Author: Babken Chilingarian

BY DICKRAN KHODANIAN AND VERGINIE TOULOUMIAN

PICTURE THIS: Armenian youth across the U.S. have gathered at the Hairenik Hall in Boston on a Friday night in June of 1934. Legendary statesman and military strategist Karekin Njdeh and former Justice Minister of the First Republic of Armenia and, at the time, the editor of the Hairenik Daily Newspaper Rupen Tarpinian deliver remarks after the singing of “Harach Nahadag” concludes. In the midst of the gathering, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee of America gifts the youth in attendance a tricolor flag in a time where no independent republic existed.

This is the first Convention of the Armenian Youth Federation (formerly known as Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s Tzeghagrons until 1941). This gathering democratically set the foundation of the organization by adopting an initial name, anthem, programs, aims of the organization and also elected the first AYF Central Executive body (Hamparsoum Gelanian, John Der Hovanessian, Hagop Hagopian, Arthur Giragosian and K. Merton Bozoian).

As the AYF enters its 85th year, it is important to take a step back in order to genuinely understand the climate during its foundation. In the 1930s, young Armenians were galvanizing under the leadership of Njdeh to address the challenges of their communities as well as their homeland abroad. The Armenian community in the United States was a few decades old yet cultural assimilation was a central topic of discussion. The First Republic of Armenia had succumbed to the Soviet Union and was nowhere near its independence and Kemalist Turkey was in full force, yet the treatment of Armenians in the empire remained the same.

When the concept of the AYF came into being, the memories of the Armenian Genocide were still haunting its survivors who had witnessed the horrific events. As a people, we were traumatized, disheartened, and discouraged, given the fact that we had survived a genocide and declared an independent republic only to later have it become part of the Soviet Union while Ataturk’s Turkey played no mercy on the remaining Armenians left in Turkey.

Then, with the Immigration Act of 1924 placing strict limits on the number of immigrants, including Armenians, that could arrive to America, followed by the Great Depression of 1929 that affected the world, Armenians were in no easy position to rise up and unite to fight for the Armenian Cause. Many were struggling to adjust to their new life on foreign soil. Therefore, it was an absolute necessity for the diaspora in America to cultivate an identity and mobilize. It was also imperative that the youth came together to garner the support and strength that was needed to pursue the path of justice for the Armenian Cause. Hence, that mission was given to one noble man, who was a proven leader in Armenia and abroad. It was General Njdeh who was assigned this responsibility and it was Njdeh who defied all odds and became the central architect.
Now flackback, April, 1933, just three months after the decision of the ARF Central Committee of America to create a national youth organization, Njdeh arrives in Boston as a fieldworker as announced in the Hairenik Daily.

His arrival is followed by a cross country tour to preach to the masses and encourage the youth to mobilize. He was tasked to revive spirits of those who were trying to preserve Armenian traditions and were trying to strengthen their loyalties to the free world. Shortly thereafter, we see headlines in the Hairenik Daily of new chapters of Tzeghagrons being created in their respective cities. Simultaneously, Njdeh’s writings, published in a series from 1933-1934, were aimed at addressing the upcoming generation of Armenian youth in America.

In the year and a half he was in America, close to 40 chapters had already been formed from coast to coast (see table for chapters and membership numbers). Njdeh’s charisma and bold demeanor inspired throngs of youth to take action and set a legacy for generations to follow.

The first Convention essentially set the foundation of the AYF that generations of youth would follow and still continue to follow today. The article of Convention describes the hall decorated with Armenian colors and the photographs of Kristapor Mikaelian, Simon Zavarian, and Stepan “Rosdom” Zorian. In addition to Njdeh and Tarpinian, representatives of the Armenian Relief Society and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation were present to deliver their remarks. Songs were sung, poetry was recited, and live Armenian music was played.

Njdeh began his remarks by defining Tzeghagronutyun, which he explained was putting Armenianness above all since he believed that it was the unifying factor for Armenians everywhere. “In America, the Tzeghagron movement has officially found its path,” he concluded. In his turn, Tarpinian announced that the work of this new generation revolves around three factors; keeping the future generations Armenian, fighting for our nationalistic goals and values, and developing the Tzeghagron movement.

