Bzommar, Lebanon

For the first time, the Armenian Catholic Youth Associations of Zalka and Ashrafieh together held their annual camp in Bzommar which lasted for 10 days and during which the HGM members gathered in discussion groups and enjoyed various games.

The final celebrations started on Saturday the 18th of August 2007 at 6:00 pm by the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Father Vartan Kazandjian, followed by the ceremonies of oath and finally the closing bonfire which was attended by the parents who had come to Bzommar especially for this occasion.

In his sermon, Father Kazandjian reminded that HGM is one of the most important stages in the lives of the adolescents in becoming mature and active individuals as Armenian Christians aware of their national belonging and heritage. He added that the initiative taken by HGM is a witness and a proof of unity in the current Lebanese situation. He also gave a brief historical about HGM that was found by High Priest Antranig Geranian first in Ashrafieh then in Bourj Hamoud. Zalka, Damascus, Kesab and recently in Armenia.

At the end of his sermon, Father Vartan added two new verses to the HGM anthem inviting the members to be brave and stay unified in the arms of the Blessed Virgin Mary.