Armenian General Benevolent Union A Century of National Service

Armenian General Benevolent Union

Yerevan2012

A Century of National Service

The phenomenon of benevolence, thanks to Christianity and the Armenian Church, has been an essential part of the Armenian people since ancient times. Under the auspices of Armenian kings and catholicoses' nursing homes, hospitals, and orphanages have been established over different periods of Armenian history. The poor and the deprived, who had found shelter monasteries, enjoyed the guardianship of the clergy. Most of the wealthy Armenians, who were forced to leave their homes as a result of wars and continuous plundering raids, built shelters, Armenian churches, and residences through their own financial means. Benevolence developed within Armenian communities in Madras, Calcutta, Moscow, Tbilisi, Nor Nakhijevan, Venice, Constantinople, Nor Jugha, etc. With the endowments of prominent Armenians, many famous educational establishments such as the Murad-Rafayelian School in Venice, the Humanitarian College in Calcutta, the Nersissian School in Tbilisi, and the Lazarian School in Moscow were founded.

Prehistory

In the 19th century, many benevolent, educational and cultural unions were established both in Western and Eastern Armenia, as well as in Armenian communities worldwide. Among them were the ''Armenian Cultural Union of Baku'', ''Armenian Benevolent Union of Caucasus'' based in Tbilisi, and ''Pan-National Benevolent Association'' of Constantinople.

In 1905-1906, the Egyptian-Armenian intelligentsia, prominent public and political figures, and influential individuals were discussing the issue of establishing an ''Armenian General Union'', the main purpose of which would be the fulfillment of the needs of Armenians, particularly of Western Armenians. In 1904, writer and publicist Arpiar Arpiarian wrote to Vahan Malezian, who later became the General Director of AGBU, ''Wouldn't it be more useful to establish a national union contributing to the economic and intellectual development of the nation, without any political and revolutionary initiatives?''

The founding president of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Boghos Nubar (Boghos Pasha Nubarian), was born in 1851 in Constantinople. He was from the famous dynasty of Nubarians. Boghos Nubar's father, Nubar Pasha, who was a famous political figure in Egypt, occupied the positions of Egypt's Foreign Minister and Prime Minister several times. National public political figure Boghos Nubar received his education in Switzerland and France. His father played an important role in the development of Boghos Nubar as a prominent entrepreneur and national political figure. For many years Boghos Nubar Pasha headed the Armenian community of Egypt. In 1915, Boghos Nubar Pasha permanently settled in Paris, and became actively involved in national, political and diplomatic activities.

AGBU's Founding President

Boghos Nubar Pasha

With Catholicos Kevork V's pontifical letter, Boghos Nubar was appointed President of the Armenian National Delegation in 1912. During the Balkan and First World Wars, the Armenian National Delegation's goal was to help the Armenian cause through European countries. Western Armenians received financial support thanks to the funds raised by the ''National Interests Protection Board'' headed by Boghos Nubar. Part of that sum was directed to the Armenian Volunteer Movement, which was created during WWI to join the Russian army on the Caucasus front and liberate Western Armenia. The National Delegation continued its activities once again under Nubar's leadership even after the war, trying to liberate Western Armenia from the Ottoman Empire. The Armenian or Eastern Legion, which participated in important battles in Palestine, Syria and Cilicia as part of the French army, was also formed through the efforts of Boghos Nubar. The Legion played a significant role in the battle of Arara and entered Cilicia at the end of 1918.

With the generous endowments of Boghos Nubar, orphanages, schools, hospitals and cultural centers were opened in Armenian communities. A fund was established in Paris (Nubarian Alumni), which provided scholarships to Armenian youth studying in European universities. The ''Marie Nubar'' dormitory was established in Paris in 1930. It is worth noting thet the AGBU Nubarian Library of Paris has operated in this building since 1927.

The AGBU founding president and national philanthropist passed away in Paris in 1930. His remains are buried in Père Lachaise cemetery.

Founding the AGBU: A vision for the Future

The Armenian General Benevolent Union is the oldest and largest Diasporan pan-Armenian national organization. It was founded in 1906 in Cairo, which was not accidental. Egypt was an economically developing country being nominally part of the Ottoman Empire. The oppositional forces of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, Armenian public-political figures, major capitalists and revolutionaries as well as writers had gathered there. Founded to contribute to the intellectual, moral and economic development of the Armenian people living in Armenia, the Union, certainly, had other far-reaching goals other than just benevolence. The founders of the Union had a goal of fulfilling the civic and political rights of Western Armenians through the strengthening of their national identity and improvement of their social-economic conditions.

But the calamities that the Armenian people faced at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries forced the Union to focus on more urgent issues. The founding of the AGBU was the result of the Armenian people's lasting benevolent and organizational experience, realized by the brightest and most intellectual political and business activists of that period headed by the prominent national figure Boghos Nubar. The first vice-president of the Union, Yervant Aghaton, played a significant role in initiating the establishment of the Union and later in its popularization.

The founding meeting of the Union took place on April 15, 1906, in Boghos Nubar's house, with the participation of 10 renowned activists.

The decree issued on May 1, 1906 heralded the start of the Union's activities and goals. The establishment of the Union was accepted enthusiastically by all Armenians.

