Prelate Attends SARF Lecture on the Syrian Armenian Crisis


On the evening of Monday, February 10, 2014, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended a lecture on “The Syrian Armenian Crisis” at Kalaydjian Hall in Burbank organized by the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF).  Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian accompanied His Eminence.  Executive Council and SARF member Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian was also in attendance.

The keynote speakers were H.G. Bishop Armash Nalbandian from Damascus and Dr. Krikor Adanalian from Aleppo.  Mrs. Sona Madarian served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The evening began with a heartrending slideshow on the destruction in Aleppo.

SARFLecture2The MC then invited the evening’s first speaker.  Dr. Adanalian presented an analytical evaluation of the history of the ancient Armenian community in Syria and also the role of internal Middle East politics in the current situation.  He lauded the unity, perseverance, and resilience of the Aleppo Armenian community under the capable and bold leadership of the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian.  Dr. Adanalian concluded his message with optimism for the future.

Bishop Armash Nalbandian gave a general overview of the current situation and the medical, educational, and financial assistance being provided by Armenian churches, political parties, and humanitarian organizations.  His Grace also reported on the number of Armenian casualties, injuries, and damage to churches and national institutions.  Attendees then had the opportunity to address questions to the Bishop.

In his address, SARF Chair Mr. Zaven Khanjian called on the Armenian people to collectively continue their assistance and aid to Syria.

The Prelate was then invited to address the gathering.  His Eminence first thanked SARF for organizing this important lecture, and commended the keynote speakers.  Recalling his recent return from Lebanon after participating in meetings at the Catholicosate presided over by His Holiness Aram I, the Prelate noted that great emphasis was given to the crisis in Syria and that meeting participants directly communicated with H.E. Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of Aleppo, to receive first hand information on the situation.  The Prelate stated that after hearing the reports of the evening’s speakers, and witnessing the Syrian-Armenian community’s spirit of determination and strong faith, “we leave here hopeful and renewed in our commitment to continue our ongoing support”.

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