Children’s Playground Opened in Etchmiadzin
On June 11, 2009, opening ceremonies were held for the new section of the Children’s Playground near the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in the city of Vagharshapat. The benefactors of the new playground are Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Ghenberji of Syria, who also support various educational programs of the Youth Centers of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). The new park includes carnival rides, benches and walking paths.
Located just outside the walls of the Mother See, the first phase of the park was originally opened in 2003 hrough the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Harold and Josephine Gulamerian of the United States. Located just outside the walls of the Mother See, the first phase of the park was originally opened in 2003 through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Harold and Josephine Gulamerian of the United States.
His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See, Mr. Karen Grigorian, Mayor of Vagharshapat, and Mr. Suren Naldjian, Director of the “Pyunik” charitable fund cut the ceremonial ribbon at the entrance to the park. Bishop Arshak presided during a service of blessing and Very Rev. Fr. Komitas Hovnanian, Director of the network of Armenian Church Youth Centers, gave his remarks, commenting on the importance of providing constructive and healthy recreational activities for children. Bishop Arshak conveyed the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and welcomed the people and especially the children in attendance. Bishop Arshak expressed the happiness of His Holiness on the occasion of the opening and extended his appreciation to the benefactors of the playground, and the current and former mayors of Vagharshapat for supporting the project. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a concert program was presented by the children of the Youth Centers.
