PRIMATE OF ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREAT BRITAIN
APPOINTED CO-PRESIDENT OF ' CTE '
- CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ENGLAND
Last month, on 15 February 2006, His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Primate of the Armenian Church of Great Britain, became the
first Oriental Orthodox Bishop in the United Kingdom to be appointed as co-President of Churches Together in England.
Bishop Nathan acceded to this ecumenical position following a unanimous
nomination by all the Orthodox Churches in the UK (both Byzantine and Oriental Churches)
Left to Right: Revd, David Coffey - Moderator of the Free Churches, H.E. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor - Archbishop of
Westminster, H.G. Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian - Primate of the Armenian Church of Great Britain, Most Revd. Dr. Rowan Williams - Archbishop of Canterbury, Revd. Bill
Snelson - CTE General Secretary. |
Churches Together in England (CTE) is the national body set up by the churches in 1990, and has links with the churches in Scotland, Wales
and Ireland. At a national level, CTE has 26 Member Churches or Councils of Churches as well as 27 Bodies in Association.
The other three CTE Presidents are the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'
Connor, Archbishop of Westminster and Revd David Coffey, Moderator of the Free Churches.
At an inaugural Morning Prayer in the presence of the three other co-Presidents, as well as Revd Bill Snelson, CTE General Secretary, Bishop
Nathan entered into the Covenant with the other three Presidents as an act of commitment to the ecumenical ministry of the churches in
England and to the collaboration between the different families of churches.
PRESS RELEASE Primacy of the Armenian Church of Great Britain
Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TP, UK
Fax: +44 20 7937 9049 E-mail: Arajnortaran@aol.com
BISHOP NATHAN HOVHANNISIAN BECOMES PRESIDENT OF CTE Last month, on 15 February 2006, HG Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Primate of the Armenian Church of
Great Britain, became the first Oriental Orthodox Bishop in the United Kingdom to be appointed as co-President of Churches Together in England. Bishop Nathan acceded to this ecumenical position following a
unanimous nomination by all the Orthodox Churches in the UK (both Byzantine and Oriental). Churches Together in England (CTE) is the national body set up by the churches in 1990, and has links
with the churches in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. At a national level, CTE has 26 Member Churches or Councils of Churches as well as 27 Bodies in Association. The other three CTE Presidents are the Most
Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster and Revd David Coffey, Moderator of the Free Churches.
At an inaugural Morning Prayer in the presence of the three other co-Presidents, as well as Revd Bill Snelson,
CTE General Secretary, Bishop Nathan entered into the Covenant with the other three Presidents as an act of
commitment to the ecumenical ministry of the churches in England and to the collaboration between the different families of churches. PRESS RELEASEMother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services February 9, 2006 JOINT COMMUNIQUE THE MEETING OF THE DELEGATIONS OF
THE CATHOLICSATE OF ALL ARMENIANS AND THE CATHOLICOSATE OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA
Under the auspices of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, a meeting of delegations from the Catholicosate of
All Armenians and the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia once again convened on January 31, 2006 in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin with the theme of
"The Imperative for the Renewal of the Armenian Church", and determined the process of accomplishing the work. This meeting was a follow up to the first
consultative meeting (March 4-5, 2005) aimed at the greater prosperity of the sacred mission and a further strengthening of the internal unity of the Armenian Church.
The members of the delegation representing the Catholicosate of All Armenians were: His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian (Chairman) His Grace Bishop Mikael Ajapahian (Secretary) Mr. Rafael Papayan
Mr. James Kalustian The members of the delegation representing the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia were: His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan (Chairman)
His Grace Bishop Nareg Alemezian (Secretary) Mr. Yervant Pamboukian Arsen Danielian, Esq. Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikian recorded the minutes of the meeting.
On the morning of Tuesday, January 31, His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians received both
delegations in the Pontifical Residence, offering his suggestions and extending his fatherly blessings. Afterwards,
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan conveyed His Holiness Catholicos Aram I's wishes for success to the work of the delegations.
Following the Lord's Prayer and a biblical reading (Ephesians 4:1-16), in accord with the guidelines created
during the previous meeting and thereafter confirmed by the two Catholicoi, the participants comprehensively
developed the strategy for future proceedings, determined the number of committees and the spheres for their discussion.
