The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
November 20, 2009
Vol. V, p. 475
Arms of Vicken KoundakjianBlazonGules a bridge issuant therefrom a minaret and a tower Or masoned Gules between in chief a Cross of Jerusalem and in base an escallop Or; SymbolismThe Cross of Jerusalem illustrates Mr. Koundakjian’s heritage as an Armenian Christian, and is an allusion to the region in which he was born, the Middle East. The bridge indicates his profession as a diplomat, seeking to bridge differences between the East (symbolized by the minaret) and the West (symbolized by the castle tower). For a diplomat, the shell symbolizes a pilgrimage towards peaceful relations. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a coronet of Maltese crosses Or a raven Sable beaked and legged Gules holding beneath its wing a scroll with a pendant seal Or charged with a maple leaf Gules; SymbolismThe raven symbolizes several additional diplomatic assets: dissimulating when necessary, playing tricks as needed, and speaking on behalf of or as someone else. It is also a native bird from Mr. Koundakjian’s chosen country. The scroll with the seal, representing a commission from Her Majesty’s Canadian Government, symbolizes his profession as a diplomat. The Maltese cross coronet reflects his long-standing association with St. John Ambulance and the Order of St. John. |
MottoBlazonՈՒՂՂԱՄՏՈՒԹԻՒՆ; SymbolismThis Armenian word means “Integrity”. |
Flag of Vicken KoundakjianBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Vicken KoundakjianBlazonOn a grassy mount Vert a tower Or masoned Gules supported to the sinister by a raven Sable beaked and legged Gules; SymbolismThe raven and the tower reflect Mr. Koundakjian’s profession and its starting point, i.e. the West. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 26, 2011 in Volume 145, page 1074 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Vicken Koundakjian, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterRobert Grey CalligrapherLuc Saucier Recipient TypeIndividual |