The Armenian National Committee of America organizes a telethon on May 20 to support drive for the return of Christian Churches.
“As Armenians, we join together this Easter in celebrating the resurrection of Christ and also, as Armenians – heirs of an ancient people that arose nearly a century ago from the ashes of genocide – in marking our own rebirth as a nation,” ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian said.
“We recall with pride our rebirth as a people from the fires of hatred that nearly consumed us in 1915. And, once again, we are painfully reminded that the blind and irrational hatred by Turkish state–and sadly much of its society–toward Armenians still burns, and – if not quenched by the waters of justice – may light again to burn the surviving sons and daughters of our ancient but endangered homeland.”
Mr. Hamparian went on to say: “As a people who believe in the power of faith and promise of forgiveness, we seek a true and enduring redemption for the Republic of Turkey through repentance. For, just as scripture tells us that the truth will set us free, so too will justice lead us to peace.
For Turkey’s leaders, government, and people, the difficult path to true forgiveness must pass through a sincere confession of past sins and an apology for all harm, the full return of all that must rightfully be rendered to the victims of its crimes, and an abiding renunciation of hatred and violence toward the modern-day sons and daughters of those who lived on the biblical lands in and around Ararat for thousands of years. Sadly, it’s not a matter of Turkey simply moving too slowly in the right direction. The facts show that Turkey’s leaders are headed in the wrong direction, as illustrated, earlier this year, at state-supported anti-Armenian rallies in Ankara and Istanbul–attended by top government officials–that openly and proudly incited hatred against Armenians.
Turkey must repent in word and deed; Redeem itself in spirit and action; Renounce evil, and all the fruits of its crimes, and render to the Armenians all that once was and remains Armenian. These are the wages of Turkey’s sins, and the price of its salvation.
There can be no better place to start than the immediate return of all churches, monasteries, relics, and other religious properties, not only to the Armenians, but to all the Christians of these ancient biblical lands. Thankfully, with the support of Armenian Americans from across our country, we have been able to make progress on this vital new front for the Armenian Cause. With your renewed support for ANCA Telethon 2012, we can do much more.”
