LEBANON

Third encounter between Youth of the Mouvement de la Jeunesse Orthodoxe(MJO) & Focolari Movement

Ain Aar - In the framework of their joint meetings, the third encounterbetween the Focolari Movement (the largest in the Catholic Church, founded by Chiara Lubick in Italy) and the Orthodox Youth Movement (MJO, Lebanon and Syria) was held on 25 March 2001 in Ain Aar, Lebanon to exchange experiences and knowledge and to pray together. The Orthodox youth attended the Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox church of the Transfiguration in Mteileb with Fr Mikhael Debs, then they joined the Focolari members in their center at Ain Aar. Mr. Raymond Rizk, MJO General Secretary, spoke about life in Christ in the light of an article entitled, "To live in the presence of God". Participants proposed to hold two other encounters: 25 May 2001 at St.
Georges Monastery in Deir El Harf, and 28 October 2001 at Balamand Monastery. They also decided to create a group composed of six members from the Focolari Movement and six from the Orthodox Youth Movement, to meet regularly in order to promote cooperation and common programs.
This encounter allowed each movement to discover the church of the other. They prayed for the unity of Christians. There was such a family atmosphere during the encounter that the organizers decided to continue searching for a way to deepen this interaction. All participants felt that they lived unforgettable moments.

Leadership training for young adults

Noureih Monastery - A leadership training course was held from 5th - 8th March 2001at Nourieh monastery, gathering a total of 70 participants from Lebanon and Syria, aged 22 ­ 35 years. The aim of the training course was to better develop the skills of potential leaders, in order to support them in their work for the Church. After the introductory session by the Secretary General Mr. Raymond Rizk, there followed two key-note speeches. The first, on "Service in the Church", was delivered by Fr.G. Massuh, and the second, by Dr. Assaad Kattan, entitled "the People of God", was based on the book "The Church of the Holy Spirit" written by Fr. Afanathiev. Finally there was a meeting with Fr. Boulos Jabbour of Byblos parish, to discuss the parish
organization and cooperation among the faithful.

and now for teenagers

This monastery was also the venue for a leadership training course for teenagers. The course was made up of two separate sessions: the first was held 9 February 2001, and the second 23 - 25 March 2001. The aim of both sessions was to give youth leaders the opportunity for exchange and discussion on methodologies for strengthening the links of young adults with the life of the Church . Both sessions gathered approximately 50participants from Lebanon and Syria.
Liturgy, then with intensive workshops. Participants were able to attend from different part of Syria mainly from Hamah, Homs and Alepo.