Kapo Paltajian and Hourie Lojikian were blessed with the holy matrimony on Saturday 28th of August, in the “St. Boghos” Church in Anjar.

Congratulations to the newlyweds.

Mr. and Mrs. Jano and Maria Stamboulian were blessed with their second son, Aso, on Saturday 28th of August.

Congratulations!!!

The events dedicated to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar and the 95th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle were concluded by an official banquet on August 22nd after the Sunday mass.

Catholicos Aram the 1st, president of Garabakh, Pago Sahagian, foreign minister of Armenia Hranoush Hagopian, Ambassador of Armenia in Lebanon, Ashod Kocharian, ARF Burro representative Hrant Markaran, Lebanese MP Hagop Pakraduni and official guests and representatives of different associations and unions were present.

 President of jubilee board, Hagop Havatian, member of the board Yessayi Havatian , representative of the ARF central committee of Lebanon, Hovig Mekhitarian, President of Garabagh Pago Sahagian, foreign minister of Armenia Hranoush Hagopian, and Catolicos Aram the 1st, had the chance to speak and express their gratitude towards the people of Anjar for their determination and patriotism.

Awards were given on behalf of the Jubilee board to all of ; Rev. Nareg Sherikian, Dr. Bared Minassian, Dr. Vahram Shemmessian, Baydzar Keosheyian, Godfried and Analize Shpangemberg, Daughter of Shavarsh Missakian Arpi Missakian, former MP Hagop Demirjian,  and to senior responsible of the Armenian division of the “K. Gulbenkian” establishment, Zaven Yegavian, for their support in different aspects in the path of prospering and progressing Anjar.

Taking into consideration that the plan of building a Mousa Daghian museum in Anjar was being discussed for a long time but wasn’t accomplished for different reasons, a sum of 108 thousand dollars was gathered from the attendants to start building the museum.

“whoever believes in me let him take the cross and follow me” with these words from the bible Catholicos Aram the 1st participated in the Sunday Mass held by Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian. The Catholicos stated that as Christians we should follow Christ and consider the three facts stated in Christianity, faith, love, and hope and at the end of his speech he said that, church and fatherland, faith and nation are one and they compete each other.

After the mass a special prayer was held for the souls of the Mousa Daghian martyrs near the monument and the “Herisa” was blessed and distributed to the large number of compatriots present.

The compatriots participating in the pilgrimage to Mousa Dagh have left Anjar on the early hours of Friday 13th of August to reach Mousaler after 14 hours.

The travelers reached the hotel owned by a Mousa Daghian called Garbis and had their lunch, delicious Mediterranean fish, and after settling down, headed towards "Vakef" where they were invited for a dinner feast, and had a very pleasant time dancing, singing and listening to the nice music played by Mousa Daghin children.

Next morning, on Saturday 14th, they headed towards the villages of Mousa Dagh, first visiting “Gheder Bag”, with its great plane tree   "Sossi Dzar" where all participated in the dance under the tree. After that they visited “Yoghun Olukh” all the pilgrims started to pray in the first floor of the mosque which formerly was a church. Then they continued towards “Haji Hababli”, then “Bitias” to reach to “Kabousiye”.

 Saturday eve was spent again in “Vakef” where the people gathered around the church and pilgrims from different parts of the world greeted each other to spend the eve in an atmosphere that wasn’t seen in the village for 71 years.

On Sunday morning the traditional “Herisa” was prepared and blessed, and later it was distributed to the attendants.

After the Sunday Mass all the compatriots from Anjar headed towards Kessab to participate in the “St. Mary’s” day, where also the traditional “Herisa” was prepared. Later they headed towards Anjar, arriving to our beloved village on Monday at 10pm, tired but in high spirits, where they were welcomed by their relatives and friends in the “S. Zeitlian” Center.

On Saturday 21st of August at 9:00pm the closure event of the events dedicated to the twin anniversaries was held near the Mousa Daghian Martyrs’ monument.

