Each year on the eve of the Armenia Fund Telethon, a delegation from the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic arrives in Los Angeles to participate in the Telethon which is held annually on Thanksgiving Day. On this occasion, the delegation also visits the Prelacy to meet with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate and Councils’ members.
On Friday, November 16, 2012, Primate of Artsakh H.E. Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, and National Assembly Speaker the Honorable Ashot Ghulyan visited the Prelacy, accompanied by Permanent Representative of NKR in the U.S. Mr. Robert Avetisyan, Head of the Department of Multilateral Relations of the NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Armine Aleksanyan, and Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region Chair Mr. Ara Aghishian. They were greeted by the Prelate, who was accompanied by Religious Council Chair Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and clergy, Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian, Vice-Chair Mr. George Chorbajian, member Mr. Vahan Bezdikian, and members of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Upon their arrival, the honored guests were led to the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel for a prayer service. The visit continued at the “Sulahian” Reception Hall.
After welcoming the guests, the Prelate reflected on the importance of the Armenia Fund Telethon, which this year will benefit the development of Armenian villages and also the Syrian-Armenian community. He expressed his appreciation and commendation to Armenia Fund on their 20th anniversary and on the 15th annual Telethon, and highlighted the applauded the will and spirit of the Armenian people to help one another through such endeavors. The Prelate also stated that by interesting coincidence, that weekend a memorial was planned for national hero Misak Torlakian, whose spirit could be felt during the Artsakh liberation struggle.
Mr. Ghulyan conveyed his appreciation for the warm welcome and for the Prelacy’s continuous support through the annual Telethon. He conveyed the greetings of Artsakh’s leadership and citizens, and stated that the contributions play a large part in the overall progress of the country and that Armenian and non-Armenian visitors alike are amazed by the advancements, especially given that the country was ravaged by war. Speaking of the government’s immediate plans, Mr. Ghulyan reported that the revitalization of Shushi will gain impetus with the relocation of some government institutions and ministry departments to the region. A trade school will also open in the region, which will greatly contribute to the training and development of experts in specific trades. Mr. Ghulyan also stated that the revitalization of villages will encourage villagers to remain in their homes and not relocate to bigger cities, thus greatly benefitting and advancing the agriculture industry. He expressed contentment that the invisible wall surrounding Artsakh is beginning to crumble and that the country is step by step heading towards recognition and expanding its field of collaborative endeavors. In this regard, Mr. Ghulyan highly commended the support of the Diaspora, and especially the efforts of the Armenian National Committee. He spoke of the situation of Syrian Armenians who have relocated to Artsakh and the support they are receiving, noting that some have already began working in agriculture and can ultimately settle in Artsakh. In conclusion, Mr. Ghulyan once again thanked the Diaspora for its unwavering support, and presented the Prelate with a memento symbolizing the 20th anniversary of the Artsakh army’s establishment.
Mrs. Rima Boghossian expressed pride and joy at the report of advancements being made in Artsakh, and conveyed her New Year well wishes to the guests.
Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan expressed his gratitude to the Diaspora communities for their continuous and dedicated support, and highlighting the value of unity stated that unanimity and the joining of hands is the key to success, to the overcoming of obstacles and reaching new heights. The collaborative spirit of the Armenian people, as witnessed each year through Armenia Fund, is the same spirit with which support was provided in the past to Lebanon and Iraq, and which this year will help Syrian Armenian community. Twenty years ago Artsakh was ravaged by war, stated the Primate, however today many of the wounds have already healed thanks to the united hands of the Armenian people.
Mr. Aghishian expressed thanks for the Prelacy’s unwavering support and especially the enthusiastic support of Prelacy Schools’ students to the Telethon.
On behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary, Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian gave a personal testimony of her recent visit to Artsakh and her impression, affirming that the support being provided has greatly contributed to the rebuilding and revitalization of the country. Mr. George Chorbajian conveyed his well wishes to the distinguished guests and through them to the leadership and people of Artsakh, stressing that the Diaspora will always stand behind our homeland.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Prelate presented the guests with two books, Hrair Hawk Khatcerian’s photo book “Yergir 2 Yergir” and Garo Bedrosian’s latest book “Journey to the Armenian Heritage”.
