First ever Armenian Holy Mass in Manama, Bahrain

Azad-Hye, United Arab Emirates
Feb 17 2005

AZAD-HYE (17 February 2005): The spiritual leader of the Armenian
community in Kuwait and the GCC countries Archbishop Dr. Gorun Babian
visited Bahrain on 9th December 2004 and officiated, for the first
time in the Kingdom of Bahrain, an Armenian Holy Mass on 10th
December 2004, at the Awali Chapel at 7.30pm. This was followed by a
dinner at the “Majestic Hotel” in Juffair. His Grace was accompanied
by the priest of the parish in Sharjah, Father Aram Deyirmendjian.

Some 50 Armenians arrived from nearby Saudi Arabia (Khobar and Damam
cities) to join the small Armenian community in Bahrain, which
numbers around 30 people. Armenians of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia hold
passports of various countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Egypt,
Ethiopia, Cyprus, USA, Canada, etc.

Archbishop Babian said in his speech address to the Armenians of
Bahrain and the neighbouring areas: “Wherever you are located,
whether in a large Armenian community or in a remote desert, that
place could be altered to a flourishing oasis, a kind of tiny
spiritual fatherland, with the blessing of the Armenian Church”.

Until recently, only in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, the
Armenians enjoyed organized community life. Recent changes,
especially in the attitude of Qatar and Bahrain towards their foreign
communities, encouraged Armenians to get organized in both countries.

The Diocese’s higher body based in Kuwait authorized therefore
Archbishop Babian to contact the Armenians in those countries and
assist them in organizing their community life. In April 2003 His
Grace visited Doha, where some 200 Armenians are settled and
officiated Holy Mass service. The Council of Qatar Armenians was
formed which started to conduct regular meetings, dealing with
community affairs.

Mrs. Adrine Khatchadourian, one of the main figures of the Armenian
community of Bahrain managed to find a suitable location for the
first time ever Armenian Holy Mass in Manama. She also managed to
contact almost all the Armenians of Bahrain and those who are living
in nearby Saudi Arabia, where no Christian clergy is allowed to
enter. She coordinated her efforts with Setrak Dakesian and Hayrabed
Hayrabedian, both residents of Saudi Arabia. The Holy Mass was
followed by a prayer dedicated to the souls of beloved ones.