AGBU Bulgaria Plovdiv Chapter

2012 Activities

ALUYZA GARABEDIAN from Plovdiv Chapter TAKE PART IN SUMMER INTERSHIP PROGRAMME OF AGBU IN Moscow (MSIP)

FIRST PLACE OF AGBU PLOVDIV TEAM DURING

THE 2012 EUROPEAN ARMENIAN GAMES

HIGH ACTIVITY OF CHILDREN THEATER GROUP

VOCAL INSTRUMENTAL BAND “EREBUNI” MARKED ITS 40+ ANNIVERSARY

WITH A LIVE CONCERT

PUN PAREGENTAN

AGBU Plovdiv Chapter celebrated “Paregentan” and the Mother’s national holiday

Оn 4-th of March, 2012 in Armenian culture hall was celebrated the mother’s national holiday – 8-th of March and “Paregentan”. The audience which was around one hundred people enjoyed the play “Paregantan”, which was performed by the AGBU Plovdiv Chapter’s theatre school for children with director Malvina Manukian. The author of the play was Ovannes Tumaian, who wrote in different genres. The play was divided into 3 parts – the first from the classical tale, the second is written from a temporary writer and the third is elaborated by Malvina Manukian. This part is educational with all the folklore elements of the custom: the halva, forgiveness, the fasting so that preserving the Armenian identity through the generations will be easier and long lasting. The meaning of the word “Paregentan” means “good

living” in other words equality between poor and rich. On this day everybody wears carnival costumes and celebrate the day. On this day is asked forgiveness. By old custom after this day there are 7 weeks fasting before the Easter holidays. People in Armenia turn an egg and in Bulgaria turn a piece of halva. The play that the theatre school for children performed was the name of the holiday “Paregentan”, where took part every artist. Every play of the theatre like this is supported by people like Verjinia Garabedian, Krikor Arakelian, Vartuhi Garabedian, director in the Puppet theatre and AGBU Plovdiv Chapter, which organizes every play.

RUSE: " TWO CLOSE PEOPLE, TWO DISTANT NEIGHBOURS"

On March 9, 2012 in Rousse took place presentation

of the book of Hrant Dink "Two close people two

distant neighbors, Armenia - Turkey» "organized by

"AGBU" Chapter Rousse.

event with deep heartfelt words about the mission of

Hrant Dink and the power of his pen.

In his speech, Dr. Garzharyan, chairman of the

"AGBU" recalled the events in Turkey, after the

murder of Hrant Dink, the consequences in Europe

and its contribution to finding a common dialogue

between Turkey and Armenia and highlighted

important for Armenians worldwide role Hrant

Dink.

Attended Father Dirayr, pastor of Armenians in

Ruse, who opened the event, representatives of the

Municipality of Ruse, President of the Municipal Council, three deputy mayors, secretary of the mayor.

Greetings from the Mayor and the President of the Municipal Council were delivered to the President of

"AGBU» Dr. Garzharyan.

Grantees "AGBU» Rousse branch Vartanush, Lori and Avetis read excerpts from his book. Media was

shown a video recording of the presentation of the book in Plovdiv, in the presence of Dink's wife, Rakel

and images of the Dink family. Hripsime Erniasyan, editor of the newspaper "AGBU Tsayn" told about his

meeting with Rakel Dink and shared with the audience some unknown facts about the life and murder of

Dink in 2007 in Istanbul.

LION'S JUMP TO FIRST PLACE FOR AGBU PLOVDIV CHAPTER TEAM

From April 6th to April 8th, 2012 for

the first time Sofia, Bulgaria hosted the

European Armenian sports games that

have a 10-year history. This year the

games were organized by AGBU Sofia

Chapter under the patronage of Sofia's

Mayor Mrs. Yordanka Fandakova.

Bulgaria participated by teams from the

cities of Sofia, Stara Zagora, Haskovo,

Plovdiv and from Europe: France,

Germany, Austria, England, Turkey,

Dubai, Italy, Lebanon, Romania.

In small soccer - FUTSAL an

overwhelming dominance established

AGBU Plovdiv's young team.

