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PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.net
May 11, 2006
___________________
ASSEMBLY BANQUET ENDS WITH HONORS
By Jake Goshert
Delegates and guests from throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern) gathered at the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, on Saturday,
May 6, 2006, for the Diocesan Assembly's farewell dinner and banquet.
During the evening, filled with food, music by the Washington Armenian Folk
Music Ensemble, and fellowship, the Diocese presented two awards.
Congressman Steven Rothman of New Jersey was presented with the "Friend of
the Armenians" award, given each year to an individual for notable efforts
on behalf of the Armenian people or nation.
Also, three departed leaders of the host parish, St. Leon Church of Fair
Lawn, NJ, were posthumously presented with the "Armenian Church Member of
the Year" award. They were George Dabagian, Sarkis Gabrellian, and Sarkis
Soultanian.
HONORING FRIENDS
With Congressman Rothman, the Diocese honored not only a friend, but a
former neighbor, as he used to live right next door to the St. Leon Church.
A member of Congress since 1997, he has always been a supporter of Armenian
causes, specifically during his time on the House Appropriations Committee's
sub-committee on foreign aid.
"He has demonstrated his friendship to us by devoting his attention to the
Armenian people and the Armenian nation," said St. Leon delegate Sandra
Leitner, who was a high school friend of the congressman. "I am grateful he
has applied his principals to support the Armenian people."
When presented with the award by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, the congressman hoisted it above his head, proudly
proclaiming "It's now in writing. I'm officially a friend of the Armenians.
It doesn't get any better than that."
He spoke of meeting Leitner's family, the Shahinians, in high school, and
immediately feeling a connection to the Armenian people. Later in life, as
he read more about the history of the Armenians, he saw a horrible
connection between their tragedies and those suffered by his Jewish
ancestors.
"As I learned more about history and the history of the Armenian people, I
noticed some striking similarities between my ethnic-religious group and the
Armenains," he said. "We're both pretty tough people, though. We have
experienced great sadness in our history. We are ancient peoples. We
suffered the Holocaust and the Genocide, unspeakable horrors. Yet, we
remain hopeful and faithful."
He said he was proud that over the past 10 years he was part of the effort
to provide $1 billion in foreign aid to the Republic of Armenia.
"There's more work to do," he added. "We know the economy is moving around
Yerevan, but we need to do much more in the rural areas. But we're going to
be sure America's great friend and fellow democracy grows stronger and
stronger."
He also spoke of efforts in Congress to officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide as a "genocide," and efforts he has taken to pressure the Turkish
government to also accept its history.
"We are allies, but we can never be friends until you do what is right," he
said was his message to Turkish officials. "Acknowledge the truth of the
slaughter of a million people. Until you recognize that fact, our
relationship will not go forward."
He said he hopes to see the United States government officially recognize
the Genocide soon, and urged the delegates to keep pressuring lawmakers.
"Congressman Steve Rothman is a man who has been a true friend of the
Armenians, both in America and in our historic homeland," the Primate said.
"Especially with his dynamic leadership in the Congress, Congressman Rothman
has been a strong, effective, and reliable ally of our people."
HONORING PILLARS
In honoring three late leaders of the St. Leon Church, the Diocese was also
honoring three close friends who built successful lives in their adopted
American home, created strong legacies in their communities, and passed to
their children a deep love of the Armenian Church.
"The story I have to tell is of three men. But in a profound sense, it is a
single story," said Diocesan Council Secretary Lillian Chapian, as she spoke
about the honorees. "It is the story of a certain kind of man -- a certain
quality of man -- who exemplifies excellence not only in terms of his
achievement and industriousness, but in terms of his personal character,
imagination, and innate humanity."
George Dabagian was born in Turkey, and went on to create a successful
business, Jersey Printing. Sarkis Gabrellian came from Iran, and built
Gabrellian Associates, a successful real estate development firm. After
emigrating from Israel, Sarkis Soultanian found success with National
Utility Service.
"These three men stood out. They were considered examples within their own
circle: looked up to by other businessmen, and admired by their peers. Each
of them took their success to another level," Chapian said. "It is also
significant that each of these men made their mark by providing a service to
other people. That is a characteristic that was embodied in their
professional as well as personal lives."
The awards were presented by the Primate to the wives of the three honorees
-- Lucy Dabagian, Siran Gabrellian, and Takouhi Soultanian.
"I'm very proud that all three men whose memories we are honoring were true
Armenians, both in service to country and allegiance to our mother church,"
Takouhi Soultanian said. "They set a great example for other Armenians to
follow."