The meeting progressed in a productive and warm atmosphere of brotherly love, always guided by the greatest interests of the Armenian Church.
At the conclusion of the meeting the committee presented its report to His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, filially requesting that implementation be granted to the future work.
As an outcome of the atmosphere and results of the meeting, the delegations are confident that the realization of these proposals will greatly benefit the strengthening and unity of the Armenian Church.
January 31, 2006 Holy Etchmiadzin ## 
Armenian Church Convenes Meeting to Study Sainthood
for Victims of the Armenian Genocide
From September 3 through 6, 2005, the Armenian Church Committee for the Study of the Canonization of the
Victims of the Armenian Genocide convened its inaugural meeting in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The members of the committee are:
His Eminence Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Co-Chairman
(Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia)
His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrosian, Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of All Armenians)
His Grace Bishop Kegham Khatcherian (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia)
Very Rev. Fr. Papken Charian, Secretary (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia)
Very Rev. Fr. Zadig Avedikian, Secretary (Catholicosate of All Armenians)
Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikian (Catholicosate of All Armenians)
Prior to their meeting, the members of the committee were received by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, who gave them his Pontifical blessing, placing importance on the work ahead and wishing them success in their endeavors.
His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrosian introduced the members of the committee to His Holiness, and asked for his
blessing. His Eminence Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian transmitted the fraternal greetings and best wishes for success of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
During their meeting, the members exchanged ideas and viewpoints, and following substantial discussion,
established the main task, the framework for analysis, the working timeline and underscored the fundamental statement of the question.
The first working session of the committee will take place from November 8 to 12, 2005, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. =============================================================================== PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
April 26, 2005
THE MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
AT THE ECUMENICAL REQUIEM SERVICE FOR THE VICTIMS
OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
(Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, Yerevan, 24 April 2005) In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dearly beloved faithful, We are living in days of remembrance and spiritual evocation, dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. On the anniversary of this great tragedy of history, we are joined by representatives of many nations who
have come to pay their respects and pray with us, as well as many governments who have issued resolutions condemning the Genocide of the Armenians.
Today we commemorate April 24 for the 90th time. From Armenian Church altars throughout the world, the
dispersed Armenian nation offers prayers to heaven with Divine Liturgies; and in all corners of the earth, they humbly
bow their heads before memorials and monuments to the Armenian Genocide. On the hill of Tsitsernakaberd, state
officials of the Armenians, thousands and thousands of our people, accompanied by representatives of different
nations and states, bowed down as well before the eternal memories of our martyrs, and with heartfelt emotion in
this evening hour of peace, we once again entreat the Almighty to grant rest to their countless souls. We pray that
Almighty God keep and protect the world in peace and goodness, so that no people ever again endure the tragedy of
genocide. We pray for the creation and progress of life, and in the brotherhood of peoples, which is the significance
and purpose of God's creation, since the paths of life are the paths of the Lord. "For He created all things, that they
might exist; and the generations of the world are wholesome." Wisdom of Solomon 1:14
With this faith, our people survived the tragedy of genocide, and with the hope of their re-born life, they
commemorate its 90th anniversary. Our people believe that they shall see the dawn of that righteous day, when the first genocide of the 20th century will be universally recognized and condemned. Ninety years ago the Young Turk authorities decided that by eliminating the Armenian population they would solve
the "Armenian Question". The turbulent and confused circumstances of the First World War became the most
opportune time to organize the Armenian massacres and forced deportations. Western Armenia was emptied of its
native population. We lost more than 30 dioceses, and thousands of churches and clergymen. Our fragmented
people were dispersed throughout the world. Today, however, it is not merely the pain of genocide in our souls, but
also feelings of pride and consolation, that Armenians, grief-stricken and displaced, settled on foreign shores, were
able to stand tall once again with faith and hope in their souls, and rebuilt their homes and elevated their spiritual and national life.
