Story and photos by Tom Vartabedian
DEARBORN, Mich.—As a veteran legislator, United States Senator Carl Levin has been most passionate about issues that have affected our ancestral homeland, whether it’s been genocide recognition or foreign aid support.
He co-sponsored every single genocide resolution and authored many of those movements himself.
Senator Levin was an early supporter of the Karabagh independence movement and worked on the passage of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, which prohibits aid to countries blocking U.S. foreign assistance from reaching other countries.
He has received an “A” grade in the ANCA Congressional report card, attended commemorations on Capitol Hill, fought for justice among dissidents, and contributed heavily to the overall welfare of Armenians throughout the world.
For this and other qualities enhancing Homeland security and Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Levin was presented the “Spirit of Armenia” Award by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan at this year’s NRA Assembly May 16, attended by nearly 300 guests.
The affable legislator was humbled by the award, joined at the podium by his wife to a standing ovation. He’s been to Armenia and visited with world leaders of the Armenian Church at Etchmiadzin.
“Being Jewish, I’ve been haunted all my life by the words Hitler uttered as he planned the extinction of my people,” said Senator Levin. “We must prove Hitler wrong and call genocide a genocide. Failure to speak out against it only encourages those who would seek power through the destruction of others.”
In this year of the elderly as proclaimed by the Catholicos, two prominent individuals shared the Eagle Award, given periodically by the Prelacy.
Accepting the honor were Onnig Hachigian and John Manoogian, two icons of the parish community.
Hachigian served nine years as a trustee executive; 12 years as an NRA delegate, and four years on the Prelacy’s Executive Council with a focus on Armenian religious education. One of the original AYF pioneers, his wife and three sons have all been active components of St. Sarkis Church.
Manoogian’s niche was building classrooms in his church to the tune of a $250,000 addition, Together with his wife Rose, they have been generous benefactors to both the Prelacy and church.
While chairing the trustees for six years, he presented plans for streamlining Board procedures and methods while also mentoring several newcomers in the process.
For 48 years, he spent every working day with Ford Motor Company—a right hand to those like Lee Iacocca—getting the company’s support to accelerate Armenian issues.
“There is a wisdom to their lives which created a better Armenian-American community for all,” Serpazan pointed out. “With their faith and love, they promoted a new lifestyle for generations that followed. They are the reason we are here.”
Sunday School activist Diana Changelian was presented a certificate of merit for her years of dedicated service over the decades, starting from Granite City to Watertown, then Providence and finally Dearborn. Over that time, she directed school programs, worked tirelessly on NRA and ARS committees, bazaars and grasped every opportunity to serve the church.
“She is motivated by the love of God and heritage,” said Serpazan.
Youth awards were presented to five outstanding students: Karoun Cholakian, Vahan Cholakian, Sanan Malkedjian, Chris Kourtjian and Araxie Tossounian.
Karoun is a star performer for Hamazkayin dance group, Sundayschool teacher, AYF member and active volunteer.
Vahan counseled orphans in Armenia and served as a Camp Hayastan counselor. He’s helped the elders of his committee as well as the needy.
Sanan is an active HMEM member, dances with Hamazkayin, serves on AYF executive and works her own cake pop business. Her poem at the Friday banquet received loud applause.
Chris has held many leadership positions, served on the altar and remains active in AYF leadership roles. He also dances with the Hamazkayin ensemble.
Araxie sings in the church choir. She’s a member of the Armenian National Committee and AYF while also a member of the Alik Trio which entertained at the Friday banquet.
In keeping with the “elder” concept, retired Rev. Archpriest Vasken Bekiarian (Worcester) was proclaimed by Serpazan as “Man of the Year” for his distinguished service throughout the decades. Illness prevented him from attending the event.
Remarks were rendered by Chairman Stephen Hagopian, who served as MC, along with Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor, and Michael Hagopian, vice-chairman, trustees.
In his message, Archbishop Choloyan emphasized the importance of organized leaders and called upon communities to mobilize themselves for next year’s Armenian Genocide centennial. He commended the work performed by the Executive Council.
“The best road is being well-prepared and organized,” he said, “not leaving our ecclesiastical-national life to chance. The NRA Assembly is one ring in our eternal quest and the task of turning it into gold falls upon all our shoulders.”
Oshagan Serpazan was re-elected by unanimous acclamation as he enters a fifth term. Rev. Archpriest Gomidas Baghsarian was re-elected to the Religious Council. For Executive Council, those re-elected were Stephen Hagopian, Hagop Antranigian and Sarkis Ohanessian.
John Aharonian was elected a new member, replacing Raffi Ourlian, who completed three terms of impeccable service as treasurer.
More than 50 delegates joined with clergy in promoting new inroads for the church. The National Guild met separately with close to 20 delegates. A tour of the Motown Music Museum was enjoyed by the ladies.
On the lighter side, the very last raffle ticket sold by extremist Antranig Boudakian wound up being a winner. It belonged to Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, one lucky vicar!
Tom Vartabedian
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