The opening ceremony of the Patriarch Mesrob II sports festival, organized under the auspices and blessings of the Patriarch of Türkiye’s Armenians Sahak II, was enthusiastic.
In the opening program of the Patriarch Mesrob II Sports Festival, which was organized on the evening of Monday, July 17, under the leadership of the religious official of the Islands Priest Harutyun Damadyan, in cooperation with the Kınalıada Church Nersesyan Choir, Karagözyan Orphanage summer camp Gazturman Gayan and Şişli Sports Club, the first participants were the children, young people, their families, the people of the island interested in the festival and competition organizers accompanied by the musicians led by Raffi Derkevorkyan, who walked from the Gazturman Gayan building to the Surp Krikor Lusavorich Church, where they were welcomed by ringing bells.
The community gathered in the church garden, under the leadership of High Priest Harutyun, first said the Lord’s prayer, then they prayed for the competitions to be held in friendship and brotherhood during the festival, and finally they prayed for the soul of the late Patriarch Mesrob II. Afterwards, they went on a group walk to the camp’s gym, again accompanied by musicians. Here, all participants took a group photo with High Priest Harutyun.
The first match of the festival was the basketball exhibition match between mixed teams consisting of young people and veterans. The athletes also took photos with High Priest Harutyun before the match.
After the exhibition match, the festival opening ended. During the sports festival, competitions in volleyball, basketball, mini football, table tennis and chess were very competitive and entertaining in different age categories.
The four-day festival ended with great enthusiasm on the evening of Friday, July 21, 2023, just like on the opening day.
At the award ceremony presided over by Patriarch Sahak II, Archpriest Zakeos Ohanyan, Patriarchate Islands Religious Official High Priest Harutyun Damadyan, Deputy Patriarch Sr. Father Krikor Damadyan, children, young people and parents participating in the games, Nersesyan Choir members, Kınalıada Camp (Gazturman Gayan) and Şişli Sports Club members were present.
After the opening speech of High Priest Harutyun, Raffi Kalk from the Camp management made a speech and thanked all participants and supporters. In his speech, Patriarch Sahak II emphasized the importance of such an initiative during the period when Gazturman Gayan is closed.
Stating that this traditional festival has literally turned into a festival, Patriarch Sahak II appreciated Superior Priest Harutyun Damadyan and Raffi Kalk, who successfully implemented this initiative in cooperation with the Nersesyan Choir, Kınalıada Camp (Gazturman Gayan) and Şişli Sports Club.
Touching on the importance of hard work and great effort, Patriarch Sahak II instructed the children to be hard-working and create opportunities to unite with their brothers and sisters in social structures. Then, he invited the winners of the volleyball, basketball, table tennis, chess and football teams to the stage one by one to give their awards. The ceremony ended enthusiastically with songs and traditional dances following the award ceremony.
