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AGHJAYAN OUTLINES ANC AGENDA IN MERRIMACK VALLEY
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/04/02/aghjayan-outlines-anc-agenda-in-merrimack-valley/
April 2, 2012
CHELMSFORD, Mass.-George Aghjayan remembers the past with fond
recollection.
ANCA Eastern Region chair George Aghjayan, center, is flanked by
Merrimack Valley ANC co-chairs Aram Jeknavorian, left, and Ara
Jeknavorian, right.
He recalls his connection to Merrimack Valley and especially his
long-time friendship and respect for late Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA) activist Bill Mesrobian.
"Bill was one of my mentors who led the local ANCA for so many
years-a dedicated activist, leader, and inspiration to me personally,"
Aghjayan traced back. "He touched the lives of so many people. His
efforts will never be forgotten."
Aghjayan has his own agenda these days as newly appointed chair of
the ANCA Eastern Region.
One of his appearances came during a Merrimack Valley fundraising
reception hosted by Armen and Sossy Jeknavorian March 24.
Close to 40 people showed up for the event, raising $3,800 for
the local chapter. The sum included a $1,000 gift from Aghjayan in
memory of Mesrobian. The evening also drew an appearance by cellist
Sevan Sarian.
Co-chairs Aram and Ara Jeknavorian welcomed and thanked supporters
for their donations and pledges. The local chapter continues to
remain active with projects and legislative issues. A pan-Armenian
Genocide commemoration and procession are planned for April 21 in
downtown Lowell.
Aghjayan presented a brief talk on the ANCA, encouraging fresh
enthusiasm into the organization.
Priests from three different churches turned out for an ANCA
fundraising reception March 24 in Merrimack Valley. (R-L) Der Khachatur
Kesablyan, Der Karekin Bedourian, and Der Vart Gyozalian, joined by
Yeretsgin Pauline Kassabian, and Merrimack Valley ANC co-chairs Ara
Jeknavorian and Armen Jeknavorian.
"We've met with successes and setbacks over the past year but our
determined march toward justice continues," he said. "I challenge
each of you to participate in that mission."
Aghjayan said it's a mistake to assume that just because the ANCA has
not reached our ultimate goal, that it has not achieved anything or
that the approach is misguided.
"Even our occasional setbacks can be tied to the tremendous gains
we've made over the past 50 years," he pointed out. "The principal
stand we've taken over the past decade against such anti-Armenian
initiatives as TARC and the Armenian-Turkish protocols clearly show the
ANCA is the leading advocacy group representing Armenian Americans."
Pastors from three different Apostolic Churches joined together in
prayer and fraternity: Der Karekin Bedourian, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover; Der Khachatur Kesablyan, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford;
and Der Vart Gyozalian, Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Haverhill.
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/04/02/aghjayan-outlines-anc-agenda-in-merrimack-valley/
April 2, 2012
CHELMSFORD, Mass.-George Aghjayan remembers the past with fond
recollection.
ANCA Eastern Region chair George Aghjayan, center, is flanked by
Merrimack Valley ANC co-chairs Aram Jeknavorian, left, and Ara
Jeknavorian, right.
He recalls his connection to Merrimack Valley and especially his
long-time friendship and respect for late Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA) activist Bill Mesrobian.
"Bill was one of my mentors who led the local ANCA for so many
years-a dedicated activist, leader, and inspiration to me personally,"
Aghjayan traced back. "He touched the lives of so many people. His
efforts will never be forgotten."
Aghjayan has his own agenda these days as newly appointed chair of
the ANCA Eastern Region.
One of his appearances came during a Merrimack Valley fundraising
reception hosted by Armen and Sossy Jeknavorian March 24.
Close to 40 people showed up for the event, raising $3,800 for
the local chapter. The sum included a $1,000 gift from Aghjayan in
memory of Mesrobian. The evening also drew an appearance by cellist
Sevan Sarian.
Co-chairs Aram and Ara Jeknavorian welcomed and thanked supporters
for their donations and pledges. The local chapter continues to
remain active with projects and legislative issues. A pan-Armenian
Genocide commemoration and procession are planned for April 21 in
downtown Lowell.
Aghjayan presented a brief talk on the ANCA, encouraging fresh
enthusiasm into the organization.
Priests from three different churches turned out for an ANCA
fundraising reception March 24 in Merrimack Valley. (R-L) Der Khachatur
Kesablyan, Der Karekin Bedourian, and Der Vart Gyozalian, joined by
Yeretsgin Pauline Kassabian, and Merrimack Valley ANC co-chairs Ara
Jeknavorian and Armen Jeknavorian.
"We've met with successes and setbacks over the past year but our
determined march toward justice continues," he said. "I challenge
each of you to participate in that mission."
Aghjayan said it's a mistake to assume that just because the ANCA has
not reached our ultimate goal, that it has not achieved anything or
that the approach is misguided.
"Even our occasional setbacks can be tied to the tremendous gains
we've made over the past 50 years," he pointed out. "The principal
stand we've taken over the past decade against such anti-Armenian
initiatives as TARC and the Armenian-Turkish protocols clearly show the
ANCA is the leading advocacy group representing Armenian Americans."
Pastors from three different Apostolic Churches joined together in
prayer and fraternity: Der Karekin Bedourian, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover; Der Khachatur Kesablyan, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford;
and Der Vart Gyozalian, Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Haverhill.