October 10, 2025, Washington D.C.- Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) proudly announces the launch of its Armenian Advisory Council, inaugurated on September 16, 2025, at the Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City. The launch event, titled “From Ararat to the World,” brought together church leaders, ecumenical representatives, and members of the Armenian-American community for an evening of fellowship, cultural celebration, and shared commitment to justice and peace. The Armenian Advisory Council is a new CMEP initiative dedicated to amplifying Armenian voices in support of peacebuilding, human rights, and the preservation of Armenian Christian heritage, particularly in Armenia, the Middle East, and the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem. The Council will serve as a platform for collaboration among Armenian Church leaders, diaspora communities, policymakers, and advocates to ensure that Armenian concerns remain central to global and U.S. conversations on peace and justice in the Middle East. His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, serves as Patron of the Armenian Advisory Council. In his remarks, Archbishop Aykazian reflected on the urgent challenges facing Armenian and sister Christian communities worldwide, calling for “a united voice, magnified by friends who share our mutual concerns and influence in shaping a more just and peaceful future.” The evening’s program began with words of welcome from Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, who thanked CMEP for its long-standing partnership with the Armenian Church and emphasized the critical importance of solidarity during this time of hardship for Armenia and Armenian Christians in the Holy Land. “It is a time for us to stand together,” he said, “in witness to faith and in commitment to justice.” Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of CMEP, presented the vision and objectives of the Armenian Advisory Council. “Through this initiative,” she said, “we seek to deepen relationships with Armenian communities and ensure their voices are represented in our advocacy for peace and human rights. The Armenian Christian community is integral to the story of the Middle East. We are committed to supporting its history, sustainability, and future presence across the region.” The Armenian Advisory Council will focus on: - Strengthening partnerships with the Armenian Church in the U.S., Armenia, and throughout the Middle East.
- Engaging the American public through webinars, seminars, and public forums addressing Armenian concerns.
- Advancing congressional advocacy to promote:
- The right of return for displaced populations of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).
- The preservation of Armenian historical and religious sites worldwide.
- The protection of the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem.
- The safety and sustainability of Armenian communities under threat.
Members of the newly launched Armenian Advisory Council include: - Patron: His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director
- Council Members: Dr. Garo Garibian, Haig Gulian, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Herman Purutyan, Sonya Nersessian, Claire Kedeshian, and Dr. Anna Seferian
The evening concluded with an elegant dinner and cultural program celebrating Armenian heritage. Guests enjoyed a display of Armenian pottery and ceramics from Balian Ceramics, Arman Darian Ceramic Art, and Georges Pottery, all based in Jerusalem, highlighting the enduring contributions of Armenian artisans to the region’s culture and history. More than 90 guests attended the launch, including clergy from across the Eastern Diocese, representatives of sister churches, and leaders from the Armenian-American and ecumenical communities. CMEP expressed deep gratitude to the Armenian Orthodox Church, His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, His Emminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros for their partnership and patronage in hosting the event. For more information or to support the activities of the Armenian Advisory Council visit HERE. |
