AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, July 6, 2009
Jubilee Evening Dedicated to AGBU Vice President, Arshavir Gundjian
A tribute evening celebrating the more than fifty years of services
rendered by Arshavir Gundjian to the Armenian nation, political and
public life, took place on Saturday, March 14, 2009 in the Jirair and
Elize Dervishian Hall of the AGBU Alex Manoogian Center in Montreal,
Canada.
The program, which was organized by AGBU, Canadian Diocese of the
Armenian Church, Tekeyan Cultural Association and the Democratic Liberal
Party, was attended by more than 300 individuals from across the
continent. It enjoyed the sponsorship of His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, who was represented by Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, and AGBU President Berge
Setrakian, who was represented by AGBU Central Board Member Berge
Papazian from Toronto. Present in person was the mayor of the City of
St. Laurent, His Worship Alan De Sousa.
As the honoree and members of his family entered the hall, the program
began with the playing of the Canadian and Armenian national anthems.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the evening’s master of ceremonies,
Armen Bechakdjian, Chairman of the AGBU Montreal Chapter, who praised
the longtime efforts of Gundjian.
Fr. Vazken Boyajian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral,
presented the pontifical letter of benediction of Catholicos Karekin II.
Other featured speakers included: Vartouhi Balian, former principal of
the Alex Manoogian School; Haroutiun Arzoumanian, chairman of the
Central Executive Committee of Tekeyan Cultural Association. In his
heartfelt speech, Arzoumanian remarked on his indefatigable
collaboration with the honoree over the years, noting that experiencing
this jubilee celebration gave him much spiritual satisfaction. Panos
Titizian, veteran ADL member, who arrived from Los Angeles for the
occasion, said that Arshavir Gundjian had become a prominent party
figure, owing to his extensive scientific preparation, brilliant
intelligence, perspicacity and steadfastness of his convictions.
On this occasion, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian of Los Angeles, former
primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America,
and Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the current primate, conveyed their
blessing and good wishes via pre-recorded video greeting.
Other event speakers and presenters included Ara Boyadjian, Chairman of
the Canadian Diocesan Council, Sylva Tokatlian, and Noubar Babikian.
AGBU Central Board Member Berge Papazian presented Gundjian’s
accomplishments as vice president of AGBU, emphasizing the notable
building projects he helped to accomplish.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Yervant Azadian, well-known diasporan
Armenian intellectual, journalist, foreign member of the Armenian
National Academy of Sciences and longtime close associate of the
honoree.
The cultural portion of the program featured internationally renowned
singer Aline Kutan. Ruben Mirzakhanian, president of Tekeyan Cultural
Association of Armenia, honored Gundjian with the organization’s First
Order "Ararat" diamond-studded insignia.
A video presentation outlining Gundjian’s life and accomplishments was
shown to the audience and a sculpture by Armenian Canadian artist Arto
Tchakmakchian was presented to the honoree by the artist himself.
Finally, Gundjian was invited to address the audience.
A scientist and university professor, Gundjian thanked the organizing
committee for making the event possible. He expressed his gratitude to
all those in attendance and the handful of colleagues, who contributed
to his accomplishments through their thoughtful efforts. He expressed
special thanks to his physician, Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, who had saved
his life years ago, as well as his family, who endured his dedication to
national activities over the years. He emphasized the roles of the
Armenian Church, ADL Party, Tekeyan Cultural Association and AGBU in the
sacred work of national preservation. He voiced special praise for
those, who contribute their services toward this end, for the benefit of
the nation and homeland, and especially toward the efforts to preserve
the Armenian diaspora.
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of Canada, ended the program with his
cordial remarks and blessing.
All donations made on the occasion were to go towards the creation of
the "Dr. Arshavir Gundjian Scholarship Fund."
Established in 1906, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the
world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New
York City, AGBU () preserves and promotes the Armenian
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians in 35 countries.