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October 26, 2010
AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Children's Center Opens in Vanadzor Through the Beneficence of Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian
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His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Bedevian cut the red ribbon at the entrance of the new Children's Center building in Vanadzor, Armenia.
On September 23, the opening ceremony of the "St. Gregory of Narek" Children's Center was held in Vanadzor, Armenia under the auspices of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Accompanying His Holiness were benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian of the United States. AGBU and Holy Etchmiadzin Children's Centers operate in Yerevan (Arabkir, Nor Nork, and Malatia) and the regions (Ashtarak, Vanadzor, and Etchmiadzin).
For more than 20 years, the Vanadzor Children's Center was housed in cabins. Today, the new 3500-square-meter building caters to 400 students and includes 16 classrooms, two event halls, a gym, open-air basketball and tennis courts, and a boiler-house.
The Pontifical retinue and regional authorities traveled to the St. Gregory of Narek Diocesan Cathedral, which was also built through the benefaction of the Bedevian family. Following the service in the Cathedral, His Holiness went to the St. Gregory of Narek Children's Center, where he was welcomed by the students of the youth center and residents of Vanadzor. The Armenian Pontiff and Mr. and Mrs. Bedevian cut a red ribbon at the entrance of the center, marking the official opening. They, along with the guests, entered the new building and toured the facilities.
Among the speakers at the day's event were Rev. Fr. Komitas Hovnanian, Dean of the Children's Centers, His Grace Bishop Sepuh Chuljian, Primate of the Diocese of Gougark, Aram Kocharian, Governor of Lori, and Hranush Hakobian, The Republic of Armenia's Diaspora Minister, all of whom offered their appreciation and gratitude to His Holiness and the Bedevian family for their support in establishing such an institution.
The Bedevians also expressed their heartfelt feelings to the attendants of the events. Addressing the students of the center, Mr. Bedevian remarked, "Be joyous; preserve and enjoy this house like a jewel."
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, conveyed his blessings and gratitude to those present. Following His Pontifical message, the students of the St. Gregory of Narek Children's Center in Vanadzor and the youth from the Nork Youth Center in Yerevan performed a concert in honor of the event.
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