The society established on October 13, 1990 has left its own stamp on the life of the Armenian community of London. During those 25 years, it went through different vicissitudes and now it is a steadily moving forward society.
On November 21, 2015, the Hamazkayin Chapter of London celebrated the 25th anniversary of its establishment. The event took place at Navasardian Center under the patronage of the spiritual leader, Father Hovakim Archbishop Manoogian, who was accompanied by Father Movses Sargsyan. Hamazkayin Central Executive Board Member, Representative of Europe, Anna Hovannisian from Paris, the representative of the RA Embassy, Haik Khemchian and the Community Council Chairman, Ara Palamutian. Among the people in attendance were representatives of the community and of various institutions and associations, eminent persons and a large number of compatriots.
The event began with the Holy Father’s table blessing, after which the guests were invited to dinner.
Alenoush Grigorian announced the opening of the event. After her welcoming speech she invited the Hamazkayin London Executive Board Chairman Hrach Poghosyan to make a speech in the name of the Board. After his greetings and congratulations, Mr. Poghosyan urged the audience to watch a three-minute film imaged 25 years before, telling about the history of the Society and the persons who contributed to it.
Then, continuing his speech, Mr. Poghosyan spoke about the Society’s overall achievements and problems during its 25 years, all its cultural and educational activities in the community, which of course needs more activation.
After Hrach Boghosyan’s speech, two youngsters Ani Stepanian and Narine Beshirian recited Mushegh Ishkhan’s "Armenian language" and Hamo Sahyan’s "Armenia" poems.
Hayastan Vartanian, one of the founder members of Hamazkayin in the region and former Board Chairman was invited to the stage. He told how the Society was established in the region, shared his memories, told about the work done during the 25 years, especially in the initial years of its establishment. At the end of his speech, he proposed a toast for the Society, wishing many prosperous years in future.
Arda Halajians read testimonies from the Charters of Hamazkayin Society and some concepts, which belong to its founder predecessors Levon Shant and Nicole Aghpalian and then impressively performed the literary piece by writer Shavarsh Narduni "Nostalgie for Armenian".
Pianist Lilit Nahapetian performed some musical pieces by the native composer Arno Babajanyan.
After the musical performance the RA Embassy representative Haik Khemchian made a congratulatory speech and spoke about the cooperation between the Embassy and the Hamazkayin London during the years of its existence.
Central Executive Board member representing Europe, Anna Hovannessian conveyed the Central Committee message of this occasion, wishing the Society continuous success in promoting Armenian education and culture among the London born and bred new generation.
Finally the program came to an end with Holy Father Hovakim Manoogian’s speech of encouragement and blessing, after which the cake symbolizing the 25th anniversary of the society. Then Hayastan Vartanian, as the senior member of the society and the two youngest members taking part in the event, Ani Stepanian and Narine Beshirian were invited to cur the cake. It is worth mentioning that the delicious cake was made by Marina Avakian which always supports the society.
During the evening, Speaker of the day Alenush Grigoreants expressed her gratitude in the name of the board to all those who had been constantly bringing their precious support to the society for 25 years both financially and morally.
During the event, large and small financial donations were made and announced.
The atmosphere of this gathering encouraged the society authorities, which from time to time promised once again to stimulate the cultural and educational activities for the benefit of the Armenians of London, and especially the new young generation.
London
23/11/2015