Asbarez: Las Vegas Armenian Organizations Host Farewell Reception in Honor of Ambassador Baibourtian

Ambassador Baibourtian with representatives of Las Vegas-based Armenian organizations Very Reverend Father Sasoon Zumrookhdian (right) during opening remarks Ambassador Baibourtian (right) presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Honorary Consul Adroushan Andy Armenian

LAS VEGAS—Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Ambassador Armen Baibourtian took part in a farewell reception organized by the Armenian community of Las Vegas on the occasion of his term in office coming to an end.

The event, which was hosted by Very Rev. Fr. Sasoon Zumrookhdian, was held on February 2, at the St. Geragos Armenian Apostolic Church Tajirian Hall. It was organized under the patronage of the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Las Vegas, Adroushan Andy Armenian.

Ambassador Baibourtian presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to ANCA Nevada Co-Chair Lenna Hovanessian Esq. Ambassador Baibourtian presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to ANCA Nevada Co-Chair Hera Armenia Esq. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan and Parish Chair Garo Bayramian of St. Garabed Church presenting Ambassador Baibourtian with an award

In attendance at the farewell reception were Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of the St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, Rev. Samuel Agulian, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church, and representatives of various Armenian community organizations in Las Vegas.

Consul General Baibourtian highlighted the exemplary work undertaken by Adroushan Andy Armenian as the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Las Vegas and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Consulate. 

Ambassador Baibourtian with ARF representatives Hovig Maknissian and Paul Yeghiayan A scene from the farewell reception Very Reverend Father Sasoon Zumrookhdian (right) during opening remarks

Ambassador Baibourtian also presented Certificates of Appreciation to the co-chairs of the Armenian National Committee of America-Nevada, Lenna Hovanessian and Hera Armenian. He noted that their work has been valuable in leading advocacy to promote the Armenian cause, supporting initiatives for the benefit of the Homeland, and for spearheading the Holocaust & Armenian Genocide Education Bill in Nevada last year.

At the closing of the reception, Pastor of Las Vegas’ St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan presented Ambassador Baibourtian with an award.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS