BAYSIDE, NY - The Etchmiadzin Lodge and the Ani Otyag of the Knights of Vartan celebrated major anniversaries on Saturday, November 18, in the Kaloustian Hall of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs here. In celebrating their 65th and 50th anniversaries respectively, the Lodge and Otyag organized a dinner dance which served as a vehicle to recognize and award individuals who have made notable contributions to the organization and the community.

The evening was well attended, with over 150 members and well-wishers present to honor Mr. Bedros Givelekian as Man of the Year of Etchmiadzin Lodge and former Grand Matron Mrs. Genevieve Roubian as Woman of the Year of Ani Otyag. Following the invocation offered by Very Reverend Father Vahan Hovanessian, Pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, the evening featured a fast-moving program ably introduced by Mr. Garo Sekdorian, the commander of the Lodge. Following a few words of introduction from Mrs. Christine Saraydarian, the matron of the Ani Otyag, Mrs. Rose Hartunian led all present into an impromptu rendition of the well-known song "New York, New York," and later the same song slightly modified to praise the many good deeds and contributions of Mrs. Roubian over the years.

Mr. Bedros Givelekian was introduced by Dr. Arthur Kubikian who, in painting a biographical sketch of Mr. Givelekian, stated that the honoree had chaired so many functions over the last 45 years that he should henceforth be addressed as "The Chairman." Among some of the most recent ones, Bedros Givelekian has been chairman of the Board of Trustees of Saint Sarkis church for the last 18 years, chaired the Prelacy April 24 Commemoration at Flushing Meadows Park, Armenian Cultural Night At the Theatre in the Park in Flushing, NY; the visitation of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia; and the upcoming Grand Convocation of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan during July of 2001. Following more testimonials by Mr. Edward Barsamian and Very Reverend Anoushavan Tanielian, Pastor of Saint Sarkis Church, who read a certificate of recognition for Mr. Bedros Givelekian from His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate. Mr. Robert E. Barsam, Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan, who was in attendance with his wife, then presented Mr. Givelekian with a plaque recognizing meritorious service to the organization and community over the years.

The merriment of the evening continued with the cutting of a large anniversary cake and photo opportunities, as well as lively dancing to the sounds of Raffi Nakashian and his orchestra. The celebration lasted until the wee hours of the morning, with attendees joining Mr. Nakashian in singing popular songs and dancing traditional Armenian dances. If this party is any indication of things to come, one can only look with anticipation to the upcoming Grand Convention organized by the Lodge and Otyag in July of 2001. Look for further news in this newspaper and make your plans to attend early.