The Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, born from the bosom of the Armenian people and having served the Armenian people with unwavering devotion for a full century, last year completed the 100th anniversary of its founding. After celebrating the centennial in Armenia with solemn and state-level ceremonies, in Aleppo, on Saturday evening, 10 December 2022, at the AGBU Nazarian Hall, in the presence of religious leaders, the Consul of the Republic of Armenia, representatives of parties and unions, faithful members and supporters, the ADL centennial was officially celebrated, organized by the local board of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Aleppo.
After the anthems of Syria, Armenia and the ADL were listened to standing, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs.
The opening remarks were delivered in Arabic by the chairman of the local board of the TCA, Dr. Harutyun Nazaryan, and in Armenian by Shaghik Hamalian. Then, an appropriate artistic program was presented. Arpi Grtanyan recited Jacques Hagopian’s poem “Khrakhchank” (Revelry). The string quartet, with the participation of David Melkonyan (violin), Shahe Avagyan (violin), Sargis Avagyan (viola), and Sella Zakaryan (cello), captivated the audience with their high-quality performance.
Yevgine Nazaryan read the congratulatory message of the Central Board of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party. A video was shown in memory of the late Levon Plkhyan, who made great contributions in Aleppo. Daron Gasparyan recited Mikael Nalbandyan’s poem “Song of Liberty.” The day’s master of ceremonies, Meliné Ekmekji, read the congratulatory letters from the ARF, the SDHP, the AGBU and the pastor of the Armenian Evangelical community, Rev. Harutyun Selimyan. After the screening of a video about the ADL, soloist Avo Serchyan performed, accompanied on the piano by Raffi Kechejian.
The keynote speaker of the day, the chairman of the ADL of Aleppo, Attorney Garabed Shushanyan, briefly presented the party’s past path and said: “The Armenian Democratic Liberal Party had the wisdom to demonstrate not a political but a national approach, from the standpoint of leading the reconstruction and prosperity of the Armenian homeland and guiding the Diaspora Armenian masses toward repatriation. The ADL’s contribution was great in the spiritual and intellectual transformation of the Diaspora Armenians, leading them from indifference, fear and an anti-Armenian mindset toward confidence, faith and love for our homeland. Subsequently, in 1947, the ADL gave birth to the Tekeyan Cultural Association, which soon spread to numerous communities, through whose efforts homeland-Diaspora cultural ties were further strengthened.”
Then, the Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Aleppo conveyed his heartfelt words. Afterwards, certificates of appreciation were distributed.
Finally, the program came to an end with the commendatory and encouraging words of the Prelate of the Armenian Diocese of Beroea, Bishop Makar Ashkaryan.
(Correspondence)
