His Holiness Karekin II Visits Special-Care Orphanage in Nor Kharberd
On the afternoon of Sunday, April 9, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, visited the special-care orphanage in the city of Nor Kharberd. His Holiness brought his Pontifical blessings and fatherly love to the 240 mentally and physically handicapped children residing in the orphanage who do not have the opportunity to attend church services on a regular basis.
Upon his arrival in Nor Kharberd, His Holiness was greeted by Minister of Labor and Social Services Aghvan Vartanian; the Dean of the orphanage, Mr. Haroutiun Balasanian; and the dedicated staff of the center. They accompanied His Holiness as he first visited the bedrooms of those children who could not be moved due to medical reasons. The Catholicos offered a prayer and gave his blessing to all of the children as he presented each one with a small cross.
On the occasion of the visit of the Pontiff of All Armenians, a special program had been prepared by the children of the Armenian Church Youth Center of Nor Nork, operating under the auspices of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the AGBU. The dean of the orphanage welcomed the Catholicos and his accompanying clergymen, stating that their visit and blessings would help the children withstand their physical ailments and emotional pain with greater courage. In appreciation for the musical and dance program presented by the Youth Center, the children of the orphanage also presented a program filled with songs and music.
His Holiness addressed his message of blessing to the children and stated, "We wanted to visit the Nor Kharberd Orphanage because we know that our dear children living here do not have the opportunity to come and visit our churches and participate in our services. We came to bring with us our love for you and our blessings from Holy Etchmiadzin and to tell you, our boys and girls, that we love you, we are grateful and proud of you."
His Holiness also addressed his message of appreciation to the dean and the staff of the center, noting, "We all know that the message of Christ is the message of love. We know that God created the world through His love and that guided by that same love, He sent His Only Begotten Son to save the world. As St. Paul says, 'Love never fails', and as we know from our faith - Love conquers all.", stated His Holiness, asking for God to strengthen the staff and volunteers of the orphanage, granting them unending love and patience, so that they may transmit the warmth of their spirits to the children and lighten the burdens placed upon these innocent souls.
At the conclusion of the visit, His Holiness offered a service for blessing children prepared especially for this day. Prior to His Holiness' departure, the children of the Nor Nork Youth Center distributed presents which they had prepared for the children of the Nor Kharberd Orphanage.
