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PRELACY HOSTS FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR CONSUL GENERAL
http://asbarez.com/112376/prelacy-hosts-farewell-reception-for-consul-general/
Friday, August 2nd, 2013
Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian receiving a plaque from the Prelacy
LA CRESCENTA-On the evening of Wednesday, July 31, the Western
Prelacy family and community gathered at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der
Ghazarian" Hall to bid farewell to Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian
who will soon embark on his new mission as the first Ambassador of
Armenia to Mexico.
The reception was held under the auspices of Western Prelate
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and was organized by the Prelacy
Ladies Auxiliary. Among the guests in attendance were clergy, Central
Executive member Khajag Dikijian, ARF Central Committee Chair Dr.
Viken Hovsepian and member Dr. Viken Yacoubian, representatives
from the Board of Regents, Homenetmen and ARS Central and Regional
Executives Hamazkayin Regional Executive, ANC, Armenia Fund, United
Armenia Fund, Armenian Bar Association, Armenian American Medical
Society, Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Friends of New Julfa,
benefactors who have assisted Armenia, Prelacy Committees, and
Consular staff.
The evening began with welcoming remarks delivered by Ladies Auxiliary
member Mrs. Alisa Konanyan, who thanked the guests for joining the
Prelacy in honoring the Consul General, then invited the Prelate for
the invocation.
During dinner, Khajag Dikijian invited the guests to raise a glass in
honor of the Consul General and his wife Victoria, wishing them good
health and success. Executive Council member and Master of Ceremonies
Dr. Dikran Babikian in his greeting acknowledged the sister and
community organizations represented and thanked them all for their
attendance to express commendation for the Consul General's service
over the past four years.
Following dinner, the Master of Ceremonies addressed the guests once
again, noting that the evening has a threefold purpose; to thank
the Consul General, congratulate him on his promotion to Ambassador,
and wish him and his family farewell. Dr. Babikian reflected on the
Consul's achievements during his term, among them the realization
of the House of Armenia, and progress made in economic, commerce,
cultural, and other realms. He noted that the Consul General and his
wife will face new challenges in Mexico, such as raising their young
daughters in a non-Armenian environment. He then invited Executive
Council Chair Rima Boghossian to deliver her remarks.
Boghossian commended the Consul General on his service and
accomplishments, noting that he earned the love and respect of the
community with his strong leadership and dedication, and wished him
success in his new mission.
In his address, ARF Central Committee Chair Dr. Viken Hovsepian first
thanked the Prelate and Ladies Auxiliary for hosting and organizing
the reception. He noted that the Consul General served a diverse
community, which in itself is a challenge for any public servant,
but he took on that challenge and successfully carried out the mission
entrusted to him. Dr. Hovsepian stated that a diplomat's top priority
is securing the best interest of the government he represents; however,
at time the interests of the nation as a whole are more important
than the interests of the government, and in this too the Consul
General was successful. He spoke highly of the close relationship
and bond established between the Consul General and our community,
stating that he leaves as a dear friend, and the impression he left
will last even after his departure. Finally, Dr. Hovsepian exalted
the Consul General's deep love for our nation and people, which was
evident in his service, and wished that our nation's leaders carry
out their mission with this same approach.
The Master of Ceremonies then invited the Prelate for his message.
The Prelate thanked the guests for joining in bidding farewell
to the Consul General and his wife. He echoed the sentiments and
commendations expressed throughout the evening towards the Consul
General, stating that there are surely others who would have liked
to express their feelings as well, however Dr. Hovsepian's remarks on
behalf of the sister organizations certainly encompassed the thoughts
of all. Throughout his tenure as Prelate, Hovhannissian was the sixth
Consul General, with whom he established a strong professional and
personal relationship as a diplomat and a dear friend. He thanked the
Ladies Auxiliary for their efforts and Haig Bagerjian, a close friend
of his as well as the Consul General, for hosting the evening. On
behalf of the Prelacy family and friends, the Prelate wished the
Consul General and his wife the best of luck and great successes in
their future endeavors, especially given that they are leaving behind
a place like Los Angeles with its dense population of Armenians.
