Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
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PRESS RELEASE
June 21, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: ckojoian@aaainc.org

CONGRESS HONORS HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II DURING HIS PONTIFICAL VISIT TO
THE U.S.
Assembly Leaders Meet With Spiritual Leader in California

Washington, DC – On the occasion of the Pontifical visit of His
Holiness Karekin II to California this month, Assembly Board of
Directors Members led by Chairman Anthony Barsamian met with the
spiritual leader and attended a banquet in his honor earlier this
month in Beverly Hills, California.

“The Assembly was delighted to welcome His Holiness Karekin II back to
the United States on the occasion of his second Pontifical visit to
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church,” said Barsamian. “During
our meeting, we discussed a wide variety of issues of importance,
including the current state of affairs with respect to the Armenian
community, Church and properties in the Republic of Georgia.”

His Holiness commended the work and leadership of the Assembly,
stating: “The Armenian Assembly is a very dynamic organization with a
proven record. I appreciate their tireless advocacy efforts on behalf
of the Armenian people and nation.”

Meeting participants included Assembly Board of Directors Members
Richard Mushegain and Lisa Kalustian and Executive Director Bryan
Ardouny.

Meanwhile in Washington, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and George
Radanovich (R-CA) delivered statements in the Senate and House of
Representatives respectively, welcoming His Holiness and saluting his
efforts in strengthening ties between the local community and the
homeland.

“I am honored to recognize the historic and joyous visit, which will
strengthen ties between Armenia and Armenians in California,” Senator
Boxer said. “I know that His Holiness Karekin II will have a very
special visit to California and I wish the Armenian community in
California an increased sense of purpose and inspiration.”

Radanovich, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,
also welcomed Karekin II to his home state and discussed the spiritual
leader’s theological studies and his election as the 132nd Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of Armenians.

“I rise to honor His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch-Catholicos of All Armenians and universal head of the
Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church, upon his pastoral visit to San
Joaquin Valley,” Radanovich said. “I invite my colleagues in joining
me in thanking the religious patriarch for his dedication to the
service of all Armenians.”

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership
organization.

NR#2004-068

Photograph available on the Assembly Web site at the following links:

Caption: L to R: Armenian Assembly Deputy Executive Director Peter
Abajian, Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Board of Directors Chairman
Anthony Barsamian, His Holiness Karekin II, Primate of the Western
Diocese Hovnan Derderian, Board of Directors Member Lisa Kalustian,
Board of Directors Member Richard Mushegain and Assembly Western
Office Director Lena Kaimian in Los Angeles, CA on June 3.