VASBOURAGAN CONVENTION – JUNE 25 AND 26, 2010
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
By
Sandra Mooradian
Every two years, the Vasbouragan Society holds its national convention.
This year, hosted by the Avak-Vanig Chapter of Detroit, MI, representatives
from Los Angeles and metro-Detroit met for two days in late June, 2010, to
discuss programs and issues important to the business of the organization.
Meetings took place at the Doubletree Hotel in Dearborn, MI. St. Sarkis
Church and the Armenian Community Center were conveniently nearby
where the ensuing Saturday evening dinner dance and Sunday church
services were easily attended.
Rev. Father, Daron Stepanian, priest of St. Sarkis Church opened the
convention with prayers and blessings for its successful outcome as
representatives commenced meetings on Friday morning.
The convention received congratulatory letters of Blessing, written in our
golden language of Armenian and sent in time to be presented at the opening
of the convention, from:
(A) His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicas of all Armenians from Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin.
(B) His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, from
Antelias.
(C) Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, Eastern United States of
America
(D) Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Armenian Apostolic
Church of America, Western Prelacy.
A copy of each was given to all the delegates.
Thanks to Mrs. Zarry Sarkisian, who acted as the convention’s able
Recording Secretary, her comments (which are used for this article) describe
the holy communications from our church leaders and are officially recorded
in the convention minutes.
Delegates engaged in energetic and concerned discussions regarding the
chapters, its “Society’s” bylaws and direction of the organization as well as
its official publication, Varak. On behalf of the Vasbouragan Society,
convention delegates also followed the long-standing tradition of
philanthropy. In keeping with that practice, a generous donation was made
to the Armenian Relief Society for the Orphans’ Fund as well as to another
program that assists the elderly in Armenia.
All the delegates were long-time members who have devoted years of
service to the “Society.”
Central Executive was represented by Vartan Thomasian, President.
Los Angeles was represented by Murad and Mary Lousinnian as well as
Hermeniya Bostanian, and by proxy Vrejouhi Thomassian. Avak-Vanig
(Detroit) was represented by Alma Krikorian and Christine Maisano.
Proxy votes were given to George Sarkisian for Boston Chapter and Hrayr
Toukhanian for Fresno Chapter.
Also making a notable journey to attend as observers were Mrs. Violet
Reimers of North Dakota and her daughter, Mrs. Cynthia Erickson of
Minnesota. Mrs. Olive Mooradian (97), a longtime member and staunch
supporter of the Avak-Vanig chapter also spent a few hours attending an
afternoon session. She was born in Lesk, Armenia and came to America
when she was eight years old. Present also was Sandy Mooradian, daughter
of Olive Mooradian, both members of Avak-Vanig Chapter.
The common theme of the two-day meetings was to keep alive and
flourishing Vasbouragan history, its people and its enormous presence and
contribution to Armenia’s long and great national history throughout the
centuries. Vanetzies’ continued relevancy in both present-day Armenia and
in the Diaspora is important.
With that in mind, this convention showcased interesting presentations each
evening for the enjoyment and enlightenment of not only the delegates but
also the Armenian community. On Friday evening, Mrs. Hourig Toukhanian
Jacobs presented a video program of Garo Lacinian’s journey to Van. His
travels took him to Turkish and Kurdish villages previously occupied by
Armenians who had lived in them for generations before the Genocide. He
also visited the island of Aghtamar with it’s beautiful Monastery of St.
Khatch. As well, his journeys took him to Saint Nareg-a-Vank
(monastery) in the village of Nareg. and to many other churches (now in
ruin) which once dominated historic Armenia, and the regions near Mount
Ararat.
Mrs. MaryJo Aghababyan, wife of Dr. Vahakn Aghababyan, read an article
she had written some years ago when they visited Van and stayed at the only
Armenian-owned hotel (built by a Vanetzi who had relocated to Van from
America). The hotelier encountered much red-tape and trouble from the
Turkish government in the building of his hotel. It was hardly up and
running when it closed with the unfortunate owner losing all that he put into
it. He eventually returned to America.
Friday’s gathering was also the occasion during which the Rev. Dr. Vahan
Tootikian, Minister Emeritus of the Armenian Congregational Church of
Greater Detroit, Michigan graciously presented his latest inspirational
publication entitled, “Challenges and Responses.”
Vanetzies, being the outgoing, hearty people they are, enlivened Friday
evening with spontaneous singing, joking and much laughter. As a
microphone was passed around, Vartan Thomasian of California delighted
the group with his rich and powerful rendition of Vanetzies’ favorite song,
“Dele Yaman.” Olive Mooradian from Dearborn, roundly encouraged his
singing. Californian, Hermeniya Bostanian, took her turn singing for the
group displaying a lovely musical voice. Much happiness and heartfelt
camaraderie flowed throughout the hall as the microphone passed from table
to table while others took turns entertaining each other.
Saturday morning was filled with completing the Convention’s business and
ended with closing comments by each participant on the success of the
meeting. George Sarkisian brought his clarinet along and played a soulful
rendering of “Dele Yaman,” thereby closing the convention on a musical
note.
Saturday evening, the dinner/dance hosted by Avak-Vanig Chapter members,
gave conventioneers a chance to relax with good food. Folks were surprised
with a delicious array of homemade pastries prepared by family members of
the local chapter. They especially had a lot of fun helping themselves to the
two cakes which bore edible photos of themselves from the last convention
held in Detroit in 2006. Excellent music was provided by the Greg
Nigososian Band which performs locally. Everyone was on their feet
dancing to their favorite songs long into the evening.
While Saturday evening’s dinner was for fun and amusement, it was also an
opportunity to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the famous Vanetzi Saint
Krikor Naretgatzi.
Monseigneur Andon Atamian, Pastor of the Armenian Catholic Church of
Greater Detroit. presented a talk on Saint Naregatzi’s life. Given in both
Armenian and English, was meaningful and well-received.
and click on the picture of Naregatzi. The podium at which Father
Monseigneur Andon Atamian spoke, was covered by a reproduction of a
striking portrait of Krikor Naretgatzi, painted by Cathy Jacobs Brito-
Valladares, daughter of Hourig Toukhanian Jacobs and Robert Jacobs.
Even with a very busy convention schedule, the delegates still found time to
visit the Armenian Research Center located at the nearby Dearborn campus
of the University of Michigan. The tour was arranged by Sandra
Mooradian. They were greeted by the staff of the Center who gave them a
tour lasting almost two hours. They saw collections of books, maps,
pictures, news articles, survivor stories and amazing documents relevant to
Armenian history. They were especially pleased that issues of the “Varak”
were included and on display.
Sunday morning church services included a requiem for the departed Vanetzi
heroes and patriots. It gave delegates one last chance to see and visit with
each other before their return home.
The new Central Executive was elected from members in the Detroit
chapter.
President: Paul Bardizbanian
Vice President: Sandra Mooradian
Secretary: Charles Nalbandian
Treasurer: Alma Krikorian
Corresponding Secretary: Hrayr Toukhanian