On Saturday, December 6, New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral welcomed more than 200 children for a festive Christmas gathering with Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.
A prayer service in the cathedral sanctuary began the day, with Bishop Mesrop offering a heartfelt message, reminding the children that amid all the excitement and gifts of the season, “Jesus Christ remains our everlasting gift.”
“Jesus was God’s gift to the world, and to each one of you,” he told his young listeners: “to bless you, to guide you, and to pour His love into your life each day.”
Later, in the Diocesan Center’s Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium, Bishop Mesrop joined the crowd of children, ranging in age from Kindergarteners to fifth graders, in a joyful afternoon of caroling, cookie decorating, and enjoying the Christmas spirit.
A shared lunch and a visit from Santa—who arrived with gifts for all—rounded out a day filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of the Armenian Church community.
“Christmas with the Bishop” at St. Vartan Cathedral was organized by Maria Stepanian, Yn. Alla Terzyan, and a wonderful committee, with many parents, educators, and volunteers lending their loving hands to the proceedings.
Click here to view a gallery of photos by photographer Harout Barsoumian.