ENCINO, Calif.—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Western United States celebrated the 134th anniversary of the party’s founding on Saturday, March 29, with a powerful and unifying event at Avedissian Hall, located on the campus of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School in Encino.
This year’s celebration marked a notable shift from tradition. In past years, the anniversary was commemorated with two separate events—a formal theater program and a banquet. However, due to the postponement of the theater event originally scheduled for January, in light of the devastating Los Angeles fires, organizers made the decision to combine both into a single evening. The result was a vibrant and impactful gathering that brought the community together in celebration and solidarity.
As in prior years, the evening opened with the Homenetmen marching band, setting a patriotic tone reminiscent of previous anniversary programs held in theater halls. The performance stirred a sense of pride and reverence among the hundreds in attendance.
The formal program featured remarks by several distinguished speakers. Nora Tchaparian served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding the program with poise and professionalism. A keynote address was delivered by Garo Madenlian, Chairman of the ARF Western U.S.A. Central Committee, who spoke on behalf of the regional leadership. Former ARF WUSA Central Committee Chairman Hovig Saliba also delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on the organization’s legacy and ongoing mission.
Among the notable guests in attendance were His Eminence, Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, along with members of the Prelacy’s Executive Council. Also present were ARF Bureau Member Daron Der Khachadourian; representatives from the Central Executive Boards of the Armenian Relief Society and the Holy See of Cilicia; and regional leadership from Homenetmen, the Armenian Youth Federation, Hamazkayin, the Armenian Cultural Foundation, and other affiliated organizations.
The program included a fundraiser auction, which, along with generous donations from attendees throughout the night, helped raise vital funds for the party’s ongoing activities and initiatives. The night concluded with a spirited musical performance by the legendary Karnig Sarkissian and his band, whose patriotic and revolutionary songs kept the crowd engaged late into the night.
The ARF’s 134th anniversary celebration stood as a testament to the party’s enduring presence, its role in advancing the collective national agenda, and its ability to unite generations in the ongoing struggle for justice, identity, and sovereignty for the Armenian people and state.
