'One Heart in Christ': World Armenian Catholic Youth Days kick off in Lebanon

'One Heart in Christ': World Armenian Catholic Youth Days kick off in Lebanon

Raphaël Bedros Minassian, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, has officially opened the 2026 World Armenian Catholic Youth Days (WAYD) in Lebanon.

The event, organized by the Armenian Catholic Youth Union, will run from 29th July-3rd August with the theme “One Heart in Christ”.

The inauguration Mass was attended by bishops, priests, and young people from over six countries, including Syria, Iraq, France, and Canada.

In his homily, Patriarch Minassian emphasized that young people are the beating heart of the Church and its ever-renewed hope. He urged participants to experience the event as a spiritual journey, deepening their relationship with Christ and with each other.

Over 250 young people were expected to attend the week-long event, which will include liturgical celebrations, prayer sessions, conferences, interactive workshops, meditation, community service, and cultural evenings showcasing the richness of Armenian heritage.

Father Aram Abrahamian, spiritual assistant to the Armenian Catholic youth in Lebanon and general coordinator of the event, said that WAYD 2026 reflects the Church’s deep conviction that young people are central to its life and evangelizing work.

Following the opening ceremony, the first session of the formative program took place. Sister Rita Ziada delivered a conference and workshop titled “A Heart Rooted in God,” focusing on the importance of grounding Christian life in a personal and deep relationship with God, which she described as the authentic starting point for every vocation and mission.

The closing solemn Divine Liturgy will take place on August 2 at the Monastery of Our Lady of Bzommar, presided over by Patriarch Minassian, with local political and religious authorities in attendance.