On Saturday, June 13, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) President Berge Setrakian visited the Armenian community of Toronto. The luncheon held in his honor brought together nearly 100 guests to the AGBU Toronto Centre and was held in the presence of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Canada Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, AGBU Central Board members Ani Manoukian and Lena Sarkissian, AGBU Toronto board and committee members, representatives of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Armenian cultural organizations as well as donors and chapter members.
During the luncheon, Berge Papazian was recognized by Mr. Setrakian for his years of service and leadership as AGBU Central Board member and secretary. Elected in 2006 at the 84th AGBU General Assembly in Paris, Papazian is stepping down from his position this year. “I’m proud to have served the AGBU Central Board and look forward to seeing a younger generation take on leadership roles in the Armenian community.” Mr. Papazian’s dedication to the community remains steadfast and he will continue to serve as president of AGBU Armen-Ontario, the holding company of the AGBU Alex Manoogian Cultural Centre in Toronto, as well as secretary of AGBU Armen-Quebec.
During the visit, Setrakian toured the AGBU Toronto Centre and met with members of the Young Professionals of Toronto (YPTO), the Sports and Youth Committee (SYC) and the AGBU Toronto Executive Board. He also attended part of the St. Sahag St. Mesrob Saturday School year-end ceremonies at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church. AGBU Toronto Chair Knar Basmadjian presented Setrakian with a gift to thank him for his remarkable vision and dedication and for being a source of pride and inspiration.