Saro Kendirjian, who conducted the event welcomed all the official guests and the attendants who were present to witness the peak event of the twin anniversaries.

 “Anjar is 70 years today, with the subordination that took place in 70 years, I’m not talking about stone and sand but about the greatness of ideas, before 70 years this people, who lived in tents and suffered from plagues and illnesses and great difficulties, not only were able to succeed in keeping their identity but after a very short period of time played a great role in the prosperity of our nation. To create another Armenia outside Armenia is not possible but it’s possible to construct a huge idealized structure which can be always ready to respond to any kind of sacrifice needed, and this structure is build in a small piece of land called Anjar” said Hagop Havatian, president of the jubilee board.

The role of the French people specially the role of Admiral Dartige De Fournet in the survival of Mousa Daghians, was great and for this reason words of gratitude and appreciation were said by father Mesrob Topalian, who invited the first secretary of the French ambassador in Lebanon and the honorary president of the jubilee board Dr. Vazken Der Kalousdian, to do the opening ceremony of the bas-relief dedicated to Dartige De Fournet.

 President of Republic of Garabakh, Pago Sahagian, directed his words to the attendants, saying that Anjar is the living proof of the fact that wherever Armenians exist they always take their traditions, language and spirit with them and protect them with all their might.  Later he received a symbolic gift from the Mayor of Anjar.

After reading the letter sent specially for these 2 anniversaries from the president of Armenia, in which it's stated  that Anjar is the evidence to the fact that the Armenian nation can overcome difficulties and hardship to submit to new triumphs,  Mnister of Diaspora of Armenia Hranoush Hagopian handed golden medals to representatives of active associations in the village who have played efficient roles in the prosperity of the village, The ARF “G. Ler” Committee and the Municipality of the village, and notes of appreciation to all of; the 3 schools of the village, the German missionary,  HMEM Anjar,  Hamazkayine “B. Sevag’ Chapter, and  LOKH “Aghtamar “ Chapter.

Hrant Markarian representing the ARF Burro, handed a cross to Rev. Father Ashod Karakashian, which will be situated in The “K. Gulbenkian “ hall, after talking about the greatness of Anjar and its people and saying that Anjar is not just a village, its history, culture, heritage, which has enriched the Armenian nation for decades.

 Gatolicos Aram the 1st concluded the event by giving his fatherly advice to not forget the past and live our present by remembering the past events of our nation, he continued saying that our struggle has started from the days of “Haig Nahabed” and will continue, because we are a nation that knows how to fight for its freedom, he advised Armenians to remember that these fights have been won throughout history by the united powers of our nation. After his speech he rewarded Dr. Vsken Der Kalousdian with the award of a prince.

 The official part of the event ended in fireworks leaving the stage to Armenian singer Hratch Gaidzagian, who created a pleasant mood while the “herisa” was being prepared next to the stage.

While the HMEM fanfare was rumbling the whole village with its music, the large numbers of compatriots were eagerly waiting for the official guests who were to arrive to the central Anjar, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar and the 95th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle, on Saturday 21 of August.

 The guests arrived consequently starting with the President of Republic of Garabakh, Pago Sahagian, Catholicos Aram 1st, ARF burro representative Hrant Markarian,  minister of Diaspora of Armenia Hranoush Hagopian, the representative of Garabakh in the Middle East Garo Kebabjian, the minister of science in Garabakh Vladig Khatchaderian, ambassador of Armenia in Lebanon Ashod Kocharian, Lebanese MP Hagop Pakraduni, Rev. fathers and representatives of different associations and unions.

The huge crowd welcomed the guests with great delight and followed the march of the HMEM fanfare of Anjar and the HMEM scouts of all Lebanon to the “St. Boghos” Church , where Catholicos Aram held a prayer for the prosper and progress of Anjar.

 After that, the guests walked towards the Mousa Daghian Martyrs’ Monument where all of President of republic of Garabakh, Pago Sahagian, ARF burro representative Hrant Markarian and minister of Diaspora of Armenia Hranoush Hagopian, paid their respects by placing flowers.

