Lraper Church Bulletin 05/08/2005
Contact: Deacon Vagharshag Seropyan
Armenian Patriarchate
TR-34130 Kumkapi, Istanbul
T: +90 (212) 517-0970, 517-0971
F: +90 (212) 516-4833, 458-1365
[email protected]
THE PATRIARCH’S FAREWELL DINNER FOR THREE CONSUL GENERALS
Photos:;NewsCode=N000000800&Lang=ENG
His Beatitude Mesrob II, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All
Turkey, gave a farewell dinner on Monday evening, 1 August 2005, for
three consul generals who are completing their terms of service in
Istanbul: the Belgian Consul General, Thomas Antoine; the USA Consul
General, David Arnett; and the Israeli Consul General, Amira Arnon.
The dinner was held in their honour in the garden of the Patriarchate.
Also taking their places with the evening’s honoured guests at His
Beatitude’s table were the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, His All Holiness
Bartholomeos I, and the Chief Rabbi of Turkey, His Eminence Rav
Ishak Haleva.
Among the evening’s other guests were Bishop Aram Atesyan, Father
Yegise Uckunyan, Father Tatul Anusyan, Father Krikor Damatyan and
spouse, Father Drtad Uzunyan and spouse, Father Athenagoras from the
Greek Patriarchate, Father Ian Sherwood from the Anglican Chaplaincy,
Rev. Benjamin Van Rensburg and spouse from the Dutch Chapel,
Father John Whooley from the English Catholic Church, permanent
representative of the Republic of Armenia to the Black Sea Economic
Cooperation Garen Mirzoyan, Holy Pirgic Hospital Foundation Board of
Directors chairperson Bedros Sirinoglu and spouse, the advisors to
His Beatitude the Patriarch, various foundation officials, diplomatic
representatives, members of the Turkish, Armenian, and foreign press,
and youth.
In his speech His Beatitude the Patriarch praised each of the three
diplomats. He said that in addition to their diplomatic missions
they engaged in humanitarian endeavours and actively engaged in
social functions in our city. His Beatitude invited everyone present
to toast the honour of the three diplomats and said that even though
they are leaving our country, they will find that all hearts and doors
in Turkey will remain open to them. His Beatitude then presented each
of the departing consul generals with a silver ewer made by Armenian
silversmiths in the Grand Bazaar.
Following the speech by His Beatitude, Thomas Antoine, David Arnett,
and Amira Arnon each expressed their feelings and spoke of their
gratitude for this warm farewell event.
Accordionist Yetvart Aris and friends added to the evening’s colour
with their repertoire of Armenian, Turkish, and Western music.
As the guests took their leave of the Patriarch around 11:00, they said
that this reception, held at the headquarters of the Armenian Church
and community in Turkey, would remain with them as an unforgettable
memory.