Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and guests at the luncheon hosted by the Armenian Studies Program at the Smittcamp Alumni House on Wednesday, November 5.
Photo: ASP Archive
Anahid Valencia
Staff Writer
The Fresno State Armenian Studies Program hosted His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia for a campus visit on Wednesday, Nov. 5. His Holiness delivered a brief prayer service at the Armenian Genocide Monument, which was followed by a private luncheon in the Smittcamp Alumni House. There, His Holiness was awarded the President’s Medal of Distinction and presented with a proclamation on behalf of Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
The visit of His Holiness was part of an official trip to Canada, the Eastern Prelacy, and the Western Prelacy, including three days in Fresno.
His Holiness and guests at the Genocide Monument.
At the Armenian Genocide Monument, His Holiness, accompanied by clergy, prayed and spoke about the importance of recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Students, faculty, and members of the press, were present for the ceremony.
Following the prayer service, the Catholicos was hosted by the Armenian Studies Program at a luncheon attended by close to thirty invited guests. Berberian Coordinator of Armenian Studies Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, gave brief introductory remarks, highlighting the significance of His Holiness’ visit to campus.
“I was fortunate enough to be able to visit Lebanon for the first and only time in 2016, and His Holiness welcomed me, and we had a chance to meet at the Bikfaya seminary to discuss His Holiness’ work. I also had the opportunity to discuss the activities of the Armenian Studies Program,” Prof. Der Mugrdechian said.
Prof. Der Mugrdechian greeted and introduced each of the guests who were present, including Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy; Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church; Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Bishop Dajad Ashekian, Chancellor of the Holy See; Very Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian, Staff Bearer; Very Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian, Dean of the Audio-Visual Dept. of the Catholicosate; Very Rev. Fr. Levon Yeghiayan, Vicar General of Jezireh; Very Rev. Fr. Ashod Khatchadourian, Pastor, Holy Trinity Armenian Church; Mr. Stephan Der Bedrosian, Co-Chair Central Executive Council of the Holy See; and Mr. Krikor Mahserejian, Co-Chair Central Executive Council Holy See.
The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno, Mr. Berj Apkarian was a guest at the lunch.
University guests included Dr. Xuanning Fu, Provost; Dr. Honora Chapman, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Sergio La Porta, Interim Dean, Kremen School of Education and Human Development; and Dr. Hagop Ohanessian from the Armenian Studies Program.
Faculty members present were Dr. Vartuhi Tonoyan, Dr. Matthew Jendian, and Dr. Allen Azizian.
Representing ASO were Grigor Terpogosyan, Anahid Valencia, Emily Sahakian, Jordan Mazmanian, Lara Habib, and Harutyun Amirkhanyan.
In his remarks, Dr. David Zakarian stressed the significance of His Holiness’ interest in scholarship and in supporting the publication of academic works.
On behalf of Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Xuanning Fu spoke and presented His Holiness with the university’s “President’s Medal of Distinction.”
“The Medal of Distinction is the highest honor given by the University President to those who have made a significant contribution to the community,” Provost Fu said. “You are an exemplar of the mission of the university.”
Prof. Der Mugrdechian presented His Holiness with an engraved crystal cube that was made especially for the fortieth anniversary of the Armenian Studies Program.
Special Words from
His Holiness to the Diaspora
When it came time for His Holiness to speak, he seemed to command the room. His re-marks focused primarily on the importance of Armenian education and women’s equality in the church.
“University has been very close to my heart, to my mind, and to my life,” His Holiness said. “I consider the university to be a source of knowledge and a source of responsibility…. “
His Holiness Aram I receiving the President’s Proclamation from Provost Dr. Xuanning Fu, left, and Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program.
Photo: ASP Archive
“I consider Armenian Studies, Armenology, to be a top priority in Armenia, for the Church, and for the Diaspora. In my opinion, Armenian studies are going down in different parts of the world,” His Holiness continued. “And that is why you [Fresno State] have a double responsibility at this university, to encourage and strengthen Armenian Studies. I would really challenge and encourage the university authorities here to give high priority for Armenian Studies,” he said.
Then, His Holiness reflected on the question of the role of women in the Church. His Holiness recently published a book that speaks about this issue.
He pointed to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, and said God made each of them equal in creation, bestowing upon them equal responsibility and equal punishment.
“Even the women are at the altar [during church services], they participate in the liturgy, except the priestly ministry,” His Holiness said.
“And I don’t consider that as an obstacle or a problem, but as a challenge, and the Armenian Church, sooner or later, should deal with this challenge responsibly.”
In his closing remarks, His Holiness Aram I thanked the Armenian Studies Program and Fresno State for their hospitality and grand reception.