Nazar and Artemis Nazarian Fund Levon and Claudia Nazarian Radiology Center in Yerevan and New Chancellery Building in Etchmiadzin

Watch a Video Report of the Radiology Center Opening HERE (03:19)

Watch a Video Report of the Chancellery Opening Ceremony HERE (01:54)

AGBU Trustee and distinguished philanthropist Nazar Nazarian and his wife Artemis traveled to Armenia recently to attend the opening of the Levon and Claudia Nazarian Radiology Center and the new chancellery of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. This American-Armenian couple helped fund and establish these two buildings through the AGBU Nazar and Artemis Nazarian Fund.

A Modern Radiology Center

On March 31, 2010, the Levon and Claudia Nazarian Radiology Center opened at Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU). The ceremony and official ribbon-cutting of the prestigious center was attended by President of the Republic of Armenia Serge Sargsyan, AGBU President Berge Setrakian and his wife Vera, Armenian Health Minister Harutyun Kushkyan, YSMU Rector Gohar Kyalyan, AGBU Trustee Karnig Yacoubian, AGBU Central Board members Vasken Yacoubian and Aris Atamian, and a delegation of other dignitaries. The symbolic ribbon was cut by Nazar and Artemis Nazarian and Rector Gohar Kyalyan.

Construction of the Levon and Claudia Nazarian Radiology Center was initiated by YSMU three years ago. The highly advanced radio-diagnostic and therapy center is equipped with modern, high-tech devices, while its new staff underwent professional training in some of the best clinics around the world. The AGBU Nazar and Artemis Nazarian Fund contributed $1.7 million towards the construction of the new YSMU center. "I am very happy to be in Armenia again. We are pleased to have assisted in founding the center. Through such philanthropic initiatives we continue to stay connected to our homeland," said Mr. Nazarian.

As a sign of gratitude, the Academic Council of the YSMU named the new center after Nazar and Artemis Nazarian's son, prominent American-Armenian radiologist Dr. Levon Nazarian, and his wife Claudia. The new building is expected to become a place of regional significance. "The center is the only one in Armenia," said Kyalyan. "It is a unique place, where thanks to state-of-the-art equipment it will be possible to determine the correct diagnosis of various vascular disorders and other conditions, reducing the risk of stroke."

Guests of the opening ceremony were introduced to the new center and its staff. AGBU President Berge Setrakian applauded the new facility's potential. "The Medical University is an important institution, as it will educate new generations. I believe this center will occupy a significant place in the medical field of Armenia."

A New Chancellery in Etchmiadzin

Mr. and Mrs. Nazar Nazarian were the guests of honor at the April 5th opening ceremony of the new chancellery building of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which was funded by them. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, led guests in a blessing service for the new building. Present at the ceremony were members of the clergy and members of the AGBU Central Board, including AGBU President Berge Setrakian and his wife Vera.

Following the blessing, children from the Etchmiadzin Youth Center presented a short performance in the assembly room of the chancellery. President Setrakian introduced Mr. and Mrs. Nazarian and commended their continuation of the 400-year-old Nazarian family tradition of supporting the Armenian Church, the homeland and various diasporan communities.

His Holiness Karekin II extended his appreciation to the honored benefactors, reflecting on the benevolent work of the Nazarian family. In his remarks, he stressed the importance of the newly built chancellery. "We are happy that we have a devoted progeny of the Armenian nation who can dedicate and donate the benefits received from God to the nation, the homeland and the Armenian Church. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and our national life prosper and flourish, thanks to those children."

His Holiness expressed his gratitude to the many people who made the construction of the new building possible, including Armand Avakian of the United States, who was the chief architect of the building, and Gagik Galstian, president of the construction company Horizon-95, which was hired to build the chancellery. He also thanked all the board members of the Architectural Department of Holy Etchmiadzin. As the ceremony came to a close, Nazar and Artemis Nazarian expressed their heartfelt feelings to His Holiness and to all guests in attendance.