The Armenian Relief Society of Eastern United States (ARS, HOM) held its 100th convention on Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in Boston. To mark this occasion, a banquet was offered at the parish hall of St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, MA, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate, with Eastern US ARS chairperson Ani Attar acting as MC. In concise remarks, Ms. Attar described the activity of the ARS and thanked all members and benefactors of the organization. She then invited Nayiri Derderian to deliver a message on behalf of the Central Executive Board. Congratulatory messages were received from the regional committees of California and Canada.
For his part, the Prelate congratulated the ARS and its members on its 100th convention and members in the name of the Religious and Lay Councils of the Prelacy.
“This historic convention represents the uninterrupted sum of 100 years of meticulous and devoted work by volunteers, in search of solutions for crises that affected Armenian life and the effort to put them into practice,” His Eminence said.
“However different from our present may have been the historical period, the conditions and needs of the time when ARS was founded, the vision remains the same –to unconditionally serve our people,” he said. “Indeed, if until the tragic earthquake of 1988 the Middle East was the main concern of the ARS, thereafter the homeland, Artsakh, and Javakhk have become the focus of its efforts, always ready to tackle new challenges.”
The Prelate said that this date, “a landmark for an organization that has carried the ripe seeds of humanitarian, cultural, and social services for more than a century, we pray that the souls of Armenian Relief Society’s founder and all its past selfless members may rest in peace, that current members will always have the energy to carry on, and that new volunteers may join the ranks of ARS, which enriches Armenian life, and we urge benefactors to open their hearts wide so that this blessed Society will be crowned with new achievements.”
Archbishop Anoushavan congratulated all persons who were honored on this occasion, especially Mrs. Angele Manoogian, who was distinguished with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her indefatigable service to the Central and Regional committees for many years. . She has left an indelible mark on the organization, inspiring new generations.
An artistic program ensued the speeches.
The luncheon was closed with a prayer by Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, following which attendees sang “Giligia.”