On March 4, 2019, the AGBU Lebanon District Committee hosted a welcome reception in honor of His Excellency Vahagn Atabekyan, the newly appointed ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Lebanon. The reception took place at the Demirdjian Center and was attended by religious figures, members of parliament, representatives of leading organizations, AGBU benefactors, members and friends. Among the attendees were Archbishop Nareg Alyemezian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Lebanon, Rev. Father Soghomon Kilaghbian, representative of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, MP Jean Talouzian, Benefactor Sarkis Demirdjian, Benefactors Mr. & Mrs. Hrayr Sarkissian, Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon Dr. Haroutiun Samuelian. Arine Ghazarian, the programs coordinator and communications director of AGBU Lebanon, welcomed the guest of honor and guests on behalf of the AGBU Lebanon’s District Committee. She gave an overview of the mission of AGBU and the numerous educational, cultural and humanitarian programs it runs. Ghazarian highlighted on Ambassador Atabekyan’s achievements and mentioned that on December 19, following the next day of his arrival to Beirut, the Ambassador has presented his credentials to the President of Lebanon H.E. General Michel Aoun. She wished great success to the new ambassador on his endeavors in Lebanon. Ambassador Atabekyan expressed his gratitude to the AGBU leadership for the warm welcome and hospitality he has received. Ambassador Atabekyan also thanked AGBU Lebanon President Gerard Tufenkjian and the benefactors for their continuous support not only to the Embassy of Armenia in Lebanon but also to the Lebanese Armenian community likewise. All attendees joined the AGBU District Committee in wishing the best to the ambassador and hoping that they will enjoy the rich Lebanese tradition of warmth and hospitality in the coming years. The welcome reception was concluded by a cake cutting ceremony.