DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF AMERICA (EASTERN)
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
* * * C O M M U N I Q U � * * *
Latest News From Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem:
ARMENIAN SUB-DEACON SHOT DURING CONTINUING STANDOFF
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, wishes to update the public about the situation surrounding the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has confirmed that an Armenian sub-deacon (not a priest or monk, as has been reported elsewhere) has been shot. He was taken to Jerusalem�s Hadassah Hospital, where he underwent surgery to stop excessive bleeding. He is currently in the hospital�s intensive care unit. There is no official word on his prognosis, but the Patriarchate asks for everyone�s prayers.
Sources say the sub-deacon was shot while standing with others inside Bethlehem�s Armenian monastery, which is adjacent to the Church of the Nativity. An explosion-like noise was heard outside, after which the young sub-deacon, who was standing with his back to a window, received a gunshot wound below his right shoulder.
Wire services have reported that at that time, outside the monastic complex, food was being delivered by Israeli troops to the people in the
Church of the Nativity. There is no other confirmed word on the circumstances of the shooting.
As reported in a prior communiqu�, seven Armenians have been confined in Bethlehem�s Armenian monastery since the standoff at the Church of the Nativity began last week. These include three vartabeds--the dean, Fr. Razmig; the assistant to the dean, Fr. Khat; and the elderly Fr. Nerses--as well as a kahana, Fr. Nerses, and three lay brothers from Armenia. The wounded sub-deacon is one of the latter lay brothers, all of whom hail from Armenia.
The Patriarchate stressed that their confinement is not forced but is a precautionary measure. The Armenian monastery has an iron door opening onto Manger Square, giving it access to the outside world, but the brothers have kept it shut as a precaution.
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, has designated Bishop Aris Shirvanian as the Patriarchate�s spokesman to news agencies. The Patriarchate plans to release an official statement later today, which the Eastern Diocese will forward.
The Eastern Diocese will continue to provide updates on this matter. As always, we convey our appreciation to the faithful for their concern, and request their continued prayers for peace and for the health of the young wounded man.
--CHANCELLERY OF THE DIOCESE
April 10, 2002 (12:30 p.m. EST)
####
Let us all pray for our brother Armen, that he quickly recovers from his injuries and will be back to perform his duties faithfully serving our church.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
* * * C O M M U N I Q U � * * *
Latest News From Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem:
ARMENIAN SUB-DEACON SHOT DURING CONTINUING STANDOFF
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, wishes to update the public about the situation surrounding the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has confirmed that an Armenian sub-deacon (not a priest or monk, as has been reported elsewhere) has been shot. He was taken to Jerusalem�s Hadassah Hospital, where he underwent surgery to stop excessive bleeding. He is currently in the hospital�s intensive care unit. There is no official word on his prognosis, but the Patriarchate asks for everyone�s prayers.
Sources say the sub-deacon was shot while standing with others inside Bethlehem�s Armenian monastery, which is adjacent to the Church of the Nativity. An explosion-like noise was heard outside, after which the young sub-deacon, who was standing with his back to a window, received a gunshot wound below his right shoulder.
Wire services have reported that at that time, outside the monastic complex, food was being delivered by Israeli troops to the people in the
Church of the Nativity. There is no other confirmed word on the circumstances of the shooting.
As reported in a prior communiqu�, seven Armenians have been confined in Bethlehem�s Armenian monastery since the standoff at the Church of the Nativity began last week. These include three vartabeds--the dean, Fr. Razmig; the assistant to the dean, Fr. Khat; and the elderly Fr. Nerses--as well as a kahana, Fr. Nerses, and three lay brothers from Armenia. The wounded sub-deacon is one of the latter lay brothers, all of whom hail from Armenia.
The Patriarchate stressed that their confinement is not forced but is a precautionary measure. The Armenian monastery has an iron door opening onto Manger Square, giving it access to the outside world, but the brothers have kept it shut as a precaution.
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, has designated Bishop Aris Shirvanian as the Patriarchate�s spokesman to news agencies. The Patriarchate plans to release an official statement later today, which the Eastern Diocese will forward.
The Eastern Diocese will continue to provide updates on this matter. As always, we convey our appreciation to the faithful for their concern, and request their continued prayers for peace and for the health of the young wounded man.
--CHANCELLERY OF THE DIOCESE
April 10, 2002 (12:30 p.m. EST)
####
Let us all pray for our brother Armen, that he quickly recovers from his injuries and will be back to perform his duties faithfully serving our church.
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