What started with couple of chapters in the United States, the Armenian Youth Federation in no time became a prominent international youth organization functioning in all countries that have a diasporan community. The ranks of the Armenian Youth Federation are living examples of devotion and commitment to our national goals. And although each region has its own set of programs and actions, the love for the homeland, the unique camaraderie, and the AYF mission unites these youth groups under one noble mission. In a June 7th, 1934 article M. Vrouyr ends by stating how a 12-year old Anahid Chaderdjian said how she wishes that future conventions are held in the homeland. Unfortunately, many AYF ungers did not see the revival of the Armenian statehood, like they had worked for during their lifetime. However, their successors, have been able to live in an era where aside from making Armenia a location for Youth Organizational meetings, programs are carried out to give an opportunity for diasporan Armenians to interact with local youth, a place where several members and alumni have repatriated to, and a homeland where the Youth can make a direct impact to. To the AYF member, the homeland is not just an unrealistic dream or the “land of our forefathers,” instead today they too consider themselves strong pillars in the agenda of Armenia’s nation-building process.

There is no better way to sum up the founding years of the organization than how it was coined in a Hairenik Weekly article on June 7th, “History Making Youth Movement.” Today, the youth movement has achieved 85 years of record breaking accomplishments and continues with the same vigor and renewed energy to continue its community involvement and grassroots activism. And with every challenge that it tackles, every idea that it develops, every project that it strategizes, or vision it works toward, the Armenian Youth Federation continues to serve its community and homeland and remains steadfast towards the ideals of a free, independent, and a united Armenia.

According to the first Convention records, 24 chapters of Tzeghagrons, 4 Chapters of Hiortiks and 1 Chapter of Aprilian Sanner participated in the Convention directly, while 14 other Chapters of the Middlewest and California were presented by their proxies.

Detroit District (Del Rey, Melvindale, and Highland Park, Michigan) – 300 Members
New York and New Jersey – 120 Members
Providence – 100 Members
Philadelphia – 76 members
Worcester – 75 members
New Britain (Connecticut) – 29 Members
Lowell (Mass) – 15 Members
Waukegen (Illinois) – 34 Members
Hartford (Connecticut) – 13 members
Chicago – 40 Members
Whitinsville (Mass) – 30 Members
Cleveland (Ohio) – 13 Members
Troy (Watervliet) – 30 Members
Pawtucket (Rhode Island) – 22 members
Lynn (Mass) – 14 Members
Haverhill (Mass) – 26 Members
Watertown (Mass) – 42 Members
E. St. Louis – 20 members
Granite City – 14 Members

The chapters that were present by proxies were Pontiac, Dearborn (Mich.), Milwaukee, So. Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine (Wis.), Indiana Harbor, West Pullman (Ill.) Masina (N.Y.), Springfield (Mass.), Fresno, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Fowler (Calif.) The total membership of the ARF Tzeghagrons was over 1,500.

Plaques of Appreciation And Gratitude Presented To Anahid Baghdadlian-Ohanesian, Kathy Bedrosian, Abdulian, Shirvanian, and Baghdassarian Families

Baghdassarian And Melkonian Families To Host 2019 And 2020 Christmas Dinner Respectively

MONTEBELLO—On Saturday, January 6, 550 members of the Western Prelacy family and community, dignitaries, sponsors, and friends gathered at Holy Cross Cathedral’s “Baghramian” Hall in Montebello for the Prelate’s annual and traditional New Year and Christmas Dinner. The event was held under the auspices of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and was organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary in conjunction with the Christmas Dinner Committee. This year’s host was Anahid Baghdadlian-Ohanesian.

Among the guests in attendance were Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member Dr. Viken Yacoubian, Catholicosate Central Executive member Gaidzag Zetlian, Honorary Consul of Armenia in Fresno Berj Apkarian, Honorary Consul of Armenia in Las Vegas Adroushan Armenian, California State Senator Anthony Portantino, ARF-WR Central Committee Chair Daron Der Khachadourian, Political Chair Avedik Izmirlian and members, Glendale City Council member Ara Najarian, Montebello City Council member Jack Hadjinian, clergy, Religious and Executive Councils, Delegates and parishes’ Board of Trustees members, schools’ principals and members of CASPS, representatives of community organizations including the ANCA-WR, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, ARS, Dro Gomideh, Asbarez, Armenian-American Museum, Glendale Memorial, Armenian-American Medical Society, Glendale Memorial Hospital, Forest Lawn, and more, sponsors and supporters.

