On Friday, January 17th, the St. Sarkis Salt & Light Youth Group gathered at our church for the first session of the Winter/Spring Season. We welcomed over 80 youth and were excited to see many new faces. Given the recent events with the California wildfires and the resulting widespread disaster and devastation, our session was focused around this topic, starting with a guided discussion led by Der Nareg, followed by a group outreach activity.
Fr. Nareg facilitated a deeply reflective and emotional discussion, guiding the group through the themes of loss, tragedy, and resilience in facing adversity. He began with a poignant scenario, inviting the audience to envision a life-threatening situation where their home is engulfed in flames, forcing them to select only three precious belongings to save. This vivid imagery powerfully illustrated the profound emotional impact of losing cherished possessions and memories.
As the conversation progressed, Fr. Nareg highlighted the harsh reality of the recent wildfires in California, emphasizing the widespread destruction and personal loss faced by countless individuals and families. He encouraged participants to reflect on the significance of losing irreplaceable items, such as childhood photographs or heartfelt letters from loved ones, underlining the deep anguish that often accompanies such tragedies.
The discussion then transitioned to exploring how people process and cope with challenging events in life. Fr. Nareg posed thought-provoking questions regarding the presence of God amid suffering, asking, “Where was God when this fire started? Why didn't God intervene to stop it?” This line of inquiry prompted participants to share their insights on finding meaning in chaos and how they reconcile their faith in God with the reality of suffering.
Group members offered various strategies for managing grief, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging sadness, seeking solace through prayer, and striving to maintain a sense of calm. One participant pointed out that while it's natural to feel sorrow, it is crucial not to engage in harmful behaviors as a way of coping. Another emphasized the value of preserving memories rather than burying them, suggesting that painful experiences can impart valuable lessons and insights.
Fr. Nareg ultimately conveyed that negative experiences can lead to personal growth and resilience, likening the process to physical training, where facing resistance enhances one's capabilities. The discussion encapsulated a heartfelt exploration of the human condition, emphasizing the interplay of pain and strength and the vital role of community and shared experiences in navigating grief and loss. He highlighted the importance of faith in understanding and coping with adversity by reading the accounts of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel. He noted that, just as the Son of God appeared to save the three men in the fiery furnace for their trust in Him, God is similarly present with us in our most challenging moments, as long as we maintain hope and pray. He invited participants to sing “Der Voghormya” and pray the Lord’s Prayer together.
Following this impactful discussion in the Sanctuary, our youth headed downstairs to the Main Hall, where they all engaged in an outreach initiative creating beautiful cross ornaments and writing messages of hope for their Armenian brothers and sisters affected by the California wildfires. It was heartwarming to see many of them thoughtfully craft their messages with care and empathy and weave in words of hope and encouragement based off of their reflection with Der Nareg. In addition to the messages of hope which will be sent to children of Armenian families affected by the wildfires, the youth participated in an essential items collection drive. Many of our Salt & Light youth and their families generously donated essential items such as hygiene products, clothing, flashlights etc which will be shipped to California to be distributed to affected families.
All in all, it was a meaningful and heartwarming evening spent with our youth and facilitators. We look forward to our next session, which will be held on Friday, February 14th.
