Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

With the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a five-day gathering of the Pan-Armenian Church Youth Organization (Pan-ACYO) was held in the European region at the Armenian Diocese of Romania from 10-14 of August.

The conference was attended by 33 countries, including Armenia, Russia, the United States, Georgia, the Middle East and Africa; about 100 young people aged 18-30 led by their Diocesan Primates.

The theme "Church and Family" was chosen as the theme for the conference, perceiving the Church as a large family and the family as a small church.

The official ceremony opening began with the Lord's Prayer and blessings and remarks of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Bishop Ieronim Sinaitul, Patriarchal Vicar; read the remarks of Patriarch Daniel, Head of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Remarks were also made by Victor Opasky, Romanian Minister of Religion, speaking about the fraternal ties between the Armenian and Romanian Churches. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and General Secretary of the Pan ACYO; expressed his gratitude to all the organizers and welcomed the Armenian youth.

His Grace Bishop Tatev Hakobyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Romania, welcomed the participants, who once again expressed his gratitude to His Holiness, to have such a vision and to bless such an important initiative, as well as the Romanian Government, led by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, who always supports and finances the programs and initiatives of the Armenian Diocese; the Romanian Patriarchate; His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, chairman of the Pan-ACYO; the Armenian General Benevolent Union; and all the organizers and supporters and the Armenian youth.

During the event, young people from different countries of the world had the opportunity to participate in spiritual thematic discussions, raise their concerns and receive answers, participate in pilgrimages and establish contacts with each other.

During the meetings, they also discussed organizational issues on the initiative of the “2018 Year of the Youth program” with the them of “Towards the Homeland, towards Holy Etchmiadzin".

The conference was organized by the blessings of the Catholicos of All Armenians; through the initiative of the Armenian Diocese of Romania; with support and under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian; with charity and patronage of the Romanian state; the Armenian General Benevolent Union; and Parish communities of the Armenian Diocese of Romania.