We were blessed to have our beloved Primate with us today at the Ararat Center. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian enlightened the campers and staff by telling them about his journey to priesthood. Leaving his family and travelling to Jerusalem at age 16, he followed his dreams of serving the Armenian church. One of the campers asked him why he decided to leave his family and go to seminary at age 16. He responded by saying, “I believe this is the best way that I can serve the Armenian people and help to preserve the Armenian faith and culture.”

He shared the details of his work and his passion for serving others, while encouraging the audience to consider serving the church as well. “Today I would like to ask the young men here to think about what they want to be when they grow up. I would like the young men to think about which path they will take in life.” The audience became increasingly captivated as he asked the young people to do something that brings joy to their lives and to others. Campers flocked to Srpazan Hayr after he spoke to personally greet him and thank him for coming to visit them at camp. Many campers shared with him who their grandparents, parents and relatives were and asked him if they knew who they were. It was definitely a great day at St. Vartan Camp.
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