PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS HONORS LEBANESE-ARMENIAN INTELLECTUALS
BEBO SIMONIAN AND JIRAYR TANIELIAN
His Holiness Aram I awarded the “Mesrob Masdots” Medal of Honor to
Lebanese-Armenian intellectuals Bebo Simonian and Jirayr Tanielian
during a special ceremony outside the St. Asdvadzadzine Monastery in
Bikfaya on August 16.
Members of the Cilician Brotherhood, the Primate of the Diocese
of Lebanon and representatives of the Central Executive Council,
Rev. Soghomon Kilaghbian, Armenian MPs, the Ambassador of Armenia to
Lebanon, Arek Hovhannisian, the intellectuals participating in the
Armenia-Diaspora conference and representatives from cultural and
educational organizations attended the ceremony.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Chancellor of the
Catholicosate, Mr. Khatchig Dedeian, who pointed out that the ceremony
is an obligation towards two prominent intellectuals, well known for
the work they have carried out in the Armenian Community.
Aharon Shkeherdemian talked about the efficacy of Bebo Simonian,
presenting him as a teacher, pedagogue, writer, poet, editor and an
ideological man.
“However we look at Bebo Simonian’s work, he will appear before us as a
man of culture and a legitimate intellectual. He belongs to the class
of intellectuals who suffers with the conflicts of Armenians and the
world. He does not yield against social and human unjustness,” he said.
Garo Hovhannesian talked about Jirayr Tanielian the individual,
writer, teacher, principle and the dedicated servant to his nation,
who “infected” society with his hard work.
“Jirayr Tanielian has no money to distribute, even though throughout
out his career has helped out a lot of students in paying their
fees. However, he has given extensively intellectually and spiritually
speaking. He has given from his heart, he has given from his soul
and this makes what he has given very valuable and deeply humane,”
said Hovhannesian.
Irma Dedeian recited poems by Vahan Tekeian (Hashvehartar) and Taniel
Varoujan (Sermanogh).
His Holiness Aram I expressed his respect and love for the two
intellectuals, highlighting their sense of dedication, which allowed
them to consider the interests of the nation as being more important
than personal gains.
His Holiness assured that the important role played by the two
intellectuals, especially in providing Armenian education to the new
generations was undeniable. The Catholicos based his praise for the
two intellectuals on three main arguments:
– The Catholicosate of Cilicia values quality and values, words,
the reflection of which can be seen in the lives of Bebo and Jirayr.
– The Catholicosate praises all worthy Armenians without
discrimination. A human being’s worth is measured against his
contribution to his nation’s collective interests.
– The Catholicosate praises not only those who make financial
contributions, but also those who give from their intellect and
souls. Those who give money, give something they own. But those who
give from their intellect or their soul give from themselves.
“Bebo and Simon worked for others; Two people, who not only wrote,
spoke, read, but also taught, formed, established their viewpoints
and approaches and derived their impetus from our nation’s conflicts
and interests,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness’ Encyclicals were then read out and the Pontiff decorated
the two intellectuals with the “Mesrob Mashdots” Medals. The two
intellectuals expressed their gratitude to His Holiness Aram I and
the attendants.
The congratulatory note of the Zaven Yegavian, director of the Armenian
Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and
Asdghig Tchamkerten were also read out.
The ceremony ended with “Cilicia” and “Mer Hairenik”.
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View pictures here:
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
history and the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer
to the web page of the Catholicosate, The
Cilician Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is
located in Antelias, Lebanon.
