Invitation of Catholicos Yields Highly Productive Diocesan Council trip to Armenia

Members of the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, headed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, traveled to Armenia for an historic trip from November 4 to 11 at the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The trip marked the first time a Diocesan Council from the United States had traveled to Etchmiadzin as an ensemble at the invitation of Vehapar.

Diocesan Council members began their first day with prayers at Holy Etchmiadzin before an audience with His Holiness and a meeting with the Supreme Religious Council – presided over by the Catholicos and chaired by Archbishop Barsamian. Members presented the strategy of the Eastern Diocesan Council and its activities and efforts in the last five years.

“This was a memorable visit which strengthened my personal faith and gave me increased optimism for the rapid spiritual and economic development of Armenia,” said council member Oscar Tatosian.

An excellent dialogue ensued between the Diocesan Council members and the Supreme Religious Council members on a variety of topics including: preparation of clergy as effective pastors; liturgical issues; Friends of the Holy Sea of Etchmiadzin endowment fund; fund-raising activities by the Eastern Diocese; facilitating cooperation and communication between Armenian dioceses around the world; and the recent official recognition of the Jehovah’s Witnesses by the Armenian government.

Council Member John Amboian called the trip “a memorable experience” offering opportunity to become better acquainted with His Holiness and the needs of the Holy See, along with insight into the function and role of the Supreme Religious Council.”

SEEING THE REBIRTH

Highlights of the trip in which the Catholicos lead the Primate and council members on a tour of various dioceses including:

• the youth center in Yerevan sponsored by the Holy See and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) for a children’s performance.
• Shirak to meet with Bishop Mikayel Ajapahianat and tour the newly consecrated Church of St. Hagop and His Holiness Catholicos Vasken I School. The school was destroyed in the 1988 earthquake but renovated by the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR).
• a concert commemorating the 130th anniversary of the Kevorkian Seminary in Etchmiadzin
• Sunday badarak at Holy Etchmiadzin, celebrated by Archbishop Barsamian on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Karekin II. During a banquet that followed, council members presented Vehapar with $50,000 on behalf of the Eastern Diocese to be applied to church renovation in Armenia.
• Sevan to tour the newly constructed Vazkenian seminary and meet with Diocese of Geghakouniak locum tenens Fr. Terenik Davidian, who detailed the support provided by the Eastern Diocese through sister parish programs.
• a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan and U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans
• a ceremony for the blessing of roof crosses for the newly constructed Holy Trinity Church in Yerevan.
• FAR offices and its Children's Reception and Orientation Center.
• the Araratian Diocese to meet with its vicar, Bishop Navasard Ktshoyan, and more than 100 young people about facilitating the connection and communication between the youth of Armenia and young Armenians in America.
• the National Academy of Sciences where the Primate was honored with the Academy’s Gold Medal (please see News & Notes, Page 9).
• the Diocese of Gougark for a meeting with Bishop Sebouh Chuljyan and tour of the new St. Greogry of Narek Church built by council member Sarkis Bedevian and his wife, Ruth Bedevian. Bishop Chuljyan spoke about the summer camp run by his Diocese with the help of the Eastern Diocese.
• the Anoosh Mathevosian School in Vanadzor, which was rebuilt and opened in 2002 by FAR. The school was damaged during the 1988 earthquake.

The council members, who traveled at their own expense, departed Armenia with renewed spirit and deeper love for their homeland. “It was inspiring to see the leadership and what they’re able to pull off in Armenia with so little – the rebuilding, the gathering of the people, they're doing an inspiring job,” Fr. Kelegian said. “It was inspirational.”