And now, just a few words to the younger generation:
My beloved and precious children in the Lord, you cannot imagine my joy standing here and looking out at your beautiful faces. They are shining with the light and the love of God. My message to you is very simple, very concise, but also very, very important — so I shall ask you to listen very carefully.

From the moment when I stepped foot on American soil, as well as the other occasions when I have visited here, I have seen something that is truly wonderful. I have seen with my own eyes, and heard with my own ears, and felt with my own paternal heart, the love and dedication and respect that you have for your faith — for the Holy Orthodox Church. I have been moved to tears by this outpouring of love and faith-filled commitment. My beloved children, I trust you and, I give thanks to Almighty God that I can rest assured about the future of Orthodoxy in America!

I should like to speak to you at this moment as a father to his children. As Ecumenical Patriarch, I have the love and responsibility to care for your spiritual and moral development and direction, especially as it pertains to the life of the Church and to your salvation.

I feel that you must continue to take on the responsibility of the legacy of the Orthodox Church as you have been called to do by virtue of your baptism. You have inherited a very rich and spiritual heritage, one that so many others envy and admire. Do not take this legacy lightly, but cherish it, like you do your Mothers and Fathers, cherish it as I cherish each and every one of you. Hold tightly to the roots and soil that gave you life in Christ. Hold fast to that which nourishes you in the Orthodox Faith. Do not allow yourselves to become secularized — avoid all temptation. As the saying goes with which you are all familiar: “Just say no!” Go to Church, talk to your priest, talk with your parents. At all times and places remember: “love one another.”

In the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ: “Love one another as the Father has loved me and I love you.”