Avak Sbarabed’s Visitation to Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge

By NAS Dr. Gary Zamanigian

Avak Sbarabed Hunan Arshakian honored Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge with an official visitation Wednesday, April 12, 2023.  Prior to the lodge meeting, a formal banquet, hosted by the Knights, began with skilled Master of Ceremonies, NAS Vahram Fantazian, calling upon NAS Dr. Gary Zamanigian to offer a toast on this special occasion; a delicious Shish Kebab dinner followed.

 After welcoming remarks by Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge Sbarabed Richard Norsigian and Zabelle Otyag Dirouhie Maro Bush, Avak Dirouhie Gloria Korkoian spoke about the numerous accomplishments of the Daughters of Vartan throughout the past year.  Next, Midwest Grand District Representative, Levon Saryan, introduced our charismatic Avak Sbarabed, Hunan Arshakian, and with genuine passion Avak Sbaraed stressed the importance of every Knight and Daughter to respond to the call to action in support of Artsakh during this difficult time.  In his words “The moment has come for all Knights and Daughters of Vartan to become involved with our efforts to provide immediate humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medical supplies to the residents of Artsakh”.  Furthermore, with regard to membership, he stressed that as Knights we all have an obligation to acquire new members to ensure a strong brotherhood.  Everyone present was inspired by our Avak Sparabed’s words as he is, without question, an effective communicator whose warmth is contagious.

Following dinner, Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge was pleased to have Avak Sbarabed Hunan present to witness the initiation of new members into the Third Degree with the Degree Team invested in their full regalia.  He was visibly moved especially by NS Garry Javizian’s portrayal of Ghevont Yerets entirely from memory.  Avak Sbarabed noted that he was particularly gratified to see a significant number of young members in attendance and participating in the initiation ceremony.

On Thursday April 13th Avak Sbarabed had the opportunity to personally see some of the highlights of Detroit ‘s vibrant Armenian Community.  The first stop was a visit to the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian Day School which included a tour of its new state-of-the-art STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Center.  Serving students in grades Pre-K through 12, the school is ranked by US News & World Report as “high performing with a rigorous academic program”.   Avak Sbarabed Hunan was guided through the school by Elementary School Principal Sonia Kalfayan and High School Principal Dr. Hosep Torossian. 

Next was a tour of St. John Armenian Church which is considered to be one of the “jewels” of Armenian Churches around the world!  Visually striking from the outside, the church is noted for its gold dome and beautiful interior featuring impressive mosaics and stained glass windows depicting the twelve Apostles and Sts. Gregory, Sahag and Mesrop.  Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian,, the church’s Pastor, led Avak Sbarabed around the church and the St. John Cultural Center’s Edward and Helen Mardigian Library as well as the newly renovated ballroom, offices, classrooms, multipurpose rooms and meeting rooms.

Lastly, Curator Lucy Ardash escorted Avak Sbarabed Hunan on a tour of the Church’s Alex and Marie Manoogian Museum which is currently the largest of its type in North America.  The museum’s eight galleries display priceless artifacts from Armenian history including a rare book gallery, paintings, sculptures, textiles and sacred vessels and vestments.

This busy day concluded with dinner at a popular Suburban Detroit eatery and a trip to the airport to bid Avak Sbarabed Hunan Arshakian farewell!