The visit began with prayer at the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel conducted by the Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, and Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, and continued at “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall.
Two students, Derik Tomasian and Nayiri Kalindjian, who served as the MC’s, thanked the Prelate for the warm welcome and introduced the program. Following a group recitation, Natalie Harutunian explained the purpose of their visit and expressed how fortunate the class feels to be going on a pilgrimage to Armenia on the 100th anniversary of the First Republic, the 30th anniversary of the Artsakh liberation movement, and the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan. On behalf of her peers, she promised that they would take in all the history Armenia has to offer, visit important pilgrimage sites, and always remain faithful to our language, traditions, and heritage. Musical and dance performances followed by Alique Khatcherian and Nazeli Aghajanian, and four students, Susan Akopian, Bella Nazarian, Anahit Pogosian, and Chloe Garabedian shared their expectations regarding their upcoming trip, anticipating a mix of emotions and returning strengthened in their national identity. #ChamlianPride