Armenian athletes get spiritual send-off
By Gary Kane, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

With burning incense sweetening the setting, more than a dozen young Armenian athletes prayerfully began their Olympic experience.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian blessed each competitor Tuesday during a special liturgy sponsored by The Armenian Church of Atlanta.

"We never expected a ceremony like this," said Arus Gyulbudakian, 17, who will compete in three-meter springboard diving. "It encourages us. It gives us power."

The 32 athletes who will represent the Republic of Armenia will be the first to compete for the nation and not part of the Soviet Union or Russian Federation.

Atlanta's Armenian community, numbering about 500 families, wanted to show enthusiastic support for their team, said Ara Keyfer, attache to the delegation. "Armenians are scattered across the world. We have to do what we can to be supportive," he said.

But the local congregation had to improvise. The blessing of the athletes took place at Saint Anne's Episcopal Church -- The Armenian Church of Atlanta has no church in Atlanta.

"We have no building, but we do have a building fund," said Dr. Vahan Kassabian, who said the congregation rents different facilities for services and church events.

Weightlifters, boxers and wrestlers filled the first two rows. After the service, many signed autographs before joining their hosts at a banquet in their honor.

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