Fresno Bee, CA
Oct 9 2011
Armenian spiritual leader visits
By Ron Orozco / The Fresno Bee
An Armenian spiritual leader is making a whirlwind stop in Fresno this
weekend as part of a visit to the western United States.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, is spiritual leader of
Armenian Diaspora communities in the Middle East, Europe and North
America. He is mainly coming to Fresno to get a better understanding
of Ararat Armenian Cemetery and Masis Ararat Armenian Cemetery.
In 2015, a 100th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide will be held
at the Armenian Martyr’s Memorial in Ararat cemetery. The remains of
an unknown Armenian, martyred by the Turks along with others in 1915,
are enshrined at the memorial.
“Here is the only place where remains have been buried outside of the
Middle East,” says Frank Balekian Jr., administrator of the Ararat
Cemetery Improvement Association, which maintains the two cemeteries.
Aram I’s first stop is Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 2226
Ventura Ave. He will speak at a banquet at 6:30 p.m. today. He also
leads Divine Liturgy and gives the sermon at the church’s 10 a.m.
service Sunday. Details: (559) 486-1141.
Aram I’s next stop is the cemeteries. He will lay a wreath of flowers
and conduct a special memorial prayer service at 9 a.m. Monday at the
Armenian Martyr’s Memorial, followed by another wreath/prayer service
at the nearby Monument of Armenian national hero Soghomon Tehlirian in
Masis cemetery.
Details: (559) 292-2415.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2011/10/09/armenian-spiritual-leader-visits-the-western-us/
