And now, a few words to the youth of the Chicago Diocese:

My beloved and precious children in the Lord, I am deeply moved to see this glorious sight, the youth of the Holy Orthodox Church celebrating the Divine Liturgy. Your beautiful faces shine with the light of God, and from your hearts I feel the love you have for the Church and for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. You fill my heart with great joy for the respect you show for the living Word of God. Out of my love for you, I want to share a word with you.

I speak to you at this moment as a father speaks to his children. As Ecumenical Patriarch, I have the God-given responsibility to care for your spiritual and moral development. I care about you, your lives in this world, and for your salvation in the world to come. I pray that you will dwell in the bosom of Abraham as does Lazarus of whom we heard today.

Your Baptism has given you a share in the rich legacy of the Holy Orthodox Church. You must continue to be proud of your heritage. Do not take it lightly. It is the foundation of all that you are, and the promise of what you can accomplish in your lives. Listen to the wisdom of today’s Gospel and read the Gospel everyday, so that like Lazarus, you too will be taken up into heaven. With Jesus Christ as your foundation, you will help to transform the world.

I ask you now to commit yourselves to Jesus Christ, that you might make Him and His commandments the model of all that you do in your personal lives and in the world. Hold on to the spiritual nourishment of your Orthodox faith. Strive to avoid vulgarity, do not become secularized. Do not be like the rich man who had no use for the Word of God until it was too late.

As difficult as it may sometimes be, avoid all temptation; especially the temptations which separate you from the love of Jesus Christ. Keep the image of Jesus Christ before you, so that you may act from His strength even when you feel yourselves to be weak. Go to Church, talk to your priest, speak with your parents. Pray regularly to the Lord. This will be a source of strength and inspiration for you.

I promise you that I shall remember you all, this sea of beautiful faces that shine with God’s love. I cherish each and every one of you my children and give you my Patriarchal blessing. May God continue to grant you His abundant mercy and grace. At all times and places remember the most important of Christ’s commandments: “Love one another as the Father has loved me and I love you.” And do not forget: our faith is alive, our message is strong, and our truth is universal.