August 4-8, 2025, was a significant time for the youth of the Orange County community. For the ninth consecutive year, the Summer Bible School of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Church opened its doors once again within the church complex. This was under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, and organized by the church’s Pastor, Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, along with the Board of Trustees.
This year, 65 students participated in the program. Many of the students regularly attend Sunday school, the AGM School, and serve on the church’s Altar. The school’s teachers and volunteer assistants had already prepared special programs to make the taught subjects more interesting and engaging. Each age group had its own specific program. Depending on their group division, they learned prayers, psalms, hymns, songs, recitations, and had moments of scripture study and hands-on activities, establishing and rooting their Christian and Armenian identity, as well as being filled with the enduring values of the Armenian Church. The lessons were presented using modern audiovisual materials.
On the last day of the camp, Friday morning, the students gathered in the church, where parents were also present. The students presented a neat program. Class by class, they showcased the prayers, psalms, and hymns they had learned. Each student received a certificate of participation from the Pastor, while teachers and volunteers received certificates of appreciation. After the ceremony in the church and the presentations, the students enjoyed playtime, especially water games.
After the closing prayer, the students returned home with new knowledge, experiences of spiritual life, and beautiful, unforgettable memories. The values of Christian faith and the noble principles of the Armenian Church were engraved in the hearts, souls, and minds of each child and young person.
