Antelias, April 19th, 2021
Your Eminence
Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian
Prelate of Eastern Prelacy
New York
Dear Archbishop,
With profound sadness we learned the news of the passing of Dr. Vartan Gregorian, a dear friend to the Catholicosate of Cilicia and one of the most prominent figures of the Armenian community in North America. We extend our deepest condolences to you, to the Executive Council of the Prelacy and to the family of the deceased.
In fact, Vartan Gregorian, with his leadership and prosperous accomplishments, became a renowned intellectual and esteemed individual, enjoying the love and respect of the Armenian and non-Armenian communities all the while keeping the name and reputation of our people high within American circles. Vartan Gregorian has been close friends with our deceased catholicoi: Zareh I, Khoren I and Karekin II, and has closely cooperated with the Eastern Prelacy. We have personally known him and commended his large contribution to the community, and bestowed upon him the Prince insignia of the Catholicosate in October 1997, during our pontifical visit to the Eastern Prelacy.
Vartan Gregorian has also contributed to the Armenian cause, as well as in preserving the Armenian cultural heritage, particularly in the restoration of the Monastery of Saint Thaddeus in Iran.
We raise our prayers to God and ask that He receives Vartan Gregorian’s soul in His heavenly peace, and grants comfort to his relatives and friends. May his memory be blessed.
With warm greetings of love,