The program officially began with welcoming remarks by Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Citing from the hymn “Great and Marvelous Mystery,” on behalf of her colleagues on the Ladies Auxiliary Vania Babikian wished all a blessed year. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, spoke on the good tidings of Christ’s birth as a time of exaltation for all, and wished for the Christmas spirit and message of peace and harmony to pervade our individual and collective lives.

Next, with the hall illuminated by candlelight, the Prelate and clergy made their entrance into the hall, candles in hand, while singing Christmas hymns, and echoed the good tidings of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord. Fr. Torkom read the Gospel passage of Christ’s birth, after which the “tatakh” ceremony took place and the blessing of tables by the Prelate.

Guests viewed the video message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, which focused on the importance of renewal. Our Pontiff stated that the message of Christmas itself is renewal and that the very purpose of the incarnation of the Son of God in Jesus of Nazareth was the renewal of humanity and the whole of creation. His Holiness emphasized that renewal is not a mere change, rather a continuous process embracing human life in all its aspects, dimensions, spheres, and manifestations; it is turning to God and integrating the Gospel’s values to our individual and community life. His Holiness stressed his expectation that all Prelacies and communities take renewal seriously as a top priority and open our communities to new horizons and greater achievements.

On behalf of the Executive Council, Chairman Vahe Hovagumian conveyed New Year and Christmas well wishes to all, and noting that this year marks the end of his second term as Chairman, thanked his colleagues for their collaboration and once again congratulated the Prelate on the milestone anniversaries he marked a few months back, wishing him continued successes.

During dinner, guests enjoyed traditional and festive music by the Greg Hosharian Quintet (Greg Hosharian – Piano, Salpy Kerkonian – Flute, Ayline Amirayan – Vocal, Angela Amirian – Violin, and George Bilezikjian – Dhol), Deacon Yervant Keshishian, accompanied on the piano by his wife Maria, and Hovhannes Balian, as well as dances by the Hamazkayin “Ani” Dance Group, led by artistic directors Yeghia Hasholian and Suzy Barseghian-Tarpinian.

The closing message was delivered by the Prelate. His Eminence greeted all and gave thanks to God for the blessing of collectively welcoming a new year, celebrating the Birth and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ in a warm, festive, and serene atmosphere, and together embarking on a new year of endeavors with new hopes and aspirations for the prosperity of our church, nation, and homeland. The Prelate reflected on the timeless Christmas message of love, humility, goodwill, and harmony, and on the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth and His earthly ministry, which he stated is a reminder and invitation to live in His ideal example, humbly and with a servant’s heart, to pursue not earthly and fleeting treasures but spiritual and heavenly treasures, to dedicate ourselves to His glory and for the collective good of mankind, and to commit ourselves to the spirit of love, peace, and goodwill toward man all the days of the year.

The Prelate expressed gratitude to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I for his paternal wisdom and guidance, and expressed appreciation to all the guests in attendance for their enduring support and encouragement. He extended special thanks to the evening’s host, Anahid Baghdadlian-Ohanesian, who, though she could not attend, once again graciously and generously hosted the dinner and continued the legacy of her late husband Gaizag. He expressed his deepest appreciation to Kathy Bedrosian for her longstanding support and her most recent and generous donation of $100,000 toward the establishment of a special fund within the Prelacy, and invited her to the stage to receive a plaque of gratitude. His Eminence thanked all the sponsors and donors for their vital moral and financial support. He recognized the efforts of the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary, the Christmas Dinner Committee, as well as the Prelacy staff.

