Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On July 3, with the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the official opening ceremony of the Pan-Armenian pilgrimage titled “The Christian Family as the Anchor of Armenian Identity” was held.

In 2001, as part of the 1700th anniversary celebrations of Christianity’s adoption as Armenia’s state religion, the Church-Loving Youth Office was established through the initiative and blessing of the Catholicos of All Armenians. That initiative eventually led to the formation of the Worldwide Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYOWorld).

Organized by ACYOWorld, the pilgrimage takes place from July 2 to 7, with the participation of approximately 300 church-devoted young people, representing the Catholicosates, patriarchal delegations, and dioceses across Armenia and the Diaspora.

The solemn opening ceremony was attended by diocesan primates from Armenia and abroad, as well as members of the Monastic Clergy of the Mother See.

The ceremony commenced with the Patriarchal Blessing Hymn, followed by words of welcome from His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, spiritual leader of ACYOWorld and Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

In his remarks, the Archbishop reflected on the 25-year mission of ACYOWorld, emphasizing its role as one of the Armenian Church's vital apostolic ministries. He expressed deep gratitude to His Holiness for founding the organization and for his continued spiritual care and paternal guidance over the years.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, Ovsanna Amran, a representative of the Western Diocese Youth Union (USA), offered heartfelt remarks. A documentary prepared by Shoghakat TV, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of ACYOWorld, was then screened.

Following this, His Holiness the Catholicos delivered his Patriarchal message and blessing. He expressed joy that young Armenians from across the world had gathered in the homeland, under the auspices of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, seeing the pilgrimage as a sacred opportunity to deepen their faith in God, renew their dedication to the homeland, and rekindle their love and commitment to the Holy Church and national and spiritual values.

The Catholicos expressed satisfaction with the Union’s steadfast efforts to unite and coordinate diocesan youth ministries:

“It is commendable that ongoing efforts are being made to increase youth involvement in national and ecclesiastical life, and to enrich their spiritual understanding through educational programs.

Beloved children of ours—whether in Armenia or the Diaspora—it is only through the preservation of, and fidelity to, our spiritual and national value system that one can truly live as an Armenian and remain a worthy child of our nation and our Holy Apostolic Church.

Through participation in this Union and the youth ministries of the dioceses, our young people grow in love for God and devotion to the homeland, preparing themselves for honorable service in the preservation of our faith, culture, and language, and meaningful contribution to national life,” His Holiness stated.

Addressing the current security challenges facing the homeland, the plight of forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh, the extreme polarization within Armenian society, and the political campaign launched by Armenia’s authorities against the Armenian Church—which has included the arrest of Archbishops Mikael and Bagrat, as well as national benefactor Mr. Samvel Karapetyan—His Holiness said:

“In the face of today’s challenges, it is imperative to remain united and vigilant in the defense of legality, and not to allow the denigration or weakening of our Holy Church.

In these trying times, we must remain steadfast in our faith and our commitment to both nation and Church.

Who but us—the clergy and our faithful children, together forming the Holy Church—must strive to ensure that love, justice, and truth prevail in our lives and in the life of our homeland; that law and righteousness triumph over arbitrariness and injustice; and that our people may live in peace and unity.”

His Holiness further emphasized that the spiritual care of youth is among the Church’s highest callings—leading the new generation by the commandments of the Gospel, strengthening their national consciousness, and guiding them along the path of piety.

“Today’s youth face numerous spiritual and moral challenges, as secular and globalizing forces present all manner of temptations—often deliberately—to estrange them from national traditions, ancestral heritage, and sacred values.

Be protectors of our sacred inheritance as children of the Armenian Church, who have grown up under its care and been nourished by love for our homeland. Take an active role in diocesan and community life, and commit yourselves to the advancement and renewal of our national and ecclesiastical mission,” the Catholicos exhorted.

On the occasion of ACYOWorld’s 25th anniversary, His Holiness expressed deep appreciation to its spiritual leader, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who, from the very first day of its establishment, has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s accomplishments.

He also conveyed gratitude to Reverend Father Archimandrite Tovma Khachatryan, the Union’s spiritual overseer and director of the central office, as well as to all the dedicated members, diocesan primates, and clergy for their devoted pastoral care of the youth.

In conclusion, His Holiness offered a prayer, beseeching God’s blessing upon all, and wished ACYOWorld continued accomplishments—for the glory of our Holy Church and the well-being of our Christ-loving people.