“…With their many responsibilities, Armenian women have played a vital role in our community, staying strongly clung to our moral and spiritual values, our religious and national traditions, as well as the ideals and aspirations of our nation.”

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the establishment and activities of the Armenian Women’s Benevolent Association of New Julfa.

Founded in 1915 in our society as the ARF-D Armenian Women’s Red Cross and later known as the Armenian Women’s Benevolent Association, this association of devoted and informed Armenian women worked to cherish the real image of Armenian women with its origin, direction, activities and purpose, as mothers, teachers, educators, public figures, intellectuals and artists, as well as the ones protecting the dignity and rights of the Armenian nation.

Armenian women have always played a special role in the times of peace and trials and tribulations throughout Armenian history. During the most tragic events in our history, that is, the First World War, the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and the deprivation of the homeland, there was a need to extend a helping hand to Armenians scattered across the globe and mitigate their pain and suffering With its informed and committed members, the Association stayed true to its goals and calling and made tremendous efforts to help the Armenians having taken shelter in New Julfa and the nearby provinces.

In the 100 years that followed, the Association was also guided and is still guided by the principles and ideas that lie at the core of the Association and always works with a new working style.

To celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Women’s Benevolent Association of New Julfa means to appreciate its 100-year service. To celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Women’s Benevolent Association of New Julfa means to appreciate the activities of an association that has helped accomplish the goals of the nation and has made major contributions to society, the community and for benevolence.

Dear members, compatriots,

The Association has already planned and prepared to celebrate its 100^th anniversary properly. On this occasion, the Association accepts your messages, articles and memoirs, photos and archival materials that you can send to us via the following e-mail address:

E-mail: Haykinnorjugha@yahoo.com

Board of the Armenian Women’s Benevolent Association

2 November 2015

New Julfa