By Florence Avakian
It was a bittersweet occasion as diplomats, organization representatives, leaders in the arts and professions, and friends paid tribute to Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Tatoul Markarian, on Tuesday evening, June 24. The event which was sponsored and hosted by the Armenia Fund took place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), in New York. Ambassador Markarian has served in this prestigious post for nine years, and is departing to take up another high position for the Republic of Armenia.
PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: chrisz@armeniandiocese.org
Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
June 30, 2014
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UNITY HONORS AMBASSADOR MACOMMRKARIAN IN NEW YORK
By Florence Avakian
It was a bittersweet occasion as diplomats, organization representatives, leaders in the arts and professions, and friends paid tribute to Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Tatoul Markarian, on Tuesday evening, June 24. The event which was sponsored and hosted by the Armenia Fund took place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), in New York. Ambassador Markarian has served in this prestigious post for nine years, and is departing to take up another high position for the Republic of Armenia. During this period, the Armenian diplomat also served as Armenia’s representative in the Organization of the American States.
At the reception, the Ambassador and his wife Anna were honored by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Dr. Movses Abelian, and Amb. Zohrab Mnatsakanian. Also present were executives of Armenia Fund and the Fund for Armenian Relief, and philanthropists Nazar and Artemis Nazarian, and Aso Tavitian.
Impressive Background
Armenia Fund Executive Director Khoren Bandazian served as the able Master of Ceremonies, launching the evening by relating the impressive background of Ambassador Markarian—who was born in Kapan, Armenia, and holds advanced degrees from John Hopkins University and the London School of Economics.
Before being appointed Ambassador to the United States in March 2005 by Armenian President Robert Kocharian, he served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Coordinator for the U.S.-Armenian Strategic Dialogue, and the Special Representative for Nagorno-Karabagh.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, speaking in English, paid tribute “to a friend who has earned the respect of the diplomatic community and the affection of us all—as a dedicated church-goer, and as an approachable and compassionate member of the community.” Archbishop Barsamian spoke of Amb. Markarian’s “talent, integrity and dedication to the advancement of our still-young homeland.”
“He has expressed the vitality and vigor of Armenia’s new generation,” he added, “and shown our homeland to be a modern, forward-looking nation, eager to take its place in the family of nations.”
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, speaking in Armenian, said, “We say farewell, but we send our warm greetings and wishes for your dedicated service.”
Addressing the ambassador, Archbishop Choloyan added: “Your experience and wisdom have greatly helped our people.”
Great Results
In his message of appreciation to the event organizers and benefactors, Ambassador Markarian paid special tribute to the devotion and hard work of the diaspora. With evident emotion, he said: “We in Armenia, together with you in the diaspora, are the protectors of our homeland. I look forward to our future relations, and I know we will meet in the future at the crossroads of life.”
A standing ovation by all present greeted his final eloquent words.
The memorable testimonial ended with several attendees surrounding Ambassador Tatoul and Mrs. Anna Markarian, expressing their personal feelings and congratulations.
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Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Barsamian and Ambassador Markarian.
Photo 2: Ambassador Markarian delivers his farewell address in New York.
Photo 3: Nazar Nazarian speaks with Ambassador Markarian.
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