The newly elected Rosdom Gomide of the South San Fernando Valley held a meet and greet in the Dikranian Hall of the Encino Campus on the evening of Thursday, 01/11/2024. All the sister organizations active in the community were present.
The event started with the blessing by the Holy Martyrs pastor, Archpriest Razmig Khachadourian.
Unger Raffi Sarkissian, the chairperson of the Rosdom Gomide in his opening remarks welcomed all present and noted that the community is going through a period of noticeable growth and there was a need for additional cooperation to face our challenges.
Unger Raffi Sarkissian provided details on the community center that will be built in the old Encino Fire House and expressed confidence that the construction will follow quickly.
Mrs. Sossi Shanian, Principal of the Ferrahian High School gave a brief report on the achievements and challenges facing the school. She noted that there has been a growth spurt and the school never had so many students which is a matter of pride but also brings further responsibilities for the school administration and the Board. The chair of the school board Vahe Benlian followed by providing further details on the school’s recent academic and financial successes and presented individually all the members composing the School Board. Most of the Board members were present at the gathering.
The representatives of the HOMENETMEN, HAMAZASKAYIN, Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Youth Federation, and the AYF Juniors, reported on their activities and the challenges that they are facing.
Unger Raffi Gurunian delivered the closing remarks noting that 2023 was a horrifying year, especially with the refugees from Artsakh but we should keep the faith. He concluded that in good times anybody can be a Tashnagzagan, what matters is to keep the Tashnagzagan spirit in times of struggle.
After the official part of the meet and gather ended, the participants lingered with a lively conversation about issues facing the community.
