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House of Representatives Urges Turkey to Safeguard Christian Heritage, Return Confiscated Church Properties
House of Representatives Urges Turkey to Safeguard Christian Heritage, Return Confiscated Church Properties
Florida Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Gus Bilirakis Cosponsor H. Res. 306
Washington, DC – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted by voice vote H. Res. 306, legislation calling on the Republic of Turkey to protect its Christian heritage and return confiscated church properties. Introduced by Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), H. Res. 306 was cosponsored by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), both members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.
“This bipartisan bill reflects America’s values and represents an important step towards preserving the heritage of the Armenian community and other minority communities within Turkey,” stated the Legate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian in Washington, DC.
As amended, H. Res. 306 calls on Turkey to “end all forms of religious discrimination” and return confiscated church properties and artifacts. The revised bill mirrors the Berman-Cicilline amendment that was adopted by the House Foreign Affairs Committee by a vote of 43-1 earlier this year.
“It has been my privilege to be a strong voice for oppressed religious minorities throughout the world,” Congressman Bilirakis said. “I am pleased that my colleagues once again sent a strong message in support of religious freedom in a manner that transcends party politics by unanimously condemning Turkey for failing to safeguard its Christian heritage or return confiscated church properties,” stated Bilirakis.
In addition to resolution sponsor Congressman Royce, who along with his colleagues invoked the memory of the Armenian Genocide and Turkey’s continued genocide denial, the following Representatives spoke in favor of the legislation: Howard Berman (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ). Turkish Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Edward Whitfield (R-KY) claimed time in opposition to the bill.
You can watch the debate on the bill here.
Fr. Nareg Berberian’s 20th Anniversary of Consecration to the Order of the Holy Priesthood
Fr. Nareg Berberian’s 20th Anniversary of Consecration to the Order of the Holy Priesthood
By Claudette Sarian
St. David Armenian Church Public Affairs
Fr. Nareg Berberian's 20th Anniversary Committee
On Sunday, November 27, 2011, the 20th Anniversary Committee comprised of members of our various Church organizations, met together to start organizing our Pastor’s 20th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Order of the Holy Priesthood. The meeting was chaired by Carol Norigian. The members of the Committee are: Armen Melkonian, Rose Kazanjian, Rose Tatarian, Nadia Isguzar, George Stapan, Nina Stapan, Claudette Sarian, Maral Kazandjian and Beatrice Babgouni.
At the meeting, the committee members decided to print official invitation cards for our parishioners and private letters for dignitaries. The committee decided to hold this function on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Mardigian Church Hall. It was confirmed that His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, will preside over this function. An invitation was extended to His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Ecumenical Director of our Diocese, and his participation was confirmed. There will be many guest clergy and dignitaries. Further information about the Sunday celebratory event will be forthcoming.
Florida Armenians 