On Sunday, 25th of September, members of the HMEM Anjar and the Lebanese forces, in addition to a group of volunteers from different parts of Lebanon planted trees in Anjar, during a tree planting expedition, organized by the Municipality of Anjar and the “Arzouna” organization.

The Mayor of Anjar Garo Pamboukian, the vice mayor Hovhannes Khoshian, and the municipality guards participated in planning the event and in its execution, while the volunteers, after planting the trees, visited the ruins of Anjar, the “St Boghos” church, and the Mousa Daghian Martyrs’ monument where they stood a moment of silence for the souls of the martyrs.

Anjarians celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the re-establishment of the Armenian independence with Kousan Haygazoun and “Haygazounk” choral group, on Wednesday, September 21, at 8:00pm, in the “S. Zeitlian” center, during an event organized by the cultural council of the “G. Ler” Committee.

The opening words were said by Garo Pilavjian, who congratulated all the Armenians the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Armenian independence and after welcoming the attendants and the choral group expressed his gratitude to Kousan who has composed the song dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar.

 Raffi Kevorkian welcomed the attendants on behalf of the “G. Ler” Committee and said that the Armenian independence 20 years ago was a dream come true for all Armenians and the struggle will continue until all the dreams of the Armenian nation come true.

“Hbard Kenatsek”, “Shoushi”, “Vergats Shahen”, “Bidi Kenank”, “Mousa Ler”, “Veraganknir Giligya”, “Barir Artsakhtsi”, “Shahoumian”, “Kedashen” and a bunch of colorful songs were performed by the 8 participants along with Haygazoun himself.

The “Khatch” Sunday mass was held in the “St. Boghos” church, by Bishop Norayr Ashekian, where he highly evaluated the brave spirit and courage of the Anjarians shown 96 years ago during the Mousa Daghain heroic Battle, and said that it should be an example to the Armenians today to not surrender to the challenges held against our nation.

After the Prayer held for the Souls of the Mousa Daghian martyrs, the religious fathers along with the large number of the believers, headed towards the Mousa Daghian Martyrs’ Monument, where the “Herisa” was blessed and distributed to the people.

The 96th anniversary celebrations were sealed on Saturday, September 17, at 9:30pm in the front yard of the “St. Boghos” Church of Anjar.

 After welcoming the Religious representatives, the Ambassador of Armenia in Lebanon Ashod Kocharian, Minister Panos Manjian, ARF Central Committee Chairman, Hovig Mekhitarian, ARF “G. Ler” Committee members and the large number of attendants, Rita Kusbekian, invited the HMEM Fanfare to play the Lebanese and Armenian anthems, later she congratulated the Armenian Nation as a whole and the Anjarians specially the 96th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle.

 After the opening words, ambassador of Armenia in Lebanon Ashod Kocharian, said that Anjarians are the firm pole of the Armenian Nation, the great power and the factor of strengthening the communication between Armenia and Diaspora, the ambassador finished his speech with wishes of newer successes and greater achievements for Armenia and Anjar likewise.

On behalf of the committee of the 100th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle and the 75th anniversary of establishment of Anjar, Yessayi Havatian talked about the Mousa Daghian martyrs who preferred to die fighting for freedom than to live under the reign of the enemy.

Singer Samuel Yeranian, “Gakavig” Dance group and the Anjarian Dawul Zourna performed on the stage to create a festive mood and highlight the celebrations.

On Friday September 16th, the wine anointment of the book “Armenian Churches of Lebanon” by Raffi Cherchian took place in the “S. Zeitlian’ Center.

 In the presence of the religious representatives of the village, minister Panos Manjian, Mayor Garo Pamboukian, and representatives of the associations and unions of the village, Lalig Khoshian said the opening words on behalf of the committee of the 100th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar, and after briefly representing the author of the book, invited Minister Panos Manjian who presented the book and talked about its significance in the Lebanese society specially for being in the French language, the minister finished his speech by wishing that the book could be published in other languages also.

The religious fathers of the village blessed the book and handed it to its author who later thanked the organizers and talked about the purpose of the book and the research done for it and most of all he expressed that through his book he wants to show to the younger generation the great architectural values of the Armenian churches.

On Thursday, September 15, Minister of Industry Vrej Sabounjian visited Anjar to participate in the opening ceremony of the Kermes held in the “S. Zeitlian” center, and was welcomed by the representatives of the village and the HMEM fanfare.

 In her opening words on behalf of the committee of the 100th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar, Tsoghig Havatian welcomed the Minister and thanked him for sponsoring the event.

Minister Vrej Sabounjian expressed his feelings of delight for being present in Anjar and participating in such an event and said that he feels close to a pure Armenian village like Anjar.

