This evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II opened the Fifth LOGOS Coptic Youth Forum for Youth from the dioceses of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the lands of immigration—representing Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The event was attended by several bishops of the Church, priests, and 250 participating youth and servants.

The LOGOS Youth Forums for attendees from around the world consistently bear the motto “Back to the Roots”, while this year’s forum is held under the theme “Connected”. This theme affirms that our Coptic Orthodox Church is grounded in a continuous connection between its fathers and children, whereby the sound faith is passed down from generation to generation. The forum coincides with the Church’s celebration of the 17th centennial of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. The theme “Connected” also reflects our connection to one another, to our communities, and to the tools of our present age—with openness rooted in our faith—fulfilling the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world”(Matthew 5:13–14).

The opening ceremony featured a performance comprising five artistic scenes that combined theatrical acting, voice-over narration, and hymns. These scenes depicted the key moments of the Council of Nicaea and the heroes of Orthodox faith through the ages—namely Athanasius, Cyril, and Dioscorus—culminating in the central message of the forum: the importance of preserving the true faith across generations.

The performance included segments in Arabic, Coptic, English, and French.

In a tribute to the Thrice-Blessed Metropolitan Pakhomius (Metropolitan of Beheira)—who led the Church in 2012 as Acting Patriarch during a critical time, a documentary was screened, highlighting his most significant works. His Holiness commended this kind gesture in his remarks.

Fr. Younan Samir, coordinator of the Fifth Forum, and Dr. Mina Ramsis, representing the LOGOS Forums Office, each delivered a speech during the event. The ceremony concluded with a speech from Pope Tawadros, in which he warmly welcomed the youth of the Fifth Logos Forum. He offered his appreciation and gratitude to the bishops of their dioceses, the priests of their churches, and their families for granting them the opportunity to come to Egypt and reconnect with their roots. He emphasized that throughout the forum, the participants would gain knowledge, learn, study, and visit important sites—an experience that would enrich their lives.

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