On March 4, 2011, a gathering was organized for elderly people on the premises of JMP–L, on the occasion of Vartanants, a remembrance of the battle led in 451 A.D. by Saint Vartan to defend the Armenian people’s Christian faith against the Persian army.
Father Hagop Bzdigian, the parish priest of St. Sarkis Church, talked to the elderly about the Vartanants battle and concluded that the main message that has been passed down to us was about defending our faith and being ready to sacrifice for it.
He hoped that we could follow their steps and take example from their faith, courage and patriotism, and always be ready to live as followers of Christ and His Word.
The program continued with Mrs. Karmen Ajemian, who sang Armenian national songs, which kept the spirits of the elderly high.
Next, hot meal was served by volunteer women from JMP–L’s Medication Dispensing Service. The elderly enjoyed the traditionalmante dish, donated by restaurant Dzar. Fruits, deserts and coffee were also provided by another donor.
The aim of these gatherings is to provide spiritual uplift and recreation to a group of elderly who live alone, and try to give them hope and encouragement to overcome their difficulties and to feel that there are people who care for their well-being and that they are respected in their own community.
