Diocesan Summer Camp
On Sunday, June 23, the "Tsitsernak" Diocesan Summer Camp for children was inaugurated in the city of Vanadzor, Diocese of Gougark.
The Primate, His Grace Bishop Sepouh Chouljian, has prioritized two projects within his diocese: The construction of churches and the establishment of summer camps.
"Tsitsernak" was the first camp for children which started to function in Vanadzor following the independence of Armenia. However, the camp facilities were in dire need of repair and attention. Following three years of work and effort, the camp buildings and surrounding area have been renovated and refurnished.
Each floor of the main three-story building has a separate benefactor. The renovation of the first floor was sponsored by the "Fund for Armenian Relief" of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, and His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Diocesan Primate. The second floor was renovated through the financial assistance of the World Council of Churches (WCC) / Armenia Round Table office. The third floor of the building was sponsored by Canadian Armenian benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Ashot and Elize Khederian.
The building was completely furnished by the "Hairenik Miutiun" organization. Due to the generosity of the numerous benefactors, optimal conditions have been created for resting and living in the facility. On June 15, 2002, "Tsitsernak" received its first campers. 90 schoolchildren from the city of Spitak and 15 children of deceased soldiers from the Karabagh War, have been living on site since that time.
Nearly 600 children will reside in the camp during the summer season. Current expenses for the cost of each child have been undertaken by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; the Diocese of Gougark; the Regional authorities of Lori and the city of Vanadzor; the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church; the Diocese of Canada; the Jinishian Memorial Fund; and the WCC Armenia Round Table office.
During the festive ceremony, Bishop Sepouh delivered his words of gratitude to all of the benefactors, and said, "Our most precious gift today is the smile of the children". His Grace Bishop Paren Avedikian of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin addressed words of congratulation to the enthusiastic children and to all in attendance. Bishop Paren also transmitted to them the message of blessing of His Holiness, the Catholicos of All Armenians. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the enthusiastic campers presented a cultural program.
