AGBU Press Office
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PRESS RELEASE
  
Thursday, 

AGBU President Berge Setrakian’s Global Message for April 24th and 115th 
Anniversary of the Organization
  
For 115 years, AGBU has consistently responded to the needs of Armenians across 
the globe, while serving the Armenian homeland through both painful and 
promising times. We mark this significant milestone as it coincides this month 
with Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day, reminding the world of one of the 
darkest hours in the history of humankind. 

Both occasions have a more profound meaning this year as we emerge from a period 
of great devastation for the Armenian people—one in which we witnessed similar 
human tragedies and sorrows from over a century ago. 

As we take this moment to acknowledge our troubled yet rich history, we shift 
our focus to the future. Even as we confront our new common reality, we must 
remain steadfast in unifying our nation, in healing our wounds, supporting one 
another, and spurring a fresh start.  That means building and supporting our 
young democracy through fair and competitive elections. This is vital to moving 
forward united in purpose. We also must stand in solidarity with the people of 
Armenia and Artsakh who lost family members in battle or still wait to reunite 
with their loved ones in the aftermath of the 44-Day Artsakh War. 

AGBU has always been committed to the main pillars of its mission: humanitarian 
relief in times of need; nation building in Armenia; and, of course, the broad 
areas of education and cultural enrichment. We have stood by our Armenian 
Church, the bastion of faith and community for millennia and the future. And, as 
tomorrow unfolds, AGBU will again step in at pivotal moments to serve the 
greater good, just as we have in recent years in Syria, Lebanon and Artsakh to 
meet the dire humanitarian needs resulting from war, disaster and health and 
financial crises. 

We appeal to our leadership, volunteers, supporters and friends across the globe 
to join us in meeting the enormous challenges ahead by seizing opportunities to 
build a better future for Armenians everywhere. We especially commend our 
younger generation of civic-minded leaders who inspire us with their passion for 
serving our global community and we encourage more young people to join this 
growing movement. AGBU will proudly lead by example as we welcome those from all 
walks of life who share our values and mission into our global Armenian family. 

With a mind to initiating and expanding sustainable programs combined with the 
right focus and foresight, we will end this difficult chapter in Armenian 
history with Armenia emerging stronger, more confident, and better positioned to 
take its rightful place on the world stage.

In unity is strength.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit 
organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, 
cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a 
difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the 
Armenian diaspora.  Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: 
to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit 

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