On 8 October, President Armen sarkissian signed a decree stating:

“Based on the motion of the Prime Minister, in accordance with Article 136 of the Constitution, and Article 5.3, Part 1 of the Law on State Awards and Honorary Titles of the Republic of Armenia.

“The Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolini, was awarded the Order of Honor for his significant contribution to the development and strengthening of interstate relations between Armenia and the Holy See,” the decree reads.