Following that the guests and the people presided by the HMEM fanfare marched towards the “S. Zeitlian” Center where the opening ceremony of the monument dedicated to the Anjarian Martyrs was held.

President of the jubilee board Mr. Hagop Havatian who spoke for this occasion said that the monument is dedicated to all the martyrs who fell for the great ideas of the Armenian people, for all those who fell to protect the Armenian honor and dignity, and for all the Anjarians who fell for the protection and the prosperity of the village.

Then he invited the ARF burro representative Mr. Hrant Markarian to have his word, who said that this monument stands to confirm that the Armenian nation is ready to sacrifice even its greatest for the right to choose its own destiny and protect the civil rights of its people. He said that even though we chocked the tears and the cries in our throats nevertheless our martyrs always remain in our hearts and their memory will stay alive in our minds.

The opening ceremony of the Bas- Relief of a Great Mousa Daghian writer and poet, Yetvart Boyajian, situated in the hall of the “K. Gulbenkian” School, was done on Friday 20th of August.

After saying the welcoming words Dr. Khajag Aintablian invited, Boghos Senabian, a critic and friend of the poet, to talk about his impressions regarding the poet and his works.

Boghos Senabian, said that Mousa Daghians and Armenians must be proud to have a poet like Yetvart Boyajian, who has a colorful collection of works and was so much dedicated to writing that didn’t let the pen from his hand even when he knew that he had an incurable disease and was living the last days of his life. He said that the bas-relief being situated in the hall of the school will be a good example for the students to not give up when encountered with hardship.

Three books and a CD containing a Mousa Daghian song were blessed on Friday at 8:00pm, in the “S. Zeitlian” Center, under the auspices of the National Mousa Daghian Committee of Armenia and having as president Mp member Mr. Hagop Pakraduni.

  Frantz Verfeil’s 40 days of Mousa Dagh in Armenian, translated from German by Barouyr Mikayelian, Serop Sherbetchian’s “Badmoutyun Sevedahayeru” edited by Yessayi Havatian, and a collective Mousa Dagian- Anjarian Artists’ Exhibition, which contains short biographies of Mousa Daghian artists, assembled by Sarhad Aprahamian and Garbis Kendirjian, and a CD containing Armenian songs in addition to a Mousa Daghian song with the contribution of Kapriel Panossian.

MP member Mr. Hagop Pakraduni was invited to say a few words regarding the occasion, who encouraged the accomplishment of such an event which represents great significance in the Mousa Daghian history and culture.

After the wine anointment, the books were handed over to their godfathers, and copies were sold to the public for  symbolic prices.

Having as President Dr. Vasken Der Kalousdian, the 2nd Pan-Mousa Daghian seminar started on Friday morning at 9:30am  and lasted till 7:00pm, in the “Mousaler” Hall.

Representatives from Mousa Daghian National Committees from all parts of the world reported their latest news, The ARF ‘G. Ler” Committee Chairman Mr. Hagop Aintablian reported the state of Armenians in Anjar today, the Mayor of Anjar Mr. Garo Pamboukian talked about the efficacy of the municipality in the village, the Rev Fathers represented the sates of the 3 communities in the village and Dr. Vahram Shemmessian and Dr. Vasken Der Kalousdian talked about the ways to preserve the Mousa Daghian Heritage.

After the lunch recess, Yessayi Havatian talked about the lessons we can pick from our history, or what can we learn from the history of Anjar, Dr. Movses Dsirani talked about the Mousa Daghian inventive manpower in the world today, Dr Hagop Panosian about the Mousa Daghian scientific manpower in the world and Gaydsag Zeitlian discussed the ways of using this Mousa Daghian manpower for the benefit of Mousa Daghains.

