Prelate Visits Zavarian Summer Youth Camp

By the invitation of the Crescenta Valley “Zavarian” Gomideh, on Friday, June 29, 2012, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, visited the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center where he met with and addressed the participants of the youth summer camp. Crescenta Valley Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian also participated in the visit.

Upon his arrival, the Prelate was welcomed by the camp directors and participants. Welcoming remarks were delivered by director Mrs. Arpi Dabbaghian and camp participant Patil Keleshian, both of whom gave a brief background of the educational nature of the summer camp and also thanked the Prelate for his visit.

After the opening prayer and the singing of the Armenian national anthem, the Prelate conducted the blessing of bread, salt, and water.

The participants then presented a cultural program they themselves had organized comprised of musical selections on the violin, flute, and piano, a group song, and a poetry recitation. They informed the Prelate that the week’s theme was Armenian Heroes, and throughout the week they had followed a special program to learn more about this subject. Given that the day before was the Feast of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob, and the next day was the feast of our first Christian king and queen St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen, the Prelate spoke to the youth about our saints and Armenia’s first Christian royal family and how they are among our national heroes. He also explained the meaning of blessing the bread, salt, and water. In conclusion, the Prelate spoke of the characteristics of being a good Armenian, stressing the importance of learning and speaking Armenian, praying in Armenian, and participating in our church life by attending and being active in our church. Finally, the Prelate led the students in the singing of the Lord’s Prayer.

In the ensuing question and answer session, the students expressed that in their summer program, a great deal of time is devoted to reading Armenian books, especially since H.H. Catholicos Aram I has dedicated this year to the Armenian Book. They vowed that they would heed the Prelate’s suggestions and would be good Armenians in all aspects of their lives.

The nearly two hour visit was held in a warm and familial atmosphere, and the students returned to their activities inspired and enlightened with prayer books presented to them by the Prelate.

 

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