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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JAMES KALUSTIAN DEDICATES RENOVATION IN ETCHMIADZIN TO HIS PARENTS
On Saturday, June 30, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the opening ceremonies of the
newly renovated Guest House of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Originally built in 1978, the three-story building recently underwent a
major renovation sponsored by Diocesan Council Treasurer James Kalustian,
who funded the project in honor of his parents, Mardiros and Mariam
Kalustian.
The Kalustian family, along with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), members of the Diocesan
Council, and other supporters were in Armenia for the opening. During the
ceremony, the Catholicos presented James Kalustian with the highest award of
the Armenian Church, the Order of Saint Gregory the Illuminator and the St.
Gregory Medal.
HOME FOR VISITORS
The Guest House, also known as Vanatun, was built in 1978 through the
generousity of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and has been used since as
a home for visiting Armenian clergy and ecumenical delegations.
Kalustian sponsored the renovation of the three-story building as a way to
honor the importance his faith has played in his life.
"I have been blessed in so many ways, not the least of which has been the
important role our Church has played in my life," he said. "I wanted to
give back and say ‘thank you’ in some small way."
Restoring and improving the Vanatun was an important project, Kalustian
said, because it serves as a representative of the Armenian Church to
visiting dignitaries and clergymen.
"I felt that it was important for the Mother See of our beloved Church and
our people to be seen in the best possible light," he said. "In some small
way, this project represents to visitors the progress that is being made in
the rebirth of the Church in Armenia."
HONORING HIS PARENTS
Kalustian sponsored the project in honor of his parents, Mardiros and Mariam
Kalustian, who proudly attended the opening ceremony alongside their son.
It was the couple’s first trip to Armenia.
Kalustian said he received so much support and direction from his parents,
who have been strong supporters of the Church themselves, and this project
was a way for him to thank them for their years of guidance.
"My parents never pushed me or forced me to be involved in the Church," he
said. "They did afford me many opportunities to get interested and involved
and then they encouraged me to stay involved. I think the best analogy I
can come up with is that they planted the seeds of faith and love — for
both our people and Church. They then allowed the arms of the Church to
nurture and grow those seeds."
MEDAL OF DISTINCTION
During the opening ceremony of the Vanatun, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presented Kalustian with the St.
Gregory Medal, the highest award the Church presents to lay leaders.
"It was a humbling experience to say the least," Kalustian said of the
honor. "I never feel that recognition is warranted when we choose to serve
our Church and people. It is a privilege for which I am very grateful. I
only pray that I learn to be worthy."
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, who attended
the ceremony, said Kalustian was indeed a worthy recipient of the accolades,
not just for his financial support of the Church but for his time and
energy.
"Jim Kalustian and his life of service to the Armenian Church community is
an example of the power of parents in shaping their children. He comes from
a family that is respectful and supportive of our faith and heritage, and he
has chosen to live the life of stewardship," the Primate said. "I am
grateful to have him on the Diocesan Council, where his continued support
and guidance has been a true benefit to the entire Diocese. He is, indeed,
truly worth of such an honor."
— 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): His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, and James Kalustian, joined by his parents
Mardiros and Mariam, cut the ribbon of the newly renovated Guest House at
the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, during a celebration on Saturday, June
30.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Catholicos Karekin II presents the St. Gregory medal to
Diocesan Council Treasurer James Kalustian in honor of his years of service
to the Armenian Church.