Lebanon

On Wednesday, the 4th of April 2007, at 10:00 am, the President of the United Armenian Fund and vice-president of “Lyncy” Fund, Sir Harout Sasounian  visited Mekhitarian School where he was welcomed  by the principal of the school, Rev. Father Hovsep Topalian, the spiritual leader, Rev. Father Mesrob Topalian, the teachers’ board and the students. His Excellency Msgr. Vartan Ashkarian, the mayor of Hazmieh Mr. Jean Asmar, member of the municipality council Mrs. Silva Tengerian_Deyabis and the directors of the Lebanese Armenian Catholic schools were also present.

Father Topalian read the welcoming speech expressing gratitude on behalf of the entire Mekhitarian school to Harout Sasounian, as well as to the great benefactor, Sir Kirk Krikorian.

The speech was followed by the unveiling of the marble cornerstone put above the door of the hall, after which the guest thanked the presents for the immense love and respect shown towards him.

The honorable guest left the school heading towards the Convent of Bzommar where he was welcomed by the High Priest Father Kevork Yeghyaian, the administrative fathers of the convent and the editor of “Massis” weekly, Mr. Sarkis Najarian.

After being introduced to the different divisions of the convent, Harout Sasounian expressed his fascination with the convent’s historical mission over the centuries.

In honor of the guest, a lunch table was prepared during which the Laborious Catholicos Patriarch His Beatitude Hovhannes Bedros XVIII Kasparian, the General Representative of the Patriarchal Eparchy His Excellency Father Vartan Ashkarian and the fathers of  the Bzommar congregation were present.

The High Priest of Bzommar, Father Kevork Yeghyaian granted Harout Sasounian the icon of the Lady of Bzommar.

After the 5 hour visit, Harout Sasounian left the convent carrying with him great impressions ,the memory of which he would take with him to the United States.