Aghjayan Outlines ANC Agenda in Merrimack Valley

CHELMSFORD, Mass.—George Aghjayan remembers the past with fond recollection.

ANCA Eastern Region chair George Aghjayan, center, is flanked by Merrimack Valley ANC co-chairs Aram Jeknavorian, left, and Ara Jeknavorian, right.

He recalls his connection to Merrimack Valley and especially his long-time friendship and respect for late Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) activist Bill Mesrobian.

“Bill was one of my mentors who led the local ANCA for so many years—a dedicated activist, leader, and inspiration to me personally,” Aghjayan traced back. “He touched the lives of so many people. His efforts will never be forgotten.”

Aghjayan has his own agenda these days as newly appointed chair of the ANCA Eastern Region.

One of his appearances came during a Merrimack Valley fundraising reception hosted by Armen and Sossy Jeknavorian March 24.

Close to 40 people showed up for the event, raising $3,800 for the local chapter. The sum included a $1,000 gift from Aghjayan in memory of Mesrobian. The evening also drew an appearance by cellist Sevan Sarian.

Co-chairs Aram and Ara Jeknavorian welcomed and thanked supporters for their donations and pledges. The local chapter continues to remain active with projects and legislative issues. A pan-Armenian Genocide commemoration and procession are planned for April 21 in downtown Lowell.

Aghjayan presented a brief talk on the ANCA, encouraging fresh enthusiasm into the organization.

Priests from three different churches turned out for an ANCA fundraising reception March 24 in Merrimack Valley. (R-L) Der Khachatur Kesablyan, Der Karekin Bedourian, and Der Vart Gyozalian, joined by Yeretsgin Pauline Kassabian, and Merrimack Valley ANC co-chairs Ara Jeknavorian and Armen Jeknavorian.

“We’ve met with successes and setbacks over the past year but our determined march toward justice continues,” he said. “I challenge each of you to participate in that mission.”

Aghjayan said it’s a mistake to assume that just because the ANCA has not reached our ultimate goal, that it has not achieved anything or that the approach is misguided.

“Even our occasional setbacks can be tied to the tremendous gains we’ve made over the past 50 years,” he pointed out. “The principal stand we’ve taken over the past decade against such anti-Armenian initiatives as TARC and the Armenian-Turkish protocols clearly show the ANCA is the leading advocacy group representing Armenian Americans.”

Pastors from three different Apostolic Churches joined together in prayer and fraternity: Der Karekin Bedourian, St. Gregory Church, North Andover; Der Khachatur Kesablyan, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford; and Der Vart Gyozalian, Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Haverhill.

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian is a retired journalist with the Haverhill Gazette, where he spent 40 years as an award-winning writer and photographer. He has volunteered his services for the past 46 years as a columnist and correspondent with the Armenian Weekly, where his pet project was the publication of a special issue of the AYF Olympics each September.
Tom Vartabedian

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