PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
August 25, 2004

New Diocesan Council Elected in the Armenian Diocese of Damascus

The Armenian Diocese of Damascus (Syria) officially informed the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin that on August 15, a Diocesan Assembly was convened at
the St. Sarkis Armenian Cathedral of Damascus. During the meeting a new
Diocesan Council was elected. The elections were organized by the
initiative of the Parish Council of St. Sarkis and the (Armenian) national
representative assembly of Damascus, and were conducted according to the
rules of the National Constitution, under the supervision of the Election
Oversight Committee.

An election such as this, with the participation of all Armenian
organizations of Damascus, had not happened in the last thirty years within
this diocese.

The newly elected Diocesan Council is comprised of eleven lay members from
throughout the community and two clergymen from the Diocesan Religious
Council. In accord with the national constitution, the president of the
Diocesan Council is the primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus, Very
Rev. Fr. Armash Vardapet Nalbandian.

The new diocesan council members, under the guidance of their diocesan
primate, will bring their efforts and devoted service to the progress and
prosperity of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus, for the glory of the
Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
has conveyed his Pontifical Blessings and good wishes to the newly elected
members of the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress