The term “LOGOS” is a Greek word meaning the “Word.” In theological terms, it refers to the “Logic of God” or the “Word of God,” referring to the hypostasis of the Word, our Lord Jesus Christ. From this term, the science of “logic” was derived.

The LOGOS Forums are periodic youth conventions, each lasting around eight days, involving more than 200 hours of activities. The concept began practically in 2018, with the first forum for Coptic youth from churches and dioceses outside Egypt. There were 200 young men and women, aged 22–28. The second forum took place in 2021 for Coptic youth from dioceses and pastoral areas within Egypt, with the same number of participants and similar activities. The third forum, held in 2022, was for youth from outside Egypt. This year, the fourth forum in 2024 catered to youth within Egypt, with the number of participants reaching three hundred.

Each forum selects a youth priest with specific qualifications to lead the organizing team, which consists of no fewer than 50 young males and females. They receive training on management, leadership, and service with a unified spirit and prepare for more than ten months ahead of the forum, studying all details and designing a unique program. They handle all aspects, including accommodation, transportation, hospitality, gifts, visits, event management, inviting key figures, and arranging venues for activities.

The main theme for each of these forums follows:

a) Returning to the roots in the land of Egypt (for youth abroad)

b) Enjoying the roots in the land of Egypt (for youth within Egypt)

From this main theme, several sub-themes emerge. For instance, the theme of this year’s 2024 forum was: “Take a Step… Toward God… Toward Yourself… Toward Your Community… Toward Your Identity.” All activities and events revolved around this theme. Even the many gifts distributed during the forum reflected this theme and were carefully selected to remain with each participant as they integrate these concepts into their lives, turning them into principles and values.

The general coordinator for this year’s forum was Hegumen Fr. Daniel William, one of the priests of the Virgin Mary & St. John the Beloved Church in Gianaclis, Alexandria. He excelled in his quiet and efficient management both before and during the forum, working alongside six priests from the dioceses of Upper Egypt, Lower Egypt, the Canal region, and Cairo. The activities of any forum are followed up by the Youth Forums Office at the Patriarchate.

The philosophy of the forums revolves around several main pillars:

1. Building the character of youth through specialized lectures and meetings with distinguished personalities in Egyptian society, along with segments of social interaction.

2. The true spirit of love that radiates throughout the forum, especially from the youth organizing the events, through smiles, kind words, gentle touches, friendship, and Christian love.

3. Discovering the beauty of our country, Egypt, our Coptic Church, and our present time through selected visits that affirm the authenticity of Egyptians and our deep-rooted heritage in history.

These are, of course, the main pillars, encompassing many details that are accomplished through a well-prepared, balanced program covering all activities, whether spiritual, ecclesiastical, touristic, archaeological, cultural, artistic, historical, academic, practical, or creative.

This year’s forum program, in addition to liturgies and biblical and spiritual studies, included many other activities, such as:

1. Hosting influential figures from Egyptian society.

2. Various artistic workshops to develop numerous talents.

3. An exhibition featuring thirty national, service, educational, and ecclesiastical organizations.

4. A discussion with the directors of the film “The Brink of Dreams” (“I Lift My Eyes to Heaven”) and its makers.

5. Church visits to the Nativity of Christ Cathedral and St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbassiya.

6. Touristic and archaeological visits to museums and the City of Arts and Culture is in the New Administrative Capital (NAC).

7. An official banquet attended by several officials, bishops, and priests.

8. A night of prayer and praise outdoors with candles and a serene atmosphere.

9. Opening and closing ceremonies with beautiful artistic and ecclesiastical performances.

10. A day of service for around 600 Sudanese children, with activities and games.

11. Discussion sessions with His Holiness the Pope and several priests and experts.

12. A visit to the Papal Central Library, its manuscripts library, panorama, and museum.

13. National visits such as to the Montaza Palace and the naval base in Alexandria.

14. A sea tour on the Mediterranean in Alexandria in a wonderful setting.

15. A dedicated church throughout the forum for prayer groups, praying for the forum’s success around the clock.

16. A presentation about the Hands in God’s Hands office (HIGH) project for coordinating youth visits to Egypt and service opportunities.

17. A practical workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) with hands-on training.

18. A lecture by His Holiness the Pope on Wednesday about loyalty, belonging, and contentment, followed by an open discussion.

Participants came from most of the dioceses and pastoral districts across the republic, representing every governorate. Despite the significant differences among the youth in terms of education and career, 80% of them were born after 2000, representing the new generation with all its advancements, technology, digital life, and the dominance of social media over life, studies, service, and society. It was crucial for the forum to keep pace with all these changes and challenges. One of the most beautiful comments from a participant was: “We came individually from diverse places across Egypt, participated in all the forum’s activities, and in the end, we became the ‘LOGOS Family’.” This is a beautiful and new expression that reflects the deep friendship and love that developed among everyone.

As we thank God for helping us organize the forum, we also express our gratitude to the state institutions that facilitated the forum’s program, such as the relevant ministries, the armed forces, the police, and local authorities, all of which contributed to shaping the character of the youth and deepening their genuine Egyptian identity.

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