Jubilee Evening Dedicated to AGBU Vice President, Arshavir Gundjian

A tribute evening celebrating the more than fifty years of services rendered by Arshavir Gundjian to the Armenian nation, political and public life, took place on Saturday, March 14, 2009 in the Jirair and Elize Dervishian Hall of the AGBU Alex Manoogian Center in Montreal, Canada.

The program, which was organized by AGBU, Canadian Diocese of the Armenian Church, Tekeyan Cultural Association and the Democratic Liberal Party, was attended by more than 300 individuals from across the continent. It enjoyed the sponsorship of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, who was represented by Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, and AGBU President Berge Setrakian, who was represented by AGBU Central Board Member Berge Papazian from Toronto. Present in person was the mayor of the City of St. Laurent, His Worship Alan De Sousa.

As the honoree and members of his family entered the hall, the program began with the playing of the Canadian and Armenian national anthems. Welcoming remarks were delivered by the evening's master of ceremonies, Armen Bechakdjian, Chairman of the AGBU Montreal Chapter, who praised the longtime efforts of Gundjian.

Fr. Vazken Boyajian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, presented the pontifical letter of benediction of Catholicos Karekin II. Other featured speakers included: Vartouhi Balian, former principal of the Alex Manoogian School; Haroutiun Arzoumanian, chairman of the Central Executive Committee of Tekeyan Cultural Association. In his heartfelt speech, Arzoumanian remarked on his indefatigable collaboration with the honoree over the years, noting that experiencing this jubilee celebration gave him much spiritual satisfaction. Panos Titizian, veteran ADL member, who arrived from Los Angeles for the occasion, said that Arshavir Gundjian had become a prominent party figure, owing to his extensive scientific preparation, brilliant intelligence, perspicacity and steadfastness of his convictions.

On this occasion, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian of Los Angeles, former primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the current primate, conveyed their blessing and good wishes via pre-recorded video greeting.

Other event speakers and presenters included Ara Boyadjian, Chairman of the Canadian Diocesan Council, Sylva Tokatlian, and Noubar Babikian. AGBU Central Board Member Berge Papazian presented Gundjian's accomplishments as vice president of AGBU, emphasizing the notable building projects he helped to accomplish.

The evening's keynote speaker was Yervant Azadian, well-known diasporan Armenian intellectual, journalist, foreign member of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences and longtime close associate of the honoree.

The cultural portion of the program featured internationally renowned singer Aline Kutan. Ruben Mirzakhanian, president of Tekeyan Cultural Association of Armenia, honored Gundjian with the organization's First Order "Ararat" diamond-studded insignia.

A video presentation outlining Gundjian's life and accomplishments was shown to the audience and a sculpture by Armenian Canadian artist Arto Tchakmakchian was presented to the honoree by the artist himself. Finally, Gundjian was invited to address the audience.

A scientist and university professor, Gundjian thanked the organizing committee for making the event possible. He expressed his gratitude to all those in attendance and the handful of colleagues, who contributed to his accomplishments through their thoughtful efforts. He expressed special thanks to his physician, Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, who had saved his life years ago, as well as his family, who endured his dedication to national activities over the years. He emphasized the roles of the Armenian Church, ADL Party, Tekeyan Cultural Association and AGBU in the sacred work of national preservation. He voiced special praise for those, who contribute their services toward this end, for the benefit of the nation and homeland, and especially toward the efforts to preserve the Armenian diaspora.

Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of Canada, ended the program with his cordial remarks and blessing.

All donations made on the occasion were to go towards the creation of the "Dr. Arshavir Gundjian Scholarship Fund."