To the delight of Plovdiv and the members of the Benevolent Union in the city only team of AGBU Plovdiv

that took part in the games in Sofia, deservedly won FIRST PLACE.

THE HRANT DINK’S BOOK "TWO CLOSE

PEOPLE, TWO DISTANT NEIGHBOURS

ARMENIA - TURKEY" WAS PRESENTED IN

HASKOVO

On April 22, 2012 in Haskovo town in conjunction to the 97th

anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was presented Hrant

Dink’s book "Two close people two distant neighbors Armenia

- Turkey" and children theatrical group of AGBU Plovdiv

Chapter delivered a performance.

The event was attended by Father Dirayr Hadavyan, spiritual

leader of the Armenian Church in Rousse, Haskovo Municipality representatives, historians, writers,

Bulgarian public leaders, compatriots of the city.

The event was opened by the Chairman of the Haskovo Chapter Sarpuhi Derandonyan. The event continued

with speeches. Throughout the event the attendees had the opportunity to follow the on-screen slide show of

pictures from the life of Hrant Dink.

THEATRICAL PLAY "THE TEYLERYAN CASE" WAS PRESENTED IN HASKOVO

After the book presentation of Hrant Dink "Two close people two distant neighbors" in the same day, April 22, 2012, in Armenian House Children's theatrical group of "AGBU" chapter Plovdiv presented theatrical play "The Teyleryan Case". This formulation is placed first on the Bulgarian stage. Author Vartuhi Hachikyan of Varna. Directed by Malvina Manukyan, professor of Armenian language and leader of the theatrical group. All plays by now presented by the child troupe are in Armenian. This time "The Teyleryan Case" was placed in the Bulgarian language, with which the director achieves two objectives: the children will remember for a lifetime Teyleryan and his feat and the Bulgarian public will learn about the tragedy of the Armenian people and the terror experienced during the Armenian Genocide. The little artists showed their professionalism with which they conquered the audience with equally successful

comedies that are played so far and with this completely opposite of the children psychology storyline. They deservedly received the highest score of the audience who donated them with applause. Image: Young artists with Father Dirayr Hadavyan and their leaders at the Armenian House in Haskovo

NEW PREMIER OF THEATRICAL SCHOOL OF AGBU PLOVDIV CHAPTER

On the occasion of the 97th anniversary of the Armenian genocide on April 28, 2012 Children's theatrical group of AGBU Saturday school in Plovdiv presented the theatrical performance of Vartuhi Hachikyan’s "The Teyleryan Case." The idea of the manager and director of the troupe Mrs. Malvina Manukyan is more than bold - through stage performance of the little theatrical actors was given a life of dramatic text, following precise historical events. Before seeing the show, many adults said that this task should not be entrusted to children. But the applause and rave reviews of the audience rated once again the original pedagogical approach and directing Ms. Manukyan.

FIRST NATIONAL FORUM ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE, ORGANIZED IN VELIKO TARNOVO

On May 2nd and May 3rd, 2012 in Veliko Tarnovo was held National Conference on "Armenian genocide - 97 years of the most bloody crime against humanity". Scientific Forum was organized for the first time in Bulgaria. The idea is of the Student Council at the University of Veliko Tarnovo. It was implemented with the support of Professor Plamen Lekostup, Rector of Veliko Tarnovo University. At their invitation responded NP Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia in Bulgaria Mr. Arsene Shoyan, Honorary Consul of Armenia in Plovdiv Mr. Ehiazar Uzunyan, N.V.P. Archimandrite Abgar Ovakimyan, vicar of AASTSB, chairman of the Diocesan Council of AASTSB Father Dirayr Hadavyan from Ruse representatives of AGBU from Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Ruse, Armenian media in Bulgaria, lawyers, public figures, specialists in Armenian and etc.

The event, which was organized in Turnovo gave a strong impetus for the idea in Bulgaria to speak openly, to comment and to seek recognition of the crime committed by the Young Turks towards Armenian people as genocide.

