of…

 

It is the meeting of the spiritual father with his children, a meeting of love, joy, and hope.

Word can barely describe the meeting of His Beatitude Patriarch John X at the Forum of Christian Youth as well as the youth who came from Damascus, the Scouts of Mechtaye village within the Patriarchal Monastery St. George Al-Humayra - Wadi Al-Nasara with the participation of their Eminences bishops, priests, and deacons.

The Antiochian glow reached its peak when His Beatitude began the meeting with prayer and readings drawn from the Holy Bible, addressing the young men and women by saying:

“You are the ambassadors of the Church and its hope in this changing world. We want you to take the role of ambassadors very seriously, and to know that the Church needs your enthusiasm and adherence. Saint John the Evangelist says: ‘Young men and women, do not be afraid, for you have overcome the evil one.’ And you, young men, truly deserve this.” The saying is because you were raised to love the Church and have proven that you are stronger than all crises and challenges. So stand firm in that, be tough, and work with all love and service. Start a workshop in the Church and show your capacities and be proud of your Great Church of Antioch, for we are with you and by your side.”

Later, journalist Lea Adel Maamari gave a speech and summarized the forum’s activities and spiritual workshops.

After that, His Beatitude listened to interventions from the forum participants about their impressions and experiences, which turned the meeting into a real dialogue space between father and children.

His Beatitude also answered with paternal transparency the questions of the youth that dealt with many topics: “The Internet and the impact of social media on human life, society and the church, how to achieve perfection in our lives, the importance of balancing spiritual and social life, the meaning of the Divine Liturgy, and other questions.” Of course, His Beatitude answered the questions, being versed in the monastic life, youth issues, liturgicals, and theology matters.

His Beatitude considered that when we take the name Christian, we become members of the body of Christ and soldiers of Christ Jesus, living with Him. Therefore, the struggle of Christianity is to become sanctified by a clean heart, purity, prayer, repentance, and reconciliation with the self and the neighbor. Each one must resort to their spiritual guide to help them grow in a life of grace, joy, hope and purity.”

His Beatitude continued:

Young men and women, society relies upon you, with all the gifts that the Lord has given you. Preserve them and keep away from the fashions of the times that destroy values, ethics, the family, and moral principles. Keep them away from you so that they do not enslave you. Preserve your church and do not be influenced by social media but rather be messengers of the word of truth untainted with distortions and slander."

Regarding the challenges, he said:

“No crisis will last, all hardships and challenges are temporary, so be encouraged, be steadfast and do not be afraid, for by the grace of our Lord we will overcome all these difficulties because we are children of hope.”

After a long talk with his Beatitude, the young men and women chanted the meeting hymn and went to the monastery courtyard, taking the souvenir photo with His Beatitude to bear witness to a bright page in the history of the church.