Knights and Daughters of Vartan Host 2024 Grand Convocation Ceremony

Fresno — The Knights and Daughters of Vartan recently held the 2024 Grand Convocation ceremony in Fresno, California. The annual event marked the Knights of Vartan’s 106^th, and the Daughters of Vartan’s 84^th, convocation celebration.

More than 300 Knights and Daughters of Vartan members—who attended various workshops and meetings—and guests celebrated the implementation of humanitarian, educational, and economic programs throughout the year. Honorary guests received awards for their outstanding service to the Armenian people through their efforts to help the general public gain an understanding of Armenia and the Armenian diaspora.

This year, the Knights of Vartan honored Michael A. Goorjian with the 2024 “Man of the Year” award. An accomplished actor, filmmaker, and writer, Goorjian has received acclaim for his diverse contributions to the arts. He earned an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor and gained further recognition as a director with his independent film “Illusion.”

In 2022, Goorjian wrote, directed, edited, and starred in “Amerikatsi,” a comedy-drama about an Armenian-American who returns to the Armenian SSR after World War II, only to find himself in a Soviet prison. The film premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival in 2022, where it won the Best Narrative Feature award, and was selected as Armenia’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.

The Daughters of Vartan recognized Debbie Poochigian as the 2024 “Woman of the Year.” A California native, Poochigian is a dedicated civic leader with a notable record of service, including her roles as a delegate to two national political conventions. Her leadership extends to chairing numerous events and contributing to the Board of Trustees at Saint Agnes Medical Center.

Poochigian has also been actively involved with the Fresno Area Crime Stoppers, Neighborhood Watch, Fresno County and City Historical Society, California Women for Agriculture, Fresno County Farm Bureau, Ani Guild Patron for the California Home for the Aged, and the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she has served as a Girl Scout leader, Little League coach, and PTA board member. This award celebrates her lifelong dedication to her family, community, and her Armenian heritage.

Both Goorjian and Poochigian attended the convocation ceremony in Fresno where they received their awards in person.

In 2023, the Knights of Vartan announced a new award, the “Mamigonian Knight of the Year,” to recognize dedicated knights, also known as “asbeds,” who have time after time worked to improve the lives of the Armenian people and support the Armenian Church. This year, former Commander Anto Cingoz received the “Mamigonian Knight of the Year” award.

Several members received an “Asbed of the Year” award, including: former Commanders Leo Manuelian, Harry Kochounian, Rafi Bousnoyan, Joe Zabounian, Armen Oganessian; and Asbed David Jamgotchian.

Each of the Grand Councils of the Knights and Daughters are continuing to serve for the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, with the addition of one new Grand Recorder.

The Knight’s Grand Council (Avak Tivan) consists of seven officers: Grand Commander Hunan Arshakian of Gomidas Lodge; Grand Lieutenant Commander Levon Thorose of Ardaz Lodge; Grand Chaplain Sergey Simavoryan of Gomidas Lodge; Grand Recorder Gary Kaloostian of Ardaz Lodge; Grand Treasurer Ronald Nazeley of Ardaz Lodge; Grand Master of Ceremonies Gregory Babikian of Gomidas Lodge; and Grand Sentinel Karen Amirkhanyan of Gomidas Lodge.

The Daughter’s Grand Council (Avak Khorhourt) consists of seven officers: Grand Chairwoman Nancy Berberian Thompson; Grand Associate Chairwoman Pam Basmajian Ude; Grand Chaplain Arpi Keledjian; Grand Secretary Yn. Roberta Hairabedian; Grand Treasurer Darlene Chardukian; Grand Mistress of Ceremonies Dr. Susie Kalinian; and Grand Sentinel Ani Missakian.

Delegates of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Convocation allocated financial support for various charitable initiatives, including the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia; scholarships for students in the U.S., as well as students in Armenia to attend the Yerevan State University, the National Polytechnic University of Armenia and the American University of Armenia; Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program; Mer Hooys; the “After School Program” at Aygedzor School in Tavush; and to a number of renovation and research projects.

An additional allocation was granted this year for the Economic Sustainability Program. Newly established by the current Grand Council, the program supports select families, who have particular skills and have lost businesses in Artsakh, by providing them funds necessary to purchase equipment so that they can resume their work in Armenia.

In Fall of 2023, the organization provided significant humanitarian support to displaced Artsakh Armenians, totaling $103,745. This assistance was distributed to 235 families, encompassing 1,229 individuals, including 487 children. In January, through the Economic Sustainability Program, 22 local families, as well as those from Artsakh, received economic grants totaling $60,592.

Ashot Gabrielyan, who previously ran a successful bakery in Stepanakert for over a decade, found himself a refugee and settled in Masis, Armenia in 2023. There, he purchased land with an incomplete structure in order to open a new bakery. While his family’s funds covered a part of the expenses, it was with the support of the Knights of Vartan that he was able to complete the construction of the building and buy the proper equipment, allowing him to resume his business and financially support his family. Gabrielyan is now successfully operating his business at its new location.

“We believe that a thriving family-owned business can boost local economies, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic activity within the community,” said Grand Commander Hunan Arshakian.

“While we continue to support projects in the U.S. and in Armenia, our mission this year is to bring in new members as we did during the Grand Convocation by initiating seven new sisters into various chapters around the country. Then and only then can we continue to enhance the lives of Armenians in Armenia and here at home,” Grand Chairwoman Nancy Berberian Thompson said.