On April 21, the results of the 2017 Pan-Armenian Awards “For notable contributions to the preservation of the Armenian identity” (organized by the Ministry of Diaspora) were summed up and diplomas were granted during a solemn ceremony. During the award ceremony, the Armenian Theological Seminary of Jerusalem received the award of the 1^st degree in the Best Armenian School category, and the award was granted to diplomat of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Director of the Theological Seminary, Archimandrite Koryun Baghdasaryan.

In an interview with Hayern Aysor, His Holiness said it is a great joy and honor for him to receive the binding award of the Ministry of Diaspora for notable contribution to the preservation of the Armenian identity.

“This year marks the 175^th anniversary of the Seminary, and this award is special since it is granted as part of our anniversary events. The Theological Seminary is truly one of the oldest schools of the Armenian Diaspora and has played a major role in the preservation of the Armenian identity,” Archimandrite Koryun Baghdasaryan stated, adding that throughout the years, the alumni of the Seminary have made notable contributions to the development of the Armenian nation, education and church life and service in Armenian Dioceses in different communities of the Armenian Diaspora.