The recent passing of Karnig Yacoubian, who served as a member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors and Council of Trustees, comes as a great loss not only to family members, friends, and colleagues but also to AGBU leadership and a grateful Armenian Nation. His deep imprint on Armenian life can be found across Syria, Lebanon, Canada, and Armenia. 

A graduate of the American University of Beirut and a civil engineer by profession, the Syrian-born Yacoubian could be described as a builder, a benefactor and, above all, a highly motivated and dedicated individual.  All who crossed paths with him were charmed by his wit and charisma, as well as inspired by his commitment to family. 

The scion of a prominent Armenian family with an impressive legacy of dedication and support for the AGBU mission, Yacoubian, along with his wife Anahid, his brother Levon and their respective families, have always held the mission of the organization close to their hearts.

An active AGBU member from an early age, Yacoubian served in many capacities–from Chapter Chair in Damascus to Central Board Member from 1994-2006. From 2006-2017, he was a member of the Council of Trustees and served as one of four AGBU Emeritus Trustees until his passing.  

AGBU President Berge Setrakian remarked that Yacoubian belonged to a special circle of inspired leaders who reached the heights of success in their professional lives and attained influence and respect among captains of industry and heads of state. He was decorated with countless high honors, medals, and awards by religious and national leaders for service to country and community, including the Order of the Star of Jordan. Yet his strongest attachment was to his Armenian identity and the Armenian Church, for which he received the St. Gregory the Illuminator Order, the Mkhitar Heratsi Medal, and the Prince Cilicia Medal.

His volunteerism was matched by his philanthropic legacy, which has been made visibly present with the numerous community projects he and Anahid supported financially – from the AGBU community center in Qamishli, Syria to the renovated offices of the AGBU Center in Montreal, and the headquarters of the Armenian Diocese in Canada. They also funded the installation of a teaching center in the Republican Scientific Medical Library in Armenia and the construction and renovation of the Vaskenian Theological Seminary at Lake Sevan. In Lebanon, their dedication to the Armenian Church inspired them to fund the development of the residential complex of the Holy See of Cilicia in Bikfaya, Lebanon and construction of its seminary in Antelias. Most recently, they financed the building of a new candle-lighting chapel and pontifical Mausoleum at Holy Etchmiadzin to be completed in 2022. The Yacoubians have also been distinguished for their steadfast support of higher education with their generous commitments to the University of Armenia (AUA).

Reflecting on his close collaborations and family friendship with Yacoubian over the years, Setrakian went on to say, “Karnig will be missed by the entire AGBU community and Armenians around the world, especially by Vera and me, as we have deeply valued our friendship with him and Ani. Countless lives have been enhanced because of Karnig’s unwavering devotion to his people and faith. Surely, he fulfilled his life’s purpose many times over throughout his close to 92 years on this earth.”

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian diaspora.  Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit www.agbu.org.