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October 11, 2007
Zaven Messerlian Honored by Southern California District Committee, Receives St. Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal
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Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, pins the St. Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal on the lapel of Dr. Zaven Messerlian's suit. -
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(L to R) Vice consul of Armenia Sahak Sargsian, Sinan Sinanian, Dr. Zaven Messerlian, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. -
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Honoree Dr. Zaven Messerlian.
A program honoring Zaven Messerlian, dedicated and beloved principal, teacher and historian, took place on Friday, August 17, 2007 at the Alex Manoogian Center in Pasadena, California, with over 600 people in attendance.
The organizer of this program, which enjoyed the patronage of AGBU President Berge Setrakian, was the AGBU Southern California District Committee (SCDC), with the participation of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America and the Armenian Evangelical College West Coast Alumni Association.
Among those that attended the event were: Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; Reverend Joseph Matossian; Very Rev. Bared Yeretzian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Pasadena; representatives of various political and other organizations; former teachers and students of the Armenian Evangelical College.
In his opening remarks, Master of Ceremonies Dr. Kevork Keshishian described Dr. Messerlian's virtues, characterizing him as an individual having rendered services as a public figure, intellectual and educator for many years. Indeed, the honoree has been indefatigably devoted to the Armenian people, Church and the Armenian Evangelical College for the past 40 years.
Subsequently, salutations were given by Janet Kassouny, Dr. Vicken Aharonian, Panos Titizian and Prof. Richard Hovannisian. All the speakers expressed appreciation for the systematic and beneficial work performed by the honoree in the educational and cultural realms, as well as his efforts in pursuit of the Armenian Case and the leadership provided in various organizations and institutions.
High praise was also expressed for his scholarly publications and letters in connection with the Armenian Case and recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
An appropriate musical segment rounded out the program, with the participation of the Lark Musical Society's quartet, Salpi Kerkonian, Anahid Nersisian (soprano), Levon Aprahamian (pianist) and Takouhi Arzoumanian (recitation). Rev. Joseph Matossian gave the prayer of blessing.
Concluding remarks were offered by Archbishop Derderian, who, in turn, held the productive activity and prolific output of honoree Dr. Messerlian in high regard. Then he gladly announced that His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, had awarded the honoree with the St. Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal.
Zaven Messerlian, visibly moved, expressed his thanks and gratitude to Catholicos Karekin II, Archbishop Derderian, AGBU President Berge Setrakian and all those who made this memorable occasion possible.
For more information on AGBU Southern California District, please visit www.agbuca.org, email info@agbuca.org, or call the AGBU Alex Manoogian Center located in Pasadena, California at (626) 794-7942.
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