Armenians descend upon Ararat Center for open house, consecration

It was more than the brilliant sun that made the day exhilarating. When more than 650 guests descended upon the Eastern Diocese’s new Ararat Center for an open house and consecration on July 24, they were quickly inspired by the site.

They explored the seven buildings on the site, marveled at the possibility afforded by its 65 acres, and were moved by the inspirational consecration of the land, making it Armenian.

“This is truly an extraordinary day in the life of our Diocese,” the Primate told the crowd following the consecration, which featured dozens of priests and sharagans sung by the St. Vartan Camp participants.

“This is a day of beginnings; a day of dreams reaching their fulfillment; a day of seeing our dreams come to fruition and setting beautiful dreams for the future.”

The Ararat Center was palpably transformed during the consecration service when soil from Armenia was buried and, with the promise of success to come, an altar stone was blessed and consecrated for use in a future on-site chapel.

“With the founding of the Ararat Center, a new horizon of amazing possibilities has opened up for our church,” the Primate said. “Summer camps, religious retreats, all manner of programs for young and old—the Ararat Center promises all this and more to our future generations.”

As the consecration continued, the transformation into a truly Armenian site was noticeable. In that simple ceremony the Ararat Center became a home for all Armenians.

“Being Armenian, I think the idea of having the Ararat Center in beautiful New York State is so rejuvenating for the community. It will revitalize the Armenian community,” said Sona Jones of Tenafly, N.J. “We don’t have the real Ararat anymore, but we are happy with the Catskills.” Of the St. Vartan Camp campers, George Vartanian says they quickly came to love their new home, the Ararat Center, located 30 miles south of Albany, NY.