Opening Ceremony of the Eurnekian High School

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On September 12, 2009, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and National Benefactor Eduardo Eurnekian presided over the opening ceremonies of the “Eurnekian” High School of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in the city of Vagharshapat.

By request, the Republic of Armenia has granted School #　13 of Vagharshapat to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The school has been renamed the Eurnekian High School, in memory of Eduardo Eurnekian’s parents; Panos Eurnekian and Surpina Bagratuni.

The pupils and teachers of the school welcomed His Holiness and the honored guests with enthusiasm and applause as well as the traditional greeting of salt and bread. Rev. Fr. Vardan Navasardian, Director of the Christian Education Center gave welcoming remarks reflecting on the importance of the historic event, that the Armenian Apostolic Church was continuing her mission in the sphere of education. Father Vardan expressed his appreciation to the Armenian authorities as well as to the eminent benefactor for his assistance and support.

School Director Mr. Sahak Zaqarian, Republic of Armenia Diaspora Minister, Mrs. Hranush Hakobian and Advisor of RA Minister of Education and Science, Mr. Mher Ghazarian, all spoke and expressed their heartfelt thoughts and best wishes on the new endeavor.

The Pontiff of All Armenians presided over the blessing ceremony of the school, extending his blessings and appreciation to the people in attendance. His Holiness expressed his hope that pupils studying in an institution under the auspices of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin would be educated with national values and a love for the homeland, and obtain the knowledge and skills to serve their Nation, Homeland and Church. His Holiness expressed his appreciation to Mr. Eurnekian for his support in the mission being carried out by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness also extended his words of thanks to the Governor of the Armavir region and the RA Minister of Education and Science.

His Holiness stated in part: “Dear pupils, we are sure that you will learn your lessons and come to school with new enthusiasm realizing that you are the protectors of the good name of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. We know you understand that this school is under the blessing and protection of the Armenian Church and that you must learn your lessons and follow the instructions of your teachers with more devotion; nourish your souls; and lead your life according to the commandments and principles”.

At the conclusion of the ceremony His Holiness and Mr. Eurnekian presented a gift of books to the 1st grade students, and toured the school.

Present for the ceremony were members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, His Grace Bishop Sion Adamian, Primate of the Diocese of Armavir Diocese, His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Grand Sacristan of the Mother Cathedral of Hoy Etchmiadzin, His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Mr. Ashot Gharamanian, Governor of the Armavir region, Mr. Karen Grigorian, Mayor of Vagharshapat, Mrs. Anahit Bakhshian, Deputy of the National Assembly, members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin and guests.

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