Survived from the Armenian Genocide and rich with Armenian culture the descendants of the Armenian Nation haven’t restricted their survival in diaspora to merely establishing schools, churches, and clubs. The culture and the art of the Armenian provinces, customs, identity, in another word, our ancestral national heritage is ardently kept in the memory of the Armenian people. Hence, a distinctive role is restricted to a unique women’s organization, the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon being well aware of its mission, which is keeping alive and spreading the Armenian art to the surrounding, in this case the embroidery and the needle work which has founded a workshop and handicraft center in Bourj Hammoud, and in accordance with that handicraft center, has established an artistry committee.
With hard and meticulous work, they represent the artistry and the inheritance dispatched to us from our ancestors to the public in their handicraft center, or during their yearly exhibition where they keep the authenticity of the needle work, but introduce new shades and colors. In this way, keeping in touch with modernity, and merging the authentic with the modern, where modern versions of Armenian needlework are presented.
This year as well the ARCL artistry committee faithful to its tradition presented to the public the rich Armenian heritage of art and in particular the exhibition of Armenian handcrafted embroidery, having as a slogan “The transmission of the Armenian embroidery from generation to generation” as their motto. The opening of the exhibition took place on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. In the Glace Parlor of the Municipality Garden of Jal-el-Dib under the auspice of ARCL regional board and patronage of Mrs. Rebecca Gozubeuyikian.
The representative of Archbishop Nareg the prelate of the Armenian prelacy of Lebanon Preacher of the Diocese of Lebanon Senior Priest Anania Koujanian, Guvnor of Metn Marlene Haddad, representative of ARS central committee Nelly Vekilian, the mayor of Jal-El-Dib Remon Attiyeh, and the representative of the mayor of Bourj Hammoud Mardig Boghossian deputy-mayor Mardig Arslanian, full members of the ARCL regional board, and art loving mass were also present.
After cutting the opening ceremonial ribbon and listening to the marches of Lebanon, Armenia and ARS, the opening word in Arabic as well as in Armenian was delivered by the chairperson of the Artistry Committee Sosse Boyadjian. She noted that 2018 is a year of centennial anniversaries, and ARS is already entering its second centennial. Then Sosse Boyadjian talked about the activities of the Artistry Committee that stays loyal to its vocation and provides jobs for the needy families, and is a source of income for the success of ARCL social and health programs. However, the biggest victory of this center is the mission of saving the delicate Armenian art of embroidery from oblivion, whose main axis are the Armenian cultural treasures which present the serum of survival of the Armenian Nation.
Sosse Boyajian also talked about the limited ranks of ARCL, the economic-educational difficulties and political uncertainty facing Lebanese Armenians, emphasizing that ARCL stays firmly attached to the national traditions by organizing this sale-exhibition initiative of the most delicate treasures of our culture.
She thanked Archbishop Nareg the prelate of the Armenian prelacy of Lebanon, Guvnor of Metn Marlene Haddad, ARCL regional Board, the mayor of Jal-El-Dib Remon Attiyeh, the mayor of Bourj Hammoud Mardig Boghossian, Alek Yaverian, “Vanlian” Establishment, National Yeghishe Manougian College, and all those who supported the success of this exhibition.
Then, the Guvnor of Metn Marlene Haddad delivered her sincere word, and appreciated all those who were present, also the prominent religious presence of the exhibition under the auspice of the church. She said that this day's gathering had brought together all under the roof of the “human being” concept. Their presence that day insures the evaluation of the human being itself. Marlene Haddad praised the mission of ARCL in general, and thanked all those who appreciated ARCL handicraft and were present at the exhibition. She noticed a heavenly smile on earth. Speaking about the purpose of the ARCL artistry exhibition, she said that they are the gifts to be delivered to Jesus on those festive days, with the help of the dedicated workers and volunteers to reach the needy, and the poor.
Addressing ARCL, the mayor noted that they are not alone. Today, mayors, community leaders and public institutions stand by their side. The mission of ARCL is to serve, and ARCL remains as an advocate of service, continuing to walk in the path of service by getting out of the barriers of mere words and entering the realm of active work. Then she said, “We are always by your side, continue your humanitarian mission.” At the end of her speech, she praised the conscious duty of the ARCL, noting that today the initiatives of such selfless Armenian women are rare, moreover, she appealed to the attendees and asked that each one of them brings an individual, a friend in order to strengthen the humanitarian mission of ARCL.
The word of the Archbishop Nareg Yetemezian the Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon was delivered by senior Priest Anania Koujanian. He greeted the attendees on the behalf of the Archbishop and on his behalf. He expressed his joy and pride because Armenians throughout the diocese are still adhered to their origins, church, culture and organize exhibitions of such handicrafts. He mentioned that the reason for the existence of the nation and its pledge are faithful, unselfish and pious women who always keep alive and exhibit such works of culture and show the love in their heart toward their homeland, nation and culture. The mission of ARCL is to serve the needy, the youth and all the Armenians of Lebanon. He encouraged the organization of this exhibition and reminded us that we are a nation that does not love to retreat in its mission. The holy father thanked the Artistry Committee, which once again realized, accomplished and successfully demonstrated our cultural treasures for the people to see. He expressed confidence that new people would come and join the ranks of ARCL because fist is a sign of success and victory. This exhibition should also be introduced to our local and Armenian compatriots, so that they will be proud of our treasures and live by these treasures in their lives because the guards of these treasures are each one of us. He wished that this exhibition would achieve its utmost success and serve its true goal to help the needy families and guarantee the glorious future of the Armenian university students. Then he added that the presence of ARCL ensures peace of mind in the life of the Armenian people.
The audience watched the beautiful ornamented and handmade Armenian embroidery and expressed their admiration and appreciation for the dedication and the mission of preserving the Armenian Embroidery performed at the Artistry Center through the ARCL Artistry committee.
