Category: 2018

WASHINGTON—The Greater Washington Armenian American community – led by the Armenian National Committee of Greater Washington and the Armenian Youth Federation Washington Ani chapter – rallied Subday in Soorp Khatch Church and on the streets of our nation’s capital to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Artsakh’s struggle for liberation and condemn the massacre of Armenians in Baku and Sumgait.

Speaking to a packed audience at the Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church Arabian Hall in Maryland, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Artsakh to the U.S., Robert Avetisyan, spoke powerfully about the resilience and dedication of the people of Artsakh in their efforts to build a stable, democratic country over the course of the last 30 years.

“When there is peace, we will flourish,” said Avetisyan. “The Armenian homeland will flourish and it will open up a new era in our development as a nation and new era of presence of Armenians in the region.” He went on to thank the audience for three decades of steadfast support. “30 years like this, I’m sure the next 30 years will be much better for the Armenian homeland. Let’s ask the question of what we can do for our homeland at least once a week, if not more frequently and we will do it.”

ANC Greater Washington Chairman Sipan Ohannesian noted President Aliyev’s latest statements claiming Yerevan as Azerbaijani territory and noted “We juxtapose Azerbaijani aggression with Artsakh’s commitment to peace and democracy. We meet Aliyev’s rhetoric with action.”

Avetisyan and Ohannesian cited the importance of ongoing U.S. assistance to the Republic of Artsakh, with over $40 million sent since 1997. He noted the critical role of the Royce-Engel proposals – spearheaded by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-NY) – a concrete plan to reduce aggression in the region, calling for the 1) removal of snipers 2) increase of Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) monitors at the line of contact and 3) the deployment of a gunfire locator system to clearly identify aggressors.

They noted the vital importance of breaking down artificial barriers to unrestricted travel and open communication between the United States and Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone’s (D-NJ) recent introduction of the U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communication Resolution.

On the state level, each praised the grassroots efforts that led to the state recognition of Artsakh in eight states including California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, and Rhode Island – pledging to increase that number in upcoming months.

Following the presentation, the organizers led the Armenian American community in protest against Azerbaijan’s massacre of ethnic Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku and their continued cycle of violence towards Armenians in the region today. The protest was held in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, DC and was attended by a wide variety of community activists.

“The Armenian youth not only remember past injustices committed against our people but also vow to become the next generation of leaders who continue to demand justice and reparations moving forward,” said the AYF Washington Ani Chapter’s Nareg Kuyumjian. “Today was yet another reminder of the strength of the Armenian people and a powerful message to the world that our struggle and our voice will never die out.”

“It is important that Armenians in the diaspora use their voices to condemn Azeri-initiated violence in order to secure international condemnation of Azerbaijani war crimes,” commented Haik Voskerchian, President of the Georgetown University ASA. “As an Armenian it is imperative we protect our brethren afar from unwarranted Azeri barbarism.”

At the end of the demonstration, Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church pastor, Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, led DC-area Armenian protesters in a prayer in memory of those who have perished as a result of Azerbaijani aggression.

Video from the protest was live-streamed by the Voice of America Armenian division, with additional coverage on H1 Television and Yerkir Media.

From 1988 to 1990, the Armenian population in Soviet Azerbaijan was the target of racially motivated pogroms against Armenians in the cities of Sumgait (February 27-29, 1988), Kirovabad (November 21-27, 1988) and Baku (January 13-19, 1990).

At the time, Members of Congress condemned these premeditated and officially-sponsored attacks against Armenian civilians and passed amendments and resolutions demanding respect for the democratic aspirations of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.

These pogroms set the stage for three decades of aggression by Azerbaijan, during which it launched and lost a war against Nagorno Karabakh, and later used its oil wealth to buy a massive military arsenal that its leaders, to this day, vow to renew their attempts to conquer a Christian people that have lived on these lands for thousands of years and, after great challenges, has flourished in freedom from Soviet oppression for 26 Years.

MONTEBELLO — Hundreds gathered at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral’s Bagramian Hall on Saturday, February 10, as the Armenian Displaced Persons (“DP”) Community reunited to honor the legacy of humanitarian, philanthropist, and visionary George Mardikian.

