The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States celebrated the 134th anniversary of the party’s founding on Saturday, March 29, with a powerful and unifying event at Avedissian Hall, located on the campus of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School in Encino.
With more than 600 guests, the event was a vibrant and impactful gathering that brought the community together in solidarity for a common cause.
Among the notable guests in attendance were Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, along with members of the Prelacy’s Executive Council; Cilician Catholicosate Central Executive member Gaidzag Zeitlian; and ARF Bureau member Daron Der Khachadourian; representatives from the central and regional executive boards of the Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen; Armenian Cultural Foundation, ANCA Western Region, Board of Regents, Armenian Youth Federation, AYF Juniors Central Council, Hamazkayin leadership, ARF Chapters and other affiliated organizations.
The Homenetmen marching band and scouts opened the evening’s official program with the flag ceremony stirring a sense of pride and reverence with the guests.
Nora Tchaparian served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding the program with poise and professionalism; her opening remarks focused on ARF’s devotion, selflessness, and resilience over the years, and emphasized the continuity and success of ARF’s mission relies heavily on the support of the Armenian community.
Prelate Khatcherian offered his blessing, praised the ARF on its continued service and past successes and wished continued successes for the future.
The keynote address was delivered by ARF Western U.S Central Committee Chairman Garo R. Madenlian.
Speaking on behalf of the organization he briefly presented ARF’s achievements throughout its history, in Armenia and in the diaspora, and emphasized the challenges faced and overcome together with its supporters and sister organizations. He stressed the importance of a united and coordinated effort in service of the Armenian nation in furtherance of the Armenian cause especially today as we face existential threats by Turkey and Azerbaijan with their pan-turkic agenda like that of 1915.
He identified the priorities of the day to be the security of Armenia including its borders and Syunik, securing the rights of return and self-determination for the Armenians of Artsakh and the release of the illegally held Armenian POWs in Baku, and further strengthening, unifying and activating our region to better advance these priorities.
Madenlian invited all those present and community members in general willing to work for the higher cause of achieving our national goals to join with the ARF in this great struggle; for the community to become even more active with a renewed sense of unity during these difficult times; to remain vigilant, steadfast and strong, and resilient during the long road ahead, and assured that we will succeed together for our people, and our future, and our youth who will carry the torch.
Long time ARF leader Hovig Saliba delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on the organization’s legacy and ongoing mission in Armenia, Artsakh and the diaspora specifically the Western United States, and introduced well-known patriotic singer Karnig Sarkissian and his band to the stage who performed Armenian traditional and ne patriotic and revolutionary songs energizing and motivating the community until 3 am.
Several supporters encouraged by the atmosphere made generous donations throughout the night. The celebration also included a raffle, specially made beautiful coins with the founders of the ARF engraved as well as an auction with two paintings donated by the artist Nazani Nourian Nazanian, and a set of Artsakh coins depicting its various regions by Jassig Jarahian.
The ARF’s 134th anniversary celebration stood as a testament to the party’s enduring presence, its role in advancing the collective national agenda, and its ability to unite generations in the ongoing struggle for justice, identity, and sovereignty for the Armenian people and state.
