PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Prelacy of Canada
Contact Name: Dania Ohanian
Phone: (514) 856-1200
3401 Olivar Asselin
Montreal, Qc H4J 1L5
E-mail: [email protected]
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos Meets with Canadian Prime Minister on
Parliament Hill
Ottawa, On_ His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Catholicosate of
Cilicia met with the Very Honourable Paul Martin, Canadian Prime Minister,
for a one-hour session on Parliament Hill on October 4, 2005.
His Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian,
Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, ARF Canada Central Committee
representative Dr. Vagharch Ehramdjian, ARF Bureau member Hagop Der
Khatchadourian, Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) representative
Apkar Mirakian and Prelacy Executive Council chairperson, Krikor
Kouyoumdjian.
During this meeting, His Holiness presented many issues to Canada’s Prime
Minister Paul Martin, including the developing financial relation between
Canada and Armenia, the motion passed by Parliament with regards to the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, as well as the current status
internationally of inter-religious and inter-cultural relations, noting that
Canada serves as a great example within that realm.
In turn, Prime Minister Paul Martin spoke highly of Canada’s Armenian
community, noting the many contributions it has brought to many aspects of
Canadian life and society and expressed hope towards the improvement of
international and financial relations between Canada and Armenia.
Intrigued by the current state of affairs in the Middle East and Lebanon,
Canada’s Prime Minister asked His Holiness for His opinion of the prevailing
situation, whereas His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos spoke at length about the
political situation in Lebanon and expressed hope that Canada will in the
near future play a more active role in the affairs of the Middle East,
particularly Lebanon.
Taking advantage of the meeting, His Holiness presented Prime Minister Paul
Martin with a book on treasures salvaged after the Armenian Genocide in
gratitude for the motion passed recognizing the Genocide by Parliament.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
also attended a parliamentary session in the House of Commons on Parliament
Hill in Ottawa with clergy members of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada and the
Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia.
The Honourable Peter Milliken, the Speaker of the House of Commons,
introduced His Holiness to the 300 Members of Parliament (MPs) present,
which included the Very Honourable Paul Martin, Canada’s Prime Minister.
In his address, the Speaker of the House of Commons noted the active role
His Holiness continues to play on Middle Eastern and international platforms
as a leader of the Christian faith and the achievements of His Holiness with
regards to inter-religious relations.
Before attending this parliamentary session, His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos, along with His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of
the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, attended a luncheon with other MPs and
Senate members on Parliament Hill, which was hosted by the Canadian
government in honour of His Holiness.
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