HOUSTON–The 81st convention of Western America’s Armenian Relief Society (ARS) officially opened on Thursday July 19th at Adam’s Mark Hotel in Houston–with 30 delegates from 23 ARS Chapters. The meeting was hosted by the local ARS Shogher Chapter.
The opening ceremony was attended by Western Diocese Primate of Northern America Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–representatives from ARF’s Serob Aghbyur Chapter–the ARS Central Executive–delegates–and guests.
After the anthem–Shogher Chapter Chairman Armine Keshishian welcomed all those present–and delivered opening remarks. After the opening prayer of Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–Maro Chalian-Reed–chairman of ARS Central Executive–expressed thanks and gratitude towards the Shogher Chapter.
Thereafter–ARF’s Serob Aghbyur Chapter Representative Koko Kasparian praised ARS and wished them success.
The last word was kept to His Eminence Moushegh Mardirossian–who spoke of ARS as a noble organization and noted that the 81st ARS convention coincides with the 1700th Anniversary of Armenia’s adoption of Christianity as state religion.
The convention was later joined by Houston City Council representatives–who also wished the delegates a prosperous meeting.