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Canada-Armenia
Parliamentary Friendship Group Parliamentary Exchange:
Canada
Post :
Canada Post Honors the First
Christian Nation in the World
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Throughout
the centuries, the Church has been the pillar of many nations. During
periods of occupation, persecution and oppression, the Church felt
responsible for the education, cultural and social needs of people.
In celebration of the 1700th anniversary of Armenia becoming the first
Christian nation in the world, the President and Chief Executive Officer
of Canada Post, the Honorable André Ouellet is pleased to announce
that a stamp will be issued on May 16 to commemorate this anniversary.
The stamp will be available in panes of 16 stamps. St. Gregory, known as Gregory the Illuminator, left an indelible imprint of the Armenian Church. He connected the King of Armenians to Christianity and in the year 301 A.D., it became the Armenian state religion. The church has been the rallying point during the most difficult and critical situations over this lengthy time period. Today, approximately seven million Armenians are dispersed across the world and about 50,000 live in Canada. In the interest of strengthening their heritage and reinforcing their identity, Armenians have established their own social, cultural and sports centres in this country. Montreal has the largest Armenian community, followed by Toronto. Stamp design is by Debbie Adams of Toronto. Ms. Adams' previous stamp projects include Expo'86 in Vancouver, Literacy in Canada, Canada's achievements in space (one contains a hologram), migratory wildlife, kite stamps and the Massey Foundation stamp in the Millennium Collection. As explained by Ms. Adams, the Armenian stamp includes a Khachkar or cross stone, an important element of the Armenian Church. "Once I saw these incredible paintings and the beautiful carved stone crosses, and understood a little of the rich history of Armenians, the stamp practically designed itself. I chose to feature details of these artifacts on the stamp and divided the details with two lines, one horizontal and one vertical that coincidentally form a cross." The latter two images were provided by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts while the photo of the Khachkar is by Hrair Hawk Khatcherian, of Laval. Canada-Post Press-Release, May 8, 2001 |
| Stamp Specifications | ||
| Date of Issue: | May 16, 2001 | |
| Last Day of Sale: | May 15, 2002 | |
| Denomination: | 1 x 47¢ | |
| Design: | Debbie Adams | |
| Dimensions: | 30 mm x 48 mm (vertical) | |
| Gum Type: | P.V.A. | |
| Paper Type: | Tullis Russell Coatings | |
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Perforations: |
13+ | |
| Printer: | Ashton Potter | |
| Printing Processes: | Lithography (eight colours) | |
| Quantity: | 3,000,000 | |
| Tagging: | General, four sides | |
| Product Number: | 403482107 | |
| Layout: | Pane of 16 | |
| Price: | $7.52 | |
| Product
Number: |
403482121 | |
| Layout: | Official First Day Cover combination | |
| OFDC Cancellation Location: | TORONTO ON | |
| Price: | $0.77 | |
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Day
of Issue Canada Post (click to enlarge)
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This
year, the Canadian Armenian community in Canada celebrates the 1,700th
anniversary of Christianity as a State Religion, and a commemorative
stamp will be issued to honour this significant milestone. On this
joyous occasion, it is a pleasure to send my best wishes to everyone
in your community. Churches provide an oasis for those who seek intimacy with God and with the higher self. They also provide a place to congregate for those in need of a community of spirit. And when men and women join in prayer to celebrate 1,700 years of spirituality, joyful energies are created which help us go beyond barriers and distractions that separate us from the Creator, loved ones and neighbours. My best wishes to His Holiness Karekin II on his first pontifical visit to North America and to the members of the Canadian Armenian community. I also want to congratulate you for the generous act of dedicating this commemorative booklet to the employees of Canada Post who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This generous gestures highlights the strong bonds we all have with individuals and communities we meet. I hope this day of celebration will be a joyful one. |
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ADRIENNE
CLARKSON THE GOVERNOR GENERAL
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I
am pleased to extend my warmest greetings and sincere congratulations
to all those attending today's ceremony launching a Canada Post commemorative
stamp marking the Canadian Armenian Community's 1700th anniversary
of Christianity as a State Religion. Events such as this are an excellent way in which to celebrate the multicultural splendour of our country. Canada is a wonderful mosaic composed of a diverse number of peoples and cultures. s you take part in today's festivities and mark this special anniversary, you may take great pride in the many contributions that Canadians of Armenian descent have made to our country. Please accept my best wishes for a most enjoyable celebration, as well as every success in the years ahead. |
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JEAN
CHRÉTIEN
PRIME MINISTER |
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A
