"Soup Kitchen” Patrons Share their Food with Others
Thanks to the contributions of thousands of AGBU donors the Yerevan, Sevan, Hrazdan and Etchmiadzin "Soup Kitchens" continue to serve almost 1000 elderly pensioners and orphans daily. On a recent visit in October, I was surprised to see two of the Soup Kitchens half full with seated diners. But looking to the food counter I noticed dozens of people waiting with bags containing pots and pans brought from home. A little confused I turned to the managers and asked why the people at the tables had decreased. "At least a hundred of our recipients are taking the food home to eat. They fill their pots and leave!" each responded.
Surprised, 1 thought about it for a moment and then suddenly realized that they were feeding their entire families with the generous portions of soup, salad and main course each receives. It was a sad realization but, on the other hand, a happy one. The soup kitchens are now providing nourishment for hundreds of other people who are in need.
Nothing has improved in Armenia for pensioners or for those who are unemployed or for orphans living with families who themselves are barely able to cope. The transition from communism to democracy has hit this segment of the population the hardest. The government, in the throes of trying to build a viable economic base and a new infrastructure, just does not have the funds to increase welfare subsidies to those in need at this time.
It has not been easy to manage the "Soup Kitchen" operation from long distance, but thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Araratian Diocese in Yerevan, AGBU has a dedicated group of representatives who visit the Soup Kitchens unannounced every two weeks to oversee quality, costs and service. Some twenty soup kitchens run by foreign agencies and another six run by a U.S. volunteer have closed or are about to close.
Again our appreciation is extended to everyone who has made this project possible. When any AGBU representative or donor walks into one of the restaurants, every recipient quickly asks who the newcomers are. Upon hearing, they surround us to say thank you, over and over again. It is always a touching, heartbreaking moment.
Armenia’s Philharmonic Orchestra to Tour U.S. In 1996
The Armenia Philharmonic is still sold out and still receiving rave reviews in Armenia. Under the direction of Maestro Loris Tjeknavorian, the 110 member orchestra has had an exciting year touring Greece and Cyprus and this summer, with guest conductor George Pehlivanian, three weeks of performances in cities throughout France. In May of 1996 the Armenia Philharmonic will tour New York, Detroit, Toronto and Los Angeles in celebration of AGBU's 90th anniversary.
Each Saturday and Sunday the 1200 seat Khachaturian Hall in Yerevan is filled with a broad spectrum of people; from children and students to adults of every age and from government officials and tourists to almost all foreign embassy and agency representatives who clamor for tickets. The United States, Russian, German and French Embassies have sponsored several concerts, each by composers from their respective countries. Saturdays are especially dedicated to religious concerts in celebration of the coming 1700th anniversary of the Armenian Church in the year 2001.
This year an eighty member permanent choir was added to the Philharmonic's performances, along with guest soloists and conductors from Europe, the United States, and even as far as Japan, bringing a new dimension to the cultural life of Armenia.
Through special donations, the AGBU has for the past four years sponsored the Armenia Philharmonic and the Yerevan Orchestra (which also performs at Khachaturian Hall) along with this year's new choir. Renovations and maintenance for Khachaturian Hall (named after the famous composer Aram Khachaturian) have also been undertaken by AGBU.
