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American University of Armenia
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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 – Saint 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.
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The American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC) is registered as
a non-profit organization in the United States and the American
University of Armenia Fund (AUAF) in Armenia. The American University
of Armenia (AUA) is affiliated through AUAC with the Regents of the
University of California. Receiving major support from the AGBU,
USAID and private donors, AUA offers instruction leading to the
Master’s degree in eight graduate programs. For more information about
AUA visit