CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS RECEIVES EASTERN DIOCESE PILGRIMS IN THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
armradio.am
28.06.2007 16:57
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, received the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern) and members of the Board of Directors
of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). The joint delegation was led
by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern); Mr. Oscar Tatosian,
Diocesan Council Chairman; Mr. Randy Sapah-Gulian, FAR Board Chairman;
and Mr. Garnik Nanagoulian, FAR Executive Director.
"We have come to Armenia – to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin –
to renew our oath to the center of the Armenian Church and to the
Catholicos of All Armenians, and to express our steadfast support of
our homeland", stated Abp. Khajag on behalf of the pilgrims, in his
remarks greeting the Armenian Pontiff. The primate of the Eastern
Diocese further confirmed that with the blessing of His Holiness
Karekin II, the Fund for Armenian Relief plans to continue the mission
of its members and donors on their native soil. His Eminence noted that
the upcoming opening of the new FAR building in Yerevan will further
encourage the Fund members in their service to Church and homeland.
Diocesan Council Chairman Oscar Tatosian greeted His Holiness on behalf
of the council members, and expressed their readiness to always serve
and assist the Armenian Church and the Pontiff of All Armenians.
His Holiness Karekin II greeted the faithful sons and daughters of
the Church in the United States, and conveyed to them his blessings
and message, expressing his happiness in welcoming them to Holy
Etchmiadzin. "When we speak of the Fund for Armenian Relief, we
immediately remember those difficult days of the past, when our people
needed help in the midst of a disaster. It was at that time that our
dedicated children from the United States became the first ones who
hastened to bring assistance to the earthquake zone and much needed
help to their brothers and sisters throughout Armenia affected by
tragedy. On that occasion, His Holiness Vasken I of blessed memory,
gave his blessing to the establishment of FAR.
Beginning in those years and continuing through today, FAR has
accomplished much in Armenia, not only in the rebuilding of the
earthquake zone, but moreover, in the progress, development and
improvement of life for the most needy in Armenia", stated the
Armenian Pontiff.
The Catholicos of All Armenians extended his special appreciation
to Abp. Khajag Barsamian for his ongoing diligent and conscientious
service to the Armenian Church and to Abp. Vicken Aykazian, noting
his long history with FAR in the U.S. and in Armenia.
His Holiness concluded his remarks, reflecting on the opening of
the new FAR building in Yerevan, and noting his appreciation to all
those who have contributed to the prosperity of the homeland and the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, "It is pleasing for us to see that
our sons and daughters have the readiness and purpose to assist and
help anywhere it is necessary.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