After the opening ceremony, the Minister visited the kermes and valued highly the products displayed there.

Kevorh Hajian amazed the audience with his unique voice during a spectacular performance in the “St. Boghos” Church, on Sunday Sep. 11th, in an event organized by the Committee of the 100th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle and the 75th anniversary of establishment of Anjar.

The performance started with “Haryav Khrisdos”, while accompanying the singer on the piano were talented pianists Hasmig Kasparian and Datevig Artinian.

Kevork Hajian astonished the audience as he continued performing “Hayr Mer”, “Ave Maria”, “Panis Anjelicus” , “Our Es Mayr Im”, “Es Arun”, “Shogher Chan”, “Kani Vur Chan Im”, “Yerevan Erepuni”, “Tsayn Dur Ov Dzovag”, “ Chinar Es”, “Yes Saren Gu Kayi”, “Kele Kele”, “ Le Le Yaman”, “Himi el Lrenk”, and “ Pamp Vorodan” with his dazzling voice, “ while Datevig Artinian performed two pieces on the piano singly.

 The event ended with “Giligya” and the audience was on their feet clapping with all their might and expressing their appreciation for the breathtaking performance…

The second event of the 96th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian Heroic battle celebrations was a traditional Anjarian night, organized by the LOKH “Aghtamar” chapter, on Saturday September 10 in the “S.Zeitlian” center.

 In the presence of Minister Panos Manjain, Mayor of Anjar Garo Pamboukian, religious representatives, ARF “G. Ler” Committee members, representatives of different associations and unions and a large number of compatriots counting more than 1000, Santoukhd Hergeleian said the opening words on behalf of the organizing committee, welcoming the attendants and stressing on the importance of passing the Armenian Anjarian traditions to the younger generation. Later she invited the conductors of the gathering Lena Stamboulian and Dr. Panos Taslakian, who in their turn introduced the first singer of the day, Magi Istilian, who brought smiles to the faces of all the children present, with her familiar songs and lyrics.

Minister Panos Manjian said that he enjoys his presence deeply in similar events because while serving in the Lebanese Military Forces he seldom had the chance to be present in such events.

 After the words spoken by Hagop Aintablian on behalf of the ARF “G. Ler” Committee’s educational council, Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian said that a traditional Armenian night must not only be celebrated once a year, but it should be a part of our everyday life to keep the customs and traditions alive.

 Sevan Metlian, Kevork Bebejian and Raffi Shannakian participated in the program with traditional Armenian songs and members of the ARF Juniors presented short sketches in the local language representing Anjarian proverbs and sayings.

The event reached its peak when the traditional “Daul Zourna” started beating and everybody was on their feet following the conventional rhythms.

On Friday Sep 9, the celebrations of the 96th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian Heroic battle started with 2 painting exhibitions organized by the Hamazkayine “B. Sevag” Chapter.

 At 6:00pm, the paintings of the students of the “Roupen Nakian” Art School were exhibited in the “Mousa Ler” Hall.

 After welcoming the attendants, on behalf of the committee of the “100th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian Heroic Battle and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Anjar”, Yessayi Havatian, declared the celebrations of the 96th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle open.

On behalf of the Hamazkayine “B. Sevag” Chapter, Sevan Atamian, said words of gratitude to all the teachers that worked in the past and to those who are working presently in the “Roupen Nakian” Art School and wished further success and higher achievements to the students of the school.

 Later, Jeaneth Yapoujian, director of the Hmazkayine “Toros Roslin” Art Academy, highly estimated the work accomplished and asked the parents of the students to support their children and the” Roupen Nakian” Art School to continue their work in the same enthusiasm.

The former and present instructors of the Art School, Raffi Andonian and Koko Sekayian, along with Mrs. Jeaneth Yapoujian untied the ribbon and invited the attendants to the exhibition hall.

 At 7:00pm the same day, the opening ceremony of the painting exhibition of 3 talented Anjarian artists, Garbis Kendirjian, Vartan Kabakian and Garine Shannakian, took place in the “K. Gulbenkain” Hall.

Well known artist Krikor Norigian greatly estimated the works exhibited and said that they represent the immense talents of their authors, and demanded from the attendants and the Armenian nation as a whole to encourage young painters and drive them to continue their work in the same passion.

Then the 3 artists were invited to cut the ribbon and declare the opening of the exhibition.

Worth mentioning that the 2 exhibitions will be open till September 18.

The French and Armenian newspapers in France, in their latest issues, have referred to the 96th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle with articles of different topics…

The committee of the “100 Anniversary Of The Mousa Daghian Heroic Battle And The 75 Anniversary Of The Establishment Of Anjar” announces that the celebrations of the 96th anniversary of the Mousa Daghian heroic battle are going to take place from 9 to 18 September 2011.