In a presentation to the National Representative Assembly (NRA), Hagop Khatchadourian, Chairman of the Executive Council, highlighted the tireless work of the Eastern Prelacy under the leadership of Archbishop Anoushavan to reach out to the faithful during the last two years of the Covid pandemic. Under extremely challenging circumstances, the Prelacy not only expanded its mission but it was also able to mobilize support for Armenia and Artsakh following the 44-day war of 2020 as well as to our brethren in Lebanon, which is still in the middle of the worst socio-economic crisis in its history.
Mr. Khatchadourian expressed his delight that attendees were able to meet in person again for the first time since 2019. In addition to announcing other plans, among them an initiative for an annual inclusive fundraising, he mentioned the celebration plans for the 65th anniversary of the Prelacy in New York.
Prior to mentioning the expectation that the parishes will be able to resume their pre-pandemic life as public health returns to normal, Mr. Khatchadourian praised the Prelate for being the driving force behind the strong expansion of the Prelacy’s outreach effort into the online realm.
He also said he was “extremely proud of how the communities responded to the ongoing crises in Armenia, Artsakh, Syria and Lebanon.”
On the financial front, Mr. Khatchadourian referred to the unprecedented challenges that have arisen both locally and globally, with an overall economic slowdown. Yet donations and fundraising have even slightly improved. At the same time, the Eastern Prelacy has paid in full the Holy See dues.
The Prelacy leadership has embraced the His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s Proclamation of 2022 as the Year of the Diaspora, as an opportunity to revitalize the Prelacy.
After listing the clergy’s various initiatives, including Prayer with the People and the weekly Reflection series, he thanked Archbishop Anoushavan for his selfless leadership and spiritual guidance in his first term at the helm of the Prelacy. Mr. Khatchadourian concluded his presentation with a quote by the Prelate:
“I want to bring the fire of love into our daily life and especially focus on the youth,
work for our people’s sustenance of a healthy mind and body, and rediscover our identity
as Americans, Armenians, and Christians.”