Nicosia, April 28, 2007: The Armenian Evangelical Church in Cyprus organized a public lecture on ?The Role of Haigazian University in Maintaining Armenianness in the Diaspora?.
The lecturer was Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University. The lecture took place on Saturday, May 28, 2007, at 7:00pm, in the Armenian Prelacy?s Utujian Hall, Nicosia.
Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, head of the Armenian Church in Cyprus, Mr. Vartkes Mahdessian, Armenian representative in the Cypriot parliament, Rev. Father Momig Habeshian, parish priest of Nicosia, Dr. Hrayr Aharonian, president of Armenian Missionary Association of America, representatives of Armenian political parties and cultural organizations and others were among the attendees of the lecture.
Hrayr Jebejian welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of maintaining Armenianness (Hayabahbanoum) in today?s world. He emphasized the challenges of the day and their effects on maintaining Armenian identity, language, culture, and Christian faith. Hrayr Jebejian also presented the history of Haigazian University. At the end of his brief opening remarks, he introduced the speaker.
Rev. Dr. Haidostian presented the meaning of Armenianness in today?s world and the role of Haigazian University in maintaining that. He briefed the audience about the different components of the Armenian programs and department in the University. He spoke about the composition of the student body, and the urgency for Armenian students to achieve a good quality education and thus become experts and professionals in their field. Dr. Haidostian spoke about the atmosphere of Haigazian University as a meeting place for Armenians and non-Armenians and the importance of knowing one another. At the end, Dr. Haidostian highlighted the issue of Armenianness in today?s world, where special attention and focus need to be exercised for the young generation to preserve their identity.
The lecture was followed by a question/answer time. At the end, his Eminence Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian praised Haigazian University for all the good work and services that it is rendering. He encouraged Haigazian University to initiate the study of Diaspora (Spurkakidoution), as an integral part of its overall curriculum and program. Archbishop Hergelian ended the meeting with his blessing.
Source: E-mail bulletin by Hrayr Jebejian
