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June 28, 2007
Catholicos of All Armenians Receives Eastern Diocese Pilgrims
in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
On June 26, 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. We
know that wherever there is a need, they are present.’
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
