AGBU Bulgaria Plovdiv Chapter

2013 Activities

Anahid Tateosyan - harp, Agop Tateosyan -viola

and Elise Gagosyan - opera singing (on the picture - Elise Gagosyan on the left)

AGBU PLOVDIV CHAPTER SATURDAY SCHOOL THEATER

First initiative of the newly elected YP Plovdiv Core Committee

On February 27, 2013, AGBU Plovdiv Young Professionals held a business cocktail reception at the ASK Academy Schwarzkopf Professional in Plovdiv. Over 50 guests RSVPd and attended the networking event. Among them were representatives of the emblematic native Armenian companies: AGI -1, GARO-M, Inspres Ltd., Tirlin AD, Star nails, INTERCOMPLEX, restaurant ARMENIAN House, Ascot Rubber Ltd., etc. Among the prominent guests was Dr. Garabed Tomasyan—former mayor of the city of Plovdiv. One of the main goals of the event was to serve as an opportunity for young Armenians in the community to meet and greet fellow Armenians with a considerable professional experiences and success in their fields, as well as receive guidance from them. The cocktail served as an impromptu mentoring night experience and for encouraging the new committee members in their future projects. Video wall projected slides with information about the AGBU Young Professionals in Plovdiv, as well as the projects the YPs carry through around the world. There was a brief exposé of the AGBU Summer Intern Programs that allow for a unique professional development, intercultural exchange and social networking. Official guest of the event was Dr. Dimitar Shishkov - one of the leading urologists in the country, as well as the local coordinator of ‘Bulgaria for Citizens’ political party, whose professional path and public awareness in short was presented by Haik Garabedian, co-chair of YP Plovdiv.

This year on March 24, 2013 the Armenian community in Plovdiv received a truly colorful gift for Dzaghgazart from the AGBU Saturday School Theater Group

„Malvina Manoukian“. Two newly staged performances directed by Varta Marukyan

flourished on stage at the Armenian Cultural Hall in Plovdiv on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Along with the students of the Theatrical Group, the AGBU Plovdiv Saturday School vocalists presented their most current repertoire of songs.

Young professionals brought their congratulations to the children theater group "Malvina Manukyan" and a wonderful cake!

Image: Nora Radoslavova, Co-YP Plovdiv and Onnik Kyurkchiyan member of YP Plovdiv.

On April 6, 2013, AGBU Plovdiv celebrated its 103rd Anniversary since its establishment and by the active initiative and participation of the Young Professionals in Plovdiv organized a Charity Gala to raise funds for the participation of Bulgarian-Armenian kids and youth in AGBU and the Ministry of the Diaspora summer programs in Armenia. The Charity Gala hosted over 220 guests from five different cities in Bulgaria, among which were HE the Ambassador of RA in Bulgaria, His Holiness the Archimandrite Abgar Ovagimian, HE the Honorary Consul of RA in Plovdiv, and a

couple of the city’s past Mayors and a number of prominent city council members and politicians.

For the first time this year, a representative of AGBU Plovdiv chapter participated in the

International Youth Forum, which was held in Armenia from 22nd to 24th of April 2013 under the

title "The Armenian language is in my heart." Krikor Arakelyan represented the Plovdiv chapter of

"AGBU" and is also a member of the leadership of young professionals - YP.

In Istanbul for the first time foreign delegation composed of 20 Armenian representatives from 15

countries joined the events dedicated to the anniversary of the genocide.

Haik Garabedian of AGBU Plovdiv, who is co-chairman of the Young Professional" - YP and was

the sole representative of Bulgaria took part in all the events that took place in Istanbul. He was part of

the delegation of the European Committee of AGBU.

At the invitation of AGBU Burgas Chapter and the local Armenian Church Parish

Council, the AGBU Plovdiv and the only Armenian Vocal Instrumental Band in

Bulgaria – Erebouni held a concert in the city of Burgas by the beautiful Bulgarian seacoast on April 27, 2013.

On 19th of May, 2013 this year at the Armenian Cultural House in Plovdiv, a croup-sized cultural event was held. In the celebration day for the Armenian Apostolic Church Day Hokekalust, Young Professionals (YP)-AGBU Plovdiv gathered in one place - in our culture house, a ‘bunch’ of Armenian talents.

According to the citizens of Plovdiv, this event was an exciting celebration, which was framed by the Bazaar of the Armenian book. It started at 10 a.m. under the beats of traditional Armenian music. At the hall of the Armenian cultural center, there were book shelves with stands Armenian books. With every book purchased, the guests received a gift – one more of the titles which were editions of AGBU. While, visitors were looking through the exhibited titles which were more than 20, on an interactive screen Armenian music videos and short films were projected, related to the sights of Armenia. Containing its customs and its culinary skills with which the country is famous for around the world.