VOICE OF DIYARBAKIR

On May 13, 2012 Armenian Cultural Centre in Plovdiv was filled with guests, compatriots, friends of the Armenians close to the pen and speech. The occasion was unique - the independent publishing house Ararat News Publishing presented its second project dedicated to Armenian matters - the book of the Kurdish writer Sheyhmus Dicken "See, they are not here anymore". Many guests came looking for autographs by Dicken, the author of the book that they had purchased. We owe gratitude to the publisher in the face of Ronnie Alasor and Anahid Hachikyan who took the financing of this edition, which directly affects the Armenians. Dicken’s stories in the book "See, they are not here anymore" bring back memories to Anatolia and Armenians who lived there - neighbors, friends from childhood. From the speech of the writer, it became clear to visitors that Sheyhmus Dicken had many friends Armenians, including Hrant Dink, the journalist who was killed in 2007 in Istanbul, the writer born in Diyarbakir Magardich Margosyan, Aram Ateshyan Deputy Patriarch of the Armenian

Patriarchate in Istanbul and others. He was one of the initiators of the apology addressed to the Armenians a few years ago by 200 Turkish intellectuals. As an adviser to the Mayor of Diyarbakir Osman Baydemir – a kyurd, Sheyhmus Dicken is actively involved in returning memorable for the Armenians places in the city. Dicken takes active part in the most recent major project of the municipality - the restoration of the largest Armenian church in the Middle East "Surp Giragos". Official guest was honorary consul of Armenia in Plovdiv Ehiazar Uzunyan Todor Hristev, chairman of the Civic Club - Plovdiv journalists.

Image: President of Plovdiv Chapter - Rupen Chavushyan tells guests about the priceless exhibits in the crypt of the Armenian Church in Plovdiv

BOOK THAT CARRIES THE SPIRIT AND SUFFERING OF A PEOPLE

On May 15, 2012 in Dobrich was presented the book of Hrant Dink "Two close people two distant neighbors Armenia - Turkey". The organizers, in the face of Armenian church board in the church "Surp Hovhannes" in Dobrich, Armenian community and AGBU gathered in the lobby of the Regional Library compatriots and friends of the Armenians, to which they had prepared a program in advance and presented book of Hrant Dink. Against the background of characteristic and pleasant hearing of Armenian melodies, Onnik Giulian, Chairman of the Armenian community in the city, opened the event and gave the floor to the representative of the AGBU Plovdiv Chapter Hripsime Erniasyan. As publisher of the book, which was first published in Bulgarian language, AGBU Plovdiv Chapter carries emotional memories of meeting with Dink's wife

Rakel. Hripsime Erniasyan’s story about the power of this woman, determined to continue the work of her husband and to resist attempts to be forgotten Hrant - the man who paid with his life for trying to reconcile the two people.

FESTIVAL OTEC PAISII - WAY FOR CONVERGENCE OF DIFFERENT CULTURES

Every year in May on the busiest goldsmith street in Plovdiv "Otec Paisii" where Armenians live and to this day their houses are still there, was held a festival called "Otec Paisii". To participate in this three-day festival was invited and AGBU Plovdiv, as the office of the Union and Press office of newspaper AGBU Voice are on the same street, in the building of the Armenian House, owned by the Armenian church council

in Plovdiv. Stand with issued by AGBU Plovdiv books and monthly edition of the newspaper AGBU Voice attracted the interest of passers-by. At the same time, another stand with Armenian editions of AGBU Plovdiv, which was located in the iconic garden of "Dzhumayata". Elena Tamamdzhieva, a member of the editorial board of the newspaper and scholars of AGBU Plovdiv Gaia Shahugyan, Emma and Nora Radoslavova Shahinyan presented the Benevolent Union before the gathered people at the opening of the festival. The organization of these events in different places at street Otec Paisii was possible thanks to the active support of young professionals.

