WASHINGTON—Last month, the Knights of Vartan (KOV) Ani Lodge #21 and Daughters of Vartan Dikranouhi Otyag held two special events as part of their annual Vartanantz Day celebration. On Sun., Feb. 3, the Hamasdegh School at Soorp Khatch Armenian Church hosted the Knights and Daughters of Vartan for the first performance of a play on the historic Battle of Avarayr. The following Sunday, Feb. 10, the Shnorhali School at St. Mary Armenian Church hosted the second performance of the play. The Dikranouhi Otyag hosted the receptions at both churches and provided special gifts for the school children.
“It was a great educational opportunity for our Shnorhali School children to see an important part of Armenian history presented in an entertaining way with great taste and enthusiasm,” stated Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetian, pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church. “The history and events surrounding the Vartanantz battle have inspired many generations to keep the spirit of Armenian patriotism and treasures of our Apostolic faith unshaken and alive.”
The play featured Nishan Dulgerian as Persian King Hazgert II, Ani Lodge Commander Jake Bournazian as Prince Vassag of Syunik, Taniel Koushakjian as Armenian Army General Vartan Mamigonian, Richard Vann as Ghevont Yeretz, and Seda Gelenian as narrator. More than 150 people attended the performances, including the school children, who were excited to see one of their Armenian history book stories come to life.
“The Knights of Vartan have a special role in educating each generation of Armenians about the courage and sacrifice of the Armenians who fought and died against overwhelming odds in the Battle of Avarayr so that today Armenians can worship and live as a free and independent people,” Bournazian said.
Armenians commemorate Vartan Mamigonian who died in the Battle of Avarayr on May 26, 451 A.D. on the Avarayr plain in Vaspurakan. Around 66,000 Armenian rebel soldiers, driven by a desire to save their religion, the Armenian culture, and their way of life, fought against 260,000 Persian soldiers and 20,000 Armenian loyalists to the Persian emperor. Although the Persians were victorious on the battlefield, the Armenian soldiers inflicted heavy casualties on the Persians. In the Battle of Avarayr, 38,000 Armenian soldiers were killed and 1,036 captured, and 130,000 Persian and 3,544 Armenian loyalists soldiers were killed. Armenian resistance continued in the decades following the battle, led by Vartan’s successor and nephew Vahan Mamigonian. The Armenians were eventually guaranteed religious freedom by Shah Peroz I in 484 A.D.
The Knights and Daughters were especially pleased by the hospitable and warm receptions displayed by the leadership and parishioners at both the Soorp Khatch and St. Mary Armenian Churches. It was also a delightful way for the Knights to bring Armenian history to life while having a little fun showcasing their inner Broadway talents.
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