Category: 2018

                                        Friday, February 2, 2017

Armenia Defends French President Against Turkish Criticism


FRANCE -- French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes his Armenian
counterpart Serzh Sarkisian before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in
Paris, January 23, 2018

Armenia on Friday denounced Turkey's angry reaction to French
President Emmanuel Macron's latest statement on the 1915 Armenian
genocide in the Ottoman Empire.

Addressing prominent members of the influential Armenian community in
France earlier this week, Macron pledged to assign an official day of
commemoration for some 1.5 million Armenians massacred by the Ottoman
Turks during the First World War. France formally recognized the
massacres as genocide with a special law passed in 2001.

Macron also signaled support for another French law that would
criminalize public denials of the genocide. The French-Armenian
community has been actively campaigning for such a measure.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, described Macron's remarks
as "populist." "Genocide is a legal, not political term # If France is
committed to the law it must not bring up such issues," he said.

Ankara has always denied a premeditated government effort to
exterminate Ottoman Turkey's Armenian population.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian rejected the Turkish
criticism of Macron in written comments to RFE/RL's Armenian service
(Azatutyun.am).

"Instead of labelling those who recognize the Armenian Genocide as
populists Ankara needs to abandon the dangerous populism of its
denialist policy and have the courage to face its own past," he said.


France - French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (L) meets with his
Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian in Paris, 22Dec2017.

Nalbandian argued than among the two dozen nations that have
officially recognized the genocide are Germany and Austria, the
Ottoman Empire's allies during the 1914-1918 war. He also cited the
position on the subject of the International Association of Genocide
Scholars.

"The historical record on the Armenian Genocide is unambiguous and
documented by overwhelming evidence," the association said in 2007.

Macron made his comments just days after meeting with Armenian
President Serzh Sarkisian in Paris. "France will always be alongside
Armenia," the French leader said after the talks, citing "profound
links" between the two nations.



Media Groups Concerned Over Government Transparency


 . Sargis Harutyunyan


Armenia - Prime Minister Karen Karapetian chairs a cabinet meeting in
Yerevan, 25May2017.

Armenian media associations expressed concern on Friday about
government plans to reduce the transparency of weekly cabinet meetings
in Yerevan after Armenia becomes a parliamentary republic in April.

Under a new bill on the Armenian government's structure and powers
approved by ministers on Thursday, journalists will no longer be able
to watch those meetings live. The prime minister could only make "a
part of a meeting" open to the press, it says. The bill also bars
government members from publicizing details of any issue discussed by
the government without the premier's permission.

The chairman of the Yerevan Press Club, Boris Navasardian, described
the proposed legislation as "yet another step" towards withholding
more information about the government's activities from the media.

"I don't exclude that it is connected with the transformation of the
government system because obviously when the prime minister's powers
increase and essentially equal the current president's authority more
serious issues will be discussed and solved at government meetings,"
said Navasardian. "In that regard, they find the presence of
journalists unnecessary."

"I wouldn't say that this is an extraordinary development," he
added. "It's just a continuation of a general trend, inertia."

"In essence, not much is going to change," Satik Seyranian, the head
of the Armenian Journalists Union, said for her part. Seyranian, who
is also the editor of the "168 Zham" newspaper, argued that many
cabinet meetings watched live by reporters have often been mere
"formalities" that rubber-stamped government decisions made prior to
them.

"I am more concerned about the fact that government members will not
be allowed to release any information without the prime minister's
permission," she told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). "It
means that there will be censorship within the government and the work
of journalists will get harder."

Justice Minister Davit Harutiunian defended the planned restrictions
on Thursday. He said he does not know of any other country where
cabinet meetings are open to the media. This openness has discouraged
Armenian ministers from voicing critical opinions about decisions or
policies proposed by their colleagues, claimed Harutiunian.



Armenian Mining Giant Announces Mass Layoffs


Armenia - A newly constructed ore-processing plant at the Teghut
copper mine, 20Dec2014.

