Granite City, IL — The Armenian National Committee of America expanded its presence in the Midwest this week, with the formation of the ANCA Missouri, which was announced at the St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church Armenian Genocide commemorative observance held on Sunday, April 28, the ANCA Eastern Region reported.

The new committee is the second in the metropolitan St. Louis area, joining the ANCA of Southern Illinois that has been active for many years.

“We’re thrilled to introduce a new local ANCA in the Midwest. Being from Granite City, I’ve always known there is a strong Hai Tahd presence there and this announcement is a major step in expanding our efforts in that area. The new committee has already been proactive on a range of concerns and we look forward to reporting on their accomplishments soon,” said Michelle Hagopian, ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director.

The ANCA Missouri will be led by brothers John and Jake Varadian, as well as John Donjoian, all three of whom have a long track record of serving the local community, as members of the St. Gregory Church Board of Trustees and alumni of the Armenian Youth Federation.

The announcement came on April 28th, following an Armenian Genocide commemoration program at the St. Gregory Armenian Community Center. Hagopian addressed Azeri and Turkish aggression and recommitting to the Armenian Cause during her remarks to a crowd of more than 85 people. Boris Abajyan, a Webster University international relations student and long-time St. Louis Armenian community member, also spoke in the program. The event was wrapped up by ANCA of Southern Illinois activist Steve Hagopian with additional remarks by Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian.

Following the program, Hagopian was interviewed on NBC affiliate KSDK, which covered the local Armenian Genocide commemoration, video of which is available here: http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=377880

Those interested in getting involved with the new ANCA of Missouri are welcome to contact Michelle Hagopian at michelle@anca.org.

Photo Caption: (Left to right) ANCA Southern Illinois activist Steve Hagopian, ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Michelle Hagopian, ANCA Missouri activist Jake Varadian, and ANCA Missouri activist John Varadian.

Video of Michelle Hagopian speaking about the Armenian Genocide on KSDK news in St. Louis here: