the celebrations commenced at Tangra

Tangra before the visitors arrived

As the sun set at Tangra so the decorative lighting in the grounds began to take effect

At the Armenian College the school band prepare for the arrival of His Holiness

The band waits anxiously for his arrival. Unfortunately they're on the wrong corner of Free School Street!

Realising their positioning was wrong, they race to the entrance of the school just in time for the arrival of His Holiness

His Holiness arriving at the Armenian College

One student was chosen to greet the party

An enthusiastic crowd gathered in front of the school

Bishop Arshak Khachatrian listens to the children singing

The newly refurbished dining room at the Armenian College was the venue for the lunch for all the visitors.

The obligatory group photo

Left to right: Bishop Jamkochian, Jim Kalustian and Bishop Khachatrian

I took Len Apcar for a little walk down Kyd Street to show him a house that was once a beautiful home of a member of his family.

Sadly, the house is now past its best, but Len was still thrilled to find an "Apcar house standing!

The long journey to Saidabad took over 5 hours

A quick comfort stop on the way!

A slower mode of transport

......and transport that toppled over.......

My first glimpse of the Armenian Church at Saidabad

My good friend, Hasmik, wife of Deacon Harout.

One of the many beautiful vistas at Saidabad

His Holiness and his entourage also travelled to Saidabad. For Deacon Harout, this was a special and precious moment as the first part of his ordination was conducted here.

The Armenian Church at Saidabad

The interior

The crowds anticipate the arrival of His Holiness at the Holy Nazareth Church where the 300th anniversary celebration service was to be conducted

Deacon Harout leads the Bishops into the Nazareth church

To the left of His Holiness is his Staff Bearer Reverend Father Hovnan Hakobian and to the right is Very Reverend Father Oshagan Gulgulian Pastor of the Armenians in India

This is one of my favourite photos. Left is Deacon Harout's aunt, middle is his mother and right is Hasmik his wife. All are overcome with emotion at seeing the man they love ordained a priest.

Deacon Harout being ordained into the Priesthood. He was renamed by His Holiness and is now known as Father Avetis.

What a wonderful group! All ex students of the Armenian College

Visiting clergy and Jim Kalustian

I don't often get into many pictures as I'm usually taking them, but here's one snapped with my camera by one of the Bishops

A few pictures of people at the banquet

David Purdy and Colleen

Just in shot, Colleen Blanche, Micky Martin from the Armenian Church in Dhaka, and Levon from Oz