News
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.
(more…)Times Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration
From the Mirror- Spectator by Taleen Babayan
The significant theme of “Truth, Recognition and Justice” reverberated throughout Times Square as Armenian Americans commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, while advocating for the Armenians in Artsakh, who continue to endure the blockade on the Lachin Corridor implemented by Azerbaijan over four months ago – in the annual memorial event in Times Square organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan on Sunday, April 23.
(more…)Gomidas Lodge Donates Vartan Painting to St. Sarkis Church San Diego
(SAN DIEGO) – The Knights of Vartan, Gomidas Tahlij #43 of San Diego has donated a commissioned painting of St. Vartan and Ghevont Yeretz for the side altar of St. Sarkis Armenian Church, San Diego.
The painting by Armenian artist Tigran Hovumyan was dedicated and blessed by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and parish priest Very Rev. Father Pakrad Dz. V Berjekian, on Sunday, February 5, 2023, as part of St. Sarkis’ First Anniversary Celebration.
(more…)A Call to Action from KDV for Artsakh
A Call to Action from Grand Commander Hunan Arshakian and Grand Chairwoman Gloria Korkoian
We are facing serious challenges as we, who are safe and secure in the United States, witness the blockade of Artsakh. In 1916, the Knights of Vartan was formed to assisted the survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Now 106 years later, our brothers and sisters in Artsakh are in dire straits. Over 120,000 people are in this land blockade without access to the outside world.
(more…)Statement in Support of Artsakh
Over the past three days and counting, the government of Azerbaijan has ratcheted up its campaign to intimidate and target the Armenians of Artsakh in its ongoing effort to depopulate the centuries-old
Armenian enclave and resolve its “Armenian Question.”
The Tabibian Family and the Knights of Vartan Inc. Announce the launch of the Tabibian Family Scholarships
January 6, 2023
FRESNO – The Tabibian Family and the Knights of Vartan Inc. are proud to announce the new partnership and the launch of the “Tabibian Family Scholarships”. These new scholarships will be available from 2023 September for the students of the science and technology faculties at the Yerevan State University and the National Polytechnic University of Armenia.
(more…)The Knights of Vartan’s Back to the Homeland VI Mission Trip
The Knights and Daughters of Vartan continued their “Back to the Homeland” Mission Trip for the 6th year. More than 20 Knights, Daughters, and friends joined the pilgrimage on September 18-24th to visit the homeland, their mission partners and projects in Armenia.
(more…)Restoring Artsakh’s Vocational School Is a Pan-Armenian Project: Video Report
by Haykaram Nahapetyan from https://mirrorspectator.com/
MARTUNI, Artsakh — Several diaspora organizations have combined efforts to renovate the vocational school in the town of Martuni in Artsakh. The Knights of Vartan, together with the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, Genesis Armenia, Armenia Tools4Schools, the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Church in the United States, Sahman NGO, Armenian Educational Foundation, Armenian Tree Project, and the government of the Artsakh Republic (Republic of Nagorno Karabakh) provided funding to re-build the facilities.
(more…)The Knights of Vartan 104th and Daughters of Vartan 82nd Grand Convocation
The Knights of Vartan 104th and Daughters of Vartan 82nd Grand Convocations were held in Glendale, CA from July 13 to 16th 2022. It was attended by over 200 members of leadership, delegates and family members from all over the USA. The events included a series of workshops, meetings, tours, social events and a banquet.
(more…)Speech Never Given
During my term as Avak Sbarabed, I gave many speeches, in person and online. A speech was prepared for the 2019 Grand Convocation but never given. It was brought back for the 2022 Grand Convocation Banquet, but again, never given. Many said, I never had a speech prepared. But I promised I would print it, so just consider this “The Speech That was Never Given”, edited slightly for print.
NAS Steven Adams
(more…)107th Commemoration of Armenian Genocide in Times Square, New York
AS Steven Adams remarks
1915 to 2022, 107 years later and we find ourselves once again standing in front of the world remembering the Genocide of the Armenian people at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Is it even imaginable that after 100 years we still need to be here, standing on this platform? Some would even argue as to why we are even still here. Why do we come together over an event that was over 100 years ago?