"They loved their church and their Diocese and were always proud to be able
to serve," Lucky Dabagian said.
The three men not only served in leadership positions in their parish, but
also served the Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in a variety
of capacities.
"They were three distinguished individuals who made us proud and grateful
during their lifetimes," Archbishop Barsamian said. "All three were true
leaders of the Armenian Church and dear, personal friends to many of us
here, including myself. I miss them very much. They were exemplary human
beings, exemplary Armenian Church members, and wonderful friends."
"It was a great loss for our whole church, our whole family, when these
three pillars fell in such succession," the Primate added. "We are all
poorer from having lost them."
-- 5/11/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website, www.armenianchurch.net.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, presents the
Eastern Diocese's "Friend of the Armenian" award to Congressman Steven
Rothman of New Jersey during the Diocesan Assembly banquet on Saturday, May
6, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Takouhi Soultanian, posthumously awarding it to
her husband Sarkis.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Siran Gabrellian, posthumously awarding it to
her husband Sarkis.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Lucy Dabagian, posthumously awarding it to her
husband George.
# # #
ASSEMBLY BANQUET ENDS WITH HONORS
By Jake Goshert
Delegates and guests from throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern) gathered at the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, on Saturday,
May 6, 2006, for the Diocesan Assembly's farewell dinner and banquet.
During the evening, filled with food, music by the Washington Armenian Folk
Music Ensemble, and fellowship, the Diocese presented two awards.
Congressman Steven Rothman of New Jersey was presented with the "Friend of
the Armenians" award, given each year to an individual for notable efforts
on behalf of the Armenian people or nation.
Also, three departed leaders of the host parish, St. Leon Church of Fair
Lawn, NJ, were posthumously presented with the "Armenian Church Member of
the Year" award. They were George Dabagian, Sarkis Gabrellian, and Sarkis
Soultanian.
HONORING FRIENDS
With Congressman Rothman, the Diocese honored not only a friend, but a
former neighbor, as he used to live right next door to the St. Leon Church.
A member of Congress since 1997, he has always been a supporter of Armenian
causes, specifically during his time on the House Appropriations Committee's
sub-committee on foreign aid.
"He has demonstrated his friendship to us by devoting his attention to the
Armenian people and the Armenian nation," said St. Leon delegate Sandra
Leitner, who was a high school friend of the congressman. "I am grateful he
has applied his principals to support the Armenian people."
When presented with the award by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, the congressman hoisted it above his head, proudly
proclaiming "It's now in writing. I'm officially a friend of the Armenians.
It doesn't get any better than that."
He spoke of meeting Leitner's family, the Shahinians, in high school, and
immediately feeling a connection to the Armenian people. Later in life, as
he read more about the history of the Armenians, he saw a horrible
connection between their tragedies and those suffered by his Jewish
ancestors.
"As I learned more about history and the history of the Armenian people, I
noticed some striking similarities between my ethnic-religious group and the
Armenains," he said. "We're both pretty tough people, though. We have
experienced great sadness in our history. We are ancient peoples. We
suffered the Holocaust and the Genocide, unspeakable horrors. Yet, we
remain hopeful and faithful."
He said he was proud that over the past 10 years he was part of the effort
to provide $1 billion in foreign aid to the Republic of Armenia.
"There's more work to do," he added. "We know the economy is moving around
Yerevan, but we need to do much more in the rural areas. But we're going to
be sure America's great friend and fellow democracy grows stronger and
stronger."
He also spoke of efforts in Congress to officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide as a "genocide," and efforts he has taken to pressure the Turkish
government to also accept its history.
"We are allies, but we can never be friends until you do what is right," he
said was his message to Turkish officials. "Acknowledge the truth of the
slaughter of a million people. Until you recognize that fact, our
relationship will not go forward."
He said he hopes to see the United States government officially recognize
the Genocide soon, and urged the delegates to keep pressuring lawmakers.
"Congressman Steve Rothman is a man who has been a true friend of the
Armenians, both in America and in our historic homeland," the Primate said.
"Especially with his dynamic leadership in the Congress, Congressman Rothman
has been a strong, effective, and reliable ally of our people."
HONORING PILLARS
In honoring three late leaders of the St. Leon Church, the Diocese was also
honoring three close friends who built successful lives in their adopted
American home, created strong legacies in their communities, and passed to
their children a deep love of the Armenian Church.
