PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 19, 2007
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FAR FOUNDER AND LIFE CHAIRMAN HONORED WITH BUILDING RENOVATION
During the joint tour of Armenia by the Diocesan Council and the Board of
Directors of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), the leaders of the Eastern
Diocese attended a moving ceremony opening the newly renovated FAR office
building in Yerevan, which was named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Kevork and
Sirvart Hovnanian.
"Through the leadership of Mr. Kevork Hovnanian, FAR has accomplished many
thing," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese and
President of FAR. "FAR was established under the umbrella of the Diocese as
we responded to the call of Catholicos Vasken I, of blessed memory,
following the devastating earthquake. We have been helping in Armenia, and
will continue to be in Armenia, through FAR because it is part of the
mission of the Armenian Church, to help others."
JOYFUL CELEBRATION
More than 100 guests attended the dedication service on Friday, June 29,
2007. The crowd included leaders of the Armenian government,
representatives from other non-profit organizations, officials from the U.S.
Embassy, and the beneficiaries of FAR programs.
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
presided over the event. Also attending were other clergy leaders from
Armenia, such as Archbishop Navasard Ktshoyan, vicar of the Araratian
Pontifical Diocese, also attended.
The Catholicos began the evening by blessing the building and offered his
appreciation for FAR and the Hovnanians for the work they have done to help
the people of Armenia. Mr. and Mrs. Hovnanian then unveiled the plaque
naming the facility, FAR’s main office complex in central Yerevan, after the
couple.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and President of
FAR, noted that the success of the organization in bringing hope,
opportunity, and empowerment to the people of Armenia has much to do with
the spirit behind its founding.
"Mr. Kevork Hovnanian answered the call to serve the people of Armenia
following the devastating earthquake, and, with the support of the Diocese
and countless donors, he built FAR into an organization that is giving the
Armenian people the tools to shape their own future," the Primate said. "It
is through his leaders and the participation of many dedicated board
members, that FAR has become a vital part of Armenia’s future. And today,
this building is a sign not just of Mr. Hovnanian’s continued stewardship,
but that FAR’s work will continue to shape lives for years to come."
Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian told the assembled guests that the
newly renovated building was a testament to FAR’s commitment to staying in
Armenia and working for a strong future. "FAR has faith in Armenia’s
rebirth," he said.
"Me and my family, and my FAR family, we will continue working for our
nation and the people of Armenia," Kevork Hovnanian said during the
celebration. "We want to see a prosperous and happy Armenia, where our
compatriots who, for whatever reason, have left Armenia looking for
opportunity, we want to see them return to this great nation, and find a
prosperous country where they can apply their skills."
ADOPTING A VILLAGE
Prior to the evening’s celebration, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, FAR Board Chairman Randy Sapah-Gulian, and
Kevork Hovnanian met. During the session, Hovnanian pledged to donate
$500,000 so FAR could adopt the village of Zankakadoon in the Ararat region
of Armenia.
The money will go towards providing infrastructure upgrades and supplies to
the village, the hometown of beloved Armenian poet Baruyr Sevag. The
village adoption is part of the Rural Poverty Eradication Program being
conducted by the Armenian Foreign Ministry and the All Armenia Fund.
— 7/19/07
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Mr. and Mrs. Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian, joined by His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, cut the ribbon
for the newly renovated Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian FAR Office Building in
Yerevan.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Kevork Hovnanian, founder and honorary life chairman of
the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), speaks at the opening of the renovated
FAR headquarters in Yerevan.