After months of intense planning, the 41st Vasbouragan biennial convention successfully concluded the last weekend of June. The Detroit hosts, known as the Avak-Vanig Chapter, offered a full weekend of activities, with the next gathering planned for Los Angeles.
The Vasbouragan is an Armenian patriotic society begun locally in Detroit in 1931. Its strength and determination to further their rich cultural, intellectual, and nationalistic history is described “as the underpinnings of this organization’s achievements and worldwide contributions.”
While other patriotic unions have faltered and no longer have formally organized groups, the Vasbouragans continue marching along. Their intention to maintain communication with Vanetsis the world over to fulfill their destiny as proud sons and daughters of Van drives them to continue onward, drawing membership from succeeding generations. They set an admirable example for others to follow.
After a long day of Friday meetings, conventioneers gathered at the St. Sarkis Church hall for a casual social evening. Many area residents claiming roots in other parts of historic Armenia joined the festivities as well. Avak-Vanig president Paul Bardizbanian and treasurer Hrayr Toukhanian welcomed guests. Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikiian gave the opening prayer, in which he included blessings upon the convention group. A delicious array of Armenian pastries awaited guests, proving again that Avak-Vanig Chapter members are great hosts who have not forgotten the tradition of fine Armenian hospitality.
The focal point of the evening was a film presentation of Garo Lucinian’s trip to Vasbouragan showing the old city, the Van citadel, Aykestan, and the serenely beautiful Akhtamar. Narration was by Hourig (Toukhanian) Jacobs, who in previous weeks herself returned from Vasbouragan and also had film to share.
It seems Van is central to love stories. We know the tragic epic of lovers drowning in Lake Van and giving rise to the lament “Akh, Tamar.” Another is the story of King Ara the Beautiful with whom the Queen of Assyria, Semiramis, wanted to wed. He refused her, donned a soldier’s uniform, and was slain in battle. Her attempts to bring him back to life were futile.
The Saturday dinner and dance was held at the nearby Armenian Community Center, with music provided by the local Nigosian Band.
This 41st convention paid honor to Krikor Naregetsi’s 1,000th anniversary. Monsignor Andon Atamian of St. Vartan’s Armenian Catholic Church, internationally noted as an eloquent orator, spoke about Naregatsi and his impact on the world. Even though Naregatsi only spoke Armenian, his work has been translated into 72 languages.
Naregatsi was a great poet, and the pride of the Armenian Church and culture. He came from a very religious family, studied in the vank (monastery), and became a teacher. He devoted himself to a life of contemplation. He lived a holy life and was one of the most educated people of his era. His masterpiece was The Prayer Book of Lamentations, applying to all mankind.
Naregatsi is the elegy of the tortured soul struggling to purify itself. He asks God for mercy. His book is an inspiration to our people in their tragic moments. “Armenia never had another son who soared to the Heavens, the Everest of our minds like Nareg,” said Fr. Andon.
With all its wonderful charitable contributions and maintenance of Armenian cultural life in its many aspects, perhaps the most monumental achievement of the 41st convention was its veneration and commemoration of Krikor Naregatsi, the holy man who spent his entire life in the province of Vasbouragan, mainly in the monastery. He is a true son of Van worthy of every Armenian’s respect and remembrance.
I thank the Avag-Vanigs for bringing this holy man called Krikor Naregatsi to my before-unknown attention, and being gracious hosts to my family.
God has blessed the Vanetsis. Go forward with pride and success.
Betty Apigian-Kessel
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I applaud the Vasbouragan gathering on its success. Being from the east coast, we grew up knowing that Detroit was proud of its Vanetzi roots and that Van was always a source of strength to the Armenian people.
I am certain that the Vanetzi community(especially those wh o have recetly traveled there) is aware of the further developments by the Turkish government with our beloved
Holy Cross church on the Island of Aghtamar. A major event is planned for September 19 witht he installation of a cross on the dome and a Badarak to be said for the first time probably since the genocide.
For sure the Turks have there agenda, trying to squeeze out international goodwill as a benevolent democracy that respects all cultures. This has led many Armenians to react negatively to this event. I believe , that we also must have our agenda and take advantage of this situation. The church must be reconsecrated, open for worship and place under the jurisdiction of the patriachate.
With the love of Van and its history evident in your organization, wouldn’t it be appropriate that several of these Vanetzis be present to symbolically reclaim the santuary where our beloved Khrimian Hairig prayed? When the world is asked the obvious question this fall of” What happened to the parishioners of this beautiful 10th century example of our renown Armenian architecture, let these “sons and daughters” proudly stand and say”We are here represently all who were driven from own beloved Van”
Stepan, thank you for appreciation of my column about the proud Vanetzis. Your additional information was greatly appreciated. Indeed, the Turks finally and thankfully have decided to put our cross back up on the church. They always have ulterior motives, don’t they?
Betty
We also have a very proud Vanetzi group in Central California, every year the group is smaller and smaller while our new Beruitzis and other Armenian immigrants come in. We have a new generation of people who are Armenian from around the world, the food and language differ slightly but it makes for great festivals and events.
Thanks for sharing.