The results of the “We have existed, we exist and we will exist” contest announced by the RA Ministry of Diaspora, the Union of Armenians of Russia and Yerevan Municipality were summed up during an event held at the Moscow Home and attended by teachers and students of schools in Yerevan, as well as parents and government officials. There were several participants on stage. RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan greeted the participants and the gathered and said: “The ceremonies dedicated to Yerevan’s anniversary start today. The next two days, citizens of Yerevan will experience moments of happiness. People will take a glance at the glorious pages of our history and look towards the future of Yerevan, which is always old and new. Citizens will hear the song “Yerevan-Erebuni” everywhere as the symbol of the city and its history. Sometimes even the performers don’t understand the lyrics of the song performed in Argentina, Australia and other countries around the world because they’re not proficient in Armenian, but they’re very happy…This is the song of our city and our country…This song becomes a prayer and an expression of love for youth who haven’t seen Yerevan and Armenia. They see our ancient country through this song, and all Armenians get emotional whenever they hear it.”

The minister also spoke about the role and significance of the contest and its content. She also attached importance to the fact that such contests serve as lessons of patriotism, instill in Diaspora Armenians the love for the homeland and affirm to the world the lines by poet Paruyr Sevak “We have existed, we exist and will grow.”

Deputy Mayor of Yerevan David Ohanyan mentioned that the RA Ministry of Diaspora, which is one of the organizations that inspired the idea for organizing this contest, makes a lot of efforts to help Diaspora Armenia youth get to know the land of their ancestors. “When the minister launched the “Ari Tun” program, many people underestimated it, and some claimed that the program wouldn’t be a success since Armenian families living abroad wouldn’t agree with sending their children to Armenia. Today, we see a totally different picture. The “Ari Tun” Program serves as a bridge between Armenia and the Diaspora, helping hundreds of Diaspora Armenian boys and girls familiarize themselves with Armenia. This contest was also a success and served as a new step,” Ohanyan mentioned.

President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan talked about the contest and presented the participants with their awards. “This is the ninth contest where there are no winners or losers because the “winner” is Armenia. The tenth contest will be held next year, and I promise that the winners of the stage in Armenia will participate in the final event to be held in Moscow on November 4^th. Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan and I will discuss the issues on organizing the contest, as well as the presentation of new programs in Yerevan. I commend the Ministry of Diaspora, which is marking its fifth anniversary. Five years is not enough time, but the Ministry of Diaspora has truly done a tremendous amount of work. The existence of the RA Ministry of Diaspora has affirmed the fact that Diaspora Armenians know where to go, whom to address and what to as,” Abrahamyan said.

The speeches were followed by the handing of awards.