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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today hosted a breakfast reception at Gracie Mansion in honor of His Holiness Karekin II, the pontiff of the worldwide Armenian Church, who is in New York City to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of his country's conversion to Christianity. Joining the Mayor were Commissioner Irene Halligan, Commission for the United Nations, Consular Corps and Protocol; Michael Haratunian, Anniversary Committee Chairman; His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Primate of the Western Diocese; and His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese.

"New York City is less than 400 years old -- and the United States is only 225 years old. But for 1700 years, the nation of Armenia has endured earthquakes and genocide, which speaks volumes about Armenian faith and the strength of their church," Mayor Giuliani said. "Armenians have come to this City and have adhered to the values of their Church-earning the respect and admiration of their fellow New Yorkers."

Archbishop Barsamian said, "Throughout his years of service as leader of this great City, Mayor Giuliani and the Mayor's office have been a constant help and support to the Armenian Church's efforts -- especially when it came to organizing the events of this celebration weekend in Central Park. We're honored that he has once again shown his concern and affection for our community by hosting this splendid gathering here at Gracie Mansion."

Today's reception is just one of many events during the weekend-long commemoration in the City, highlighted by a celebration of the Armenian Divine Liturgy by His Holiness Karekin II in Central Park on Sunday.

In A.D. 301, Armenia became the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion. Over one million Armenians live in North America, with a significant portion of that population centered in the New York City region.

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