On Monday, November 20, 2017, a reception in celebration of the 74th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Lebanon was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel hosted by Consul General of Lebanon Ambassador Johnny Ibrahim and Mrs. Maya Ibrahim. Mr. Louis Lahoud, representative of Lebanese President General Michel Aoun, His Excellency Monsignor Boulos Matar, Archbishop of the Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut, and Sheikh Jihad Wehbe from the Druze Council of North America, were among the honored guests in attendance.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, attended the reception.
Remarks were delivered by Mr. Lahoud, Archbishop Matar, Sheikh Wehbe, and the Prelate. His Eminence greeted the gathering, in particular the honored guests, and conveyed his congratulations to all, stating that freedom is a God-given gift. The Prelate noted that with every visit to Lebanon he witnesses progress and advancement and always feels safe, and wished peace and prosperity for the country. Citing the adage, “He loves his country best who strives to make it best,” the Prelate lauded Ambassador Ibrahim’s diligent service and spoke of him as a man of faith, vision, and principle who has elevated the Consulate General and the Lebanese-American community to a new level. His Eminence expressed his appreciation for Mr. and Mrs. Ibrahim’s genuine friendship and close collaboration, and on behalf of the Armenian-American community wished him and his wife success in their future endeavors.
Ambassador Ibrahim stated that he has strived to do his best for his country in the past 66 months as the Consul General of Lebanon in Los Angeles, and in particular expressed gratitude to the Prelate for his true friendship.