On October 20-22, the annual Armenia Fest Armenian festival was held at the Saint Sarkis Church in Dallas, Texas. After last month’s expatriation of the Armenians of Artsakh, the festival had a different theme this year.
Since the Armenian festival is attended by a large number of foreigners, both Americans and non-Americans, the organizers of the festival aimed to draw as much attention as possible to the Karabakh issue, Azerbaijani war crimes, as well as the fact that the people of Artsakh who took refuge in Armenia due to these crimes are in need of assistance.
In addition to presentations on Armenian cuisine, music, dance, characteristics of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the sale of Armenian handmade items and paintings, a fundraiser was held for the displaced families at the initiative of Hasmik Gharaghazaryan, Arusyak Harutyunyan and Anna Khachatryan.
“We presented to foreign visitors the history of Artsakh and the situation in which the people of Artsakh have found themselves today,” says Arusyak Harutyunyan, one of the initiators.
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Anna Khachatryan adds, “Approximately half of them had heard the names “Artsakh” or “Karabakh” and, even if it was extremely limited, they had some knowledge of what occured. The other half was completely unfamiliar with the topic, and it was very important for us to inform them about the issues plaguing Artsakh and Armenia.”
The initiators detail that they have recruited 50 families forcibly displaced from Artsakh for support.
Hasmik Gharaghazaryan emphasizes, “The goal of this fundraiser is to help them with money so that they can implement their short-term plans.”
During the festival, Rev. Fr. Ghevond Ajamian, pastor of the St. Sarkis Church, delivered a speech, the crux of which stressed—what unfolded in Nagorno-Karabakh is a crime. The Pastor called on those present to contact their representatives and senators in Congress and demand tangible steps.
He also prayed for the welfare, security, and future of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, asking God to grant wisdom to the leadership of Armenia to steer the country out of this tangled state of affairs.
The annual Armenia Fest has been held for 28 consecutive years (with the exception of 2020). During these 3 days, the community displays the Armenian culture, cuisine, and Christian faith.
Back in February, Father Ghevond, in part, mentioned, “During the festival, the church is also open so that foreigners can enter and get a taste of our faith, understand who Armenians are, and what struggles they have endured. We present not only culture, but also faith, because Christ was hospitable and accepted everyone. Whoever approaches us, we welcome and accept him/her as a brother or sister.”
A member of the Carrollton City Council was also present at the festival.
Arsen AIVAZIAN
