The Catholicos of All Armenians Hosted the Children of the Armenian Cultural Center in Odessa
29.06.2021
On June 29, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; hosted the children of the Sunday school and kindergarten of the Armenian Cultural Center in Odessa (Ukraine).
The director of the center, Mrs. Anna Gevorgyan, informed His Holiness about the activities of the school and kindergarten, emphasizing that the children's visit to Armenia is aimed at recognizing the Homeland.
She also told that during the 44-day war of Artsakh the children gave concerts and directed all the proceeds to support Artsakh.
On this occasion, the children performed spiritual, national and patriotic songs and poems, bringing joy to the Armenian Patriarch.
Afterwards, His Holiness brought his fatherly blessing to the young Armenians, expressing his appreciation to the parents, teachers and educators for educating and nurturing the students in the national spirit.
The Armenian Patriarch emphasized that they are the hope, energy and future of the Armenian people.
His Holiness urged the children and teenagers to love the homeland, to live in the spirit and breath of national values, so that the vision of having a strong, prosperous homeland could become a reality.
During the meeting, the Armenian Pontiff noted with satisfaction that in the Armenian community of Ukraine, due to the activities of the Armenian Diocese of Ukraine and national structures, they are zealous for the preservation of national identity, cultural and spiritual heritage, the best manifestation of which is the visit of Armenian children to Armenia.
On this occasion, His Holiness wished that God strengthen the love toward the homeland in the souls of young Armenians, give them the strength to grow up in the Armenian spirit, to become worthy children of the Armenian people.
During the conversation, the Armenian Patriarch became interested in the life of the Armenian community in Odessa and the activities of Armenian structures.
At the end, the Catholicos of All Armenians blessed the young Armenians with the "Protector" prayer, presented them with crosses and icons, on the occasion of the visit.
