The following is a press release issued by the Diocese of Gougaratz in Armenia on June 26th. It has been translated for our readers.

Western Diocese’s CYMA Organization Hosted in the Gougaratz Diocese

With the blessings of Western Diocesan Primate Abp. Hovnan Derderian and the leadership of Dn. Matthew Ash, CYMA-WD, during a two week visitation to Armenia, visited the Gougaratz Diocese as part of there mission on June 25-26. At the Diocesan Headquarters they were hosted by diocesan Primate, His Eminence Bishop Sebu Zuljian. Upon conveying his fatherly blessings and greetings to the youth, the primate stressed the importance of the diasporan youth’s love and support for Armenia and their appreciation of its spiritual and cultural values. The primate urged them to never sever there connection to Armenia’s soil and challenged them consistently visit the homeland. “See how [children] love their parents and never turn their face from them, likewise you must love Armenia. Only at this time you can be worthy of your Armenian name,” said Sebu Surpazan.

Upon completing their meeting, they visited the diocesan Dzidernag Sumemr Camp, and then the pilgrims traveled with prayers to Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. In the evening their resting place was the Dzidzernag [camp], where the youth met the kids who were staying there, they became participants of the camp’s routine and activities. In the morning, at the Diocesan Headquarters, they met with the diocesan youth organization members. A warm and friendly conversation was had with those present about their reason for coming to Armenia, and the challenges facing their community. The Diasporan youth were interested in the challenges facing the local youth as well as their youth organization’s programs and activities. They expressed their readiness to realize a joint program in the name of our Mother Church and the Motherland.

The pilgrims, with warm feelings to visit the Gougaratz Diocese again, left Vanadzor and traveled to Haghardsin.

ASDGHIG ASRYAN

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