The Central Committee for Christian Education organized an educational gathering for intermediate-level students titled “Friendship According to the Heart of the Lord.”

The Central Committee for Christian Education in the Eparchy organized a distinctive spiritual and educational activity for middle school students on Friday, April 24, at the Apostles Center التابعة to Mar Gorgis Church, with the participation of around 70 students, along with teachers and supervisors.

The gathering carried an integrated formative and spiritual dimension, focusing on the theme “Friendship According to the Heart of the Lord.” It offered students a deeper understanding of true friendship built on trust, honesty, loyalty, and sacrifice, in contrast to superficial friendships based on personal benefit.

The session was led by Sister Mariam Shaba of the Chaldean Daughters of Mary Congregation, who delivered a rich educational and spiritual presentation grounded in the Holy Bible. She highlighted living examples of true friendship, beginning with the friendship of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament, and culminating in the teaching of Jesus Christ, who elevates friendship to the level of self-giving love, as stated in the Gospel of John: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

Students were also given the opportunity to engage and participate through interactive and educational activities designed to help them live out Christian friendship in their daily lives—within school, family, and society—while fostering openness and care for others.

This activity comes as part of the ongoing efforts of the Central Committee for Christian Education to form a young generation that is conscious of its faith and capable of embodying Gospel values in daily life through initiatives that combine learning, reflection, and communal experience.

The gathering concluded in an atmosphere of joy and fellowship, where participants expressed their appreciation for such meaningful initiatives that touch their lives and support their human and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of continuing activities that strengthen their sense of belonging to the Church and nourish their journey of faith.