Three weeks after suspending production operations at a massive copper
mine in Armenia's northern Lori province, an Armenian mining company
said on Friday that it has decided to lay off hundreds of workers.

The company, Vallex Group, sent many of its 1,215 employees working at
the Teghut deposit on indefinite leave on January 12. It attributed
the move to "planned prophylactic repairs" of the mine's waste
disposal facilities.

In its latest statement to the press, Vallex said it will fire most of
the workers due to what it expects to be a "prolonged stoppage" of
mining and ore processing at Teghut. The company claimed that the
stoppage is necessary for the realization of its plans to
significantly increase its output.

It said it needs to hire Armenian and foreign consultants for
"scientific research" to be conducted for that purpose. That will take
some time, the statement added without elaborating.

The Armenian government did not immediately react to the
announcement. Nor had government officials in Yerevan commented on the
recent suspension of mining at Teghut.

The Teghut mine is one of the largest employers in the
unemployment-stricken region. The mass layoffs will therefore deal a
major socioeconomic blow to the local population.

Vallex said almost all employees of the mine will receive notices
about the impending termination of their contracts. It promised to
provide some of those workers with jobs at other enterprises owned by
the mining giant. They include a copper smelter in the nearby town of
Alaverdi and metal mines in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Liechtenstein-registered company resorted to the layoffs despite
reporting a 32 percent surge in its combined operating revenue, which
totaled $358 million last year thanks to increased international
prices of copper and other non-ferrous metals. The Teghut mine
generated over 42 percent of that revenue.

The Teghut operator already announced in August plans to increase
copper ore extraction at Teghut. These plans met with strong
resistance from some residents of two villages close to the mining
site. They said that higher pollution levels have had negative effects
on their fruit orchards.

In recent months, environment protection groups have repeatedly
reported toxic leaks from Teghut's waste disposal dump contaminating a
nearby river. The company has denied those reports.



Saakashvili Book Presentations Cancelled In Yerevan


 . Marine Khachatrian


UKRAINE -- Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili gives a press
conference before the appeal hearing regarding the Kiev district court
that ruled to release him from custody at a courthouse in Kiev on
January 19, 2018.

A bookstore in Yerevan has cancelled a planned presentation of the
Armenian translation of a memoir written by Mikheil Saakashvili,
Georgia's former president who is now an outspoken opposition figure
in Ukraine.

The book recounting Saakashvili's political activities in Georgia and
Ukraine was due to be officially released in Armenia on February 7
with the event planned at the Noyan Tapan bookstore.

The shop manager, Luiza Berberian, said on Friday that she called off
the presentation because she does not want to see any "political
material" on sale at Noyan Tapan in principle.

"Anyone can come here and offer books to our employees," said
Berberian. "[One of the shop assistants] didn't realize what he is
doing. A copy of the book accidentally ended up on my desk and I
thought it's interesting material. But when I flipped through it I
thought `sorry but this is not for our bookstore.'"

"Nobody put pressure on me," she added.

The book presentation was originally planned at the state-run literary
Museum of Yeghishe Charents. The museum director also cancelled it,
citing "technical reasons." She denied receiving any orders from the
Armenian Culture Ministry.

The book's Armenian translator, Mikael Nahapetian, believes, however,
that the Armenian authorities are behind the cancellations. "It's
evident that there was pressure," he told RFE/RL's Armenian service
(Azatutyun.am).

An Armenian human rights activist, Vartan Harutiunian, also saw
political motives, saying that the authorities in Yerevan do not to
displease the Russian government which has long been extremely hostile
to Saakashvili.

Saakashvili, who governed Georgia from 2004-2013, likewise alleged
"Moscow's intervention" when he reacted to the event cancellations on
Facebook. "Interestingly, in Georgia Russian agents spread rumors that
I am an ethnic Armenian while in Armenia they say that I am
anti-Armenian," he wrote.

