On Wednesday, November 23, 2016, a delegation from Artsakh, headed by H.E. Lieutenant General Artur Aghabekyan, Deputy Prime Minister of Artsakh, and H.E. Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, Primate of Artsakh, paid an annual visit to the Prelacy ahead of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund International Telethon. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Clergy, Executive Council, and Ladies Auxiliary members greeted the honored guests, who were accompanied by Mr. Robert Avetisyan, Permanent Representative of Artsakh to the United States, and Mr. Razmik Stepanyan, Consulate General of Los Angeles Counsellor.
The formal meeting was held at “Sulahian” reception hall. On behalf of the Western Prelacy family, the Prelate welcomed the guests back to “The People’s Home” and assured that the community will contribute generously to Artsakh’s safety and future through the Armenia Fund Telethon. His Eminence wished good health to Archbishop Martirosyan, “so that he may continue to lead in the spirit of Ghevont Yerets” and to the leadership of Artsakh as they serve for the defense and safety of our lands.
Archbishop Martirosyan highlighted the importance of the Telethon, stating that the support of the Armenian nation is vital for Artsakh’s citizens and army as the country does not receive any other international aid, and that proceeds from past Telethons have contributed vitally to hundreds of project, one of the most important being construction of the Vardenis-Martakert Highway. Speaking on the aftermath of the April war, the Primate reported that residents of the border villages of Talish and Madaghis have been forced to relocate to safer areas, and that the primary objective at present is to defend Artsakh and keep its citizens in peace while always being ready to thwart future attacks and prevent mass casualties.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that in past decades, the people of Artsakh could not have imagined that Armenians across the globe would rally under the motto “We are Artsakhtsi.” The government of Artsakh has taken on the mighty task of securing the safety of its citizens, and we are confident that Armenians worldwide will lend their assistance through the Telethon, stated Gen. Aghabekyan, who also noted that the April war has brought on new challenges and difficulties. Thus, he expressed hope that every Armenian contribute to the Telethon, and that the international community will aid upholding peace and the country’s indisputable rights.
On behalf of the government of Artsakh, the Deputy Prime Minister gifted the Prelate a medal representing the country’s 25th anniversary of independence as well as a souvenir of Kantsasar Monastery. The Prelate reciprocated with Prelacy mementos.
A luncheon in honor of the guests followed, during which affirmations in support of Artsakh were once again expressed by all.
