PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
October 12, 2004
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DIOCESAN COMMITTEE WORKING ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL COMMEMORATION
FOR HIS HOLINESS VASKEN I
Memorial Event Scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 5, at NYC’s St. Vartan
Cathedral Complex
A select committee representing a broad spectrum of the Armenian
American community has been organizing a special program in memory of
His Holiness Vasken I, of blessed memory, the late Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians.
The year 2004 represents the 10th anniversary of Catholicos Vasken’s
passing, and the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is
observing the milestone with a requiem service and program, on Sunday,
December 5, at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 Second Avenue, in New
York City.
The memorial committee, formed under the auspices of the Diocesan
Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, is co-chaired by Mr.
Bedros Givelekian and Mr. Edward Jamie.
Other members of the experienced and versatile group include: Fr.
Mardiros Chevian, Fr. Vasken Karayan, Edward Barsamian, Dr. Arthur
Kubikian, Nubar Kupelian, Gregory Manuelian, Sarkis Matosian, Sam
Mikaelian, Dr. Louiza Puskulian, and Kegham Tcholakian.
The committee, which has been active since June, has planned a dignified
and captivating program.
“The day’s events will begin with the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.,
celebrated by Archbishop Barsamian, followed by a memorial luncheon and
program at 1:00 p.m.” said co-chairman Bedros Givelekian. “We’re very
pleased to have Ambassador Harry Gilmore, the former U.S. Ambassador to
the Republic of Armenia, as the keynote speaker during the memorial
program,” Mr. Givelikian added.
“A beautiful and informative commemorative booklet will be printed, and
memorial khatchkars crafted in Armenia will be distributed to the
attendees” said Mr. Jamie, also a co-chairman of the December 5 event.
Loved and respected by all during his long pontificate, His Holiness
Vasken I served the worldwide Armenian community as the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians from 1955 to 1994.
Prior to that, Vehapar served as primate of Romania–and many of his
students, parishioners, and friends from those days now live in the
United States. The 10th anniversary memorial committee has made a
special effort to contact members of New York’s Romanian Armenian
community, to share memories of Vehapar with the attendees during the
program.
The memorial luncheon is free and open to the public, but with limited
seating. To reserve a place for the luncheon, please call the Diocesan
Center, at (212) 686-0710.
–10/12/04
PHOTO CAPTION: Members of the H.H. Vasken I Memorial Committee, who are
organizing a special commemoration for Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at New
York’s St. Vartan Cathedral complex, marking the 10th anniversary of His
Holiness’ passing.
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