The Cross of Circles

WORSHIP WITNESS EDUCATION SERVICE FELLOWSHIP

As a Diocese, we have made a conscious effort to make the Armenian Church significant in the life of each young Armenian. Our programs strive to assist Diocesan youth in developing their spirituality through opportunities for growth as children of the Armenian Church; strengthening their leadership capabilities through success-oriented experiences; and enabling them to develop relationships with one another, as well as with adult Christian mentors. The focus of all youth and young adult ministry programs in the Diocese is centered upon the five areas of a life centered in Christ: worship, witness, education, service and fellowship. The following definitions were created at the first National Young Adult Leadership Conference on February 4-6, 2000, in which His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, called a gathering of enthusiastic young adults together in an effort to develop a new mission statement and direction for young adult ministry in the Diocese in the Armenian Church. The descriptions that follow provide a practical platform for all youth ministry programming in the Diocese – a platform created by the youth, for the youth. The Diocese is aware that each parish has its own unique flavor, history, and style. Incorporating The Cross of Circles into all youth and young adult activities will enable our young people to experience well-balanced Christ-centered programming, hence bringing a stronger Christian presence to each Diocesan program as well as deepen the spiritual experience for each young person.

WORSHIP In worship we continually strengthen our relationship with God through participation in the sacraments and communal and personal prayer.

Worship ties together the two-fold nature of both personal and communal worship, as well as being an integral part of our community life as Armenian Christians. In our daily lives, worship takes a more informal role, through personal prayer. WITNESS

”In witness we share with others the light of our Lord and transform the world rather than conform to it” (Romans 12:2). We witness our faith when we share with others the light of Our Lord, by confronting the world, rather than conforming to society. To do this we must first learn and understand our faith through the Bible and the Church. Then we must take our knowledge of the Good News of the Gospels, and share it with society through our actions and our words. EDUCATION In education we learn about the Holy Tradition of the Armenian Church and heritage and integrate that knowledge into our lives. To fulfill our mission of Christian education we must continue the spiritual connection with the Church and God during young adulthood through prayer and outreach; and ensure that the educational opportunities we offer address the differences in cultural backgrounds and strengthen our commitment to learning. SERVICE

In service we offer ourselves to God by using our gifts and talents to fulfill the needs of our parish and community.

In service we must become Christ-like, and challenge the youth to do the same, we must make an unconditional sacrifice and commitment to God by using our gifts and talents to serve our parishes, communities, and the needs of all people. “I came to serve, not to be served.” Matthew 20:28 FELLOWSHIP: A COMMON LIFE IN CHRIST In fellowship we create and maintain relationships that nourish Armenian youth through their Christian faith and heritage. The intent of fellowship is to bring young Armenians together and to nourish them in the faith of our forefathers under the dome of the Armenian Church.