Thousands of Armenians joined the Union. Although later the regulations of the Union underwent certain changes, the purpose remained the same. The Union's by-laws allowed all strata of the Armenian population to become members of the Union without sex and faith discrimination. The supreme body of the AGBU is the General Assembly, which appoints the members of the Central Board of Directors. AGBU was recognized a legal entity in 1924 in Lausanne (Switzerland), and in 1955 in the USA as a Delaware corporation. AGBU financial means are formed through membership fees, donations, funds, wills, stocks, and bank interests.

From the day of its establishment until 1922, the Union had its headquarters in Cairo, after which it moved to Paris, and in 1940 to New York, from where it contiuesto administer its programmes and activities to the present day. In 1981, the Central Office moved to Saddle Brook, New Jersey, and moved back to New York later in 1993. Thanks to major donations by Armenian-Americans the Union has taken care of the educational, humanitarian, and cultural needs of Armenians, in the Middle East. The relocation of the Union's headquarter was conditioned by ethnographic movements of Diaspora Armenians, WWII, and unstable political and economic situations in the region. The Union has published ''Husharar-Mioutioun'' (formerly ''Mioutioun''), its official magazine since 1912 and ''AGBU News'' magazine in English since 1992. AGBU's official website is www.agbu.org. The AGBU Central Office, as well as its numerous chapters and branches publish magazines and periodicals, and have their own websites.

Boghos Nubar Pasha (1906-1930)Galust Gyulbenkian (1930-1932)

Zareh Nubar (1932-1940)Boghos Kololian (acting, 1940-1942)

Arshak Karageusian (1942-1953)Alex Manoogian (1953-1989)

Louise Manoogian Simone (1989-2002)Berge Setrakian (2002-present)

Since its birth it has been headed by the following presidents:

Guided by the motto ''Unity is Strength'' AGBU is a pan-Armenian organization. The Union's hymn was written by H. Sinanian (music) and V. Malezian (lyrics).

The Early Years

Soon after its establishment, AGBU provided assistance to the residential areas that had suffered from a severe earthquake (Van, Mush, Akn, Baghesh). Although the Union's attention was focused on the needs of the Armenians living in Western Armenia and Cilicia, the first aid was sent to the Armenians of the Caucasus region, who had suffered from Armenian-Tatar clashes, once again asserting the pan-Armenian nature of the Union. Assistance was provided to the needy villagers to buy tools, watermills, cattle, and seeds. Agricultural and crafts enterprises were established. The Union provided financial means to the peasants of Armenia and Cilicia thus trying to fight against emigration.

In 1908, one of the founders and the general secretary of AGBU, Nazareth Daghavarian, left for Constantinople, and began working on expanding the Union's branches in the territory of the Ottoman Empire. He was elected as a member of the Ottoman parliament from Sebastia. In a tragic turn of events, he was massacred during the Armenian Genocide and was replaced by Vahan Malezian as the Union's Secretary.

The largest endeavor of the Union in this period was providing shelter and relief assistance for the survivors of Cilicia and Adana Massacres. Expanding its activities and branches in Turkey after the Adana Massacres, the Union started serious activities towards taking care of the Armenians' needs. In 1912, the Union opened its first orphanage in Dyort-Yol (Chork-Marzban). The Kelegian orphanage operated until 1915, after which the children were exiled to unknown directions.

The formation and future activities of a decade and a half long history of AGBU coincided with the historical period of Turkish massacres, World War I, the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and the establishment of Soviet power in Armenia. This caused the Union to take on the role of savior in the survival process of the Armenian nation. Until World War I, AGBU operated in Western Armenia, Cilicia, and the Ottoman Empire. Branches were opened in the Middle East, USA, Europe, and Argentina.

As a result of WWI and the Genocide of Armenians organized by Turkey, AGBU ceased its activities in Western Armenia, Cilicia, and Turkey.

Post Genocide Years. Saving a Nation.

During the years of WWI when tens of thousands of Armenians were forced to escape to Eastern Armenia, AGBU organized fundraising events to help them. The Union also initiated shelters for all those forcedly deported from their homes in Ottoman Turkey. Special groups, headed by Levon Yotnekhparian, were formed through AGBU to help free kidnapped Armenian women and children from Turks, Kurds, and Arab Bedouins. Ruben Herian, former AGBU delegate and main organizer for immigration to Cilicia, helped save hundreds of women and children from deserts, thus earning the title ''Father of the Orphans''.

Camp Village

Thanks to the establishment of orphanage-colleges, thousands of Armenian children were saved from the clutches of hunger and assimilation to be raised and educated. Such orphanage-colleges and schools were founded in Western Armenia and Cilicia. Especially famous were the Van college, the Kelekian Orphanage-College of Cilicia in the Dort Yol (Chork-Marzban) settlement, the Myufarghin Preschool, the dozen other colleges opened for the Turkish and Kurdish-speaking children of Western Armenia, and the Siswan College and Orphanage for those saved from Musa Dagh in Port Said. The scouts of the ''Siswan BoyScout'' movement consequently joined the Eastern (Armenian) Legion, which participated in the Arara and Cilicia Battles in 1919-1921.

After moving different establishments of the Union to Cilicia in 1919, the Mersin Orphanage, the Home for Widows in Adana, the re-opened ''Siswan'' Colleges and the ''Kelekian'' Orphanage, which were all closed after France handed Cilicia over to Turkey restarted operations.

After the loss of Cilicia, when many Armenian migrants found shelter in Syria, Lebanon, and other Arab counties, the Union decided to move its establishments to Beirut. In 1939 when receding from Syria, France handed over the Alexandretta (now Iskenderun, a seaport on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey) to Turkey. The local Armenian population was thus compelled to emigrate, and through the generous assistance of the Union, countless Armenian refugees moved to Syria and Lebanon. Focusing all its attention on the survival of our people, AGBU founded additional orphanages, studios, nursery houses in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria and other countries (Kelekian-Siswan, Cilician, Vaspurakan and Araratian) to meet the educational, social and medical needs of Armenians.

Thanks to national philanthropists and brothers Garabed and Krikor Melkonians, the Melkonian Educational Institute was established in Cyprus in 1926, which also served as an orphanage during its initial stage. Later, near the institute, a school for teachers started operating, from which many graduates eventually served in the Union's schools, and dedicated themselves to the Diasporan-Armenian public and cultural life, literature, and media.

From 1920-1930, especially during the short period of Calouste Gulbenkian's presidency (benefactor, founder of Gulbenkian Foundation) and thanks to his personal donations, AGBU played a significant role in the construction of Armenian districts, clinics and residential buildings in the Armenian-populated towns of Nor Sis, Nor Adana, Nor Marash, Gullabashen, Pareshen, Trans-Nahr ( Bourj Hamoud in Beirut), Noubaravan (Ras el Ayn, Lebanon), Ainjar (Lebanon), Hayashen and Norashen (Aleppo), Alexandrette, Damascus (Syria) and a hospital in Azunieh (Lebanon). The construction of Armenian districts was carried out by the joint efforts of the League of Nations, Nansen office, Armenian and foreign organizations, and High Commission of France.

AGBU and its Armenian Youth Association (AYA)The Union's Sports and Cultural Centers in Diaspora

Many organizations were established with the purpose of finding and rescuing orphans who had lost their parents in the aftermath of the Genocide and providing them with shelters. Honest and humane organizations and individuals from foreign countries were also engaged in these activities. Among them was the American ''Near East Relief''(NER) organization, which specialized mainly in finding and taking care of Armenian orphans. The organization had branches in Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Armenia, Egypt, and other countries.

These and many other organizations helped Armenian orphans receive an education in different schools. By the time these orphans reached adulthood, these organizations faced new challenges of intergationg the orphans into general community life. That is why the Near East Relief founded a youth organization in 1930 called the Near East League. Because of the closure of orphanages, this American organization stopped its functions and the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia took over the management of the League and changed its name into a more Armenian one. Thus, in July 1931, the Armenian Youth Association (AYA) was established in Beirut. The founders of the AYA were the coadjutor Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Babken I Gyuleserian, Archbishop Shahe Gasparian, Mihran Damadian, Djanik Chaker, and Dr. Hagop Topjian.

In a very short period, AYA, pursuing national and cultural purposes and gathering thousands of young Armenians, male and female, became one of the biggest sports and cultural organizations acting in the Diaspora. In 1934, AYA

Alex Manoogian

was passed over to the AGBU and became the Union's youth organization. Thanks to the moral, organizational and financial assistance of the Union, new and strong AYA branches were opened in the Middle East carrying out active sports, scout, student, and cultural activities.

Many generations who have been raised and educated in AGBU schools and affiliated organizations, have later become devoted national-public figures, thanks to the national patriotic education they have received in those establishments. The Navasardian games, for instance, organized by the AYA, are considered one of the best sport events of the Diaspora. Groups from all AGBU branches take part in these games which originated in Beirut in 1938.

In 1950s and the following decades, the Union started modernizing its structures and initiating new projects dictated by the changes in the life of the Diaspora-Armenians and the needs to satisfy the new requirements of the Diaspora-Armenian youth. During AGBU President Alex Manoogian's tenure and thanks to his generous endowments, many new youth and cultural centers and sport complexes were established in the Middle East, and South and North

Americas. Many cultural and sport groups, scout movements, choirs, theater troops, music and dance groups, and women's committees still operate in AGBU-AYA centers. In countries where there are no AYA branches, AGBU youths are enrolled in other youth programs, like summer camps in Southern France, USA (Camp Nubar, NY), Egypt (Cairo) and Bulgaria. The Union's rest and recovery center and camp continues to operate in Kessab (Syria).

AGBU's Educational Programs

Education is one of the most important endeavors within AGBU's mission. The intellectual development of Armenians with a focus on our culture and heritage is an inseparable part of the Union's programs. With its wide network of schools and various educational programs in the Diaspora, AGBU has always given priority to Armenian schools and has established them wherever needed was felt.

