The Adventist Youth Congress (AYC) is a large gathering of Adventist Youth throughout Europe. It's purpose is to share and celebrate our common faith and to make a positive impact in the host city and surrounding area. It is a powerful spiritual opportunity and a significant social event for those participating. AYC takes place every four or five years and is a part of the Adventist history and heritage.
The first Congress was held in Germany in the 1930’s (Chemnitz) and since then there have been many in different countries throughout Europe. The last three were held in Wroclaw, Poland (2004), Munich, Germany (2009) and Novi Sad, Serbia (2013).
The theme of AYC 2017 is "The Journey", based on the conviction that we are passing through on this earth and therefore have to treat this place like guests. We need to live responsibly on the Earth, serving fellow travellers, as one traveller is not better than the others. We need to realise our responsibility to creation and our ‘Host’. We need to keep focused on our destination and remember that we are travelling, not fixed.
Valencia is the capital of the autonomous community of Valencia and the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, with around 800,000 inhabitants in the administrative centre. Its urban area extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of around 1.5 million people. Valencia is Spain's third largest metropolitan area, with a population ranging from 1.7 to 2.5 million. The Port of Valencia is the 5th busiest container port in Europe and the busiest container port on the Mediterranean Sea. The city is ranked at Gamma in the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.
Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC. The city is situated on the banks of the Turia, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, fronting the Gulf of Valencia on the Mediterranean Sea. Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain, with approximately 169 hectares. This heritage of ancient monuments, views and cultural attractions makes Valencia one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
Valencia is integrated into an industrial area on the Costa del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast) and its main festival is the Falles. The traditional Spanish dish, paella, originated in Valencia.
To get to know Valencia better visit this site: Valencia (www.turisvalencia.es)
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian church and a faith community rooted in the beliefs described by the Holy Scriptures. Read more about the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church here. (Hyperlink: www.adventist.org)