Chicago ‘Zabelle’ Celebrates ARS Centennial
On Sat., Sept. 11, more than 150 members of the Chicago community joined the “Zabelle” Chapter to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) and the 97th anniversary of the chapter. The event took place at the Crystal Palace Banquet Hall in Mount Vernon, Ill.
The host for the evening, Arpy Killian, welcomed the crowd and clergy, which included Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian of St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church in Racine and Archpriest Zareh Sahakian of All Saints Armenian Church in Glenview, and acknowledged special guests in the audience, namely Angele Manoogian, the chairperson of the ARS Eastern Region Centennial Committee and keynote speaker, and representatives from organizations like the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), the Homenetmen, the Hamazkayin, and the All Saints Armenian Church Board of Trustees.
Vikki Kokuzian and Nathalie Papazian opened the program by singing the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, and the anthem of the ARS, “Kailerk H.O.M.-i.” Attendees were shown a short video presentation by the ARS Eastern Region titled “100 Years of Service,” in which ARS Eastern Region chairperson Muriel Parseghian details the international humanitarian work of the organization.
Killian noted that the organization’s founding members had a noble idea in forming the ARS, which allowed Armenians in the diaspora to keep their Armenian identity, language, and culture, and to provide social support to communities here and abroad. Lena Surenian, the treasurer of the “Zabelle” Chapter, then read the Encyclical of His Holiness Aram I on the occasion of the ARS Centennial.
The evening peaked with the keynote address by Angele Manoogian, who focused on the future of the ARS and the exemplary character of the ARS member. “We have one foot firmly planted in the modern world while the other one rests on the strong traditions that have been handed down to us by the founders of this great organization,” she noted. Traditionally, ARS members have been women, and the organization has been built on women as role models who contribute significantly to their communities through volunteerism, both financially and intellectually. The ARS, however, represents more than local activities; it is a global humanitarian organization that operates in more than 19 countries. Furthermore, it represents social justice and a voice, support, and assistance for those in need. “If you love your ancestral homeland and want to make sure it thrives among the countries of this world, then we are the organization for you,” Manoogian told the crowd.
After the keynote speech, Killian introduced the president of the Chicago chapter, Sona Akellian, who had a surprise announcement. She built anticipation in the room by announcing a special appreciation award to be given to a member of the Chicago community who has worked tirelessly for the ARS. With great pleasure, Akellian acknowledged Hovig Alexanian, who for decades has donated his time and efforts in design and printing with a smile. In the spirit of gratitude on behalf of the “Zabelle” Chapter, Akellian announced another award from the chapter—to Angele Manoogian for her commitment to the organization and for being a model for all members in serving the ARS.
The evening concluded with the spirited, lively, and talented violinist and composer Harry Hovakimian of Detroit. Known as the “one-man band,” Hovakimian opened his presentation with Gomidas, then wildly entertained the crowd with Armenian, Greek, French, and Romanian selections. The Centennial celebration then took to the dance floor.
