On December 8, in the city of Geraardsbergen, Belgium, in the newly established Armenian church community, the opening of the “Komitas” Sunday school took place. An Armenian church community was established in the city of Geraardsbergen two months ago, and a Sunday school is already operating for the Armenians living in the community and neighboring towns.

The Sunday school opening ceremony began with a church ceremony presided by the Pontifical Legate of the Western Europe and Representative of the Armenian Church to the Holy See, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, with the company of newly appointed pastor of Antwerp Very Rev. Father Tirayr Hakobyan. The newly appointed pastor of the catholic community, Emmanuel Vidts, members of the Parish Council, community representatives were also present.

The pastor of the community Very Rev. Father Maghakia Beskisizian made an opening speech: “Its worth mentioning that the Armenian community of Belgium is experiencing a historic, happy and unforgettable day, because two months after founding this church community of Geraardsbergen, we will have the “Komitas” Sunday Armenian school for the preservation and formation of our children. It is an undeniable reality that for centuries, and especially today, there has been a cornerstone for the continuity of nations in the world. The Armenian nation still exists thanks to its experience, wise individuals, strong spirit, clergymen, will, and faith. The Armenian school is the gate to the preservation and conservation of our nationality. The Armenian nation will be defeated if we do not pass on our history, culture, religion, values, knowledge, and spirit to future generations. I congratulate the Armenian parents from Geraardsbergen and the surrounding cities, that today, under the leadership of the His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the foundation of the Sunday school was laid.”

Then the Sunday school students performed beautifully. They recited and sung patriotic poems and songs.

At the end of the ceremony, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian said in his speech. “Thanks to you, dear children, young people, parents, clergy, we have started a new path. This path is the path of victory, both spiritually and nationally. Our history had a tradition of having the church and school in one place, particularly in the Diaspora, and the Armenian child received spiritual, cultural and national education. As long as the voices of our children and young people are heard in the church, at school, it means we do exist and will continue to live. This day is a miracle to me, and I express my gratitude to all of you, led by Father Maghakia. Thanks to your work, you are heading in the right direction, especially nowadays, when our nation is going through difficult times. We are happy, we give glory to God that there are such bright moments as well.”

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian gave crosses to Sunday school students, brought from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin so that the blessings of St. Gregory the Illuminator and all the Fathers always be with the children.

After the end of the ceremony, led by His Eminence, attendees headed to the Sunday school building. It should be noted that the honor of the opening, the cutting of the red ribbon, was given to the His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. Then Father Maghakia and the school teacher Ani Karapetyan introduced the Sunday school program to His Eminence and Father Tirayr. Father Maghakia also mentioned that there are plans to create a choir and a women’s union in the near future.

At the end of the day, members of the Parish Council and parents of Sunday school students organized a reception.