Day: June 14, 2024
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NPR News: 06-14-2024 3PM EDT
Thank you. The people of Azerbaijan also deserve an independent, democratic future. https://t.co/Uim0Emu9qk
— Emin Bred (@emin_bred) June 14, 2024
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, and Pope Francis discussed the return of the forcibly displaced Armenian population to Artsakh and the release of the Armenian political prisoners from Azerbaijani captivity, in a meeting held on June 12 at the Holy See in Rome.
They also talked about the imperative of calling to a Third Vatican Council, with an active participation by non-Catholic churches. Also on the agenda was the need to promote interchurch relations even further.
The Catholicos had been invited to Rome to give a lecture about religion and geopolitics, and how they have been shaping each other in the Middle East.
In the talk delivered at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome on Tuesday, June 11, the Catholicos said that religion has transformed and has been transformed by geopolitical events throughout history in the region.
He opened his lecture, entitled “Religion in the Geopolitics of the Middle East,” by discussing the influence of religion on geopolitics throughout history.
At the same time, religion has responded to the changing geopolitics, he said. The Catholicos highlighted the pivotal role played by monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—in shaping political, cultural, and social landscapes across Europe and the Middle East.
He analyzed religion’s impact on Middle Eastern geopolitics and how it has defined the intersection of faith and reason; religion and local politics, and trust-building.
The Catholicos wrapped up his presentation stressing the vital role of religion in promoting peaceful coexistence, resolving conflicts, and enhancing mutual trust within Middle Eastern societies. Proposing a meeting of religious leaders in Jerusalem, he called for a united effort to advocate for peace and reconciliation among the three major religions, drawing upon historical precedent and principles of justice.
The lecture was organized jointly by the Pontifical Oriental Institute, the Pontifical Gregorian University, and the Lebanese Embassy to the Holy See (Vatican). On behalf of the organizers, remarks were delivered by Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; Rev. Mark A. Lewis, SJ, Rector of the Pontifical Oriental Institute, and Farid El Khazan, ambassador of Lebanon to the Holy See.
His Beatitude Armenian Catholic Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI, His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob, Prelate of UAE and Qatar, as well as Vatican officials and other dignitaries were present.
Created by Pope Benedict XV in 1917 and entrusted to the Society of Jesus in 1922 by Pius XI, the Pontifical Oriental Institute is a school of higher studies whose mission is to serve the Eastern Churches.
Dr. Souzy Ohanian, principal of Charlotte and Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, will be stepping down from her position and returning to Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, where she will assume the role of principal.
Dr. Ohanian generously served Merdinian School for the past two years during a critical time in the school’s history—helping nearly double enrollment, leading the renewal of its WASC accreditation, enriching the curriculum, developing a strong administrative team, and setting Merdinian up for success for years to come. Dr. Ohanian will conclude her term on June 30.
“Serving as the principal these past two years has been a gratifying experience filled with numerous achievements and unforgettable moments with my students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Ohanian in a statement to Merdinian faculty and staff. “I am confident Merdinian will continue to thrive in the days and years to come.”
In a unanimous decision at a special Board meeting held on June 12, the Merdinian Board of Directors appointed the current director of student affairs, Shogher Shanoian, as interim principal to begin serving in her new role on July 1. Shanoian is a dedicated member of the Armenian evangelical community and has held numerous leadership positions at Merdinian for over seven years. Her commitment to Merdinian spans decades, as she is an alumna, the parent of an alumnus and two current students.
Shanoian holds a master of science in education from California Baptist University and a bachelor of science in business administration, management, and organization from California State University, Fresno. The Board of Directors, Dr. Ohanian, and the administration are extremely confident that with the collaboration of parents, faculty, and the school Board, Shanoian will continue to uphold the mission of Merdinian and advance the school’s vision for years to come.
“We are extremely grateful for Dr. Ohanian’s visionary leadership,” said Nerses Aposhian, Board chairman at Merdinian School. “I speak for the entire Merdinian community when I say she has brought our school to new heights. We look forward to continuing her work alongside Shanoian to ensure a smooth transition. Shanoian and her administrative team will build on the work accomplished in the last two years, including advancing Merdinian’s curriculum, developing the teaching staff, improving facilities, and growing our school. She has been a steadfast advocate for our students and faculty and demonstrated a lifelong passion for Christian Armenian education. We are enthusiastic and eager for her to enter this new leadership position.”
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA, the C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School is committed to providing an academically and spiritually invigorating education for its entire preschool through 8th grade student body in a safe, caring, and nurturing environment. Since 1982, the school has prepared its graduates to become responsible American citizens and future leaders of the community, firm in their Christian beliefs and proud of their Armenian heritage. Merdinian School has been fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1999.