PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 14, 2006
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DIOCESE HELPS STRENGTHEN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HOLY
ETCHMIADZIN
When representatives from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Habitat for
Humanity International signed a memorandum of understanding initiating a new
long-term joint effort, it was the culmination of several years of
relationship-building between Habitat for Humanity and the Armenian Church,
facilitated by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of the Eastern
Diocese, has played a leadership role in bringing the needs of Armenia to
the attention of Habitat for Humanity. He has led tours of Armenia for
leaders of Habitat for Humanity, arranged for the Catholicos to work on a
home with former President Jimmy Carter in Michigan last year, and has
spoken about the need to support Habitat for Humanity to parishes and other
organizations.
He was present when the two sides signed the understanding on April 20,
2006, initiating the "His Holiness Karekin II Building Project."
"It is important that the people of Armenia find decent housing, and through
Habitat for Humanity, we are encouraging volunteers to work alongside the
nation’s residents in building a better future for Armenia," Bishop Aykazian
said.
The agreement signed by the two sides outlines plans to have Habitat for
Humanity International conduct an annual building event in Armenia. The
volunteers will build 100 new homes in the next three years.
This year alone the organization is aiming to build 37 new homes in Armenia,
representing each diocese of the Armenian Church dispersed throughout the
world.
"There is so much that needs to be done to improve the quality of homes in
Armenia, and with Habitat we are taking steps to make that happen," Bishop
Aykazian said. "And I am proud the Diocese and our parishioners are taking
a key role in this effort. I have spoke to so many parishioners who have
traveled to Armenia to work on Habitat projects, and each one returns
spiritually and emotionally energized."
Joint cooperation between the Armenian Church and Habitat for Humanity began
in 2001, when parishioners from the United States traveled to Armenia to
work on building projects. This year, the Armenian Church Youth
Organization of America (ACYOA) has made Habitat for Humanity the focus of
its Armenia Service Program trip, which takes young people to Armenia to
volunteer.
"Habitat does more than provide much-needed housing in Armenia," said
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese. "By allowing future
home owners to work alongside volunteers, it gives them a sense of pride and
dignity. It also gives the volunteers a human face to put on the economic
struggles of the Republic of Armenia."
"Habitat for Humanity and the Armenia Apostolic Church share a commitment to
help those in need, to advocate for the poor and to transform dehumanizing
conditions that perpetuate poverty," said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive
officer of Habitat for Humanity International, in a release issued by
Habitat for Humanity International. "This new partnership is a blessing
that will allow us to serve more families in need both in Armenia and
worldwide."
— 6/14/06
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