The celebration of the 60th anniversary of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of Greece was a great opportunity to appreciate the Society's long and diverse activities at its true value, venerate its faithful members, and outline the future challenges. The ceremony not only worthily celebrated this important date, but also presented the capabilities and diverse fields of activities of the Society.
The celebration took place at the Cultural Centre "ANNA & MARIA KALOUTA" in Athens, on Saturday, November 26, 2016, at 7:30 pm.
The program opened with screening a specially prepared documentary film about the past and the present of the Society. All new and old members of theatrical, dance and choir units of Hamazkayin, participants of Hamazkayin cultural events appeared on the screen once again proving that hundreds of community members have joined the great and enthusiastic Hamazkayin family.
Prelate, Archbishop Khoren Doghramadjian, Pastor of Kokinia, Father Vahritch Gharakhanian, Chair of the Central Executive Board of Hamazkayin, Meguerditch Meguerditchian, representatives of the ARF Central Committee, National Executive Board of Greek Armenians, Armenian Blue Cross, ARF and three regional Homenetmen Committees, Hamazkayin, and other compatriots were among the guests.
The Hamazkayin Greece Regional Executive Board Member, Hripsime Harutyunian delivered the opening speech of the ceremony. She spoke about the conditions, under which the Society was founded. She also mentioned that the Society’s main mission has always been to promote and preserve the Armenian culture.
The keynote speaker of the celebration was Chair of the Hamazkayin Central Executive Board, Meguerditch Meguerditchian. He said that the Society needed to enlarge and strengthen its activities, and create a new environment, as well as to reaffirm its commitment to the people, to discard the outdated, and to adopt new measures and mentality, at the same time preserving the old, imperishable values, be inspired by them, and follow them.
Young and talented pianist Vardeni Spardalian opened the artistic program with Arno Babajanian’s musical pieces "Nocturne- Night" and "Dance of Vagharshapat″, and won ovation from audience.
Then, the Hamazkayin "Nairi" Dance Ensemble’s boys and girls performed dances "Red Pomegranate" and "Shatakh" staged by their dance instructor Edgar Ekian. The performance charmed the audience and created a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere.
The second part of the ceremony was entirely dedicated to the hundreds of faithful members greatly contributed to the glorious march of the Society with their unwavering belief and devoted service.
The screened short documentary film, with deep feelings of gratitude told about the activities of faithful members of Hamazkayin. After the screening, the awardees, having selflessly served in various positions, were invited to the stage. Aharon Stepanyan, Dzaghig Gazantchyan, Yeghis Terzipashian Sona Spartalian, Kirakos Meguerditchian, Michael Tilsizian, Hagop Chelalian, Hovhannes Tumanian, Shakeh Elmasian, Shakeh Atcherian, Harutyun Nalchian.
The moderator briefly presented each of them mentioning their moral absolutes and activities.
The awards ceremony passed in communicative, cordial, and very exciting atmosphere. Primate, Archbishop Khoren Doghramadjian, Chair of Hamazkayin Central Executive Board, Meguerditch Meguerditchian, and Chair of Regional Executive Board of Hamazkayin Greece, Hovsep Parazian personally granted the prizes.
At the end of the award ceremony, Primate, Archbishop Khoren Doghramadjian conveyed his commandment to the guests and emphasized the Hamazkayin’s sacred mission aimed at inculcating the sense of national identity among the young generation through culture, and remaining faithful to our national values, despite the hardships and wars taking place around us in the world. He added that our language, culture, and national life need spiritual reconstruction in order to thrive in all environments. Archbishop deeply appreciated the exemplary service of the awardees.
The organizers and attendees concluded the event with conviction that Armenians should clung to their culture, language and national life, carry out active national life with love and faith from generation to generation. Only then, we shall be able to continue our national mission in coming decades and involve in it the younger generations having new impetus, new energy, and enthusiasm.