InternationalNew York Avaks plan trip to Washington
Published: Thursday April 16, 2009
The Avaks pose for a group photo during a recent out-of-town excursion. .
New York - During the long and cold winter season, the St. Vartan Cathedral Avak group gatherings continued unabated, with the hardy senior ladies and gents missing none of the weekly events under the leadership of St. Vartan Cathedral dean Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian.
The Avaks are now preparing for a three-day trip to Washington this spring, replete with a full program. It begins with deluxe motor coach transportation and two nights of hotel accommodations (with two breakfasts and two dinners).
A highlight of the trip will be a special visit to Washington's St. Mary's Armenian Church, with a lunch hosted by the local Armenian community.
Also on the schedule are visits to the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Library of Congress. There will be a professional guided tour of historic Washington, including the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the White House, Embassy Row, and the National Archives.
A special visit has been arranged to Arlington National Cemetery, to view the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the grave of President Kennedy. The Avaks will also spend time at the famed Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
This trip is one of many the Avaks have taken over the past several years. Last spring, the group took a three-day trip to Montreal, Canada. In addition to these pleasurable out-of-town excursions, the Avaks meet every Thursday, during which they attend Bible classes with Deacon Sebuh Oscherician, enjoy a delicious homemade lunch, and are enlightened by a cultural program.
The Avaks have seen films and videos together, heard lectures, and enjoyed musical programs after lunch. Talks have been given by Diocesan Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian; Holy Martyrs Armenian Church pastor Very Rev. Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian; Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian; St. Vartan Cathedral choirmaster Khoren Mekanejian; Diramayr Shake Kadehjian; Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center director Dr. Rachel Goshgarian; FAR representative Arto Vorperian; Flushing Armenian Home director Aggie Ellian; cosmetologist Rita Oscherician; fitness instructor Arpine Dod; and journalist Florence Avakian. Musical programs were shared by St. Vartan Cathedral soloists Hasmig Meikhanedjian and Maro Partamian.
