PRESS RELEASE                                                      
October 8, 2008

The 80th Anniversary of “Hamazgayin” Was Celebrated at the Embassy of Armenia in Washington

On October 8, 2008 a ceremony dedicated to the 80th anniversary of “Hamazgayin” cultural association was held at the Embassy of Armenia in the US.

The event was attended by the Ambassador of Armenia Tatoul Markarian, Member of the Armenian Parliament and Director of the Yerevan “Hamazgayin” office Lilit Galstyan, Chief Executive Representative of “Hamazgayin” in the US Edward Missirlian, Archbishop of the US Eastern Diocese Oshakan Choloyan, Executive Director of ANCA Aram Hamparian; and by members of the Armenian community of Washington, New York, and Los Angeles.

Mr. Edward Missirlian presented medals and certificates of honor to pianist Lucy Ishkhanian, playwright Hrant Markarian, musician, choir conductor and maestro Arsen Sayan, and philanthropist Dr. Hrant Semerjian.

In their remarks, the speakers especially emphasized the fact that while being established in the absence of an independent Armenian state, “Hamazgayin” is celebrating its anniversary at the Embassy of independent Armenia.