Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has been awarded the Armenian order of St. Mesrop Mashtots by Serzh Sargsyan for contributing to improving ties between Russia and Armenia, ITAR-TASS reports.
The award was given as part of the state dinner for Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, who arrived on a visit with his wife.
The Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots was established by the Armenian law of July 26th 1993. It is awarded for achievements in economics, natural and humanitarian sciences, inventions, science, culture, education, healthcare and social activities.
Mesrop Mashtots (361-440) was an Armenian enlightener, a monk, the creator of the Armenian alphabet (405-406), who is part of the community of Saints of Armenia. Together with his students he translated part of the Bible from Assyrian to Armenian and is considered the author of the book of Christian lectures.
78 people have been awarded the Order, including heads of foreign states, figures of science and culture. The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the High Patriarch, Holy Catholicos of all-Armenians, Gagerin the Second, is a Knight of the Order.
The silver sign of the order was made at the St. Petersburg mint.