About forty educational establishments of the Union had been operating in Western Armenia and Cilicia until World War I. After Western Armenians lost their homeland and started the formation of Armenian communities in the Middle East, many day schools were founded in the Middle East and Greece during the tenure of AGBU President Zareh Noubar (Boghos Noubar's son) and Arshak Karageusian. AGBU benefactors of the Middle East also had their contribution in the establishment of the Union's schools. Hundreds of schools in Bulgaria, Egypt, France, Greece, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria benefited from the Union's allocations.

Keeping pace with the demographic movements of Diaspora Armenians and the new educational requirements, the AGBU later established schools in South and North America, Australia, especially during Alex Manoogian's presidency. Today, there are AGBU schools in Aleppo, Damascus, Beirut, Tehran, Athens, Sydney, Montreal, California, Detroit, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo. There are over 7,000 students in the Union's total of 24 day and weekly schools of the Union worldwide.

Along with its schools, the Union also supports other Armenian schools and educational institutions in Bulgaria, Egypt, France, Greece, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. It also provides scholarships to Armenian students in various universities through its decades-long Scholarship Program. Many Armenian teachers and pedagogues have benefited from the financial assistance of the Union due to their dedication to the Armenian language.

The assistance to the American University of Armenia also forms part of the Union's educational programs. The mission of the AUA, founded on the initiative of Louise Manoogian Simone and a number of professors, is to build a bridge between the Western and Armenian educational systems. AGBU is also committed to preserve the best traditions of the national higher educational system. To this end, the Union continues supporting the Yerevan State University, other higher educational institutions, as well as provides scholarships to the best students of the French University of Armenia.

AVC website photo

The new educational strategy of the Union is based on meeting the requirements of the Union's newly formed communities and implementation of modern educational systems. The recently established Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School in Pasadena (which resides within the AGBU Center) and the Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park (Californian) and Alex and Marie Manoukian school in Detroit are worth mentioning as schools providing high quality education.

To reach the Armenians not attending Armenian schools or are estranged from the Armenian community at large, the AGBU initiated a new learning institute, the Armenian Virtual College (www.avc-agbu.org), which started operating in 2008. The AVC aims to provide online Armenian education to all Armenians throughout the world regardless of their age, country of residence, and knowledge level. AVC's state-of-the-art multimedia resources also provide opportunity to the students to learn new materials whenever convenient for them. The AVC consists of 3 sections: language, history and culture.

In order to fully accomplish the institute's goal to broaden access to Armenian education worldwide, courses have been made available in seven languages: Eastern and Western Armenian, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

AGBU's Cultural Activities

The Union has also had tangible contribution in promoting and preserving the Armenian language, national identity and heritage, as well as in supporting the Armenian intelligentsia. Valuable books dedicated to history, Armenian studies and art, literary magazines, and fictional textbooks have been published; and festivals, exhibitions, literary evenings, lectures, concerts and so forth have been organized in the Diaspora with the means and financial support of the Union. Since 1960, the Union has been publishing the ''Ararat'' literary quarterly in English. The Union has also granted pensions to diaspora Armenian writers and intellectuals, and has set up or financed the activities of many Armenian departments in foreign Universities. The activity of ''Alex Manoogian The Alex

Manoogian Cultural Fund also played an important role in cultural achievement by establishing the Garbis Papazian award in 1988 on the initiative and by the financial means of benefactor Garbis Papazian. This annual prize is awarded to foreign intellectuals and figures, who assist in spreading and promoting Armenian history, culture, and art, as well as in lobbying for the Armenian Cause.

AGBU and the Armenian Apostolic Church

The Armenian Holy Apostolic Church together with its clergymen has always been supportive towards the Union from the very first day of its foundation. Mkrtich I, Catholicos of All Armenians (Khrimyan Hayrik) welcomed and blessed the estamblishment of the Armenian General Benevolent Union with a pontifical decree. The appeals and sermons of the Armenian clergy have widely contributed to AGBU's popularization and enhancement of its reputation and role within the Armenian society. The Union provides endowments to the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, Armenian patriarchates of Holy Jerusalem and Constantinople, Mekhitarist Congregation of Venice established for such purposes.

The founders of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, its benefactors and faithful members have always been keen supporters of the Armenian Apostolic Church. For the last several decades, the national spiritual and educational activity of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and its reconstruction and humanitarian programs have been carried out mainly by the means and endowments provided by AGBU benefactors. The role of the Union is significant in Holy See's prosperity, as well as in preservation of our spiritual heritage.

Thanks to the generous donation of AGBU's Life President and National Hero of the Republic of Armenia Alex Manoogian, the ''Alex and Marie Manoogian'' treasury of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin was built in 1983. The St. Krikor Lusavorich Cathedral in Yerevan, Vaskenian Theological Seminary and other churches were built during the period of 1989-2002, thanks to donations of then AGBU President Louise Manoogian Simone and other benefactors. Renovation of the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Congregational houses, and restoration of interior frescoes of the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral have also been financed by the Union's benefactors. AGBU and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin carry out long-term joint projects. In 2001, AGBU purchased St. Nerses Hospital (formerly the Proctology Hospital) in Yerevan and donated it to Holy Etchmiadzin.

