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Hirant Gulian, Kegham Tcholakian, Rev. Father Mamigon Kiledijian, Artyom Sahakyan, Hagop Vartivarian, Ari Minetian, Bryan Ardouny, Ohannes Terkan, Tigran Sahakyan, Mike Akimenijian, Dr. Mary Papazian, Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, and Archbishop Yegishe Gizirian.
By Taniel Koushakjian
AAANews Blog
Last week, Bryan Ardouny, executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America, travelled to New York City for a series of meetings and events surrounding Armenia’s Independence Day and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The New York Armenian community’s celebration of Armenia’s 23rd Independence Day began shortly after Badarak at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in Manhattan on Sunday, September 21.
Held under the auspices of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations, the Independence Day celebration was hosted by Noyan Tapan and cosponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Armenian Assembly of America, ADL-Ramgavars, and Tekeyan Cultural Association.
On the occasion of Armenia’s independence, Ardouny spoke about the journey of his grandparents, who escaped the Armenian Genocide and settled in New York City. “Their dream of one day having an independent Armenia was realized in 1991. Now, 23 years later we have much to be proud of. It is up to all of us to keep that dream alive and Armenia prosperous for future generations,” Ardouny said.
The event featured remarks from sponsoring organization representatives and Archbishop Yegishe Gizirian. Ambassador Mnatsakanyan delivered the program’s keynote remarks.
Armenia’s delegation to the United Nations with Armenian American religious and civic community leaders.
Also last week, the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly kicked-off with a large contingent of Armenian and Armenian American representatives present. They were on hand to witness Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan address the UNGA. Sargsyan’s speech received much acclaim in the Armenian Diaspora and at home.
Representing the largest, independent Armenian advocacy organization in America, Assembly executive director Bryan Ardouny participated in a host of meetings and discussions on current issues affecting Armenia and region.
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