Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On May 19, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the chairmanship of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a solemn ceremony of awarding took place.

Russian-born philanthropist Mr. Ashot Arustamyan was awarded the high order of honor "Saint Gregory the Illuminator" of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church for his services towards the motherland, patriotism, ecclesiastnational ical and interests.

The ceremony began with the Lord's prayer, following which the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of South Russia His Eminence Movses Movsisyan spoke about the life, merits and activities of the venerable one, then the Patriarch's canonical Encyclical and the medal were brought under the singing of the hymn "Etchmiadzin I Hore".

Afterwards, His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See read the Patriarchal Encyclical, in which it is stated in particular: "From the Armenian Spiritual Center Mother See Holy Etchmiadzin we convey our Patriarchal blessings and best wishes to you, the faithful son of our Holy Apostolic Church. Today we have the opportunity to express our high appreciation to you for your effective services rendered to our people and our Holy Apostolic Church, which we are aware of by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Southern Russia, His Eminence Archbishop Movses Movsisyan.

It is our satisfaction that you consistently support the activities of the Diocese, so that the community life of the Armenians living in the southern regions of Russia will be more organized, and their national pride and church-loving spirit will be strong. With this commitment, you took an important part in the construction of St. Sargis Church in Pyatigorsk and St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Stavropol, giving great spiritual enthusiasm to the children of our Christ-loving people.

We are glad that you have also implemented various charitable programs both in the Russian Federation and in the Motherland, contributing to the solution of the security and economic problems facing Artsakh with commendable initiatives. Indeed, your dedicated activities over the years, under the blessings of the Almighty Lord, have resulted in good results, deserving you of many grateful wishes from Armenians.

Highly appreciating your commendable services in our national and church life and with love in response to the request of the Diocesan Primate, we award you the highest order of honor "Saint Gregory the Illuminator" of our Holy Apostolic Church.

From the bottom of our hearts, we pray to the Almighty God, that under His Paternal blessings, He will grant you and your family members good health, abundant success in work, and all good things.

Following the reading of the sacred Encyclical, His Holiness granted with the order of the Armenian Church.

On the occasion of the award ceremony, Mr. Ashot Arustamyan spoke from his heart, emphasizing that he is ready to continue his useful service to the Armenian people and the Church.

The ceremony was concluded with the blessings of His Holiness. His Holiness noted with gratitude that the spirit of faith and devotion of such church-loving and patriotic persons become the source of many significant initiatives and God-pleasing accomplishments. The Armenian Patriarch wished Mr. Arustamyan God's guidance and support to continue his church-giving and nation-building activities for the sake of the Armenian Diocese of South Russia, Armenia and the world of Artsakh.