PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
September 3, 2005
His Holiness Karekin II Sends Condolences to President Bush
On September 1, 2005, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, responding to the tragic loss of life and
property inflicted on the Gulf Coast of the southern United States by
Hurricane Katrina, sent a letter of condolence to U.S. President George
Bush.
In the letter, His Holiness states, “We learned of the recent devastating
hurricane which struck the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama with
a heavy heart, and mourn the deaths of your citizens in cities and towns
near the Gulf of Mexico. From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we extend
to you, your government and all the people of the United States, the sorrow
and sincere condolences of the Armenian Church and all Armenians throughout
the world.
“The significant loss of life and the great number of missing and wounded
reminds us all of how precious and fragile the gift of life is, and that we
must always be vigilant in its protection and defense. As you are aware,
Armenia was greatly affected by a major earthquake in 1988, which devastated
the northern regions of the country and killed tens of thousands of our
population. Nevertheless, with a steadfast reliance on Our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Armenian people are overcoming their difficulties and losses,
and we are confident that through faith and hope, the American people will
triumph over this disaster as well.
“As head of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, we offer our solemn prayers
for eternal rest for all those who perished in this disaster, and solace and
comfort to their families and friends. We ask the Almighty to grant
recovery to the thousands of afflicted, hurt and homeless families, and
strength to you and your government at this difficult time.”
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress