ETCHMIADZIN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. For services to the Armenian Apostolic Surb (Holy) Church, Hakob Avetikian, the editor-in-chief of the "Azg" daily was decorated with Surb Sahak-Surb Mesrop and diplomat Levon Sargsian with Surb Nerses Shnorhali high orders of honour. The ceremony of giving the awards took place on December 2 at the ceremonial hall of the Gevorgian Theological Academy of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzian. Noyan Tapan was informed about it by the Information Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. It is particularly said in the Patriarchal kondak given to L.Sargsian: "Having implemented diplomatic work in Syria for long years, You have had great contribution in more strengthening relations of Armenia with that friendly country and in strengthening the Fatherland-Diaspora ties. When officiating in Syria, You assisted with great efficiency overcoming of problems arisen before the Damascus Armenian Diocese and building and brightness of national and church life of Armenian sons settled far from the Fatherland, sacred mission of deepening striving for keeping our sacred heritage and native language in their souls." It is mentioned in the Patriarchal sacred kondak given to H.Avetikian that "Azg" with interesting publications dedicated to the spiritual life always encourages and stimulates pious Armenian sons' faithfulness towards the Armenian Church and our holy cradle of belief, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin."

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