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His Holiness Karekin II Visits Special-Care Orphanage in Nor Kharber

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  • His Holiness Karekin II Visits Special-Care Orphanage in Nor Kharber

    PRESS RELEASE
    Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
    Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
    Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
    Tel: (374 10) 517 163
    Fax: (374 10) 517 301
    E-Mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianchurch.org
    April 30, 2006

    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.

    ##
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