On the evening of May 28, Ararat Armenian Sport and Cultural Union of New Julfa celebrated the 97^th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia with a grand ceremony.

The event began with a welcome speech and congratulatory remarks by master of ceremonies Soseh Poghosian, followed by performances of the national anthems of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Armenia underneath the national flags brought in by the scouts of Ararat Union.

Afterwards, a Patriarchal Wish was made under the direction of leader of the Armenian Diocese of Isfahan, Father, Archbishop Babgen Charian and with the participation of the Komitas Choir of the Holy Savior Monastery led by the clergy and Armen Amirkhanian. Later, a grand parade was held in front of the national flag of the Republic of Armenia and the picture of the founder of the First Republic of Armenia Aram Manukyan with the participation of representatives of the Diocese’s national authorities and other national bodies, members of the Armenian National Committee, students and teachers of Armenian schools and representatives of the community’s unions and sub-bodies, who received the leader of the Diocese, the chairpersons of the Assembly of Delegates, the Diocesan and Religious Councils and the representative of the Armenian National Committee of the region.

Margarit Davtian read the speech of the committee organizing the celebration of the 97^th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia in New Julfa, and Ninelia Abrahamian read the speech of the “Ruben” Youth Union, after which merited public figure Sonik Baghumian gave a lecture.

The official part of the event ended with the patriarchal message of leader of the Diocese, Father, Archbishop Babgen Charian. The event included performances of national and patriotic songs by Armenia’s merited singer Leyla Saribekyan, as well as performances of songs and dances by soloists of the Holy Savior Monastery’s Komitas Choir, the members of the Pop Music Group of the Cultural Department of Ararat Armenian Sport and Cultural Union and the Krunk Dance Ensemble. The event ended with a fireworks display.

Yeranush Tahmazian

Iran-New Julfa

Photos by Gevik Khachatrian