On Thursday, November 7, 2013, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, visited the Prelacy and met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Rev. Haidostian is in the United States for the Haigazian University annual banquet to be held on Saturday, November 9 and to participate in board meetings. He was accompanied by Dr. Hrair Aharonian, who has served as Haigazian University board Chair and member and is a long-time servant of the Armenian Evangelical Church.
Rev. Haidostian spoke of the University’s growing endeavors and expansion of properties in its over 55 year history, noting that Haigazian is an esteemed institution not only in Lebanon but in the Middle East and beyond, including Armenia. During his stay in the United States Rev. Haidostian stated that he will also have board meetings and meet with groups who work for the progress of the University, including the Ladies Auxiliary whose members will be honored at the annual banquet.
The Prelate, who had received an invitation to the banquet, expressed that he could not attend as he will be at the Holy Martyrs Church 50th anniversary banquet. He noted however that he had appointed Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian to represent him and convey his message to the gathering.
The Prelate commended the commitment of the University to providing high-quality education to Armenian and non-Armenian students alike. He also spoke of the endeavors of the Prelacy in the spiritual, cultural, and educational arenas, and the Prelacy’s involvement in efforts to assist Armenia, Artsakh, and Syria.
The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts. Rev. Haidostian had brought from Lebanon a newly published book listing the titles of all Armenian books published to date, a number which exceeds 6,500. The Prelate presented three newly published books by Garo Bedrosian, Journey to the Armenian Heritage, and Feasts of the Armenian Church and National Traditions in Armenian and English.