(more…)107th Commemoration of Armenian Genocide in Times Square, New York
NEW YORK — For the first time in two years – and since President Joe Biden’s landmark Armenian Genocide affirmation – scores of resilient and spirited Armenian Americans gathered in Times Square, New York, on Sunday, April 24, 2022, to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, in a momentous event organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan.
(more…)New Vocational Training Program Launched In Gyumri as Part of Anti-Poverty Program
GYUMRI, Armenia — Dr. Gary and Linda Assarian have a mission to empower people and get them to work. With their support, the Hianali Beauty Center was launched last month both as a high-end, high-quality beauty center and as a training program free-of-charge for people wishing to work in the beauty services sector in Gyumri.
(more…)Asbed Dr. Neshan Tabibian and Family Donating $70,000
Asbed Dr. Neshan Tabibian, of Yeprad Lodge, his son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Hagop and Anilga Tabibian have donated $70,000 to start new initiatives in the village of Dzovinar, Armenia.
(more…)An Armenian Christmas Tradition
Diaspora Armenian communities have gotten used to reading almost daily news in mostly Armenian media about yet another attempt in Turkey to desecrate historic Armenian properties, like churches and cemeteries. These mostly clandestine acts of retribution are being committed by ill-informed Turkish youth who know nothing about Armenians and Armenia’s millennia-old presence on sacred grounds of Anatolia which they call Anadolu. If not an act of retribution to destroy or desecrate those sacred grounds, it is open insults directed to those gâvur (infidel) Armenian community leaders in Turkey. The lives of those leaders are under constant threat because they maintain a stance to protect national treasures of historic Armenia located on ancestral lands from pilferage and deliberate destruction.
(more…)Aparan Sports School Renovation
For young people, team sports participation promotes physical and mental health and wellbeing, builds confidence, involves memory and thinking skills, reduces stress and anxiety, improves concentration and increases IQ. With this in mind, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan have been involved in many school support projects.
(more…)Ani Lodge Partners with Sahman USA for Economic Development Plan for Martuni Province in Artsakh
By GDR Jake Bournazian
Ani Lodge launched a new economic initiative in the Martuni province of the Republic of Artsakh for economic re-development in the remaining villages along the new border with the Republic of Azerbaijan. The villages in the Martuni province suffered severe economic and physical damage when Azerbaijan attacked and invaded Artsakh on September 27, 2020. Almost every family lost fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters during that war. Cluster bombs were dropped on the villages destroying homes, building, vehicles, roads, and supporting economic infrastructure. More people fled during evacuations after the November 10, 2020 cease fire agreement was signed. Prior to the war, the villages in Martuni province had abundant lands for livestock grazing and farming. After the war there was a new line of contact bordering the town of Martuni and over 90% of the Armenian lands were taken by the Azerbaijan government.
(more…)Back to the Homeland V
By Asbed David Medzorian, Ararat Lodge #1
The Knights and Daughters of Vartan again beheld the beautiful countryside of Armenia as more than a dozen Knights, Daughters, and friends made the pilgrimage this September for Veratarts Hayrenik V, the Return of the Fatherland.
(more…)Daughters of Vartan Woman of the Year 2021
By ND Nancy Hammoudian
In keeping with the mission and goals of the Daughters of Vartan organization to nurture our Armenian culture and ethnic values, it was the Grand Council’s honor to award Maggie Mangassarian Goschin as the 2021 Woman of the Year.
Fuller Housing for Armenia 2021, June 6-18
By NAD Sona Manuelian
Covid-19 could not prevent us this year from traveling to Armenia with a volunteer build team. We were determined to assist a family, the Poghosyans, to fulfill their dreams of having a decent home to live in.
(more…)ODE TO OUR PATRON SAINT SBARABED VARTAN MAMIGONIAN
“Death, not comprehended, is death. When comprehended, immortality.”
Yeghishé the historian – 5th Century
On the eve of the 1570th anniversary of the historic Battle of Avarayr (Avarayri Jagadamard in Armenian), fought on 26 May 451 A.D. on the Avarayr plain along the Deghmood Creek in historic Armenia’s Vaspuragan region,
(more…)The Knights of Vartan and Armenia Tools4Schools Team up to Help the Martuni Vocational School
Washington DC- In March, 2021, the Knights of Vartan and Armenia Tools4Schools provided $16,000 to the Martuni Vocational School in Martuni, Republic of Artsakh to purchase a school bus, tools and equipment, and construct improvements around the school property. The school provides vocational trade education to students ages 13 through 17 living in the 15 villages that surround the town of Martuni. Tuition is free and the school relies entirely on the Republic of Artsakh government for funding. Martuni Vocational School currently has 110 students, 33 instructors, and 19 building operations and administrative staff.
