Build on faith event kicks off in Armenia:
‘Catholicos Karekin II Work Project” to draw 300 volunteers

BUDAPEST (European HQ, Aug. 31) – As part of an ongoing partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the Armenia Apostolic Church, a blitz build of homes for 24 families in need kicks off next week in Armenia.

More than 300 volunteers are expected throughout the week, from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians, to a Harvard professor, to a former Miss Armenia. The build project will provide 37 homes for families in need in Armenia, symbolizing 36 worldwide Dioceses, plus the Holy See. From Sept. 5-9, volunteers will completely renovate one apartment building of 24 homes in Gavar, near Armenia’s Lake Sevan. A further 13 homes are being built across the country.

“With this historic event, we hope to draw attention to the plight of so many still in dire need of simple, decent housing,” says Don Haszczyn, Area Vice President for Habitat for Humanity Europe and Central Asia. “We’re thrilled to join forces with the Armenian Church in our efforts to combat poverty housing in this beautiful country.”

In April, Habitat for Humanity and the Church signed a 3-year partnership aimed to combat poverty housing in Armenia and worldwide.

Among the Catholicos, and scores of international volunteers, other scheduled participants include: Nic Retsinas, Director of Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies and Habitat for Humanity’s International Board of Directors Chair; Bob Edgar, President of the U.S. Council of Churches, and Bishop Vicken Aykazian, President elect of that Council; ambassadors from Lebanon, Egypt, Indonesia and Estonia, and Deputy Head of Mission of the UK Embassy in Armenia. Mistress of Ceremonies will be long-time Habitat for Humanity supporter and former Miss Armenia (1998-99), Gohar Harutyunyan.

In Michigan in 2005, the Catholicos participated in the annual home blitz build, the Jimmy Carter Work Project, where he met with President Carter. Following that, the Catholicos gave his blessing for a home-building event to be created and held in Armenia.

In Armenia, a country of 3 million nestled in the southern Caucasus, 45% of the population lives in poverty, according to the Council of Europe. Over the past decade, a devastating earthquake, conflict, the Soviet Union’s collapse, and a newfound independence have led to economic crisis. Thousands still live in metal “domiks”, iron containers used for temporary earthquake relief, which act like refrigerators in the winter; and boilers in the summer. Habitat for Humanity Armenia has been working with families in need since 2000, and provided homes for more than 1,000 people.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than one million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

Today on September 3 in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia the Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of all Armenians Karekin II has received the group of international volunteers from the National Council of Churches in Christ of America, who came to Armenia to participate in the Armenian “Building on Faith” Annual Event.

We highly appreciate the work Habitat does in Armenia to support those in need presenting them with an opprtunity to have a hearth and a shelter.

We are happy that you are implementing this work in Armenia in our name. We think it is an reflection of the God’s love towards Our Church and Our People.” , - mentioned His Holiness in His welcome speech, wishing that God brings success to All the kind initiatives and programs. of Habitat. The Patriarch encouraged everone to support Habitat’ s work with their work and prayers so that there are less people in poverty and people would always praise the name of the Lord.

The General Secretary of the National Council Of Churches Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar has thanked His Holiness Karekin II.

Habitat for Humanity Armenia supports community development in the Republic of Armenia by assisting in the construction of simple, decent and affordable homes. The purpose of the organization is to help families in need improve their living conditions, to raise funds to support the vital work, and to give hope to thousands of people across the country. The organization was formed in March of 2000 and to date has dedicated 209 homes giving shelter to more than 1000 people.

For more information on HFH Armenia programs contact to Communications Manager Haykuhi Khachatryan:

HFH Armenia, Yerevan Aygestan 8th street, No. 5.
Tel: office (+374 10) 556 114; cell (+374 93) 376 980
E- mail: haykuhi@hfharmenia.org
http://www.hfharmenia.org

Edo

http://www.pix.org.uk
http://www.thebppa.com

The Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II Work Project will get Blessing from His Holiness and commence construction works

At 3 pm on September 4th in Armenia Marriott Hotel an opening ceremony of “His Holiness Karekin II Work Project” will take a place.

His Holiness Karekin II will give His blessing to the project during the ceremony.

Volunteer construction works will be taken place in Gavar, Gegharkunik region.

From September 4 to 9 volunteers from different countries (USA, Europe and Canada), different backgrounds (church dignitaries and high ranking officials) churches (Armenian Apostolic and NCCCA) ages and occupations will come together to finish construction of a 24-unit condominium building in Gavar, region of Gegharkunik for the needy families, already selected by HFH Armenia in the frame of the Armenian Building on Faith 2006.

In the number of International volunteers that are coming to Armenia a team of National Council of Churches of Christ of America led by the General Secretary Dr. Bob Edgar, Chair of the International Board of Director Dr. Nic Retsinas and the Chair of the Board of Directors for Europe and Central Asia Area Paul Eckelshot and of course the Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II.

On April 20th an agreement between Habitat for Humanity and Armenian Apostolic Church was assigned. In the frame of this agreement “Catholicos Karekin II Work Project – Armenian Build on Faith” was launched. HFH Armenia will build 37 homes in the frame of this project, symbolizing The Holy See of Mother Etchmiadzin and 36 dioceses of Armenian Apostolic Church.

In the number of the 37 24 will be located in Gavar. The abandoned Soviet- Era residential building will be finished by the volunteers from September 5 to 9 and will get its inhabitants finally.

Cameras and reporters are welcome to Armenia Marriott Hotel on September 4th from 3pm to 6 pm.

Habitat for Humanity Armenia supports community development in the Republic of Armenia by assisting in the construction of simple, decent and affordable homes. The purpose of the organization is to help families in need improve their living conditions, to raise funds to support the vital work, and to give hope to thousands of people across the country. The organization was formed in March of 2000 and to date has dedicated 209 homes giving shelter to more than 1000 people.

For more information on HFH Armenia programs contact to Communications Manager Haykuhi Khachatryan:

HFH Armenia, Yerevan Aygestan 8th street, No. 5.
Tel: office (+374 10) 556 114; cell (+374 93) 376 980
E- mail: haykuhi@hfharmenia.org
http://www.hfharmenia.org