[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 13 (Thursday, February 10, 1994)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov] [Congressional Record: February 10, 1994] From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] DR. RAFFY HOVANESSIAN HONORED ______ HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY of indiana in the house of representatives Thursday, February 10, 1994 Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, from Munster, IN, who was recently honored with the St. Nersees Shnorhali medal and encyclical from his Holiness Vazken I, Catholicos of All Armenians. Dr. Hovanessian was honored for his more than 30 years of devoted service to his church, community, and Nation. At a time when the evening news is filled with reports of the crumbling of our social bedrocks like family, church, and community, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian's more than 30 years of service burns brightly as a shining example for the Chicago metropolitan area and the Nation. It is crystal clear that his work and service make northwest Indiana a better place to live. The official presentation was made at the 10th anniversary banquet of the Sts. Joachim and Anne Armenian Church in Palos Heights, IL, by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church. In his address to the parishioners, the Primate emphasized just how fortunate the young people are to have such a wonderful example set by Raffy Hovanessian's leadership and service. Dr. Hovanessian's dedication to his people is well known throughout the Armenian community. Born in Jerusalem 55 years ago, he has been deeply involved in Armenian activities from his earliest days as a student of medicine at the American University of Beirut, where he founded the Armenian University Students' Association of Beirut, which is still active today. Emigrating to the United States in 1965 with his family, he studied at Johns Hopkins Medical School, and served in the U.S. military. For the last 23 years, this devoted son of the Armenian people has given dedicated service and been a generous benefactor to the Chicago Armenian community. He has been intimately involved with the Sts. Joachim and Anne Armenian Church from its inception, donating generous contributions to its construction, including Hovanessian Hall. A Diocesan delegate for 15 years, he has served as chairman of the Diocese Assembly for 2 years, and as a board member of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund as well as the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. Dr. Hovanessian's concern for his homeland has been just as extensive as his devotion to his church. He has served as leader for fund-raising efforts for the victims of the Armenian Earthquake, for Karabagh and for the Winter Rescue Program. His long list of activities includes being a member of NAASR, the Knights of Vartan, the Armenian Missionary Association, the AGBU International Board, and the Armenian Assembly Board of Trustees. He has also worked at the congressional level to seek United States support for Armenian issues. In his specialty of internal medicine, Dr. Hovanessian has also made a name for himself. He is a member of the Medical Honor Society, and sits on several professional boards. His brother, Dr. Ara Hovanessian, is a world famous pioneer in AIDS research. In 1983, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian was named a Prince of the House of Cilicia by Catholics Karekin II of Cilicia, and that same year was awarded the Golden Heritage Award by the NAACP. Dr. Hovanessian's family includes his wife Vicky, who in her own right has given extensive and exemplary service to her church, community, and Nation. The Hovanessians have three children: Armen who is studying to continue his family tradition and become a doctor; Ani who is doing postgraduate work in international law; and Eileen, a student at Tufts University. ____________________