(more…)Detroit Knights Send $1.6 Million Worth of Medical Supplies to Armenia
by Harry Kezelian from The Armenian Mirror Spectator
DETROIT — The Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge #6 of the Knights of Vartan celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2018. Over the past century, between the Detroit lodges of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, about 2 million in aid has been sent to Armenia and Armenians, beginning with the survivors of the Genocide at the time of the organization’s founding.
(more…)Knights of Vartan Detroit Ships $503,000 Worth of Medical Supplies to Armenia
With the recent events taking place in Armenia and Artsakh, the Knights of Vartan Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge of Greater Detroit, in addition to their monetary donation to the Hayastan All Armenia Fund, felt it was necessary to do something more. Coincidently, one of the Lodge’s newest members, Greg Baise, approached Commander Kazar Terterian and proposed the idea of a possible donation of medical supplies from World Medical Relief (WMR) whose headquarters are located in Southfield, Michigan; it turns out, Baise, a Pharmacist by profession, is on the Board of Directors of the organization.
(more…)Help Lebanon
For over a century, ever since the 1915 genocide, Lebanon, particularly Beirut, has been a home for Armenians. Generations of our people have grown up, worked, married, and raised their families in Beirut. As a new niche and homeland, Lebanon and its people have shown great kindness to Armenians.
(more…)Help Armenia and Artsakh
A CALL TO ACTION!
Knights and Daughters of Vartan our homeland is calling you to help! Our organization was formed in 1916 as a result of the Genocide of our people. Here we are 105 years later, and we are again facing the threat of annihilation. I am sure you have all been following the suffering of our people in Artsakh at the hands of the Azerbaijani and Turkish governments. While there is some sense of helplessness and shock for us in the diaspora, there are definite measures we can take. The Armenian army is worldwide! While our young men and women are on the ground fighting, we have our part in this war.
(more…)An Escalating Conflict has Fresno Armenians Fearing New Bloodshed in their Homeland
By Avak Sbarabed Steven Adams
For 105 years we have been having commemorations, peacefully demonstrating, building monuments, writing op-ed pieces to our local newspapers, asking world leaders and their countries to recognize and condemn the 1915 Genocide of the Armenian people at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. These commemorations have spanned over three generations of Armenians. And people would ask…why?
(more…)LAMENT OVER THE HEROES FALLEN IN THE BATTLE OF AVARAYR
BY GAREGIN SRVANSTIAN (1840-1892)
If Goghtan’s bards no longer crown
Armenia’s heroes with their lays,
Let deathless souls from Heaven come down,
Our valiant ones to praise!
(more…)Making It Happen: Sister Olivia Jamgotchian Establishes the Armenia Support Fund, Awards First Grants to Small Businesses in the Homeland
by NAD Lisa Kradjian
This is a time like no other in our history — and like no other time in our brotherhood and sisterhood. But one of the Daughters of Vartan’s young professional members is turning challenges into victories by making new opportunities happen for small businesses in Armenia which have been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(more…)Vahan Lodge#44, Raises Funds to Support the Fuller Center
The Knights of Vartan Vahan Lodge #44, Orange County California, recently completed a fundraising activity specifically for the purpose of making a contribution to the mission of the Fuller Center for Housing in Armenia. The fundraising activity, a raffle with cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, culminated in a raffle drawing held on May 3, in the presence of a large majority of the Vahan Lodge Tivan members, including Commander Anton Markarian; of course, all were fully compliant with social distancing criteria and personal health safety guidelines!
(more…)COVID19 Relief
The Knights and Daughters of Vartan share the concern of helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early May of 2020 the Knights and Daughters of Vartan collaborated with the Fund of Armenian Relief (FAR) Ayo! Program through a $10,000 matching campaign, $5,000 of which was a matching grant pledged by NAS Nigoghos and Mrs. Roset Atinizian.
In just a week, the needed funds were donated both from individual Knights and Daughters and from various chapters. Many Knights and Daughters felt a responsibility to join forces in support of our homeland. Our support was assigned to Tavush region, which is one of the poorest regions and has the longest border with Azerbaijan. During following weeks, and with our donations, Ayo distributed 400 packages to 400 families in Tavush region. The packages included basic necessities as well as food.
