2005_10 Hye Sharzhoom Newspaper October 2005

              8
Hye Sharzhoom
October 2005
L. to R. Archbishop  Hovnan  Derderian,  Dr.  John Welty,
Catholicos Karekin II, and Barlow Der Mugrdechian.
Catholicos Karekin, From Page 1
His Holiness was paying his
second Pontifical visit to the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church, June 1-21, 2005. As part
of his visit, under the title of "Renaissance of Faith," His Holiness
visited campus upon the invitation
ofthe Armenian Studies Program.
Catholicos Karekin II, accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
of the Western Diocese, Arch
bishop Vatche Hovsepian, Archbishop Nerses Bozabalian and the
Catholicos' entourage arrived at
the Fresno State campus at
11:30AM and were greeted by
University President Dr. John
Welty,his wife Dr. Sharon Brown
Welty, Barlow Der Mugrdechian
ofthe Armenian Studies Program,
co-hosts Dr. and Mrs. Varoujan
and Lena Altebarmakian, and invited guests and students.
Dr. Welty and His Holiness discussed many areas of mutual interest between the Catholicossate and
the University. The Gevorgian
Seminary in Etchmiadzin has recently achieved recognition by the
Armenian government as an institution of higher learning. Discussions were held about the possibil
ity of Fresno State faculty teaching
at the Seminary, thereby also establishing closer relations between the
two institutions.
Following the discussion, a luncheon was held in the Smittcamp
Alumni House to honor His Holiness. Guests mingled in a warm
atmosphere as they enjoyed lunch.
Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the
Armenian Studies Program in his
opening remarks spoke of His Holiness' leadership during the past six
years, and how Holy Etchmiadzin is
undergoing a spiritual and administrative renewal. In addition, many
new churches are being built, and
older churches renovated as part of
His Holiness' plan to re invigorate
the Armenian people.
Dr. Welty then bestowed the
President's Medal of Distinction to
His Holiness.
On October 27, 1999, Archbishop Karekin Nersissian was
elected the 132nd Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and was consecrated on November 4,1999 in the Cathedral of
the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin.
Since his election, His Holiness
has begun the difficult work of the
restructuring and reorganization of
internal church life, the revitaliza-
tion of the theological seminaries
of the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin, strengthening Christian education, and the reconstruction of churches and monasteries.
Special emphasis has been placed
on the preparation of a new generation of clergy to serve Armenian faithful throughout the world.
As of November 2004, more
than 25 newly built churches have
been consecrated, foundations of 5
new churches have been blessed
and are in progress, and reconstruction of historic monasteries
and monastic complexes have been
completed under the leadership of
His Holiness.
In the first five years of his
pontificate, more than 100 new
priests have been ordained to the
Holy Order of Priesthood. Over
35 of these new priests are continuing their higher education in
theological universities throughout Europe, the United States and
the former Soviet Union.
His Holiness' visitto the United
States coincided with several important dates for the Armenian
people. 2005 is the 90th anniversary ofthe Armenian genocide and
at the same time the 1600th anniversary of the discovery of the
Armenian alphabet.
His Holiness paid his first visit
to Fresno State in May 2001, during his first Pontifical visit to the
United States, associated with the
1700th anniversary of the establishment of Christianity in Armenia.
The California State University, Fresno
Armenian Studies Program
and Armenian Students Organization
1600th Anniversary ofthe Armenian Alphabet
405-2005 AD
"The Origins of the Armenian Alphabet
1 and its Cultural Impact"
Ro by
t*  Dr. Peter Cowe
Dr. Peter Cowe is Naregatsi Professor of Armenian Language and Culture
at UCLA and is an internationally recognized authority on the Armenian
"The Political Situation in Armenia
on the Eve of the Invention of the
Armenian Alphabet"
by
Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Barlow Der Mugrdechian teaches in the Armenian Studies Program at
Fresno State. He teaches courses in Armenian history, language, literature
and culture.
Friday, October 21,2005 7:30 p.m.
Alice Peters Auditorium, Room 191
University Business Center • Fresno State
Catholicos Aram, From Page 1
ing role in many organizations before he was elected Catholicos. He
was one ofthe founding members
of the Middle East Council of
Churches. He held many positions
in the World Council of Churches,
on the Central Committee in 1983,
and was Moderator in 1991.
His Holiness Aram I will arrive
in Fresno on Monday, October 10
and will stay until Wednesday, October 12.
Judging by the current atmosphere among Armenians in Fresno,
one can be certain that Catholicos
Aram's upcoming visit will prove
to be a fruitful event for the community.
Schedule: October 10-Hrashapar
Service-Holy Trinity Armenian
Apostolic Church-5:00 PM. Immediately following, the youth from
the community, will get a special
opportunity to speak with His Holiness.
October 11- City Hall -8:30 AM
Armenian Community School of
Fresno- 9:45 AM.
Fresno Pacific Univ.-11:00 AM.
Pontifical Banquet-6:30 PM-Holy
Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
Social Hall.
October 12- Antasdan (blessing
ofthe four corners)- 9:30 AM.
California Arm. Home-11:00 AM
First Armenian Presbyterian
Church-2:00PM
The Armenian Studies Program presented His Holiness Karekin
II with a set of lithographs by artist Varaz Samuelian.
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