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Posted on March 26, 2007
Harut Sassounian Honored by Armenian Community
"An Evening Honoring Harut Sassounian" was held at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America on Sunday, March 18, 2007. On this occasion, more than 500 community leaders and friends attended a program and reception to pay tribute to Harut Sassounian for his effective and compassionate leadership as President of the United Armenian Fund and Vice President of the Lincy Foundation. He was also honored for his contributions in the field of journalism, as the Publisher of the California Courier newspaper.
Torkom Postajian, President of the Armenian Writers Union of America, served as Master of Ceremonies. He read a congratulatory letter from Robert Kocharian, President of Armenia.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Deacon Hirair Dekmejian who spoke of Sassounian's exemplary service to the Armenian Community, both as a humanitarian and a distinguished writer.
In recognition of Harut Sassounian's dedication, talent and devoted service to Armenia, glowing remarks were presented by: Serge Samoniantz, longtime friend and colleague and Editor of the California Courier; Mr. Charles Flynn, representative of the Catholic Medical Mission Board, headquartered in New York (they have sent, through the United Armenian Fund airlifts, medical supplies worth more than $60 million to Armenia); Dr. Kevork Keshishian, representing the AGBU; Simon Acilacoglu, representing the Organization of Istanbul Armenians; Kevork Bedikian, representing the Hamazkayin Cultural Association; Lilit Keheyan read a message from Vatche Semerdjian, Chair of the Tekeyan Cultural Association; Harut der Tavitian, representing Nor Seroont; and the Honorable Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia.
The Honorable Paul Krekorian, Assemblyman, presented a resolution from the California State Assembly to Harut Sassounian in recognition of his accomplishments and achievements throughout the years and his dedicated community service.
A musical program highlighted the talents of Dr. John Soulakhian, who played the piano and sang in Armenian; and Hagop Gagosian who sang two songs in Armenian, accompanied on the piano by Dr. Nubar Setian.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his remarks expressed his pride in
Harut Sassounian's efforts and generosity that have made an indelible imprint on the lives of many in our community. He extended his congratulations and best wishes to Harut, his wife Irene and his children.
The Diocesan clergy, headed by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, then ascended the stage. Vicar General Fr. Dajad DZV Yardemian then read the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin 11, Catholicos of All Armenians bestowing upon Harut Sassounian the Medal of St. Sahag Mesrob for his achievements.
Harut Sassounian graciously and humbly thanked everyone for this evening's tribute. A lively reception followed, hosted by Torkom Postajian and the many organizations saluting the honoree. The guests enjoyed the gala reception and the opportunity to personally congratulate Harut and his family on this memorable occasion.
Harut Sassounian Honored by Armenian Community
"An Evening Honoring Harut Sassounian" was held at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America on Sunday, March 18, 2007. On this occasion, more than 500 community leaders and friends attended a program and reception to pay tribute to Harut Sassounian for his effective and compassionate leadership as President of the United Armenian Fund and Vice President of the Lincy Foundation. He was also honored for his contributions in the field of journalism, as the Publisher of the California Courier newspaper.
Torkom Postajian, President of the Armenian Writers Union of America, served as Master of Ceremonies. He read a congratulatory letter from Robert Kocharian, President of Armenia.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Deacon Hirair Dekmejian who spoke of Sassounian's exemplary service to the Armenian Community, both as a humanitarian and a distinguished writer.
In recognition of Harut Sassounian's dedication, talent and devoted service to Armenia, glowing remarks were presented by: Serge Samoniantz, longtime friend and colleague and Editor of the California Courier; Mr. Charles Flynn, representative of the Catholic Medical Mission Board, headquartered in New York (they have sent, through the United Armenian Fund airlifts, medical supplies worth more than $60 million to Armenia); Dr. Kevork Keshishian, representing the AGBU; Simon Acilacoglu, representing the Organization of Istanbul Armenians; Kevork Bedikian, representing the Hamazkayin Cultural Association; Lilit Keheyan read a message from Vatche Semerdjian, Chair of the Tekeyan Cultural Association; Harut der Tavitian, representing Nor Seroont; and the Honorable Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia.
The Honorable Paul Krekorian, Assemblyman, presented a resolution from the California State Assembly to Harut Sassounian in recognition of his accomplishments and achievements throughout the years and his dedicated community service.
A musical program highlighted the talents of Dr. John Soulakhian, who played the piano and sang in Armenian; and Hagop Gagosian who sang two songs in Armenian, accompanied on the piano by Dr. Nubar Setian.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his remarks expressed his pride in
Harut Sassounian's efforts and generosity that have made an indelible imprint on the lives of many in our community. He extended his congratulations and best wishes to Harut, his wife Irene and his children.
The Diocesan clergy, headed by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, then ascended the stage. Vicar General Fr. Dajad DZV Yardemian then read the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin 11, Catholicos of All Armenians bestowing upon Harut Sassounian the Medal of St. Sahag Mesrob for his achievements.
Harut Sassounian graciously and humbly thanked everyone for this evening's tribute. A lively reception followed, hosted by Torkom Postajian and the many organizations saluting the honoree. The guests enjoyed the gala reception and the opportunity to personally congratulate Harut and his family on this memorable occasion.