Knights Honor Arzruni, Kalfayan for Contributions to Culture

Dr. Vartan Abdo, Founder and Director of the Armenian Radio Hour of New Jersey, served as master of ceremonies of the banquet, acknowledging the significance of the evening’s honorees and the importance of being active members of the community in order for it to progress.

In his remarks, composer and pianist Arzruni elaborated on the meaning of his Armenian ancestry.

“Being Armenian is the most important aspect of my existence,” said Arzruni, who has achieved recognition as an ethnomusicologist, teacher, recording artist and producer. “We all want to belong and we all need to belong so to endure.”

“We need to retain at all costs our Armenian script, language and land, the most important things Armenians possess,” said Arzruni, who holds degrees from The Juilliard School and has pursued doctoral studies at New York University. “Let us not lose that.”

Motivated by ethnic awareness in the United States, Arzruni has continuously researched the musical roots of his Armenian heritage, recording anthologies of Armenian piano music as well as instrumental and vocal Armenian music. He has also delivered academic papers and organized symposia for Harvard University, Columbia University and University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, in addition to writing books and contributing articles for academic journals.

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin I awarded him an encyclical and the Sts. Sahak and Mesrob Medal in 1996; and in 2016, Arzruni he received the Movses Khorenatsi medal for promoting the cultural ties between Armenia and the Diaspora.

During the Knights and Daughters of Vartan awards ceremony, Tigran Sahakyan, Sbarabed of the Mamigonian Lodge and Christine Akyemeniciyan, Dirouhie of the Anahid Otyag, presented Arzruni and Kalfayan with their medals.

“I’m truly humbled to be honored for doing something I love to do, serving our church and our community to the best of my ability,” said Kalfayan, who recognized the legacy of the founding members of the Gomidas Choir.

“It’s an honor and privilege to direct the Gomidas Choir,” said Kalfayan. “I’m here this evening because 70 years ago, three dedicated, faithful servants of the Armenian Church decided to continue what they were a part of in Istanbul.”

“There is a need for a renewed spirit of collaboration, a need to stay faithful to our ageless values, a need to reclaim our language and culture, and a need to endure under the guidance of our noble Armenian characteristics,” said Arzruni. “The Knights and Daughters of Vartan is an organization that helps us reach such a goal.”

Continuing the musical richness of the evening was a cultural presentation by Maria Sahakyan, founder and director of Astghikner Junior Vocal Ensemble of St. Gregory the Illuminator Parish in Brooklyn, accompanied on the piano by Lina Panfilova.

“As an artist, I feel it’s very important for the community to honor lifelong musical contributors, such as Kris and Sahan, because they are the people who are keeping Armenian music alive, and making the whole world recognize Armenian music and culture,” said Sahakyan.

In his benediction, Barsamian expressed thanks to the Knights and Daughters of Vartan who gave everyone an opportunity to “come together to honor dedicated and committed members of our community.”

“I can say proudly that Sahan and Kris are my brothers,” said Barsamian. “Each one of us are given so many gifts by God but it is our choice to use those gifts in our selves and share those gifts with others.”

The honorary banquets, the brainchild of Chairman Emeritus, Hirant Gulian, has become a tradition for the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. The objective of the event is to shed light on the tireless participants in the community, who drive the Armenian people forward, while also benefiting Armenia. Proceeds from the evening supported the organization’s educational program at American University of Armenia.