On 21 Jun 2014, a new milestone was recorded in the history records of the ARCL.
A large number of ARCL members, local residents and state body representatives were gathered near the Araxi Boulghourjian Socio-Medical Center (ABSMC), where at 11 am that morning the opening ceremony of the Yoland Keropian-Jombalakian Heart Diner for the Elderly took place in a newly remodeled ground floor hall.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony and performance of the anthems of Lebanon, Armenia, and the Armenian Relief Society(ARS), Mr. Hagop Keshishian spoke in the name of the ARCL Property Committee. He stated that the ARCL had launched the “Hot meal” program in 2005 that provides food for the elderly and said that this diner will further serve this program’s implementation. The twice-a-week food supplying service will be carried out by the ARCL Vartouhi Degirmendjian Kitchen. Mr. Keshishian finished his speech by saying that the opening of this diner will be one of the links for future achievements of the ARCL.
ARCL Regional Executive (REB) chair Maral Hovhannessian revealed in her word that a year earlier an unknown ARCL member bequeathed all her belongings to the ARCL. She was Yoland Keropian-Jombalakian. In her will, Yoland had mentioned that the money will be allocated to ARCL humanitarian programs that shall be named after her father and brother.
The ARCL REB had decided to name this Diner in Yoland Keropian-Jombalakian’s name; while the programs named after her father and brother were going to be aimed at providing financial income for the Diner.
Maral Hovhannessian thank all those who contributed to this program including the Mayor of Bourj Hammoud Mr Antranig Meserlian and Mr. Vatche Degirmendjian.
The final speech was delivered by the Prelate who praised the ARCL for easing our daily growing needs. He also said that the name of the Diner, “Heart Diner”, had left a deep impression on his heart.
The ceremony was concluded by the recital of the Lord’s prayer and a blessing by the Prelate.
We note that His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia had announced the year 2014 as the “Year of the Elderly”.
