World War I and the Armenian Genocide in 1915 had created terrible conditions everywhere; hence, Armenian Relief Society (ARS) divisions were established worldwide to tend to the needs of the people. Their activities included healthcare, education, childcare, food distribution and refugee resettlement. This led to the establishment of the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon (ARCL).
Until 1929, Syria and Lebanon served as one unit; however, as the number of refugees doubled, ARCL separated from Syria and became a single unit, yet it continued to present its reports at the conventions held in Aleppo until 1938.
With the appointment of the first Regional Executive (REB) of the first chapter of ARCL in Beirut, the 2nd of June, 1930 became a cornerstone for the Lebanese Armenians.
The Beirut Chapter, today known as “Meghry” became ARCL’s main chapter. Later, more chapters were established as follows:
- Arshalouyce Azirian (Sis) 1933
- Aydzemnig (Tripoli) 1935
- Hayashen (Karm El Zeitoun)1937
- Gars (Achrafieh) 1938
- Shoushy (Zahlé) 1940
- Sevan (Jounieh) 1941
- Aghtamar (Ainjar) 1942
- Ashken (Marash) 1946
- Shoushanig (Trad) 1948
- Roupina (Norashen)1948
- Arakadz (Arakadz) 1950
- Garineh (Amanos) 1956
- Nairy (Antelias)1962
- Asdghig (Mar Mikael)1963
- Anahid (Mar Youssef) 1966
- Sosse (Jbeil) 1967
- Zevartnotz (Hazmieh) 1971
- Ani (Nahr El Mot) 1972
- Hripsime Sassouni (Fanar) 1972
- Araz (Boucherieh) 1975
- Kayane (Beit El Kokko) 1977
- Heghoush Papazian (Raouda) 1980
- Aghavni Papazian(Zalka) 1980
- Chavo Shant (Dekouaneh) 1984
- Artsakh (Rabieh) 1991
The name choices for the ARCL chapters wasn’t random; they were chosen to represent the names of historic or current Armenian and Artsakhian cities, as well devotees to our Nation’s and ARCL’s history, women whose marks inspire our ranks. (More about the history of each chapter’s name can be found in the section dedicated to each chapter.)
During the 1938 convention held in Aleppo, the decision was taken to give Lebanon its own Regional Executive. And in 1939, the first convention of the ARCL was held when the first ARCL Regional Executive (REB) was elected of the following the members: Chavo Shant (chair), Lola Sassouni (secretary), Ourfalian, G. Ashdjian, S. Svadjian, K. Kuzelian, and Dr. O. Guerguerian.
On the 22nd of October 1935, the ARCL received state recognition and approval by decree number 2013. And in 1987, by decree number 3773, the ARCL was proclaimed exempt from tax for being a charitable organization.
In 1939, the first ARCL REB received blessings of the His Holiness Catholicos Sahag II who announced Friday of the Holy Lent as a day for fasting and ask that on that day people supported the ARCL programs with a fundraiser. In 1945, that fundraiser was named “A Plate of Food”.
Until 1940, the ARCL REB included members of both genders. Khoren Soukiasian, Dikran Mavisakalian, Dr. Melkon Hayrabedian, Dr. Kevork Guediguian, Dr. S. Soukiasian, Ghazar Charek, Sahak Vahram, and Minas Hazarian worked alongside Heghoush Papazian, Aghavni Papazian, Chavo Shant, and Lola Hripsime Sassouni. Karnig Kuzelian, Edward Daronian, Dr. Onnig Guediguian have also been part of the ARCL REB.
However, in 1940, it was considered fit for the ARCL to become a women’s only organization.
The organization at the beginning had around 500 members of both genders, now the number has reached 4000.
