George Tumanjan Receives ‘Knight of Cilicia’ Medal
11/7/13
LA CRESCENTA—On Tuesday, June 25, Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian visited benefactor George Tumanjan to present to him the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and the Knight of Cilicia medal, which was bestowed upon him in response to a request by the Prelate. Holy Cross Cathedral Pastor Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian and Board of Trustees Chair Mrs. Goharik Gabriel joined in the visit. Tumanjan family members were also present for the presentation.
“George Tumanjan has dedicated his life to helping others and to doing God’s work,” the Church said in their statement.
“For over five decades, he has served humbly and selflessly, in the example of a true Christian. He has served the Armenian Apostolic Church and, particularly, the Holy Cross Church and later Cathedral for over fifty years. Through his membership on the Board of Trustees, Finance, and Construction Committees, he facilitated the construction of Holy Cross Cathedral in 1981. His desire to have young parishioners gather for various activities inspired him to build the Tumanjan Youth Center.”
George Tumanjan’s philanthropic efforts are numerous. Earlier this year he surprised everyone by generously donating the entire cost of the Cathedral’s renovation. Several years ago he contributed the funds for the renovation of the youth center, which bears his name. His generosity extends beyond the church to family, friends, employees, and various organizations. He is known in the Armenian and non-Armenian communities alike as a humanitarian, and has been honored by the Boy Scouts of America and the YMCA.
In recognition and appreciation of his lifetime of devoted service and benevolence, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has awarded George Tumanjan the “Knight of Cilicia” honor and medal.