EVENT OF LADIES CLUB OF AGBU PLOVDIV CHAPTER On 16.06.2012, the group of ladies of AGBU Plovdiv branch, with chairwoman Araks Magardichiyan, paid a friendly visit of our compatriots from the towns of Yambol, Sliven and Stara Zagora. In the town of Yambol they visited the newly built Armenian Church in the city, whose designer is architect Alvar Badvaganyan of Plovdiv, a member of the Club of the ladies. They met with members of the AGBU chapter Yambol and chairwoman Sonia Arshavir. They then traveled with a rented a small bus to the town of Sliven, where they were greeted by Mr. Arshavir Hulian - Chairman of AGBU. He showed them arround town and presented with great detail its attractions. Then, in a modern and cozy cafe "At Nubi" ladies of Plovdiv were surrounded with a lot of attention and hospitality together with the local ladies of AGBU. Later, the group drove to town of Stara Zagora. Ms. Taki Manikian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, welcomed them together with other compatriots of the city. In pleasant conversation progressed time passed quickly and the Plovdiv ladies drove back with a bunch of pleasant impressions and pictures

CHILDREN THEATRICAL GROUP OF "AGBU" CHAPTER PLOVDIV PRESENTED THE PLAY "THE TEYLERYAN CASE" IN SOFIA

On June 17, 2012 Armenian cultural center in Sofia has been heralded by children hubbub. At the invitation of AGBU Sofia Branch children of the Saturday school of AGBU Chapter Plovdiv presented a live performance to the public in Sofia on the occasion of the closing of the school year. So the most new production of the children group was presented in the capital. Viewers in the room were surprised by the bright stage presence and artistic incarnation of the small theatrical artists. The carefully selected music and incredible sense of tragedy in the children caused tenderness in the crowd. Archimandrite Abgar Ovakimyan, Vicar of the Armenian Diocese in Bulgaria expressed his satisfaction from the growth

of the children as artists and congratulated the head of the composition Mrs. Manukyan of courage to put such a serious play in the children group. VISIT TO THE OFFICE OF THE NEWSPAPER "AGOS" IN ISTANBUL On 22 June 2012 the editorial board of the newspaper AGBU Voice visited for the first time the press office of newspaper Agos Istanbul. Excited we pushed the heavy gate behind which we took the stairs to the office of the Foundation and the newspaper. The door automatically opened before us and we sunk into the world of Hrant - his personality was modest, as was the situation here, but his mind was the discovery of the world of the Armenians living in Turkey, bolder and more determined than ever. Rupen Chavushyan, chairman of the "AGBU" branch Plovdiv, Hripsime Erniasyan, managing editor of newspaper AGBU Voice, Elena Tamamdzhieva and Varta Marukyan - members of the editorial board were greeted with a smile from Mrs. Raquel Dink, which brought us to the inner courtyard, a favorite place in the hot June days. Here we met with the young editor of the newspaper "Agos" Robert Coptash. We talked about the life of Armenians in Turkey, the initiatives of the Foundation. We found common ground in the future of both the newspaper "Agos" and AGBU Voice.

FRIENDLIES FUTSAL IN ISTANBUL BETWEEN TEAMS OF "TAKSIM" AND AGBU PLOVDIV

22, 23 and 24 June 2012 this year the football team of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter was in Istanbul to play the first friendly match with the team of local Armenian football team "Taksim". The idea was of the young players from both teams who meet for the third time after participating in VIII, IX and X European Armenian sports games. Created friendship

between them is in fact one of the objectives of the Games and sincerely believe that such will have in the future

with our compatriots from other European countries. Gift from the players and AGBU Plovdiv Chapter to club "Taksim" was a picture of the Old Town, on the back of which all players put their signatures, and while serving it to Mr. Garo Hamamchoglu, President of the Benevolent Union in Plovdiv Mr. Rupen Chavushyan invited the team of "Taksim" to come and see the remarkable reserve of Plovdiv - the Old Town and to play a friendly match on Bulgarian territory.

FINISHED THE 3RD SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM OF AGBU MOSCOW PROGRAM FOR SUMMER TRAINEE (MSIP)

Summer internship program (MSIP) of AGBU Moscow officially ended at the end of July 2012 with a festive farewell dinner, where coordinators, supervisors and trainees remembered recently experienced eight weeks of this unforgettable summer of his life and work in Russia. Trainees MSIP said goodbye to sadness - they became

friends, and only six weeks earlier came as complete strangers. After the sad separation the firmly united group goes in different ways around the world to their homes - in Armenia, Bulgaria, Canada, France, UK and USA. They return armed with experience that will surely help them to get ahead in their future career after graduation. Representative of Bulgaria was of AGBU scholarship student from Plovdiv Aluyza Garabedian. ARMENIAN FESTIVAL IN BURGAS TOWN