We are proud and consoled to remember that in the catastrophic days of the genocide, our people relying on God,
unified their might to protect this small piece of land in Eastern Armenia from the same murderers – land on which
our new statehood – the first Armenian Republic, was born. God willed that our people, condemned to death by a
wickedly conceived evil plan, should live so that today the following question be raised before the judgment of
mankind: 'Where are the three million Armenians who were living in the Ottoman Empire, primarily on their ancestral
homelands?' Genocide does not have a statute of limitations and it cannot have one, since mankind cannot choose the paths of death. The paths of life are the paths of men.
Our time bears the responsibility to not leave the obligations of the present day to tomorrow. The recognition of the
first genocide of the 20th century now will benefit the reinforcement of intolerance for violence and prohibition of
trampling of human and national rights, and will advance the strengthening of humanitarian values.
As Pontiff of All Armenians, on behalf of our people dispersed throughout the world, we extend words of gratitude
today to all countries and peoples who, in the most difficult times of our lives, accepted and welcomed the
Armenians who had survived the massacres. We also send a message of gratitude to all states, international
organizations and individuals who have recognized the Genocide of the Armenians and who contribute their efforts to
make that recognition universal. Today, with prayer and humility, we also remember those individuals, who in those dark days, raised their voices of protest for the sake of our people being annihilated.
Our words of thanks also to the representatives of Sister Churches, official delegations, members of
non-governmental organizations, intellectuals from different countries and ambassadors and representatives of
diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia, who are here on the occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide to pay their respects, pray together with us and are present today for this requiem service. We bring our
love and blessings to the survivors of the Genocide present here today, who bear the courageous spirit and will of our people, and whose reward, according to the words of our Lord, is great in heaven. May God hear our prayers we offer to heaven asking for rest for the innocent souls of our martyrs, and bless all efforts borne from the love of peace, justice and life
. "For He created all things, that they might exist; and the generations of the world are wholesome."
May the grace, mercy and blessings from our Father in heaven be with us and with all. Amen. 
His Holiness Pope John Paul II during his visit to Armenia, pictured with
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians
HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II
It was with deep sorrow that the world heard of the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul II on Saturday the 2nd of April, 2005.
Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian - Primate of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church of Great Britain and the Armenian Community &
Church Council of Great Britain extend their most sincere and fraternal condolences and sympathies to the Holy Catholic Church and
the members of the Catholic Community and we join them in mourning the loss of the Holy Father.
The Holy Father will be especially remembered by the Armenian people of the world for his Papal Visit to Armenia and pilgrimage to
Dzidzernagapert, the Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument where he said prayers and laid a wreath in memory of the 1.5 million
victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 in Ottoman Turkey. Pope John Paul II was the first head of the Roman Catholic Church to
set foot on Armenian soil and describe the 1915 slaughter of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey as genocide
The Pope had termed the 1915 tragedy a genocide in a joint communiqué with Catholicos Karekin II issued in the Vatican in
November 2000. Another joint statement signed by the two spiritual leaders in Yerevan likewise referred to "the extermination of 1.5
million Armenian Christians in what is generally referred to as the first genocide of the 20th century."
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians together with
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia
at the Funeral of Pope John Paul
 A message from Father Shnork:
ARMENIAN CHURCH CHILDREN'S CLUB
A new club is starting this month. The club is for children aged between 5 years and 12 years and it will be held on
the first Saturday of each month. Its is to include ALL children of Armenian descent, whether they speak Armenian or
not. In fact, the club will be held in English so that everyone can understand and participate in it and no one will
feel excluded. The emphasis will be on learning about Armenian Church discipline and tradition, as well as
participating in prayers and liturgical music with much fun and in an interactive way. Once children have learned
some of the songs, a special church service will be conducted for them with their active participation. Children will learn how to behave, how to act and how to take part in the church.
The idea for this club has come from members of the community whose children are not currently involved in any of
the extensive activities already established in Acton but who would like them to gain an understanding of their
heritage and roots. As the club develops, different activities will be included such as traditional dances, bible study for children, children¹s choir, contemporary music and a basic history of Armenia.
So come along and give it a try. Everyone is welcome! It is not a huge commitment; one hour, once a month.
THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH - 6.30 to 7.30pm - (Parking is free on meters/single yellows after 6.30 pm)
at the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall, rear of St Sarkis Church, Iverna Gardens, Kensington W8
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact anyone of us:
Father Shnork 020 7937 0152
Isabelle Alexander Maldoom 020 8879 0423
Julie Young 020 8993 5162
=====================================================================
OFFICIAL VISIT TO ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY 
and PONTIFICAL VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
By His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians
His Holiness the Catholicos paid an Official Visit to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Visit Programme which
lasted from the 10th of June to the 14th of June, 2004 included an audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
On Sunday the 13th of June, 2004 at 11.00am a Eucharist Service was held at Canterbury Cathedral at which
the Archbishop of Canterbury presided and His Holiness Karekin II delivered a sermon.
The first official Pontifical Visit to the Armenian Community of Great Britain by His Holiness took place from the 14th to the 17th of June, 2004.
His Holiness with some members of the ACCC together with Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian
CLICK HERE TO SEE LETTER RECEIVED FROM HIS HOLINESS, FOLLOWING HIS VISIT
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE A PHOTO RECORD OF THE VISIT
=============================================================================================================
PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
December 16, 2004
His Holiness Karekin II Receives President of Russian Parliament
On December 15, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received Mr. Boris Grislov, President of the
State Duma (Parliament) of the Russian Federation.
His Holiness welcomed the honored guest to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and reflected on the increasing cooperation between Armenia
and Russia in economic and cultural spheres. Thanking His Holiness for the audience, Mr. Grislov informed the Catholicos of the details of his
recent visit to Armenia and the agreements which were made between the two governments.
His Holiness and Mr. Grislov also spoke of the close ties that exist between the Armenian Apostolic and Russian Orthodox Churches. Offering
his best wishes to the President of the Duma, the Catholicos of All Armenians extended his appreciation to the Russian authorities for their care and attention to the Armenian community in Russia.
Present for the meeting were His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrossian, Director of Inter-Church Relations for the Mother See; Mher Shahnazarian,
president of the standing committee for defense, national security and internal affairs for the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia;
and Anatoly Dryukov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Armenia.
============================================================================
HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II RECEIVES TURKISH INTELLECTUALS
On December 8, 2004, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received a
group of 30 Turkish scientists, journalists, authors and intellectuals in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The
delegation from Turkey were members of the "Eastern Assembly Initiative" who are in Armenia accompanied by
Hagop Dink and Ara Kochounian, editors of the Istanbul-based "Agos" and "Jamanak" newspapers respectively.
Mr. Dink introduced the delegation to His Holiness and expressed the gratitude of the group for the audience. He
noted that the intention of the participants was to become better acquainted with their neighboring country and people, and their cultural, economic, political and religious life.
The Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed the guests and greeted the initiative stating, "An important mission is
reserved for intellectuals in the spheres of education and instruction, in the internal national and public life of each
country, as well as in the formation of mutual relationships between countries and peoples, and in their progress and development."
During the meeting, in response to questions from the Turkish delegation, His Holiness presented the mission of the
Armenian Church throughout the world, focusing on the difficulties during the Soviet years, and the new
opportunities and challenges in the present day of Armenian independent statehood. Special mention was made by
His Holiness of the pan-national nature of Armenian life and the work of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in inter-church and inter-faith ties.
With regards to the current state of Armenia-Turkey relations, His Holiness specifically emphasized the Armenian
Genocide, and stressed that the genocide is a historical fact which cannot be a point of debate.
Regarding international conflicts in the region, as well as in the Middle East, the Pontiff of All Armenians underscored
the necessity of not attributing a religious nature or religious grounds to these disputes. His Holiness stated that an
excellent path to resolving and settling these conflicts would be through inter-faith dialogue.
Concluding his remarks, His Holiness Karekin II extended his best wishes for the success of the mission of the
"Eastern Assembly Initiative". Present for the meeting were His Eminence Archbishop Grigoris Buniatian, primate of
the Armenian Diocese of the Ukraine, and His Grace Bishop Arshak Khatchatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See.
=============================================
ARMENIAN CHURCH YOUTH CLUB
November 2004
A new club is starting this month. The club is for children aged between 5 years and 12 years and it will be held on the first Saturday of each
month. Its is to include ALL children of Armenian descent, whether they speak Armenian or not. In fact, the club will be held in English so that
everyone can understand and participate in it and no one will feel excluded. The emphasis will be on learning about Armenian Church
discipline and tradition, as well as participating in prayers and liturgical music with much fun and in an interactive way. Once children have
learned some of the songs, a special church service will be conducted for them with their active participation. Children will learn how to behave, how to act and how to take part in the church.
