On April 17, in the Mother See, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenia; received 45 students of the Paris ‘National’ and Marseille Colleges, accompanied by Mr. Sarkis Bedoian, France, benefactor of the Mother See.
His Holiness noted with satisfaction that the annual visit to Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, by the graduating students of the two Armenian institutions of France, had become a beautiful tradition. His Holiness stressed that the visit would leave an indelible mark in the hearts of the young people.
The Catholicos of All Armenians urged the youth to diligently continue their studies, so that their acquired knowledge and skills serve for the development, strengthening and welfare of the country and as well as the Armenian-French community.
His Holiness expressed his appreciation to Mr. Sarkis Bedoian, for regularly organizing the visit of students to the Homeland. The Armenian Pontiff also conveyed his blessings to the teachers accompanying the youth, the teaching staff of both schools, and the trustees; for their dedicated efforts and patriotic service.
Mr. Bedoian expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness, and presented the academic and educational activities of the schools. The students presented a prepared recitation to His Holiness as a surprise gift.
During the meeting, they reflected on issues aimed at preserving the Armenian language in the Diaspora and the steps that were being taken in this direction.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness urged the students to be worthy sons and daughters of the nation, and growing up with this awareness, bring their usefulness to the Armenian nation.