Rome, Italy

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Council for the Armenian community in Rome, and by the presidency of His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX Catholicos Patriarch of Cilicia for Armenian Catholics, On Sunday the 26th of October 2008, the rector of the Pontifical Armenian College Father Hovsep Kelekian celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Armenian church of St. Nicholas of Tolentine. The sisters of Immaculate Conception and the students of the Levonian seminary led by Yeghishe Janatchian performed the hymns during the Mass.

After the Holy Mass, a ceremony took place to commemorate the 10th anniversary. At the beginning, Nvart Krikorian, a member of the Council represented the most significant achievements of the committee during the last ten years, after which she invited the representative of Armenia’s ambassador Dikran Samuelian who valued and welcomed the mission of the Council that included all Armenians.

Marko Tokati, author of many books linked with Armenian History and Federico Rocca on behalf of the Town Hall spoke about the many achievements earned with the cooperation and encouragement of the Town Hall in Rome.

Father Kelekian also praised the efforts of the Council and the great support that it brings to the School.

After Father Kelekian’s speech an artistic program was prepared including a slide show followed by Arsine Sdepanian on the violin and Diana Garabedian on the piano performing pieces from Gomidas.

Robert Attarian from the Council thanked the audience and the official guests for their participation on this special occasion and invited His Beatitude to give His message. His Beatitude in His turn encouraged the Council members for having their main objectives as the preservation of the Armenian national identity and culture. His Beatitude also encouraged the collaboration between the Council and the Levonian School.