"The story I have to tell is of three men. But in a profound sense, it is a
single story," said Diocesan Council Secretary Lillian Chapian, as she spoke
about the honorees. "It is the story of a certain kind of man -- a certain
quality of man -- who exemplifies excellence not only in terms of his
achievement and industriousness, but in terms of his personal character,
imagination, and innate humanity."
George Dabagian was born in Turkey, and went on to create a successful
business, Jersey Printing. Sarkis Gabrellian came from Iran, and built
Gabrellian Associates, a successful real estate development firm. After
emigrating from Israel, Sarkis Soultanian found success with National
Utility Service.
"These three men stood out. They were considered examples within their own
circle: looked up to by other businessmen, and admired by their peers. Each
of them took their success to another level," Chapian said. "It is also
significant that each of these men made their mark by providing a service to
other people. That is a characteristic that was embodied in their
professional as well as personal lives."
The awards were presented by the Primate to the wives of the three honorees
-- Lucy Dabagian, Siran Gabrellian, and Takouhi Soultanian.
"I'm very proud that all three men whose memories we are honoring were true
Armenians, both in service to country and allegiance to our mother church,"
Takouhi Soultanian said. "They set a great example for other Armenians to
follow."
"They loved their church and their Diocese and were always proud to be able
to serve," Lucky Dabagian said.
The three men not only served in leadership positions in their parish, but
also served the Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in a variety
of capacities.
"They were three distinguished individuals who made us proud and grateful
during their lifetimes," Archbishop Barsamian said. "All three were true
leaders of the Armenian Church and dear, personal friends to many of us
here, including myself. I miss them very much. They were exemplary human
beings, exemplary Armenian Church members, and wonderful friends."
"It was a great loss for our whole church, our whole family, when these
three pillars fell in such succession," the Primate added. "We are all
poorer from having lost them."
-- 5/11/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website, www.armenianchurch.net.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, presents the
Eastern Diocese's "Friend of the Armenian" award to Congressman Steven
Rothman of New Jersey during the Diocesan Assembly banquet on Saturday, May
6, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Takouhi Soultanian, posthumously awarding it to
her husband Sarkis.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Siran Gabrellian, posthumously awarding it to
her husband Sarkis.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Lucy Dabagian, posthumously awarding it to her
husband George.
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.net
May 11, 2006
___________________
ASSEMBLY BANQUET ENDS WITH HONORS
By Jake Goshert
Delegates and guests from throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern) gathered at the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, on Saturday,
May 6, 2006, for the Diocesan Assembly's farewell dinner and banquet.
During the evening, filled with food, music by the Washington Armenian Folk
Music Ensemble, and fellowship, the Diocese presented two awards.
Congressman Steven Rothman of New Jersey was presented with the "Friend of
the Armenians" award, given each year to an individual for notable efforts
on behalf of the Armenian people or nation.
Also, three departed leaders of the host parish, St. Leon Church of Fair
Lawn, NJ, were posthumously presented with the "Armenian Church Member of
the Year" award. They were George Dabagian, Sarkis Gabrellian, and Sarkis
Soultanian.
HONORING FRIENDS
With Congressman Rothman, the Diocese honored not only a friend, but a
former neighbor, as he used to live right next door to the St. Leon Church.
A member of Congress since 1997, he has always been a supporter of Armenian
causes, specifically during his time on the House Appropriations Committee's
sub-committee on foreign aid.
"He has demonstrated his friendship to us by devoting his attention to the
Armenian people and the Armenian nation," said St. Leon delegate Sandra
Leitner, who was a high school friend of the congressman. "I am grateful he
has applied his principals to support the Armenian people."
When presented with the award by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, the congressman hoisted it above his head, proudly
proclaiming "It's now in writing. I'm officially a friend of the Armenians.
It doesn't get any better than that."
He spoke of meeting Leitner's family, the Shahinians, in high school, and
immediately feeling a connection to the Armenian people. Later in life, as
he read more about the history of the Armenians, he saw a horrible
connection between their tragedies and those suffered by his Jewish
ancestors.
"As I learned more about history and the history of the Armenian people, I
noticed some striking similarities between my ethnic-religious group and the
Armenains," he said. "We're both pretty tough people, though. We have
experienced great sadness in our history. We are ancient peoples. We
suffered the Holocaust and the Genocide, unspeakable horrors. Yet, we
remain hopeful and faithful."
He said he was proud that over the past 10 years he was part of the effort
to provide $1 billion in foreign aid to the Republic of Armenia.
