Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On September 15, a solemn Medals ceremony was held in the Events Auditorium of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. 

The Order of Saint Sahak - Saint Mesrop was granted to Father Athanasius Charles Renu of France, an armenologist and friend of the Armenian people and Church; who was visiting the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on the occasion of the 6th International Eastern Rite Research Conference. The Order of Saint Sahak - Saint Mesrop was also granted to Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, President of the American University of Armenia; in appreciation of his many years of scientific-pedagogical activities and successful service provided to the Armenian nation.

The ceremony was opened with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by opening remarks from Rev. Fr. Paruyr Avetisyan, Director of Intra-Church Relations of the Mother See.

Very Rev. Fr. Shahe Ananyan, Director of the Ecumenical Relations Department of the Mother See and Mr. Ashot Ghazaryan, Vice President of the American University of Armenia; spoke on the life and worthy deeds of the honorees.

Under the singing of hymns the Pontifical Encyclical was brought in.

His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Director of Administration of the Mother See; read the Pontifical Encyclical addressed to Dr. Der Kiureghian, which stated in part: “Dear Dr. Der Kiureghian, you are well known to our people and they are aware of your long-term, successful activities in the national and public life, and in the field of science and pedagogy. Your untiring efforts and years of work are acknowledged with the highest scientific and public titles and rewards, granting you great respect and recognition.We are particularly pleased to refer to your praiseworthy contributions to the life of the American University of Armenia. During the first years of Armenia's independence, when the university was founded amongst difficulties and challenges, you made efforts towards its establishment, and offered your services, talents, rich years of experience and reputation to the effectiveness of the school’s patriotic mission. Over the decades you assumed different roles in the life of the university, and with pleasure you now carry out the responsible position of President, investing sincere efforts, so that the university; remaining faithful to its title, provides our children with education conforming to international standards, who will be here to serve the progress and prosperity of the country for our people in the Homeland and the Diaspora”.

His Grace Bishop Hovnan Hakobyan, Grand Sacristan of Mother See; read the Pontifical Encyclical addressed to Father Atanes Charles Renuin, which stated in part: “Dear Father Athanasius Charles Renu, today we have the joyous opportunity to refer to your pastoral, preaching and scientific and pedagogical dedicated activities which has been successful with kind and beneficial results.

For decades, as a Servant of the Holy Church of Christ, you offered the talents of your mind and soul to the implementation of the mission of disseminating the "Word of Life", with an unbroken faithfulness, keeping your sacred covenant with the Almighty.

It brings us great satisfaction to note that in your long-term scientific activities and numerous books and publications, you have paid special attention to the studies of the features of the rituals and doctrines of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church; showing their direct connection to the apostolic tradition. With gratitude the Armenian priests and faithful will always remember your efforts and honest works in presenting the past of our Holy Church and her rich centuries old heritage to the world-wide scientific and public communities”.

Following the reading of the Pontifical Encyclicals, His Holiness bestowed the prominent figures with the Armenian Church medals, once again conveying to them his Pontifical blessings and best wishes.

Following the ceremony, the recipients offered their remarks on the occasion of the Bestowing of Medals and expressed gratitude to His Holiness for the great honor.

Reflecting on the remarks regarding his assistance to the homeland, Dr. Der Kiureghian stated: “The idea of founding the American University arose after the devastating earthquake in 1988, and the aim was to breath a revival into our young generation and promote their educational progress. Today, over 1800 students in our university study with the best professors in modern conditions and with American teaching methods.

…Your Holiness, I know that over the years you have always stood by the university, bringing your kind blessings and encouragement. May your prayers and good wishes always guide our university”.

Father Athanasius stressed that he accepted the Order of the Armenian Church with great love and joy; firstly, considering the award as a gift from God, and as an invitation - to accordingly settle and live his life.

“And, naturally, this is also an invitation for me to arrange my life and imitate the purity of St. Mesrop, as his implemented works had a great impact in Christian cultural diversity, to which we are so familiar with in France”, stated the Armenologist in his remarks.

The youth members of the New Names project of Armenia presented a musical performance led by Mrs. Silva Mekinyan.

His Holiness officially closed the ceremony with a final prayer.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See; participants of the 6th International Eastern Rite Research Conference; and representatives of the universities of Armenia.