By the organization of the regional board of ARCL on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Araxi Boulghourjian socio medical center’s Tenjoukian Hall, a wine pouring ceremony on the occasion of the publishing a new volume containing the history of the branches and by the title “Our History” took place.
The preacher of the Armenian Diocese of Lebanon, supreme priest Anania Koujanian, was present at the ceremony, ARS Central Board representative Nelly Vekilian, ARCL Regional Board members and a large number of ARCL members were also present at the ceremony.
After listening to the march of ARS, Silva Sabounjian the chairperson of the Regional Board started the ceremony with the opening word. She said that the history of the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon coincides with the existence and formation of Lebanese Armenians. The wine pouring ceremony of the book that describes this history they will perform together. The study "Our History" has a great scientific and political importance and relevance. Silva Sabounjian expressed gratitude to the patrons of this book's publication and their descendants, and all the members of ARCL who have served selflessly for 89 years starting from the most difficult days of the Armenians in Lebanon to these days now.
The first word of the wine pouring ceremony was given to Sosse Jinbashian. First she talked about the motives behind the publication of this book. Sosse Jinbashian said that the organizational committee initiated the publication of this book because the branches tackle important tasks. They are very close to the people and know their needs very well. She said that the ARCL members are self-sacrificing, serious, and gallant people. Self-centered people can’t show sacrifice. Then Sosse Jinbashian reflected upon the work of the branches in Armenia and Lebanon and specifically stressed that not just any other Armenian woman becomes a member of ARCL. The people should appreciate the members of ARCL because they neglect their personal needs and reach out to help the deprived and provide their essentials. She said that the functions of the branches written about in the book are diverse. Each period has its challenges and demands. The life of each member of ARCL is the story of our settlement in Lebanon. The branches also have other important missions, according to the needs of the region they provide scholarship, clothing and food, and this is achieved by organizing different events and finding various financial sponsors. This story should become the property of each ARCL member, so that the latter receives a new inspiration and moves ahead with new zeal. This booklet will be useful to researchers in the preparation of the ARCL history. She said that patrons of the book immediately responded to publish this volume. They are people who have their input in the Lebanese Armenian society. Then Sosse Jinbashian listed all the patrons who made their contribution to the 1st asylum country Lebanon. Angel Sabounjian member of the “Nayiri” branch and founder of the “Artsakh” branch, Lucy Krikorian who had great contribution to the “Tripoli” branch, Peka Kelendjian fwho unctioned selflessly in the “Roupina” branch and the benefactress of all the unfortunate in the “Marash” region, “Ashkhen” branch notable member and “Nayiri” branch founder Sirarpi Jeredjian -a meritorious member, Bosnonian who had great contribution and helped the elderly who is also one of the titans of the Artistry Committee due to her enthusiasm. Then she thanked Diki Torigian and Maggie Khatcherian for their everlasting work and making corrections in the volume. She specially thanked Maggie Khatcherian for making the editing of the volume “Our History”. Sosse Jinbashian mentioned that the cover of the book is symbolic. The pomegranates on the cover are the committees of the ARCL and the 26 birds are the branches. At the end of her word she urged all the members of ARCL to work, armed with the faith and the strength of the organization so that ARCL remains on it apex and becomes one of the main pillars of the survival of the Armenians in Diaspora.
Afterwards the word was given to the editor of the volume Maggie Khatcherian. She said that on the threshold of the 90th anniversary of ARCL, the first step of showing the centennial function (mission) of ARCL to the Lebanese Armenians and Armenians in general has been achieved by publishing the volume “Our History”, having in mind the purpose of transmitting the experiences and achievements of the past to the new generation. Then she quotes from the words of Marcus Garvey, a great social activist who struggled for the freedom of the people of Africa, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” This publication best coincides with the initiative and the purpose of this book. Then Maggie Khacherian talked about the content of the book and said that it consists of ten sections. The first part is about the establishing of the branches, which is our national development section. Wherever a branch of ARCL is established it is established out of necessity. Sometimes tremendous tasks are linked to the establishing of branches such as establishing of schools. Second about the locations and how they have special meanings and changed according to the circumstances. Third the circumstances of the members and how they have fluctuated. Fourth the juniors “ardsvigner” “eaglets”. At the beginning the ARCL had its “eaglets” which were later transferred to HOMENETMEN. Fifth about special enterprises like dispensaries, artistry center if the branch has any. Sixth the Lebanese civil war during which the branches have done great work. Seventh ARCL activities such as providing scholarships, educational support, and caring for elderly people. Eight means to secure finance. Ninth commemorations. Tenth the ARCL Regional Board’s participation in activities.
Maggie Khatcherian also talked about the difficulties related to the editing of the book. She also mentioned that the delay of the publication of the book is related to the lack of the pictures, the unavailability of the archives and data, and the absence of the old generation. Moreover, since the information found in the book was documentary it was necessary to be precise, and this was very time consuming.
At the end of her word Maggie Khtacherian thanked the regional board of ARCL, Hamazkayin Vahe Setian publishing house, Ani Pehlivanian Sarkissina, Meghry Shamassian, Garo Aghazarian who participated in the technical production of the book in various ways. She said that this publication should be the yeast for the preparation of the centennial book, whose production we hope would be achieved in 2029.
Then the wine pouring ceremony was done by father Anania Koujanian.
The Preacher of the Armenian Diocese of Lebanon father Anania Koujanian said his sincere word on the occasion. He invited the attendees to stand one minute in silence in the memory of the founders of ARCL. The holy father mentioned that ARCL represents the Lebanese Armenians and that it is not a mere story. It is past, present and future. Today as a strong pillar it guards the children of the Lebanese Armenians. Talking about the meaning of a “benefactor” or (sponsor) the holy father said that each member of ARCL is a benefactor. She sacrifices her life for the nation, the elderly, the children, the needy. The publication of this book will be a reason for the ARCL to start a new work with solid and extra vision. Anniversaries do not say anything because the ARCL does not need the people's appreciation. The mission of ARCL is a divine mission. He urged all the unions, organizations and people in authority to avoid looking in a marginal manner to the mission of ARCL and support ARCL. This book is a daily bible because in it you find mission, sacrifice and offering. He wished that we continue our vocation/quest with love. The holy father congratulated ARCL’s 90th anniversary and considered it to be a sanctity, a church. When a family is established on love, respect, and sacrifice, it will never be destroyed. ARCL will not break to the face of new challenges, on the contrary it will progress more. In the last part of his word, the holy father said that ARCL that formed a “fist” with the effort of all will be beautified, and with our presence and work we will evaluate ARCL’s past, present, and future, and brighten its quest. The grace given to us by God we should put it in the service of ARCL.
With the blessing and prayer of the holy father Anania Koujanian the wine pouring ceremony was over. Hospitality took place.
