PRESS RELEASE                                                      
January 15, 2010

COMMEMORATION OF FAR’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY AND AWARDS TO FAR’S CO-FOUNDER DR. EDGAR HOUSEPIAN

The commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) took place in New York on January 15th. This event was a tribute to FAR’s 20 years of accomplishments. The event also recognized one of the co-founders of FAR and prominent neurosurgeon Edgar Housepian. He was presented with two honorary awards. Catholicos of all Armenians His Holiness Garegin II bestowed the Grigor Lusavorich medal. The Ambassador of Armenia to the United States Tatoul Markarian presented the Mkhitar Heratsi medal to Dr. Edgar Housepian awarded by the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan. Ambassador Markarian also extended his profound appreciation to FAR for its contribution in Armenia. Dr. Housepian was praised for his key role in helping to deliver aid to Armenia immediately following the devastating earthquake of 1988 in Spitak, and for his continuous involvement in Armenia’s Healthcare and Medical education.

The attendees were also addressed by His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and leaders of the Fund for Armenian Relief.