This year marks the 96^th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia. On 28th of May, 1918 - only three years after the Armenian Genocide - Armenia regained independence thanks to the heroic efforts of soldiers on the battlefields of Sartarabad, Gharakilise and Pash Abaran. This allowed the formation of the first Republic of Armenia. In commemoration, the Tro Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) of Australia invited Dr Viken Hovsepian, as the keynote speaker at Galstaun College’s Nalbandian Hall on Sunday 1^st of June, 2014.

 

Dr Hovsepian has been in various positions in the American-Armenian national and community life. From 1992 to 1998, for three consecutive terms. He has also been elected a member of the ARF Western US Central Committee and its Chairman and between 2000 and 2011, for three consecutive terms, he served on the ARF Bureau.

 

Among the 500 guests were esteemed and honourable members of the Armenian-Australian community including Reverend Father Norayr Patanian, members of sister organisations, representatives of schools and media delegates.

 

The event commenced with the Armenian and Australian anthems being recited by Shoushan Sariyan on the piano, followed by the deliverance of the opening speech by Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) member Garineh Torossian. The MC of the event was fellow AYF member Nyree Kelleyan.

 

The programme began with a theatrical presentation by Nairi Dance Group, who performed a sequence titled  “Maghmoor Aghchig.”  Marie Hajian, also from the Nairi Dance Group, performed a solo dance titled “Giligia”.

 

Galstaun College’s “Nanor Choir” also sang Armenian songs dedicated to Mayis 28, including “Sardarbabad” and “Dase Million Hay” (Ten Million Armenians), along with the AYF Junior “Kaleh” chapter also singing “Karekin Nejteh” and “Kini Litz”.

 

The Armenian Sydney Dance Company also performed, showcasing their talent with a dance titled “Heravor Hayrenik.”

 

Kevork Vartanian presented the official speech on behalf of the ARF Australia. Vartanian stressed the importance of the first Republic of Armenia amongst the Armenian diaspora as well as within the motherland, emphasising that “Mayis 28” is not just a date in the Armenian calendar, but it is a symbol of the Armenian vigour. Only three years after suffering one of the most violent genocides that the world had ever seen, this nation stood up to violence against the Ottomans in the Battle of Sardarabad, preventing its demise. Although the first Republic of Armenia did not endure longevity, this event ensured that the physical existence of this nation was preserved. It is the testament of our nation, and why the country continues to exist.

 

This year also marks the 50^th anniversary of the ARF in Australia, and Vartanian stressed the commitment that this organisation has to execute this event profoundly and with due credibility.

 

Keynote speaker, Dr Viken Hovsepian was next to grace the stage. Dr Hovsepian enforced that Mayis 28 was a paramount turning point for the nation and coerced the importance that this event plays in the cultural lives of all Armenians by uniting as one people, and acting out our cultural responsibility towards a unified Armenia.

 

Hovsepian’s speech iterated the following:

 

“Until such time as we are able to gather all Armenians on united Armenian lands, what we must do is bring together all Armenians dispersed around the world under one ideology. This ideology, which ought to be anchored upon our collective dream of a truly free, truly independent, united, but also uncompromisingly just and fair Armenia. Such an Armenian homeland, where each and every Armenian, irrespective of their domicile or the passport they hold, will have duties to uphold, but will also have the right of ownership. Such an Armenian state, which will honour and uphold our heritage, our collective belief system rooted upon our demands for justice, despite any potential pressures, political considerations or considerations for special interests.

It is only through such a unifying and morally liberating ideological movement, that we can collectively reverse our path towards moral bankruptcy and capitalisation of principles. It is only though such an ideology that we can reverse course and reach for a brighter tomorrow for our people and our homeland.”

 

Dr Viken Hovsepian radiated the room as he spoke, as his words of wisdom and truth enlightened the audience, affirming their pride, as well as their responsibility, as Armenians.

 

To conclude the event, Reverend Father Norayr Patanian graced the stage, congratulating the ARF on their commemorative efforts. He also commended the Armenian diaspora of Australia, stating that despite the distance, every Armenians lives with the desire and affection of their motherland in their hearts.

 

Reverend Father Patanyan recited the Lord’s Prayer closing this inspiring event paying homage to the first Republic of Armenia.

Dr Viken Hovsepian


Reverend Father Norayr Patanian


AYF Junior "Kalleh" Chapter


Nanor Choir


Nairi Dance Group


Armenian Sydney Dance Company