International peacemaker to speak at First Presbyterian

Arda Aghazarian, an Armenian Palestinian Christian, is one of 11 international peacemakers from different countries around the world who will be visiting Presbyterian Church congregations from Sept. 2-Oct. 18.

Aghazarian will be a guest speaker at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford, Fort Scott.

Community members interested in the Palestinian/Israeli peace process are invited to attend. The meeting will take place in the parlor on the main floor.

Aghazarian was born and raised in the Old City of Jerusalem. She studied at Birzeit University in the West Bank after the second intifada. She has worked as a producer and presenter for a radio station that aimed to build bridges between Palestinians and Israelis. She is the media and advocacy coordinator of the YWCA of Palestine.

Asked what part of the situation in her country she will be addressing, she said, "People watch politics all the time and they have an idea of what's going on, but they rarely meet an actual Christian person living in the Old City of Jerusalem. I would just like to give a closer, more personal image of what's going on."

There will be an opportunity to ask questions following her initial presentation and light refreshments will be served. Those attending can enter the church through the main and south doors. Those who wish to use the elevator may enter through the southwest door where handicapped parking is also available. The Rev. Mansour Khajehpour is pastor of the church.