[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 101 (Friday, July 16, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS KAREKIN I

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                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 16, 1999

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to His Holiness 
Catholicos Karekin I. On June 29, the Armenian community mourned the 
loss of this Supreme Patriarch and leader of the Armenian Apostolic 
Church. Born Nishan Sarkissian in Kessab, Syria, Karekin I was ordained 
priest in 1949.
  Karekin I dedicated his life to preaching the message of the Armenian 
Church in a dynamic and creative manner by devoting himself to the 
instruction of a new generation of clergy which he dubbed ``Ambassadors 
of Christian Faith''.
  During the 1970's, Karekin I was the head of the Eastern Diocese of 
the Armenian Church in New York. In this capacity, he motivated the 
spiritual and cultural life of Armenians and championed a modern vision 
within theological writings.
  In his most recent role as co-President of the Pan Armenian 
Committee, His Holiness was preparing for the celebration of 1,700 
years of Christianity in Armenia. Without his contribution, this 
celebration would not have been possible. Sadly, Karekin I will not 
bear witness to the project's successful completion, expected in 2001.
  Karekin I made an impact on Armenians throughout the world, and 
particularly in eastern Massachusetts. When Karekin I was buried in his 
homeland of Etchmaidzin, Armenia, local Armenians residing in Watertown 
and Cambridge, MS, grieved with others around the world at his passing. 
Karekin I was a compassionate human being who affected the lives of 
Armenian Apostolic parishioners, particularly those whom he had visited 
at St. Stephen's in Watertown, and Holy Trinity in Cambridge, MS.
  Karekin I's spiritual teachings and services made a vital 
contribution to the cohesiveness that today exists among a people 
scattered throughout the globe. The Armenian international community 
has suffered a great and personal loss in the death of Karekin I, a man 
of eternal accomplishments.

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