Armenian Relief Society, Inc.
Telephone: 617-926-5892
Central Office
Fax: 617-926-4855
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact person: Hamesd Beugekian
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
Date: April 10, 2008
Opening of ARS Office in Georgia
On April 7, 2008, took place the opening of Armenian Relief Society’s
regional office in Akhalqalaq, Georgia. Coinciding with Mothers Day, the
opening ceremony was attended by the Locum Tenens Prelate of the
Georgian See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Reverent Father
Babken Salbyian; Reverent Father Samuel Torosian; Member of the Georgian
Parliament, Hamlet Movsysian; The Mayor of Akharqalaq, the Honorable
Ararat Gamalian; Akhalqalaq Police Chief, Samuel Petrosian; Chief
Physician of the Akhalqalaq Hospital, Dr. Alexander Torosian; regional
representatives of educational, labor union, and other centers;
directors of schools and financial institutions, as well as ARS members
>From Akhalqalaq, Ninotsminta and Akhaltskha.
The ribbon on the entrance of the Office was cut by ARS Central
Executive Board Chairperson, Hasmig Derderian — who was in the country
for this occasion — following which, Locum Tenens Prelate Father Babken
Salbyian blessed the premises and, addressing the gathering, stated,
that the Armenians of Javakhq truly appreciate all those, who even
merely think and worry about their needs. He affirmed, that this newly
opened ARS office will be a home full of warmth for the Armenians of
Javakhq. In a brief statement, Chairperson of ARS/Georgia, Karineh
Tadevosian, assured the audience, that at last, with the reality of the
ARS Javakhq office, the Society’s activities will be accelerated like
never before. Then, she invited the ARS, Inc. Chairperson to address the
gathering.
After expressing her satisfaction for the opening of the ARS Javakhq
office, and a brief synopsis of global activities and mission of the
ARS, Mrs. Derderian pointed out, that the newly inaugurated ARS office
in Akhalqalaq will be "that warm abode, where every Armenian will feel
safe, finding a sympathetic ear to personal problems." She added, that,
"it is a genuine source of pride to us, not only the duty of presiding
over the opening of a new ARS office, but the knowledge, that this is a
center of service to our people, where the global ARS structure will do
its utmost to wipe the tear of a mother in distress, to lessen the pain
of a traumatized child, to watch Armenian youth sing and dance, and to
turn the spotlight on Javakhq for all ARS members to see and be aware
of."
After the Chairperson’s words, Georgian Parliament member, Hamlet
Movsysian addressed the gathering with words of welcome and greetings,
followed by other personalities’ congratulatory expressions, after
which, drinks and pastries were served.
On their visit to Javakhq, the ARS. Inc. Chairperson and the Executive
Director visited the Akhaltskha and Akhalqalaq Youth Centers,
established with the efforts of the ARS Javakhq Development Committee,
the Tzughrit Village and its ARS Health Center, where they had a working
session with the Executive body of ARS/Georgia. They met with the Locum
Tenens Prelate of the Georgian See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the
Reverent Father Babken Salbyian; and paid a visit to the Akhalqalaq
Hospital, where through the efforts the ARS Javakhq Development
Committee, there now exist all necessary medical equipment and a Dental
Health center.
The ARS