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.
