Month: April 2025

Arlington, MA – Known for their strength, resilience and dedication to family and community throughout history, Armenian women have often played a crucial role in preserving their culture. They have also made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, activism and the arts. 

In world music, the millennia-old Armenian history records the legacy of two Armenian women musicians: Sahakdukht and Khosrovidukht, who lived in the 8th century. Hymnographers, poets and pedagogues, they have left a treasury of ecclesiastical poems, as well as liturgical chants.

In tribute to Armenian woman composers, on Sunday, April 13 at 5 pm, the Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF), in cooperation with Amaras Art Alliance, Armenian Women’s International Association (AIWA) and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) New England District will present a piano recital by internationally renowned pianist Şahan Arzruni at the Robbins Memorial Town Hall in Arlington.

The program will include a wide range of compositional styles by world-renowned Armenian women composers from Armenia and the Diaspora, including Lucaper (Lucy) Hazarabedian (1863-1855), arguably the first Armenian woman composer to write for piano in modern times and Koharik Gazarossian (1907–1967), from Scutari and Constantinople in Turkey, respectively;  Gayane Chebotaryan (1918–1998), “grande dame of Armenian music” and Geghuni Chitchyan (b. 1929), two of the most pivotal figures in classical music in Armenia; Alicia Terzian (b. 1934) from Cordoba, Argentina; Sirvart Karamanuk (1912–2008), also from Scutari, Turkey;  Sirvart Kazandjian from Ethiopia (1944-2020); and Mary Kouyoumdjian (b. 1983) of Beirut, Lebanon. 

Arzruni has achieved recognition as a composer, ethnomusicologist, teacher, lecturer, writer, recording artist, broadcasting personality, producer and impresario. He has toured in these capacities throughout North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. He has become a familiar figure through many television broadcasts, such as Johnny Carson and Mike Douglas Shows, and has been featured in a number of PBS specials—Around the World in ‘82, Gala of Stars and A Place of Dreams: Carnegie Hall at 100—and has recorded for European radio networks, including the BBC. Arzruni has given command performances at the White House, as well as the British, Danish, Swedish and Icelandic courts.

Motivated by ethnic awareness in the United States, Arzruni continuously researches the musical roots of his Armenian heritage. He recorded a three record anthology of Armenian piano music and co-produced an eight-disc set of instrumental and vocal Armenian music. He also delivered papers and organized symposia for such institutions as Harvard University, Columbia University and University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Arzruni is the author of scholarly books and a contributor of articles for academic journals; he has also written for various editions of The New Grove Dictionary and the Dictionary of the Middle Ages. An artist of striking versatility, Arzruni has performed with Victor Borge, playing the role of straight man in the master’s hilarious musical programs. 

In recognition of his invaluable contribution to Armenian musical heritage, His Holiness Karekin I in 1996, bestowed upon him an encyclical and the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Medal. In 2015, the president of the Republic of Armenia awarded him the Movses Khorenatsi Medal for exceptional achievement in cultural development. 

This program is the first of the Mirak Chamber Music series. As part of the Armenian Cultural Foundation’s programs for 2025, the piano recital will take place on Sunday, April 13 at 5 pm, at the Robbins Memorial Town Hall in Arlington. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the ACF at (781-646-3090) during office hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

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By Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalyan

We are thrilled to announce that, from May 1-3, 2025, our parish will host the Annual Clergy Conference and the 123rd Diocesan Assembly, a momentous occasion that will bring together clergy, delegates and faithful from across our Diocese. This year’s theme, inspired by the Gospel of John 13:34, is “Love One Another.” These words of Christ remind us of the transformative power of love in building a stronger Christian community and deepening our faith in God.

The Clergy Conference and Diocesan Assembly will serve as a time for reflection, prayer and planning for the future of our Diocese. As St. Paul writes, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). In the spirit of these biblical teachings, we gather to renew our commitment to Christ and one another as we celebrate our faith and heritage.

At the same time, the Women’s Guild Assembly, organized by the Women’s Guild Central Council, will be held and hosted by the Holy Archangels Women’s Guild. This important gathering will bring together women from across our Diocese to strengthen their bonds of fellowship, share ideas and celebrate their vital role in the life of the Armenian Church.

Delegates and attendees will also have the opportunity to visit our newly consecrated sanctuary and Family Life and Cultural Center, as well as see our traditional Armenian tonir. They can partake in the unique experience of enjoying freshly baked lahmajun and jingalov hats prepared directly from our tonir, a testament to our rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality.

A highlight of the gathering will be the gala banquet on Friday, May 2, during which we will honor two remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of Christian love and service. 

James Kalustian will be honored as “Armenian of the Year.” A devoted servant of the Armenian Church and a champion of our culture and traditions, James has worked tirelessly to promote the Armenian heritage. His dedication reflects the words of the Apostle Peter: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

Rev. Fr. John Delaney, Pastor of Sacred Hearts Parish in Bradford, MA, will be recognized as this year’s “Friend of Armenians,” a title reserved for those who have shown unwavering support for our community. His genuine care, friendship and collaboration with our parish have been a blessing to us all.

Following the banquet, a dance will take place that is open to the public (as is the banquet).

We encourage all attendees to carry the spirit of “Love One Another” into their lives, families and communities. As our Lord Jesus Christ teaches, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). May this gathering serve as a beacon of light, uniting us in faith and love as we journey together in service to our Lord and Savior.

Let us join together in prayer and fellowship, looking forward to an inspiring week filled with God’s grace, Armenian hospitality and the joy of being in communion with one another. May we continue to honor our heritage and build a future rooted in faith, love and service.

Registration has opened. For more information, please visit https://www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org/ 

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Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

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