Dear young Armenian Americans,

You have come together to carry on the tradition of your parents and grandparents, who participated in earlier Olympic games. In a short time some of you will be on this field competing in the various events. Many of you are here as spectators, to support the young aspiring athletes. Athlete or spectator, you are all participants in these Olympic Games. You represent the Armenian Youth Federation which has played a vital role in bringing Armenian youth together, educating future leaders and participants in our church and nation. The AYF has taught you commitment. The AYF has taught you to prepare for the future. The AYF has taught you to accept challenges and to dedicate yourself to just causes. Above all else, the AYF has taught you to participate and not remain in the margins of Armenian American life. May you always be faithful to these traditions in the footsteps of our forefathers, looking ahead to the future.

Dear young friends,

Since his enthronement to the Holy See of Cilicia eleven years ago, His Holiness Aram I, has made a special commitment to reach out to you. He has issued messages directed to you recognizing that dialogue with the youth is critical for the future of our church and nation. His Holiness has expressed his wish to continue this dialogue with you to discuss issues, challenges and concerns pertaining to our current society in general, and the Armenian church and community, in particular. He wants to know what you think about these issues of importance.

I am, therefore, pleased to tell you that His Holiness will be in the United States in early December where he has been invited to deliver the keynote address at Notre Dame University at a conference on “Faith and Health.” His wish on the occasion of this short visit is to meet the youth and engage in a true dialogue. We are now making the necessary plans to bring together our youth from all parts of the country to the Midwest to meet with His Holiness.

Dear friends of all generations,

Now please join me in giving thanks to our Lord for this blessed occasion which brings us together as a loving family.

Lord Almighty, protect Your children from all evil. Surround them with the light of Christ. Fill them with Your wisdom. Bless the athletes and spectators gathered here today who with their participation are winners all. Bless the founders and leaders of this great youth organization, which has been serving the Armenian youth in America since 1933. Bring to them Your continued guidance that they may continue to serve Your faithful young servants.

May the Grace of our Lord be with you all. Amen.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate
Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Eastern United States of America