Habitat For Humanity Armenia
Yerevan Aygestan 8th street, No. 5
Tel: (+374 10) 556 114
Cell (+374 93) 376 980
Email: haykuhi@hfharmenia.org

The Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin
II On the building site in Gavar, Gegharkunik Region

Today the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II visited
Habitat for Humanity Armenia construction site in Gavar, Gegharkunik region,
where "Catholicos Karekin II Work Project- Armenian Build on Faith" was
kicked off.

The opening ceremony of the event took place on September 4, at the Armenia
Marriott Hotel where His Holiness gave His Blessings to the project.

"A year ago we were invited to take part in the annual Jimmy Carter Work
Project in Detroit. We saw the love which led the participants of the
program; we saw the joy of future homeowners and then we decided to support
Habitat program in Armenia" said His Holiness, during the opening ceremony.

The Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch appreciated all the volunteers and
donors who support us on the project. He also noted that this is the
expression of God’s love for His children. "We are very thankful to such an
international organization as HFH Armenia, who works to assist poor Armenian
Families to build their future" mentioned in his speech the Catholicos
Karekin II.

His Holiness helped Habitat volunteers to paint a wall in one of the homes,
thus serving an example of reaching the poor by putting Faith into action.

His Holiness also planted one of 37 trees, symbolizing Armenian Apostolic
Church with its Dioceses and the Holy Chair.

Participating in the Armenian Building on Faith 2006 are National Council of
Churches of Christ of America led by the General Secretary Dr. Bob Edgar, a
team of volunteers from the Netherlands, Europe and Untied States of America
as well as today joining them a team from UK Embassy led by Deputy Chief of
mission Richard Hyde. Representing Local volunteers are Youth movement from
Dioceses in Armenia and Church dignitary and Armenia Tree project.

"Your Holiness we are blessed by the opportunity to help needy families and
looking forward to see children of the world living in their safe homes."

said Doctor Bob Edgar.

The abandoned Soviet- Era residential building will be finished by Habitat
volunteers from September 5 to 9 and will get its inhabitants finally.

On April 20th an agreement between Habitat for Humanity and Armenian
Apostolic Church was assigned. In the frame of this agreement "Catholicos
Karekin II Work Project – Armenian Build on Faith" was launched. HFH Armenia
will build 37 homes in the frame of this project, symbolizing The Holy See
of Mother Etchmiadzin and 36 dioceses of Armenian Apostolic Church.

In the number of the 37 24 will be located in Gavar. The abandoned Soviet-
Era residential building will be finished by the volunteers from September 5
to 9 and will get its inhabitants finally.

Habitat for Humanity Armenia supports community development in the Republic
of Armenia by assisting in the construction of simple, decent and affordable
homes. The purpose of the organization is to help families in need improve
their living conditions, to raise funds to support the vital work, and to
give hope to thousands of people across the country. The organization was
formed in March of 2000 and to date has dedicated 209 homes giving shelter
to more than 1000 people.

For more information on HFH Armenia programs contact to Communications
Manager Haykuhi Khachatryan: