The Manhattan “Tsiran” chapter of the Armenian Relief Society was established in 2023, with the aim to fundraise for various projects in Armenia. The ARS has been instrumental in providing essential relief efforts in the homeland. The ARS Tsiran chapter aims to foster community engagement through events highlighting Armenian food, art, music, and dance, celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage.
In March, the ARS Tsiran organized its inaugural event—a sold-out Armenian folk dance workshop at St. Illuminator’s Armenian Church, drawing over 100 attendees with an additional 50 on the waitlist. The event raised over $6,000 and featured live music by an Armenian band and teaching participants five traditional dances: Laz Bar, Sepo, Bijo, Papouri, and the Haleh, reflecting the unique style of the American-Armenian community on the East Coast.
On June 2, the ARS Tsiran delved into Armenian cuisine with a two-part fundraising series, partnering with renowned content creator and chef Pierce Abernathy for a manti-making workshop once again at St. Illuminators. With over half a million Instagram followers and recognition from prestigious publications such as The New York Times and Financial Times, Abernathy’s dedication to Armenian cuisine, inspired by his great-aunt’s cookbook “Please Pass the Pilaf,” attracted a sold-out crowd within a day of ticket sales and a waitlist of over 75 people. Attendees learned to prepare vegetarian and lamb manti, indulged in Armenian string cheese and baklava, and sampled wine from Karas, sponsored by Remedy Liquors. The event raised over $8,000.
Chef Pierce Abernathy making manti with a workshop participant. Photo Credit: Ketan Awasthi
Chef Pierce Abernathy preparing dough. Photo Credit: Ketan Awasthi
“I didn’t grow up with a deep connection to my Armenian roots. I visited my dad’s family a few times a year and my grandmother would make pilaf, dolma, and Armenian string beans,” says Pierce. “We’d speak about her parents and how they immigrated here from Armenia during the genocide, the Armenian church she went to every Sunday, and the closeness of the little diaspora in Richmond, Virginia. It was only until I grew older and started to cook when I became more interested. I learned my great-aunt wrote an Armenian cookbook in the 70s and it soon became one of my most cherished possessions.”
“Being Armenian isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach so our events are an opportunity to foster appreciation for our culture through educational vignettes in art, music, dance and cuisine. The feedback in tandem with new faces and friendships we’re forging has been incredible and we’re only getting started,” said Taleen Setrakian and Lara Bogossian who led the manti workshop concept.
Chef Pierce Abernathy with workshop participants. Photo Credit: Ketan Awasthi
Continuing the culinary journey, on June 6, Tsiran and Pierce hosted a pop-up lahmajun restaurant at Leo in Brooklyn. For one evening only, Pierce and his team prepared fresh vegetarian and lamb lahmajuns, with proceeds benefiting the ARS Tsiran’s initiatives.
For more information on ARS, please visit the website. To join ARS Tsiran, please visit the website and follow their Instagram page.