"There's more work to do," he added. "We know the economy is moving around
Yerevan, but we need to do much more in the rural areas. But we're going to
be sure America's great friend and fellow democracy grows stronger and
stronger."
He also spoke of efforts in Congress to officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide as a "genocide," and efforts he has taken to pressure the Turkish
government to also accept its history.
"We are allies, but we can never be friends until you do what is right," he
said was his message to Turkish officials. "Acknowledge the truth of the
slaughter of a million people. Until you recognize that fact, our
relationship will not go forward."
He said he hopes to see the United States government officially recognize
the Genocide soon, and urged the delegates to keep pressuring lawmakers.
"Congressman Steve Rothman is a man who has been a true friend of the
Armenians, both in America and in our historic homeland," the Primate said.
"Especially with his dynamic leadership in the Congress, Congressman Rothman
has been a strong, effective, and reliable ally of our people."
HONORING PILLARS
In honoring three late leaders of the St. Leon Church, the Diocese was also
honoring three close friends who built successful lives in their adopted
American home, created strong legacies in their communities, and passed to
their children a deep love of the Armenian Church.
"The story I have to tell is of three men. But in a profound sense, it is a
single story," said Diocesan Council Secretary Lillian Chapian, as she spoke
about the honorees. "It is the story of a certain kind of man -- a certain
quality of man -- who exemplifies excellence not only in terms of his
achievement and industriousness, but in terms of his personal character,
imagination, and innate humanity."
George Dabagian was born in Turkey, and went on to create a successful
business, Jersey Printing. Sarkis Gabrellian came from Iran, and built
Gabrellian Associates, a successful real estate development firm. After
emigrating from Israel, Sarkis Soultanian found success with National
Utility Service.
"These three men stood out. They were considered examples within their own
circle: looked up to by other businessmen, and admired by their peers. Each
of them took their success to another level," Chapian said. "It is also
significant that each of these men made their mark by providing a service to
other people. That is a characteristic that was embodied in their
professional as well as personal lives."
The awards were presented by the Primate to the wives of the three honorees
-- Lucy Dabagian, Siran Gabrellian, and Takouhi Soultanian.
"I'm very proud that all three men whose memories we are honoring were true
Armenians, both in service to country and allegiance to our mother church,"
Takouhi Soultanian said. "They set a great example for other Armenians to
follow."
"They loved their church and their Diocese and were always proud to be able
to serve," Lucky Dabagian said.
The three men not only served in leadership positions in their parish, but
also served the Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in a variety
of capacities.
"They were three distinguished individuals who made us proud and grateful
during their lifetimes," Archbishop Barsamian said. "All three were true
leaders of the Armenian Church and dear, personal friends to many of us
here, including myself. I miss them very much. They were exemplary human
beings, exemplary Armenian Church members, and wonderful friends."
"It was a great loss for our whole church, our whole family, when these
three pillars fell in such succession," the Primate added. "We are all
poorer from having lost them."
-- 5/11/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website, www.armenianchurch.net.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, presents the
Eastern Diocese's "Friend of the Armenian" award to Congressman Steven
Rothman of New Jersey during the Diocesan Assembly banquet on Saturday, May
6, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Takouhi Soultanian, posthumously awarding it to
her husband Sarkis.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Siran Gabrellian, posthumously awarding it to
her husband Sarkis.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Lucy Dabagian, posthumously awarding it to her
husband George.
# # #
ASSEMBLY BANQUET ENDS WITH HONORS
By Jake Goshert
Delegates and guests from throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern) gathered at the Hilton in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, on Saturday,
May 6, 2006, for the Diocesan Assembly's farewell dinner and banquet.
During the evening, filled with food, music by the Washington Armenian Folk
Music Ensemble, and fellowship, the Diocese presented two awards.
Congressman Steven Rothman of New Jersey was presented with the "Friend of
the Armenians" award, given each year to an individual for notable efforts
on behalf of the Armenian people or nation.
Also, three departed leaders of the host parish, St. Leon Church of Fair
Lawn, NJ, were posthumously presented with the "Armenian Church Member of
the Year" award. They were George Dabagian, Sarkis Gabrellian, and Sarkis
Soultanian.
HONORING FRIENDS
With Congressman Rothman, the Diocese honored not only a friend, but a
former neighbor, as he used to live right next door to the St. Leon Church.
A member of Congress since 1997, he has always been a supporter of Armenian
causes, specifically during his time on the House Appropriations Committee's
sub-committee on foreign aid.
