On September 17, RA Acting Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received delegates of the “Howard Karagyozyan” Medical Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization who are in Armenia to celebrate the 95^th anniversary of the Organization. Among the delegates are the leaders and representatives of the Organization’s chapters based in different countries around the world.

Greeting the guests, Hranush Hakobyan congratulated them on the 95^th anniversary of the “Howard Karagyozyan” Medical Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization and expressed joy for the fact that the anniversary was being celebrated on the days marking the 25^th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia, providing them with the opportunity to participate in the festivities.

The Acting Minister appreciated and expressed gratitude for the activities of the “Howard Karagyozyan” Medical Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization and particularly stated the following: “In 1921, Mihran and Zabel Karagyozyan founded the “Howard Karagyozyan” Memorial Foundation in memory of their son, Howard, who had died prematurely, and with the purpose of helping Armenian orphans saved during the Armenian Genocide. When they established the Organization, they probably didn’t think that their organization would exist this long. Glory and honor to those who continued that grateful act and have been caring for Armenian children who have found themselves in difficult conditions due to various reasons and have provided them with education and medical treatment for the past 95 years. Your organization was one of the first organizations that became established in Armenia in the most difficult times and carried out activities in Spitak, Gyumri, Vanadzor and Nagorno-Karabakh. I attach great importance to your efforts for the health maintenance of Armenians, especially children because the healthier our children are, the stronger and healthier the future of Armenia will be.”

The Acting Minister also talked about the current challenges facing all Armenians and set aside the key issues facing the Syrian-Armenians. Hranush Hakobyan introduced the programs that the Government of the Republic of Armenia is carrying out to support the Syrian-Armenians and said the following: “I know that the “Howard Karagyozyan” Medical Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization supports Syrian-Armenians in Syria and in different parts of the world, but it would be appreciable, if the Foundation celebrated its 95^th anniversary with charities for Syrian-Armenians having settled in Armenia as well.”

Expressing gratitude for the cordial reception and words of appreciation, President of the “Howard Karagyozyan” Medical Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization Michael Harutiounian stated the following: “We have done our best over the past 95 years. Today we are in Armenia with the leaders and representatives of the chapters of our organization based in different countries around the world. I would like to assure you that all of them are aware of the importance of their efforts and must continue the work of the Karagyozyan Family with dedication.”

Director of the Syria Chapter of the Organization Bedros Darakchian, Director of the Lebanon Chapter Serop Ohanian and others also talked about the activities that are being carried out in their respective regions.

At the end of the meeting, Hranush Hakobyan congratulated the attendees once again on the 95^th anniversary of the “Howard Karagyozyan” Medical Benevolent Non-Governmental Organization and on the 25^th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia and stressed the following: “Diaspora Armenians have two main missions. Firstly, they need to serve their strong potential for keeping the honor of Armenia and Armenians high. Secondly, they need to help solve the issues facing Armenia and all Armenians. We all need to protect and maintain our Homeland with care for the future generations.”

The Acting Minister also talked about knowledge of Armenian and the need for direct contacts with Armenia, which are the major conditions for the preservation of the national identity.