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. With over 600 guests, the event was a
vibrant and impactful gathering that brought the community together in solidarity
for a common cause.
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, Central
Executive member Gaidzag Zeitlian and ARF Bureau member Daron Der
Khachadourian; representatives from the Central and Regional Executive Boards
of the Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen; Armenian Cultural Foundation,
ANCA Western Region, Board of Regents, Armenian Youth Federation, AYF
Juniors Central Council, Hamazkayin leadership, ARF Chapters and other
affiliated organizations.
The Homenetmen marching band and scouts opened the evening’s official program
with the flag ceremony stirring a sense of pride and reverence with the guests.
Nora Tchaparian served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding the
program with poise and professionalism; her opening remarks focused on ARF’s
devotion, selflessness, and resilience over the years, and emphasized the continuity
and success of ARF’s mission relies heavily on the support of the Armenian
community.
His Eminence, Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of
the Armenian Apostolic Church of America gave his blessing, praised the ARF on
its continued service and past successes and wished continued successes for the
future.
The keynote address was delivered by ARF Western U.S.A. Central Committee
Chairman Garo R. Madenlian. Speaking on behalf of the organization he briefly
presented ARF’s achievements throughout its history, in Armenia and in the
diaspora, and emphasized the challenges faced and overcome together with its
supporters and sister organizations. He stressed the importance of a united and
coordinated effort in service of the Armenian nation in furtherance of the
Armenian cause especially today as we face existential threats by Turkey and
Azerbaijan with their pan-turkic agenda like that of 1915. He identified the
priorities of the day to be the security of Armenia including its borders and Syunik,
securing the rights of return and self-determination for the Armenians of Artsakh
and the release of the illegally held Armenian POWs in Baku, and further
strengthening, unifying and activating our region to better advance these priorities.
The keynote address was delivered by ARF Western U.S.A. Central Committee
Chairman Garo R. Madenlian. Speaking on behalf of the organization he briefly
presented ARF’s achievements throughout its history, in Armenia and in the
diaspora, and emphasized the challenges faced and overcome together with its
supporters and sister organizations. He stressed the importance of a united and
coordinated effort in service of the Armenian nation in furtherance of the
Armenian cause especially today as we face existential threats by Turkey and
Azerbaijan with their pan-turkic agenda like that of 1915. He identified the
priorities of the day to be the security of Armenia including its borders and Syunik,
securing the rights of return and self-determination for the Armenians of Artsakh
and the release of the illegally held Armenian POWs in Baku, and further
strengthening, unifying and activating our region to better advance these priorities.
Madenlian invited all those present and community members in general willing to
work for the higher cause of achieving our national goals to join with the ARF in
this great struggle; for the community to become even more active with a renewed
sense of unity during these difficult times; to remain vigilant, steadfast and strong,
and resilient during the long road ahead, and assured that we will succeed together
for our people, and our future, and our youth who will carry the torch.
Long time ARF leader Hovig Saliba delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on the
organization’s legacy and ongoing mission in Armenia, Artsakh and the diaspora
specifically the western United States, and introduced well-known patriotic singer
Karnig Sarkissian and his band to the stage who performed Armenian traditional
and ne patriotic and revolutionary songs energizing and motivating the community
until 3 am.
Several supporters encouraged by the atmosphere made generous donations
throughout the night. The celebration also included a raffle, specially made
beautiful coins with the founders of the ARF engraved as well as an auction with
two paintings donated by the artist Nazani Nourian Nazanian, and a set of Artsakh
coins depicting its various regions by Jassig Jarahian.
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.
