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Fund for Armenian Relief
Press Release
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Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)
Press Office
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
email: press@farusa.org
web: www.farusa.org
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FAR Vanadzor Old Age Home Renovated, Renamed
His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the special ceremony of the Fund for Armenian Relief's (FAR) Vanadzor Old Age Home (VOAH) on Friday, May 8. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and the President of FAR, Bishop Sebouh Chuljyan, Primate of the Gougark Diocese of Armenia, and Dr. Hranush Hakobyan, Armenia's Minister of Diasporan Affairs attended the ceremony, which celebrated the recent renovation of the Old Age Home and honored the memory of its benefactors, Kevork and Sirvart Karamanuk.
Currently, the Vanadzor Old Age Home offers shelter and safe haven to 55 elderly Armenians. Nearly 30 employees look after them with care and love. Within the framework of the Fund for Armenian Relief, the sponsorship of the Old Age Home is implemented by the Kevork and Sirvart Karamanuk Foundation, active in charitable programs in Armenia and in supporting educational institutions in Turkey.
In the past, the couple has generously underwritten the restoration of the Old Age Home in Istanbul's Surp Prgich National Hospital, the renovation of the building of the Constantinople Armenian Patriarchate, as well as its summer residence. Karamanuks are also recognized for their special care of education: they have supported the enlargement of the Ferikoy School, one of the best known Armenian Schools in Turkey. They have made available multiple scholarships to Armenian students at the local educational institutions. Additionally, their contribution to Armenian cultural heritage has many examples, including the restoration of the music library of the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan, renovation of the Aram Khachaturian House-Museum, and refurbishment of the Charentz Museum of Literature and Art. They have also supported publication of numerous books.
The participants at the re-dedication ceremony in Vanadzor used the occasion to pay tribute and celebrate the life of the outstanding Armenian couple: Kevork Karamanuk (1907-2002) was a shrewd and determined businessman, with a special gift to outmaneuver bureaucratic obstacles to attain his goals towards the betterment of the community. Sirvart Karamanuk (1912 - 2008), is known as a renowned composer. She has composed more than one hundred vocal works, including many choral compositions and children's songs. The composer is best known for her symphonic poem "Akhtamar," based on Hovhannes Tumanyan's eponymous legend.
Other guests at the ceremony included master pianist Sahan Arzruni, Mrs. Karamanuk's nephew; Mr. Simon Balian, former Executive Director of FAR; Mr. Ashot Kirakosyan, Executive Director of Armenia Social Investment Fund; and representatives of Armenia's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, as well as a number of international organizations. During the program, the Komitas Chamber Choir, under the direction of Prof. Hovhannes Mirzoyan, offered a selections of Sirvart Karamanuk's choral works.
The speakers praised FAR for its 20-year humanitarian mission in the homeland. "I commend the vision, leadership and service of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian for continued indispensable support through FAR to the most vulnerable people of Armenia since the tragic days of the earthquake," said His Holiness Karekin II.
Dr. Hranush Hakobyan stressed that FAR has been serving a trustworthy bridge between Diaspora and the homeland for the past 20 years.
Sahan Arzruni recounted Karamanuk's decision to support the Old Age Home at Vanatzor site. Simon Balian gave a brief account of the early stages of the work and described the path that led to the establishment of VOAH.
Almost all the segments of Armenian society have benefited from FAR's support and benevolence. "FAR has demonstrated special attitude and care to the children and the elderly," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. The Archbishop expressed his deep appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Kevork & Sirvart Karamanouk, as well as to Mr. Sahan Arzruni, who "continues the tradition of benevolence and philanthropy of the Karamanouk family."
His Holiness, joined by the clergy, served a VOAH home blessing ceremony and blessed the matagh served for the occasion.
The happiest were 55 elderly people in festive mood and attire. They were saying how fortunate they were under the friendly roof of the VOAH and FAR.
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About FAR
Since its founding in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has served hundreds of thousands of people through more than 220 relief and development programs in Armenia and Karabagh. It has channeled more than $265 million in humanitarian assistance by implementing a wide range of projects including emergency relief, construction, education, medical aid, and economic development.
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For more information on FAR or to send donations, contact us at 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone (212) 889-5150; fax (212) 889-4849; http://www.farusa.org; e-mail press@farusa.org.
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