2007 Visit by Armenian diaspora dignitaries

On 14th January 2007, following the Holy Mass, the Ethiopian Armenians welcomed a group of visiting benefactors, accompanied by Prof. George Bournoutian (Professor of East European and Middle Eastern Studies in Iona College, USA). The visiting guests included: Mr. and Mrs. Dikran Hadjetian (Canadian-Armenians, the benefactors of the Noravank Monastery complex in Armenia), Mr. and Mrs. Haig Titizian (Founder of the Nerses Shnorhali Theological Seminary in New York and long time sponsor) and Mr. and Mrs. Raffi Hovhannesian (member of the Legislative Body in the Eastern Diocese in the USA and a well known philanthropist). During the six day visit the group had the chance to see several historical places in Ethiopia. On 19 January 2007 they were invited to a dinner reception in the Ararad Athletic Club in Addis Ababa, organized by the community Council. During the dinner Father Myron Sarkissian welcomed the benefactors and blessed their work, asking God to increase the number of sponsors and benefactors in the Armenian society. Such people provide excellent examples of church-loving practices. Shoghag Hovhannesian expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the guests to all the members of the community and to the Chairman of the Council Vartkes Nalbandian (Deacon). Symbolic gifts were offered to the guests.