On March 20, 2016 the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians on Palm Sunday proclaimed the day as Children’s Day. As a result of the holiday 100 children of beneficiary families of “Aleppo” Compatriotic Charitable Organization were sent to Etchmiadzin with the efforts of the social services of Mother See.

The children participated in the church procession and received the blessing of His Holiness. After blessing, His Holiness congratulated the children and presented the meaning of the holiday. He noted, that this is the day when the Savior enters the temple of souls, as well as churches, where faithful people from Armenia as well as from other nations get together.

His Holiness touched upon the participation of Syrian-Armenian children, who left the Syria due to war and found refuge in their homeland, and asked the Supreme Lord of Heaven to bestow peace upon all families around the world who suffer as a result of war. After receiving the blessing, children accompanied by the Holy See Social services director Rev. Fr. Markos visited the “Hrach and Syuzan Toufyan” Youth House, where they took part in the concert dedicated to Holiday.

The event began with the welcoming speech by Rev. Fr. Markos. The children recited the Lord’s Prayer together and sang the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia. At the end of the event gifts and entertainment were prepared by the Holy See Social Services and “SOAR” Charitable Organization.

“Aleppo” Organization expresses its deepest gratitude to the office of Social Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for giving joy and light of kindness to 100 Syrian-Armenia children of beneficiary families and blessing them on the Holy day of Palm Sunday.

The “Palm Sunday in the Holy See” program offered by the Social Services of the Holy See allowed the kids to feel the warmth and care of their Homeland.