Assembly Banquet Honors Genocide Scholar, AGBU President

Receiving this year’s “Armenian Church Member of the Year” award was Armenian General Benevolent Union President Berge Setrakian.

As a partner in an international law firm with thousands of attorneys stationed around the world, Mr. Setrakian has led the AGBU as its President for 14 years. He is a trusted counselor to His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and a supporter of the growth and development of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin.

Under Setrakian’s leadership, AGBU and Holy Echmiadzin jointly developed youth centers and soup kitchens for the elderly in Armenia. Other projects include medical initiatives and educational opportunities for clergy.

Setrakian and his wife Vera undertook the complete renovation of the old pontifical residence at Holy Echmiadzin. The 300-year-old site now houses the Pontifical Museum dedicated to the memory of the catholicoi who resided there.

“Berge is a man of passion for all things Armenian. He has a high aspiration for our people — and for this reason he seeks out the best among us, and encourages greater achievement,” Barsamian said. “He is truly a man of international standing. Leaders of our community around the world look to Berge for his advice and judgment.”

Mr. Setrakian said the honor bestowed upon him by the Diocese comes in an especially poignant year, as 2016 marks both the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the AGBU and the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia.

“Serving the Armenian community is a privilege, an honor, and above all, a calling,” Mr. Setrakian said. He went on to describe memories of participating in Armenian Church services as a child, and spoke about how he and his wife raised their own children — Ani and Lara — in the Armenian community.

“Our Christian identity has served as a source of strength for the Armenian people throughout history,” he said, noting the importance of passing on Armenian Christian values to younger generations. “We are all missionaries of our faith, and must support it on the road to renewal.”

The awards were presented to Akçam and Setrakian by Barsamian and Diocesan Council Chair James Kalustian.

“Both of tonight’s honorees are leaders on an international level,” Kalusitian said. “They are men who have gone to the very height of their professions. Their efforts on behalf of the Armenian community, the Armenian Church, and the Armenian Cause have had far-reaching effects.”

Rev. Hratch Sargsyan, pastor of St. Gregory of Narek Church, expressed gratitude to the parish committee that had organized the Diocesan Assembly and Grand Banquet.

“Organizing and hosting this Assembly served as an opportunity for our community to grow closer together,” he said. “It was truly a joyful journey.”

Diocesan Council member Antranig Garibian served as master of ceremonies. Musical selections were performed by pianist Dn. Ari Terjanian and the Narekatsi Choir of St. Gregory of Narek Church.

Archbishop Barsamian closed the evening with remarks and a prayer.

“This has been an evening filled with a spirit of common purpose and faith — a perfect example of our theme for the coming year on the ‘Legacy of Our Martyrs,’“ he said. “Tonight we have honored two individuals who exemplify, in powerful ways, the enduring relevance of that beautiful, brave generation, who emerged from the ashes a century ago and laid the groundwork for everything we enjoy today.”