New Year Celebration for Children with Special Needs Organized at the Mother See

On the evening of December 25, at the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, children from the 'Aravner' down syndrome support center, special needs children from the 'Mari Izmirlian' orphanage, members aged 18 and over from the 'Jermik Ankyun' organization, and children from low-income families under the auspices of the St. Sarkis Church of Argavand visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to celebrate the New Year and Christmas.

In total, around 250 children and teenagers, along with their parents and guardians, attended an event organized by the Social Services Office of the Mother See and the 'Hrach and Syuzan Tufayan' Youth House. His Holiness the Catholicos was present at the celebration, sharing in the joy of the children.

At the end of the event, the Director of the Social Services Office, Venerable Father Markos Mangasaryan, alongside Fathers Grigor Hovhannisyan and Grigor Grigoryan, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Patriarch for his caring attitude towards children with special needs and for bringing them joy during the festive season.

Grigor, the head of the 'Aravner' down syndrome support center, also extended a special thank you to His Holiness, informing participants that the Mother See has recently allocated necessary space in Yerevan for the center's activities.

Following this, Karekin II blessed the attendees, wishing them well for the upcoming holidays and encouraging them to maintain a hopeful outlook toward the new year, believing that God will pour His abundant blessings into their lives.

“On this beautiful occasion, I would like to express my appreciation to the parents and guardians who, with love, commitment, and a spirit of sacrifice, make every effort to bring joy to our children and enable them to participate fully in life,” His Holiness stated, underscoring the importance of work with children in need of special care.

The Catholicos expressed his gratitude to the clergy who pay special attention to children with special needs and their families, working to strengthen their faith and spirit of hope.

His Holiness also blessed the organizers and participants of the beautiful event, wishing a Happy New Year to all the children, present parents, and families, asking the Heavenly Lord to adorn their life journey with the graces of Christmas and to continue living filled with the strength of God.

“Know that the Church is with you and beside you. Always direct your steps toward the Church, where blessings abound, where God's miracles occur and where faith is strengthened. We are sure that God will also perform those miracles in your lives,” the Patriarch preached.

After the event, the Catholicos distributed his blessings to each child.