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New visiting priest assigned to St Garabed Church
 We are delighted to inform you that Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan has been assigned as a visiting priest of St. Garabed Armenian Church by the Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Bishop Daniel Findikyan. Since 2012, Fr. Tadeos has been the pastor of St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, MN. Born in Etchmiadzin, Armenia, he is fluent in Armenian, Russian and English, which fits well with the diverse profile of Armenians in Kansas City. Fr. Tadeos is married to Yn. Gayane Manukyan and together they are blessed with two children: Zhan (Khachadour) and Lucy (Tatev). Fr. Tadeos and his family will be visiting St. Garabed once every few months to conduct services, minister to the parish preaching the Gospel of our Lord and energize the community life. The first visit is set for the weekend of June 12-13. Mark your calendars! We will be mailing out the attached flyer shortly. Please join us in congratulating Der Hayr on this new assignment and welcoming him to our community. Fr. Tadeos and his family look forward to the visit. |
| Attachments:
Der Tadeos visitation flyer.png
Letter from Srpazan .pdf
PRESIDENT BIDEN'S ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REAFFIRMATION SHOWS AMERICA AT ITS BEST
 Washington, D.C. - On the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, U.S. President Joe Biden officially affirmed that the massacre of the 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish authorities between 1915 and 1923 was an act of genocide. This affirmation marks a watershed moment in U.S. history, as it reaffirms what has been U.S. policy since the creation of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, as reflected in the U.S. brief filed with the International Court of Justice, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). It is also a categorical rejection of a decades-long, well-funded denial campaign by the Turkish government and a signature moment for human rights. Releasing his statement on April 24, Armenian Remembrance Day, President Biden honored the symbolic date of the start of the Armenian Genocide, when the leadership of the Armenian community in the Ottoman Empire was arrested, imprisoned and eliminated. Thirty countries and 49 U.S. States have acknowledged the Armenian Genocide. Today’s U.S. action is expected to create the room for more countries to follow suit and an opportunity for Turkey to come to terms with its past. The recognition of the Executive Branch results in all three branches of the U.S. government officially affirming the Armenian Genocide, following the overwhelming 405 to 11 vote in the House adopting an Armenian Genocide resolution in October 2019, and by its passage in the Senate via unanimous consent in December 2019. President Biden stayed true to his 30-year documented record of Armenian Genocide acknowledgement, from the time he began serving as Delaware’s Senator, through his 2020 presidential campaign, when he pledged: “Joe Biden will recognize the Armenian Genocide and make universal human rights a top priority for his administration so that such a tragedy can never again occur.” As a Senator, Biden was among the most informed and diligent supporters in using the term Armenian Genocide. His 1989 chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee’s passage of such legislation was historic for its result but also as a reflection of his command of the historical facts. U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Henry Morgenthau, alerted in his July 1915 report to the U.S. Department of State and the White House, that “a campaign of race extermination is in progress under a pretext of reprisal against rebellion.” Ambassador Morgenthau, who served from 1913-1916, appealed to the U.S. government and humanitarian organizations to stop the genocide and send humanitarian assistance to the survivors and refugees. Ambassador Morgenthau’s cables, along with eyewitness reports of American consuls, missionaries and businessmen, make up part of the over 30,000 pages documenting the Armenian Genocide, as well as their heroic acts of intervention to save lives. Through his efforts, the Near East Relief was formed, and over $2.5 billion in today’s dollars was raised at the time to help the survivors of the first genocide of the twentieth century. At the time, former President Theodore Roosevelt stated that the atrocities committed by the “Turks on the Armenians” was “so hideous that it is difficult to name them…people whose little children are murdered and their women raped.” In a letter to Cleveland Dodge, who led the congressionally chartered Near East Relief organization headquartered in New York City, President Roosevelt stated further that it “was the greatest crime of the war, and failure to act against Turkey is to condone it…” Ronald Reagan was the first U.S. president who used the word genocide to describe the Armenian atrocities during his Holocaust Remembrance