The Consul General conveyed his thanks for the moving remarks and
well wishes expressed by all, and his gratitude to the Prelate and
supporters. Considered the capital of the Diaspora, he stated that
his service within this community had special meaning, and here he
served not only as a government representative, but as a member of the
community, and he was proud of the great support and collaboration
he received. He stated that his diplomatic mission has afforded him
the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Diaspora, and if
he arrived here as a Consul, he returns to Armenia as an Ambassador,
the Ambassador of the Diaspora.
The Consul General took the opportunity to stress two important
points. He noted that we live in a fast-paced and ever-changing world,
giving the example that at the time that he began his service, Turkey
was presenting itself as a peace-loving nation with no issues with
its neighbors. Today though, its role in Syria tells a different story.
Therefore, stated the Consul General, we must keep pace with
new developments and changes in the world, especially in regions
surrounding Armenia, given that we stand before important milestones
and challenges such as the Genocide centennial and the continued
safeguarding of Artsakh. Armenia and Diaspora must adopt contemporary
measures and maintain open dialogue to collectively overcome new
challenges. Second, he stated that taking into consideration current
world events and developments, some may say the vision for a united and
independent Armenia is fading. However, this course is unacceptable for
the Armenian people. The Armenian people will recoup its losses. It is
crucial that the bond with Armenia remain strong and that we staunchly
defend our nation and our ties with our homeland, otherwise we risk
losing everything. The Consul General concluded by confidently stating
that periods of gloom and dismay will give way to a bright dawn.
In commendation for his meritorious service and leadership, the
Prelate presented the Consul General with a plaque of appreciation
on behalf of the Prelacy Councils, and a book on rescued treasures
from Cilicia to the couple. The Ladies Auxiliary presented his wife
Victoria with a bouquet.
The reception also included musical selections performed by singer
Anahit Nersesyan, accompanied on the piano by Professor Levon
Aprahamian.
The evening concluded with the benediction and the Armenian national
anthem.
http://asbarez.com/112376/prelacy-hosts-farewell-reception-for-consul-general/
Friday, August 2nd, 2013
Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian receiving a plaque from the Prelacy
LA CRESCENTA-On the evening of Wednesday, July 31, the Western
Prelacy family and community gathered at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der
Ghazarian" Hall to bid farewell to Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian
who will soon embark on his new mission as the first Ambassador of
Armenia to Mexico.
The reception was held under the auspices of Western Prelate
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and was organized by the Prelacy
Ladies Auxiliary. Among the guests in attendance were clergy, Central
Executive member Khajag Dikijian, ARF Central Committee Chair Dr.
Viken Hovsepian and member Dr. Viken Yacoubian, representatives
from the Board of Regents, Homenetmen and ARS Central and Regional
Executives Hamazkayin Regional Executive, ANC, Armenia Fund, United
Armenia Fund, Armenian Bar Association, Armenian American Medical
Society, Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Friends of New Julfa,
benefactors who have assisted Armenia, Prelacy Committees, and
Consular staff.
The evening began with welcoming remarks delivered by Ladies Auxiliary
member Mrs. Alisa Konanyan, who thanked the guests for joining the
Prelacy in honoring the Consul General, then invited the Prelate for
the invocation.
During dinner, Khajag Dikijian invited the guests to raise a glass in
honor of the Consul General and his wife Victoria, wishing them good
health and success. Executive Council member and Master of Ceremonies
Dr. Dikran Babikian in his greeting acknowledged the sister and
community organizations represented and thanked them all for their
attendance to express commendation for the Consul General's service
over the past four years.
Following dinner, the Master of Ceremonies addressed the guests once
again, noting that the evening has a threefold purpose; to thank
the Consul General, congratulate him on his promotion to Ambassador,
and wish him and his family farewell. Dr. Babikian reflected on the
Consul's achievements during his term, among them the realization
of the House of Armenia, and progress made in economic, commerce,
cultural, and other realms. He noted that the Consul General and his
wife will face new challenges in Mexico, such as raising their young
daughters in a non-Armenian environment. He then invited Executive
Council Chair Rima Boghossian to deliver her remarks.