The idea for this club has come from members of the community whose children are not currently involved in any of the extensive activities
already established in Acton but who would like them to gain an understanding of their heritage and roots. As the club develops, different
activities will be included such as traditional dances, bible study for children, children¹s choir, contemporary music and a basic history of Armenia.
So come along and give it a try. Everyone is welcome! It is not a huge commitment; one hour, once a month (the first Saturday of each month) and the parking from 6.30pm is free!
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact anyone of us:
Father Shnork 020 7937 0152
Isabelle Alexander Maldoom 020 8879 0423
Julie Young 020 8993 5162 ================================================================================= Visit of His Holiness Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas,
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East 
Text of speech delivered by Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian: Your Holiness Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
Esteemed Representatives of the Churches in the United Kingdom,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Let me first extend to Your Holiness as well as to all those at St Andrew's Church my Christ-centred and fraternal greetings on this auspicious
day for the Syrian Orthodox Church. Indeed, we are gathered here today to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and to welcome His Holiness Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas on his visit to the United Kingdom.
However, this day is not a favourable one only for the Syrian Orthodox Church. It is also a day of rejoicing for the family of Oriental Orthodox
Churches in the United Kingdom. After all, we proclaim and revere the same God, and our family of Churches comprises Armenians, Copts,
Syrians, Ethiopians and Indian Malabars, as well as Syrians, who share the same ecclesiology and traditions. This is why the Council of
Oriental Orthodox Churches, in my voice as its President today, also shares with the Syrian Orthodox Church its joy and celebrations.
Indeed, few Christian denominations can claim the antiquity of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, whose foundations can be traced back
to the dawn of Christianity as one of the earliest established apostolic churches. It was in Antioch, after all, that the followers of Jesus were
called Christians as we are told in the Book of Acts in the New Testament, The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (Ac 11:26).
Over many long decades, my own Armenian Apostolic Church and the Syrian Orthodox Church have worked closely together in the service of
the one Body of Christ. We have engaged in many ecumenical encounters and at many levels from Holy Etchmiadzin to the Middle East, from
Europe to the United Kingdom. This strong ecumenical cooperation happens because we also recognise at the helm of the Syrian Orthodox
Church a man whose ecumenical leadership, at the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches as a former
President, strives to draw the fellowship of the churches together. This relationship between our own two Churches continues from strength to
strength today with His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, and is a winning Christian witness from two ancient churches who trace their legacy
upon Saints Peter, Thaddeus and Bartholomew. We are all one family, facing the challenges together in a spirit of understanding, harmony and even diversity.
Your Holiness, I conclude with the prayerful hope of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches that we learn to respond favourably to our
Lord's intercessory prayer that His disciples might be one as He and the Father are one so that 'the world might believe'. Amen + Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian,
President, Oriental Orthodox Council of Churches
Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Great Britain
Pontifical Legate to the See of Canterbury 27 June 2004 *****************************************************
VISIT TO THE U.K. OF HIS HOLINESS POPE SHENOUDA III
OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
A Thanksgiving Service took place at St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church on 16 January 2004. This Service,
to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Consecration of this leading Church in London, was presided over by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.
The occasion was attended by the leaders of the various Churches in the UK - including representatives from the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Catholic and Anglican families.
His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhannissian, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Great Britain, addressed the gathering of faithful in his capacity as President of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches.
The following is the message delivered by His Grace, Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian: Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches Your Holiness Pope Shenouda III,
Your Grace Archbishop of Canterbury,
Esteemed Representatives of the Churches in the United Kingdom, Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Al Salaamou Aleikoum
on this auspicious day for the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Indeed, we are gathered here this evening for a Thanksgiving Service that praises the Almighty as it celebrates the Silver
Jubilee of the consecration of St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church in London. Indeed, this hallowed church is considered the mother church of all Coptic Orthodox Churches in United Kingdom.