Statement on April 22, 1981: “Like the genocide of the Armenians before it, and the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it – and like too many other such persecutions of too many other peoples – the lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten.” President Biden had the courage to say what his predecessors for the past 100 years have always known. “The Assembly, all Armenians and our friends around the world profoundly thank President Biden for this Armenian Genocide reaffirmation in honor of the victims, survivors, and the principle of universal human rights around the world,” said Assembly Co-Chairs Van Krikorian and Anthony Barsamian. “We have been fortunate to have been helped by countless prominent and not so prominent but heroic individuals in advocating for Genocide awareness, education, and prevention. We are sad that they are not all with us today but know they, like all people who are sincerely committed to human rights, are smiling with pride on President Biden and today’s historic statement.” “President Biden’s statement pays important tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and their families,” added Assembly President Carolyn Mugar. In a September 2019 letter from President Biden to the Assembly, he stated: “The United States must reaffirm, once and for all, our record on the Armenian Genocide...We must never forget or remain silent about this horrific and systematic campaign of extermination that resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenian men, woman, and children and the mass deportation of 2 million Armenians from their homes. If we do not fully acknowledge, commemorate, and teach our children about genocide, the words ‘never again’ lose their meaning. The facts must be as clear and as powerful for future generations as for those whose memories are seared by tragedy. Failing to remember or acknowledge the fact of a genocide only paves the way for future mass atrocities.” “President Biden’s affirmation of the Armenian Genocide marks a pivotal milestone in the arc of history in defense of human rights,” stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “By standing firmly against a century of denial, President Biden has charted a new course. Affirmation of the Armenian Genocide enhances America’s credibility and recommits the United States to the worldwide cause of genocide prevention.” Below is the statement by the President of the United States on Armenian Remembrance Day: Each year on this day, we remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring. Beginning on April 24, 1915, with the arrest of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople by Ottoman authorities, one and a half million Armenians were deported, massacred, or marched to their deaths in a campaign of extermination. We honor the victims of the Meds Yeghern so that the horrors of what happened are never lost to history. And we remember so that we remain ever-vigilant against the corrosive influence of hate in all its forms. Of those who survived, most were forced to find new homes and new lives around the world, including in the United States. With strength and resilience, the Armenian people survived and rebuilt their community. Over the decades Armenian immigrants have enriched the United States in countless ways, but they have never forgotten the tragic history that brought so many of their ancestors to our shores. We honor their story. We see that pain. We affirm the history. We do this not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated. Today, as we mourn what was lost, let us also turn our eyes to the future—toward the world that we wish to build for our children. A world unstained by the daily evils of bigotry and intolerance, where human rights are respected, and where all people are able to pursue their lives in dignity and security. Let us renew our shared resolve to prevent future atrocities from occurring anywhere in the world. And let us pursue healing and reconciliation for all the people of the world. The American people honor all those Armenians who perished in the genocide that began 106 years ago today. Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization. |
Statement by President Joe Biden on Armenian Remembrance Day
 WASHINGTON (whitehouse.gov) – Each year on this day, we remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring. Beginning on April 24, 1915, with the arrest of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople by Ottoman authorities, one and a half million Armenians were deported, massacred, or marched to their deaths in a campaign of extermination. We honor the victims of the Meds Yeghern so that the horrors of what happened are never lost to history. And we remember so that we remain ever-vigilant against the corrosive influence of hate in all its forms. Of those who survived, most were forced to find new homes and new lives around the world, including in the United States. With strength and resilience, the Armenian people survived and rebuilt their community. Over the decades Armenian immigrants have enriched the United States in countless ways, but they have never forgotten the tragic history that brought so many of their ancestors to our shores. We honor their story. We see that pain. We affirm the history. We do this not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated. Today, as we mourn what was lost, let us also turn our eyes to the future—toward the world that we wish to build for our children. A world unstained by the daily evils of bigotry and intolerance, where human rights are respected, and where all people are able to pursue their lives in dignity and security. Let us renew our shared resolve to prevent future atrocities from occurring anywhere in the world. And let us pursue healing and reconciliation for all the people of the world. The American people honor all those Armenians who perished in the genocide that began 106 years ago today. April 24, 2021 |
Genocide Double Feature
Dear Compatriots and Friends, Good news to share with you: Our local PBS TV station KTWU (Chanel 19 on Spectrum) will broadcast two documentaries based on the Armenian Genocide this coming Sunday March 14, 2021 “100 Years from Home” at 7:00 pm “What Will Become of Us” at 8:30 pm You can view via livestream if you do not have access to KTWU: https://watch.ktwu.org/livestream/  Here are some comments from the creator, Ms Lilit Pilikian: “100 Years from Home” follows one woman's search for the house her ancestors were forced to abandon during the Armenian Genocide a century ago, and the weight of Turkey’s subsequent denial. “What Will Become of Us” explores the lasting impact on the descendants of survivors living in the diaspora. You can watch trailers for both films at 100YearsFromHome.com & WhatWillBecomeOfUs.com. In light of the recent war that broke out between Azerbaijan and the Armenians of Artsakh, I believe sharing Armenian stories is more important than ever. I believe these films would appeal to those in the community who value seeing Armenian stories, and can empathize with these intimate portraits of people reckoning with their family histories and rediscovering their identities. We would appreciate any help you can provide in getting the word out about this broadcast to your community and throughout the Eastern Kansas area. The films were made to be accessible to and informative for non-Armenian audiences as well, so we encourage you to spread the word about it to your non-Armenian friends too. If there are any other Armenian organizations, churches, or schools in the area that could help spread the word that you recommend we reach out to, please let me know. |
NPR: "It's A Dangerous Time For Christians In Northeastern Syria"
 Christians have been worrying since Turkish troops entered the area in November to attack Kurdish forces, after U.S. forces moved troops out of the way. Some Christians vow to stay no matter what. Listen to 4 minute report: |
Soorp Badarak on 27-Oct with Hayr Simeon
(see attached newsletter) St. Garabed Armenian Church invites you and your family to a special church service (Sovrb Patarag) on Sunday October 27 at 10:30 A.M. A solemn Requiem (Hogyhangist) will be offered during the Divine Liturgy in memory of Bob Branning, who passed away on Sept. 29, 2019. May the Lord Comfort his family and friends and grant them strength and peace. A potluck meal will be served after the service. Пожалуйста, присоединыстес к нам для особого Святого Бадарака, который проведёт отец Симеон Одабшян. Воскресенье, 27 октября 2019 года в 10:30 Будет реквиюм. В памяти Боба Браннинга, скончавшегося 29 сентября 2019 года Пусть Господь утешит его семью и друзей и дарует им силу и мир. Ужин будет подан после обслуживания |
| Attachments:
October 2019 Church Newsletter.pdf
Bob Branning
To the Armenian Church Members and friends: With great sorrow and heavy hearts, we come to inform you the passing away of Bob Branning. Bob, alongside with his dear wife Lygie, was a great supporter of the Armenian community of Kansas City. When the St. Garabed Church was purchased, Bob dedicated his time and expertise in renovating the kitchen and the dining area. He was a devout supporter of the Nagorno-Karabakh Liberation movement, and had participated in marches in Paris with Armenian patriots. Bob and Lygie with their kind and compassionate hearts had sponsored several Armenian families, who had fled the Azeri atrocities and sought refuge in Kansas City. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, Saturday October 5, 2019 followed by the Funeral Service. Location: The Johnson County Memorial Chapel 11200 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66210 For more info please visit: https://www.johnsoncountychapel.com/notices/Robert-BranningJr Our heartfelt condolences to Lygie, Angele, Andre and their families. May the Lord grant them comfort, strength and peace. Bob will be greatly missed. His legacy of love and kindness will forever be remembered! May he rest in peace! With heartfelt condolences Armenian Church Board Members October 1, 2019    |
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