NATIONAL BENEFACTORS ALEX AND MARIE MANOOGIANS TOOK THEIR LAST REFUGE IN THE HOLY ECHMIADZIN’S TREASURY HOUSE
By Marieta Khachatrian

AZG Armenian Daily #135
Social
19/07/2007

On July 17, in the Holy Echmiatsin took place the re-funeral of
the long-term Chairman of the Armenian General Benevolent Union,
national hero and national benefactor Alex Manoogian and his spouse
Marie Manoogian.

Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II spoke about the invaluable
deeds and charities of Alex and Marie Manoogians, which could be a
good example for other Armenians.

RA President Robert Kocharian, Prime Minister Serj Sargsian, NA
Chairman Tigran Torosian, other representatives of RA Government,
members of Armenian General Benevolent Union’s Central Committee,
churchmen of high rank and many intellectuals were present at the
ceremony. At 10.00 a.m. near the open sacristy were put the coffins
of the benefactors.

Garegin II did the funeral service after which the funeral procession,
formed from the representatives of RA authorities and priesthood, our
compatriots from Diaspora and members of Manoogian family, walked to
the treasury house, where the funeral was conducted with the prayers
of His Holiness.

The ashes of the benefactors were brought from Detroit on July 13
and put in St. Gayane Church.

The members of Manoogian family: the benefactors’ daughter Louise
Simon Manoogian and the son Richard Manoogian were excited.

"Our parents’ desire was to be buried in the motherland", Richard
Manoogian told the journalists.

During the Government members’ reception in the patriarchate Richard
Manoogian shared his emotions, "Their souls had already flied in the
motherland, and today their bodies came to unite their souls. The
body and the soul in the motherland – it is repatriation".

The Chairman of Diaspora Committee (in the USSR time) Karlen Dallakian,
who cooperated with the Manoogians told in his speech, "Alex Manoogian
is really one of the biggest figures and thinkers of his time.

Fortunately, he was a thinker and at the same time, he had
opportunities to realize his ideas. Alex Manoogian preserved the
Diaspora; the same does Louise today.

Born and brought up in Izmir, Alex Manoogian, who appeared in USA only
having $50 in his pocket, not only affirmed himself and his business,
but also left the perceptible part of his business and property at
the disposal of the Armenian school and culture – not only in Diaspora
but also in the motherland".

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress