ARS Montreal «Sosse» Chapter’s Annual Bazaar

By Nairy Yemenidjian

This year, once again with much enthusiasm, the Armenian Relief Society Montreal “Sosse” chapter was able to hold its traditional annual bazaar, on November 11-12, 2023, at the Homenetmen Gamk “Haig Markarian” gymnasium at the Montreal Community Center.

The official opening ceremony took place on the morning of Saturday, November 11^th, with the ARS anthem.

Amongst the guests present at the opening, were His Grace Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, ARS Central Executive Board’s Canada representative ungerouhi Arminé Karabedian, ARS Canada Regional Executive Board’s chairperson ungerouhi Loucine Palandjian, members and chairperson of ARS Laval “Shushi” chapter ungerouhi Aline Hadidian as well as representatives of sister organizations, members, volunteers, friends and esteemed guests namely City Counsellor for Montreal – Ville St- Laurent Ungh. Vana Nazarian as well as City Counsellor for Laval Ungh. Seta Topouzian.

In her opening remarks, ARS Montreal “Sosse” chapter’s chairperson ungh. Houry Zakarian, welcomed the guests, participants, and volunteers to the 61^st annual bazar.

She thanked the members of the bazaar committee and the members of the social committee for their perseverance, cooperation, and solidarity, which contributed to the success of the bazaar. She also thanked all the donors, sponsors and volunteers who have supported the organization’s mission throughout many years and continue to stand by the organization under the current situation.

Ungh. Zakarian noted the contribution of younger members who worked alongside experienced members and learned from their knowledge and skills during this tremendous task. She also gave thanks to the AYF members of Levon Shant and Pegor Ashod chapters, our students from Sourp Hagop Armenian school, as well as to the Homenetmen Gamk Scouts who volunteered their time throughout the weekend.

Ungerouhi Zakarian presented a biography of the bazar’s godmother, ungerouhi Anahid Kaprielian, remarking her dedication within the organization through her active participation within the social activities committee. She also noted her many years as an executive committee member mentored by now passed ungerouhi Vanouhi Issajanian. She then invited her to cut the red ribbon officially marking the opening of the bazar.

Then, His Grace Archbishop Souren Kataroyan conveyed his heartfelt words and blessed those present with a fatherly prayer. The bishop praised the devotion and sacrifice of dedicated ARS members, always ready to lend a helping hand and serve communities in need.

The 2023 bazaar offered a beautiful variety of homemade baked goods, apparel, children’s toys, Christmas decorations, Armenian handmade items, and gifts. As every year, our volunteers and members contributed towards the preparation of traditional Armenian meals such as mante, sarma, boereg, tetoumi anoush and a variety of homemade desserts.

All proceeds from this 2-day event will be donated both to the École Arménienne Sourp Hagop as well as towards aid for forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh.

Heartfelt and boundless thanks to all who made this event a resounding success.