May 30, 2018
AGBU Asbeds with Archbishop Hovnan Derderian (center)
On Thursday, May 22, 2018, a celebration dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia was hosted by the AGBU Asbeds and the Archbishop of the Western Diocese of the United States, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, at the Zorayan Museum of the Ghevondyants Cathedral.
After the opening prayer, Father Nerses Hayrapetyan invited the Chairman of the AGBU Asbeds, Harry Sinanian, to address the audience with his welcome speech.
AGBU Asbeds Chair, Harry Sinanian
The speaker of the day was Director of the Yerevan Genocide Museum-Institute and Doctor of Historical Sciences, Dr. Hayk Demoyan. Dr. Demoyan touched upon the general situation of the Armenian people from 1918-1923, the Battle of Sardarapat and the First Republic of Armenia. The audience then watched a short documentary.
Dr. Hayk Demoyan
In his blessing speech, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian highly praised Dr. Hayk Demoyan’s work and great contribution. His Holiness also thanked the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s Asbeds for organizing and sponsoring the day’s program. The Archbishop reminded the audience of the of Catholicos Gevorg the 5th, the blessed pontiff that encouraged the soldiers to go to the battlefield and fight for the homeland, as well as the words of Garegin Hovsepyan, “I have come to kiss your forehead so that you save Armenia.” His Holiness recognized the heroic battle of Sardarapat as a vivid example of sacrifice for the homeland.
Sosi and Salpy Kirkonians
The mother-daughter musician duo, Salpi and Sosi Kirkonians, filled the room with their beautiful flute and harp sounds at the close of the evening.