On the morning of December 2, 2013, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos received director of the British Royal Orchestra Vartan Melkonian.

Vartan Melkonian has stayed at “Trchnots Buyn” Orphanage as an orphan for five years in the 1950s. For the past decade, he has been director of the 300-member choir and orchestra of England. Even after leaving the orphanage, he still has strong ties with the orphanage and provides financial assistance.

Last year, Vartan Melkonian was appointed a United Nations Humanitarian Ambassador for his program to help children on the streets. Former UK Prime Minister John Major has also been appointed in this position. Vartan Melkonian travels often and always touched upon the Armenian Genocide, as well as the role of “Trchnots Buyn”.

During this visit, Vardan Melkonian presented the Supreme Patriarch with more than 100 archival photos showing the life at “Trchnots Buyn”. The photos were transferred to Melkonian by founder of “Trchnots Buyn”, Denmark-based KMA Missionary Organization.

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