Posted on 05/13/2009 10:50:46 AM PDT by nickcarraway
About 250 people gathered at the National Constitution Center in downtown Philadelphia to honor three worthy and honorable men dedicated to the Armenian Church and Armenian people on Friday evening, May 1.
The second floor of the city's National Constitution Center was transformed into an elegant banquet venue, during which Senator Robert Menendez (D.-NJ) received the "Friend of the Armenians" award, Zaven Dadekian was honored with the "Armenian of the Year" award, and the Rev. Fr. Papken Maksoudian, a longtime servant of the Armenian Church who turned 100 this year, received the "Spiritual Leadership" award.
A spectacular panoramic view of the "cradle of American liberty" - Independence Hall - framed the evening's proceedings, as church leaders from across the Eastern Diocese enjoyed the glittering surroundings chosen by the host parish of Wynnewood, Pa.
Introducing the "Friend of the Armenians," Diocesan Council member Dr. Raffy Hovanessian admiringly presented Sen. Menendez as an accomplished and reliable contributor to Armenian causes.
"Whenever we have had an issue, he has come to us, instead of us asking him to do so," said Dr. Hovanessian. "There is no question that Senator Robert Menendez has been one of our best friends, and we honor him today as the recipient of the ‘Friend of the Armenians' award."
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), presented the award to Sen. Menendez.
"You can see how much Armenian-Americans appreciate you," the Primate said over the applause for the honoree. "It's a pleasure to present this Diocesan award to you."
Accepting his award, Sen. Menendez said the Armenian Church is central to the lives of the Armenian people.
"I will not rest" "This is a community that has a reach that goes beyond its numbers," said Sen. Menendez.
In forceful remarks addressing the issue of the failure of the U.S. Congress and president to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, Sen. Menendez said, "As long as I am a United States senator, I will not rest until our country recognizes with genuine authority that the Armenian Genocide did occur."
He also said he was pleased with recent reports that Armenia and Turkey are working toward normalizing relations, and he will monitor this development as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"Within the halls of Congress and Washington, we remember the Armenians," said Sen. Menendez. "All across the world the memory of those men and women is remembered. The Armenian Genocide is history we cannot afford to forget."
Humility, hard work, devotion The Diocese's "Spiritual Leadership Award" recipient, the 100-year-old Rev. Fr. Papken Maksoudian, had been presented with the honor at his home in Arlington, Mass., a few weeks earlier. A video depicting the Primate bestowing the award on Fr. Maksoudian was shown during the banquet.
Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, pastor of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cambridge, Mass., provided a biographical sketch of Fr. Maksoudian's life and his many achievements and contributions to the Armenian Church and the Eastern Diocese.
Later in the evening, Diocesan Council member Sandra Shahinian Leitner introduced Zaven Dadekian, recipient of the "Armenian of the Year" award. She described his committed involvement to the Armenian Church and Armenian community as a whole for over four decades.
"Humility, hard work, devotion and dedication - these are the traits that describe Zaven Dadekian," said Shahinian Leitner.
Accepting the award on behalf of everyone he worked with through the years, Mr. Dadekian stressed the importance of working together as a team to achieve success in the Armenian Church.
"One doesn't serve the church alone," said Mr. Dadekian. "You don't serve on committees, boards, and councils by yourself. You serve the church with other people and I was privileged to work with such generous, hardworking, and committed people."
In his remarks, Archbishop Barsamian thanked the host parish of the 107th Diocesan Assembly, the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church of Wynnewood, Pa., and the Diocesan Host Parish Committee.
He expressed appreciation to the dedicated clergy of the Armenian Church, and to members of the Diocesan Council and to the Diocesan staff.
"I am blessed to have wonderful partners to lead this Diocese," said the Primate.
In conclusion, the Primate spoke highly about each of the evening's award recipients and their tireless efforts and contributions to the Armenian Church and people.
Sarkis Etoian served as master of ceremonies. Welcoming remarks were made by Lisa Manookian, chair of the Diocesan Assembly Host Parish Committee, and Alex Topakbashian, parish council chair at St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church. Presentation of the 2009 Diocese Awards was done by Oscar Tatosian, chair of the Diocesan Council. The Very Rev. Fr. Mkrtich Proshyan, interim pastor at St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church, made an inspiring celebratory toast.
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