Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On April 17, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; sent a letter of condolence to the family of Mr. Vartan Gregorian of blessed memory and to all the mourners, on the occasion of his passing. “With sorrow we were informed about the passing of Mr. Vartan Gregorian, honorable son of our Apostolic Holy Church. On behalf of the Supreme Spiritual Council and the Brotherhood of the Mother See, We convey Our deep condolences to the family, relatives and all the mourners of the deceased. The late Mr. Vartan Gregorian was a well-known educational, scientific and public figure. More than twenty years, he has contributed to the development of the humanities, carried out a productive mission in the prestigious educational institutions in the USA. The late Vartan Gregorian, with great experience and merit, served as the president of the New York Public Library, revitalizing its cultural importance; and for about two and a half decades, he served as the president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, contributing to the implementation of the programs of this charitable institution in different countries of the world. His image inspired many figures in the Diaspora, and was exemplary for the new generation. We note with special warmth, that the late Mr. Vartan, having a world-famous reputation, always emphasized his nationality, and that he was a child of our Apostolic Holy Church. The memorable Armenian son always actively took part in the spiritual-ecclesiastical life of the Armenian community in American, in the sacred services of the Divine Liturgies, as well as in important church events and initiatives. Loyalty and zeal towards the nation and the homeland were firm in his heart. He was the co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and greatly emphasized the importance of the universal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the victory of the Armenian Cause, the strengthening of the homeland and contribution of the devoted efforts to its progress, as well as the strengthening and productivity of the Homeland-Diaspora ties. We pray that All Merciful God, in His Heavenly Kingdom, grant peace and tranquility to the soul of the late Mr. Vartan Gregorian. We also ask for the consolation of the Holy Spirit to the family members, relatives and all the mourners of the deceased”.