On July 13^th, Head of Ajapnyak district of Yerevan Artavazd Sargsyan hosted the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program. Greeting the guests, Artavazd Sargsyan mentioned that the “Ari Tun” Program is the best way of showing patriotism and appreciated the Ministry of Diaspora for making a notable contribution to the patriotic act through ongoing projects. Sargsyan voiced hope that in the next stage of the program, the Ajapnyak district would host more participants. The head of the district handed mementos to the participants, and the children expressed their gratitude to the staff.

After the meeting, the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program toured Aparan, visited the Square of Armenian Letters and climbed the hill where the “Nig-Aparan” compatriotic benevolent non-governmental organization has placed a 33-meter high (symbolizing the age of Christ) four-sided cross comprised of 1,711 crosses.

Afterwards, the participants headed towards a monastery, which was built in the 4^th-13^th centuries. Head of the Division for Education, Culture and Sport of the Ajapnyak district Galust Kharbutyan introduced the participants to the history of the monastery.

After the tour, a traditional Armenian reception was organized at Kasakh River with patriotic songs and dances. The participants were in a great mood until the end of the day. On their way back, they continued singing and dancing. When asked what gave them so much energy, they all said: “The air in the Homeland”.

Marianna Ananyan