Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization
1901 N. Allen Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001
626.296.2921 (Office)
626.296.2922 (Fax)
Email: Nor-or@sbcglobal.net

September 20, 2006
For Immediate Release

Presentation of Ara Aharonian’s "Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen" and
"Heroic Figures of A.D.L."

HOLLYWOOD- On Sunday, September 10, 2006 the Western District
Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization (Ramgavar
Party) organized a successful program to celebrate the publication
of "Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen" (The Path of the Devotees) and "Heroic
Figures of A.D.L." at the Tekeyan Cultural Assocation Arshag Dikranian
School, in Hollywood, California. Under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church, the two new works by the author and chairman of
the Western District Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal
Organization, Ara Aharonian, were adeptly presented along with songs
and recitations.

Hratch Sepetjian, an instructor at the A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirjian
School in Canoga Park and member of the Nor Or weekly editorial staff,
served as the master of ceremonies. Sepetjian warmly welcomed the
audience to the book presentation and presented some biographical
information on the featured author.

Sepetjian introduced Carl Bardakian to present Ara Aharonian’s
"Heroic Figures of A.D.L." Bardakian stated that with this
publication, more information is now available to Armenian and
non-Armenian students and scholars about nine patriotic men who
have earned their rightful place in the history of the A.D.L. and
Armenian nation. He noted how Aharonian lucidly describes the lives of
Megerdich Avedisian, Mihran Damadian, Mkho Shahen, Armenag Yegarian,
Abah Bedrossian, Roupen Herian, Yesayi Yaghoubian, Sebouh and Captain
Jim Chankalian. Bardakian credited Aris Sevag, managing editor of
The Armenian Reporter International weekly newspaper in New York,
for his precise translation of "Heroic Figures of A.D.L."

As part of his presentation, Bardakian focused on the life of Captain
Jim Chankalian, who, unbeknownst to many, was named a Captain in the
United States Army for his service during the Spanish-American War
in 1898 and later served the A.D.L., A.G.B.U. and Armenian Church
with great distinction and honor until his death on May 10, 1947.

Featured keynote speaker, Dr. Minas Kojayan, renowned instructor of
Armenian language and literature at the A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirjian
School and member of the Nor Or weekly editorial staff, eloquently
presented Ara Aharonian’s "Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen". Kojayan spoke of
the need for more publications about the history and leadership of the
A.D.L. He indicated that Aharonian’s works are an important step in the
right direction to prepare additional literature. Kojayan noted that a
vast group of biographies were represented in this work ranging from
Arshag Chobanian, Vahan Tekeyan and Hratch Yervant to Kaspar Menag,
Hampartsoom Berberian and Kersam Aharonian. Kojayan stated that in
"Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen", Aharonian continually demonstrates in
his writings the strong ties between the A.D.L. and the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the
Armenian nation.

Dr. Raffi Balian, vice-chairman of the Western District Committee
of A.D.L, articulately presented the official message of the Western
District Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization.
He congratulated Ara Aharonian for his new works. Balian reminded
the audience of the formal merger and establishment of the Ramgavar
Azadagan Goosaktsootyoon [Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization]
in Constantinople in 1921. He also spoke of the A.D.L.’s solidarity
with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Balian’s insightful remarks
noted the ties between the Armenian people and Armenian nation from
the birth of the A.D.L. to the present.

Harutyun Kojoyan, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in
Los Angeles, briefly addressed the audience. In his remarks, he warmly
congratulated the author. He also spoke of the need for Aharonian’s
books to be distributed to students not just in the Diaspora, but in
Armenia as well.

Armine Shaklian and Arsho Azadian passionately recited works of poetry
intermittently throughout the evening. Shaklian’s recitation of Kevork
Emin’s "Menk" and "Sassountzineree Baruh" and Azadian’s recitation
of Vahan Tekeyan’s "Beedee Eenas" were equally impressive. Shaklian,
is the granddaughter of Aris Shaklian, who was a prominent A.D.L. and
A.G.B.U. educator and author in Syria, who eventually repatriated to
Armenia. Tavit Samuelian, accompanied by Aram Lepedjian on the piano,
sang a number of patriotic songs.

Ara Aharonian thanked the Western District Committee of the Armenian
Democratic Liberal Organization for organizing a memorable evening
and all of those present. The author also thanked his wife, Diana,
and his father, Paylag, for their support and encouragement, as well
as those in attendance.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, commended Ara
Aharonian for his two new publications. He noted Aharonian’s work in
the community and encouraged him to continue in his dedicated service
and literary work. He also congratulated the Western District Committee
of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization for organizing the
event. The program culminated with the traditional dousing of wine
on the two new books (kinetson), led by the Primate and with the
participation of the clergy in attendance and program participants. The
program concluded with the final benediction by the Primate.