FORWARDED ON BEHALF OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH
October 19, 2020
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MEDIA ALERT / REQUEST FOR COVERAGE: Cardinal Dolan to Speak at Prayer Service for Peace in Armenia
SUBJECT: Ecumenical Service for Peace & Justice in Armenia, Artsakh, & the World
LOCATION: ST. VARTAN ARMENIAN CATHEDRAL, 630 SECOND AVENUE (Corner of 2nd Ave. & 34th St.), NEW YORK CITY
TIME: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020; 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
PRESIDING: BISHOP DANIEL FINDIKYAN, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
NOTE: CARDINAL TIMOTHY DOLAN, Archbishop of New York, will attend and speak at a service to support the Armenian people, through prayer and inter-church solidarity.
The past month has been a desperate time for the native Armenian populations of the republics of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh). At stake are the lives of innocent men, women, and children, and the destruction of a centuries-old Christian civilization.
War broke out on Sept. 27, with an unprovoked surprise attack on Artsakh by Armenia’s eastern neighbor Azerbaijan. With Turkey supporting Azerbaijan militarily with equipment and mercenaries, the conflict is erupting into a major humanitarian crisis in the region.
Casualties mount day by day—soldiers and civilians alike, including women and children. Drone strikes have crossed into Armenia, and Azerbaijan has shelled Armenian religious sanctuaries and monuments. International authorities have denounced Azerbaijan and Turkey for their prosecution of the war.
The Oct. 21 prayer service in New York City is a prayerful appeal for peace and justice for the people of Armenia and Artsakh, taking place at the main Armenian Church cathedral in the U.S., and presided over by its chief bishop, Bishop Daniel. Leaders of sister churches—Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant—will attend, including Archbishop Elpidophoros (Greek Orthodox Church), Bishop David (Coptic Church), and Cardinal Dolan.
Photographers and cameramen are welcome to attend.
PLEASE NOTE: The cathedral will be open to the public, but with limited seating due to the pandemic. Precautions of mask-wearing and social distancing, for attendees and press, will be observed.
CONTACT: Chris Zakian
Cell: (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: @eastern.diocese
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