The Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) and Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) on the evening of Feb. 19 went all out in their efforts to show their appreciation to Edgar Hagopian, a long-time community leader and activist for justice, for his many years of devotion to Armenian communities worldwide.
How do you say “Thank you” to a man who represents every demonstrative characteristic of charity, nobility, humility, and deep love for America as well as for the country of his ancestry, Armenia?
The invitation to pay tribute to Hagopian’s life was extended to the entire metro Detroit Armenian community. Representing their respective communities were Rev. Daron Stepanian of the Prelacy St. Sarkis Armenian Church; Mgr. Andon Atamian of St. Vartan Armenian Catholic Church; and Rev. Makarios Darawi of the Armenian Congregational Church.
We have all benefited from the efforts of the Hagopian family. That is just what it has become—a family effort led by the exemplary effort of both Edgar and wife Sarah Hagopian, the parents of Edmond, Suzanne, and Angela Hagopian Snow who, along with Kenneth Snow, are an integral part of the Hagopian Family Foundation.
Suzanne, accompanied by her sister Angela, read a letter from their father expressing his deep appreciation for the tribute and his regret for not being able to attend because of illness.
His letter explained the importance of the arts in the community and how they had influenced him, and paid tribute to organizations like the TCA.
Hagopian attended Detroit’s famed Cass Tech High School and has been deeply involved with the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Center for Creative Studies, and the Troy Design Center, where he has a showroom.
His 10,000 square ft. Birmingham “Hagopian World of Rugs and Cleaning Services” showroom, one of several, is a stand out in the profession where magnificent Oriental rugs are prominently displayed in oversized windows.
Among many of his very important endeavors is an annual essay contest for area high schools on the subject of the Armenian Genocide. Winners are awarded cash prizes at the April 24th commemoration.
His showroom hosts book signings and lectures followed with refreshments. When asked if he is concerned about guests roaming among his fabulous expensive rugs with food and drink, he just shrugs and says “No,” another indicator of the importance he feels to bring people together under any circumstance.
He has hosted Armenian authors Tom Mooradian, Peter Balakian, George Mooradian, and Mitch Kehetian, and Turkish author Kemal Yalchin, among many others. Once a month on Friday evenings the showroom is filled with music lovers listening to live performances by area classical musicians.
Edmond Azadian, in presenting a plaque to Suzanne and Angela in honor of their father, had this to say: “Edgar Hagopian is a man of distinction and a legend in his own day. The time has come for us to pay tribute to a person who has given so much of himself to the Detroit Armenian community, raising our profile on the national map.”
“He is with us and our prayers are with him, well represented by his daughters. Edgar Hagopian stands among other generous men who have contributed admirably to Detroit’s reputation. His generosity matches his wisdom and leadership skills. He is a political activist, benefactor, humanitarian, and cultural icon, humble, knowing how to be on a level with everyone, standing tall. He projects the Armenian profile throughout the political scene in Michigan and beyond.”
For all his contributions, generosity, and leadership, we had only a simple moment to present to him a symbol that says it all—our purest love, warmest respect, and heartfelt wishes. Because Edgar you are a MAN, with all capital letters.
The celebration for “Man of the Year” was held in the beautiful Cultural Hall of the Diocese’s St. John’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Southfield. Those who have visited our area know that the hall comprises just part of the complex serving the community. It is the signature gold-dome of the church that is so easily recognizable to passersby and high-flying planes alike. It is a landmark piece of architecture, harking back to the cathedrals of ancient Armenia.
It was the perfect setting for Hagopian’s event, a man who should be called a prince among men. He would never approve of that title because he remains an influential individual without actually wielding that power like an authoritarian. He does it with calm reason, not with a sword. Hagopian is a visionary, whose biggest dream is to see the Armenian community united in his lifetime.
Are we capable of giving unity to the man who has given so much to Armenians all over the world?
The Tekeyans, the ADL, and the 175 guests who came to pay tribute to Hagopian certainly made a grand gesture that evening in their love for him. The ambience of dimmed shimmering crystal chandeliers, white linen-clad tables centered with tea lights, and vases filled with branches creatively trimmed with sweets, was just the beginning of the pampering that guests experienced all evening. An attentive wait staff served an especially thought-out six-course menu featuring an Armenian and international gourmet dinner, accompanied by an open bar. Fabulous dessert cakes were provided by Mr. And Mrs. Hassan Bahceli.
In the printed program forward, TCA chairwoman Nora Azadian “extended a warm welcome to esteemed guests helping Armenia to survive by their attendance.” The TCA’s project, she said, is education, sponsoring four schools in Armenia and one in Karabagh under the “Sponsor a Teacher” program. It has thus far provided $400,000 in total grants, including funds to deserving orphans to enroll in college.
Mistress of ceremonies Diana Alexanian graciously welcomed the guests, thanking them for making the evening such a success. She followed by explaining that the TCA was founded in 1947 and was named after the famous Armenian poet Vahan Tekeyan. “The group operates in 17 countries with its beginnings in the U.S. and has chapters worldwide. We support Armenian cultural and social centers, schools, weekly newspapers, radio, and TV programs.”
Alexanian invited Pastor Darawi to bless the dinner. In his comments, Rev. Darawi acknowledged Hagopian’s many contributions and support, and sent him a special blessing of comfort and love.
Strolling virtuoso violinist Henrik Karapetian provided background music for dining enjoyment. An added attraction was the coffee cup reading by Vartoug Karadolian. A private booth was provided for those seeking to have their fortune read. She was a popular addition to an already successful event. Lively after-dinner dancing music was provided by popular area violinist Harry Hovagimian and vocalist Marina.
It takes a lot of people to organize and pull off a successful event of this capacity. Mentioning just a few here: Program chairperson and ADL chairman, Hagop (Captain) Alexanian; Ara Belian, banquet chairperson; gourmet dinner committee members Yeretsgin Roberta Kochakian, Nadya Sarafian, Nadya Vaporciyan, Zabel Belian, Marina Arakchyan, and Nora Azadian. Karen Koundakjian masterfully fulfilled her role in the daunting task of maneuvering table reservations.
It’s true, just as Edgar Hagopian says in his trademark TV commercials, “Hagopian: To know us is to love us.” It is a family affair with all the family being involved in the business.
All of us extend to Sarah and Edgar Hagopian our thanks for their life-time of community service, leading the way on how to be exemplary citizens worthy of the work ethic they inherited from their immigrant parents—with their love for their adopted country of America and their absolute love for all things Armenians.
Nothing more can be asked from any human being.
Betty Apigian-Kessel
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