It was a pleasant October weekend, which will surely be remembered by all as one of the fondest memories we’ve formed through our organization.
The weekend coincided with the Canadian Thanksgiving Day weekend, and for us Armenians, it was the Day of the Holy Translators (Sourp Tarkmanchats), an enlightened day from the pages of our history.
The Hamazkayin Canada Central Executives meticulously planned the event’s program, which took place on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Toronto Armenian Community Centre, in Hamazkayin’s “Haroutioun Manouguian library”. Around a table of finger-food and deserts, members from the Montreal and Toronto communities had gathered, that had created an amiable atmosphere, away from formal meeting settings.
President of the Klatsor chapter, Ungh. Megheti Etimezian gave her opening remarks, which was followed by Hamazkayin “Nour” Festival’s committee head Ung. Sevag Yeghoyan who upon presenting a short summary on the festival’s decade-long tradition and success introduced director Jamie Day Fleck, whose documentary “Photos by Kirk” will be part of the evening’s program, as well as part of “Nour” Festival in November. Those present watched the film with great admiration. Photos by Kirk tells the story of an Armenian Genocide survivor, Kourken Hovsepian who immigrated to America in 1920 and worked as a photographer in the Bronx from the 1920’s to 1970’s. This film once again proves the level of Armenian talent, conviction and will to survive. The director explained that it was through a family connection that he first through about making a film about Kourken Hovsepian’s life.
After a short lunch break, Ung. Vrej-Armen Artinian lead a debate entitled “Is it possible or not”. The topic concentrates on the Armenian culture. Ung. Vrej- Armen has separated the topic into 3 sections – to preserve, to transmit, to improve, which he developed with questions that sparked a debate in people’s minds. It is clear that when we talk about Armenian culture, we mean the entire Armenian culture in it entity, however, in people’s mind Armenian language and literature take a forefront. Those present came to the agreement that the hardest issue facing the Armenian culture today is the transmittance of the Armenian Language. The general consensus in everyone’s mind was that to preserve means to transmit, and in order to properly transmit, one needs to improve it. Returning back to the debate topic on whether it’s possible or not, all present agreed that it is possible, because nothing it impossible in the eyes of a surviving nation’s children when the matter in question is our nation’s and culture’s survival.
After the debate, all participants headed to Ani restaurant. The restaurant has a familiar feeling; walls are decorated with Armenian artwork, hearts are filled with warm feeling of being surrounded by friends, the sweet aroma of the delicious food to come and the talented Armenian jazz band- Liquid Trio Band filled the atmosphere with soft melodies. As is in our tradition, Armenian shourchbar dance took place. The space is limited, but that won’t stop an Armenian dancer from finding a way to keep the dance going. Hamazkayin Canada’s Central Executive president Ungh. Dzovig Kahvedjian thanked the organizing committee members for their devotion and for bringing this event together from idea to reality. President of the Montreal Sanahin Chapter, ungh. Tamar Chahinian Poladian presented the jazz band, the trio of incredible and talented musicians. She then thanked the Central Executive of Canada for bringing all members together in this warm and friendly atmosphere, for organizing an incredible agenda, which will also include a visit to one of Canada’s most beautiful places – Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The next morning was a beautiful and sunny Sunday. Everyone headed to Niagara Falls, which is an incredible opportunity especially for the Montreal chapter members, to see one of Canada’s great natural wonders. After many landscape and group pictures, the group finally arrived to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Under the sunny skies, participants walked around the vineyard of famous winery Peller Estates where they were also able to visit small shops and boutiques, or simply enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Under the clear skies, surrounded by wine crates, with an assortment of cheeses and wine bottles, members sat together, and the toasts continued. A short presentation from the local estate representative explained how the wine is prepared, including the famous icewine, a guided tour of the fields and fields of grape vines. It was amazing to hear about Mr. Peller’s futuristic vision. He was a doctor, who didn’t have any clue about wine, but years ago found the right opportunity and by bringing together the right people founded this estate, that has now become world renowned.
The spirits were high as the group headed to The Old Winery for dinner, where a private section was kept for their enjoyment. Members shared their thoughts about the marvelous places we visited and their overall satisfaction of the meticulously well-organized weekend.
The last part of the weekend included a viewing of the musical Sweet Charity at the Shaw Festival theatre Hall. With this concluded a fun-filled, memorable, educational and touristic weekend spent with good friends. Cheers to Hamazkayin, who amidst all difficulties has managed for the past 88 years to work endlessly to promote the Armenian culture.
Tamar Donabedian Kouzouian