(more…)Knights of Vartan’s Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge Renovating KV #106 School in Yerevan
Knights of Vartan Inc. Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge in Greater Detroit is continuing to make improvements at the Knight of Vartan #106 School in Yerevan, Armenia. Since 2018, the Lodge will have raised $61,500 for renovation projects at this school.
(more…)Message from Avak Dirouhie
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As I am writing this message, we are living in one of the most uncertain times that I can remember; and I have been around a LONG time. The coronavirus has changed our world. We do not know how our lives will change from one moment to another. We are trying to hold it together and live as normally as possible, whatever that may be. We can’t wait to watch the news to find out what is happening and then we cannot wait to turn it off because it is so stressful to hear it. The “not knowing” is so difficult. The fact that the people we ordinarily depend on for the answers do not have the answers makes it even more stressful.
(more…)Knights and Daughters of Vartan to Hold Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Times Square
by The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
NEW YORK — The 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will take place in Times Square, on Sunday, April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. Join thousands in solidarity alongside noted politicians, academics and artists to honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide while advancing the fight towards global recognition. Special accolades will be given to the US House and Senate for standing on the right side of history and approving measures formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide.
(more…)Memorializing Nakhgin Sbarabed John George Poochigian, M.D.
(May 12, 1948 – January 3, 2020)
A Lifetime of Service to Others
Nakhgin Sbarabed John Poochigian was a member of the Knights of Vartan organization and a dedicated philanthropist whose zest for life benefited many causes and persons in the United States and in Armenia.
(more…)Knights and Daughters of Vartan Prioritizing Education
“If your plan for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for 10 years, plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years, educate children.” Confucius.
The saying is what exemplifies the work of the Knights of Vartan since its inception103 years ago. The very first scholarships were for the American Armenian communities in the Middle East (Vahan Tekeyan school in Beirut, Haygazian National School in Halep and others) as well as in the USA to encourage Armenian youth to return to school after the memories of the horrible genocide of our people.
(more…)Jack Medzorian Honored For a Lifetime of Service to Armenians
By Asbed David Medzorian
A who’s who of dignitaries, friends, family members, and colleagues gathered on November 17th to wish Nakhgin Sbarabed Jack Medzorian a happy ninety-third birthday and to thank him for his service to Armenians and to Armenia which he and his wife Eva have visited nearly one hundred times since 1972.
(more…)Knights of Vartan Provides $10,000 Donation to Support Landmine Clearance in Nagorno Karabakh
The Knights of Vartan is proud to announce that it has donated $10,000 to The HALO Trust, the only organization conducting landmine clearance in Nagorno Karabakh. This gift will support HALO’s life-saving work in the region and will be matched by an anonymous donor to double its impact.
(more…)Detroiters Celebrate Knights and Daughters Anniversaries
On November 16th, the Knights of Vartan Nareg-Shavarshan Lodge 100th Anniversary and the Daughters of Vartan Zabelle Chapter 70th Anniversary were celebrated with an elaborate dinner-dance in Detroit with over 200 guests.
(more…)Knights and Daughters of Vartan Commend the Passing of HR 269
By Grand Commander Steven R. Adams and Grand Matron Alice Kalustian
(FRESNO) — The Knights and Daughters of Vartan, established over 100 years ago as an aftermath of the Genocide of our people at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish government, commends the action of the United States House of Representatives with the passing of House Resolution 269. The recognition of the Armenian Genocide is a critical and necessary step in our quest for recognition of the systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenian people.
(more…)Knights and Daughters of Vartan Honoring Dr. Taner Akcam
On October 25, at the St. Leon Armenian Apostolic Church Abadjian Hall in Fair Lawn took place a special event honoring Dr. Taner Akcam. The event was hosted by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan and Times Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee led by NS Hirant Gulian. During this event Dr. Taner received a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Knights of Vartan Avak Sbarabed Steven Adams.
(more…)Impressions of Veratarts Hayrenik IV Trip by NS Nishan Dulgerian
For years I planned to take a trip to my ancestral home in Sepasdia but realities sunk in and I sought another vehicle to relieve my desire to visit my forefathers’ land. For me this desire was superseded with my participation to Veratarts Hayrenik (Back to Homeland) Trip IV which took place in Yerevan, Armenia during September 14-22, 2019.