Next, the Prelate paid tribute to the loved ones lost in the past year: Dr. Misak Abdulian, a faithful Christian, beloved family man, and respected physician, whose wife Hourig served and contributed to our Prelacy for many years as a member of our Ladies Auxiliary; benefactress and community activist Mina Shirvanian, whose altruistic benevolence brought great advancements to our national life; and Hacop Baghdassarian, a pillar of our community, philanthropist, and Good Samaritan whose scope of influence reached far and wide. His Eminence, joined by Executive Council Chairman Vahe Hovaguimian and Vice-Chair Garo Eshgian, one by one invited Hourig Abdulian and children Dr. Michael and Mari, Mina Shirvanian’s daughter Alice Petrossian and grandson Chris, and Hilda Baghdassarian and children Peter and Gevik to receive plaques of gratitude for the contributions of their loved ones.

Following the awarding of plaques, the Prelate commended Peter and Gevik Beghdassarian’s commitment to carrying on the legacy of their father Hacop Baghdassarian, a commitment which they had expressed to the Prelate at the passing of their father. Accordingly, His Eminence joyfully announced that Peter and Gevik Baghdassarian pledged to host the 2019 Christmas Dinner with a $100,000 donation as a continuation of their father’s legacy. The Prelate also commended and Mr. & Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian for their enduring benevolence and their wish to host the following year’s dinner. However, since the Baghdassarian family had already committed to hosting the 2019 Christmas Dinner, His Eminence announced that the Melkonian family will be hosting the 2020 Christmas Dinner.

The Prelate continued his message, focusing on the endeavors of the coming year which will be marked by a number of milestone anniversaries including the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia, the 60th anniversary of the North American Prelacy, the 45th anniversary of our Western Prelacy, the centennial of Homenetmen, and the 90th anniversary of Hamazkayin, among others. These milestones, as with all of our achievements and successes, are owing to collective and united efforts, and thus are a source of collective pride, joy, and celebration as well as an impetus to continue our service with added drive and devotion toward new and greater accomplishments, he stressed. His Eminence reflected on the great strides the Prelacy has made in the past forty-five years, the growth in the number of churches and schools and the overall expansion of endeavors and scope, all thanks to collective work and efforts. He gave thanks for the addition of new and young energy to assist in the continuation and expansion of our mission, the addition of Very Rev Fr. Torkom Donoyan as Vicar General as well as Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, and for the collaboration and cooperation of community-wide organizations. “Inspired and impelled by the successes of the past, let us now look to the future and to reaching new and even greater heights. The Year of Renewal is officially over, but renewal never ends. Renewal and revitalization is and must be an ongoing process so that we can continue to progress not just in the coming year but for years to come. Thus, I urge our clergy, councils, parishes, schools, and community organizations to continue to serve hand in hand and heart to heart, as members of one loving family, with renewed drive and spirits, for the collective good of our church and nation,” stressed the Prelate, and once again wished all a blessed New Year and a Merry Christmas, praying for the Light of Christ to brighten our days with His love, joy, and peace, and embolden us to serve with unity, harmony, and goodwill.

The celebration closed with Cilicia and the Pontifical anthem.

The founders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation—Kristapor (Mikaelian), Rosdom (Stepan Zorian) and (Simon) Zavarian—were young when they came together to unite a nation under siege by its Ottoman and Russian imperial rulers. So were other notable ARF members such as Papken Suni, General Dro, Karekin Njdeh to name a few, who pledged their lives to the liberation struggle of the Armenian Nation and became an eternal part of the pantheon of our national heroes.

This year, the ARF Western US Central Committee will mark the 127th anniversary of its founding on January 14 in an annual celebration that traditionally includes an accounting of its activities to the community and an outline of its continued commitment to the Armenian Cause and service to the people.

The celebration on Sunday will coincide with the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Youth Federation—the ARF’s youth organization. So, it’s only fitting to focus on the achievements of this venerable organization, which was founded on January 14, 1933 in Boston by General Karekin Njdeh.

The ARF, throughout its 127-year history, has flourished and advanced due to the active participation of its young members, as well as, since 1933, a vibrant AYF rank and file, who have propelled our national agenda, always adapting to innovation and progress, but never losing sight of the national goals and ideals of the organization.

The ARF decided to dispatch Njdeh to the United States to replicate what its founders did in the late 1890’s: bring together the Armenian youth who were in the throes of building Diaspora communities, which were at that point emerging due to the relocation of Armenians after the Armenian Genocide.

Njdeh was supposed to gather the diverse Armenian youth under one umbrella and organize them into an active force to advance the Armenian Cause and to ensure that future generations of Armenians, living outside the homeland, would cling to their identity and continue the fight for justice for the Armenian Nation.

Today, the AYF, which since its founding has become a vibrant international ARF youth movement, continues to be one of the more relevant Armenian youth organizations. Through innovative approaches and a commitment to advance the Armenian Cause, the AYF has been able to continue the Armenian liberation struggle throughout the decades in the Diaspora and, since 1991, in the homeland.

A few examples from recent years illustrate that the AYF not only is an active participant in community life, but is also a leader in advancing the cause.

A few years ago, the AYF of Western United States began work on university campuses by bringing together not just Armenian students, but also engaging the entire student body in an effort to urge university administrators to divest from Turkey. The “Divest Turkey” movement soon spread to other University of California campuses and became the blueprint, based on which the California State Assembly approved a measure to divest state funds from Turkey.

Seeing that our heroic soldiers in Armenia, who were front-and-center during the Karabakh war, were not receiving the proper care or medical attention, the AYF launched its “With Our Soldiers” campaign and by collecting funds from the community, it was able to provide medical assistance to the veterans of the Karabakh war. By April 2016, the “With Our Soldiers” campaign had proven itself to be a force in advancing the needs of our heroic soldiers. So when the April War devastated Artsakh, the AYF rose to the occasion. Within months of the war, the “With Our Soldier” campaign had collected thousands of dollars and its volunteers—ambassadors—visited the homes and families of every single soldier who had perished during that attack and presented them with a modest gift—a token of our appreciation for their sons’ service to the Armenian Nation.

These are but a few examples of the AYF’s current efforts. It’s long-running Youth Corps program has been connecting Armenian youth from the Diaspora to the homeland for almost 25 years, with hundreds of AYF members and young people from the community having experienced the rewards of this project and have given back to the youth in Armenia. For almost half a century, the AYF Camp has been a critical part of the lives of thousands of Armenian-Americans, who have gone on to serve the community and take on leadership roles. Its junior organization, the AYF Juniors, has also been at the forefront of advancing the Armenian youth and providing them with the tools to become active and resourceful members of the community and the nation.

The accomplishments of the AYF are too many to list. The fact that its mission is still relevant, 85 year later, speaks not only to the impetus of its founding but also to the dedication of its members who are carrying the torch for justice and freedom for the Armenian Nation.

The AYF must continue to lead—set the agenda—for the community to follow. Its members must continue to engage in all facets of the community and national life and bring their uniquely fresh perspectives to set the course for future advancement.

The current crop of AYF members is part of the cherished independence generation that has not seen a reality without an Armenian republic. For them, the every-day concerns of our homeland are as important as the challenges of maintaining their Armenian heritage in the Diaspora.

The youth continue to propel the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, whose members must take pride in their accomplishments, but also must make room for them as future leaders of the party and of the nation.

Argentine Armenian businessman Eduardo Eurnekian reportedly will pass the ownership of the Corporacion America Airports SA to his nephew, Martin, according to a report in Bloomberg  on Thursday.

Eurnekian’s company, which operates concessions in 51 airports worldwide is looking to sell as much as $750 million of shares between January and February in an initial public offering said he will oversee the deal, “but that doesn’t’ mean I’m in charge.”

“I am doing this IPO, but that doesn’t mean I’m in charge — the one who manages the airports is my nephew,” Eurnekian told Bloomberg during an interview in his Buenos Aires office. “I will oversee this deal this month, and my career in airports will be complete.”

Armenia International Airports, which operates Yerevan’s Zvartnots and Gyumri ‘s Shirak International airports, is part of the Corporacion America Airports, which announced the IPO.

A son of Armenian Genocide survivors, Eurnekian, who has other holdings in Armenia, and has been a fixture in Armenia since its independence, transformed the Zvartnots airport from its Soviet structure to a bustling international travel hub. His investments in the Shirak airport enabled air travel to Armenia’s second largest city, which had long been dormant.