On April 25, 2013 Rupen Chavushyan, Chairman of AGBU

Plovdiv met in the club of AGBU Plovdiv, with a scholarships

from Plovdiv to award them with annual scholarships from

AGBU. Representatives of the leadership of YP Plovdiv Nora

Radoslavova and Zarko Gogov shared with them the

purpose of YP and told them about programs Benevolent Union in Armenia.

More than 500 young talents took part in the festival "Roshavata Kotka" in Plovdiv, organized for 11 consecutive years by the Rotaract Club, Plovdiv. Children's theater group "Malvina Manukyan" participated with two one-act plays by the Armenian classic Hagop Baronyan on May 11, 2013 in Drama Theatre - Plovdiv. Scenes were in Armenian.

On 8th of June 2013, a concert of Vocal Instrumental Band "Erebuni" took place in Rousse. Invited by AGBU Ruse, the prepared for months concert was an inspiring and very happy day for both Plovdiv and Ruse. Despite the strong rain that fell prior to the concert the hall of the Military Club was full of emotionally charged audience. Applause erupted before the end of the songs and soloists Simon Pachadzhyan, Taki Melkonian, Virginia Vicheva Shishmanyan and Harry gave the audience fervor and excitement with all their talent of artists and singers.

We were deeply touched by the speech of archimandrite Abgar Ovakimyan, vicar of Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, who attended for the first time a concert by „Erebuni" and witnessed the premiere of the new formation "Araks" Rousse.

YP Plovdiv hosted around 20 guests from AGBU Haskovo (including members of the Church committee of Haskovo, “Surp Stepanos”) for a soccer game and a banquet.

The winners were once again YP –Plovdiv, who are the champions from the 10th Euro Armenian Games, from Sofia-Bulgaria.

Besides the soccer team of AGBU-Plovdiv, the whole YP management body was also present and other YP members and friends.

All together around 50 people, including the 15 soccer players. The program included the following: 10 a.m. arrival of the group from Haskovo. From 10-12 present at the prayer at the Armenian Church in Plovdiv “Surp Kevor”. 12-1 p.m. soccer game after that banquet.

Stara Zagora, 21 June 2013 With proposal of Armenian and Jewish communities in Stara Zagora on 2004 was created the Club of ethnic communities. On Juny 21, 2013 was hold a concert of ethnic groups. Armenian ethnicity was presented of two young talented singers to the AGBU Plovdiv Chapter Virginia Vicheva and Taki Melkonian, soloists of group Erebuni.

For the second year in Armenia was held program of AGBU Musical Armenia 2013

On 14 July, 2013 from Plovdiv to Armenia went three young people

who participated in the program of AGBU Musical Armenia 2013.

Anahid Tateosyan - harp, Agop Tateosyan -viola and Elise Gagosyan -

opera singing, presented for the first time "AGBU" Plovdiv

On June 22, 2013 in Kardzhali was opened an exhibition dedicated to the Armenian traditions and way of life from the beginning and the first half of the 20th century.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture Dr. Petar Stojanovic and Deputy Ministers of Culture Velislava Kristeva and Vassil Vassilev, Elizabeth Kehayova, Deputy. - Mayor of Kardzhali, MPs, councilors, many citizens. The exhibition, located at the "Circle" Art Gallery, included a number of items from the life of the Armenians decades ago.

"It all started with a perfectly preserved bridal dress" - say Radost Nikolaeva and Galina Dimova from Art Gallery "Circle" in Kardzhali. The dress was tailored for the engagement of Azaduhi Enicheryan in 1942. For a short time in their gallery arrive materials, enough for a whole exhibition. Timely and valuable assistance gave Rupen Chavushyan, chairman of the AGBU Plovdiv Chapter, our compatriots of Haskovo and Dobrich. Agop Uzunbohosyan, director of the Astronomical Observatory in Kardzhali and leader of the Armenian community in the city is responsible for the event. He coordinated the idea with AGBU Plovdiv and the

Benevolent Union attracted Armenians from different cities - Plovdiv, Haskovo and Dobrich to do everything possible to collect various exhibits. "With Hripsime Erniasyan from AGBU Plovdiv, we managed to arrange everything in a common conceptual framework - so that the objects can tell their story" - says Galina Dimova.

In June 2013, was issued the first compact disk of the singer Mary Movsesyan from Burgas. It contains 14 popular Armenian songs, including songs from Gomidas and Arno Babadzhanyan. On the disk their place found three passages from the Armenian Church liturgy.

Mary Movsesyan is conductor of the Armenian church choir at church "Surp Hach" Burgas. She has

music education. She participated in various charity events, invited by Municipality of Burgas. At the

same time she is soloist of the representative choir of the Municipality.

Image: Mary Movsesyan with armenians from Russe town.