“The evening was filled with laughter, tears, fond memories, and countless tributes to a great humanitarian who was so instrumental and generous in ensuring the safe arrival of our DPs to America,” said Goharik Gabriel, Chairperson of the Committee to Honor the Legacy of George Mardikian.

Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian led a special unveiling ceremony of a statue honoring George Mardikian in the foyeur of Bagramian Hall. The statue was made possible through the initiation and efforts of community members Haig and Argine Kelegian.
Mardikian was a major force in bringing thousands of Russian-Armenian “DP’s” to the United States from Germany after World War II. Among these “DP’s” were the founders of Armenian Mesrobian School, which the Gala benefited.

“The DP community played a pivotal part in the establishment of Armenian community institutions such as Bagramian Hall, Tumanjan Hall, Holy Cross Cathedral, and the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument. Mesrobian School is the crown jewel of the ‘DP’ community’s internationally significant achievements and Mesrobian is proud to have joined in this effort to honor Mr. Mardikian’s legacy and all those who helped plant the roots of the community that is flourishing today,” shared Armenian Mesrobian School Principal David Ghoogasian (Class of ‘82).

The Gala’s Master of Ceremonies David Mosikian welcomed the hundreds who gathered at Bagramian Hall.

After the Prelate’s invocation, opening remarks were made by Levon Kirakosian, Esq., a member of the Committee to Honor the Legacy of George Mardikian and an ARF Western US Central Committee member.

Receiving the evening’s Mesrobian Spirit Award were Haig and Argine Kelegian. In addition, Karpo Dilanian, who during his youth filmed and documented life in the Armenian DP Camp, received the Mesrobian Legacy Award, and Dr. Boris Bagdasarian (Class of 1982), a hematologist/oncologist, received the 2018 Mesrobian Alumni Achievement Award.

A tribute film, “Song of a Warrior,” premiered at the Gala and was applauded throughout, making a lasting impression on the audience. The documentary was a production by Von Kochar, written by Shauna Vartanian and narrated by Mesrobian’s very own Principal Ghoogasian.

A trailer was shown for a documentary film by Ara Madzounian titled, “The Remnants. “

A slide show featuring a radio interview of George Mardikian was prepared by Shauna Vartanian, Mesrobian High School Digital Media student Nune Papikyan, and Mesrobian Digital Media instructor Razmig Sarkissian.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by the Hosharian Band, as well as a special dance performance by the Savoian family.

The Gala to Honor the Legacy of George Mardikian was organized under the auspices of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian in collaboration with the ARF “Dro” Gomideh; Armenian Mesrobian School; and the Committee to Honor the Legacy of George Mardikian.

Haig Mardikian, the son of George and Naz Mardikian, for circumstances beyond his control, was unable to attend the Gala but sent his appreciation and warm regards to the Committee to Honor the Legacy of George Mardikian and all those who keep the memory of his father alive.

The Gala honored not only our community’s history, it became a part of it. In attendance was the USC Institute of Armenian Studies, which recently announced is documenting the Armenian DP story as part of a larger project about Armenian diasporan communities.

Ara Madzounian was recording footage from the evening for archival purposes.

Joe Murkijanian and Ken Davitian were present and announced their intentions to create a popular film based on the DP experience. They also took footage and interviewed guests present.

All these individuals and institutions want to record these vital stories. If you would like to share pictures, information, your stories, or participate in an interview please contact [email protected] The Mesrobian High School Digital Media class will be a part of these efforts.

For all the pictures from the evening visit the Mesrobian Facebook Page.

Armenian Mesrobian School, established in 1965, is fully accredited from Preschool through High School by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and has Ron and Goharik Gabriel Preschool (which serves students 2-5 years old), Elementary, Middle School and a college preparatory High School on the same campus. A major convenience for parents who may have children at multiple ages, Mesrobian offers a unique perspective and opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to grow together, and for students to get the attention and nurturing they need to be successful in school and in life. The High School curriculum is certified to the University of California. Mesrobian’s Alumni Network and Mentorship Program connects students with over five decades of alumni who have distinguished themselves in fields as diverse as education, science, business, medicine, music, law, dentistry, chiropractic, politics, art, marketing, engineering, veterinary medicine, and psychology. Follow the Mesrobian Facebook Page for latest updates.