New York Community Honors ARF Heroes and Martyrs on 125th Anniversary of ARF

NEW YORK—On Fri., Aug. 28, the New York “Armen Garo” Gomideh and the New York “Hyortik” AYF Chapter hosted an event at the Armenian Center in Queens, N.Y., in honor of all ARF heroes and martyrs.

Members of the New York ARF ‘Armen Garo’ Gomidehutune and New York AYF ‘Hyoritk’ Chapter with guest speaker, ARF Central Committee member Khajag Mgrdichian

(L-R) Master of ceremonies Mher Janian, guest speaker ARF CC member Khajag Mgrdichian, and New York ARF advisor to the AYF Naz Markarian

Master of ceremonies Mher Janian opened the program by leading the singing of the “Mer Hairenk” and the ARF anthem, “Mshag Panvor.” He then asked attendees to stand for a moment of silence honoring the martyrs. In his opening remarks on behalf of the New York ARF PR Committee, Janian noted the drive and dedication of the ARF founders. He spoke about the resolve of the sister organizations established by various ARF members and their unprecedented work for the Armenian Cause throughout the years and today. In particular, Janian noted the work of the Armenian Church both in the past, with examples like Khrimian Hayrig, and in the present, with the work of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and his attempts to secure the return of Armenian Church property.

Following these remarks, a short DVD was shown of the ARF heroes and martyrs and the importance of their work and dedication. Janian then invited AYF junior advisor Nevair Oranjian to read the poem “Lisboni Voghchagiznerin” by Hovannes Shiraz. Following this recitation, New York AYF Senior member Christapor Megherian performed the song “Hayots Mardigner” on the piano. Finally, New York ARF member Sossi Essajanian read a short excerpt from Simon Zavarian’s unpublished work titled, “What do the Tashnags Want?”

The guest speaker for the evening was ARF Eastern Region Central Committee member Khajag Mgrdichian. In his remarks, Mgrdichian spoke about the philosophical and practical foundations of the ARF, the merging personalities of its three founders, and its work for the Armenian people and cause throughout the last 125 years.