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Get Involved with the 2012 Theme and Run the Race!

Conference Prep Meeting!
19th May at the Centre

Torch Relay Second Stop!
25th May in Croydon

CYM 2012 Torch Relay Launch

As you may know, the CYM 2012 Torch Relay was launched this bank holiday Monday at St Mary & St Abraam Church in Brighton, under the guidance of His Grace Bishop Angaelos.

Why a relay?
The relay is to resemble the movement of the message of God from one messenger to another, one Christian to another, one sibling to another, one community to another, from parent to child and from all Christians to the world. Present on Monday 7th May in Brighton were youth from St Mary and St Shenouda, St Mark, St Mary and Archangel Michael, and St George in Stevenage.

Following a warm welcome which included brunch, the launch saw a presentation of the life events of our beloved late Pope Shenouda III, a truly informative 15 minute show which moved the viewers to a moment of reflection. His Holiness’ passing brings to mind the words of 2 Timothy 4:7; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” tying in with theme of the CYM events for 2012. We remember the great achievements yet sustained humility and love of the departed father, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, may His prayers for us continue and may he watch over us and intercede on our behalf.

Regardless of the weather, the launch continued in good spirit with indoor games and events, although the monopoly got the most attention with our very own "Chattyman" (Mr Chachati) stealing the show and blowing the competition out of the water.

Hunger taking precedence, the wonderful BBQ was overseen by our very own "Jack of all trades" Mr Phillips who ensured that all was in order to keep us smiling :)

We were treated to a grand performance by our talented Ms Eustine Hanna who amazed us with the talent God has granted her. This was followed by our French, German, and English group (Bonny Samer, Emanuel Labieb + Keyrolos Fakhoury, with Jessica Bogtor). Both performances rocked! A church truly filled with talent, may God continue to bless and guide our Coptic Orthodox Church in all her works.

Just as the sunshine came back, the security team escorted Mr Philips, our torch-bearer from the church to the park where the rest of the group had now been assembled awaiting the arrival of the torch.

The grand moment was when His Grace Bishop Angaelos, after a few words, handed the Torch to Fr Youhanna Habib, signifying the official launch of the CYM 2012 Torch Relay. His Grace went on to give a brief sermon explaining the ‘Running the Race’ theme, especially raising the important points of discipline, endurance and vigilance. The spiritual meaning of this day was not lost on those present. The topic is very pertinent to our lives and to the strength of our relationships with Christ, and we hope that throughout the relay, all will benefit from the events that will be held.