On Sunday, April 12, 2015, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the opening ceremony of “Melkon and Angel Melkonian Gym” at the ACF Beshir Mardirossian Burbank Youth Center. The Prelate was accompanied by Rev. Vazken Atmajian and Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian. Among the guests participating in the ceremony were ARF Central Committee Chair Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, Youth Center benefactors Timmy and Seda Mardirossian, gym benefactors Varant and Hoori Melkonian and family.
Following the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception by the benefactors, during which remarks were delivered. The Prelate conveyed his blessings and commendation to the Mardirossian and Melkonian sponsors families and the volunteers and supporters of the Youth Center. His Eminence noted that the day coincided with the first Sunday after Easter, New Sunday, which represents triumph and rebirth, and also with the historic Holy Mass celebrated by His Holiness Pope Francis earlier in the day in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial. “On the eve of the Armenian Genocide Centennial, the realization of centers such as this sends a loud message that our people are reborn and that the new generations will fervently continue the struggle for our rightful demands.”