ANCA HOLDS TELETHON FOR RETURN OF CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN TURKEY
armradio.am
07.04.2012 12:35
The Armenian National Committee of America organizes a telethon to
support drive for the return of Christian Churches.
"As Armenians, we join together this Easter in celebrating the
resurrection of Christ and also, as Armenians - heirs of an ancient
people that arose nearly a century ago from the ashes of genocide -
in marking our own rebirth as a nation," ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian said.
"We recall with pride our rebirth as a people from the fires of hatred
that nearly consumed us in 1915. And, once again, we are painfully
reminded that the blind and irrational hatred by Turkish state-and
sadly much of its society-toward Armenians still burns, and - if
not quenched by the waters of justice - may light again to burn the
surviving sons and daughters of our ancient but endangered homeland."
Mr. Hamparian went on to say: "As a people who believe in the power
of faith and promise of forgiveness, we seek a true and enduring
redemption for the Republic of Turkey through repentance. For, just
as scripture tells us that the truth will set us free, so too will
justice lead us to peace.
For Turkey's leaders, government, and people, the difficult path
to true forgiveness must pass through a sincere confession of past
sins and an apology for all harm, the full return of all that must
rightfully be rendered to the victims of its crimes, and an abiding
renunciation of hatred and violence toward the modern-day sons and
daughters of those who lived on the biblical lands in and around
Ararat for thousands of years. Sadly, it's not a matter of Turkey
simply moving too slowly in the right direction. The facts show that
Turkey's leaders are headed in the wrong direction, as illustrated,
earlier this year, at state-supported anti-Armenian rallies in Ankara
and Istanbul-attended by top government officials-that openly and
proudly incited hatred against Armenians.
Turkey must repent in word and deed; Redeem itself in spirit and
action; Renounce evil, and all the fruits of its crimes, and render
to the Armenians all that once was and remains Armenian. These are
the wages of Turkey's sins, and the price of its salvation.
There can be no better place to start than the immediate return of
all churches, monasteries, relics, and other religious properties,
not only to the Armenians, but to all the Christians of these ancient
biblical lands. Thankfully, with the support of Armenian Americans
from across our country, we have been able to make progress on this
vital new front for the Armenian Cause. With your renewed support
for ANCA Telethon 2012, we can do much more."
From: Baghdasarian
armradio.am
07.04.2012 12:35
The Armenian National Committee of America organizes a telethon to
support drive for the return of Christian Churches.
"As Armenians, we join together this Easter in celebrating the
resurrection of Christ and also, as Armenians - heirs of an ancient
people that arose nearly a century ago from the ashes of genocide -
in marking our own rebirth as a nation," ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian said.
"We recall with pride our rebirth as a people from the fires of hatred
that nearly consumed us in 1915. And, once again, we are painfully
reminded that the blind and irrational hatred by Turkish state-and
sadly much of its society-toward Armenians still burns, and - if
not quenched by the waters of justice - may light again to burn the
surviving sons and daughters of our ancient but endangered homeland."
Mr. Hamparian went on to say: "As a people who believe in the power
of faith and promise of forgiveness, we seek a true and enduring
redemption for the Republic of Turkey through repentance. For, just
as scripture tells us that the truth will set us free, so too will
justice lead us to peace.
For Turkey's leaders, government, and people, the difficult path
to true forgiveness must pass through a sincere confession of past
sins and an apology for all harm, the full return of all that must
rightfully be rendered to the victims of its crimes, and an abiding
renunciation of hatred and violence toward the modern-day sons and
daughters of those who lived on the biblical lands in and around
Ararat for thousands of years. Sadly, it's not a matter of Turkey
simply moving too slowly in the right direction. The facts show that
Turkey's leaders are headed in the wrong direction, as illustrated,
earlier this year, at state-supported anti-Armenian rallies in Ankara
and Istanbul-attended by top government officials-that openly and
proudly incited hatred against Armenians.
Turkey must repent in word and deed; Redeem itself in spirit and
action; Renounce evil, and all the fruits of its crimes, and render
to the Armenians all that once was and remains Armenian. These are
the wages of Turkey's sins, and the price of its salvation.
There can be no better place to start than the immediate return of
all churches, monasteries, relics, and other religious properties,
not only to the Armenians, but to all the Christians of these ancient
biblical lands. Thankfully, with the support of Armenian Americans
from across our country, we have been able to make progress on this
vital new front for the Armenian Cause. With your renewed support
for ANCA Telethon 2012, we can do much more."
From: Baghdasarian