ARS ‘Agnouni’ Chapter Celebrates Mother’s Day with Annual Luncheon

The annual Mother’s Day Luncheon sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) “Agnouni” Chapter of New Jersey is always an event not to be missed, and this held true again this year when on Wed., May 15, close to 100 supporters attended the luncheon at the elegant Waterside restaurant in North Bergen, N.J., located on the edge of Hudson river across from Manhattan.

Knar Apkarian, an ARS “Agnouni” member and one of the founders of the chapter, served as the afternoon mistress of ceremonies. The Ungerouhi warmly welcomed the guests who were seated at the flower bedecked tables of the banquet hall, enjoying breathtaking views of New York city’s skyline.

After opening the evening with the ARS anthem, Apkarian invited Yeretsgeen Ani Bozoian to bless the tables. Following a delicious luncheon, Apkarian noted that the chapter was pleased to honor Hourig Papazian Sahagian, whose late mother, Arpy Papazian, was one of the founders of the chapter and acted as its Godmother.

Apkarian then invited the “Agnouni” Chapter’s chair, Talin Daghlian, “a very well-known Ungerouhi and an active member of ARS family and our community,” to speak.

Daghlian welcomed the guests, and noted, “Our community has always been supportive of the annual Mother’s Day event; however, the chapter is privileged to have among its guests, family members and friends of Mrs. Hourig Papazian Sahagian, this year’s honoree.”

Addressing the honoree, Daghlian said, “This year’s turnout is testimony to the love and respect the New Jersey community has for you.”

Daghlian went on to give a brief history of the “Agnouni” Chapter, stating, “our chapter was established on Oct. 21, 1978, with 11 dedicated and selfless Armenian women.”

“Thanks to Ungerouhi Arpy Papazian’s leadership, devotion, and experience, this chapter started following in the footsteps of its ARS members, getting stronger as the years went by,” she said. “And I cannot find a better way to celebrate Mothers’ day other than to honor and show our appreciation to them. We believe mothers are the most treasured gifts given to us from God.”

“We are gathered here today to honor Ungerouhi Papazian’s memory, and her selfless commitment and dedication to the ARS and her community, by honoring her daughter, Mrs. Hourig Papazian Sahagian. Mrs. Sahagian has been a long- standing member of the Armenian community, admired and loved for her unwavering commitment and devotion to her family, and community.”

The guests enjoyed a poem recitation dedicated to all mothers by Zivart Balikjian and were delighted with a musical interlude by the young Armenian pianist Ani Mouradian. Both performances were greeted with thunderous applause.

Apkarian invited Papazian Sahagian to the podium and presented her with the ARS pin; a certificate for her dedication was presented to her by Suzy Azarian, the vice-chair of the ARS Eastern USA Board of Directors, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented by Daghlian.

Papazian Sahagian thanked the chapter, remembered her mother, who she said has served as an inspiration throughout her life, and spoke about the history of the ARS.

“We are also honoring our members who have served the ARS for over 25 years,” Apkarian said, as those members were presented with special silver pins and certificates of acknowledgement from the ARS Board of Directors.

She continued, “The founders of the chapter are the following Ungerouhis: Sirvart Akilian, Knar Apkarian, Kathy Der Ohannessian, Araxi Hassekian, Lucy Keomurjian, Marie Markarian, Arpie Nerkizian, Rosette Terjnian, and the late MarieJean Aynedjian.”

“Members who have served the ARS for more than 25 years are Ungerouhis Marina Babikian, Talin Daghlian, Sossie Galian, Rose Jolakian, Nazelie Keshishian, Ani Krichian, Lousin Sarian, Jacqueline Stamboulian, Zepure Tekeyan, Maral Bezdjian, and Silva Dermenjian.”

Azarian thanked the “Agnouni” Chapter and congratulated Papazian Sahagian and all of the members who were honored. She then recited Baruyr Sevag’s moving and inspirational poem “ A Mother’s Hands” in English.

Vana Alashaian and Marina Tarpinian led the enthusiastic raffle drawing, and with the help of other chapter members distributed 30 elegant prizes to the winners.

Members then distributed beautiful souvenir gifts to the attendees, bringing the inspiring afternoon to an end.

Apkarian thanked the guests; the members, for their tireless hours to make this and other events a success; Marina Babikian for the beautiful centerpieces; Narine Daghlian Mamalian for the beautiful souvenir gifts presented to the guests; all of the supporters; and finally the generous donors of the raffle prizes.

As usual, it was a memorable afternoon and a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration.