National benefactor, Chairman of the Belgium Chapter of Hamazkayin, distinguished biker, Homenetmen Member Armen Arslanian’s funeral took place on Saturday, 23 May 2015, at St. Boniface Church Antwerp, in the presence of a large crowd. Armen’s friends had gathered there from Belgium, France, England, Lebanon and other places to bid their last farewell.
Rev. Fr. Zadik Avedikian of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Belgium presided over the funeral. Then, Reverend Sargis Pashayan delivered his cordial speech directed to Armen's family and friends. Anglican church's pastor Reverend Steven Swanson made a speech presenting some of Armen’s characteristic features and read Armen’s poems written when he was still in hospital.
Chairperson of the Hamazkayin Central Committee, Mgrdich Mgrdichian delivered a speech in the name of the entire Hamazkayin family and its educational and cultural institutions. (To be presented separately)
Then, the chairman of the Armenian Community Committee of Belgium Andre Gumushchian, made a heartfelt speech in the name of Armen Arslanian’s family and friends, introduced Armen’s biography, presenting him as a great patriot, proud Hamazkayin member, active biker, culture lover and devoted friend.
After his speech, Reverend Rene Levonian’s condolence message was read, after which Armen Arslanian’s son, Vardan Arslanian told some nice episodes from his father’s life. He also remembered that Armen had always said that he would never get older and would leave this world as a young man. Finally Armen's sister, Sandra, played the guitar and sang a song, the lyrics of which were written by Armen. The funeral ended with Armen’s favorite song "Native Mountains".
Armen Arslanian was buried at Hoboken Schoonselhof Cemetery.