Press Release
November 14, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street NW , Washington , DC 20005
Contact: Haik Gugarats, armecon@speakeasy.net
Tel. 202-319-1976, Fax. 202-319-2982; http:// www.armeniaemb.org

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian Visits Embassy of Armenia

On November 14, 2005, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America visited the Embassy of Armenia, accompanied by the Diocesan Legate, Bishop Vicken Aykazian, Pastor of St. Mary's Armenian Church in Washington, D.C. , Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian and members of St. Mary's Parish council.

Congratulating Ambassador Markarian once again on assuming his position, Archbishop Barsamian reflected on the relations between Armenia 's national church and the state, as well as the close cooperation between the Eastern Diocese and the Embassy of Armenia. He also highlighted the important role of the independent Republic of Armenia in helping preserve the Armenian legacy and identity in the Diasporan communities worldwide, including in the United States . Archbishop Barsamian pledged to continue working with the Embassy to promote the interests of Armenia and the Armenian people.

Expressing his appreciation for the visit and the Primate's warm wishes, Ambassador Markarian presented his vision for further development of the Homeland-Diaspora relations and the special importance of the Armenian Apostolic Church , and said he looked forward to continuing the close ties between the Embassy and the Eastern Diocese. Ambassador Markarian also congratulated Bishop Aykazian on his election as President-Elect of the National Council of Churches.