WASHINGTON — On Sunday October 28, the Parish Council of St. Mary Armenian Church and Knights and Daughters of Vartan organized a joint farewell reception in honor of outgoing Ambassador of Armenia Grigor Hovhannissian, who left the United States with his family on Monday October 29.
Sarnie Zenian, chairman of Parish council welcomed the ambassador, diplomatic corps and community members and wished the ambassador, his wife Victoria and daughters Mariam and Michelle the best in their life in new Armenia.
Kevork Marshlian, commander of the Knights of Vartan, thanked the ambassador for his service to the Armenian nation, reminded the audience that the ambassador was selected in 2016 as Man of The Year by the Grand Council of Knights of Vartan in 2016 and assured the present that the Ambassador does not have orders from the government of Armenia to make contradictory remarks, as US Ambassador Richard Mills did after completing his tenure in Yerevan, and chose to leave Armenia while making incendiary remarks rather than parting with fond memories.
Prior to his Washington appointment, Hovhannissian had served as Armenia’s ambassador to Mexico, Costa Rica and as Armenia’s Consul General in Los Angeles.. and before his career in the diplomatic service, he has held a number of positions in United Nations programs and specialized agencies, working in Africa and the Middle East. He was a UNESCO Team Leader and emergency Planner for the Middle East Peace Process in Jerusalem and United Nation Field Coordinator in Palestinian territories.
Rev. Hovsep Karabedian, pastor of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church spoke about the dedication of Hovhannissian, his positive efforts towards the Armenian communities throughout United States and wished him success in his new career as Deputy Foreign Minister, and like to welcome him again in Washington DC.