Issuing the disc becomes possible thanks to the sponsorship of the President of "AGBU" Plovdiv Chapter - Rupen Chavushyan. In 2013, AGBU Plovdiv organized the presentation of the SD in Burgas, Shumen, Ruse and Dobrich, Haskovo and Plovdiv(2014).Image: Mary Movsesyan with armenians from Haskovo town.

For the nineteenth time was held in Plovdiv The International Folklore Festival, which met us with the folk dances of people from different parts of the world. The number of dancers

was almost three hundred and fifty. The event began on July 29, 2013. The day before, young professionals from Plovdiv walked guests from Armenia in Old Town showed their Armenian

church and crypt to them, gave them T-shirts with the logo of AGBU Plovdiv.

On 15 August, 2013 The editors of the newspaper AGBU

Voice were invited to participate in the first event of

"Bread houses" in Plovdiv. It was organized by Bulgarian

Red Cross in the city. Armenians, Bulgarians, Jews and Turks kneaded together traditional breads. Ch.

Editor of AGBU VOICE Hripsime Erniasyan surprised the

attendants when she presented shashlik wrapped with

traditional Armenian bread lavash. The "Bread Houses" is

known worldwide. Through it people get closer, feeling

like one family, showing its tolerance of the different

religion and nationality.

25 Aug.2013 from Plovdiv traveled group of 44 children to Pamporovo, where was held the traditional AGBU Plovdiv camp. The pictures show the first activities of children and the on the blog: http://hayler2013plovdiv.wordpress.com/photo-gallery/ you can track their daily activities. Emotion that a long time will not be forgotten.

Furthermore, apart from Art classes for children, were organized hiking, hours of swimming in indoor pool complex, sports, video screenings of Armenian animated films and other activities.

November 2013 - Having become the expected and increasingly gaining speed program of AGBU

Europe, GORIZ was held for the fifth time. The place this time was Istanbul, Turkey.

Haig Garabedian, co-chair of young professional and Onnik Kyurkchiyan, member of YP Plovdiv, were

representatives of the Plovdiv Chapter.

To reflect this unique program for young leaders, Plovdiv Chapter sent Ch. editor of the newspaper

AGBU Voice - Hripsime Erniasyan, who took part in all meetings and lectures, and provided a lot of

photos for the newspaper to reflect repeatedly the GORIZ seminar held in Istanbul.

STUDENT NIGHT WAS HELD FOR IN PLOVDIV

December 2013. Month tangible excitement. The decoration of streets and homes brings

the smell of snow, linked by

small and large with Christmas

and the holidays at the end of

the year.

Festive is the decoration of the

Armenian Cultural Centre in

Plovdiv, where traditionally

was organized evening where

Armenian students and friends

gather to pass the hours in a

pleasant atmosphere. It was a

Young professional’s initiative.

, THE AUTHOR

OF HISPERED "

On 6,7 and 8th December 2013 in Bulgaria, Varujan Vosganian, our famous compatriot from Romania, personally presented his book "Whispered book". The book has been translated into 10 languages. The author is proposed for the Nobel Prize. AGBU Plovdiv organized the book

presentation in Sofia with the assistance of YP Sofia and Coordination Council - Sofia, in Plovdiv, in Varna with the assistance of the Armenian church council in Varna and in Ruse with the assistance

of AGBU Ruse.

Image: On the image with the Chairman of the Plovdiv Chapter Roupen

Chavushyan and autor Varujan Vosganyan are Diocesan Vicar Abgar Ovagimyan,

Father Kevork Hacherian, pastor of the Armenian church in Plovdiv, Ambassador

of Armenia in Bulgaria H.E. Arsen Shoyan, Ambassador of the Republic of

Armenia in Romania H.E. Gamlet Gasparyan. The picture was taken in Plovdiv.

AGBU Plovdiv Chapter launched the first work of the Honorary President of AGBU Plovdiv Agop Daydzhanyan. Poetry book has been praised by experts and fellow readers. The publication contains poetry, satirical poems and a special section dedicated to the genocide of Armenians under the heading 'Crucifixion'. The event was held at the Armenian cultural center in Plovdiv on December 15, 2013. Picture: Mr. Agop Daydzhanyan with his wife during presentation

The author himself, who was approaching his 80th anniversary, recited his works that impacted so heavily on the audience, that it repeatedly stood to its feet. Agop Daydzhanyan was awarded the Order "William Saroyan", by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia.

For the second consecutive year Chess Club "Levon Ovanezov" in Varna held year-round tournament in blitz and rapid chess Cup "AGBU" Chapter Plovdiv. Involving nearly 40 players from Varna, at the end of the year, a representative of AGBU Chapter Plovdiv awarded the winner with the AGBU Cup and are given certificates for participation to the first 6 winners.

THE ZANGEZUR ENIGMA

from Vardan Balyan “SILENCED SUMMER” from AGOP DAYDJANIAN