"He has demonstrated his friendship to us by devoting his attention to the
Armenian people and the Armenian nation," said St. Leon delegate Sandra
Leitner, who was a high school friend of the congressman. "I am grateful he
has applied his principals to support the Armenian people."
When presented with the award by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, the congressman hoisted it above his head, proudly
proclaiming "It's now in writing. I'm officially a friend of the Armenians.
It doesn't get any better than that."
He spoke of meeting Leitner's family, the Shahinians, in high school, and
immediately feeling a connection to the Armenian people. Later in life, as
he read more about the history of the Armenians, he saw a horrible
connection between their tragedies and those suffered by his Jewish
ancestors.
"As I learned more about history and the history of the Armenian people, I
noticed some striking similarities between my ethnic-religious group and the
Armenains," he said. "We're both pretty tough people, though. We have
experienced great sadness in our history. We are ancient peoples. We
suffered the Holocaust and the Genocide, unspeakable horrors. Yet, we
remain hopeful and faithful."
He said he was proud that over the past 10 years he was part of the effort
to provide $1 billion in foreign aid to the Republic of Armenia.
"There's more work to do," he added. "We know the economy is moving around
Yerevan, but we need to do much more in the rural areas. But we're going to
be sure America's great friend and fellow democracy grows stronger and
stronger."
He also spoke of efforts in Congress to officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide as a "genocide," and efforts he has taken to pressure the Turkish
government to also accept its history.
"We are allies, but we can never be friends until you do what is right," he
said was his message to Turkish officials. "Acknowledge the truth of the
slaughter of a million people. Until you recognize that fact, our
relationship will not go forward."
He said he hopes to see the United States government officially recognize
the Genocide soon, and urged the delegates to keep pressuring lawmakers.
"Congressman Steve Rothman is a man who has been a true friend of the
Armenians, both in America and in our historic homeland," the Primate said.
"Especially with his dynamic leadership in the Congress, Congressman Rothman
has been a strong, effective, and reliable ally of our people."
HONORING PILLARS
In honoring three late leaders of the St. Leon Church, the Diocese was also
honoring three close friends who built successful lives in their adopted
American home, created strong legacies in their communities, and passed to
their children a deep love of the Armenian Church.
"The story I have to tell is of three men. But in a profound sense, it is a
single story," said Diocesan Council Secretary Lillian Chapian, as she spoke
about the honorees. "It is the story of a certain kind of man -- a certain
quality of man -- who exemplifies excellence not only in terms of his
achievement and industriousness, but in terms of his personal character,
imagination, and innate humanity."
George Dabagian was born in Turkey, and went on to create a successful
business, Jersey Printing. Sarkis Gabrellian came from Iran, and built
Gabrellian Associates, a successful real estate development firm. After
emigrating from Israel, Sarkis Soultanian found success with National
Utility Service.
"These three men stood out. They were considered examples within their own
circle: looked up to by other businessmen, and admired by their peers. Each
of them took their success to another level," Chapian said. "It is also
significant that each of these men made their mark by providing a service to
other people. That is a characteristic that was embodied in their
professional as well as personal lives."
The awards were presented by the Primate to the wives of the three honorees
-- Lucy Dabagian, Siran Gabrellian, and Takouhi Soultanian.
"I'm very proud that all three men whose memories we are honoring were true
Armenians, both in service to country and allegiance to our mother church,"
Takouhi Soultanian said. "They set a great example for other Armenians to
follow."
"They loved their church and their Diocese and were always proud to be able
to serve," Lucky Dabagian said.
The three men not only served in leadership positions in their parish, but
also served the Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in a variety
of capacities.
"They were three distinguished individuals who made us proud and grateful
during their lifetimes," Archbishop Barsamian said. "All three were true
leaders of the Armenian Church and dear, personal friends to many of us
here, including myself. I miss them very much. They were exemplary human
beings, exemplary Armenian Church members, and wonderful friends."
"It was a great loss for our whole church, our whole family, when these
three pillars fell in such succession," the Primate added. "We are all
poorer from having lost them."
-- 5/11/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website, www.armenianchurch.net.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, presents the
Eastern Diocese's "Friend of the Armenian" award to Congressman Steven
Rothman of New Jersey during the Diocesan Assembly banquet on Saturday, May
6, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Takouhi Soultanian, posthumously awarding it to
her husband Sarkis.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Siran Gabrellian, posthumously awarding it to
her husband Sarkis.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Archbishop Barsamian presents the "Armenian Church
Member of the Year" award to Lucy Dabagian, posthumously awarding it to her
husband George.