The operation of Youth Centers is a vivid example of AGBU's cooperation with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Replacing the former Soviet ''pioneer palaces'' these centers, that provide national-spiritual education to the children, were established in 1993 through the joint efforts of the AGBU and Holy Etchmiadzin. Three Youth Centers were established in Yerevan, where local children, every day after regular school hours, attend history, language, computer, art, music, dance, crafts, and sports classes in more than 40 groups. Over 3500 students, ages six to sixteen, are enrolled in these Centers, which are overseen by an administrative staff of over 350. All Youth Centers have undergone extensive renovations to update classroom facilities within the past few years and also house the AGBU Senior Dining Centers.

St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan

Out of the six AGBU Senior Dining Centers functioning in Yerevan, Sevan, Etchmiadzin and Hrazdan, three are at present located at the Arabkir, Malatya and Nork Youth Centers. Textbooks and manuals about Armenian Church History and Religion have been published with the help of AGBU benefactors.

AGBU in Soviet Armenia

In 2009, during the third Diocesan representative Assembly held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, AGBU President Berge Setrakian touching upon the relations between the AGBU and the Holy See said, ''The Armenian Apostolic Church as a national Church has played an undeniable role in the history of Armenian people. Towards the new challenges of Diaspora, our national and spiritual life is in need of revival. Therefore, in this sense we all need to act with new approaches and find modern solutions. Traditionally our relations have been strong and enduring. Our cooperation has always been based on the fact that the joint activities of the Mother See and the AGBU have always been beneficial to our nation in the Diaspora''.

Although in disagreement with the established ideology of the communist regime in Soviet Armenia, the Union considered the existence of the Motherland within Soviet Armenia as an assurance of the physical security of the Armenian people and the continuity of the Armenian statehood. Setting relations with Soviet Armenia, the Union followed the principle: ''Regimes are transitional, while the motherland is eternal''. This patriotic position of the AGBU was often strongly criticized by certain powers, including the two conflicting parties: the Bolshevik regime considered AGBU a bourgeois

capitalistic nationalistic organization, while the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, operating abroad, viewed AGBU as an affiliate to the Bolshevik regime.

Nevertheless, the AGBU was the only all-Armenian organization allowed to function in Soviet Armenia from1923 to 1937. During these years, the Union carried out various humanitarian and construction programs, the first of which was the transfer of 250 orphans from AGBU orphanages to Armenia in 1924. For the resettlement of immigrants, the Union started the building of the ''Nor Yevdokia'' village (near Etchmiadzin). The Union also granted the subsidies to buy seed, medicine, agricultural machinery, and assisted survivors of the earthquakes in Shirak (1926) and in Zangezur (1931).

During the repatriation years of 1920-1930, AGBU, being convinced that banished Armenians could only feel safe and survive in the Motherland, organized fundraising campaign events to sponsor the repatriation of thousands of Armenians from Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine, France, Bulgaria, etc. Levon Pashalian, writer, public figure and national delegation counselor from Geneva, and Fridtjof Nanses, the great Norwegian humanitarian, selflessly devoted themselves to the cause of repatriation. It was thanks to Nansen's League of Nations Bureau passports (known as Nansenian passports) that people were able to go to Armenia. The Union also organized the transfer of the remains of Komitas to Armenia.

In 1929 the Union established, the ''Tarouhi Hagopian'' Maternity Ward on Abovian Street in Yerevan. Later on, the new obstetrics and gynecology hospital was built on the basis of this Center. In that same year the ''Marie Noubar'' Ophthalmology Clinic was built on Abovian Street through a gift from Boghos Nubar. The ''Marie Nubar'' Ophthalmology Clinic is the first such institution in Armenia and reopened in 2009 after extensive renovations. In 1930 the Union founded the ''Avet Sarkis'' Rabies Clinic.

To support and encourage the development of science, education and Armenian studies, in 1930 the AGBU ''Melkonian'' Fund started publishing a number of scientific works of different linguists, archeologists, historians and famous specialists of the field. Since then, the Union has also been supporting the Yerevan State University and the Pedagogical University of Yerevan, giving awards to many YSU students. In 1937, the Union sponsored the construction of Matenadaran library and printing house. In 1935 the ''Paregordzakan Building'' was built on Abovian Street by the means of the Union. A number of famous writers, intellectuals, and artists lived in this splendid building.

In 1930s, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Boghos Nubar's activities, the Nubarashen district, bearing the name of Boghos Nubar, was built near Yerevan through

Nubarashen and Marie Nubar Ophthalmology Clinic

an approximate 1 Million US Dollars of raised funds and with the means provided by the Union. A number of repatriates settled in Nubarashen district, which was built according to A. Tamanyan's plan. In 1938 Nubarashen district was renamed ''Sovetashen'' and only in 1989 the name Nubarashen was restored by the decision of the Supreme Council of Armenia. The bust of this prominent figure is erected in the town.

Nubarashen under construction

In 1937 during the period of Stalin repressions, AGBU ceased functioning in Armenia and its administrative director Haygaz Karagyozian was executed on groundless accusations. Historian, publicist, former editor of ''Arev'' newspaper (Cairo) and executive secretary of AGBU Melkonian Fund in Armenia, Hovaness Hagopian was subjected to repression in 1938.

