Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On November 17, in the “Garegin I” Educational Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the chairmanship of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; an awards ceremony was held.

The  "Saint Sahak-Saint Mesrop" high order of honor of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church was awarded to Hrach Poghosyan, Ashot Aleksanyan and Koryun Ghafadaryan, members of the Architectural Council of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; and the “St. Nerses the Graceful” high orders of honor of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church were awarded to philanthropist Karlen Gevorgyan, in appreciation of his long-term, dedicated and useful services to the Armenian Church. His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See read the Pontifical Encyclical addressed to Hrach Poghosyan, in which it is specifically stated: ”We are pleased to reflect on your commendable achievements in the field of architecture. In the course of your long-term fruitful professional activity, you have authored many projects for the construction and restoration of buildings and structures.

…With filial love and willingness, you also rendered commendable services to our Holy Apostolic Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin as a member of the Architectural Council of the Mother See. We are happy that the works of construction of the ceremony hall of the cathedral and the chapel of the Residence were completed with the projects of your gracious Armenian, which with their unique style and beauty have given a new beautification to Holy Etchmiadzin and today they effectively serve the mission of our Holy Church in Iranization”.

His Eminence Archbishop Vasken Mirzakhanyan, Director of the Ecclesiastical Conceptual Issues Office of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, read the Pontifical Encyclical addressed to Ashot Aleksanyan, in which it is specifically stated: “You have made a good contribution to the development of architecture and urban planning in our country with your dedicated work for many years. In our native country, there are many buildings and structures built by your designs, which are distinguished by their unique author's invention.

…Dear Mr. Aleksanyan, it is a special satisfaction for me as the Patriarch that you, in response to our invitation, kindly agreed to become a member of the Architectural Council of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, willingly bringing your knowledge and rich experience to the implementation of the construction plans and projects of our Holy Church."

His Eminence Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See, read the Pontifical Encyclical addressed to Koryun Ghafadaryan, in which it is specifically stated: "It is with special appreciation that you rendered good services to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin during the Soviet years, becoming a co-author of the project for the improvement of the perimeter of the Mother Cathedral. We are glad that today you continue the process towards the church and your knowledge and abilities serve the brightness of our Holy Church with love as a member of the Architectural Council of the Mother See."

His Grace Bishop Artak Tigranyan, Dean of the Monasteries,  read the Pontifical Encyclical addressed to Karlen Gevoryan, in which it is specifically stated: "We know you personally and are aware of your effective activity in the public life of our country.

…It is a pleasure for me as the Patriarch to reflect that the products of your creative mind also decorate the perimeter of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, giving admiration to our believers and guests of the monastery. You have also supported the mission of our Holy Apostolic Church with your honest and heartfelt donations, adding the Lord's blessing to your life."

Following the reading of the Pontifical Encyclicals, His Holiness awarded the dignitaries with high medals of honor.

The ceremony was concluded with the blessings of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the "Protector" prayer.