We have now reached a turning point in our efforts to preserve the culture and history of our Kaghakatzi entity.
     Our database currently boasts over 2,400 "names", a far cry from only 300 we had over a year ago. The number is impressive but not all inclusive. There are still some families or members of families missing from the overall mosaic.
     In order for our project to really forge ahead, we need to fill in the gaps. A special expanded form (in 2 parts) has now been created and posted online, to help in refreshing your memory and to encourage you to fill in genealogical details and information not supplied before. The first part can be accessed directly at http://www.kaghakatzi.org/keypart1.html
     Fortunately, we are now in a position to validate the database entries with the help of some 150 pages of genealogical information housed in three domar's (registers) at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Patriarchate's Supreme Synod has given its approval to our photographing those pages and this job is being undertaken by Photo Garo (Nalbandian), as a gift to us. Unfortunately, the registers go only as far back as 1840 - at the moment, we have no means of accessing information prior to that date. However, we are trying to ascertain whether older records exist and where they are located.
     The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, Portugal, has been a staunch supporter of our project, from the word "go." Thanks to their help, we now have acquired the hardware and software necessary to see the project through.
     The Kaghakatzi website has now become a repository not only for Kaghakatzi genealogical information, but also for community's archives (documents and photographs).
     It is also growing into a semi-encyclopeadia, with subjects covering Kaghakatzi customs and traditions, wisdom, cuisine and art, among others.
     Recently, the website was subjected to a hack attack. As we all know, such occurrences do happen from time to time - but there has been no harm and our service provider has taken steps to protect us against a recurrence. However, we have been advised to change the key used to access the main database. This has been done now.
     We still need help in closing the gaps that exist in the database. Filling the new form will go a long way towards achieving that goal. Many Kaghakatzis have already filled in a previous brief form - the expanded form is more comprehensive.