Primate's remarks

In his remarks to the delegates on Friday, the Primate first asked for a moment of prayer to remember those killed in Tuesday's crash of an Armenian jet in the Black Sea.

The Primate then thanked the delegates for their dedication to the Armenian Church, before speaking about the theme of this year's Diocesan programs: "The Church and Home: Building One Spirit."

"This year I would like to see that we continue to build on the work of prior Diocesan Assemblies," he said, reflecting on past year's efforts. "We have made a positive impact in our Diocese, and my impression is many of you have been able to make tangible differences in your home parish life."

Last year's focus was on encouraging young people to step forward into leadership positions and to take an active interest in the life of the church.

"That effort proved to be a great success. This year I want to bring all of our successes to each and every one of you, into every family and home," he said. "That is the meaning of our theme this year."

The Primate said this year's focus flows easily from last year's efforts to encourage the youth, as it will help young Armenians see positive role models.

"We cannot be Armenian Christians on Sunday and something else on Monday," he said. "We need to exhibit constant faith before our children, before our families, before our communities, and beyond. It is also vital that we understand, as members of the Armenian Church, how to live accountably before our children and in our homes."

Highlighting the importance of continual education, the Primate called for delegates to educate the next generation in schools, at home, and one-on-one.

"We can kindle a flame in each and everyone of them to understand the virtues of the Armenian people," he said. "And with that understanding, they will come to desire the fine robes of their identity and the flame of their future."

Exploring the virtues and history of the Armenian people that should be taught to the next generation, the Primate stressed that the Armenian people were the first Christian nation. He also identified Armenians as proactive people, who took ideas and created solutions. "Ours is a tradition of vision made complete with action," he said.

He also said the Armenian people were traditionally known for being tolerant peacemakers, who provided a vital bridge between Europe and the Far East and influenced the architecture of the world. Armenian uniqueness is also shown in its art, from the work of Gomidas to traditional Armenian dance, he said.

"What I have reviewed here are but a few examples that capture the essence of being Armenian and I hope my point is clear. We Armenians are wonderfully unique, and that unique quality has made an important contribution to the world," he said. "Our mission today, in the coming year, and always is to create an awareness of who we are. We want to make the world aware, of course. But more importantly, we need to make ourselves aware of the special flame we are carrying, especially for our own youth. Who we are is a gift from God. And God wants us to share that with others, especially with our own."

"During this year of Church and home, we want to bring all of our riches into our parishes and households," he added. "In the past five years we have come far, and in many ways we have been successful in passing the flame to a new generation and providing tools to carry them forward. Obviously we have far to go, but in the past five years since we made this a priority, we have seen considerable growth."

Posted by Jake at May 5, 2006 09:47 AM