Boghossian commended the Consul General on his service and
accomplishments, noting that he earned the love and respect of the
community with his strong leadership and dedication, and wished him
success in his new mission.
In his address, ARF Central Committee Chair Dr. Viken Hovsepian first
thanked the Prelate and Ladies Auxiliary for hosting and organizing
the reception. He noted that the Consul General served a diverse
community, which in itself is a challenge for any public servant,
but he took on that challenge and successfully carried out the mission
entrusted to him. Dr. Hovsepian stated that a diplomat's top priority
is securing the best interest of the government he represents; however,
at time the interests of the nation as a whole are more important
than the interests of the government, and in this too the Consul
General was successful. He spoke highly of the close relationship
and bond established between the Consul General and our community,
stating that he leaves as a dear friend, and the impression he left
will last even after his departure. Finally, Dr. Hovsepian exalted
the Consul General's deep love for our nation and people, which was
evident in his service, and wished that our nation's leaders carry
out their mission with this same approach.
The Master of Ceremonies then invited the Prelate for his message.
The Prelate thanked the guests for joining in bidding farewell
to the Consul General and his wife. He echoed the sentiments and
commendations expressed throughout the evening towards the Consul
General, stating that there are surely others who would have liked
to express their feelings as well, however Dr. Hovsepian's remarks on
behalf of the sister organizations certainly encompassed the thoughts
of all. Throughout his tenure as Prelate, Hovhannissian was the sixth
Consul General, with whom he established a strong professional and
personal relationship as a diplomat and a dear friend. He thanked the
Ladies Auxiliary for their efforts and Haig Bagerjian, a close friend
of his as well as the Consul General, for hosting the evening. On
behalf of the Prelacy family and friends, the Prelate wished the
Consul General and his wife the best of luck and great successes in
their future endeavors, especially given that they are leaving behind
a place like Los Angeles with its dense population of Armenians.
The Consul General conveyed his thanks for the moving remarks and
well wishes expressed by all, and his gratitude to the Prelate and
supporters. Considered the capital of the Diaspora, he stated that
his service within this community had special meaning, and here he
served not only as a government representative, but as a member of the
community, and he was proud of the great support and collaboration
he received. He stated that his diplomatic mission has afforded him
the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Diaspora, and if
he arrived here as a Consul, he returns to Armenia as an Ambassador,
the Ambassador of the Diaspora.
The Consul General took the opportunity to stress two important
points. He noted that we live in a fast-paced and ever-changing world,
giving the example that at the time that he began his service, Turkey
was presenting itself as a peace-loving nation with no issues with
its neighbors. Today though, its role in Syria tells a different story.
Therefore, stated the Consul General, we must keep pace with
new developments and changes in the world, especially in regions
surrounding Armenia, given that we stand before important milestones
and challenges such as the Genocide centennial and the continued
safeguarding of Artsakh. Armenia and Diaspora must adopt contemporary
measures and maintain open dialogue to collectively overcome new
challenges. Second, he stated that taking into consideration current
world events and developments, some may say the vision for a united and
independent Armenia is fading. However, this course is unacceptable for
the Armenian people. The Armenian people will recoup its losses. It is
crucial that the bond with Armenia remain strong and that we staunchly
defend our nation and our ties with our homeland, otherwise we risk
losing everything. The Consul General concluded by confidently stating
that periods of gloom and dismay will give way to a bright dawn.
In commendation for his meritorious service and leadership, the
Prelate presented the Consul General with a plaque of appreciation
on behalf of the Prelacy Councils, and a book on rescued treasures
from Cilicia to the couple. The Ladies Auxiliary presented his wife
Victoria with a bouquet.
The reception also included musical selections performed by singer
Anahit Nersesyan, accompanied on the piano by Professor Levon
Aprahamian.
The evening concluded with the benediction and the Armenian national
anthem.