Four young people interning at the Armenian Mission to the United Nations visited the Diocesan Center and met with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), on Thursday, July 29.

The interns—Sarine Arslanian of Brussels, Belgium; Georgi Asatryan of Moscow, Russia; Alex Kircikoglu of New York; and Hilda Harutyunyan of Kuwait City, Kuwait—were led by His Excellency Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the UN.

The group received a tour of the Diocesan Center and St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. They had an opportunity to learn more about Diocesan departments. In addition, they were introduced to the Diocese’s large book and artifact collection in the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, including the first Bible printed in Armenian and ancient prayer scrolls.

They continued on to St. Vartan Cathedral where they learned about the history of the edifice, as well as its beautiful artwork and architecture.

At the conclusion of the tour, the interns were received by Archbishop Barsamian in the tahlij (formal reception room) of the Diocese. Archbishop Barsamian spoke to them about the history of the Eastern Diocese and the determination of its founders to preserve the Armenian faith and culture in America. He encouraged the interns to embrace their Armenian identity and to share their heritage with others.

“I am happy to see young Armenians from around the world serving our community,” said Archbishop Barsamian, adding that he wished them a productive experience at the Armenian Mission.

Ambassador Nazarian said that the interns would utilize themes raised at their discussion with the Primate in their meetings and workshops at the UN.

During the three-week program, interns are introduced to the work of the Armenian Mission and have an opportunity to learn about foreign policy issues affecting Armenia today.