Hayern Aysor continues to talk to the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora for homeland recognition about their days spent in Armenia and their impressions of the Program. The subsequent interview is with 13-year-old Greek-Armenian Alisa Kurkchian.

“This year, I graduated from the AGBU A. Galpakian School. I think my greatest achievement of the past years was learning how to speak in Armenian. I am well aware of the fact that being fluent in my native language can help me preserve my national identity and be proud to be Armenian. I live in an Armenian environment at home as well. I speak Armenian with my family members, and we celebrate all Armenian national holidays. I love Easter the most.

To stay true to the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Christian faith, I go to church and participate in the Sunday masses. Our community is consolidated. We organize various events for national preservation that help us further strengthen our bonds with Armenia.

The “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora served as a wonderful opportunity for me to make new friends and go sightseeing in Armenia. I am having a great time here. I am happy that I saw Mount Ararat. I am also impressed with the visits to Khor Virap Monastery, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran) and other sites.

I noticed that everything was well-organized, starting from the generosity and ending with the tasty food that we were served.

Gevorg Chichyan