By Silva Santerian
The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) “Ani” Chapter hosted a Centennial Celebration Luncheon on Sun., May 22, at Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church. The event, which welcomed nearly 200 ARS members, family, and friends, was held in the newly completed and beautifully adorned Founders Hall.
Photos of past members adorned the entrance to the luncheon, reminding guests of the ungerouhis who served before. The luncheon was dedicated to the blessed memory of Virginia Tourigian, a lifelong member of the ARS.
Shnohik Karakelian, the chairperson of the ARS “Ani” Chapter, welcomed the audience and remembered the past members of the chapter. Guests stood as each ungerouhi and unger was remembered. Silva Kouyoumjian, the chairperson of the Board of Regional Directors, and Caroline Chamavonian, addressed the crowd as representatives of the Regional ARS.
Among the guests were Der Nerces and Yr. Nectar Manoogian, as well as Sister Hripsime Cheftalian of the Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Radnor, Pa., and Mother General Keshishian of the Sisters of Immaculate Conception in Rome.
The day was both a tribute to those who have passed as well as a celebration of new members who were inducted into the chapter at the luncheon. Current Ani Chapter ungerouhis passed lit candles decorated with blue ribbons to the new members as they prepared to take their oath. Fifteen new members became ungerouhis: Ashkhen Setrakian, Karen Kludjian, Silva Santerian, Nora Babaian, Sossi Avrigian, Nora Sarkahian, Mari Degirmenci, Verjeen Kazanjian, Haigoush Karakelian, Nelly Handian, Diane Vosbikian, and Talene Aboshian. Unable to attend that day were new members Kristen Martha, Dori Keshgegian, and Zovig Parseghian.
Following a delicious buffet, guests were treated to a spectacular dance performance by the AghTamar Dance Ensemble. Members of the ensemble had traveled from New Jersey and wowed the crowd with their captivating performance. The finale, which featured the entire group unraveling the Armenian flag, launched all into a flurry of applause and cheers.
The day was a celebration that honored the past while promoting the future. The Armenian Relief Society works tirelessly to aid those who need it most. The organization is exemplary in its relief efforts and, with the inspiration of those ungerouhis who have passed coupled with the wisdom and dedication of the current members, there is no doubt that this wonderful organization will continue to thrive.
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