Beloved youth,

We thank the Lord for giving us the opportunity to have the Coptic European Youth Conference in the Netherlands. I ask the Lord to fill out hearts with joy during this conference, as we get closer to truly knowing our Lord.

The European youth conference is an annual event we are all used to having. Through this year’s theme, Lectures, discussions and workshops, it can help us confirm our Christian daily values. We will be approaching all of this is in a Christian, and modern manner that will help the youth, whom are the future’s hope, in understanding our faith and in the development of their personalities. The conference is also held to bring together the Coptic youth from all the European countries in a Christian atmosphere. This way the youth can meet peers from many different countries and societies, and so friendships will be built ...

Beloved youth,

We thank the Lord for giving us the opportunity to have the Coptic European Youth Conference in the Netherlands. I ask the Lord to fill out hearts with joy during this conference, as we get closer to truly knowing our Lord.

The European youth conference is an annual event we are all used to having. Through this year’s theme, Lectures, discussions and workshops, it can help us confirm our Christian daily values. We will be approaching all of this is in a Christian, and modern manner that will help the youth, whom are the future’s hope, in understanding our faith and in the development of their personalities. The conference is also held to bring together the Coptic youth from all the European countries in a Christian atmosphere. This way the youth can meet peers from many different countries and societies, and so friendships will be built in a Christian setting.

The coming 2014 event in The Netherlands will be the 14th meeting in this annual series of conferences. However, this time it will be characterised by a unique occasion: the attendance of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, who will bless the conference and be a part of our gathering. His Holiness will bless our conference, but he will also bless our acts, services and lives. We shall have an opportunity to enjoy His Holiness’ lessons and fatherhood. We welcome His Holiness in the presence of his sons and daughters, the European youth.

The holy bible teaches us ‘’Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’’ (Ps. 133:1). Thus, God is joyed with the gathering of brethren and He will be present with them. The Lord Jesus also said ‘’For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20). Therefore, the gathering of brothers and sisters together in unity of heart and soul is very profitable, beautiful, gladdening and gratifying to God’s loving heart. In Ecclesiastes we read ‘’ Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.’’ (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). The bible calls us to have a blessed connection with our brothers, sisters and fathers in church. For these support each other, if one may fall into the world’s temptations, the rest of his brethren surround him. These will together stand against temptations of the world so that their brother can get back up and return. The one that is alone when he falls there is no brother to help him back up.

I would like to wish u all a pleasant stay, praying for success for all. With the prayers of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II,

Anba Arseny,

Bishop of The Netherlands

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Please vitis www.EYC2014.nl for more information about this year's European Youth Conference.