St Mark's Church is an idea that first saw the light of day in 1971, and His Holiness Pope Shenouda later consecrated it in
1979. Indeed, in January 2000, a few short years ago, and quoting St Matthew from the New Testament, Pope Shenouda
described St Mark's Church as a small seed that grew up 'and became a great tree so that the birds of the air came to nest in its branches' (Mt 13:32).
However, today is not an auspicious day only for the Coptic Orthodox Church. It is also a day of rejoicing for all the Oriental
Orthodox Churches in the United Kingdom. After all, we proclaim and revere the same God, and we come from a family of
Churches comprising Armenians, Syrians, Ethiopians and Indian Malabars as well as Copts who share the same ecclesiology
and traditions. This is why the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches, in my voice as its President today, also congratulates the Coptic Orthodox Church on its twenty-five-year jubilee celebrations.
Over the decades, my own Armenian Church and the Coptic Church have engaged closely in their ecumenical encounters.
No wonder though: after all, the Coptic Orthodox Church enjoys at its helm a man whose ecumenical leadership,
encompassing the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches, strives to draw the fellowship of the
churches together. I remember the friendly cooperation between our late Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch, His Holiness
Karekin I, with Pope Shenouda both during Catholicos Karekin's time at the House of Cilicia in Antelias and then in Holy
Etchmiadzin. This relationship continues from strength to strength today with His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, and is a
winning Christian testimony of those two ancient churches that refer to Saints Mark, Thaddeus and Bartholomew. But it is
also a source of pride for the entire family of Oriental Orthodox Churches assembled herein today. We are all one family,
and we face the challenges together in a spirit of understanding, harmony and even diversity.
I conclude with the prayerful hope of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches that we learn to respond favourably to our
Lord's intercessory prayer that His disciples might be one as He and the Father are one so that 'the world might believe'. Amen! + Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian
President, Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches of GB
Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Great Britain
Pontifical Legate to the See of Canterbury 16 January 2004 ****************************************************************
16th March 2004 
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) is one of the largest ecumenical grassroots organisations helping all Christian indigenous communities in the Holy Land.
Last week, the President of the HCEF, Sir Rateb Rabie, as well as the HCEF Co-Chair and Editor, Ms Julia James, visited London and held meetings with the Ecumenical Officer at Lambeth Palace, the Conference
of Catholic Bishops in the UK, the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, Churches Together for Britain and Ireland, Pax Christi UK as well as many other British and Arab associations in London.
They also met with the Council of Oriental and Orthodox Churches (COOC) where they requested the support of the Council in their planned ministry and activities in the UK.
All the meetings were cooridnated by Dr Harry Hagopian, Ecumenical, Legal and Political Consultant for the Armenian Apostolic Church in Great Britain. Dr Hagopian wears also the hat of
HCEF Outreach Coordinator in the UK. In the picture, Sir Rateb Rabie and Julia James, in addition to HG Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, President of the COOC, HG Bishop Angaelos
of the Coptic Orthodox Church and Deacon Aziz Noor, Secretary of the COOC.
========================================================================
HG Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian Meets the
Archbishop of Canterbury HG Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Primate of the Armenian Church in Great Britain and Pontifical Legate to the See of Canterbury, met on
19th June 2003, with HG Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, at Lambeth Palace.
Accompanied by Mr George Kurkjian, Honorary President of the St Sarkis Church Trust, and Dr Harry Hagopian, Ecumenical, Legal and
Policy Consultant, Bishop Nathan congratulated the Archbishop once more upon his recent enthronement. He also reviewed with him
relations between the two Sees, and discussed ways of enhancing ties between the Armenian Apostolic and Anglican Churches. Both
religious leaders also discussed the forthcoming visit of HH Catholicos Karekin II to the UK – most likely to be during 2004.
********************************************************************* Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian Takes Part in Top Level Church Forum
22.07.2003
Churches Together in England held its Forum meeting this year at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire, from 18 to 20 July
2003. Uniting representatives from the different Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant Churches under the theme of 'Contributing to a Common
Life 2003', the representatives of all the Churches in the United Kingdom dealt with ecumenical matters of unity amongst them and focused on the Christian vision for the future.