(more…)Knights and Daughters of Vartan Visit Armenia, Veratarts Hayrenik IV
(YEREVAN) — Thirty-five members of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan from California to Detroit to New York including newly installed Grand Commander Steven Adams, Grand Master of Ceremonies Dr. Dennis Shamlian and Past Grand Commanders Dr. Gary Zamanigian and Steven Kradjian visited Armenia on a mission trip from September 15-22, 2019.
(more…)Grand Convocation 2019
The celebrated restaurant owner and chef José Andrés describes Las Vegas as a celebration. From July 10th through the 13th some 230 Knights and Daughters of Vartan did just that, celebrated at their Grand Convocation. For the Knights of Vartan, it was their 101st Avak Tahlij while the Daughters of Vartan marked their 79th Kerakouyn Zhoghov. This year’s Grand Convocation was hosted by Fresno, California’s Yeprad Lodge No. 9 and Alidz Chapter No. 8 with help from other California lodges as well as those from Chicago and Washington D.C. The site of this year’s gathering was Harrah’s Hotel and Resort, located on Las Vegas’ famous strip.
Consecration of Cross at the Armenian Apostolic Church At Hye Pointe
Boston –June 20, 2019. A brand-new Armenian Church in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley now has a brand-new Armenian cross to adorn its steeple. The cross was consecrated on Thursday, June 20, the gift of the Boston, Massachusetts based Knights of Vartan Ararat Tahlij No. 1 and its Arpie Otyag No. 9. Many of the lodge and Otyag members were on hand with their families as Bishop Daniel Findikyan consecrated the large gold cross which now stands proudly atop the Haverhill, Massachusetts area church. This was Bishop Findikyan’s first visit to the church since recently being elected Primate of the Armenian Church of America’s Eastern Diocese. Also participating in the consecration service were Armenian Church Pastors from across Massachusetts as well as the Dean of the Saint Nersess Armenian Seminary in New York.
Semonians of Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge #1 Partner with Rotary International on Village Water Project
A little effort going a very long way is being seen in the tiny Armenian village of Arpunq, thanks in part to the financial generosity of the late Ararat Asbed Robert “Bob” Semonian from Ararat Lodge No. 1. A ten-thousand-dollar donation from a trust established by Bob Semonian, who passed away in 2016, is being used to help bring pristine running water to a remote village near the southern shores of Lake Sevan, replacing on old, inoperative Soviet era asbestos pipe.
An Example of A True Knight of Vartan
On April 18, 2019 the First Deputy Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Gabriel Ghazaryan awarded Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan of Mamigonian Lodge with the Gold Medal of the Ministry for his ongoing investments in Physical Culture and Sports in homeland.
(more…)
104th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorated in Times Square, New York City
By Taleen Babayan
NEW YORK – Not even the hovering grey clouds could dampen the spirit of the thousands gathered for the Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Times Square on Sunday, April 28, 2019, as the 104th anniversary of the massacres was memorialized in a monumental event sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan.
Rebirth of Nanulik Kindergarten in Gyumri
By NS Nishan Dulgerian
Few things could be more pleasing than giving new life to a dilapidated school serving a community in need. Rebirth of the Nanulik Kindergarten in Gyumri, the second largest city of Armenia, in Shirak Marz, is one of those rare instances when right things happened to a deserving community in a timely manner. Constructed after the 1988 earthquake which devastated Gyumri, Nanulik barely managed to exist for years in temporary wooden cottages and domiks. (more…)
Knights and Daughters of Vartan Program on Armenian Heritage Cruise 2019
This year the Armenian Heritage Cruise (AHC) took place January 20 to January 27, 2019 aboard Royal Caribbean’s “Allure of the Seas”. The AHC Committee honored the Knights and Daughters of Vartan by providing time to present a program during the cruise. Members of the Knights and Daughters leadership in attendance were Grand Commander Dr. Gary Zamanigian, Grand Matron Diana Tookmanian, Past Grand Commander Bob Barsam and Past Grand Matron Sona Manuelian. Special guests included Archbishop Khoren Toghramadjian, Prelate of Cypress and Prof. Taner Akcam, author of “The Killing Orders – Talaat Pasha’s Telegrams and the Armenian Genocide”.