Dear Friends,

Nine years ago I served as a delegate to the National Ecclesiastical Assembly, charged with electing the successor of His Holiness Karekin I Catholicos of All Armenians. It’s hard to believe how quickly the years have passed.

The experience of attending that truly international assembly is one that will remain with me forever. The opening session took place in the auditorium in the Veharan (palace of the Catholicos), which was filled by several hundred delegates representing the Armenian Church universal. Armenian, Russian, English, French, Spanish and other languages could be heard. I even recall one well-spoken delegate, who represented the Armenians in Thailand!

The opening session laid down the ground rules for the election of the worthy successor on the throne of St. Gregory the Enlightener. Needless to say there was a fair amount of confusion, which eventually cleared before we entered the Cathedral to take our oath and begin the election process. It should be mentioned that the doors of the cathedral were locked so that no one could leave or enter until a new Catholicos was elected.

A memory, which stays with me was when the primate of Australia’s thunderous voice called out the names of the delegates one by one, echoing throughout the ancient cathedral.

I recall the immense joy when Archbishop Karekin Nersessian was announced as the 132nd successor of St. Gregory the Enlightener. Sadly, soon after the election results were given, we also heard the unfortunate news of the assassinations in the Armenian parliament in Yerevan, which were taking place at the very time of the elections.

Despite the many challenges which have confronted Catholicos Karekin II, we are thankful to God that in our Vehapar we have a courageous and visionary leader, who is truly concerned about the future of our church, its universality, unity, vitality and fidelity to the authentic expression and living out of the Armenian Apostolic faith.

Today we offer our special prayer – Hayrabedagan Maghtank – for the longevity of His Holiness our beloved Vehapar.

This day I also want to share with you that His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, our Primate, has given Deacon Gevork Gevorkian a letter of blessing granting him permission to serve on a voluntary part-time basis as assistant to the pastor. His ministry will include assisting at sacraments, visitations, occasional sermons, teaching opportunities and articles.

In his ministerial capacity, he is to be addressed either as Deacon or Diratzoo Gevork and will wear clerical attire.

We pray that the Lord bless our Diratzoo as he commits himself to ministry in the vineyard of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Finally, in just two days our nation will elect a new president. Let us pray that the next leader of the United States be God-fearing, compassionate, wise and committed to the ideals of our Constitution.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
November 2, 2008