HG Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Great Britain, attended the Forum meeting in his capacity as
President of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches. During the Forum, he also held meetings with HG Archbishop Rowan Williams and HE
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor. He also assisted in the Group meetings that took place at the Forum.
************************************************************************************************************
LONDON COMMUNITY PASTOR On 1st June, 2003 the Armenian Community and Church Council announced that with the kind
co-operation of St Sarkis Church, and the consent of the Community's Primate - Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Rev. Shnork Baghdassarian has been appointed Pastor of the Community - whose church
services are held at the St Yeghiche Church, Cranley Gardens in Kensington, London. It had for a long time been felt that there was a need for a Pastor who would attend to the Pastoral needs
of the Community, visit the sick and most especially be readily available to assist and give spiritual
comfort and guidance to whoever approaches him. As part of his duties, Father Shnork will visit families and perform the age-old and revered 'Blessing of the Home' (Dnorhnek).
Father Shnork is well known to the British Armenian Community as he has for many years been serving as Pastor of St Sarkis Church and has effectively also been performing most of the duties of Pastor of St
Yeghiche, since in the case of need, he has always been ready to help. He is a much-liked and devoted clergyman and we are sure he will contribute greatly to the Spiritual needs of the Community.
Fr Shnork Kahana Baghdassarian was ordained a priest on 16th October 1983 at the Mother see of Holy Etchmiadzin. His first assignment at the Holy See was the Editorial Assistant of the Holy Etchmiadzin
Journal, followed by Personal Assistant to His Holiness Vasken I, Catholicos of All Armenians of the blessed memory. In 1985, Father Shnork was sent to London to continue his theological studies and to
serve at the St Sarkis Armenian Church under the spiritual direction of His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian. After his graduation from Heythrop College, University of London, he returned to
Armenia and continued his service in the Homeland as a lecturer and member of the newly formed Christian Teaching Center. He also set up and managed Holy Etchmiadzin's Media Office under the
direction of His Holiness Vasken I. In 1993, the Trustees of St Sarkis Armenian Church appointed Father
Shnork as Pastor of St Sarkis. In parallel with his pastoral responsibilities, he continued his
postgraduate studies, graduating with both a Diploma in Pastoral Theology and MA in Pastoral Liturgy. He has also served in various charitable and voluntary organisations and committees, including Aid
Armenia, GRAG, Education Committee and 1700 Anniversary Committee. Father Shnork can be contacted at the Vicarage ******************************************
Diocese of England Celebrates Divine Liturgy
of Oath in Holy Etchmiadzin
On Sunday, June 8, the Armenian Church celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, also described as the "Birthday of the Universal
Church". It was on this day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles of Christ, following His Ascension into heaven.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin by His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhanissian, Primate of the
Armenian Church Diocese of England. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians presided
during the Liturgy. His Grace Bishop Nathan led a group of faithful pilgrims from the United Kingdom, who had traveled to
Armenia to celebrate their "Divine Liturgy of Oath" together in the Mother See.
During the Liturgy, on behalf of the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalian welcomed the
pilgrims to the Mother See, and invited His Grace to deliver his message addressed to the faithful.
In his sermon, His Grace Bishop Nathan noted, "For 17 continuous centuries, every son and daughter of Armenia has come
under the arches of this sanctuary built by God, to repeat the prayers of their forebears, and to share their vision. For 17
continuous centuries, from this Holy Altar, each Armenian faithful communes with the Holy Body and Blood of the Savior,
sending his prayer up to God with the ascending incense and supplicating candlelight. For 17 continuous centuries, in this
Holy place where the Only-Begotten Descended, and where the ever-burning Illuminator-lit lamp of the Holy Altar of
Descent remains always aflame, in this sanctuary where Christ Himself stepped, every child of Armenia falls to his knees, to
renew his oath and offer thanksgiving to the Almighty, because it is from here that the light of salvation dawned over the land of the Armenians."
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Pontiff of All Armenians received the pilgrims in the Residence of the Catholicos.
During the reception, His Holiness presented Bishop Nathan with a hand-cross on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of
his ordination to the Holy Order of Priesthood. His Holiness also presented the Diocese with a reproduction of an illuminated manuscript depicting the Vision of Saint Gregory and the Descent of Christ.
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Christmas & New Year 
