Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On July 14, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; a medal ceremony was held. Judge Hrachik Sargsyan was granted the order of St. Sahak-St. Mesrop of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, for the great contribution in establishing law in Armenia, patriotic and church-loving accomplishments.

The ceremony was opened with the Lord’s Prayer, following which Rev. Fr. Asoghik Karapetyan, Director of the Museums and Archives of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, offered welcoming remarks.

Mr. Arthur Smbatyan, former Judge of the RA Court of Civil Appeals, reflected on the life and patriotic activities of the Judge Hrachik Sargsyan.

Then, under the singing of the "Etchmidzin I Hore", the Pontifical Encyclical was brought in, which was read by His Grace Bishop Vasken Mirzakhanian; Director of the Office of Social Doctrine of the Mother See.

The Encyclical stated in part: “…We know you personally and are familiar with your long-term productive activity. Your God-gifted life, as a devoted Armenian son, you have lived with filial love towards your native country, always striving to serve the graces, that the Lord bestowed you, to our faithful people.

Today we have an opportunity to reflect on your productive activity. Having held high positions in the law enforcement system and in the judiciary for many years, You have done your best for the establishment of a law-abiding society in our country. Your success and achievements in Your professional activity are a good result of Your diligent, tireless work.

You have sincerely expressed your filial love and devotion towards our Holy Apostolic Church, and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, supporting the activities of the Mother See.

With the highest appreciation of Your service towards our people and our Holy Church, with this Pontifical Encyclical we award You the high order of our Holy Apostolic Church, the St. Sahak-St. Mesrop Medal.

Following the reading of the Encyclical, His Holiness bestowed Mr. Hrachik Sargsyan with the medal of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.

Then, Mr. Hrachik Sargsyan offered remarks of gratitude. He noted that during his activity he always tried to convey the Commandments of the Church to the people while administering justice, emphasizing that there is an identity between those Commandments and justice, which is based on the Commandments.

The ceremony was concluded with the blessings and remarks of the Catholicos of All Armenians. The Armenian Pontiff once again reflected on the patriotic, church-devoted spirit of Hrachik Sargsyan, as well as the caring attitude of the faithful son of the Holy Church towards the Mother See.

Conveying his congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Sargsyan, the Catholicos of All Armenians asked that the Almighty God keep the devoted son and his family under the auspices of His caring Right Hand and grant them longevity, new successes and all the best.