05/04/2026
Commissioned by His Holiness Mar Awa III, Catholicos-Patriarch, Rev. Fr. Genard Lazar, Priest at Mar Addai Parish in Turlock and President of the North American Executive Committee, visited the youth committees and groups of the parishes of the Diocese of Canada. These include Mart Mariam Cathedral in Toronto, Mar Mari Parish in Hamilton, Mar Zaia Parish in London, and Mar Toma parish in Windsor.
The primary purpose of the visit was to meet with the individual parish youth committees, allowing for discussion of various matters and to listen to general concerns, suggestions, recommendations, and strategies to further enhance the effectiveness and quality of services provided to the youth, as well as to draw nearer those who are currently distant. During these meetings, many significant and fruitful recommendations were made, which will be further discussed and pursued by the NEC.
Following the committee meetings, a Q&A gathering was organized, during which Fr. Genard was presented with a variety of questions ranging from everyday challenges in the Christian life to biblical and theological topics. A time of fellowship followed, providing the youth with the opportunity to speak with and consult Fr. Genard personally.
On Sunday, May 3rd, marking the Fifth Sunday of the Resurrection of our Lord, together with the commemoration of Mar Addai (Thaddaeus) the Apostle and Mar Daniel the Stylite, Fr. Genard celebrated the Divine Liturgy of the Holy Qurbana at the Mart Mariam Cathedral in Toronto. Present at the service were Archdeacon Odisho Odisho, Diocesan Vicar to His Holiness, and Rev. Fr. Akhigar Warda, Parish Priest.
Fr. Genard expresses his sincere gratitude to His Holiness for his continued love and care for the youth of our Holy Church and for granting permission for this visit; to Archdeacon Odisho and Fr. Akhigar for their unwavering support; to the NEC representatives of the Diocese of Canada; to the Parish Youth Committee Presidents; and to the beloved youth for their warm and hospitable reception.
Let us ALL, with one accord, work for the Glory of God, and the salvation of souls.