On Saturday, March 2, 2024, the Armenian Missionary Association of Canada (AMAC) hosted a moving and poignant concert to stand in solidarity with the brutally uprooted and displaced people of Artsakh. Eighteen young beloved Toronto-Armenian artists donated their time and brought their musical talents to the stage for a fundraising event titled “Together for the Armenians of Artsakh”. The Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, where the concert took place, was full to capacity with hundreds in attendance, including Holy Fathers, local politicians including Mr. Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough-Agincourt, representatives of the Toronto-Armenian churches and organizations, donors and sponsors.
Before giving her opening remarks, M.C., Dr. Ani Hasserjian, noted that the evening was dedicated to the memory of the thousands of heroic martyrs who fell on the battleground in defence of Artsakh; the Armenian prisoners of war as well as the political prisoners who continue to unjustly remain in captivity. To this end, she asked that guests stand to observe a moment of silence. Dr. Hasserjian then welcomed guests and announced that this year the AMAC completes the 40th anniversary of its inauguration. To mark this milestone, the AMAC has organized a series of events – of which this concert was one – to salute its past, examine and appreciate its present and strategically plan for its bright future. Dr. Hasserjian stated that with the proceeds from the evening’s concert, the AMAC will partner with the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) in the latter’s initiative “Project Revive” which delivers direct support to the displaced people of Artsakh now living in Armenia. Dr. Hasserjian thanked the participating artists and all those in attendance for their generosity. She extended special gratitude to the representatives of GlobalMedic, a Canadian charitable foundation, who were also in attendance, for their major medical contributions to the United Armenian Council of Ontario (UACO) – an organization sending assistance to Armenia and Artsakh during and after the 2020 war. In completing her remarks, Dr. Hasserjian set the tone of the fundraising event by quoting scripture: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, by remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said ‘It is better to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
The program very fittingly began with a soulful and seldomly-heard rendition of “Hayr Mer” (The Lord’s Prayer) which firmly anchored the evening in our centuries-old Christian faith. The concert unfolded with one beautiful performance after another, showcasing the spirited passion the artists carry for their culture and their homeland. Participating artists were: Dr. Rupert Abdalian, Taline Artinian-Kelebozian, Dr. Razmig Bebedjian, Hovig Garabedian, Nver Ghazaryan, Dr. Veronica Ghazarian, Sevag Haroutunian, Sona Hovsepyan, Lynn Isnar, Leon Lev Karagulian, Zareh Kendirjian, Samvel Khachatryan, Kevork Manougian, Toros Maydossian, Artun Miskciyan, Nshan Papazian, Garbis Gary Sahsuvar and Aline Topjian Buchakjian.
From the music of extraordinary Armenian-French humanitarian Charles Aznavour to the father of Armenian music, Gomidas; lyrics from Gevork Emin to Avet Barseghyan; and weaving classical, traditional, jazz and contemporary arrangements with interesting pairings of instruments and voice, the program was rich in heritage, history, nostalgia and emotion. Favourite pieces such as: “Pari Arakil”, “Groong” and “Hayastan” lifted the audience to new heights and struck a chord in the heart of every attendee. Themes of battle, a soldier’s cry, red poppies, a mother’s broken heart, prayer, soaring above it all, returning to the homeland, Artsakh, and Armenia, mixed joy and melancholy together and inspired the audience to join in and sing along. The concert hit a high note (literally!) with a soul-stirring performance of “How Great Thou Art”, underscoring that we serve an awesome God and that with genuine humility our hope must simply be in the Lord.
Guest speaker, Viktor Karapetyan, AMAA’s representative to Artsakh in Armenia, gave a very personal account of the events and situation of the last few years in Artsakh. He painfully recounted the details of the blockade and the impact and devastation of the war and finally being driven out of Artsakh as the world silently looked away. Mr. Karapetyan praised the work of the AMAA who was on the ground providing humanitarian assistance in every possible way as well as spiritual support from day one of the troubles in Artsakh. Mr. Karapetyan noted that the faithful life of a believer is to be a soldier for Christ, and that all Armenians must continue to stand together, and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. He stressed that the Lord is powerful and just. The Lord never loses the battle and as His followers we will always be victorious in Him.
A short video reviewing the AMAA programs and projects in Armenia and Artsakh was shown. It chronicled the tireless and valiant efforts of the volunteers serving hot meals, providing shelter, tending to spiritual, emotional, psychological needs and rebuilding shattered lives. While a distressing scene to watch, it was uplifting to witness the care and love of the committed work of the AMAA.
Two special presentations were made during the evening. The first one honoured Mr. Antibas Loussarian for his 40 years of active service to the AMAC. In 1984, Mr. Loussarian was instrumental in helping to establish the AMAC and was a member of its first Executive Board serving as Treasurer for two years. Mr. Loussarian and his family were also the Grand Patrons of the benefit concert generously donating $75,000. Mr Mihran Jizmejian presented Mr. Loussarian a citation plaque to show the AMAC’s appreciation.
The second presentation honoured another dedicated member of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, Mr. Sarkis Balian, a pharmacist, who generously and humbly serves the community in a most exemplary and steadfast manner. On behalf of the organizing committee, Dr. Ani Hasserjian extended appreciation to Mr. Balian and presented him with a citation plaque as well.
In Dr. Hasserjian’s concluding remarks, she expressed her most sincere thanks to the artists, the donors and all the attendees in helping to achieve a successful benefit concert for the very noble cause of supporting our brothers and sisters in Armenia. Following the concert, guests were hosted to a reception, provided by the AMAC committee, in Rev. Movses Janbazian Hall.
It is impossible to choose one highlight of the evening, however, a surprise encore piece “Artsakh, You Are Calling Me” brought all the artists together to perform, in unison and perfect harmony and at the same time brought the audience to its feet. Hearts were filled with pride and pain but also with prayer to our magnificent God for a hopeful tomorrow for the homeland. That was definitely a highlight!
Written by Tenny Nigoghossian