AGBU During World War II and Repatriation

In 1940, The Union engaged in fundraising ''For the Assistance of the Armenian Survivors'', as well as participated in the national fundraising events organized by the Armenian War Relief. The first half of the collected money was assigned to the needs of the Soviet army, while the second half to the war survivors both in Armenia and Diaspora. Medicine, shoes and clothes were sent to Armenia. Relations broken by the Soviet authorities were restored in this period and the AGBU restarted its patriotic activities. The Union also participated in the fundraising activities organized for the creation of an Armenian ''Sasuntsi Davit'' tank unit within the Soviet Red Army. It was through these funds that the T-34 tanks were purchased.

After the Second World War, thousands of Armenians who lived in exile expressed their wish to migrate to Soviet Armenia. With the permission of the Soviet authorities, mass repatriation was organized.

AGBU, the largest Armenian organization, and a number of other national organizations and parties participated in the repatriation operations. Concerned with the human losses of Soviet Armenia during WWII, AGBU President Arshag Karageusian and his teammates committed themselves to the organization of repatriation to maintain the reproduction of population and to strengthen the Armenian statehood. Between 1946 and 1948, approximately 90.000 Armenians, putting an end to their endless wanderings, finally settled down in their Motherland. The lion's share of the financing of the whole repatriation process fell on the Union's shoulders. Despite the difficulties of fundraising because of international political confrontations, AGBU was able to raise almost 2 million US dollars for this purpose. The money was spent on hiring steamboats, purchasing construction machines, clothing, and covering other organizational expenses. A number of AGBU representatives headed the Repatriation Committees. Many AGBU members were among the first to go onboard for their return to Armenia.

Repatriation

In 1950-1988, despite inter-Armenian antagonism, unfavorable international conditions established after the Cold War, and the campaigns against AGBU, the Union, especially during Alex Manoogian's presidency, continued its close cooperation with the homeland

AGBU in the Republic of Armenia

thanks to the Committee of Cultural Relations with the Diaspora and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Union started organizing tours of native individual artists, artistic groups and ensembles in the Diaspora, which raised the sense of national pride and patriotism among Diaspora Armenians.

The lasting policy of the Union to support the Armenian people and independent statehood has never been conditioned by the governing administration and the authorities. During the years of independence, the Union has cooperated with the administrations of former presidents Levon Ter Petrossian and Robert Kocharian. The same cooperation is continues with the administration of current President Serzh Sargsyan.

After the earthquake in 1988, the Union raised funds and assissted the survivors of the disaster. Medicine, clothing, food and other necessities were sent to Armenia. Injured people were sent for treatment to the United States of America. Foreign medical specialists were invited to Armenia through the Union's financing efforts.

Through an unprecedented fundraising campaign in 1989 and1990, AGBU provided 10 million US dollars to the Armenian goverment as assistance for carrying out various programs. Re-establishing its representation office in Yerevan in 1990, the Union initiated a wide range of programs aimed at the development of the country.

Since the independence of Armenia, the AGBU has funded both short and long term educational, cultural, and humanitarian, health and religious programs in Armenia. Special projects sponsored by the Union's benefactors have served hundreds of thousands of Armenians of all ages and income levels, creating 2000 additional jobs annually. These projects have been carried out mainly thanks to the initiatives and

major donations of AGBU's then president Louise Manoogian Simone. Her presidency coincided with the period of the terrible earthquake, the Artsakh movement, Armenia's blockade, the declaration of independence and the socio-economic hardships that followed. Under her leadership, the Union focused mainly on the humanitarian needs of Armenia during the last decade of the 20th century, tried to maintain at the same time the smooth operation of the Union's activities in the Diaspora to meet the new challenges of the time.

A striking example of long years of dedicated work was the foundation of the American University of Armenia in 1991. At present the university continues to provide unprecedented facilities to students aiming to gain a master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Law, Public Health, Political Science and International Relations.

With the initial support of the USAID and ''Howard Karageusian Center'', the Union established the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center in Yerevan in 1992. Before that, in 1991 the construction of a cold food storage facility in Gyumri was accomplished.

Louise Manoogian Simone

Another achievement of significant importance was the construction of the Gyumri Art Academy, where branches of the Yerevan Conservatory, Fine Arts Academy and Theater Institute were opened.

The continuous sponsorship of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra has provided ample opportunities for the latter to organize weekly concerts, acquire new musical instruments, cover administrative expenses, and pay bonuses to its staff.

In cooperation with the Thomas Jefferson Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, the Union established the Ultrasound Diagnostic Centers at the Oncology and Erebuni Hospitals in Yerevan in 1996. Later on, a new Ultrasound Training Center was opened at the Yerevan State Medical University.

Ever since Armenia proclaimed independence, the AGBU has continued its humanitarian assistance by opening Senior Dining Centers in Yerevan to provide daily food to pensioners and orphans.

Within the framework of AGBU's Southern Californian ''Hye Geen'' program, Pregnant Women's Assistance Centers were opened in Gyumri, Talin, Vanadzor and Eghvart.

