Almelo, the Netherlands, June 27. On that day, the sun shone once again and warmed the hearts of the Armenians gathered at Surp Mashtots Church of Almelo. Even the bushes and trees were decorated by the Armenians and were “greeting” everyone, “whispering welcome” to everyone.

June 27^th left an indelible trace in the souls of everyone, especially Armenian children, who performed during the event organized by the “Platform” Armenian Sunday schools of the Netherlands and proved once again that the spirit of the Armenians will never die, no matter where Armenians may be in this world.

The culmination ceremony was in memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide and had a title. That was the same title of the poem written by teacher of the Armenian community Artak Manukyan and published through the efforts of the Ani Armenian Community of Mastricht and the St. Karapet Church. The children of the Armenian Sunday School of Mastricht presented the poem.

Principal of the Armenian Sunday School of Almelo, Mr. Manuk Mkrtchyan gave his opening remarks as the party hosting and organizing the “Platform” culmination ceremony. After greeting the guests, he gave the floor to Vicar of the Patriarchal Delegate in Holland, His Beatitude, Father, Archimandrite Serovbe Isakhanyan, who suggested respecting the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide with a moment of silence, after which he blessed everyone by saying the Lord’s Prayer. Afterwards, the Armenian tricolor flag was waved to the sounds of the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia.

The idea that Mr. Manuk Mkrtchyan had come up with was a very beautiful surprise. RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan expressed her greetings to everyone from the homeland, and RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Dzyunik Aghajanyan gave her welcome speech.

Afterwards, principal of the school of Almelo, Mrs. Svetlana Angela Stepanyan gave the floor to the students of the schools of Almelo, Mastricht and Neimekhen, who warmed the hearts of the gathered with their beautiful songs, dances and poetry and proved once again that the salvation of the Armenian nation lies in its collective force.

Saying the Lord’s Prayer at the end, Father Serovbe Isakhanyan gave his blessings to the attendees. For a moment, it seemed as though the prayer was “melting” like wax, filling everyone’s souls with the power of the Apostles.

The ceremony ended with a reception during which the guests were treated to Armenian barbecue and various types of tasty foods. Everything was splendid and wonderful. Glory and honor to the entire Armenian community of Almelo for organizing the event beautifully and with taste! We must also take into account the great contribution that the principal of the Armenian school of Almelo, Mr. Manuk Mkrtchyan made.

There was also a surprise for Mrs. Sveta Abrahamyan, who organized the “Platform” event and recently celebrated her birthday. Taking the opportunity, the members of “Platform” and the teachers congratulated and expressed their gratitude to Mrs. Abrahamyan and gave her small gifts.

The sun hadn’t set yet and was “seeing all the guests off”, “wishing” them a safe journey and everlasting unity.

Thank you. Almelo…

Artak Manukyan