Evening to Benefit Restoration of Dikranagerd Church
The St. Giragos Church before the renovation.
By: Weekly Staff
28/4/2011
NEW MILFORD, N.J.—A Benefit Night to raise funds to restore the St. Giragos Armenian Church in Dikranagerd will take place on Saturday evening, May 14, at Hovnanian Banquet Hall in New Milford.
The evening will feature lively Armenian music by Onnik Dinkjian and his band, dinner, and information about the much-needed renovations to the St. Giragos Armenian Church. In attendance will be Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern); Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan legate; Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople; and Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s ambassador to the UN.
The Benefit Night will serve as an opportunity for the St. Giragos Church Restoration Committee (Eastern USA) to familiarize guests with the pressing reasons to save this symbolic church. Originally constructed in the 15th century, the church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1880 after a fire, which made it the largest Armenian basilica in Anatolia to this day. The first bell tower of the church was built in 1884 (cast by the world famous Zildjian Company), making it the tallest structure in Dikranagerd. Renowned for having seven altars signifying eternity in the Armenian alphabet, the church can accommodate more than 2,500 faithful during services.
Recognizing a need to renovate this historical cathedral, which is the property of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, a group of concerned Dikranagertsis in Istanbul came together to begin efforts to do so. Restoring the St. Giragos Armenian Church in Dikranagerd will ensure the existence of this significant church for future generations of Armenians.
The Benefit Night will kickoff fundraising efforts on the East Coast on Sat., May 14 at 8 p.m., Hovnanian Banquet Hall, 817 River Rd., New Milford. Donation is $75, limited space. For reservations, call: Hirant Gulian at (201) 313-1762 , Zakar Dikme at (646) 387-6512, Hagop Uzatmajian at (201) 261-5771, Charles Pinajian at (201) 891-5420, Hagop Gulian at (201) 599-5996, or Diran Kilerjian at(845) 359-2152.
Why would you finance the renovation of a tourist attraction center that belongs to the Turkish government? Unless you’re a member of the Turkish Diaspora and want to support your government?The property does not belong to the Armenian Patriarchate. This article is clear. I, as a member of the Armenia’s Diaspora (not Turkish) would not support it unless the church is returned to the Armenian Patriarchate.
Unfortunately the Turkish government is using their Diaspora (Turkish Armenians) to divide and conquer Armenia’s Diaspora.
The Turkish Diasporans (both bishops mentioned in this article are) should pressure their government to return the confiscated churches to the Armenian Patriarchate instead of financing the confiscated properties that are being repurposed.