In 1999, with the US Government's assistance and together with American-Armenian benefactors, the AGBU initiated the construction of the American University of Armenia Business Center on Alex Manoogian Street in Yerevan. The Armenian Representation of AGBU is situated in this building and controls and coordinates various projects of the Union carried out in Armenia, organizes various events, and issues the online ''AGBU Armenia Newsletter'' about the activities of the Union (website: www.agbu.am).

As a contribution to the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide issue and the digitalization of Genocide related materials and documents, AGBU has donated computers, data carriers, scanners and printers

to the Armenian Genocide MuseumInstitute. It has also enriched the fund of the establishment's rare documents and materials. In 1995, it had played a major role in the foundation of the institute.

The Union has also made great allocations towards the development of Armenian literature in general and book publishing in particular. It has sponsored the publications of the third volume of the ''General Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts'' of the Mashtots Matenadaran as well as the ''Banber Matenadarani'' (The Matenadaran Herald) periodical. During the years of Armenia's independence and especially during the energy crisis period, the Union donated to the Matenadaran air conditioning, fire alarm, and security systems.

Through Alex ''Manoogian Cultural Fund'' and the ''Alex Manoogian Book Series'', a number of volumes have been published during 1992-1995, among them the works of Rafayel Nahapetyan, Gourgen Khanjian, David Muradian, Alexander Topchian, Norik Levonian and Pertj Zeytuntsian, as well as the English translations of contemporary Armenian poetry, prose and drama collections, and the Armenian translations of renowned Diaspora Armenian writers Peter Balakian's and Levon Zaven Surmelian's works.

The Union has also contributed to the holding of the Fourth Annual Pan-Armenian Conference of Armenian writers. It has established the ''Levon Z. Surmelian'' Printing

American University of Armenia

House at the Writers' Union of Armenia and has, since 2008, sponsored the Republican Interschool Chess Tournaments, which promote chess interest among school children in Armenia and Artsakh.

Thanks to the cooperation with the Armenian Social Investment Fund (ASIF), AGBU has carried out dozens of construction and renovation projects of regional and cultural

centers, schools, orphanages, and medical centers. Since 1991, with the help of its benefactors', the Union has been supporting the Armenian educational, health and cultural institutions, and companies and organizations for project realization. It has also organized training and business trips for professors, purchased furniture and other necessary equipment. With the support of the Union, a number of scientific meetings, TV programs, theatrical and opera performances, festivals, publications and pan-Armenian sport games have been carried out. In 2008, the Nubarashen sports and cultural center was built in cooperation with the Armenian Social Investment Fund. That same year, with the support of AGBU, the library of RA National Academy of Sciences was also renovated.

Centennial Stamps

Stressing the importance of Armenia-Diaspora relations and the desire of Armenians to gather in Armenia, AGBU organized its 79th (1994) and 83rd (2004) General Assemblies, as well as the 100th anniversary jubilee closing ceremonies in Armenia. Since Armenia's independence the Union has supported Armenian diplomatic missions by providing facilities and offices, as well as assisting in the diplomatic activities of the Armenian missions.

Homes built by AGBU at Norashen

AGBU in Karabakh

From the very first days of the struggle for independence, AGBU benefactors have been supporting Artsakh-Armenians in solving their social and cultural problems. The benefactors of AGBU have been actively participating in fundraising, especially those organized by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

The AGBU office in Stepanakert administers projects throughout the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. Along with the construction of a new apartment building for war veterans and widows, reconstruction of Chess House and Stepanakert School #7, the Union also initiated the reconstruction of Norashen village in the Hadrut region of Karabakh in 2000. This initiative became part of the

AGBU Youth Programs in Armenia

organization's Karabakh Repopulation Project, initiated by the AGBU District of France. Thirty-six houses, a kindergarten, a school and a medical center were built. With the financial means provided by Louise Manoogian Simone, the Alex Manoogian Street of Stepanakert was renovated and the statue of the great benefactor was unveiled.

In 2004, the Karabakh Chamber Orchestra, which was established through the funding of AGBU, continues to invigorate the local community with a love of classical music, and helps prepare future musicians. AGBU also sponsors the training of Artsakh diplomats, as well as advocates the diplomatic activities of Artsakh.

In 2007, AGBU unveiled a new strategy the essence of which is to make the Union's efforts of preserving the Armenian identity more effective. By encouraging the Armenian youth in the Diaspora to return to their homeland and establish closer ties with their culture and national traditions. AGBU's projects carried out in Armenia are the best way to satisfy the needo and desires of the Diasporan Armenian youth.

Members of the 2012 Yerevan Summer INtership Program

Yerevan Summer Internship Program

Diasporan-Armenian students from around the world converge in Yerevan every summer to work in leading universities, health institutions, government office and non-governmental organizations to gain professional experience in their field of interest. In addition to gaining hands-on career experience, students also participate in a number of educational and cultural events that help forge a connection to the land and culture of Armenia,including seminars, Armenian language, folk dance and cuisine.

Study Abroad Program in Armenia

One of the latest initiatives of the Union is the Study Abroad Program in Armenia. Meeting the growing demands of Diasporan Armenian students, this program provides an opportunity for them to complete certain courses and gain credits in higher educational institutions of Armenia getting the best out of the two different academic systems, as well as enriching their knowledge about Armenia through different activities.