Created years ago Festival in Bourgas "Armenian traditions and culture" by Levon Manukyan was held again in August 2012 in the city. Honor to open the festival fell on child drama school "Malvina Manukyan" of Saturday school AGBU Plovdiv. August 25 (Saturday) in the hall of the puppet theater in Burgas the guests from Plovdiv presented "The Teyleryan Case". With bated breath the whole hall watched how the play faithfully and excitingly recreated historical events - an echo of the atrocities of the Genocide. We were deeply touched by the play of the small artists. Once again was welcomed the idea of Malvina Manukyan to entrust the heavy dramatic material to her young students.

FIRST CAMP HAYLER In August 2012, in region "Belo kamene", near Plovdiv was held the first camp HayLer, under the direction of Hermine Duzyan, director of sports programs of AGBU in Europe. The camp had 10 children from Sofia, 35 from Plovdiv, also from Haskovo, Pleven, Bourgas. At the cam were six Armenian children from Plovdiv

who for the first time in their life come to such camp and are in Armenian environment. Frequent guests of campers were Rupen Chavushyan, Chairman of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter and parents of children. During the first days of the camp, the children welcomed and Archimandrite Abgar Ovakimyan, vicar of the Armenian Diocese in Bulgaria. The editors of the newspaper "Parekordzagani Tsayn" (AGBU Voice) also spend a sunny day with the children from the camp.

ОLD CITY CELEBRATES For the first time this year from September 24 to 30 the old part of the city became scene of 37 cultural events in different spheres. A major focus of the holidays was retro holiday with a carnival procession and representation of ethnic groups on September 29, in which participated and child theatrical group "Malvina Manukyan" of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter. On the elevated in the Old Town stage they presented the play in Armenian language "Gigosi Maha" in Armenian language. A soloist of vocal studio at the Charity Union Ivana Mutskova sang the Armenian song "Hayasdan".

87th ASSEMBLY OF THE AGBU WAS HELD IN ARMENIA

On October 14, 2012 delegates and guests of the Armenian General Benevolent Union AGBU, led by Berge Setrakyan, President of AGBU, visited for three days the Republic of Nagorni Karabakh (RNA). Leading event was the meeting with President of RNA Bako Sahakyan and with members of the government. Extremely talented musicians of Karabakh Chamber Orchestra gave a concert in honor of the guests from AGBU. With the generous support of its benefactors, AGBU

helped build homes and schools in the region. From the Plovdiv branch of AGBU Congress attended President - Rupen Chavushyan, Haig Garabedian - Co-chairman of YP Plovdiv and Takvor Garabedian, a member of AGBU Plovdiv.

EXHIBITION OF AGBU PLOVDIV ARMENIAN PUBLICATIONS On 18th October 2012 the town of Plovdiv celebrated the beginning of the Month of Armenian Culture. The event was organized by the Armenian Embassy in Bulgaria and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Plovdiv and was the second activity after the performance of the state dance ensemble "Baregamutyun" that was held on 1st September in Plovdiv. The opening event at MALL Galeria was also attended by His Excellency Arsen Shoyan, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia in Bulgaria, representatives of other diplomatic missions in the town, intellectuals and fellow-countrymen. On a display stand dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the publishing of the first Armenian book AGBU Plovdiv presented some of its publications dating from 1996 till 2011.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE GROUP “MALVINA MANUKIAN,” PART OF THE AGBU-PLOVDIV SATURDAY SCHOOL ON TOUR On 1 December 2012 a charity organized by AGBU Plovdiv Chapter, a bus full with children and parents left early in the morning to the city of Sliven. Arshavir Hulian, Chairman of AGBU Sliven Chapter, and friends of the union welcomed the children from the theater school, Varta Marukyan the director, the chair person of the education committee of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter - Virginia Garabedian and parents. After that the guests were taken to the room for the month long expected performance. The hosts and the guests of the Armenian community in Sliven for the first time had the opportunity to experience the Armenian children theater by the two theater miniatures of classical Armenian drama

Hagop Baronyan and the Armenian poet and novelist Ovanes Tumanyan.

