Assembly Banquet

The Diocesan Assembly held a closing banquet on Saturday, during which the Diocese honored U.S. Senator Charles Schumer as the "Friend of the Armenians" and Haig and Alex Dadourian as the "Armenians of the Year."

FRIEND OF THE ARMENIANS

Sen. Schumer was honored for his work on behalf of the Armenian cause in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate – particularly his efforts to recognize the Armenian Genocide, to promote trade opportunities for Armenia, and to end the Turkish blockade of Armenia.

"He knows the truth about the Armenian Genocide and he speaks about it so clearly and eloquently," said Diocesan Council member John Amboian. "The senator is truly a fine friend of the Armenians."

The senator was in Washington on business, but his part-Armenian assistant, Amanda Titus, read a letter from the senator.

"The Armenian Diocese is a vital piece of the mosaic of New York," he wrote in his message. "The great works and accomplishments of the Armenian Community in New York have made an indelible impact on our state and in the entire nation."

ARMENIANS OF THE YEAR

Brothers Haig and Alex Dadourian were honored for their decades of service to the Armenian Church, a dedication they inherited from their father Dadour, who helped found the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF), pushed for the construction of the St. Vartan Cathedral, and worked on a variety of fund-raising efforts throughout the Diocese.

Dadour's sons have continued his work. Alex is a vital member of the ACEF board and Haig is a long-time Diocesan Council member and current chair. Both have served in their local parishes, on the altar, and in the choir.

"They are a great example of this year's theme: carrying the flame," said Haig's daughter Melanie in her introductory remarks. "You would think after the Genocide their parents generation would have doubted their faith. But they didn't. I once asked my grandfather why. He told me that if it weren't for God, he never would have escaped and survived here in America."

"Being part of the church was expected of my father and uncle, but at the same time it was natural to them because seeing my grandfather carry the flame helped pass it on to them," she added. "It is a flame we all share as Christian Armenians, which we will, in turn, pass along to our children. That will be the best way we can honor our parents and generations that came before them."

Both brothers were humble in the recognition bestowed upon them.

"I still don't think I deserve it. But you probably just couldn't find anyone else," Alex said. "But let me take a moment to tell you something about my brother. He epitomizes love for the church. Those that don't know him do not realize he really loves what he does for the church."

In his remarks, Haig shared his concerns that there is a growing divide between the church and the people and the diminishing role of faith in today's society.

"What makes the Armenian Church different than other Armenian institutions is the salvation of souls," he said. "Still, when people talk about the Armenian Church, very little is said about its spiritual dimensions. Rather, we talk about its history, culture, and traditions."

To continue carrying the flame, the next generation of Armenians – Dadour's 11 grandchildren and 16 grandchildren – announced they were setting up an endowment fund to prepare and train future clergy.

"Thank you for giving the Dadourian family the continued opportunity to serve the Armenian Church," said Alex's daughter Lynn.

Posted by Jake at April 30, 2005 10:17 PM