Participants of the Discover Armenia Program in Shushi.

Discover Armenia Educational Youth Trip

AGBU's Discover Armenia educational youth trip welcomes Diasporan Armenian youth aged 15 to 18, to unite with their ancestral homeland. Participants visit many historic landmarks and museums, as well as participate in various volunteer projects to learn the value of community.

Troops at Camp

Andranik Scout Camp

AGBU scouts belonging to the Union's chapters annually come to Armenia to participate in Andranik Scout camp. AGBU has purchased campgrounds in Lermontovo village, Lori Region. In addition to educational, physical and social activities organized in the camp, scouts are taken on field trips to visit historic landmarks. Over 400 scouts from Argentina, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Uruguay, USA and Armenia have participated in the AGBU Antranik Scout Camp since 2008.

AGBU Young Professionals Group in Yerevan

AGBU Yerevan Scouts are united by the following principles: a) to be faithful to God and serve their homeland, b) to always help others, and c) to be faithful to the Armenian scouts' code. The Scout movement takes palce mainly in the Arabkir Youth Center of Yerevan. Experienced members of the Scout Council and Leaders, who had already been involved in scout movements in the Diaspora, pass their knowledge on to new scout members. The AGBU Yerevan Scout movement was established in 2008 and is actively expanding.

The AGBU Young Professionals Network was established in the Diaspora in 1995 with a mission to promote and preserve the Armenian identity and heritage among the Armenian youth ages 22 to 40. The civil-minded and dedicated AGBU young professionals devote their time, knowledge and experience to the prosperity of the Armenian communities through cultural, professional, social and public projects, involving a number of young professionals from different countries of the world.

Berge Setrakian: AGBU's Seventh President of AGBU (elected 2002)

Being part of the AGBU global family, the Young Professionals Network also work closely with AGBU Districts, Chapters and Schools on joint initiatives, participate in signature AGBU events, hold major fundraising events, and carry out a wide range of projects.

Besides the above mentioned programs, it has become a tradition for the different groups of AGBU school children and young people or representatives of different structures to visit Armenia regularly.

Berge Setrakian was born in Beirut and is, by profession, an international lawyer in New York at the largest law firm in the world. Since his youth, he has actively participated in various activities of AGBU in Lebanon and later in the USA.

Berge Setrakian

He was one of the organizers and leaders of the Lebanese scout movement. He moved to the USA during the early years of the civil war in Lebanon. He was elected member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors as the youngest member ever in 1977, and after a decade, began to serve as its Secretary. Five years later, he was elected to serve as AGBU Vice-President and Secretary until his election to the Presidency in 2002.

During Berge Setrakian's presidency, AGBU's 100th anniversary was celebrated in Armenia and the Diaspora with remarkable jubilee celebrations. Brought up in an atmosphere characteristic to AGBU Middle East and later having acquired rich experience in the Central Board of the Union, President Setrakian has brought new ideas and energy to the Union's activities. During his presidency the slogan New Century, New Vision has been adopted, through which new approaches and spheres were added to the traditional activities of the Union.

The AGBU Today

With close to 150 district committees, chapters, YP committees, centers and offices in well over 26 countries around the world and an annual budget of 36 million USD, and thanks to its rich experience in national activities, today AGBU is the largest Armenian non-profit organization of the world. AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six continents. AGBU has taken on the work of state institutions for decades, when Armenians were deprived of the care of a national statehood. During its centennial activities the AGBU has provided more than 1 billion US dollars for the educational, humanitarian, social and cultural needs of the Armenian people, including over 130 million USD directed to projects in Armenia. Thanks to its patriotic activities, transparency and high reputation the AGBU enjoys the confidence of benefactors and donors, who have entrusted the accomplishment of their goals to the Union.

With its activities touching upon all spheres of national life, AGBU, indeed, is not an ordinary benevolent union, although its mission had been solely humanitarian in the beginning. Having a distinct national-political route and position, the AGBU is guided by pan-Armenian interests.

The Union has unequivocally supported the establishment of independence and strengthening of the Armenian statehood.

AGBU has always had a significant role in the preservation of Armenian identity, the protection of Armenian rights and the struggle for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. AGBU has gained the love and respect of all strata of the Armenian people, thanks to its invaluable services to the nation in every vital moment of the Armenian people's history of the past century. Boghos Nubar said, ''The Armenian General Union, as an all-national Benevolent Union, is a small republic''.

Although AGBU is not a political party, as a pan-Armenian organization, it could not have been completely non-political. Challenges raised in different times during the history of the Armenian people have forced the Union to take initiatives of political nature.

Today too, the Union, especially in Europe, carries out activities to defend the Armenian people's rights, cultural movements and values among international academic and political circles, as well as introduces the Artsakh issue to the European community.

AGBU is a Union born of the nation, to serve the nation and walk side by side with the nation. Glory and honor to the founders, benefactors, members and the thousands of devotees who have shaped the glorious history of this great Armenian Union.

Text by Hovig Eodekian? Design by Deem Communications

Armenian General Benevolent Union. A Century of National ServicePublished by AGBU Armenian Chapter, 2012

Printed at Tigran Mets printing house Yerevan, Armenia

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