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.
