PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
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Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
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October 17, 2005
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ARMENIAN CHURCH TAKES PART IN PRAYER SERVICE FOR UNITED NATIONS
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), led a delegation of Armenians who
attended the 5th annual Orthodox Prayer Service for the United
Nations Community.
“This event is a symbolic representation of the power of faith and
the importance of assuring that our faith has a place at the table of
international politics and diplomacy,” the Primate said. “It is also
important that the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches join forces
and stand with a united voice in calling for a full representation
of our faith at the United Nations.”
The annual event is organized by the Joint Commission of the Standing
Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas and the
Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches. This year’s service
was hosted by the Serbian Orthodox Church at the Holy Trinity Greek
Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York City. Each year a different
participating church hosts the event, which also rotates in location
from the Greek Cathedral to St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.
Attending this year with the Primate was Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of
St. Nersess Seminary; Fr. Simeon Odabashian, pastor of the Sts. Sahag
and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI; Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St.
Vartan Cathedral, a number of seminarians from St. Nersess Seminary;
and Diocesan staff.
Armenia was also represented by His Excellency Armen Martirossyan,
the permanent representative of the Republic of Armenia to the
United Nations.
The guest speaker at this year’s service was His Excellency Dr. Milos
Prica, the permanent representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the
United Nations. He spoke eloquently about his faith and how emulating
the teachings of Christ can help us live in a world of peace. His
Eminence Metropolitan Christopher, Metropolitan of the Midwest American
Metropolitanate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, also spoke on peace,
focusing on the Biblical references to the idea of peacemakers.
“The fact that the prayer service was dedicated to all the personnel
at the United Nations and to bringing piece to the world was very
powerful,” said Jennifer Morris, the coordinator of youth outreach
for the Diocese, who attended the service. “The whole event was very
moving. To see all the bishops on the altar, together, putting aside
any differences they have and coming together to share their love
for Jesus Christ was just amazing.”
— 10/17/05
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Bishops gather at the altar of the Holy Trinity
Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York City on Tuesday,
October 11, 2005, for the 5th annual Orthodox Prayer Service for the
United Nations Community.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Dr. Milos Prica, the permanent representative of
Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations, speaks about the need to
live the lessons of Christ.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Church leaders and diplomatic dignitaries following
the 5th annual Orthodox Prayer Service for the United Nations Community
on Tuesday, October 11, 2005.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress