YEREVAN (Asbarez)—A state funeral will take place next weekend for Armenian Revolutionary Federation leader Vahan Hovannesian, who passed away on Dec. 28, after a long illness.
Hovannesian’s body arrived in Yerevan on Dec. 30.
A special commission headed by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan is handling the arrangement, which will include a Requiem Mass at 5 p.m. on Jan. 3 at the St. Sarkis Church in Nor Nork, and a Funeral Service on Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. at the Komitas Chamber Orchestra Hall, following which he will be interred at the Yerevan Pantheon.
Hovannesian, who was Armenia’s Ambassador to Germany until his death in Berlin, was mourned by the ARF Bureau, a body on which he served for several terms up to his tour of duty as ambassador.
President Serge Sarkisian issued a condolence announcement, in which he said that Hovannesian’s passing is not only a great loss for the ARF but also the entire Armenian nation.
“It is with deep sadness that I learned about the death of Vahan Hovannesian, the Republic of Armenia ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany,” said Sarkisian.
“Vahan Hovannesian’s presence was remarkable both on Armenia’s political arena and during the years of the Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] war and beyond,” added Sarkisian.
“It isn’t easy to imagine that this outstanding image of an ideological champion, educated intellectual, state and party leader and brilliant orator will no longer form part of Armenian and pan-Armenian political processes. Vahan Hovannesian’s death was a big loss for not only the Armenian Revolutionary Federation but also all of us,” concluded Sarkisian.
One of the highlights of Hovannesian’s storied career as a political figure and servant to the homeland was his involvement in the Karabakh Liberation Movement, which saw him in the battlefields fighting the enemy.
Nagorno Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakian also issued an announcement praising Hovannesian’s many contributions to Artsakh’s liberation and his commitment to ensure the security and longevity of the Republic.
“Vahan Hovannesian’s contribution to the formation of the independent Armenian state and the National Liberation Movement is invaluable. He was a great patriot, prominent political figure, experienced diplomat, a good and kind person who enjoyed great respect in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora,” said Sahakian.
“The memory of Vahan Hovannesian will always remain bright in our heart,” added Sahakian after offering condolences to Hovannesian’s family on behalf of the authorities and people of Artsakh.
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