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“Ararat” Youth Association was founded int he end of 1980th by the then Vicar of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese His Eminence Archbishop Karekin Nersissian, presently His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Being the only structure of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Armenia the Youth Association was then called “Youth Association of the Armenian Church.” Topics of “Ararat” Youth Association members’ discussions are spiritual values, science, art, modern high technologies, fashion, sports, etc. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, “Ararat” Youth Association’s members realize multilateral activity. Who are we? “Ararat” Youth Association’s members are young people of various age, among them are schoolchildren, students, people involved in various fields and spher s of the society. We may say that members of the Youth Association are those who consider themselves young independent on their age. Activity of “Ararat” Youth Association Activity of “Ararat” Youth Association includes biblical readings, lectures, discussions.
We have meetings each Tuesday and Friday in the headquarters of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese. Once each week clergy interpret biblical truths to the young people. During the second meeting held each week we discuss various topics interesting the young generation. Along with clergy we invite lay persons to our meetings to express their opinions and viewpoints on the same topic. Among our guests are public, political figures, intellectuals, scientists, writers, historians, physicians, psychologists, artists, journalists, deputies, ministers, etc. All those who wish to participate in the discussions of the Youth Association without becoming its members may attend the meetings held in the diocesan headquarters each Tuesday and Friday. Besides, each Sunday following, the Divine Liturgy, biblical readings and interpretations are organized for all those who are interested in the hall of the Headquarters of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese. Philanthropic endeavors Under the leadership of the clergy we visit orphanages and houses for the elderly each time taking with us food, clothes, toys and other things for the orphans and the elderly. However, in our philanthropic endeavors we accord more importance to the spiritual communication with the orphans and the elderly and each time we feel that they need our visits and attention. Elderly people see their sons and daughters in us. And for the orphans we are brothers and sisters and sometimes - parents. Taking into consideration all these things the initiating group of the Youth Association organizes various educational groups in some specialized schools.
Along with talks on biblical themes members of the Youth Association have psychological talks and talks on human rights with schoolchildren. Our member pedagogues, lawyers and psychologists explain children their rights and duties, their place and role in the society. Cooperation “Ararat” Youth Association cooperates with higher educational institutions’ student councils, parties’ youth structures, and other youth organizations with the goal of rallying the young generation around the Mother Church. Jointly with partners various meetings, events, pilgrimages are organized. Several members of the Youth Associaton have entered theological seminaries to study. Upon the order of His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, attached to almost each church there is a youth association. For being informed about the days and hours of the activity of youth associations please visit the nearby church. You may be informed about addresses and telephone numbers of churches, as well as the days and hours of the lectures, meetings, sermons organized by the Churches and attached to them Youth Associations also by means of visiting the website: http://www.qahana.am
The goal of the Association is establishing close contacts between God and the youth, strengthening the worship of God in the young generation, making the young people to participate in the mission of our apostolic-based Church. By the order of His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, spiritual pastor of the Youth Association “Ararat” is Fr. Hakob Khachatrian. On April 3, 2009, attached to the Youth Association the choir “Ararat” was founded. The Youth Association has also an intellectual group. Also preparatory classes with the same name are planned for the children at the the age of 7-14.
Please send your questions and suggestions concerning the activity of the Youth Unions to the e-mail address: araratd@arminco.am |
