PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: +374-10-517163
Fax: +374-10-517301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
August 22, 2007
Order of St. Sahak – St. Mesrop Bestowed upon Dr. Haroutune Armenian,
President of the American University of Armenia
On Saturday, August 18, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, bestowed the Order of Saint Sahak – Saint
Mesrop to the President of the American University of Armenia, Dr. Haroutune
Armenian, in recognition of his numerous pedagogical and societal
contributions. The award ceremony took place in the Pontifical Residence of
the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Welcoming the guests to Holy Etchmiadzin, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Karapetian opened
the event for the evening. Mrs. Anahit Ordyan, Director of Administration
of AUA, presented biographical notes and personal highlights from the life
of Dr. Armenian.
The Pontifical Encyclical of the Catholicos of All Armenians was processed
into the room as the clergymen and seminarians sang the hymn of
Etchmiadzin. Thereafter, it was read to all of the assembled guests by His
Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See.
The Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II states in part, "For many decades,
you have served the field of healthcare with diligent devotion, taking upon
yourself countless positions of responsibility in medical and educational
institutions in Armenia, Lebanon, Oman, Germany, Iraq and many other
countries. Your manifold academic and scientific publications, dedicated to
the research and study of timely healthcare issues, have been widely
received and greatly assessed by specialists and professionals, and have
been published in various countries. …The many successes you have enjoyed
as a result of your devoted and tireless efforts have also brought
recognition to our native Motherland and our faithful people.
"As President of the American University of Armenia, you contribute your
rich experience and abilities with great energy, so that the university will
continue to educate and prepare professionals of the highest order. The
future generation of scholars produced under your care will undoubtedly
bring their important participation to the prosperity and vibrancy of our
Homeland through their lives and works, maintaining the high reputation and
status of Armenian science. Your life and activities provide an excellent
example for the students of the university, showing them the path to serve
the scientific and academic progress of our country and aspiring for success
through unceasing and steadfast labors.
"We have also had the opportunity to witness your love and unshakeable
fidelity to our Apostolic Holy Church and the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin, which you bear as a seal on your soul as the worthy son of our
Armenian community of Lebanon."
Following the reading of the Encyclical, the Armenian Pontiff presented the
Medal of Saint Sahak – St Mesrop to Dr. Armenian. In his remarks, the AUA
President expressed his gratitude to His Holiness, stating, "This medal is a
truly great honor for me, but I share this honor with all those whose care
and attention I received and continue to enjoy in different places and
different times."
The ceremony concluded with the blessing of His Holiness and a closing
prayer.