 Mr. Bedig Bidanian, Dr. Sebouh Aintablian and Miss Narine Doumanian discussed the topic: “Why Is Anjar Important for Armenians”, and before ending the seminar practical proposals were made for the 5 years ahead.

Under the auspices of the Armenian ambassador in Lebanon Mr. Ashod Kocharian,     a traditional National Armenian Evening “Dohmig Yerego” was organized by the  

3 women’s associations, and in collaboration with the Jubilee board.

 After the ambassador and his first secretary were welcomed by the official members of the village, they were accompanied to have a glimpse at the Armenian fair near the

“S. Zeitlian” Center.

Miss. Tsoghig Havatian said the opening words on behalf of the organizing committee and welcomed the ambassador and his first secretary, the mayor of Anjar, Dr. Vazken Derkalousdian, the Rev fathers and the huge number of attendants.

 The ARF Garmir Ler Committee Chairman, Mr. Hagop Aintablian, welcomed the attendants especially all the Mousa Daghians from all over the world who have gathered in Anjar for this special occasion.

The Ambassador expressed his feelings of delight to be present at this celebration and said that Anjar has reached to what it is today, a village representing the traditions and the culture of the Armenian people, with the hard work of its people. Later the ambassador and the Mayor of Anjar exchanged symbolic gifts.

Mr. Raffi Kevorkian and Mrs. Nanor Panossian Bedrosian conducted the feast to invite different participants to perform on the stage,  Sevan Metlian with Armenian and Anjarian songs, Raffi Taslakian and Kevork Manougian on the guitar and Armenian “Doudog”, Raffi Shannakian on the “Kamancha”, The Gakavig dance group with two presentations, and the traditional Daoul Zourna.

   The "S. Zetlian" Center was crowded with more than 1000 attendants in this special occasion, who danced and enjoyed the impressive presentations, while the women’s associations provided them with traditional Anjarian food, desserts and beverages.

The next step of celebrating the twin anniversaries, was the opening ceremony of a joint photo exhibition, under the auspices of the Mousadaghian National Committee in Fresno, which took place on Wednesday, 18th of August, in the "S. Zeitlian" Center.

Vahram Shemmessian, who has a PHD in History, participated in the exhibition with 125 photos which are classified in 3 categories; the first one is from the Mousa Daghian history lasting from 1915 to 1939, the second is from 1939 till today and the third group includes photos from Mousa Dagh today.

“I have dedicated 34 years in following the path of Mousa Daghian History and collecting photos, and the ones presented in the exhibition today, represent only the  8-9% of my collection.” Said Vahram Shemmessian.

 Levon Tashjain participated in the exhibition with 35 photos from his large collection. The rest of the photos exhibited, counting approximately 150 in number, were collected from different sources.

Many Mousa Daghians who visited the exhibition were eager to search in the photos, for familiar faces of grandparents or relatives and were trying to relive the moments captured in the photographs.

The celebrations of the 70 anniversary of the establishment of Anjar and the 95th anniversary of Mousa Daghian heroic battle continued with an Armenian Fair,  sponsored by the Minister of Tourism Mr. Faddi Abboud.

 Representing the Minister, former minister Mr. Jack Choukhadarian, who is also Mousa Daghian, arrived to the central Anjar and was welcomed by the Mayor of Anjar, Mr. Garo Pamboukian, The ARF "G. Ler" Committee chairman, The HMEM Fanfare, representatives of different Associations and organizations, the Jubilee board and a large number of compatriots, near the huge tent located specially for this occasion.

The ribbon was cut by Mr. Jack Coukhadarian and the Mayor of Anjar, declaring the fair open.

In his words the mayor welcomed all the Mousa Daghians from different parts of the world who have gathered here for these special celebrations, he said that we as Anjarians must be faithful to our traditions and heritage and guard it in the same demanding behavior our ancestors did before us.

 After receiving a symbolic gift from the Mayor, Mr. Jack Choukhadarian, who has participated in the pilgrimage to Mousa Dagh, expressed his impressions about his visit to the lands of his grandfathers.