VOCAL INSTRUMENTAL BAND “EREBUNI” MARKED ITS 40+ ANNIVERSARY WITH A LIVE CONCERT On December 1, 2012 at the Armenian cultural center in Plovdiv, the popular group “Erebuni’s” fans and friends gathered to celebrate its 40+ years. The concert slogan was “Erebuni 40+.” The set idea in the program, highlighted the strong spirit, love for Armenian music, desire for companionship and commitment to preserving born with love and became an integral part of the lives of many young people, the “Erebuni”.Leading the program were Simon Hachmanyan (director of Armenian amateur theater group “Hagop Baronyan”) and Hripsime Erniasyan (longtime participant in “Erebuni”).

At the very beginning of the concert, embracing the idea of Hripsime Erniasyan a specially prepared film was presented with the priceless technical assistance of Mihran Bazdikyan. Stored in the last 35 years archival photographs and video footage enabled attendees to see the beautiful “Erebuni” journey from 1978 to

present day. These glorious years included the growth of the ensemble, and their current achievements. The film provoked

spontaneous affections and applause. A message for continuity was sent with the participation of two young talents from the POP studio of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter. At the end, “Erebuni” gifted to all 100 attendees Jubilee concert disc recordings. The issuance expenses of these presents were financed by AGBU Plovdiv Chapter.

LITERATURE MEETING VARNA – PLOVDIV On 14th of December, 2012 in the cultural centre of radio Varna took place a creative meeting of the editorial boards of newspaper “Literature and Community” – Varna and newspaper AGBU Voice – Plovdiv. In warm friendly atmosphere were exchanged the impressions from the mutual work of the two editions throughout the last four years. Varna responsive audience meets heartily the representatives of AGBU VOICE the editor of the newspaper Mrs. Hripsime Erniasian and the member of the editorial board Mrs.Elena Tamamdjieva. They gave speech to the audience about the activity of the media, what it reflects, who supports it, which are the accompanying

activities, what participations in related formations has, as well as what confessions received the newspaper for his activity and what are future creative projects. Stanislav Penev the chairman behalf of the association “Literature and Community” –Varna gave in Badge of honor about the association to the chairman of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter – Mr. Rupen Chavushian, the honorary consul of Republic of Armenia in Varna Sarkis Sarkizov, to honorary consul of Republic of Armenia in Plovdiv Ehiazar Uzunian,

to Hripsime Erniasian and Elena Tamamdjieva.

STUDENT’S EVE 2012

Wonderful atmosphere, dances and joy during the Traditional, 17th Student’s Eve of “Young professionals” of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter On 15 th of December 2012 in the eve of Christian holidays for serial time “Young professionals” of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter organized a celebration on the occasion of the academic community in Bulgaria – 8-th of December. On this day in Armenian Cultural Hall, organizators: Nora Radoslavova nad Haik Garabedian – co chairs of Young professionals with the help of Araksi Magardichian, Lilit Shahinian, Nora Kujumdjian and DJ Garo Shirinian prepared and decorated the hall on a Christmas theme and the festive table was uniquely beautiful and plentiful. It was done by Woman’s Club of AGBU Plovdiv Chapter, who every year surprised the students with their culinary skills, arranged in beautiful trays and as well as “Solaris”company who was involved in preparing some of the dishes which was completed the splendid table.

FOR AGBU PLOVDIV CUP THE BIGGEST WINNER IN SPORTS IS SINCERE FRIENDSHIP On December 15, 2012 at the restaurant "Nemo" in our sea capital gathered members of the Chess Club "Levon Ovanezov" to reflect the results of the past 2012 and to distinguish the winners in Bulgaria for the first tournament in blitz and rapid chess for Cup AGBU Plovdiv. Tireless creator of this little chess community in the heart of Varna - the famous Levon Ovanezov, member of FIDE, had arranged the event to become a celebration and for everyone to feel like a winner in the big race. At the event were invited guests from Plovdiv, representatives of the newspaper AGBU Voice" and the Armenian General Benevolent Union AGBU - an organization that supports the work of the chess society, the idea of which arose under the expert care of Levon Ovanezov.