Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Tamar Karkazian
Editor
Thursday, February 16, was an eventful evening for the Armenian community of the San Joaquin Valley. The community gathered for the annual Vartanantz Commemoration, and also had an opportunity to meet with the Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, prior to the church service and program.
The commemoration took place at the St. Gregory Armenian Church, in Fowler, and was sponsored by the Knights of Vartan Yeprad Tahlij, with the cooperation of local Armenian churches.
Accompanied by the Mexican Consul of Fresno, Reyna Torres-Mendivil, Ambassador Sarukhan was on an official visit to California, meeting with local farmers and workers and also visiting the Mexican Consulate in Fresno. He took time out of his busy schedule to meet with the leaders of the Armenian community and to share his personal experiences. During the discussion the Ambassador explained how his family had established themselves in Mexico City. Both his parents escaped to Mexico as refugees—his mother from Spain, and his father from Armenia.
The Ambassador described the similarities between the Armenian community of the San Joaquin Valley and the Mexican community; he called it a “natural alliance” because of the similarities between the two communities. He also explained how both communities have faced similar injustices, such as discrimination. Ambassador Sarukhan went on to explain how working together would benefit everyone, considering that agriculture is a focus in both the San Joaquin Valley and Mexico.
Following the meeting with Ambassador Sarukhan, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the church sanctuary by Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, pastor of St. Gregory Armenian Church.
Vartanantz is a commemoration held every year to honor General Vartan Mamigonian and the sacrifice of the lives of so many Armenians. Mamigonian is considered an Armenian hero because of his courage in the face of death; he was willing to die for a cause he believed in, Christianity. As the commander-in-chief of the Armenian army during the Battle of Avaryar in 451 AD, Mamigonian inspired his troops with his selfless philosophy. Although he was martyred in the battle, Avarayr is still considered a victory by Armenians, as they later achieved religious freedom from the Persians.
Fr. Vahan Gosdanian, pastor of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, was one of the speakers at the commemoration. He spoke about the battles faced by Armenians, past and present, explaining that although our ancestors fought with swords, we continue the battle today with words. He went on to say that it is not enough to celebrate the victory of our ancestors; we must continue to fight for what we believe in.
Badveli Ara Guekguezian, pastor of the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, focused his speech on the topic of courage. “Courage reveals itself with every situation,” he said. “A prime example of this was Vartan Mamigonian.” Guekguezian encouraged the audience to stand up for what they believe in and said that “we have it in us” because we are the descendants of St. Vartan.
Students from the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School concluded the evening with a short program in the church social hall. They recited several poems and songs honoring St. Vartan. Their enthusiasm and zest during the performance would have made Vartan Mamigonian himself proud.