[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1463]]



                IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN I

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 1999

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, today in Armenia, the spiritual leader of 
the Armenian Apostolic Church passed away after a serious illness. I 
was saddened to learn of the death of His Holiness Karekin I, the 
Catholicos of the Armenian Church.
  Elected as the 131st leader of the Armenian Church following the 
death of Vazgen I in 1995, Karekin I called for a peaceful solution in 
Nagorno Karabagh.
  Karekin I, who led the church for 4 years, spent much of his time 
visiting with the faithful, who live in many different areas of the 
world. Prior to rising to become the Catholicos, His Holiness was 
educated at Oxford, England, and he served the church in Lebanon, Iran 
and New York.
  His Holiness was an important world figure. He was among the most 
prominent spiritual leaders--a man who was important not only to 
Armenians but to people of all faiths. He was a well-respected figure 
throughout America. Not only did Karekin I serve the church in New 
York, but he also visited communities throughout the United States 
frequently.
  As millions of Armenians mourn his passing, we will all feel a deep 
loss. He stood for peace and justice. He was known as an eloquent and 
passionate orator. He worked with other religious leaders to strengthen 
the ties and understanding between people of different faiths.
  Karekin I led a church whose history dates back to 301 A.D., when 
King Trdat III proclaimed Christianity as the state religion of 
Armenia. For much of the past fifteen centuries, the Armenian Church 
and its spiritual leaders have been the embodiment of the national 
aspirations of the Armenian people.
  As the people of Armenia move forward towards peace and prosperity, 
it is important to remember those who have helped lead the way. The 
commitment of Karekin I to the faith and to the Armenian people will 
not be forgotten.

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