Merrimack Valley Knights of Vartan sponsor Armenian cultural night

Started out as a simple film depicting Armenia's beauty turned into a full-fledged Armenian cultural evening that included the donation of several books to Andover Memorial Hall Library. An overwhelming crowd turned out for the 2-hour event which was sponsored by the Arakadz Lodge, Merrimack Valley Chapter, Knights of Vartan. The evening also included a talk on the highlights of Armenian history and culture by Dr. Levon Chorbajian, sociology professor, UMass/Lowell, himself a knight as well as respected Armenian scholar. Arakadz Lodge, Merrimack Valley Knights of Vartan, donated a collection of Armenian books to the Andover Public Library. 

Making the presentation to Emily Classon, community services librarian, is Dr. Chorbajian covered 3000 years in 15 minutes – a daunting task that was handled precisely and without unnecessary verbiage. Several audience members were non-Armenians who found the subject matter fascinating. His discussion was a prelude to the Merrimack Valley premiere of a film, Armenia: Sleeping Beauty, a travel documentary containing breath-taking scenes from the majestic landscape of Mount Ararat and Arakatz to the charming, peaceful Lake Sevan. 

Withh finely selected music and guided by Lucine Tovmassian, a former Miss Armenia, the movie took viewers on a tour of modern-day Yerevan as well as to historic churches and monuments. Armenian artifacts were on display from the Armenian Library & Museum of America in Watertown, joined by archivist Gary Lind-Sinanian, who gave a brief overview of the museum's work and was available to answer questions. The program was highlighted by the donation of Armenian books to the library, adding to a vast collection already in place. 

Presentation was made by Commander Edgar Movsesian. "These books will go a long way toward complementing the resources we offer on Armenia," said Emily Classon, community services librarian. "The Armenians have a proud and venerable history which can only be extended through proper outreach. We thank the Knights for this important contribution." A coffee table featuring a repository of Armenian pastries brought the audience together in an atmosphere of conviviality. Source:reporter.am