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ARCHBISHOP BARSAMIAN RESPONDS ON STATUS OF CHURCHES IN TURKEY
AZG
25-08-2011
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian Primate
The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America published the
text of a letter sent by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), to United
States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, regarding assertions made
by Ambassador Francis Ricciardone, President Barack Obama's recess
appointment to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey.
In an official written statement addressing an inquiry from New Jersey
Senator Robert Menendez, regarding the present operational status of
"the more than 2,000 Christian churches functioning prior to 1915
on the territory of present-day Turkey," Amb. Ricciardone asserted:
"Most of the Christian churches functioning prior to 1915 are still
operating as churches. Some churches of significance operate as
museums. The remaining have fallen into disrepair or were converted
to mosques for lack of use".
The full text of Archbishop Barsamian's letter to Secretary Clinton,
in response to the above assertion, appears below.
Dear Madame Secretary:
My kind greetings and blessings you, as you continue your service to
our nation.
As Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, I
write regarding the statements made by Ambassador Francis Ricciardone,
President Obama's appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of
Turkey, during his confirmation hearing.
Please know that we have been generally supportive of the efforts of
the U.S. government to promote a more normal relationship between
the republics of Turkey and Armenia. Likewise, we greatly respect
and appreciate the productive role you personally have played in
such initiatives.
With those efforts in mind, it is difficult to understand Ambassador
Ricciardone's assertions about the status of historic Armenian
churches, and other Christian churches, in Turkey. The loss of these
many hundreds of churches, their neglect and outright destruction,
and the conversion of many of our sanctuaries into mosques, is a matter
of intense pain to Armenians: an ongoing reminder of the loss of life
and the destruction that we suffered as a result of the 1915 Genocide.
Ambassador Ricciardone deeply offended Armenian-Americans with his
remarks, opening sensitive wounds and potentially setting back the
gradual process of healing. In all charity, perhaps the Ambassador
is simply unaware of certain facts. But mastery of the history of a
country, its dark as well as bright chapters, is essential to serving
the United States effectively and diplomatically in this important
and complex region.
Again, it is our general support for your efforts, Madame Secretary,
as well as our desire to see genuine progress made to benefit the
entire region, that prompts this letter to you. I am confident that
you will give these thoughts all due consideration, as you make
decisions about the vital role America plays in Turkey, in Armenia,
and throughout the world.
Madame Secretary, you have our great respect and support in all your
undertakings. May our Lord strengthen and guide you in your service
to our beloved country.
AZG
25-08-2011
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian Primate
The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America published the
text of a letter sent by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), to United
States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, regarding assertions made
by Ambassador Francis Ricciardone, President Barack Obama's recess
appointment to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey.
In an official written statement addressing an inquiry from New Jersey
Senator Robert Menendez, regarding the present operational status of
"the more than 2,000 Christian churches functioning prior to 1915
on the territory of present-day Turkey," Amb. Ricciardone asserted:
"Most of the Christian churches functioning prior to 1915 are still
operating as churches. Some churches of significance operate as
museums. The remaining have fallen into disrepair or were converted
to mosques for lack of use".
The full text of Archbishop Barsamian's letter to Secretary Clinton,
in response to the above assertion, appears below.
Dear Madame Secretary:
My kind greetings and blessings you, as you continue your service to
our nation.
As Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, I
write regarding the statements made by Ambassador Francis Ricciardone,
President Obama's appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of
Turkey, during his confirmation hearing.
Please know that we have been generally supportive of the efforts of
the U.S. government to promote a more normal relationship between
the republics of Turkey and Armenia. Likewise, we greatly respect
and appreciate the productive role you personally have played in
such initiatives.
With those efforts in mind, it is difficult to understand Ambassador
Ricciardone's assertions about the status of historic Armenian
churches, and other Christian churches, in Turkey. The loss of these
many hundreds of churches, their neglect and outright destruction,
and the conversion of many of our sanctuaries into mosques, is a matter
of intense pain to Armenians: an ongoing reminder of the loss of life
and the destruction that we suffered as a result of the 1915 Genocide.
Ambassador Ricciardone deeply offended Armenian-Americans with his
remarks, opening sensitive wounds and potentially setting back the
gradual process of healing. In all charity, perhaps the Ambassador
is simply unaware of certain facts. But mastery of the history of a
country, its dark as well as bright chapters, is essential to serving
the United States effectively and diplomatically in this important
and complex region.
Again, it is our general support for your efforts, Madame Secretary,
as well as our desire to see genuine progress made to benefit the
entire region, that prompts this letter to you. I am confident that
you will give these thoughts all due consideration, as you make
decisions about the vital role America plays in Turkey, in Armenia,
and throughout the world.
Madame Secretary, you have our great respect and support in all your
undertakings. May our Lord strengthen and guide you in your service
to our beloved country.