ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — Since its inception in 1947 and until the present time, the local chapters of the Tekeyan Cultural Association have been the guarantors of the organization’s health and vitality. In the past, in other Armenian communities, Tekeyan chapters have played a dominant role. With the opening earlier this month of a new Tekeyan center in New Jersey, the community will be better able to connect with its cultural heritage.
Guests and various dignitaries were welcomed by the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) executive committee members upon their arrival.
With the participation of benefactor Nazar Nazarian, Primate of Eastern Diocese Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian and Dr. Nubar Berberian, the traditional ceremony of ribbon cutting and blessing of bread and salt took place.
The Primate delivered an opening statement in which he said, “We announce the opening of this center so that this organization will continue its cultural mission. We are all well aware that the TCA has never deviated from its principles in the United States, Middle East and Armenia. It has successfully carried all responsibilities entrusted to it and has preserved the Armenian cultural heritage and identity and has passed on from one generation to the next. I am pleased to see that today, dedicated members of the TCA continue their mission with exuberance. We bless today not also this center but all future cultural activities that will offer joy to the general public.”
Welcoming remarks in Armenian were presented by Hilda Haroutunian, who welcomed all gathered. She said that the TCA will encourage all socio-cultural initiatives undertaken by the youth and that it will have its presence and its roles within the Armenian-American community life.