Light in Yerevan: Visiting the New Arev Down Syndrome Center

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Epostle steps inside the new home of Fr. Gregor Gregoryan’s Arev Down Syndrome Center

Epostle team member Vahe Stambultsyan recently visited the new space of the Arev Down Syndrome Center in Yerevan, and returned deeply moved by what he witnessed. The new center is beautiful, the energy is joyful, and the work being done there is nothing short of remarkable.

The Arev Center was founded by Fr. Gregor Gregoryan to serve a community that would otherwise be tragically forgotten and abandoned. When Fr. Gregor and his wife were blessed with their son Monte, they were shocked to discover that there were no support services in Armenia,  neither for their child nor for his parents. Rather than accept this, Fr. Gregor built what was missing. Through the Arev Down Syndrome Center, families came out of the shadows, and a new community was born.

Today, children gather at the Center for educational programs that include counseling sessions with psychologists, occupational therapists, teachers, and caregivers. Behind it all is Fr. Gregor himself ,  an incredible man of faith, always in awe of the wonders of God, whose love and energy fill every corner of the Center.

That spirit was on full display during an earlier Epostle visit to Yerevan, when Fr. Vazken invited Raffi Mikaelian, conductor at the Opera House, to join the team at the Arev Center. The children performed a song on bells,  and another bell rang for Maestro Raffi, who invited them to perform with the Paros group at the Opera House. To the thunderous applause of the audience and the joyous tears of their parents, another miracle took place.

The Arev Center is one of the Outreach projects supported by the Epostle ministry. In this video, Vahe takes us through the Center’s new space ,  a testament to what faith, love, and one family’s determination can build.

Video by: Vahe Stambultzyan

Sewing Dreams Into Reality: Ten Women in Vanadzor Complete Fashion Design Training

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Vibrantz For Vanadzor | An Epostle Outreach Project:

For five weeks, the “Toon” Social-Educational Center of the Gougark Diocese became a place of learning, creativity, and transformation for ten women determined to strengthen their professional skills and create new opportunities for themselves.

The fashion modeling training course brought together graduates of previous sewing courses implemented through the social programs of the Gougark Diocese. Having already taken their first steps in sewing, these women were ready to deepen their knowledge and move forward with greater confidence.

The course was led by internationally recognized Armenian designer Kevork Nour Shadoyan, whose work is known for combining Armenian traditional motifs with contemporary fashion aesthetics. Under his guidance, participants studied modern fashion modeling, pattern making, garment construction, and advanced sewing techniques,  learning to transform ideas into designs and to approach clothing not only as a practical skill, but as a creative process.

For many of the women, the training became much more than a course. Participants shared that after classes they continued working late into the evening at home, practicing new techniques, creating patterns, and refining their skills. They describe it as one of the most inspiring experiences of their lives.

“We are truly inspired and grateful for this opportunity. It is an amazing feeling to see our dreams taking shape and becoming real. Every day was filled with new colors, smiles, and friendship. Through this journey, we became more confident and more knowledgeable,” shared one of the participants.

By the end of the program, the women had gained not only new technical skills, but greater confidence in their own abilities and a clearer vision for the future. For some, this may become a path toward employment; for others, the beginning of a small business, a creative workshop, or a new professional direction.

This training program was generously funded by Vibrantz for Vanadzor, a project launched by Epostle with the blessing and guidance of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and carried out in partnership with Bishop Hovnan Hakopyan and the Gougark Diocese.

This story is not only about fashion. It is about women who chose to learn, to grow, and to believe in themselves.

 

Vanadzor: Thank You for Hope!

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“Thank you for giving me hope…” It’s the expression that is being heard from the participants in the “Gar” Sewing program, part of the Vibrance for Vanadzor outreach of Epostle. Watch this short expression of appreciation, prepared as a year-end thank you to all those who made this happen.

“Thank you for Giving Me Hope!”

 

Fashion Design in Supporting Vanadzor Sewing Project

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Fashion Design Masterclass Fundraiser to Empower Women in Vanadzor, Armenia

Silk Scarf Design and Painting taught by International Fashion Designer, Kevork Shadoyan. To benefit the Vibrantz for Vanadzor Women’s Sewing program.

Date and Time: Sunday, October 12, 3:00-6:00 PM

At: St. Gregory Armenian Church – Mushegan Pavilion 
2215 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California

Donation: $125/person 

Purchase tickets here

About this Event

Learn the art of silk scarf painting in an intimate workshop with internationally acclaimed fashion designer Kevork Shadoyan. All proceeds support the Vibrantz for Vanadzor Women’s Sewing Project, helping empower women through sewing, design, wellness and entrepreneurship.

Wine and cheese will be served

 

 

 

August ’25 Ascencia celebration

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Another beautiful outreach on the books. Back in April, first-time participant John Tatiossian was so moved by our outreach that he committed to sponsor in the coming months. This month, John sponsored our August outreach meal treating our Ascencia brothers and sisters to a delicious meal of kebab, pilav, salad, cheese boregs and yummy Bulgarian pastries for dessert. Joined by his sister Sossie Missirlian the brother/sister team along with our crew worked hard to prepare and serve. The smiles were many!!
We had a fun time with Ascencia staff too – who came by to do a little filming of our team in action.
Thank you John and Sossie and to all our donors and prayer partners!!
 

The Guest Chef Team for Ascencia

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Words from Ascencia:

“We are so grateful for our friends at In His Shoes for their years of service! They have been volunteering at Ascencia for over 11 years, coming on-site to cook a wonderful meal for our residents every single month.
From the first dish they served to the countless smiles they’ve inspired, their commitment to giving back has truly transformed lives. It’s incredible to see multiple generations and countless families so dedicated to helping our mission. To every person who has volunteered, your generosity and talent have inspired many, and we’re so grateful for every moment you’ve spent in our kitchen. Here’s to many more years of delicious memories together!”