On Thursday, July 20, 2017, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of a group of Homenetmen veterans, who had come to congratulate His Eminence on his 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood and 20th anniversary as Prelate. The group was headed by Mr. Zakar Chorbajian, an exemplary and long-standing member of Homenetmen, and included celebrated soccer players. Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan and Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian participated in the meeting.
The Prelate warmly welcomed the guests and commended their great contributions in the fields of athletics, scouting, and more. On behalf of the group, Mr. Chorbajian thanked the Prelate for the meeting, lauded his meritorious leadership and his great achievements during his tenure as Prelate. Recalling that the Prelate was honored by Homenetmen last year with the organization’s extraordinary medal, he wished His Eminence continued great successes in his service. On this occasion, the group presented a plaque to the Prelate inscribed with congratulatory well wishes.
During the remainder of the visit, the guests recalled memories from Beirut and their victories as members of the Bourj Hammoud team, which are recorded in Beirut, Bulgaria, Romania, and all the way to Korea. They spoke also on how Homenetmen has inspired them and their service to the Armenian Cause through the organization. Finally, they noted that Homenetmen veterans are still active on the field, attending practices, and contribute financially to the best of their abilities, among others to Syrian-Armenian relief efforts and by sponsoring a room in the Homenetmen San Fernando Valley “Masis” Chapter’s new center in honor of renowned soccer player Apo Nenejian.
The Prelate once again commended the service of the Homenetmen veterans and presented mementos to all.