Knights and Daughters of Vartan Host 101st Grand Convocation

Her installation was followed by that of the new Grand Council: Associate Matron (Past Matron) PM Lucille Farsakian; Chaplain Armine Liberatore; Secretary PM Nancy Hammoudian; Treasurer Norma Oganessian; Mistress of Ceremonies PM Barbara Tchalikian and Sentinel PM Nadya Verabian.

Following a lunch break, the Knights and Daughters heard from Communications Liaison Gohar Palyan, who traveled from Armenia to attend the Grand Convocation. She updated members on the operations of the Communication Office in Yerevan, thanked members for their many contributions to the digital and print publication, the Avarayr newsletter and using photographs, showcased some of the projects which Lodges across the United States are supporting in Armenia. Following the Communication Liaison’s presentation, Grand Commander Dr. Gary Zamanigian presented awards and honors to lodges that have made a significant contribution to the Knights of Vartan during the past year. This year, a “Senior Knight Recognition Award” was presented to Past Commander Sam Sassounian of Los Angeles for his numerous contributions to Armenia.

Once the honors were bestowed, the second Installation Ceremony began, which installed Steven Adams of Yeprad Tahlij No. 9 in Fresno, California to the position of Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan. Grand Commander Steven Adams was born and raised in Fresno, CA, attending local schools and graduating from California State University Fresno with Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Physics with a minor in Mathematics. He also earned his standard teaching credential and later his administrative services credential. Grand Commander Steven taught math, chemistry, and physics in local high schools and eventually going into administration. He retired from Clovis Unified School District in 2016 as their Administrator for Assessment and Accountability. He now serves as a consultant to school districts throughout California in the areas of spatial and data analysis. Grand Commander Steve grew up in the Armenian Church and began serving on the altar at St. Paul Armenian Church in 1971 and was ordained a Deacon in the church in 1980. He has served as a delegate to the Diocesan Assembly over 20 years during that same time, also serving as an officer of the Assembly for more than half of those years. Adams joined Yeprad Lodge #9 of the Knights of Vartan in 1980, served in different positions up to a member of the Grand Council.

Adams said “The development of our spiritual, cultural and moral heritage must come from within us, there is no outside group who will preserve and grow what we have inherited. While we no longer face the imminent destruction of our people, the principles laid out by our Founding Fathers can and should still be our guiding light. We no longer face extermination, but the culture we have inherited needs to be preserved and now in the new light of independence, needs to flourish in the spirit of a new Armenia.”

Members of new Grand Council were also installed. It has seven officers, including Grand Commander, and during 101st convocation the newly selected officers were: Grand Commander PC Steven Adams, Lieutenant Grand Commander PC Kevork Oflazian, Grand Chaplain PC Raffi Karayan, Grand Treasurer PC Garo Istanboulian, Grand Recorder PC Thomas L. Adams, Grand Master of Ceremonies PC Dennis Shamlian, and Grand Sentinel PC Ara Karkazian.

The final event of the Convocation was the Grand Banquet on Saturday evening, emceed by Southeastern Grand District Representative Jacob Bournazian. Vocalist Narée Asherian led the audience in the singing of the American and Armenian National Anthems. Knight Rev. Yeghia Hairabedian from St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Fowler, California gave the invocation. The Grand Convocation Committee was introduced by its General Chairman, Past Commander Mark Der Matoian of Yeprad Lodge No. 9.

Richard Hagopian again took out his oud and with some assistance from his son on the dumbeg, performed a handful of traditional Armenian melodies. Immediate Past Grand Matron Diana Tookmanian introduced the Daughters of Vartan Woman of the Year, the Hon. Adrienne Krikorian, Esq. from California. Judge Krikorian is a co-founder of House of Hope, which funds a residential educational program in Armenia for young girls from poor backgrounds. She also serves as Diocesan Council Chairman for the Western Diocese, the only female to ever hold that position.

Immediate Past Grand Commander Dr. Gary Zamanigian then introduced the Knights of Vartan Person of the Year, Peter Abajian of California. He is the executive director of the Paros Foundation, which raises money for humanitarian projects throughout Armenia. He also served as both director and deputy executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America. Grand Matron Alice Kalustian and Grand Commander Steve Adams wrapped up the evening’s program by thanking the Knights and Daughters for their dedication and support and for making the trip to Las Vegas. They also looked ahead to a future where the Knights and Daughters of Vartan would play an even greater role on behalf of Armenians both in the United States and in their homeland.

It was only proper that since this year’s Grand Convocation was held in Las Vegas that an Armenian priest from the neighborhood would close the program. That priest was Very Rev. Sasoon Zumrookdian of St. Giragos Armenian Apostolic Church in Las Vegas. After the prayer, the pastor urged everyone to make sure to be in church the following morning.