Armenia Fund’s 15th Annual International Telethon will air on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012 from 8:00am – 8:00pm PST. The Telethon will be televised coast to coast in the United States, as well as throughout the globe on satellite and cable networks. Proceeds from the Telethon will benefit the development of Armenian villages. Given the grave situation in Syria, a portion of this year’s donations will benefit the Syrian-Armenian community.
The Prelate will be participating in meetings in Antelias, Lebanon during this time, thus his pre-recorded video message will be aired during the Telethon.
In his message, the Prelate urges the community to donate to the Telethon and contribute to the advancement of the Armenian nation and people. “This year, the focus is on the Armenian village. In our history until the present time, villages and villagers have had a fundamental role in our national life. By reinforcing and fortifying our villages, we reinforce and strengthen the building blocks of our nation and contribute to their development economically and culturally. This year, Armenians around the world have an added responsibility, and that is to lend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in Syria who are caught in the crossfire of a conflict which has had a devastating impact on our community. Just as each year we enthusiastically donate for the progress of Armenia and Artaskh, this year we must donate in that same spirit for Armenia, Artsakh, and also for Syria, because the Armenian people must help each other, whether in our homeland or in one of many Diaspora communities. Through this Telethon, you can make a difference in alleviating the suffering faced by the Syrian Armenian community by requesting that your donation be allocated to that specific cause”, stated the Prelate.
On Sunday, November 18, the Prelate delivered the invocation at the Armenia Fund 20th Anniversary Gala. In his invocation, the Prelate prayed for God to bless our homelands of Armenia and Artsakh and the distinguished guests from Artsakh in attendance, the board members and volunteers who for twenty years have diligently served for the progress of the Armenian nation through Armenia Fund, and the Armenian people across the globe who stand united behind Armenia Fund and year after year contribute to the prosperity of our nation by lending their valuable support to the Armenia Fund Telethon. “Yesterday, today, and always, the Armenian people collectively stand by our nation, one heart and hands joined, united for the splendor of Armenia, Artsakh, and our many Diaspora communities. Lord, may You grace us with Your unbound love, protection, divine wisdom and guidance as we continue our service to secure a brighter future for the Armenian nation and people”, concluded the Prelate.