All the participants in the fair had set up colorful collections of handmade accessories, needlework, and traditional food. Worth mentioning that the fair will be left open till Sunday, 22nd of August.

Here is the program of the last 5 days of the celebrations dedicated to the twin anniversaries.

The HMEM fanfare, leading it its new conductor Boghos Kendirjian, marched towards the “St Paul” Church to celebrate the "St. Mary’s" day, which occurred on the 15th of August.

 The Rev. Fathers blessed the grapes which later were distributed to the believers.

With our deepest sorrow we inform you the death of Dzovinar Sekayan , 82 years old, which happened on Tuesday 10th of August, also the death of Isgouhi Khoshian, 77 years old, which happened on Saturday 14th of August. The funeral services took place in the “St. Paul” Church.

Our condolences to their families.

All the pilgrims to Mousa Dagh have gathered in the S. Zeitrlian Center on the evening of Thursday 12th of August, to accomplish their vow.

The Rev. Fathers present recited a prayer for the pilgrims to have a safe journey, which will take till Friday morning to reach to Mousa Dagh and will include visits to all the villages there.

The pilgrims will spend the “St. Mary's" Saturday eve in the Vakef village and will head towards Kessab the next morning and will return to Anjar on Monday, after spending the “St. Mary's” Sunday in Kessab.

Tony Kassamanian And Garine Keogjian were blessed with the holy matrimony on Saturday 7th of August, and on Sunday the 8th Tamar Kusbekian and Sebouh Kevorkian got married.

Both of the weddings took place in the “St. Boghos” Church.

Congratulations to the newlyweds.

The celebrations dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar and the 95th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle, continued with a 4th event , a joint painting exhibition of Mousa Daghian, Anjarian artists, sponsored by the Mousa Daghian National Committee of San Francisco.

The opening of the exhibition took place on Sunday, 8th of August, in the ‘K. Gulbenkian” Hall, and will be left open till the 22nd.

 The president of the Armenian Evangelical Churches’ Union in the Middle East, Rev. Megerdich Karageozian declared the exhibition open and appreciated the accomplishment of such an event, which illustrates the continuity of  life away from Mousa Dagh and reflects the character of its people.

     The ARF “ Garmir Ler” committee chairman , Hagop Aintablian, in his words said that Mousa Daghians throughout history have loved art and this exhibition and the large number of artists participating in it is a proof to that. He said  “this month we will live historic moments because all the Mousa Daghians throughout the globe will be united in Anjar and will reflect the Armenian soul, which our fathers expressed 95 years ago from the peak of Mousa Ler.

The opening ceremonies of  the 2 halls in the Armenian evangelical secondary school was held on Sunday 8th of August in the yard of the school , under the auspices and the presence of the president of the Armenian Evangelical Churches’ Union in the middle East, Rev. Megerdich Karageozian.

 The opening words were made by the Chairman of the trusteeship of the Arm. Evan. Church of Anjar, George Apelian, who mentioned that the first hall which is situated behind the church will be used for official conferences and receptions and the second one which is supplied with audiovisual advantages will be used for educational purposes.

Worth mentioning that the first hall was renovated in the memory of the late Silva Shammassian, the daughter of Levon and Jaklin Shammassian, who provided the expenses of the renovation. As for the second hall, it was renewed in the memory of the late Rev. Movses Jambazian.

After the prayer of Rev. Raffi Messerlian, Rev. Megerdich Karageozian mentioned the vitalization of both Rev. Movses Jambazian and Silva Shammassian and their dedication to the church and nation, and invited the attendants to follow in their path.

At the end Rev. Megerdich Karageozian invited the pastor of the church, Rev. Raffi Messerlian, the ARF “Garmir Ler” Committee chairman, the mayor of the village, Levon and Jaklin Shammassian and Sona Jambazian to cut the ribbons and declare the halls open.

The celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar and the 95th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle continued with a performance of the choirs of both, the catholic St. Mary’s Church of Anjar and the Catholic church in Zahle.

