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PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
April 21, 2014
___________________
UN Ambassador Garen Nazarian Honored by Armenian-American Organizations
By Florence Avakian
It was a bittersweet occasion as more than 200 invited friends,
community leaders, and representatives of Armenian-American
organizations came together to honor Armenia's Ambassador to the
United Nations Garen Nazarian and his wife Nana on Friday evening,
April 11.
The gathering in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocesan
Center in New York was organized by the Armenia Fund, and sponsored
and hosted by community benefactors Nazar and Artemis Nazarian.
Ambassador Nazarian, who has served as Armenia's Permanent
Representative to the United Nations for some five years, is scheduled
to move on to the homeland, where he will be taking up a high-level
position in government service.
His term in the New York Mission to the UN has garnered the ambassador
the utmost respect among his colleagues in the diplomatic
community. At the same time, his warmth and accessibility have made
him a warmly welcomed figure throughout the Armenian-American
community.
Among the many dignitaries in attendance at the farewell gathering
were Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, and Carnegie Foundation president
Dr. Vartan Gregorian.
>From the world of diplomacy were Dr. Movses Abelian (Armenia's former
UN ambassador, who is currently the director of the UN Security
Council); Armenia's military attaché Mesrob Nazarian; Nagorno-Karabagh
representative Robert Avedissian, Armenia's former U.S. ambassador
Rouben Shugarian, and former UN ambassador Armen Baibourtian.
The evening's Master of Ceremonies, Khoren Bandazian, chair of Armenia
Fund USA (East Coast), opened the program by relating that though the
community knows Ambassador Nazarian as a diplomat, he is also "special
to all of us for his friendship."
"We will truly miss you," he said, addressing the ambassador directly.
"On behalf of our community, we thank you for your unique qualities
and your great friendship. You represent the future of the Armenian
republic."
Following an opening prayer, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian noted that
the event "is both a sad and happy occasion, because it gives us an
opportunity to thank and express appreciation to Garen and Nana for
their exemplary and noble service to Armenia. At the same time, their
warm presence and friendship will be greatly missed."
An Ability to Connect
The Primate continued: "We are blessed to have an independent and free
homeland, which enjoys the wisdom of public servants of Ambassador
Nazarian's caliber."
He recalled "the blessed day when the Armenian flag was raised" at the
United Nations. "It signaled a new era in Armenia's history, and a
great responsibility for her countrymen. Ambassador Nazarian has
served with honor, fulfilling his mission for five years; meeting with
diplomats as well as the community; displaying his warm personality,
skill, talent, and ability to connect."
"That ability to make connections can be a solution to so many of the
world's problems," Archbishop Barsamian said.
The Primate also pointed out the ambassador's great faith, and his
frequent attendance at St. Vartan Cathedral services. Speaking
directly to the honoree, he said: "You have always shown dignity and
seriousness, approachability, and concern for others. Our homeland
will grow strong with people like you."
AGBU president Berge Setrakian noted that every Armenian-American
organization was present for the occasion. "Some people come and go,"
he said, "but we will never forget you. And we will meet again. I am
sure of that."
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan presented the ambassador with a gift of
the Armenian Treasures of Cilicia catalog, and emphasized in his
message that the Armenian diplomat had been "vigilant to protect
Armenia" during his distinguished and admirable service at the United
Nations. Archbishop Choloyan thanked him for his "humanity and support
of the community. With sadness we say farewell; but this is
temporary."
On behalf of the community, Khoren Bandazian presented Ambassador
Nazarian with an inscribed crystal plaque. And art collector Andreas
Roubian presented the diplomat with a painting by celebrated Armenian
artist Bakrat - later revealing to this writer that "the ambassador
has loved Bakrat since he was a teenager."
Support, Devotion, Compassion
Ambassador Garen Nazarian had an honor to present as well: the
"Armenian Presidential Medallion," which he presented on behalf of the
homeland to Khoren Bandazian, for his leadership of Armenia Fund
USA. The ambassador thanked the organization for "reaching out to so
many lives in Armenia."
He also expressed appreciation to Nazar and Artemis Nazarian; to the
Armenian-American organizations; the staff of Armenia's Mission to the
UN; and to his colleague diplomats from the Armenian consulates.
With visible emotion, he said: "I felt your support, devotion, and
compassion in my work. It will always be embedded in my memory."
He also offered thanks to his wife, Nana, and their children Angelica
and Eric.
The Armenian diplomat related that at the United Nations, "Armenia has
always demonstrated our dedication and support for peace. We can't do
this work alone. We need dedication and support from the community."
Archbishop Barsamian and Archbishop Choloyan joined Mrs. Nana Nazarian
in cutting a ceremonial cake donated by Dr. Levon and Anoush Nazarian,
who also had contributed the lovely orchid flowers gracing each table.
The memorable evening closed with a prayer by Archbishop Choloyan,
after which the many guests surrounded the departing Ambassador
Nazarian to express their personal messages of good will.
