Benefit evening held in U.S. to raise funds for Diyarbakir’s St. Giragos Church

NEW MILFORD, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. The Armenians of New Milford, New Jersey, U.S. organized a fundraising to continue the restoration of the St. Giragos Church in Dikranagerd (Diyarbakir). As reports “Armenpress”, referring to the Armenian Weekly newspaper, the benefit evening took place on May 17 at Hovnanian School’s Banquet Hall in New Milford. The occasion provided the opportunity to honor two individuals who have been critical in the renovation of the church: Vartkes Ergun Ayik, chairman of the St. Giragos Church of Dikranagerd, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; and the Honorable Osman Baydemir, metropolitan mayor of Dikranagerd, who was given the Friends of the Armenians Award.

On accepting his award, Osman Baydemir said that the pain of the past is still being felt by the generations that have followed.“Despite all the suffering we have to move ahead and make things right,” he added. “Armenian brothers should feel ownership of this church because Armenians are a part of Dikranagerd.”

Vartkes Ergun Ayik stressed how Istanbul and Diasporan Armenians worked together to collect money for the renovation. “This project is an important sign of apology,” said Ayik, who explained that St. Giragos is the most visited church in Turkey and now holds social activities such as classical music concerts for the public.

St. Giragosis anArmenian Orthodox ChurchinDiyarbakır. It is the biggest Armenian church in the Middle East. It was closed during theArmenian Genocidein 1915-1916, and was returned to the local Armenian community in 1960, although due to emigration in the 1970s and 1980s the local Armenian community was much diminished. The restoration project of St. Giragos, which remains in possession of the Armenian community under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Istanbul, began six years ago. The church is known for its seven altars, signifying “eternity” in the Armenian alphabet. It can accommodate more than 2,500 faithful during services.