With the instruction of Patriarch Sahak II, the presentation of the Beşiktaş Church Memorial Book was held on Saturday, 11 December 2021, at Feriköy Surp Vartanants Church Şirinoğlu Hall.
Organized by the managers of Beşiktaş Surp Asdvadzadzin Church, the event was instrumental in introducing the book written by Deputy Patriarch Senior Father Krikor Damadyan to the Armenian community.
Priests, Fathers, the author of the book, Senior Father Krikor Damadyan and his wife, representatives of Beşiktaş and Kadıköy Armenian Apostolic churches, members of the Feriköy Surp Vartanants Church foundation, press representatives and community members attended the event presided over by the Patriarch of Armenians of Turkey Sahak II. The event, within the framework of the pandemic restrictions, was broadcast live from the Patriarchate’s social media accounts.
The program, hosted by Maryam Drameryan, started with the opening speech of Diyakos Arman Maraşlıyan. Greeting His Beatitude the Patriarch and the participants, Maraşlıyan stated that the introduction day, which was delayed due to the pandemic, has finally taken place.
After the hymn performed by the Armash Choir under the direction of Deacon Harutyun Edvin Galipyan, Priest Hovagim Serovpyan read the letter of appreciation written by His Beatitude the Patriarch for this book.
Later, Maryam Drameryan read the biography of Senior Father Krikor Damadyan.
Senior Father Krikor Damadyan introduced his book. At the beginning of his speech, the author thanked His Beatitude the Patriarch and explained the preparation stages of the book. He stated that the idea source of the work was the deceased Patriarch Şnorhk Kalustyan, but due to unforeseen reasons, the writing was delayed, the prepared notes were waiting to be published for years, and it was published in its completed form during the reign of His Beatitude the Patriarch Sahak II, after waiting for the three patriarchs.
The Chairman of the Book Commission, Priest Harutyun Damadyan, attended the event with a message he sent from Eçmiadzin, where he was for thesis preparation. He stated that after the first copy of the book was presented to His Beatitude the Patriarch and his blessing was received, it was sent to many spiritual and educational centers both in Istanbul and abroad, and letters of appreciation were received in return. Saying that a copy was presented to His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, and that he received his blessing, he thanked His Beatitude the Patriarch and the participants and wished that the work would contribute to the Armenian community life. After the message, the gift to be given to Priest Damadyan was given to his mother.
