On October 16, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan visited the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Almelo. The minister laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide memorial, planted a fir tree in the yard of the Church, entered the Church and moved to the Calouste Gulbenkian Hall where hundreds of Armenians of Almelo had gathered to greet the high-ranking guest. The attendees greeted Minister Hranush Hakobyan with warm rounds of applause, Manuk Mkrtchyan reports to Hayern Aysor from Almelo.

President of the Armenian Genocide memorial Harut Poghosyan talked about the activities carried out by the community and talked about future plans. Poghosyan’s speech was followed by speeches by RA Ambassador to The Netherlands Dzyunik Aghajanyan and the representative of the St. Mesrop Mashtots Armenian Sunday School.

Principal of the school Manuk Mkrtchyan expressed greetings to the RA Minister of Diaspora, briefly presented the school and talked about the past and future activities. In the end, Mkrtchyan donated the collection of editions of the school’s “Zangak” newspaper, which has been publishing for the past two years. Afterwards, the children presented a part of the ceremony dedicated to Holy Translators’ Day, after which “Zartonk” Dance Ensemble and the scholars of the Church gave their performances.

During the meeting, a member of the ARF-D, as well as representatives of the AGBU and Homenetmen gave their speeches and welcoming remarks.

After the speeches, welcome speeches and performances, Minister Hranush Hakobyan gave gifts and awards to representatives of the school and community organizations. Several teachers received medals and certificates of appreciation. Certificates of appreciation were also granted to representatives of the council of the Church, as well as members of the AGBU, Homenetmen and the “Yerevan” Society.

After the event, the minister held private talks with leaders of the community, the Ambassador and two Consuls of the Republic of Armenia, who asked Minister Hranush Hakobyan several questions and received satisfying answers.

The meeting was held in a very warm and friendly atmosphere.