On August 23, 2026, in the Armenian Catholic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Arevik, a joyful ceremony of the First Holy Communion for 11 children took place during the Holy Mass. The service was presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Kevork Noradounguian, assisted by the parish priest, Father Narek Tadevosyan. Subdeacons Brother Simavon Mkrtchyan and Brother Emmanuel Muradyan served during the Holy Mass. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Grigor Avetisyan, Advisor to the Governor of Shirak, and Mr. Martik Matosyan, a member of the Akhouryan Council of Elders, and a large gathering of the faithful.

In his sermon, the Ordinary expressed his great fatherly joy on the happy occasion of the 11 children entering into full communion with the Church. The Ordinary explained that the first experience of partaking in the Body and Blood of Jesus—our Lord and Savior—is an intimate, heart-to-heart meeting with Christ that is never forgotten, especially when a child, relative to his/her age, understands the deep meaning and value of the Holy Communion and appreciates this precious divine gift and grace.

At the end of the Holy Mass, soloist Miss Varduhi Toroyan captivated the audience with her unique performances. As a child, she herself was a participant in the unforgettable First Holy Communion ceremony, and now, on her path of exceptional success in the art of singing, she always carries the warm memories of her first meeting with Jesus in her heart while performing on various stages around the world.

Following the Holy Mass, the dance ensemble of the “Arev-Van” Non-Governmental Organization performed in the hall of the village community center, delivering beautiful performances and creating a festive atmosphere.

Fr. Hovsep Galstyan

Chancery of the Armenian Catholic Ordinariate

August 24, 2026