Katcho and Araxi Achajian receive the Navasartian Honorary President plaque from Homenetmen Chairman Maniel Marselian as last year’s presidents Varant and Hoori Melkonian look on
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.—More than 500 Homenetmen members and supporters gathered at the Universal Hilton Hotel on June 25 on the occasion of the 41st Annual Navasartian Games’ Victory Banquet. Guests gathered at the event with the pleasure of celebrating the accomplishments associated with the Navasartian Games and with respect to the 98-year old organization, which has successfully managed to assemble generations of Armenians. This year’s Navasartian Games boast California Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian and his wife, Araxie, as Honorary Presidents.
Homenetmen chairman Manuel Marselian (left) with 2016 Exemplary Homenetmen member Krikor Megerian
Guests in attendance included Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian; Counsellor of the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles Razmik Stepanyan; Homenetmen Central Executive Members Vicken Tavitian and Antranig Baharian; ARF Central Committee representatives Daron Der Khachadourian and Garo Ispendjian; ARS Regional Executive Vice-Chairperson Maro Papazian and Board Members; Glendale City Clerk and candidate for the California State Assembly, Ardashes Kassakhian; Honorary Presidents of the 41st Navasartian Games Mr. & Mrs. Katcho and Araxie Achadjian; Honorary Presidents of the 40th Navasartian Games Mr. & Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian; as well as previous honorary presidents, representatives of sister organizations and numerous supporters.
The evening officially commenced with a flag ceremony conducted by Homenetmen scouts. Thereafter, Ivana Krikorian, Homenetmen Ararat Chapter Scoutmaster, carried out a solo performance of the American, Armenian, and Homenetmen anthems.
Khatcho and Araxie Achadjian
Archbishop Mardirossian delivered the invocation, conveyed his blessings, and commended Homenetmen for organizing the Navasartian Games. He extended congratulatory remarks to the 2016 Honorary Presidents, Exemplary Homenetmen Member, organizing committee members, and all those in attendance for contributing to the evening’s success.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Master of Ceremony Jack Hadjinian, Montebello City Councilmember. He stressed the ability of the organization to instill pride throughout its membership and the community and praised the Navasartian Games for its victories throughout the years. Hadjinian created an enjoyable atmosphere throughout the evening with his humor and dynamic personality.
On behalf of the Homenetmen Regional Executive, Chairperson Manuel Marselian delivered remarks, thanking guests for their continued moral and financial support of the organization. Marselian took a look back on the organization’s 98 years in existence, its mission, and pursuit of Armenian instruction with the “Healthy Mind in a Healthy Bodyâ€
