GLENDALE–The Friends of the Consulate of Armenia Committee organized a farewell dinner for the Honorable Armenian Consul General Armen Melkonian at the Brandview Collection in Glendale Wednesday evening December 13.
In attendance were representatives of various political parties and organizations–along with the consuls of Croatia–Estonia–Honduras–Latvia–Lebanon–Saudi Arabia–and the Philippines. Also present was ARF Bureau member Mr. and Mrs. Vicken Hovsepian–Nshan and Roubina Peroomian–Prof. Richard Hovhannisian–and Glendale City Council member Rafi Manoukian.
Melkonian was honored throughout the evening for all his contributions to the community and Armenia. The Croatian consul presented Melkonian with a gift on behalf of 89 consuls and praised the Armenian consul for his work and character. Los Angeles and Orange county officials also presented gifts to Melkonian for his efforts. Armenian community representatives stressed the consul’s significant role in contributing to a more cohesive and united community. Melkonian encouraged and brought about cooperation within different segmen’s of the community. Father Nerses Akaian spoke on behalf of the Armenian Catholic community–along with Hunchagian representative Krikor Khodanian.
ARF Western Region Central Committee member Vahe Bozoyan spoke on behalf of the party and presented Melkonian with a special gift. Bozoyan greatly appreciated the consul’s open-door policy to all members of the community and wished him luck in his future endeavors.
Other speakers included Zaven Khanjian of the Armenia Fund–Harout Sassounian of the United Armenian Fund–Hagop Boghosian (delivered AGBU Chairman Sinan Sinanian’s message)–Judge Armand Arabian–Madteos Minassian of the Armenian Evangelical Union–and Sarkis Kitsinian of the Armenian Jewelers’ Association who presented a gift to Mrs. Yevgenia Melkonian.
Tomik Alexanian and Mrs. Dounaian spoke on behalf of the organizing committee for the evening. Hermine Janoian–Elizabeth Aghbabian and Mrs. Dounaian were thanked for their efforts at organizing the event.
Consul General Armen Melkonian shared the experiences and impressions of his service to Los Angeles and thanked the Armenian community for all its support.
A performance followed with performances by Hovig Krikorian–Levon Aprahamian–and Anahid Nersisian. Master of ceremonies was Hagop Shirvanian.