Saakashvili t is also at loggerheads with the current governments of
both Georgia and Ukraine. On January 5, a court in Tbilisi found him
guilty of abuse of power in connection with a 2006 murder case and
sentenced him in absentia to three years in prison. The ex-president
rejects the charges as politically motivated.

In Ukraine, prosecutors have accused Saakashvili of abetting an
alleged "criminal group" led by Ukraine's pro-Russia former President
Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Russia after his ouster in February
2014. Ukrainian authorities also claim that protests led by
Saakashvili in Ukraine are part of a Russian plot against the
government in Kyiv.

Saakashvili on January 3 accused Russia's Federal Security Service
(FSB) of being involved in the fabrication evidence presented against
him by Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv's ongoing criminal trial against
him.



Press Review



"Haykakan Zhamanak" reacts to reported cancellations by public and
private institutions in Yerevan of an official presentation of a book
written by former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and
translated to Armenian. "Is Russia's intervention the reason for that,
given the high degree of Russian influence on various segments of
Armenia's population?" asks the paper. It goes on to suggest that
Moscow was not behind the cancellation. "Saakashvili's image is deeply
unbearable for our government elite," it claims. "Having become
Georgia's president only 12-13 years ago, Saakashvili managed to
radically transform Georgia # And that was happening in front of our
eyes. Tens or even hundreds of thousands of Armenians visiting Georgia
could see that a whole country can be reformed in a very short period
of time."

"Chorrord Ishkhanutyun" brands President Serzh Sarkisian a political
"juggler" who skillfully manipulates Armenia's government institutions
and political system to extend his rule. The paper claims that he is
making sure that Armenia's police and National Security Service are
"removed from parliament control and directly subordinated to the
prime minister." It also argues that despite Armenia's transformation
into a parliamentary republic the parliament speaker will no longer
sit on the national Security Council. "This is a real magic," it says
scornfully. The pro-opposition daily also blasts a government bill
that will prevent journalists from watching cabinet meetings live.

"Meetings of the next government to be formed in April will be held
behind the closed doors," writes"Zhoghovurd." The paper ridicules the
official rationale for this measure which was given by Justice
Minister Davit Harutiunian on Thursday. "In this country journalists
are to blame for everything," it says tartly.

(Tigran Avetisian)


Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2018 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
www.rferl.org

February 2, 2018
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org


DIVINE LITURGY TO BE CELEBRATED ON THE FEASTS OF STS. GHEVONTIANTS AND STS.
VARTANANTS

        On Tuesday, February 6, 2018, the Armenian Church will commemorate
the Feast of Sts. Ghevontiants, honoring the legacy of the brave clergymen
who not only preached against tyranny, but with a cross in one hand and a
sword in the other fought on the front lines in the Vartanants war and in
the continuing resistance during the subsequent period.
        The Feast of Sts. Ghevontiants will be commemorated with Divine
Liturgy on Tuesday, February 6 at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello (900 W,
Lincoln Ave.), presided by the Prelate and with the participation of Prelacy
clergy. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, will celebrate Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. In the
morning, the annual clergy conference on this occasion will convene at Holy
Cross Cathedral presided by the Prelate. 
        On Thursday, February 8, the Armenian Church will commemorate the
Feast of Sts. Vartanants, among the most popular religious and national
feasts of the Armenian Church and people.General Vartan Mamigonian, his
commanders, priests, and companions, numbering 1,036, are remembered on this
feast day for their martyrdom in the year 451 in defense of our Christian
faith and nation. 
        The Feast of Sts. Vartanants will be commemorated with Divine
Liturgy on Thursday, February 8, at the North Hollywood parish (13050
Vanowen St.), presided by the Prelate and with the participation of Prelacy
clergy. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will celebrate Divine Liturgy and
deliver the sermon. The service begins at 7:00 p.m.
        We invite our faithful to join us in honoring the legacy of our
heroes who selflessly gave their lives in defense of our faith and nation. 

***

FERRAHIAN SCHOOL 8TH GRADE CLASS VISITS THE PRELACY

        At the start of each year, the 8th grade class of Ferrahian School
pays a visit to the Prelacy where they present a cultural program, receive
the blessings and hear the message of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate. This year's visit took place on Friday, February 2, 2018. The 42
students, accompanied by Principal Mrs. Sossi Shanlian and teachers, were
welcomed by the Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan,
Vicar General, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, and Rev. Fr. Movses
Shannakian.
        The visit began at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel where
clergy sang the hymn dedicated to Vartanants, given that the Feasts of Sts.
Ghevontiants and Sts. Vartanants were to be commemorated in the following
days. The Prelate also gave a brief explanation of the paintings of Sts.
Vartanants, St. Gregory the Illuminator, King Dertad, and St. Sahag and St.
Mesrob adorning the Chapel's walls.
        The visit continued at "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall,
where the students presented a program of songs, recitations, dance, and
piano pieces dedicated to the Battle of Avarayr and the Artsakh liberation
movement. 
        The Prelate commended the students for their performances and the
teachers for the instruction they are providing to our youth, and then
answered questions posed by the students on various topics relating to the
Catholicosate, Prelacy, the Sis lawsuit, and general ecclesiastical matters.
His Eminence commended the students' curiosity and interest, and noted that
such visits serve as opportunities for them to renew their allegiance to our
faith, nation, and heritage as well as the strengthening of the
Prelacy-School bonds. The Prelate stated the expectation for our students to
become active contributors to the life of our nation when they become adults
as well as to society in general, and highlighted the role of our Armenian
Schools in this regard. Finally, he urged the students to truly comprehend
the value of the Armenian Church and School and pledge to remain faithful to
our church and nation.
        The students presented a gift to the Prelate, while His Eminence
gifted copies of the Prelacy's newly published Divine Liturgy booklet. The
visit came to a close with the benediction, followed by "Cilicia" and the
Armenian national anthem, after which students toured the Prelacy.

***

PRELATE ATTENDS FAREWELL RECEPTION HONORING LEBANESE AMBASSADOR JOHNNY
IBRAHIM

        By the invitation of the Advisory Board of the Consulate General of
Lebanon in Los Angeles and a group of Armenian-American and
Lebanese-American community members, on the evening of Thursday, February
1st, 2018, a farewell reception honoring His Excellency Ambassador Johnny
Ibrahim was held at the California Club in Los Angeles.
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and
conveyed his blessings and well wishes to Ambassador Ibrahim as he completes
his term as Consul General of Lebanon in Los Angeles and embarks on his new
mission as Ambassador of Lebanon in Argentina. Members of our Prelacy and
community organizations were in attendance. 

***

ST. SARKIS CHURCH NAME-DAY CELEBRATION

        On Saturday, January 27, 2018, the Armenian Church commemorated the
Feast of St. Sarkis, his son Mardiros, and their fourteen soldiers, who in
the 4th century were martyred in defense of the Christian faith. As the
feasts marks the name-day of St. Sarkis Church of Pasadena, on Sunday
January 28, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated
Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of madagh
at St. Sarkis Church. Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan assisted at the altar.
Executive Council members Mr. Avo Kechichian and Mrs. Therese Kemanjian,
benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian and family, parish
family members, representatives of community organizations, and a large
number of faithful were in attendance.
        As the choir sang the hymn "Hrashapar," His Eminence entered the
church in a procession to begin Divine Liturgy. The Prelate began his sermon
by giving thanks to God for the opportunity to collectively partake in the
day's Divine Liturgy and name-day celebration, and inspired by the message
of St. Sarkis, his son Mardiros, and their fourteen soldiers, to renew our
faith and in the words of the day's Gospel reading from John 6:22-38, to
labor not for perishable food but for the heavenly food. His Eminence
greeted the Executive Council members, benefactors, parish family, and
faithful, wishing all continued successes in their service as "workers who
do not need to be ashamed" (2 Timothy 2:15).
        Citing a verse from Nerses Shnorhali's hymn dedicated to St. Sarkis,
the Prelate highlighted the saint's virtues as a fulfiller of requests,
hearer of prayers, persecutor of evil, liberator of captives, alleviator of
torments, and a brave and fearless preacher of the Christian faith, for
which he, his son, and their soldiers were martyred. Referencing the message
of the day's Gospel reading, the Prelate urged all to labor not for
perishable food but for the bread of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, as did St.
Sarkis and all of our saints. "St. Sarkis remains an everlasting intercessor
for the Armenian people. Today, let us beseech his intercession for God to
strengthen our faith so that we seek and pursue heavenly bread alone, to be
endowed with his faith so that we may overcome and conquer all troubles with
faith, and to transform us into bold and fearless soldiers and defenders of
our faith and nation," stressed the Prelate, and concluded by once again
conveying his congratulations and hoping for the message and spirit of the
day's celebration to lead all into His light.
        At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, the Prelate presided over
requiem service and conducted the blessing of madagh. Prayers of repose were
offered for the souls of the first parish pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis
Antreassian, the parents of the benefactors, Board of Trustees members,
Delegates, Ladies Guild members, and all departed church servants.
Afterward, as the choir sang the hymn "Oorakh Ler," His Eminence descended
from the altar and proceeded to the narthex where the celebration came to a
close with "Cilicia" and the Pontifical anthem.
        A lunch reception followed at "Andonian" Hall, presided by the
Prelate and with the attendance of Executive Council member Mrs. Therese
Kemanjian, the parish family, benefactor family, and "Lernavayr" Gomideh
Chair Mr. Arman Baghdoyan. Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan welcomed the guests,
expressed gratitude to the Prelate and thanks to the benefactors, and wished
for St. Sarkis to be intercessor for all. The grandchildren of the
benefactors entertained the guests with a medley of songs. Board of Trustees
Chair Mr. Koko Panossian thanked all the sponsors and especially the Ladies
Guild for their hard work over the preceding few days. Well wishes and
congratulations were delivered by Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian
and long-time parish servant Mr. Sarkis Dervishian. Following the cutting of
a cake dedicated to the parish name-day and the Prelate's milestone
anniversaries, His Eminence delivered his message highlighting the special
meaning and importance of such celebrations as opportunities for renewal and
recommitment to faith and service. He concluded by congratulating all those
bearing the name of St. Sarkis and his son Mardiros, in particular Mr.
Sarkis Kitsinian, and closed the luncheon with the benediction. 

***

26TH ANNIVERSARY ARMY DAY CELEBRATION

        On Sunday, January 28, 2018, the 26th anniversary of the
establishment of Armenia's National Army was celebrated with a special event
held under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia
and organized by the Armenian Society of Los Angeles. The honored guests
were Marat Petrossyan and Narek Malkhasyan, young heroes of the four-day
Artsakh war. 
        The evening began with a private reception and press conference,
which on behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Rev. Fr.
Ghevont Kirazian attended. Alongside congratulatory and laudatory remarks
addressed to the army, Mr. Artsrun Hovannisyan, Press Secretary of Armenia's
Ministry of Defense, highlighted the brave service and important role of the
two heroes during the war and answered questions posed by attendees. Fr.
Ghevont conveyed the Prelate's blessings and in his message reflected on the
collaborative efforts of the Armenian people, church, and army in defense of
our homeland and heritage, citing the example of Vartan Mamigonian and
Ghevont Yerets from the Battle of Avarayr, the Battle of Sardarabad one
hundred years ago, and the ongoing defense of Artsakh today. 
        A public celebration followed, which was attended by Archpriest Fr.
Nareg Pehlivanian on behalf of the Prelate. The program began with national
anthems and prayer, and continued with remarks and cultural performances. 

