PARAMUS, NJ—–More than 250 friends and supporters of the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) joined together on Saturday evening, November 18, to celebrate its 70th anniversary in grand style. The auspicious event, under the auspices of Eastern Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, was held at the elegant Terrace at Biagio’s in Paramus, NJ.
Guests of honor included Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Zohrab and Mrs. Irina Mnatsakanian, long-time philanthropists and sponsors of this Anniversary Gala Nazar and Artemis Nazarian, and TCA leaders Edmund Azadian and Hagop Kassardjian. Representatives of several organizations were present, including the Armenian Diocese, AMAA, Armenia Fund, AAHPO, AGBU, ANCA, and the Karageuzian Foundation.
Following a lavish reception, and the singing of the American and Armenian national anthems by Jeny Sarian, the Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian, the Pastor of Sts. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church of Wynnewood, PA, offered the invocation, then declared to loud applause, “I am also aTekeyan member.”
Jerry Misk, Esq., TCA Greater NY member, ably performed the role of Master of Ceremonies, introducing each program event in a well-researched and unique style.
In warm remarks, Hilda Hartounian, Chairperson of the TCA Greater NY Committee, welcomed all present and stated that members and friends had traveled long distances from Armenia, Lebanon, Egypt, France, Argentina, Canada, and the US for this extraordinary event. She strongly stated that TCA’s “goal and mission has been and always will be to proudly promote cultural and educational activities in all communities around the globe, as well as our motherland, Armenia.”
EMBODIMENT OF ARMENIAN SPIRIT – THE NAZARIANS
Honorary Chair of the TCA Greater NY Committee Hagop Vartivarian, and Hilda Hartounian participated in presenting the evening’s honorees Nazar and Artemis Nazarian with the Lifetime Benefactor Award, an etched crystal plaque, for their life-long generosity which has included schools, hospitals, churches, camps and buildings built by them from Armenia to the farthest corners of the Armenian world.
To thunderous applause and a standing ovation, the legendary couple graciously accepted the honor. Daughter Seta, speaking for the family, stated in a short and eloquent phrase, “Our parents have taught us how to live and give,” which brought on lengthy cheering.
Hagop Kassardjian, Chairman of the TCA Founders Committee pf Lebanon, as well as a leader in the AGBU and ADL, and elected twice to the Lebanese Parliament, spoke in Armenian about the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s beginnings, history and exalted leaders. He said that in the last few years in Lebanon, the Yervant Odian theatrical group had been formed, and he emphasized that the TCA is an important institution for the diaspora, and for the future.
Aram Arkun, TCA Executive Director of the US and Canada, and Assistant Editor of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, announced that the Tekeyan building in Armenia has been completed. A video detailing the history and founders of the TCA showing the many personalities involved, was shown to many oohs and aahs, as several figures were recognized.
To the delight of the audience, well known artist Nora Azadian who had been coached by the legendary poet Vahan Tekeyan, a close friend of her grandfather, recited with powerful emotion and passion, Tekeyan’s soulful and heartfelt poem “Hayou Hokeen”. It was rewarded with a lengthy standing ovation.
MEMORABLE KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Noted author and editor, founding member and Chairman of the TCA Central Board of the US and Canada Edmund Azadian, in an eloquent keynote and poetically delivered keynote address in English and Armenian, spoke about the main components of the organization. “Words have power and poetic words have torrential power which can inspire and move masses of human beings. That is why the words of the poet Vahan Tekeyan reverberated in space and time, motivating multitudes and guiding them by means pf the ideals which had molded his persona and his heritage.”
It was two years after Tekeyan’s death that the TCA was founded in 1947, he related, and detailed the many noble missions of the organization, including education, the publication of several literary magazines, daily and weekly newspapers, literary and scholarly books, and the promotion of literature, the arts, music, dance, theater, and the bringing of that culture to the diaspora.
“Today, the poet’s voice resonates louder than ever, even far beyond the boundaries of our people, to touch mankind,” Edmund Azadian declared. On behalf of his people and mankind, Tekeyan passionately implored:
“Tear down all fortresses and impregnable walls. And lance wrath against the barricades of armored ignorance. Divide the world’s wealth evenly. Let crowds through the entrance to your pastures stampede at the last fall of the last tower – But, O lord, let them break no trees, nor crush a single flower.”
Before the benediction, closing remarks were delivered by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. “It is our encounter with writers like Vahan Tekeyan, as well as the artists, musicians and cultural forces of our heritage that led us into a deeper appreciation of the Armenian identity, as well as a deep desire of our younger generation to know their identity as Armenians. This is the great influence the Tekeyan Cultural Association has had on our community. This enduring mission must continue and expand well beyond the 70th anniversary.”
During the evening a silent auction featuring valuable prizes had been held. At the conclusion of the memorable event, the lucky winners were announced, and then the crowd enthusiastically took to the floor dancing to the catchy beats of Elie Berberian & Ensemble, joyously concluding a momentous and historic event that will long be remembered.
