– ARF Celebrates 101st Anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia

On Saturday, June 1st, 2019 the Armenian Youth Federation of Syria organized a celebration dedicated to the 101st anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia in Aleppo at the “K. Yesayan” hall. The main speaker of the event, ARF Bureau representative Hagop Der Khatchadourian, travelled from Armenia to Aleppo to participate in the event. During his speech, Der Khatchadourian spoke of the symbols of independence and current political developments, saying “May 28th: the most important page in our recent history was written in blood and sweat. Our statehood was reborn from this chaos; Armenia once again became a part of the global [Armenian] family and has become a country that has been strongly entrenched in progress and social justice, even when in the most destructive conditions.”

Hagop Der Khatchadourian explained that it was almost thirty years ago, under great mental disposition that we [the ARF] delivered the symbols of statehood and independence that was preserved in the diaspora during the years of exile [under the Soviet Union]: the tricolor, anthem, coat of arms, and national identity, to the newly free and independent Armenia. Unfortunately, this joy [at having an independent country] was mixed with frustration when the first president of the Republic of Armenia destroyed the belief of pan-Armenian solidarity and began to create divisions within the people of Armenia and the diaspora.

We see this happening again today, with the creation of divisions of black and white, with the occasional poisonous and hatred acts spilled in public, instead of love and tolerance. For example, the actions against long-time ARF Bureau representative Hrant Markaryan, his son and grandchildren, which should have been condemned by the highest of government officials remains unanswered – with no statements made by any high-ranking officials or governmental members.

In conclusion, Der Khatchadourian called on our people to unite; stressing the fact that we should not take for granted the value of our nation, this opportunity to have an independent Armenia and Artsakh. We should be ready to develop Armenia and Artsakh without any compromises. Together, with our statehood, the fair distribution of roles, by helping one another, we will be able to strengthen our statehood, strengthening Artsakh, Javakhk, the Diaspora in order to see our national dreams come true.

Hagop Der Khachadourians’ Complete Speech In Armenian

– Meeting with representatives of the Armenian Beroea Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and representatives of sister organizations

On the morning of June 2nd, 2019, ARF Bureau representative, Hagop Der Khatchadourian, was present at the Divine Liturgy held at the Forty Martyrs Cathedral. After the Divine Liturgy, Hagop Der Khatchadourian met with representatives of national and sister organizations. The ARF Bureau representative thanked the attendees, especially Doctor Hoori Azezian for her warm welcome. “First, I would like to congratulate this magnificent community for being one of the diaspora’s radiating communities: the main region [Syria] where the survivor’s of the Armenian Genocide began creating the Diaspora with their hard-work; the people who turned their mourning for Genocide into demand, then turned it into a cultural hub who in turn created and helped other regions flourish. Although, the recent emigration from Aleppo due to the civil war has had its negative impacts, but it has helped contribute to the revitalization of other Diasporan cities, especially in Canada, Sweden, Australia and elsewhere.”

The meeting ended with Hagop Der Khatchadourian began to relay stories from his childhood in Aleppo.

– Official visit to the Armenian Evangelical and Catholic community in Syria

ARF Bureau representative, Hagop Der Khatchadourian, and his delegation visited the Armenian evangelical community in Syria. Mayor Revered welcomed Hagop Der Khatchadourian and stated that the arrival of the ARF Bureau representative to Aleppo is not only a joy for the Armenian evangelical community and its related associations and institutions, but to all Syrian Armenians. The representative of the ARF Bureau highlighted the united council. “The Armenian Evangelical Community and the remaining converts in their cooperation relied on the call for united work of the organization. The Armenian Evangelical Community of Syria, with your investment and followers, is the proponent of our national values, and has its own place in our pan-Armenian life. The ARF Bureau representative highly commended the Mayor Revered pan-Armenian, unified, national work. In the evening, the ARF Bureau representative was present at the spiritual musical concert held by the Armenian Diocese of Beroea at the Forty Martyrs Cathedral, which was dedicated to the first lady of Syria.

On the same day, ARF Bureau Representative Hagop Der Khachatourian and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by the Armenian Catholic community and representatives of the Holy Trinity church.

– Visit to Nor Kyugh

On the morning of Monday, June 3rd, 2019, ARF Bureau representative Hagop Der Khatchadourian, accompanied by representatives of Aleppo’s national and other organization representatives, visited Nor Kyugh. The visit began at Saint Krikor Lusavorich church, after which the delegation visited the National Shelter, “Arevelk” printing. During the visit, Der Khatchadourian also visited the local Armenian Relief Society and Hamazkayin “Zavarian” Cultural centers. The visit would not have been complete without a visit to Karen Jeppe Jemaran, where Hagop Der Khatchadourian in the presence of local officials, Djemeran administration, priests and ARF members, officially unveiled the bust in memory of Raffi Bchachkjian, an ARF member who was the leader of the self-defense of the Armenian neighborhoods in Aleppo.

On this occasion, the ARF Bureau member said, “Unger [comrade] Raffi’s heroic deeds have not remained within the borders of Syria, but have reached all Armenians. Unger Raffi with his essence and dedication to the ARF will inspire future generations. On this occasion [of the unveiling of the bust], I want to convey the greetings and well-wishes from the entire ARF family, from Armenia to the Diaspora.” “Dear Unger Raffi, let your memorial continue to be an inspiration. With your actions, you have added to the treasures of the ARF heroes of our past. Not only are we proud of you, as you are a continuation of our heroic past, but as a guarantee for our continuous future.”

-Meeting with the representatives’ of the Central Committees of Syrian-Armenians’ Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Center

On Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 11:00am, ARF Bureau representative Hagop Der Khatchadourian met with the Central Committees of Syrian-Armenians’ Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Center. The meeting, which lasted almost an hour, Hagop Der Khatchadourian commended the work of the Central Committee over the last 7 years. They [the Central Committee] was able to organize to community, and Der Khatchadourian expressed his appreciation of this historic, noble mission, especially in the spheres of humanitarian and educational work.

He stressed that the Syrian-Armenians’ restoration work should be continued with the same spirit and vigor, while utilizing new methods of cooperation; he expressed that these practical acts that they [the Central Committee] have done shows support to the Syrian government and the president.

More Photos from the visit

In Armenian