PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; adiocese@aol.com
Website;
April 25, 2006
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Primate Galstanian Makes an Appeal to the Government of Canada On
Monday, April 24, 2006, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate
of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese, sent a letter of appreciation
and gratitude to The Right Honorable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of
Canada.In his letter, Bishop Galstanian thanked the Prime Minister for
his courageous action and pressed forward to urge the Harper
government to pass a law condemning all Genocide deniers.
The faithful of our Diocese and Armenian communities of Canada should
note that His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian met with The Right
Hon. Stephen Harper on March 21, 2006 in the office of the Prime
Minister in Ottawa. The purpose of the meeting was to thank
Mr. Harper for his past support of Bill M-380 in the House of Commons,
and use the opportunity to further the discussion on the Armenian
Genocide. On this occasion, Bishop Galstanian also presented a letter
from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, in Montreal, is pleased
to go on record to express its gratification that the accelerated pace
of efforts of the Diocese for recognition of Medz Yeghern has been
successful. This diligent and conscientious process has brought about
a timely and concrete statement from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Harper signed and sent the statement to Armenian organizations
across Canada on Wednesday April 19, 2006, days leading up to the 91st
anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Following is the letter of
appreciation of Serpazan.
No 2006.102
April 24, 2006
The Right Hon. Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa K1A 0A2
CANADA
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
The Canadian Armenian communities throughout the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of Canada are commemorating the 91st Anniversary of
Medz Yeghern. This is a solemn time of observance and reflection, as
we honour the memory of our ancestors, who perished in the Armenian
Genocide. This is also a period of renewal and resolution for all
Armenians. We have kept the faith and continue to believe that the
future will bring further understanding of the events of 1915.
It is a true privilege and honor to offer you my highest appreciation
and gratitude upon your statement of acknowledgement of the Armenian
Genocide. Indeed, in our meeting together, only short weeks ago in
your office, you greatly impressed upon us that you are a principled
leader of genuine convictions and beliefs. During our visit, I was
deeply moved to learn of your profound knowledge of our history and
the central issues that concern the Armenian community of Canada.
Honorable Prime Minister, your words of support for the Armenian
Genocide has reaffirmed Canada’s strong commitment to human justice
and universal peace. Following this auspicious occasion, we appeal to
your government to continue in the path of truth and pass a law
condemning all Genocide deniers.
I extend greetings to you from Jerusalem where I am currently on an
Easter pilgrimage. On behalf of our Diocese and all Canadian Armenians
please accept our highest respects for your forthright and steadfast
support. Prayerfully,
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian
Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress