Once again this year, through the generous donations of benefactors, the Armenian Catholic Ordinariate organized summer day camps for children across various communities.

Within the framework of this program, approximately fifty children participated in summer camps held from June 22 to 28 in the villages of Ghazanchi and Sizavet in Ashotsk. These camps were run by local youth; in Ghazanchi, the program was led by the youth group of the Legion of Mary under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Hovsep Galstyan, Pastor of the Armenian Catholic community of Ashotsk.

The camps spanned five days, featuring an engaging schedule of lessons, prayers, and active games. The curriculum included seminar-discussions focused on:

Christian Doctrine & Scripture: Exploring core tenets of faith and Biblical stories.

Environmental Stewardship: Interactive sessions on ecology accompanied by local environmental clean-up and conservation activities.

Social & Leadership Skills: Discussions on interpersonal relationships, leadership, mutual love, and the practice of forgiveness.

Digital Literacy & Safety: Navigating the internet safely and practicing caution regarding specific online group games.

Summer day camps provide an excellent opportunity for children to view their everyday environment as a space for unity. They help develop human relationships anchored in Christian values, hone personal skills, and expand general knowledge.

Under the guidance of their animators and older peers—who serve entirely on a voluntary basis—the children begin to look at their lives and goals from a new perspective. Through these structured, extracurricular gatherings, they learn to perceive reality differently and broaden their horizons. This supportive environment helps them make more informed decisions regarding their personal calling and future profession, which is of vital importance during adolescence.

In recognition of their achievements, the children received educational booklets recounting the Miracles of the Lord, presented as gifts on behalf of the Ordinary.

Fr. Hovsep Galstyan

Chancellor of the Ordinariate of Catholic Armenians

30 June, 2026