PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: +374-10-517163
Fax: +374-10-517301
E-Mail: [email protected]
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July 4, 2007
Opening of Renovated Guest House of the Mother See
On Saturday, June 30, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during the opening ceremonies of the
newly renovated Guest House of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The
Guest House, also known as the `Vanatun’, was constructed in 1978 through
the generosity of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, during the pontifical
of His Holiness Vasken I of blessed memory. The building has been used for
the past 30 years to house Armenian clergymen and ecumenical delegations
during their visits to the headquarters of the Armenian Church.
The comprehensive reconstruction of the three-story building was sponsored
by Deacon James Kalustian in honor and love of his parents, Mardiros and
Mariam Kalustian, who had traveled to Armenia to be present for the
opening. James Kalustian is a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council of
the Armenian Church, as well as the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
His Holiness Karekin II offered the Home Blessing Service with the
participation of the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin. Also
present for the service and ceremony were His Eminence Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern); His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate for the
Eastern Diocese; Oscar Tatosian, Eastern Diocesan Council Chairman; members
of the Eastern Diocesan Council; members of the Board of Directors for the
Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR); and faithful pilgrims from the United
States.
Following the short service, His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Grand
Sacristan of the Mother See, invited Abp. Khajag to share his thoughts on
the occasion. The primate of the Eastern Diocese expressed his pleasure
that upon every visit to Holy Etchmiadzin, he witnesses the opening of
another sanctuary or building which benefits the mission and activities of
the Mother See. He also stressed his contentment to see a faithful son and
deacon of the Church honoring his parents and his community with steadfast
devotion to his faith and nation.
The Pontiff of All Armenians addressed his message of blessing to those
present, placing great importance on the ties and relationship of every
individual Armenian to Holy Etchmiadzin. `The Mother See lives in every
Armenian heart, and therefore, every son or daughter of our nation hopes
with all hope that she blossoms and flourishes, that her appearance and
condition causes every Armenian soul to soar with pride and happiness. Each
visitor who enters this monastery, will give thanks to God that the Mother
See, with her past, present and future, is beautiful, strong and increasing
in its scope and mission day by day’, stated His Holiness. The Catholicos
also expressed his words of appreciation and thanks to the benefactor, for
the noble and kind initiative he undertook out of respect and love for his
parents. At the end of his remarks, His Holiness bestowed James Kalustian
with the highest award of the Armenian Church – the Order of Saint Gregory
the Illuminator, and presented him with the medal of St. Gregory.