* In response to earthquake–Diocese to sponsor benefit concert for the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul’s relief effort.
NEW YORK–The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America is pleased to announce that His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan–the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul–will travel to America for a visit from Sept. 27 to Oct. 7–1999–at the invitation of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian–the Eastern US Primate.
The focal point of the visit will be the evening of Friday–Oct. 1–when Patriarch Mesrob will be present for a benefit concert in New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. The concert is being sponsored by the Diocese as part of its response to the earthquake crisis in Istanbul (see below). Proceeds from the fundraising event will go to the Armenian Patriarchate–to help support its relief effort.
The Oct. 1 concert will feature performances by violinists Ani and Ida Kavafian and pianist Sahan Arzruni. All three are former natives of Istanbul–who were eager to offer their talents to the city’s greatest Armenian institution in this critical cause.
Members from seven Istanbul Armenian organizations are likewise helping the Diocesan Center organize the concert.
During the remainder of the Patriarch’s visit–he will meet with the community and its leaders. More news on the October 1 benefit concert will be forthcoming in the Armenian press; tickets are currently on sale. Those wishing to contribute to the Diocese’s general earthquake fundraising drive may send donations to the Fund for Armenian Relief–Memo: Armenian Patriarchate Relief–630 Second Avenue–New York–NY 10016.