NEW YORK—On June 17, a delegation representing the ARF Eastern U.S. “Shiragian” Central Committee, comprised of CC chairperson Antranig Kasbarian and CC member Hrair Baronian, and accompanied by Mardig Cholakian and Mary Keshishian, visited the Armenian Diocese to congratulate the reelection of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
On June 24, the delegation visited the Armenian Prelacy to congratulate the reelection of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
During the meetings, issues affecting the community and the Armenian Cause (Hai Tahd) were discussed.
Wouldn’t be nice if we saw more of that?
This a a relatively small news item , but contains something of significance. I am very happy to see the ARF reach out to both the Diocese and the Prelacy for this type of relationship building. Despite the shameful and unresolved split in our American diocese, it is good to see major organizations communicate with all segments.
The political landscape in the community has chaged with the emergence of an independent Armenian republic in the last 20 years. There is no longer a need for national organizations to affiliate themselves in a partisan manner. I encourage the ARF to continue to reach out to break down the artificial barriers we have built over the last 70 years. I pray that all organizations take similar positions publically. The ARF congratulates the primate of the Diocese… maybe the AGBU can do the same for the Prelacy…. the ARS works with AGBU. Perhaps the traditional alignment of Prelacy- ARF – ARS with the complimentary Diocese- AGBU-ADL can return to a more natural state. Let’s admit it. We have built two communities where our people don’t know like minded individuals in their own locals and talent is not optimized. We need to build a place where an organization is supported based on its credibility and ability to serve the Armenian people… not because the families have traditional ties to “Dashanags or Ramgavars or Etchmiadzin and Antelias”
The game has changed. Our focus needs to be Armenia( and its interests) and our ability in the diaspora to avoid assimiliation. Working with an open mind will service that noble goal. I applaud this small move. It is a wise move by the ARF ; for itself and the Armenian community.