January 19, 2007

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: prelacy@aol.com <mailto:prelacy@aol.com>
Website: <;

VIGIL IN MEMORY OF HRANT DINK

AND REQUIEM AT ALL PRELACY CHURCHES

It is with deep sorrow that we received news of the murder of Hrant Dink,
editor in chief of the `Agos’ weekly in Istanbul, which occurred on Friday,
January 19, in front of his office.
`Hrant Dink was a devoted soldier of Armenian Genocide
recognition and the voice of human rights and justice. We are deeply
saddened by this tragic loss and offer our condolences to his family,
colleagues, and to the Organization of Istanbul Armenians’, announced H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. Prelate.
On this solemn occasion, the Prelate sent a letter of condolence
to His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob II Mutafian, Patriarch of Istanbul, and
also conveyed his sympathies to the Armenian community of Istanbul.
The Prelate was also in contact with Mr. Simon Ajilajoglu, Chair of the
Organization of Istanbul Armenians, to express condolences and support to
the organization and to the Istanbul Armenian community. During their
correspondence, the Prelate informed Mr. Ajilajoglu that a vigil and
memorial service was being organized to take place on the evening of Friday,
January 19th, at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena, and invited him to attend
the requiem service on Sunday, January 21st at Holy Martyrs Church.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, the vigil and memorial service
is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 19th, at St. Sarkis Church in
Pasadena at 5:30 p.m. On behalf of the Prelate, Christian Education
Department Co-Director Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Nareg
Pehlivanian will officiate at the vigil and pay tribute to Hrant Dink’s
service in securing the rights of the Armenian people.
On Sunday, January 21st, following Mass a special requiem
service will be offered at all Prelacy churches on Sunday, January 21st, in
memory of Hrant Dink. The Prelate will preside over Holy Mass and requiem
service and deliver the sermon at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.