Central Committee
The Hamazkayin Central Executive Board has held Student Forums for 24 years. The Forums first took place in Lebanon, and then in Armenia. This year, the Forum took place in Europe, particularly in Venice from August 10 to 12.
On the first day of the Forum, Ara Barseghian, Responsible Person for Forum, presented information related to the program, accommodation and the rules.
Arin Kaloustian, Director of the office of Hamazkayin Central Executive Board, spoke about the Hamazkayin Association, its future activities and multifaceted programs.
Afterwards, the director of the Armenian Culture Research Center in Italy and the president of the Italian-Armenians Union Minas Lourian spoke about the Armenians established in Italy, their life and present situation, as well as the activities of the Center and the history of the Murat Rafaelian College.
The participants of the event visited a museum, took a trip to the historic sights of Italy, and enjoyed many pleasant moments together.
The historian from Berlin Vahe Tachjian presented the Houshamadyan website, its program, goals and methods of work. Some of the students presented their old family pictures and tried to reveal their past and draw conclusions with the help of the historian.
On Saturday, August 11, Vahan Kerovbian, the member of Collectif Medz Bazar band of Paris, told about the group members and the band’s activities. He also spoke on the topic "My Inner World, Surrounding and Outside World". He delivered his very interesting experiences, which would help the listeners to recognize one another's inner world.
On the same day, London-based Shakeh Major Tchilingirian gave explanations about the peculiarities of Armenian dance, and then taught various Armenian group dances to the enthusiastic students.
On Sunday, August 12, the group took a trip to St. Lazar Island, where the St. Lazar Church of the Mekhitarist Congregation was located. They were present at the Blessing Grapes Liturgy and the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, after which they dined with the Congregation Brotherhood and the Armenian Community of Venice. The participants also had the opportunity to get acquainted with the Monastery and museums, accompanied by Benedetta Contin-Ipekjian, who gave detailed information about the structures, their past and present.
Then, they returned to their places of residence at the Murat Rafaelian College, where Nairi Khachadourian delivered a speech on art and music. The participants closely contacted with songs and music through theory and practice.
After dinner, the participants of the Hamazkayin First European Student Forum ended their three-day gathering with very unique and unforgettable moments.