Catholicos Awards Artsakh-Based Benefactor with Medal

On February 17, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, a solemn ceremony was held to award a medal. The "Holy Grigor the Illuminator" honorary medal of the Armenian Apostolic Church was awarded to artsakh-based benefactor Mr. Gari Safaryan for his services to the homeland, his patriotic, church-loving, and nation-benefiting initiatives.

The ceremony began with the Lord's Prayer, after which His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, reflected on the life and national service of the honoree. The Director of the Office of Inter-Church Relations of the Mother See, the Honorable Father Paruyr Avetisyan, read the Pontifical encyclical, which specifically states: “We are pleased to be informed by His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan regarding your pious and faithful service to the Church. From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we bring to you, our devoted son of the Holy Church, our Apostolic Blessing and Appreciation. We commend your activities which have contributed to maintaining peace in our native Artsakh, the establishment and strengthening of the Defense Army, as well as your worthy contributions to the spiritual and ecclesiastical life of our beloved sons and daughters in Artsakh. For decades, you have made significant contributions in military responsible positions while at the same time, with divine grace, you have supported the implementation of the pastoral service of the Artsakh Diocese.

Being the Chairman of the Parish Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Shushi, you significantly renovated this historic church, surrounding and improving the area while building a new house for the priests and a sacrificial house. Your commendable self-dedication and philanthropic actions continue to support the far-reaching programs of the Diocese, evidencing your devout spirit and your warm love for our Apostolic Holy Church.”

After the reading of the encyclical, the Supreme Patriarch adorned the chest of the benefactor with the medal of the Armenian Church. On the occasion of the award, Mr. Gari Safaryan expressed his heartfelt words, emphasizing his willingness to continue his church service and nation-building activities. The event concluded with a word of blessing from His Holiness. The Supreme Patriarch joyfully noted that it is because of the church service of such faith-driven individuals that Artsakh continues to thrive and flourish. The Catholicos wished Mr. Safaryan the intercession and protection of the Mother of God so that he may continue his faith-based and nation-loving activities for the glory of Artsakh and the well-being of the Artsakh Armenians.