The performance was held on Saturday 7th of August at 8:00 pm in the St. Mary’s Church, where a large number of Mousa Daghians from different parts of the globe, representatives of different associations and unions, the ARF “Garmir ler” committee chairman, the three pastors of the village, the mayor of Anjar, and the jubilee board were present.

The choir presented a bunch of songs written by Mesrob Hayouni and composed by Vartan Yeghiayan. During the performance two members from the catholic community, Hagop Pambagian and Barkev Bedrosian, were honored and given symbolic gifts, for their long service in the church.

The evening continued with a kermes organized by the women’s union of the catholic church, where the attendants ate, drank and danced on the tunes of the traditional  Dhol Zourna, while on the other side of the yard the herisa was being cooked.

The event was sealed on Sunday 8th of August, the "St, Mary's" holiday, where father Mesrob Topalian along with bishop Vartan Ashkarian and father Hovsep Topalin blessed the herisa and the grapes, which was later distributed to the attendants.

The opening event of the twin anniversaries was with the “Gakavig” dance group of Hamazkayine “Barouyr Sevag” Chapter, having as conductor Miss Kayane Madzounian, and under the auspices of the Mousa Daghian National Committee of Australia.

The opening words were made by the chairman of the chapter miss Lousig Der Kalousdian, who welcomed the guests and thanked all the supporters of the chapter and the “Gakavig” dance group committee. She mentioned that throughout history Anjar as an Armenian community has overcome many obstacles which is revealed in different manifestation and one of those manifestations is the “Gakavig” dance group, which shows the triumph of the Anjarians, Mousa Daghians.

President of the jubilee board of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar and the 95th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle, Mr. Hagop Havatian, declared the opening of the celebrations. He welcomed the representatives of Mousa Daghian National Committees from around the world and said that the coming weeks will be proudly sculptured in the pages of our history. He said that as Mousadaghians we conquered the difficult days of our history through the attitude of the village as a united community.

 In the name of the the Mousa Daghian National Committee of Australia, Zvart Atamian Vahrijian, congratulated the Mousa Daghains for this pleasurable occasion, and conveyed regards from the Mousa Daghians in Australia. She said that Anjar represents a little Armenia in Diaspora with high acknowledgment towards the Armenian Nation and culture.

 Over 75 dancers in groups took the stage consequently presenting different performances in styles and costumes and deserved the appreciation of the audience.

The Event ended in fireworks, whereas Mousa Daghians from different parts of the world greeted each other in a festive mood.

August 2010 began with two engagements…

 On Sunday 1st of August, Varak Khoshian got engaged to Armig Pamboukian and on the same day Kale Sekayan got engaged to Nanor Boghossian.

 Congratulations to both couples.

The Alumni Association of the Arm. Evan. Sec. School organized a ball in rest. “Casino Ain Anjar” on Saturday 31st of July starting from 9pm.

The singer of the ball “Vartananki” along with the conductors of the feast, Dr. Vahe Karageozian and Mrs. Nathalie Kendirjian, created a pleasant mood for the attendants to dance and listen to amusing sayings.

The commemorative event of the Lisbon act took place on Saturday 31st of July in the “Sarkis Zeitlian” Center.

The event was organized by the ARF LEM “S. Misakian” chapter. The opening words were made by miss Nare Havatian on behalf of the chapter , who expressed feelings of respect for the Lisbon martyrs. Following that a group of AYF “Haratch” members recited a poem.

The lecturer of the day, the mayor of Anjar, Mr. Garo Pamboukian was invited to convey the message of the day, who recited phrases from the last words of the martyrs reminding the audience that they died for a supreme cause of a Free Independent and United Armenia and left us the debt of pursuing the materialization of those ideas.

A poem was recited by Nare Tazian and a group from the AYF “Haratch” juniors represented briefly the biographies of the 5 martyrs till the day they last fare welled their families to their final destination… martyrdom.