Oia Hosts H.e. Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, Patriarchal Vicar Of The Armenian Patriarchate Of Turkey

The Organization of Istanbul Armenians (OIA) hosted a banquet in honor of His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey at the OIA Headquarters on January 23, 2016. The Primate attended the event accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian and Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian. Welcoming remarks were delivered by OIA Board of Trustees Chairman Edvin Minassian, Esq. and OIA Executive Committee President Mr. Raffi Marukian.  On the 25th anniversary of his passing, the biography of H.B. Archbishop Shnork Kaloustian, the late Armenian Patriarch of Turkey was presented by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Minassian reflected on the Patriarch's humble personality, rich literary legacy, and his undying love for the flock of Christ. In his remarks, Archbishop Ateshyan briefed the guests about the mission of the Armenian Patriarchate informing them about the activities of the Armenian community and the preservation efforts of Armenian churches and other historical sites in Turkey.  Archbishop Ateshyan also answered questions from the crowd.