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Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
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Contact: Karine Abalyan
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June 23, 2009

Abp. Barsamian’s Remarks to U.S. Amb. Yovanovitch

What follows are the remarks delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian on June 22, 2009, during a public reception for the U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia, Her Excellency Marie L. Yovanovitch, at the Diocesan
Center in New York City.

Your Excellency Ambassador Yovanovitch:

I want to thank you, on behalf of the Diocese and the entire
Armenian-American community, for taking the time to greet us, speak to us,
address our questions and concerns, and accept our warm hospitality and
friendship this evening-all in the cause of advancing the free Republic of
Armenia.

Your presence among us this evening, Madam Ambassador, is a reminder to me
of how far we have come in the past twenty years-both as the
Armenian-American community, and as supporters of a free Armenian homeland.

>From the first days of Armenia’s independence; through long, difficult years
of scarcity and recovery; and at every step on the road to building a
stable, democratic society, the United States of America has stood by our
people-not simply as an inspiration and beacon of hope, but also as a
partner, a generous friend, a welcoming sponsor into the family of free
nations.

All of us have been privileged to take part in this friendship-and some of
us have witnessed its milestones at first hand. I can vividly recall
standing before the Hrastan Hotel in Yerevan, and watching the American flag
rising up-signifying that an American embassy had been established in a free
Armenia.

Later, I recall watching the construction of the new U.S. embassy building,
and feeling in my heart that here was the physical symbol of an enduring
American presence in Armenia-and a symbol, too, of the enduring partnership
between the two nations.

But two images stand out in my mind, which powerfully illustrate the nature
of the relationship between Armenia and America.

The first is from the early days of Armenia’s rebirth as a republic. They
were difficult times, and the U.S. State Department had signed an agreement
with the Diocese to deliver humanitarian aid-food, medicine, fuel-to our
homeland. We awaited the delivery at Zvartnots Airport, and it arrived on
gigantic American planes-the C5 Galaxy transports. We showed film of the
majestic landing to Catholicos Vasken I, of blessed memory, and he turned
and said to me: "Like angels they come to us."

Vehapar was right: the American servicemen were indeed "like angels": strong
and powerful, to be sure, but acting out of benevolence, good will,
generosity. All that power, in the service of Good. For all of us here,
that is the perfect description of America.

I will never forget Vehapar’s words. Nor will I forget the touching
revelation that the U.S. Airforce pilot who brought the giant plane to
Armenia was a young Armenian-American, Captain Tom Kapikian-whose
grandfather had been one of the godfathers of this very cathedral.

My second powerful memory came on a day of supreme sorrow: September 11,
2001. That day is seared into all our memories. Here in New York, at this
cathedral, we saw the great tide of people choking the streets, as they
walked north through the city, away from the devastation. And as they
passed, countless people, from every conceivable background, took a moment
to approach the cathedral, enter into its quiet sanctuary, light a candle,
meditate, pray, or simply find rest.

That day, more than anything else, made me realize that this place is not
just an Armenian institution. We are an American institution, as well-an
example, a friend, a home, to this entire city, and to all our fellow
countrymen. Mayor Michael Bloomberg graced us with a visit several weeks
ago, and he remarked to us that he recalled how this cathedral had been
built by survivors of the Armenian Genocide, and because of that, he said,
"it serves as a powerful reminder to all peoples of the ability to create
and beautify from the ashes of grief."

That was truly the role we played on September 11. And it symbolizes the
role each of us, as American citizens, of Armenian heritage, will always
play in the life of this great and good nation. We will always support and
love the Republic of Armenia; we will always support and love the United
States of America-no matter the circumstance, in times of joy and
prosperity, in times of sorrow and disappointment. Nothing will separate us
from this bond.

Ambassador Yovanovitch, having met you on two previous occasions in
Armenia-once with the Fund for Armenian Relief board and Diocesan Council,
and also in a private meeting at the embassy-I know that these same ideals
speak to you, as well; and inspire you in your mission as U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia.

Since the tenure of Ambassador Harry Gilmore, this center has been a
welcoming home to all of our country’s ambassadors to our homeland. In
welcoming you to New York and the Diocesan Center this evening, I want you
to know that now, this place is your home, too.

Thank you for spending this time with us, for giving us the opportunity to
share your vision and concerns for our homeland. May your mission to
Armenia continue to bear fruit for both countries. And may God always guide
and strengthen you in all your endeavors.

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