PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: <;
June 19, 2009
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EASTERN DIOCESE WELCOMES IRAQI AMBASSADOR AND PRIMATE OF THE DIOCESE OF THE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF IRAQ
On Friday, June 19, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), hosted a luncheon in honor of
Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
Iraq.
Guests included Ambassador T. Hamid Al-Bayati, permanent representative of
Iraq to the United Nations; Ambassador Armen Martirossian, permanent
representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations; the Very
Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian, Vicar of the Eastern Diocese; and the Very Rev.
Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church in Bayside,
N.Y.
Archbishop Barsamian welcomed Ambassador T. Hamid Al-Bayati and Ambassador
Armen Martirossian to the Eastern Diocese. He said it is always a pleasure
to see Archbishop Asadourian, a dedicated servant of the Armenian Church who
is well-respected in the Armenian community of Iraq and elsewhere.
A cordial conversation was shared by the ambassadors and clergy. Ambassador
Al-Bayati emphasized the important role of the Christian community of Iraq,
noting its centuries-old presence and many contributions to the country. He
said he was himself a graduate of a Christian school in Iraq.
Discussion also focused on the Armenian community of Iraq. Ambassador
Al-Bayati noted the challenges of recent years but said the present
situation is improving and added that he was optimistic about the
restoration of stability in Iraq.
He thanked Archbishop Barsamian for the opportunity to meet with Archbishop
Asadourian. Ambassador Al-Bayati also asked questions about the
Armenian-American community, and was particularly interested in learning
more about Iraqi-Armenians living in the United States.
The luncheon marked the ambassador’s first visit to the Eastern Diocese.
Archbishop Barsamian offered Ambassador Al-Bayati a tour of St. Vartan
Cathedral and the Diocesan Center. The ambassador expressed his gratitude
for the hospitality – a warm welcome which he said made him feel at home.
Ambassador Martirossian stressed the importance of such meetings in helping
to strengthen ties between Armenia and Iraq.
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Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian welcomes Ambassador T. Hamid Al-Bayati
to the Eastern Diocese. Also pictured are Archbishop Avak Asadourian,
Ambassador Armen Martirossian, and Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian.
Photo 2: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian gives a tour of St. Vartan Cathedral to
Ambassador T. Hamid Al-Bayati.
Photo 3: Ambassador T. Hamid Al-Bayati expresses his gratitude to Archbishop
Avak Asadourian.