The past weeks have seen Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan on a whirlwind tour of youth camps and summer conferences.
On July 23, Bishop Mesrop visited St. Vartan Camp at the Ararat Center in upstate New York, to be among the campers of Session “B.” As he did during his prior visit to the camp’s Session “A” (on July 8), Bishop Mesrop spent a delightful day among the young campers and the dedicated clergy and staff, engaging them in conversation, prayer, and play on the expansive Ararat Center grounds.
“I send my heartfelt thanks to all the amazing people who made my visit—and the entire St. Vartan Camp experience—so special this season,” he said. Click here to view photos of the Bishop’s visit.
Bishop Mesrop made one of several summer visits to St. Nersess Seminary on July 25, this time to join the participants in the High School Summer Conference. Earlier in the month (July 10), he spent time with young choir singers taking part in the seminary’s Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Youth Choir Workshop.
“It was a blessing to be among these young souls, to share recollections of my own spiritual journey, and listen to their own experiences,” he said, “and to answer their questions about faith and life.” Click here to view photos.
Over the weekend of July 26-27, Bishop Mesrop ventured to AGBU’s Camp Nubar to visit with the campers and celebrate the Divine Liturgy. “It was a weekend filled with laughter, joy, and the beautiful presence of our youth coming together in faith and fellowship,” Bishop Mesrop said. “I’m grateful to the AGBU leadership, the Camp Nubar board, staff, and campers, for their warm hospitality.” Click here to view photos.
July 28-29 found Bishop Mesrop in Ingleside, IL, visiting the Diocese’s summer youth program in the midwest region, Hye Camp. It was a chance to tour the campus, observe the campers’ routine, and join them in sports and other activities. The Hye Camp community organized a splendid bonfire and barbecue to celebrate the Primate’s evening among them.
“Spending time with those amazing campers was a true blessing. Their enthusiasm for our Christian faith and Armenian heritage warmed my heart,” he said. Click here to view photos.
Summing up his July visits, Bishop Mesrop added: “Until next summer—shine on, all of our young campers and conference participants!”
Click the following links to find daily photos galleries of the Diocese’s Hye Camp, and St. Vartan Camp Session A and Session B.