Under the high patronage of His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX, Catholicos Patriarch of Cilicia for the Armenian Catholics, on Sunday the 1st of April, 2007, at 7:00 pm, Sir Harut Sassounian, President of the United Armenian Fund, Vice-Chairman of the Lincy Foundation, publisher of the California Courrier, was decorated with the "St. Mesrob Mashdots" Patriarchal Medal of Honor during a special ceremony held for this purpose in the "Araradian" theatre of the Armenian Catholic Association in Geitawi, Ashrafieh, Lebanon. The event was organized by the Armenian Catholic Schools Principals' Committee.


Among the honorable guests of the event were: the representative of the Holy See of Cilicia, the Bishop Nareg Alemezian; the representative of the Armenian Evangelical Church, Rev. Soghomon Kilaghbian; the Director of Haigazian University, Rev. Paul Haydostian; the High Priest of the Patriarchal Clergy Institute of Bzommar, Father Kevork Yeghiayan; the editor-in-chief of "Massis" weekly, Father Antranig Granian; as well as the Armenia's Ambassador in Lebanon, Sir Vahan Der-Ghevontian; the Consul of Benin, Sir Ara Vanlian; and many other religious and educational representatives of the Armenian Community in Lebanon.

The opening speech was pronounced by the Directress of St. Hrimpsimiants School, Sister Armin� Magarosian. Sister Armin� emphasized that the Armenian School, being the most important element in the strugle to preserve the Armenians in the diaspora, is always in need of support, protection and motivation like the one brought by Sir Sassounian. She also reflected upon the ten day visit of Sir Sassounian in November, 2006, that witnessed about his deep love, appreciation and belief in the Armenian School.


After that, a brief biographical slide show of Sassounian was shown which was prepared for this occasion under the title of "Harut Sassounian, beloved and unforgettable".

An artistic program followed the slide show. Armenian Catholic schools' students (Mekhitarian School, K. Harboyan School, St.Agnes School, Hripsimiantz School and Mesrobian School) took part within the program which included singing, dancing and poetry recitation performances.

The ceremonial decoration started after the artistic program, where Father Ghevont Kendirjian read the Patriarchal Decree and His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX honored Sir Harut Sassounian with the "St. Mesrob Mashdots" Patriarchal Medal. In his word, His Beatitude emphasized that all who care for and preserve the Armenian national, cultural and traditional values deserve immense respect and appreciation. He also showed that Sir Harut Sassounian mediated the great donations made to help the Armenian Lebanese schools during the very difficult conditions of war in Lebanon. He ended by saying that celebrations as such are addressed not only to Harut Sassounian, but also to all his likes, as an expression of gratitude.


At the end of the ceremony, Sir Harut Sassounian was invited to address his word to the audience. He expressed: "I sincerely think that I haven't done much, but a little share of my responsibility, towards my beloved people, and there still remains a lot to accomplish".

The event concluded with a cozy cocktail.