DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM, A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
The Eastern Prelacy’s St. Gregory of Datev Institute completed its weeklong Datev Summer Program for youth ages 13-18. The program was held at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 30 to July 7, and 43 students participated.
Here are impressions from some of the participants:
“Datev is like a second home to me. I loved being with my friends, learning about God, and how to be closer to Him. I also loved the activities, night and morning services, and being surrounded by nature. I am beyond grateful to the Institute and staff for making this week a memorable and cherished one for a lifetime.”
– Sarineh Cunningham
“This is my fourth year at Datev, where I am learning how to be an Armenian Christian. My classmates and I learned a lot; for example, virtues and vices, the Creed, vocation, the New Testament, and more. But my favorite class was Church Etiquette, taught by Der Sarkis. We discussed how we should pray in church, what to wear, and even when and how to enter a church. Besides the classes, we did many activities like lighting fireworks and eating marshmallows around the campfire, but the volleyball tournament was the best. My team lost, but we still had fun. I’m so glad I came to Datev this year to see my old friends and make new ones. It’s an experience you can’t forget.”
– Paul Tatarian
“Datev Institute was incredibly fun and very educational for me this year! The classes were very detailed and well-suited to open discussion, allowing us to freely ask questions about the topic and anything we didn’t understand. This, along with general sessions and bible studies, was very useful. I enjoyed the recreational activities, especially the kayaking this year! 10/10, very well-rounded Program this year!”
— Michael Ambartsumyan
“Datev has always been fun. It is a great place to learn about the Armenian church and our faith as Armenians. We also learned about the history of our church. Evening Bible studies are a great way to learn about the Bible in a setting you can’t find anywhere else.”
– William Chapanian
“I can’t express how long I’ve been waiting for Datev Institute. Not only do you meet and bond with other Armenian Christians, but you also strengthen your spiritual life with God. This includes taking classes on different subjects, participating in morning and evening services, and openly asking questions to teachers and Der Hayrs. Overall, I would recommend it to ANY Armenian Christians.”
– Nishan Baljian
“I am a first-year Datevatsi, and what I liked most was going to the church services and classes. My favorite class was “Living our Faith,” and my favorite service was the morning service. The activities were very fun, and my favorite activity was the Vartavar games. I would like to come back next year.”
– Tatev Manukyan
“This week was a very good week at Datev. I was able to make new friends and see some friends that I hadn’t seen in a very long time. My favorite part about Datev was the classes, the church services, and the fun activities. I loved having different teachers for each of the three classes every day. Going to church in the morning was the best part about waking up. The planned activities were very, very fun. My favorite activity was the volleyball tournament and the dances that we did a lot. I can’t wait to come back next year.”
– Melineh Takvorian
“I can’t express how long I’ve been waiting for Datev Institute. Not only do you meet and bond with other Armenian Christians, but you also strengthen your spiritual life with God. This includes taking classes on different subjects, participating in morning and evening services, and openly asking questions to teachers and Der Hayrs. Overall, I would recommend it to ANY Armenian Christians.”
– Nishan Baljian
“Everyone is really nice. I really like it here. I’ll come back next year.”
— Rafael Yessaian
“I am a first-year Datevatsi, and what I liked most was going to the church services and classes. My favorite class was “Living our Faith,” and my favorite service was the morning service. The activities were very fun, and my favorite activity was the Vartavar games. I would like to come back next year.”
– Tatev Manukyan
“I enjoyed learning more about my faith and our Armenian church. Going to the chapel for morning and night service was nice because I got to learn new sharagans. I also learned Armenian dances and did them with friends. It was so fun. I enjoyed the activities and had a good time.”
—Sophie Karapetyan
“I have learned so many things that I did not know about, including friendship, what we believe, how to read the Bible, and more. My favorite part of being here was making so many friends who would stay with me for a very long time. I loved how we had our Bible studies to learn about the Holy Bible each day. I also loved how, on most days, we had the opportunity for outings, special events, and fireworks and s’mores on the Fourth of July. All in all, I have had so much fun at Datev.”
– Levon Chapanian
“Datev Institute is a fun place. You get to meet Armenians from all over and learn many religious things about your faith. You also go to morning and evening chapel services. I also enjoy the fun outdoor activities. Overall, it’s a good experience, and I would go again.”
– Arega Karapetyan
“Datev was really fun. The classes were informative, and the people were very nice and funny.”
– Luke Husla
“This year was very jam-packed and filled to the brim with activities and education alike. I personally found that the classes were much more captivating and engaging. We had many fun activities and a couple of outings. We went to Marsh Creek for swimming and boating; bowling was the other place we went. We were nourished spiritually in our thoughtfully prepared classes. I had a great time this year but only wish it had lasted longer.”
– Avedis Bell
“This is my second year at Datev, and I like it so much. It is an opportunity to connect with God and be closer to your friends. There are also tons of sports and activities.”
– Hagop Dishoyan
“Coming to Datev is one of my favorite things, and I look forward to Datev every year. I have made many friends and created a group over the years. Every time it ends, I look back at the memories and realize how grateful I am for the Armenian community.”
– Naira Kechishian
“This was my first year at Datev. I had the best time, and I met so many new people! I made memories I will never forget, and I’m already looking forward to next year!”
– Anna Donabedian
“Datev was kind of stressful at first, but then I met some friends, and the week went by fast. I would come again next year.”
