Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Grand Opening ceremonies were held on September 28 for a children's playground near the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin). His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during the opening ceremonies for the recreational area built in the traditional Nersissian Forest, just outside the walls of the Mother See. 

The playground, built for the enjoyment of the children of the city of Etchmiadzin, was constructed through the generosity of benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Harold and Josephine Gulamerian of the United States, and through the efforts of Mr. Michael Haratunian of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. 

The Catholicos of All Armenians, Mr. Hrachik Abgarian, the Mayor of Etchmiadzin, and Mr. Michael Haratunian cut the ceremonial ribbon, after which a special service of blessing was offered. At the conclusion of the service, His Holiness addressed his words of appreciation to the devout benefactors, the municipal authorities of the city, and to His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), who all played a great role in the construction of the playground. "We are confident that this park will give great joy to the children of the city of Etchmiadzin, and all those who supported the construction of this playground, we joyfully note that you will receive blessings from the lips of these children" noted His Holiness in his message. 

Following the service, His Holiness and the guests attended a concert program by the children of the Youth Centers of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). Members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenian-American pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese of the USA, and residents of the city of Etchmiadzin attended the ceremonies.