During an evening reception at the Diocesan Center on Tuesday, December 16, the Diocese proudly bestowed its new “St. Vartan Medal” on three deserving honorees.
This inaugural event recognized George and Lorraine Marootian and Sona Haratunian for their service to the Eastern Diocese and St. Vartan Cathedral.
During the ceremony, a letter of blessing was read by Fr. Davit Karamyan, Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral, after which Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan formally presented the medals to the honorees.
Over the past decade, George and Lorraine Marootian have guided the cathedral through milestone celebrations, chaired major Diocesan gatherings, represented the Diocese on a national level, and offered steady, faithful leadership through successive vicars.
Sona Haratounian has likewise offered years of dedicated service as an active member of numerous committees, as a teacher of young children, as the mentor to the NextGen group, and as leader of the cathedral’s outreach program to the surrounding city.
A beautiful musical performance by cellist Ani Kalayjian concluded the formal ceremonies, before guests enjoyed a warm reception with the honorees’ family and friends.
Above (l-r): Yn. Alla Terzian, medal recipients Lorraine and George Marootian, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Fr. Davit Karamyan, medal recipient Sona Haratunian, and Diocesan Council chair Richard Papalian.