tous les membres de la communauté arménienne, À titre de président du Comité consultatif sur les timbres-poste et président-directeur géndral de la Société canadienne des postes, je tiens à vous signifier mon plaisir et ma fierté à l'occasion de 1'émission du timbre marquant 1,700 ans de christianisme comme religion d'État en Arménie. Le Canada est le premier pays à émettre un tel timbre et veuillez croire que je suis trés heureux que le Comité ait reconnu l'importance historique de cet anniversaire. Notre pays attache une grande valeur à ses groupes ethniques et ce timbre se veut une manifestation de cet engagement. Ce magnifique timbre met en relief une illustration traditionnelle de l'art religieux arménien et j'espire qu'il sera apprécié par les Canadiens et par les amateurs de philatélie de par le monde. Je remercie la communauté arménienne de son appui soutenu dans le cadre de cette émission comm6morative tant attendue. |
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ANDRÉ
OUELLET PRESIDENT AND CEO CANADA POST CORPORATION
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Dear
Friends One year ago today I wrote to Canada Post to suggest the creation of a stamp commemorating the 1,700 Anniversary Celebration of Christianity as the State Religion of Armenia (301-2001). All Armenians can be proud that Canada Post has today, released a beautiful stamp honouring our traditions and culture. Canada is the first and only country to issue such a stamp, highlighting our Government's commitment to inclusiveness and multiculturalism. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked with me to make this stamp a reality, specifically: Father Kirejian, Pastor, St. Gregory's Catholic Church, Father Zargarian, Pastor, Holy Trinity Church, (Holy See of Etchmiadzin), Rev. Sarmazian, Pastor Armenian Evangelical Church, (Toronto), Father Khatchigian, Pastor Eglise ArmAnienne Fvangelique, Father Zabarian, Pastor, Notre Dame De Nareg(Montreal). Thank you also to the many individuals and groups from across Canada who wrote to me and Canada Post. in support of my initiative. My special thanks go to Canada Post President and CEO Hon. Andre Ouellet and his staff, for their support and cooperation in the development of this historical Canadian-Armenian stamp. In appreciation, this booklet is dedicated to the employees of Canada Post who have lost their lives in the line of duty as a tribute to their service to the people of Canada. The release of this historical stamp is a beautiful symbol of our acceptance and integration into the fabric of this wonderful nation, Canada, as our community continues to grow and flourish throughout this great land. Tonight's gala reflects the efforts, time and dedication of the Armenian Cultural Association of Ottawa and the talents of the Canadian Armenian community from across Canada. Welcome! PariYegak! |
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SARKIS
ASSADOURIAN, M.P.
BRAMPTON CENTRE |
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It
is with sincere pleasure that I extend greetings to the Canadian Armenian
community, as you celebrate the 1,700th Anniversary of the adoption
of Christianity as Armenia's state religion. At this very significant and spiritual juncture in your history, my colleagues in the Official Opposition join me in recognizing the importance of your faith, your contributions to Canadian society, and the continuing promise you hold for a bright future in Canada. As you partake in the cultural festivities and events which honour your ancestors and celebrate Armenia's rich religious and cultural past, I wish to once again convey my fondest hopes as you look to the future with pride in your numerous accomplishments. |
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STOCKWELL
DAY, M.P. LEADER OF THE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION
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Le
1,700ieme anniversaire de la conversion de l'Arménie au christianisme
est une date importante pour la communauté arménienne
du Québec comme du Canada. C'est done avec plaisir que je transmets
mes plus cordiales fé1icitations aux Québécois
et aux Canadiens d'origine arminienne pour l'émission par Postes
Canada d'un timbre commémoratif soulignant ce grand événement. Je profite également de l'occasion pour remercier la Société des postes pour cette excellente initiative. Bonnes cé1ébrations à toutes et à tous. |
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GILLES
DUCEPPE
CHEF DU BLOC QUÉBÉCOIS |
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As
Leader of Canada's New Democrats, it is a pleasure to greet everyone
attending this celebration marking the Canadian Armenian Community's1,
700th anniversary of Christianity as a State Religion in the year
2001. I am honoured to extend a few words of congratulations on this momentous occasion. Indeed the launch of a commemorative stamp issued by Canada Post is a fitting tribute to the Canadian Armenian Community. Equally important is this commemorative booklet dedicated to Canadian postal workers who lost their lives while on duty. Please accept my warm regards and best wishes for a very successful celebration. |
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ALEXA
MCDONOUGH LEADER, CANADA'S NEW DEMOCRATS
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I
am deeply honoured to join with the Canadian Armenian Community in
celebrating the 1700th anniversary of Christianity as a State Religion,
which will be marked by the launch of a Canada Post commemorative
stamp. Canada Post and its employees have helped Canadians communicate for300 years by shrinking distances nationally and internationally. A postal service is ah integral part of a vibrant community. Both the Postal Service workforce and the Canadian Armenian Community's commemorative stamp reflect the rich diversity of Canadian culture and history. I congratulate the Canadian Armenian Community on the launch of the stamp and thank them for the opportunity to add my voice to the commemoration of those Canada Post employees who have lost their lives in service to Canadians. |
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JOE
CLARK
LEADER, PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA |