Pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese Visit Istanbul’s Historic Armenian Landmarks
27 October 2011
On the final leg of a pilgrimage to historic Armenian sites in present-day Turkey, a group from the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) toured some of the great Armenian centers of Istanbul, and met with community members and municipal dignitaries.
The pilgrimage began last week, with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), leading a group of Diocesan leaders to the city of Diarbekir (Dikranakert), where they took part in the October 22 re-consecration of the historic St. Giragos Armenian Church.
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The group, which included the Diocese's Ecumenical Director, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, had to cancel a scheduled trip to the historic Armenian region of Van due to the October 23 earthquake in that area. Instead, they toured monuments and churches in the vicinity of Mardin. But they resumed plans on Monday, October 24, when they returned to Istanbul.
That afternoon the pilgrims visited one of Istanbul's most famous and enduring Armenian institutions: the 125-year-old Getronagan Armenian School. There, director Silva Kuyumcuyan welcomed the pilgrims to the school, which remains a thriving hub of Armenian cultural activity and education. She introduced the young teaching staff, and answered questions from the visitors.
On Tuesday morning the group visited the Armenian Patriarchate, where they were welcomed by Archbishop Aram Ateshian, the Patriarchal Vicar. He spoke about the centuries-old Armenian community of the city, and about the churches, schools, and other Armenian institutions which have proliferated throughout its history.
Archbishop Ateshian led the American visitors on a tour of the Patriarchate, culminating in a visit to the St. Mary Armenian Cathedral across from the Patriarchate, where the pilgrims held a prayer service. They also saw the Bezcian Armenian School, located next to the cathedral.
A Cosmopolitan Spirit
Later, the group had an opportunity to meet the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Francis Riccardone, along with U.S. Consul General Scott Kilner, at a luncheon hosted by the mayor of greater Itanbul, Dr. Kadir Topbas. Archbishop Ateshian also attended. Mayor Topbas warmly welcomed the group, spoke about the city, and answered the group's questions in an open dialogue.
Archbishop Barsamian conveyed his thanks to the mayor. Speaking as one familiar with Istanbul, he congratulated Mayor Topbas on the developments in the city under his leadership. "The cosmopolitan spirit-a feeling of openness and progress-is a quality he has renewed in this city, and I have been impressed to see that happen."
Invoking the same spirit, the Primate said: "We have come from America as pilgrims. And we are pilgrims who are not only longing for the past, but pilgrims who are looking forward, with hope, to the future. To a future of mutual respect and peace, for all of God's children."
The day was rounded out with a reception hosted by Istanbul industrialist Ahmet Calik, where the group met parliamentarian and former professional soccer star Hakan Sukur; and a dinner hosted by leaders of Istanbul's Armenian community, in which the Patriarchate's Archbishop Ateshian and Bishop Sahag Mashalian also took part.
Most of the Diocesan group departed Istanbul on Wednesday morning. "The prevailing sentiment among us was gratitude for the opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event, the re-consecration of an ancient Armenian church," said Sandra Shahinian Leitner, speaking of her fellow pilgrims. "In our visit to our ancestral homes, we gained a deeper understanding of the magnitude of our forebears' sacrifice and dedication. We were also touched by the warmth of the hospitality shown to us."
Remaining in Istanbul, Archbishop Barsamian and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian visited Istanbul's Sisli district, where there is a large Armenian population with a church, school, and cemetery. They met the district mayor and its deputy mayor, Vazken Barinian. The two archbishops also visited the offices of the Armenian newspapers Jamanak, Marmara, and Agos.
Thursday morning both archbishops visited the Balikli Armenian cemetery, where they offered prayers at the gravesite of the late journalist Hrant Dink, murdered in 2007 for his outspoken advocacy of Genocide recognition.
The two then visited the Sourp Prgich (Holy Savior) Armenian Hospital, where they were received by Bedros Shirinoglu-the chairman of the hospital board and a great benefactor of the Istanbul community-along with other board members. They toured the modernized hospital. Then, with Archbishop Ateshian, they paid a special visit to His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan, the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul, who has been undergoing an extended hospitalization. In his presence the three archbishops offered prayers.
Archbishop Barsamian and Archbishop Aykazian will be traveling to the Republic of Armenia, where the Primate will represent the Eastern Diocese at a gathering of church leaders at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. They will also take part in the anniversary celebrations honoring His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
