On January 6, 2013 the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On this auspicious day, Primate Galstanian was honored with the presentation of the Diamond Jubilee Medal of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  In his introduction, Mr. Chahe Tanachian, director of the Alex Manoogian School, spoke to the faithful and said that it’s an ancient Armenian tradition to acknowledge within each family the contributions and achievements of  a deserving member.   With this regard, he continued by saying that “it is joyful for our big Canadian Diocesan family, to witness our Primate as recipient of this prestigious recognition.” He then introduced Mr. Alexandre Boulerice, Member of Parliament for the Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie riding in Montreal, who presented the Diamond Jubilee Medal, on behalf of Mr. Thomas Mulcair, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Outremont accompanied by the head of the Diocese’s Government Relations Office Deacon Hagop Arslanian. Mr. Boulerice, bestowed the medal in acknowledgement and appreciation of our Primate’s significant contributions and dedicated service to our community and for the country.

In his words of greeting, Mr. Boulerice commended the efforts and stressed the importance of the ongoing initiatives that our Diocese is realizing under the leadership of His Eminence, ranging from care and spiritual needs of our faithful, to the development of essential educational programs, establishment of vital social services and co-ordination of the integration of new immigrants.

Primate Galstanian thanked Mr. Boulerice for this honor and wonderful gesture and said that he “accepts this medal on behalf of each and every Canadian-Armenian here in the Cathedral and throughout Canada who also strive to bring their efforts and contributions to sustain the well being and betterment of our communities and this country. Srpazan asked Mr. Boulerice to convey his good wishes and gratitude to the Hon. Thomas Mulcair, Leader of the Official Opposition who was instrumental for this kind nomination.

The joyful ceremony ended with a reading from the Holy Bible and blessings of the Primate.

We congratulate our Primate and wish him good health to continue his God pleasing mission in the life of our people.