Keghart
Fall 2020
A Message from Bishop Daniel Findikyan
Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
My Dear People:
This weekend we witnessed a true Day of Infamy in the modern history of the Armenian people. Our centuries-old, historic, and holy Artsakh suffered an unprovoked surprise attack along its entire border, with shelling targeted at its capital city Stepanakert. Government officials at the highest level in Artsakh and Armenia have confirmed that our homeland is now in a state of war.
Last night the Artsakh Defense Ministry released a list of 16 Armenian casualties our people have suffered in the bombardment—soldiers as well as civilians, including at least one child. Sadly, that list has grown in the subsequent hours, and will likely be updated further in the days to come. The fact that the aggressor power’s cruel actions have led to hundreds of casualties on its own side, as a result of Artsakh’s justified retaliatory effort, in no way balances the loss of our brothers and sisters.
We pray to our merciful Lord Jesus Christ for the repose of every one of those precious lives of our fellow countrymen; for consolation to their grieving families; for the security of Artsakh and Armenia; and for the safety of every soul who resides in and defends our sacred, historic homeland. We pray above all that God will protect our people, deliver them from all adversaries, and establish His peace and justice in Armenia and Artsakh.
As Primate I have been in close consultation with Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Varuzhan Nersesyan, as well as with my fellow bishops and church leaders in America, and the heads of our Armenian-American cultural, political, and advocacy organizations. The Ambassador informs us that Armenian morale is very strong, and that among our soldiers, civilians, and government officials there is every expectation that Armenia and Artsakh will emerge victorious in this war. We pray to God with utmost urgency to support and realize those expectations.
Nevertheless, the present situation is very grave, with the vicious, dictatorial aggressor power of Azerbaijan being supported rhetorically and militarily by Turkey. The war has many fronts, including cyber attacks against Armenian Internet platforms, and a campaign of disinformation that attempts to portray—against every shred of evidence—Armenia as the aggressor in the war. Already, we see false public assertions, from news agencies and various governments, characterizing Azerbaijan’s unprovoked attack on Artsakh as merely a result of “old tensions,” with blame cast on both sides.
My dear people, this is a war in which we all have a stake—in which we all, in our humble ways, have some role to play, some action to take. I urge you to do so for the defense and preservation of Artsakh and Armenia.
• Our Armenian-American advocacy groups, the Armenian Assembly of America and the Armenian National Committee, are meeting with members of Congress and the Administration, urging them to officially and publicly condemn the Azeri aggression and demand its immediate cessation; to demand the termination of all U.S. financial aid to Azerbaijan; and to rein in Turkey from its insidious supportive role.
Both ANCA and the Assembly have made it easy for you to make your voices heard in support of these goals. Please click on the links above and below to access their websites, and urge the American government to stand with our people in this crisis.
• Armenia’s government is looking to the diaspora for financial as well as moral support. The government has asked that your generous contributions be directed to the Armenia Fund. Please note that their website was attacked earlier; but a new and secure website is now in operation, handling all contributions: www.armeniafund.org. You may also contribute by phone at (800) 888-8897.
The Eastern Diocese will abide by the request of Armenia’s government and direct our fundraising efforts to the Armenia Fund. All American-Armenian organizations are united in this approach. I urge you to contribute to this effort, in which all funds collected will support civilian humanitarian aid.
• On Thursday, October 1, a flight will depart from Los Angeles to deliver medical supplies to Armenia. I ask all those among you in a position to donate such medical supplies to contact Armenia Fund at (818) 243-6222, to find out how you can be of help.
These are serious, dangerous days for our people—coming at a time of hazardous uncertainty for the entire world. There is no question that the Armenian cause is just and godly, and that by the will of our victorious risen Lord our cause will prevail. But we know, too, from history, that the enemy has power to inflict great damage on our innocent land and people.
In this difficult moment, I want to assure you, my faithful people, that this tension between unjust suffering and victorious hope was the constant theme of Christ’s life and teaching. It is the deepest meaning of the mystery of the Cross. We know that our ancestors faced unspeakable anguish and sorrow; yet in their heartfelt contemplation of the Cross, they felt the hope of God’s tender embrace, and found the faith and valor to trust in His will.
Let these examples stand before us in the coming days, and always.
With my prayers,
Bishop DANIEL
Primate
September 28, 2020
LINKS:
Make your voice heard:
Armenian Assembly of America
Armenian National Committee
Make a gift to support humanitarian relief
to civilians in Artsakh and Armenia:
www.armeniafund.org
Forget-Me-Not Pins
Pins are still available which you can order from this website.
If you have questions click on the link:
holyresurrectionsm@gmail.com or stop by the office after church.
Purchase THE PROMISE on Blu-ray/DVD
Survival Pictures is donating 100% of the proceeds from home release sales of The Promise to organizations devoted to Armenian Genocide education initiatives. By following these two links (for Amazon and iTunes), sales and proceeds can be redirected to the designated Armenian charities. Purchasing it without using these links will NOT provide the same benefit. Hopefully you were able to see this at the theaters and can add it to your home library!
Amazon: thepromisetoact.org/genocideeducationamazon
iTunes: thepromisetoact.org/genocideeducationitunes
Friendly Reminder
Retiree Club at St. Mesrob’s in Racine, WI, every Thursday from 1-3:30pm.
Contact Armen for more info.
A message from the Armenian Relief Society
In view of the attacks on September 30, 2016, on Armenian populated areas of Aleppo, which resulted in the death of five members of that already stricken community, the Armenian Relief Society expresses its deep sorrow, extending its condolences to their families.
To this end, we appeal to our community and friends to take part in our ongoing humanitarian efforts with contributions to the ARS Syrian-Armenian Relief programs. Your participation, at this hour, is essential to keep the momentum of our emergency relief efforts to a community which must, with all means, survive these tragic circumstances.
For donations, please visit: https://www.classy.org/campaign/ars-syrian-armenian-relief-fund/c97739
Thank you for your continued support of this ongoing effort.
Tax deductible contributions can also be sent to:
ARS Racine Soseh Chapter
4100 N. Newman Rd.
Racine, WI 53406
Reminder
Fellowship is held after every service in our church office (no steps to climb!) Please stop by afterwards for a cup of coffee and home-made snacks. Feel free to bring a snack to share, if you like.
Dues
Please remember to pay your membership dues.
Dues must be paid by December 31, 2020
**All donations and dues are tax deductable.**
Our email address is holyresurrectionsm@gmail.com
