ARS Meghri Chapter celebrated Mother’s Day at the Armenian Community Centre of Cambridge, ON. Guests were entertained by singer & pianist Armenia Sarkissian, who played and sang three beautiful Armenian odes to Mothers. Our guest speaker this year was Nazeeg Haneshian who spoke on “Armenian Women – The Pillars of the Economy and Society.” Congratulations to those members who received special recognition for their dedicated years of volunteer service with the Armenian Relief Society. 

Armenia performed the Canadian, Armenian, and Artsakh anthems to open this annual candlelight vigil for the lost souls of the Armenian Genocide. Mayor Frank Scarpitti gave a heart felt message and Armenia was invited to perform Charles Aznavour's "Ils sont tombés" before this beautiful ceremony at Markham's 'Forest of Hope' was closed with a prayer. 

Armenia performed a traditional song and a liturgical hymn for the annual commemoration of the 'Battle of Avarayr' and the 66,000 Armenian martyrs, under the command of Saint Vartan Mamigonian, in 451 A.D. Repertoire: "Belbooln Avarayri" (Words: F. Gh. Alishan/Music: K. Alemshah) and "Amen Hayi" (Music: Gomidas Vartabed). 

The St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Youth Choir sang religious Christmas carols, arranged and directed by Armenia, for the church's congregation at their annual Christmas Eve mass. 

Himmnadram's annual fundraising gala aims to rase funds for various ambitious projects in Armenia and Artsakh - ranging from housing, schools, community centres, and road constructions. Armenia performed an original composition in dedication to Saint Vartan Mamikonian, alongside Henrik Karapetyan (violin) and Adam Batstone (guitar), for all attendees and guest speaker, Maestro Oundjian of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and The Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The event was a galant success, raising over $600,000 in one evening. 

The Armenian Relief Society of Toronto - “Roubina” Chapter is a vibrant organization with over 400 members and a mission to promote education, provide social services and empower women, while hosting many annual functions, including: Heritage Day-“Dohmig Or." For two consecutive years, Armenia and Horovel Folk Ensemble were invited to entertain and share beautiful Armenian folk music with attendees, alongside Armenian dance performances, poetry readings, and other programming. 

On the closest Sunday to Sept 8th, which is the Feast Day of the Nativity of Our Lady and the founding date of  Mekhitarian Congregation (1701), Armenia and a group of catholic youth from Saint Gregory Armenian Catholic Church of Toronto, commemorated the anniversary with three a capella hymns written by Abbot Mekhitar, the founding father of the Mekhitarian congregation. 

...during a celebration marking the 26th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s and Artsakh’s independence and the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation. The event took place at City of Markham’s Ashton Meadows Park in front of the Armenian Genocide Memorial, ‘Forest of Hope' and the keynote speaker was Armenia’s newly-appointed ambassador to Canada, his Excellency Levon Martirosyan. Multiple members of parliament were in attendance and the program consisted of Armenian cultural performances.

A bright spring recital was prepared by four blossoming singers from the studio of Helga Tucker for a darling audience at Mazzoleni Concert Hall. Thank you to all in attendance!

Emma Mogyorodi - soprano
Armenia Sarkissian - soprano

Nevalea Tkachuk - soprano
Elise St. Germain - mezzo-soprano
Pianist: Todd Yaniw