***

HOMENETMEN REGIONAL EXECUTIVE'S ANNUAL RECEPTION
        
        By the invitation of the Homenetmen Western Regional Executive, on
Saturday, January 27, 2018, board members of local chapters, committees'
members, and honorary presidents of the Navasartian Games gathered at
Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale for the organization's annual New Year and
Christmas celebration.
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and
conveyed his blessings and message, highlighted the milestone anniversaries
to be celebrated this year, among them the centennial of the first Republic
of Armenia and of Homenetmen, and the 90th anniversary of Hamazkayin,
wishing that these occasions serve as opportunities for renewal of service.
His Eminence wished for the upcoming centennial celebration of Homenetmen to
lead the organization to new heights, and blessed and commended the greater
Homenetmen family including past honorary presidents of the Navasartian
Games and "Exemplary Homenetmen Members." 

 ***

PRELATE WELCOMES PLAYWRIGHT HRANT MARKARIAN

        On Saturday, January 27, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of Dr. Hrant Markarian,
playwright, poet, theater specialist, literary critic, director, and actor,
who was in Los Angeles by the invitation of the Hamazkayin "Hovhannes
Toumanian" Chapter to present a one-man theatrical show dedicated to the
110th anniversary of the passing of Khrimian Hayrig. Dr. Markarian was
accompanied by Hamazkayin representatives Mr. Saro Nazarian and Mrs. Tamar
Tufenkdjian-Seraydarian.
        The Prelate and Dr. Markarian, long-time friends, conversed about
Armenian culture in general and their respective service in that regard. Dr.
Markarian provided details about his theatrical production dedicated to
Khrimian Hayrig, which was held the following evening. On behalf of the
Prelate, Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, attended. He was
joined by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian. In his
remarks on behalf of the Prelate, Fr. Torkom stated, "We have read and
learned about Khrimian Hayrig, however, today, we had the opportunity to
sense and experience his spirit and message." 
        
***

MEXICAN-ARMENIAN CULTURAL WEEK

        By the initiative of the Consulate General of Armenia and the
Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, February 2-9, 2018, has been
designated Mexican-Armenian Cultural Week. Throughout the week, the
contributions of both communities to the city of Los Angeles will be
celebrated with school assemblies, art exhibits, movie screenings, and other
events.
        The opening ceremony was held on the morning of Friday, February
2nd, at Van Nuys City Hall. On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian attended the
ceremony, which featured the presentation of a resolution introduced by LA
City Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Monica Rodriguez.
        Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the U.S., the Honorable
Grigor Hovhannisian, was in attendance, alongside members of the Consulates,
community leaders and members. 

***
 

ARTSAKH FOUR-DAY WAR HEROES VISIT THE PRELATE

        On Friday, January 26, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed a special visit from two heroes of the Artsakh four-day
war of 2016, Narek Malkhasyan and Marat Petrossyan, bearers of Armenia's
"Combat Cross" highest order of honor and Artsakh's "Medal for Courage." The
honored guests are in Los Angeles to participate in the celebration of the
26th anniversary of Armenia's National Army Day on Sunday, January 28, under
the auspices of the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles. Very Rev.
Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, joined in the meeting. The heroes were
accompanied by Artsrun Hovannisyan, Press Secretary of Armenia's Ministry of
Defense, and Razmik Stepanyan, Counsellor at the Consulate General of
Armenia in Los Angeles.
        The Prelate warmly greeted the heroes, commending their heroism and
devotion to homeland. Following a conversation on the four-day war, the
visit continued at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel where the Prelate
offered a prayer for the safety and security of Armenia and Artsakh and
blessed the heroes. 
        At the conclusion of the visit, His Eminence presented mementos to
the heroes.  

***