AGBU-AYA ZABEL MOVSESIAN CENTER FOUNDATION

1974 12 08 AGBU-AYA ZABEL MOVSESIAN CENTER FOUNDATION Ceremony On Sunday, December 8, 1974, the official inauguration of the AGBU-AYA Zabel Movsesian Center took place at the courtyard of the AGBU Levon G. Nazarian School, under the patronage of the AGBU Lebanon District Committee and presided over by benefactor Mrs. Elmasd Hinayikian.------------ The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Michel Sassin, representatives of Armenian denominations, Member of Parliament Dr. Antranig Manougian, members of the Sin el Fil Municipality, AGBU and AYA. leadership, directors of the Union's educational institutions, AYA. scout groups, members, and a large crowd of supporters despite heavy rainfall.------------ After the Lebanese and AYA anthems, the opening speech was delivered by Mr. Paylag Aharonian, Secretary of the Antrank-Sevan Club and the day's master of ceremonies, who welcomed the construction of this new AYA center. He also described the building's sections and features, highlighting the center’s unique aspects.---------- The second speaker was Dr. Mihran Simonian, Chairman of the AYA Central Committee, who invited attendees to stand for a moment of silence in honor of the late Ms. Zabel Movsesian's memory.----------- Mr. Jacques Baranian then gave a speech in Arabic, emphasizing the contribution of cultural and sports centers like this to Armenian youth and, particularly, to Lebanon. Mr. Hagop Altounian, speaking on behalf of the AGBU Lebanon District Committee, provided documentary details about the construction of the new clubs.------------ Following this, the Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Michel Sassin honored benefactor Mrs. Elmasd Hinayikian with a golden medal. In his address, a representative of the Sin-el-Fil Municipality warmly congratulated the AYA. leadership and the Armenian residents of Sin-el-Fil for the construction of this new center.---------- The religious ceremony of the inauguration was conducted by Archbishop Knel Bishop Jerejian, assisted by Rev. Father Kevork Garbisian and other clergy members.------------ The foundation stone was laid by benefactor Mrs. Elmasd Hinayikian, the Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the AGBU District Committee Mr. Garbis Nazarian, and the Chairman of the Knights Mr. Noubar Nazarian.-----------