PATRIARCH MESROB II PRESIDES OVER BENEFIT CONCERT FOR EATHQUAKE VICTIMS AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL

PATRIARCH MESROB II PRESIDES OVER BENEFIT
CONCERT FOR EATHQUAKE VICTIMS AT
ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL

BY FLORENCE AVAKIAN

New York City, NY – It was an evening of consummate artistry for a noble cause. Three noted musicians, all natives of Istanbul, who have been acclaimed on the international musical firmament, contributed their talents on October 1 at St. Vartan Cathedral for the rebuilding of their homeland after the recent devastating earthquake. The guest of honor was the Patriarch of Istanbul, Mesrob II, who had been invited by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. Also present were Archbishop Anania Arabajian, Primate of the Kegharkunik Diocese in Armenia, Ambassador Movses Abelian, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations and the leaders of the Bolsahye organizations.

The memorable evening before more than 400 attendees was replete with melodic gems. It began with a unique arrangement of Yekmalian’s “Hayr Mer” played by pianist Sahan Arzruni, followed by his interpretation of Babadjanian’s soulful meditative “Elegy” (after Sayat Nova), Khachaturian’s lovely “Song-poem” (in honor of Armenian troubadours) and the lifting nocturne played with delicate nuances and vibrant passion by violinist Ani Kavafian with Arzruni at the piano.

Alan Hovhaness’ “Varak” (a mountain near Lake Van), and “Shatakh” (a town near Lake Van) were haunting musical evocations of homeland with Ida Kavafian on the violin and pianist Sahan Arzruni painting musical pictures of nostalgic village life. The three artists with deep, rich tones and rare musicality interpreted Khatchaturian’s well known “Ayshe’s Dance,” a demanding piece both technically and emotionally.

The consummate artistry and impressive technical prowess of the Kavafian sisters was demonstrated in Mozart’s delightful “Duo in G major,” a three movement intricate composition for violin and viola. The program appropriately ended with the three musicians playing Komitas’ beloved “Groong” dedicated to all those far from their homeland. Their interpretation, arranged by Aslamazian and Kavafian, seared the soul, and many were seen wiping away tears. As the audience gave the musicians a standing ovation, each was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

In his eloquent remarks, both in Armenian and English, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian expressed deep appreciation to both the artists and the Bolsahye organizations for their tremendous help. “Six weeks ago, we were all deeply moved by the news of the earthquake in Istanbul,” he said, and paid tribute to the Armenian Patriarchate’s “reaching out to our suffering brothers and sisters.” He pointed out that the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, through the Fund for Armenian Relief, quickly mobilized to lend a helping hand, through the local parishes, the Bolsahye organizations and this concert. “Our people have an amazing ability to take pain and difficulty, and transform it into faith and beauty – and Ani and Ida Kavafian, and Sahan Arzruni have truly exemplified that for us tonight,” the Primate states.

LEADERSHIP IN THE FACE OF CRISIS

In introducing the Patriarch, the Primate called him a “young, courageous, and remarkable figure in the Armenian Church. His reassuring and compassionate presence has been a great blessing in the earthquake’s aftermath. His leadership in the face of crisis has been an inspiration not only to the victims, but to his countrymen around the world,” Archbishop Khajag said.

Before addressing the assembled, the Patriarch expressed his gratitude to the artists and presented each with a gold initial pin on behalf of the concert organizing committee. With a deep resonant voice and a commanding presence, the church leader related his own experience the night of the earthquake. Woken up by the cries from the large dogs (originally from Sepasdia) in the courtyard, he revealed that the Patriarchate shook for 45 seconds. “I knew it was a big one,” he said. Among the 22,000 who lost their lives were 12 Armenians. Three orphans and several elders were adopted by the Patriarchate which, in addition to nine churches and two schools, has been substantially damaged. The immediate needs of the Patriarchate are estimated at $1.2 million.

The Patriarch revealed that the Christian churches from Europe and the United States had mobilized to help the victims of the earthquake. In its own spirit of ecumenism, the Armenian church in Istanbul, with its volunteer priests helped those under the stones. One of the victims they dug up with their bare hands was a three month old child. “Is it important whether a three-month old child is Armenian, Turkish, Greek or otherwise,” he asked.

Closing his remarks, the Patriarch expressed appreciation to the Primate who had contacted him by telephone the first day of the tragedy and voiced his support. He also thanked the artists and organizations involved in this fundraising effort. “We are all a large family. When one of us is hurt, we are all hurt,” he stated.

Following the closing prayer by the Patriarch, a reception to honor the Patriarch and the artists was held in the Kavookjian Auditorium where delicious pastries, donated by Suren Kilercian, were served. For the attendees as well as the artists, the evening had been unforgettable.

Ani Kavafian said her thoughts were with her aunt and uncle in Bebek. “I was reminded of our rich heritage.” Ani, who has been playing “Groong” most of her adult life, said it encompasses all the emotions from tragedy to joy, and the phoenix rising. This concert for her was special. “It’s nice to come back and be among your own people,” she commented.

For Ida Kavafian, hearing “Groong” is always “very emotional. It signifies the Armenians who have left their homeland, not a specific homeland,” she explained, “but what it stands for.” Ida, who will visit Istanbul in November, also expressed her fears for “my family and people” after the earthquake. “I was very scared until I heard my family was safe.”

Sahan Arzruni, who was the executive producer of the evening’s program, noted that this had been a special event because “it was for Istanbul, my home. The Armenian community here is the extension of my home … I can’t separate myself from my birthplace. I always represent myself as Bolsahye,” he remarked.

The benefit concert’s organizing committee was under the co-chairmanship of Berc Araz and Hrant Gulian, and included the Armenian-American Support & Educational Center, the Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills, the Armenian-American Youth Center, the Constantinople Armenian Relief Society, the Essayan-Getronagan Alumni, the Gomidas Choir, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Knights of Vartan and the Tibrevank Alumni.