– Hrair Yessaian
“I am a third-year Datevatsi. This year, I’ve learned many new things about our Armenian church, met new people, and made new friends. I have made memories that I will never forget and will cherish forever. I want to thank the entire Datev staff for making this Institute possible.”
– Robert Kanaby
“This is my third summer attending Datev, and I am proud to be a Datevatsi in my Armenian community. During Datev, we attend classes and create closer friendships with one another. We do many indoor and outdoor activities like sports tournaments, watching movies, and even having a few outings. During the summer, I make some of my best memories with my Armenian friends at Datev. I can’t wait to reunite with my fellow Datevatsis in the upcoming years.”
– Tiffany Arvestian,
“This is my third year of Datev, and it was as enjoyable and eventful as the last two. There was never a dull moment, from the Vartavar games to volleyball tournaments. Datev is a perfect balance of fun and learning. I wait all year to surround myself with people who share my faith. I enjoy Datev and love the community.”
– Nunia Najjarian
“Datev has a really good balance of learning time and socializing time. The classes are very informational and interesting.”
– Vartine Ketchedjian
“Datev has always been fun. It is a great place to learn about the Armenian church and our faith as Armenians. We also learned about the history of our church. Evening Bible studies are a great way to learn about the Bible in a setting you can’t find anywhere else.”
– William Chapanian
“Datev is an extremely fun and educational institution. As it is my third year at Datev, I personally recommend it to anyone who wants to stay connected to their Armenian community, make new friends, and get closer to God. During the week, we have many interesting lessons, such as Armenian History and Bible studies, that help us understand and interpret the Bible more deeply. We learn new sharagans in the Chapel that help us grow our relationship with God and play many fun recreational games during our free time. This creates a well-balanced week with a variety of things to do. Overall, I definitely think it is a good idea to take a week off of summer vacation to come to Datev.”
— Ararat Yakoubian
“This is my third year at Datev. Datev is a very enriching experience for anyone from a teen to a young adult. This year included many new lessons in Bible studies and prophetic knowledge. The prophetic knowledge class was my favorite due to the interesting topics involving messianic prophecies. I also enjoyed the church history classes, which covered topics from the golden age and Cilicia to the present day.”
– Michael Bederjikian
“I’m proud to say this is my third year at Datev, and I love every second of it. I enjoy sharing my faith and religion with people my age. My favorite parts of Datev are the outings, general sessions, and being with my friends. It gives me the privilege to build close friendships with other Armenians my age. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about their faith.”
— Meghri Kassardjian
“Datev Institute was incredibly fun and very educational for me this year! The classes were very detailed and well-suited to open discussion, allowing us to freely ask questions about the topic and anything we didn’t understand. This, along with general sessions and bible studies, was very useful. I enjoyed the recreational activities, especially the kayaking this year! 10/10, very well-rounded Program this year!”
— Michael Ambartsumyan
“Datev Institute is a place where Armenians come together not only to learn about our faith but also to have fun. I admire the fact we start and end each day with prayer and chapel. This, in the long run, will help create good habits to become the best Christian I can be. I love seeing my family and friends when I come back each year. Overall, I like that Datev helps me in my vocation towards becoming a better person and a better Christian.”
– Taniel Arakelian
“Datev truly brings the education I have needed, supplementing hours of research with classes that provide insight into the Armenian Orthodox Church and Christian life. It is positive not only in a spiritual way but also as a retreat from the world, a fortress that protects and guides us from evil and falsities to truth.”
– Jane Simonyan Gordner
“Datev is the best place to make friends for life and learn about our Faith in the Armenian Orthodox Church. Throughout the week at the Datev, I had many experiences that I will never forget. I also learned so much about our Christian Faith and many valuable lessons. I would greatly recommend Datev to teenagers who want to become closer to God and make lifelong friends.”
– Greg Varjabedian
This is my fourth year at Datev, where I am learning how to be an Armenian Christian. My classmates and I learned a lot; for example, virtues and vices, the Creed, vocation, the New Testament, and more. But my favorite class was Church Etiquette, taught by Der Sarkis. We discussed how we should pray in church, what to wear, and even when and how to enter a church. Besides the classes, we did many activities like lighting fireworks and eating marshmallows around the campfire, but the volleyball tournament was the best. My team lost, but we still had fun. I’m so glad I came to Datev this year to see my old friends and make new ones. It’s an experience you can’t forget.”
– Paul Tatarian
“Datev is like a second home to me. I loved being with my friends, learning about God, and how to be closer to Him. I also loved the activities, night and morning services, and being surrounded by nature. I am beyond grateful to the Institute and staff for making this week a memorable and cherished one for a lifetime.”
– Sarineh Cunningham
“The Datev Institute is one of the best places for youth to learn about the Armenian church and Christianity and the Armenian nation and culture. It is also an exceptional place to build spiritual discipline. Furthermore, it is a great place to make new friends with other students in our Prelacy.”
– Hagop Ketchedjian
I had a wonderful time at Datev. I didn’t think I would enjoy it, but everybody was so nice, and I became part of the group. I learned a lot of interesting things like church history, church etiquette, and my culture. I enjoyed playing volleyball, swimming in the pool, and canoeing in the lake. Even though I went home early because of the Homenetmen Games, I made many new friends that I plan to keep in touch with. I plan to come back again next year!
— Alexander Shamlian