HAVERHILL, Mass.—They call themselves the Armenian Friends of America and their mission appears to be an effective one: bring people together and divide up the proceeds among area churches.
Over the past three years, more than 1,000 people have flocked to their side for a social extravaganza, with all profits being shared equally among four Armenian churches throughout Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire.
Participating churches were the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Haverhill; St. Gregory Church of North Andover; Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford; and Ararat Congregational Church, Salem, N.H.
Organizer and chairman John Arzigian is calling it “the 3 C’s” in recapitulating the cause: Camaraderie. Cohesion. Commitment.
“Much too often, we see our churches and organizations traveling in different directions,” said Arzigian, a well-known area musician. “One way to promote greater unity is to bring everyone together under one roof for a good time.”
This year’s celebration took place Oct. 24 at DiBurro’s Function Hall in Ward Hill with a dinner-dance, along with other surprises throughout the evening. Special tribute was paid to Lucy Sirmaian for her dedicated service. A birthday cake was presented to Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalian, Hye Pointe pastor.
“A much more significant bond is being established through socialization that empowers a community,” Arzigian added. “When people work together, they can create wonders.”
Tom Vartabedian
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