On Tuesday August 2, Homenetmen Ararat Chapter's Executive Board, the Executive Director and select organization leaders, visited Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian at Western Prelacy.

During the meeting, the Archbishop was presented with a report on Ararat Chapter's future programs including upcoming educational sections. Discussing the current matters, we also pointed out that 85 of our athletes will represent the City of Glendale in Pan Armenian Games which will be held in Yerevan, this August. His Eminence was very interested in our plans and he was particularly pleased that we can serve our community's youth in ever-increasing numbers and with requisite diversity. The visit was concluded with the recount of many celebration activities marking the Chapter's 33^rd Anniversary, and Archbishop Mardirossian was presented  the invitation to the Anniversary banquet.

e-News asked Roubik Gourjian, this year's Homenetmen Exemplary Member, about the beginnings  of Ararat Chapter and what he thinks about Ararat's future.  

Q: What was the reason for starting a Homenetmen in Glendale in 1978 and what was the mood in the Armenian Community back then?

A: Back in 1978 there was a big demand among those youngsters, who used to be members of Tehran's Ararat community, to get back together, to revive their friendships and continue their cherished relations. Their families were new immigrants and were looking for a familiar beacon to congregate around and an assembly to belong to. The group knew me from Tehran, as a past Ararat Board member, so they looked to me to take a step. I, along with seven other veteran Ararat members helped launch the unit that became Ararat Chapter.

Q: What were the biggest challenges in the early years?

A: We lacked experienced leaders who believed that something worthwhile and long-lasting could be created in this foreign land, but those young people who joined us believed that this can be done and strived to make it happen.

Q: What will be Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" Chapter's role in Armenian community in future?

A: Ararat chapter provides the best training grounds for the community's upcoming leaders, for those who serve in our church or any other organization in the community. We need to realize that this is our mission.

Over 100 members, longtime supporters and several distinguished civic and community leaders, friends and guests, gathered at the Main Campus on Sunday, July 24, to attend a very special "Ararat 33 - A Celebration of Our Journey" Wine and Cheese themed reception. The aim of this special event was to orient attendees of the founding and history, rapid and phenomenal growth and the flurry of the current activities in which "Ararat" is engaged in and to share with everyone its vision for the future. Guests were welcomed into a warm and joyous atmosphere.

After everyone had an opportunity to mingle with one another and enjoy the wine, cheese and the fine cuisine provided, they were invited to assemble for a short program and remarks from the event's organizers, each of which offered an interesting, informative, impassioned and inspiring presentation that left all of the attendees impressed and energized.

The championship takes place every 2 years, and this year the games were being played in

Ningbo, China

(July 15-26). Only the 10 best teams in the world take part in the championships.

According to International Chess Federation's Regulations only the following ten Federations were entitled to send a team: China (Host country), Russia (Winner 2009), Ukraine (Winner 2010 Chess Olympiad), Israel (2nd place 2010 Chess Olympiad), Hungary (3rd place 2010 Chess Olympiad), Azerbaijan (European continent qualifier), India (Asia continent qualifier), USA (America's qualifier), Egypt (African continent qualifier), Armenia (Nominated by International Chess Federation President to join the above 9 teams) because of her success in the past and being one of the top chess playing nations.

Team Armenia consisted of Arshak Petrosian (non-playing Captain), Levon Aronian, Sergei Movsesian, Vladimir Akopian, Gabriel Sargissian and Armenia's 2011 champion Robert Hovhannisian.

This is Armenia's first World Championship. Previously Armenia won bronze medal in Lucerne, Switzerland (1997), Yerevan (2001) and in Beer Sheva, Israel (2005).

Armenia registered 5 wins against India, China, Egypt, Israel, and Hungary, and tied with Russia, USA, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan gaining 14 points out of possible 18.

The second program in "The Armenian Youth Identity"  series will be held on August 14 in Ararat Chapter's main campus, with psychiatrist Lukas Alexanian and attorney Mary Der Parseghian as guest panelists. Our Guest panelists will touch subjects such as teen development and Kids in Accordance to Law. Everyone, 13 years and older are encouraged to participate in this program.