YEREVAN (Yerkir)–Relatives–friends and colleagues of former Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member Khajag Der Grigorian bid their final farewell to the ARF leader Friday during a funeral service–which took place at the ARF Simon Vratsian center. Taking part in the service were ARF Bureau members–ARF Executive Council of Armenia members–other ARF representatives as well as political activists and members of the diplomatic corps.
Before the ceremony–a memorial mass was conducted at the St. Gregory Church of Noragavit.
At the Simon Vratsian center–Artashes Shahbazian–ARF Executive Council of Armenia member–eulogized his colleague by saying–"We are paying our final respects to a beloved son of his nation–a person who had dedicated his life to his people–to the cause of his homeland and to his party. Without exaggeration–I can say that we have lost a pillar of the ARF."
Shahbazian added that the political ideas and morals of Khajag Der Grigorian were reminiscent of the values of ARF founders Kristapor –Rostom and Zavarian–as well as other influential members the organization has had throughout its 110-year history.
"Der Grigorian’s top priority was the organization–even at the expense of compromising his career. Our sadness is multiplied when we realize that Khajag Der Grigorian still had many ideas to contribute to the ARF. Khajag Der Grigorian goes away leaving us his experience and boundless dedication. He was a tremendous influence to those who will lead the future of Armenia," concluded Shahbazian.
Norayr Elsayan–Der Grigorian’s long-time friend also eulogized the leader by pointing out that only the deserving members–such as Der Grigorian will be memorialized. "I was shocked when I heard the sad news about his death–but–on the other hand–when I thought about his life and his past–I truly believe he is immortal–and if he was with us until recently–from now on–he will live within us and become part of our existence."
According to Elsayan–Der Grigorian’s destiny to devote himself to his nation–was defined during his youth. At the age of 18 upon joining the ran’s of the ARF–he became its indisputable and dedicated activist. Getting his education in Isfahan and later in French and German universities–Der Grigorian worked in various Armenian populated cities of Iran–within the Armenian schools of those communities–he wanted to help preserve the Armenian identity. Although being extremely busy with his work–Der Grigorian always participated in the ideological and organizational works of ARF.
Armenia’s independence opened up a new page in his life–as he moved to Armenia in order to contribute to the strengthening of his homeland’s independence. His personal identity–personality–open-mindedness–modesty and principles will be a lesson for the young generations of ARF members–mentioned Elsayan.
After the ceremony–the funeral procession headed to Yerevan City Pantheon–where the body of Der Grigorian was laid to rest under the flags of the ARF and Armenia.
The grave site was covered with fresh flowers while–those in attendance sent their colleague off with the traditional singing of "Verkerov Li."
A final eulogy was delivered by ARF Bureau chairman Hrand Markarian followed by Seda Grigorian–who spoke on behalf of Alik newspaper.
The funeral ceremony was concluded by the reading of several condolence telegrams send from various ARF chapters around the world as well as from friends and relatives.