PRESS RELEASE

Ambassador Markarian Participates in Catholicos Garegin II's Visit to Detroit

On June 21 - 22, 2005, Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S. , Tatoul Markarian joined the delegation of His Holiness Garegin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, during the Detroit part of his pontifical tour. The pontifical visit to Detroit included a joint event with Habitat for Humanity program, which is active in Armenia as well.

Ambassador Markarian attended the welcoming brunch hosted by the Masco Corporation in honor of His Holiness. In his remarks introducing Catholicos Garegin II, the Ambassador noted the uniqueness of the position of the Catholicos, who he said provides a living link to our ancient history and to our future. Noting that the Armenian Apostolic Church has been a major shaper and carrier of Armenian national identity throughout history, Ambassador Markarian said, “We are doubly blessed to have a country restored to its independence and as members of the revitalized, re-energized, and once-again triumphant Armenian Apostolic Church .”

The Ambassador credited His Holiness with reinvigorating the Armenian Apostolic Church during his tenure. In particular, he said that, “It is due to the vision and leadership of Catholicos Garegin II that in many regions of Armenia, where church used to be a mere memorial, a piece of art, it has once again become a house of God, through addition of a priest and formation of a parish.” Ambassador Markarian also praised the diplomatic acumen and outreach of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

The Ambassador's remarks in full are presented below:

Your Holiness, Vehapar Ter,

Your Eminences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Mr. Manoogian

It is an honor to be here in Detroit , for the first time since my appointment as Ambassador of Armenia to the United States . I feel especially honored to be here to accompany the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Garegin II on his pontifical tour to the United States . Finally, I am delighted to participate in an event also celebrating the achievements of Habitat for Humanity in Armenia .

The position and authority of the Catholicos of All Armenians trace back to the first Catholicos, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, and through him to the apostles who evangelized Armenia , and through them, to Christ Himself. In our modern democratic world, where politicians are elected for a fixed term, based on their day to day performance, and the society and politics are more often present-focused, it is a blessing to have a living link to our ancient history and not less importantly if not more, to our future, which the Catholicos, the 131st successor of Saint Gregory, due to his unique position, represents.

Essentially, due to that, Armenian Apostolic Church has been a major shaper and carrier of Armenian national identity for 1700 years, and throughout history. And especially during dark chapters of loss of independent statehood, it has frequently been the only national institution representing the Armenian nation, defending its interests.

This task the Armenian Church accomplished superbly. And now, as Christians we are doubly blessed to have a country restored to its independence and as members of the revitalized, re-energized, and once-again triumphant Armenian Apostolic Church .

His Holiness epitomizes the newly-resurgent Armenian Apostolic Church the best. Since his election in 1999, the vigor, diligence, and spirit of Vehapar Parapet have breathed a new life into the Armenian Apostolic Church , continuing the work of his distinguished predecessors.

It is due to the vision and leadership of Catholicos Garegin II that in many regions of Armenia, where church used to be a mere memorial, a piece of art, it has once again become a house of God, through addition of a priest and formation of a parish.

As an Ambassador, I greatly appreciate the diplomatic acumen and outreach of the Catholicos of All Armenians. All high-ranking foreign visitors to Armenia include a call on His Holiness in the Holy Ejmiatzin, benefiting from his unique wisdom and knowledge of Armenia . Likewise, all doors are open to him on his pontifical and other visits to foreign countries. His Holiness meets the presidents, governors, ministers and mayors, ably representing the Armenian Apostolic Church and actively promoting interests of Armenia and the Armenian people. On numerous occasions, the Catholicos of All Armenians has used the supreme authority of his position to help promote peace and stability in our region.

The efforts of His Holiness to continue and develop cooperation with the fellow Christian denominations, especially with those of the United States , which is home to more than a million Armenian Americans, set an important example.

During the tenure of Catholicos Garegin II, the Armenian Apostolic Church has cooperated closely with numerous American lay and church leaders. Several delegations of American clergymen have visited Armenia , including a landmark visit by the National Council of Churches. Such interaction between the churches only strengthens the excellent relations between our nations, supplementing the political and economic ties that bind Armenia and the United States . Since we are in Detroit , Vehapar Ter, allow me to pay tribute to many prominent Armenian American patriots living in Michigan for their support of Armenia and Armenian interests. I also want to pay tribute to Mr. Richard Manoogian for his vision and leadership, and the important role he plays in upholding the commitment of the Manoogian family to the Armenian people, Armenian Church.

The strong ties between the peoples of Armenia and the United States are also due to the shared values and principles, which are entrenched in our common Christian heritage.

A reflection of our shared values is our belief in giving and helping those in need. An organization with such a task ahead is Habitat for Humanity which is a great example of Christian faith in action. We are delighted to have Armenia included in the program and appreciate the involvement of volunteers and sponsors to help alleviate the housing needs in Armenia .

The presence of His Holiness at this event speaks for itself. It underscores the importance Armenia attaches to this program.

Your Holiness, let me once again emphasize how honored I am to accompany you on this leg of your pontifical visit to the United States . Your leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church into the twenty-first century is a source of pride and admiration for the members of the Church, and indeed, for Armenia as a whole. May the Almighty Lord continue granting You the strength and health so that you can complete the tasks you have so wisely set before the Armenian Church, and that the dreams you have for Armenia and all Armenians come through!

Thank you.