By Hagop Vartivarian
PATERSON, N.J. – A hokejash (luncheon) was given in memory of Armenian philanthropist Nazar Nazarian’s parents and relatives on April 30 in Krichian’s Middle Eastern Grill and Bistro. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations, Armenian notables from the greater New York area, and Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADLP) leaders were present.
As this is the year of the centennial of the Genocide, Nazarian wanted to organized this event in memory of his parents, Levon Efendi and Satenig Nazarian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide, as well as of his siblings Garbis (born on April 24, 1915 and who died last month), Noubar, and Marie Markarian.
In heartfelt words, Nazarian began the luncheon by describing the odyssey of his parents. Deported from Aintab, they settled in the Havran area of Syria, moved to Aleppo, and then to Beirut. He powerfully described their unwavering patriotism, their loyalty to Holy Echmiadzin and their humanitarian feelings.
Barsamian conducted the hokejash prayer service, and stressed the strong national spirit of the entire Nazarian clan. Amb. Mnatsakanyan in turn praised the philanthropic work of the family throughout the diaspora as well as in Armenia.
