Primate Attends Compact Signing Ceremony
between Millennium Challenge Corporation and Armenia
On March 27, 2006 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, attended a Compact Signing Ceremony between the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Republic of Armenia. The Compact involves a five year grant of $235.65 million to improve Armenia’s transportation and agriculture infrastructures.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation was established in 2004 to aid countries that “rule justly, invest in their people and encourage economic freedom.” The Board of Directors of the MCC is chaired by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
The ceremony of March 27th began with the welcoming remarks of Ambassador John J. Danilovich, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The Honorable Condoleezza Rice was then invited to deliver her remarks, followed by remarks from His Excellency Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
The compact was signed by Ambassador John J. Danilovich and His Excellency Vardan Khachatryan, Minister of Finance and Economy, Republic of Armenia. Also present at the ceremony were Ambassador John Evans, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia; His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Armenian Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Vahan Nercissiants, Economic Advisor to the President of Armenia; and Kenneth Hackett, MCC Board member.
30 Armenian Church Youth Participate in
Annual National Conference in Washington D.C.
The Western Diocese, a co-sponsor of the National Conference, organized by the Armenian Assembly of America, was proud to be represented by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, as well as 30 young faithful at the annual conference. The 30 student participants, were fully sponsored by the Armenian Assembly and Western Diocese to learn more about the issues facing Armenian Americans today as well as how to effectively advocate these issues to our representatives in the federal government.
During the conference, speeches by the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Mr. Vartan Oskanian, and Mr. Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, focused on the many challenges facing Armenia today. Among the issues discussed were the historic Millennium Challenge grant to Armenia, and legislation before congress concerning the building of a railroad that will purposefully bypass Armenia, as well as the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
On Tuesday advocates went to Capitol Hill and met with over 80 members of Congress, including Representatives and Senators, a truly eye-opening and inspiring experience for our intrepid youth.
“It was amazing to be able to have a candid and personal meeting with the people who were elected to represent me in our government. I expressed to him what was important to Armenian-Americans, and felt empowered when I learned that he would respond to our requests and support our issues,” said David Ojakian, ACYO Central Council Chair, regarding his meeting with Congressman Richard Pombo, representative for California’s 11th district.
“We are delighted with the presence of the youth of the Western Diocese at the National Conference. Their presence brought new hope to the participants of the conference who clearly saw that the youth can become Ambassadors of our Nation in the Diaspora, and respond to our many challenges through wisdom, intelligence, and a vision to serve humanity,” said Archbishop Derderian.
He continued, “The Western Diocese will continue to work in partnership with the Eastern Diocese, the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the Armenian Assembly to form the largest coalition representing Armenian-Americans.”
The following is the prayer that His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian offered as the benediction of the National Gala.
“Almighty God, we offer to you our prayers and gratitude for tonight’s insightful evening. This celebration has certainly challenged us all with a new call to hold firm in our hearts the most basic virtues of humanity: participation, commitment and sacrifice.
The Armenian Assembly is one of the most outstanding and leading institutions born on American soil, a true gift from God.
Almighty God, bless us all and all the partners and leaders of the Advocacy Conferees. Bless this wonderful and freedom-loving country of America. Bless the land of Armenia, and grant us the vision to make God, this land, and our heritage, the destiny of our God-given life. Go in peace and serve one another with the love of God.”
OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
April 5, 2006
Burbank, California
Yorumlar kapatıldı.