PROVIDENCE, R.I.—An overflow crowd of 175 people filled Aramian Auditorium on Sat., Dec. 7, as the Providence “Kristapor” Gomideh and its members celebrated the 123rd year of the organization by honoring three hamagirs of this community.
Hagop Khatchadourian, Maro Dionisopoulos, Anto Mesrobian, and Hagop Donoyan
The program began with a brief message of appreciation from Providence Chairman Hagop Donoyan. Dalita Getzoyan sang the national anthem and Minar Tarpinian sang “Mer Hairenik” and “Mshag Panvor.”
Garo Tashian, who served as the emcee of the evening, introduced George Aghjayan as the guest speaker. Aghjayan was raised in the Providence community and served on the Central Committee of the Eastern Region of the ARF, an organization that has worked faithfully as the parent organization of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Armenian Youth Federation, Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen chapters throughout the world, for the ultimate goal of a free, independent, and united Armenia.
Andrew Bagdasarian read the impressive personal bios of Maro Dioinisopoulos (ARS), Hagop Khatchadourian (Homenetmen) and Anto Mesrobian. All three have been active in the Providence community for their entire lives, and are prime examples of where the strength of the community comes from. They humbly received plaques from the committee and delivered brief remarks to the audience.
Arch Priest Gomidas Baghsarian provided the invocation representing the Sts. Vartanantz Church community before a losh kebab dinner was served. The entertainment portion of the program began with a wonderful performance of Armenian classical and folk dances by the Erebouni Youth Dance Group of the Boston Hamazkayin, which features more than 35 boys and girls dressed in traditional costumes. They put on a great show and received numerous standing ovations.
The evening concluded with the Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble, which performed traditional Armenian music and songs and delighted the crowd with Heghopokhagan songs.
As Armenians worldwide prepare to honor the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a bold statement was made at this gathering: The ARF in Providence remains steadfast to its goals. With a membership of mostly young professional adults, the future of the organization looks bright.
A portion of the proceeds raised from the event will be sent to the Syrian-Armenian community.