The Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, at the 93rd General Assembly of AGBU

Esteemed Chairman of the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s Council of Trustees, 

Mr. Vatche Manoukian,

Distinguished Honorary President Mr. Berge Setrakian, 

Honorable President of the Central Board, Mr. Sam Simonian, 

Beloved Members of the Council of Trustees, Central Board, and Assembly Participants, 

We have come with a heart full of gratitude to partake in the 93rd General Assembly of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and to extend our pontifical blessings and good wishes to you all. We are pleased to once again express our appreciation for the significant contributions of the honorable members of this century-old institution, who continue to bring glory to its legacy through commendable accomplishments for the benefit of our nation. 

At all times, and especially during the difficult and turbulent periods faced by our people, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, faithful to the vision of its founders, has committed its resources to care for and nurture the needs of our nation’s vulnerable sons and daughters. Guided by the fundamental needs of Armenian life, the Union has especially promoted the development of the educational, cultural, healthcare, and scientific sectors, fostered the strengthening of the Armenia-Diaspora bond, and preserved the identity of our people. The mission of the Union has flourished with the devoted service of its branches across various countries. 

The Armenian General Benevolent Union has made significant contributions to the advancement of the homeland, both during the Soviet era and after the restoration of independence, implementing valuable programs for the prosperity and strength of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh. Amid recent tragic events, the Union has offered essential support to our forcibly displaced compatriots from Artsakh. 

We gratefully acknowledge that many initiatives of our Holy Apostolic Church, and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, have been realized through the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s support and the generous commitments of its members. Thanks to the Union’s assistance, thousands of children in the Youth Centers (Hayordyadz Doon) across Armenia are discovering their talents and gifts, being educated and nurtured in a spirit of patriotism and love for their nation. 

For twenty-two years, inspired by the spirit and vision of the Union’s past presidents, Mr. Berge Setrakian has worked with dedication, now serving as Honorary President, to continue his service to the Union and our people. From a young age, he has dedicated his abilities and skills to advancing the Union’s mission. With his vast experience, he was chosen to serve as a member of the Central Board and then as President. Responding to the needs of the times, he has expanded the institution's programs, embracing new domains within the national and homeland sphere. The warm relationship established with the Armenian Church during the leadership of the Union's esteemed past presidents has been held in special regard by Mr. Berge Setrakian, who has supported the mission of our Holy Church with great generosity, engaging the Benevolent Union’s worldwide branches in this noble effort. Along with his esteemed and devout wife Vera, he has expressed love and dedication towards the nation and the Church through various personal commitments and charitable deeds, taking on the sponsorship of the reconstruction of the Old Pontifical Residence and made significant contribution toward the reconstruction of the Mother Cathedral. The many years of dedication of Mr. Berge Setrakian have been justly appreciated by our people and our Holy Church with highest medals of honors and awards. 

Dear Berge and Vera, we offer our blessings and appreciation to you and your devoted family for your years of selfless and diligent work, your dedication to our nation, and your love and loyalty to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.  

It is especially gratifying for me to express my deep appreciation for Mr. Vatche Manoukian, who has, for many years, supported the Armenian General Benevolent Union's programs with noble donations. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees, he continues to contribute skillful leadership, furthering the Union’s mission. Honorable Mr. Vatche Manoukian, together with his noble-hearted wife, Tamar, plays a unique role in the life of our people through numerous exceptional accomplishments that benefit the nation and the church. 

Upon assuming the presidency of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, we extend our congratulations and blessings to Mr. Sam Simonian. Your notable accomplishments in the field of education and technology development affirm that, with the same zeal and with your vast experience, you will lead the AGBU, remaining true to its traditions and further enhancing the Union's esteemed reputation and renown. We wish you and your esteemed wife, Silva, the protection and blessings of God, and many fruitful years of national service. 

We extend our heartfelt appreciation and patriarchal blessings to all the members of the Council of Trustees and the Central Board. Each of you, with your unique talents and unwavering dedication, has played—and continues to play—a vital role in advancing the mission of this cherished institution to meet the challenges of our times. May the Almighty Lord continue to bless your efforts and grant you success in all your patriotic and church initiatives. 

Beloved, as you know, today, our nation faces serious security challenges. Amid such conditions, the prevailing discord and division within our national life are concerning, as they hinder the gathering of our collective strength for the homeland, the natural development of Armenia-Diaspora relations, the resolution of grave issues, and the preservation of our national identity—priorities that have always been central to the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s work. 

We are confident that the Armenian General Benevolent Union will continue to strive to overcome these challenges, offering beneficial services to our nation scattered throughout the world and our homeland. 

Once again, we bring our blessings to you, devoted sons and daughter of our nation and the Holy Church, we pray that the Almighty God keeps the world and our homeland in peace, and under the protection of His All-Caring Holy Right Hand, guides the worldwide Armenian people toward good works and achievements. May the Lord grant strength and success to the Armenian General Benevolent Union in its noble mission and bless you with continued vigor and renewed success on your blessed path of service։ Amen. 

Translated from the original Armenian

Watch the message in the video below: