Opening of ARS Office in Georgia
On April 7, 2008, took place the opening of Armenian Relief Society’s regional office in Akhalqalaq, Georgia. Coinciding with Mothers Day, the opening ceremony was attended by the Locum
Tenant Prelate of the Georgian See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Reverent Father Babken Salbyian; Reverent Father Samuel Torosian; Member of the Georgian Parliament, Hamlet
Movsisian; The Mayor of Akharqalaq, the Honorable Ararat
Gamalian; Akhalkalak Police Chief, Samuel Petrosian; Chief Physician of the
Akhalkalak Hospital, Dr. Alexander Torosian; regional representatives of educational, labor union, and other centers; directors of schools and financial institutions, as well as ARS members from
Akhalkalak, Ninotsminta and Akhaltskha.
The ribbon on the entrance of the Office was cut by ARS Central Executive Board Chairperson, Hasmig Derderian -- who was in the country for this occasion -- following which, Locum
Tenant Prelate Father Babken Salbyian blessed the premises and, addressing the gathering, stated, that the Armenians of
Javakhk truly appreciate all those, who even merely think and worry about their needs. He affirmed, that this newly opened ARS office will be a home full of warmth for the Armenians of
Javakhk. In a brief statement, Chairperson of ARS/Georgia, Karineh Tadevosian, assured the audience, that at last, with the reality of the ARS
Javakhk office, the Society’s activities will be accelerated like never before. Then, she invited the ARS, Inc. Chairperson to address the gathering.
After expressing her satisfaction for the opening of the ARS
Javakhk office, and a brief synopsis of global activities and mission of the ARS, Mrs. Derderian pointed out, that the newly inaugurated ARS office in
Akhalkalak will be “that warm abode, where every Armenian will feel safe, finding a sympathetic ear to personal problems.” She added, that, “it is a genuine source of pride to us, not only the duty of presiding over the opening of a new ARS office, but the knowledge, that this is a center of service to our people, where the global ARS structure will do its utmost to wipe the tear of a mother in distress, to lessen the pain of a traumatized child, to watch Armenian youth sing and dance, and to turn the spotlight on
Javakhk for all ARS members to see and be aware of.”
After the Chairperson’s words, Georgian Parliament member, Hamlet
Movsisian addressed the gathering with words of welcome and greetings, followed by other personalities’ congratulatory expressions, after which, drinks and pastries were served.
On their visit to Javakhk, the ARS. Inc. Chairperson and the Executive Director visited the Akhaltskha and
Akhalkalak Youth Centers, established with the efforts of the ARS
Javakhk Development Committee, the Tzughrit Village and its ARS Health Center, where they had a working session with the Executive body of ARS/Georgia. They met with the Locum
Tenant Prelate of the Georgian See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Reverent Father Babken Salbyian; and paid a visit to the
Akhalkalak Hospital, where through the efforts the ARS
Javakhk Development Committee, there now exist all necessary medical equipment and a Dental Health center.
April 10, 2008