Working visit of the President Armen Sarkissian to Gyumri

President Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Sarkissian customary visited Gyumri with a spiritual and cultural rather than official agenda.

President’s and his family’s attitude towards Gyumri is special as the President himself mentioned on numerous occasion. He urges and suggests to make family trips to Gyumri often, to enjoy its unique human and cultural flavor.

President’s and Mrs. Sarkissian’s this visit started with the candle lighting at the Holy Seven Wounds Church. Later, the President, his spouse, and the renowned composer, RA People’s Artist Tigran Mansurian were hosted by the Primate of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Ter Michael Bishop Ajapahnian. He presented to the guests the activities of the Diocese and its structures. President Sarkissian inquired about the ongoing programs and forthcoming projects and expressed readiness to assist in their implementation. The social and educational center is one of the best proofs of the patriotic works of the Diocese. The former bathing house, which was used as a trush damp, has been fully renovated and furnished, becoming a place where all beneficiaries and visitors are welcome, where everyone will find his or her share of compassion. The center is carrying out educational, social, youth oriented, spiritual, and cultural programs.

President Sarkissian and Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian toured the center, had a cordial and warm conversation with the kids studying in painting, computer, language, and other classes. Children were impressed with the meeting and asked the President to sign in their exercise books.

Interaction with the kids from the pre-school Fairytale and Know-All groups of the center was even more sincere and animated. The kids welcomed the guests with songs and verses.

Adults too, are getting retrained or receive profession at the center. They specialize in different occupations such sewing and cooking. Mr. and Mrs. Sarkissian familiarized also with the works of the beneficiaries of these classes and observed the results of their skillful work. 

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The highpoint of the President’s January 25 visit to Gyumri were the festivities which took place at the V. Adjemian Dramatic Theater of Gyumri.

President Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian together with the RA People’s Artist Tigran Mansurian and representatives of the art-loving community were present at the concert dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Gyumri State Symphonic Orchestra.

After the concert, President Sarkissian met with the Director of the orchestra and cordially congratulated him on the occasion of the anniversary. He expressed gratitude for the boundless dedication to arts and cultural endeavor which allowed Guymri to have today such a high-class orchestra.

“After just 4 or 5 years after the earthquake, the people of Gryumri decided that they must have a symphonic orchestra. Only special people can do that, a special nation, a special willpower, people with stamina and dedication,” President Sarkissian said. He expressed readiness to support the implementation of the future programs of the orchestra.