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Tuesday, February 22, 2005

AGBU PRESIDENT BERGE SETRAKIAN VISITS ARMENIAN PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM

New York, NY – AGBU President Berge Setrakian, on a visit to Jerusalem
on February 3rd and 4th, met with the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem,
His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, to discuss matters of
mutual interest concerning the Armenian community at large.

During his visit, Mr. Setrakian emphasized the importance of the
spiritual, cultural, and ethnic heritage of the Patriarchate and its
crucial role in the preservation of the historic center of Armenian
Christian faith. He also expressed his appreciation for the work the
Patriarchate undertakes for the benefit of the Diaspora through its
efforts in educating the seminarians who will be serving the various
communities around the world and who will be looking after the
protection of the Patriarchate’s interests in the Holy Land. “After
Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem is one of the
most important centers of our Armenian religious heritage, serving as
a focal point for the preservation of our identity and development of
our spiritual values,” said Mr. Setrakian.

The visit also presented an opportunity for Mr. Setrakian to express
to His Beatitude AGBU’s commitment towards working closely with the
Patriarchate in supporting and further developing joint
programs. Mr. Setrakian also met with Father Pakrad Bourjekian of the
Patriarchate Real Estate Office and became familiar with issues
concerning that department. He also toured the Armenian Quarter and
Holy Translators School (Serpots Tarkmantchats Varjaran). While in
Jerusalem, Mr. Setrakian attended a lunch meeting with the Brotherhood
of St. James and a dinner meeting with the seminarians and the
teaching staff of the seminary presided over by His Beatitude.

Established in 1906, AGBU is the largest Armenian non-profit
organization in the world and has been at the forefront of promoting
and preserving the Armenian heritage around the world through
educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs. For more information
on AGBU, please visit

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress