New Children’s Publication, `Gakavig,’ Unveiled
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By Asbarez Staff on Feb 19th, 2010
BURBANK – `Gakavig’ children’s magazine was launched in Los Angeles on
February 3. The unveiling of the magazine was hosted by the `Shoghart
Gallery’ located in Burbank. Among the attendees were representatives
from the community media, Armenian schools, the Western Diocese and
Western Prelacy of the United States as well as friends and supporters
of Gakavig.
`As exciting and pleasant the initiation of such a project can be it
is also a very responsible production, full of future challenges and
obstacles. I fully realize the extent of the responsibility this
venture entails and feel completely ready to overcome them’, says the
managing editor of the magazine and the person behind this project,
Juliette Davtian.
Mistress of Ceremonies Liza Jiguerian-Manoyan welcomed the guests and
invited Rev. Ardag Demirdjian representing Western Prelate Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian and Very Rev. Hovsep Hagopian representing
Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian to perform the official
blessing ceremony of Gakavig.
In her opening remarks Jiguerian-Manoyan welcomed such a long awaited
magazine in the Armenian community wishing Gakavig future success and
growth. She expressed hope that the children’s magazine will reach
every child in the Armenian community and will play its unique role in
the Armenian education of our future generation.
Subsequently, Jiguerian-Manoyan read the congratulatory letter
received from the Armenia’s Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hagopyan who
stated, `During these difficult times I wish you a peaceful path and
successful creative achievement as you have begun the sacred mission
of trying to preserve the Armenian language, the most powerful weapon
of our nation within the hearts of our future generation.’
In her remarks, Davtian said, `If up until a few hours ago Gakavig was
the result of my personal vision and desire, starting from now it
belongs to all of us here and to the entire Armenian community and it
must be everyone’s responsibility to safeguard this magazine and help
in it’s growth and enhancement.’
Davtian expressed her sincere gratitude to the major sponsor of the
magazine, Haigoush Keghinian-Kohler, for her genuine enthusiasm and
input in this project. Davtian declared Keghinian-Kohler the official
godmother of the publication and thanked her for her vision and
guidance. Davtian also also thanked Mr & Mrs Neshan Peroomian for
their financial contribution.
Following the welcoming remarks, the traditional unveiling ceremony
took place with the participation of editors, guests and benefactors
in attendance, who anointed the inaugural issue with wine.
Gakavig is a colorful monthly intended for 3 to 7 year olds. The
magazine has colorful artwork and features stories, poems, riddles,
songs, cut-and-paste projects, children’s cooking projects, a bit of
science, and more. Using classical Armenian spelling, the magazine is
in both Eastern and Western Armenian.
Gakavig is available through several Armenian schools and in Southern
California grocery stores. Subscriptions are available by calling
1-818-548-2438 or writing gakavig@gmail.com.