AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, January 28, 2008
Children Give Magical Christmas Concert in Yerevan
On January 13, 2007, the children of the AGBU Children’s Centers and
other youth centers administered by the Holy See of Etchmiadzin
performed a two-hour concert entitled "The Secret of Light" at the Aram
Khachaturian Concert Hall in Yerevan, Armenia. The event was sponsored
by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU.
Telling the fantastical and magical story of Santa Claus and Snow White
traveling the whole world, the performance followed the journey in
search of the secret of light but could not find it. The children
traveled through a fantasy world, which included a stop on the famed
magical planet of the renowned French children’s story, "The Little
Prince." Finally, after many stops and diversions, some kind and wise
people helped them to uncover the secret. Together they lit candles and
Christmas tree lights with that secret, bringing love and warmth, faith
and devotion to the children.
Father Grikor Khachatrian, spiritual head of the AGBU Children’s Centers
and Youth Centers, conveyed the message of His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, and brought sacks full of toys and sweets
for all the participants of the evening’s program.
There are seven youth centers administered by the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin, including the three AGBU Children’s Centers in Yerevan, and
four other centers in Vanadzor, Ashtarak, Etchmiadzin, and Kanaker. Over
4,000 children attend the seven youth centers, where they gain artistic,
spiritual and cultural education. During the January 13 concert, Father
Grikor spoke about his hope that the number of Youth Centers will
increase in the future, especially in the rural areas, so that the
children living there will also have an opportunity to get acquainted
with the rich Armenian heritage.
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an
annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six
continents.