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
November 2, 2004

Mother See Saddened to Announce Death of Deacon Zorik Abeshian

On October 31, His Grace Bishop Movses Movsisian, Primate of the Armenian
Diocese of Southern Russia, informed the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of
the murder of Deacon Zorik Abeshian. Deacon Zorik, who served in Saint
Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia
(Russian Federation), had disappeared en route to church earlier last month.

Law enforcement authorities found the dismembered body of Deacon Zorik on
October 31, at the edge of the Vladikavkaz-Alagir highway.

Condemning this heinous crime, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, and the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin
invite the faithful flock to offer solemn prayers to God for the eternal
rest of Deacon Zorik Abeshian, and that the soul of this devout servant of
the Armenian Church may be in peace.

We offer our deep condolences to the family and friends of Deacon Zorik, as
well as to the Armenian community of Vladikavkaz. May the Holy Spirit grant
them comfort and solace at this difficult time.