###
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
April 21, 2014
___________________
UN Ambassador Garen Nazarian Honored by Armenian-American Organizations
By Florence Avakian
It was a bittersweet occasion as more than 200 invited friends,
community leaders, and representatives of Armenian-American
organizations came together to honor Armenia's Ambassador to the
United Nations Garen Nazarian and his wife Nana on Friday evening,
April 11.
The gathering in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocesan
Center in New York was organized by the Armenia Fund, and sponsored
and hosted by community benefactors Nazar and Artemis Nazarian.
Ambassador Nazarian, who has served as Armenia's Permanent
Representative to the United Nations for some five years, is scheduled
to move on to the homeland, where he will be taking up a high-level
position in government service.
His term in the New York Mission to the UN has garnered the ambassador
the utmost respect among his colleagues in the diplomatic
community. At the same time, his warmth and accessibility have made
him a warmly welcomed figure throughout the Armenian-American
community.
Among the many dignitaries in attendance at the farewell gathering
were Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, and Carnegie Foundation president
Dr. Vartan Gregorian.
>From the world of diplomacy were Dr. Movses Abelian (Armenia's former
UN ambassador, who is currently the director of the UN Security
Council); Armenia's military attaché Mesrob Nazarian; Nagorno-Karabagh
representative Robert Avedissian, Armenia's former U.S. ambassador
Rouben Shugarian, and former UN ambassador Armen Baibourtian.
The evening's Master of Ceremonies, Khoren Bandazian, chair of Armenia
Fund USA (East Coast), opened the program by relating that though the
community knows Ambassador Nazarian as a diplomat, he is also "special
to all of us for his friendship."
"We will truly miss you," he said, addressing the ambassador directly.
"On behalf of our community, we thank you for your unique qualities
and your great friendship. You represent the future of the Armenian
republic."
Following an opening prayer, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian noted that
the event "is both a sad and happy occasion, because it gives us an
opportunity to thank and express appreciation to Garen and Nana for
their exemplary and noble service to Armenia. At the same time, their
warm presence and friendship will be greatly missed."
An Ability to Connect
The Primate continued: "We are blessed to have an independent and free
homeland, which enjoys the wisdom of public servants of Ambassador
Nazarian's caliber."
He recalled "the blessed day when the Armenian flag was raised" at the
United Nations. "It signaled a new era in Armenia's history, and a
great responsibility for her countrymen. Ambassador Nazarian has
served with honor, fulfilling his mission for five years; meeting with
diplomats as well as the community; displaying his warm personality,
skill, talent, and ability to connect."
"That ability to make connections can be a solution to so many of the
world's problems," Archbishop Barsamian said.
The Primate also pointed out the ambassador's great faith, and his
frequent attendance at St. Vartan Cathedral services. Speaking
directly to the honoree, he said: "You have always shown dignity and
seriousness, approachability, and concern for others. Our homeland
will grow strong with people like you."
AGBU president Berge Setrakian noted that every Armenian-American
organization was present for the occasion. "Some people come and go,"
he said, "but we will never forget you. And we will meet again. I am
sure of that."
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan presented the ambassador with a gift of
the Armenian Treasures of Cilicia catalog, and emphasized in his
message that the Armenian diplomat had been "vigilant to protect
Armenia" during his distinguished and admirable service at the United
Nations. Archbishop Choloyan thanked him for his "humanity and support
of the community. With sadness we say farewell; but this is
temporary."
On behalf of the community, Khoren Bandazian presented Ambassador
Nazarian with an inscribed crystal plaque. And art collector Andreas
Roubian presented the diplomat with a painting by celebrated Armenian
artist Bakrat - later revealing to this writer that "the ambassador
has loved Bakrat since he was a teenager."
Support, Devotion, Compassion
Ambassador Garen Nazarian had an honor to present as well: the
"Armenian Presidential Medallion," which he presented on behalf of the
homeland to Khoren Bandazian, for his leadership of Armenia Fund
USA. The ambassador thanked the organization for "reaching out to so
many lives in Armenia."
He also expressed appreciation to Nazar and Artemis Nazarian; to the
Armenian-American organizations; the staff of Armenia's Mission to the
UN; and to his colleague diplomats from the Armenian consulates.
With visible emotion, he said: "I felt your support, devotion, and
compassion in my work. It will always be embedded in my memory."
He also offered thanks to his wife, Nana, and their children Angelica
and Eric.
The Armenian diplomat related that at the United Nations, "Armenia has
always demonstrated our dedication and support for peace. We can't do
this work alone. We need dedication and support from the community."
Archbishop Barsamian and Archbishop Choloyan joined Mrs. Nana Nazarian
in cutting a ceremonial cake donated by Dr. Levon and Anoush Nazarian,
who also had contributed the lovely orchid flowers gracing each table.
The memorable evening closed with a prayer by Archbishop Choloyan,
after which the many guests surrounded the departing Ambassador
Nazarian to express their personal messages of good will.
###