Listing of various Armenian groups

AESA - (on FB) - The Armenian Engineers and Scientist of America, Inc. (AESA) was founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. It is a non-partisan and non-sectarian philanthropic organization focused primarily on addressing the professional, technical and scientific needs of fellow Armenians throughout the world. In 1986, AESA was incorporated in the State of California and was recognized by the US Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit tax exempt institution holding a 501c3 status. Mission: AESA is committed to address the professional, technical, and scientific needs of fellow Armenians throughout the world. Objectives: - Technical and social interaction among Armenian engineers, scientists, industrialists and architects worldwide. - Establish communications and promote technological exchange with experts in science, engineering, industry and architecture from Armenia. - Disseminate knowledge in these fields. - Conduct educational activities and assist Armenian educational communities in these fields. - Recognize outstanding technical achievements by Armenian professionals. You can join on LinkedIn @ http://tinyurl.com/djduvg or follow us on twitter @ http://twitter.com/AESA ||| {304 fans as of Sept 2018} (Website:

AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York * (on FB) see also: AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York - YPGNY (400 fans as of Oct 2018) Established in 1999, AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York is part of a growing network of global Young Professionals groups, whose mission mirrors AGBU's promise to preserve and promote Armenian identity and heritage by adding dimensions to the lives of young professional Armenians through educational, cultural, social and humanitarian programs. Those wishing to volunteer should visit www.ypgny.org/Gny/volunteer/ or email ypgny@ypgny.org For more information about AGBU YPGNY, please visit: www.ypgny.org (1353 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenia - An Ancient Land (on FB) - This is a group for those wishing to save, collect and share those interesting Facebook articles which come our way concerning Armenian ancient history & culture. All photographs and articles are believed to be true and copyright free and are published in good faith. (7,233 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Business Network* on FB - ABN - world's largest online Armenian business community, with Members from all over the world. Our Mission is to inspire and encourage Armenians to support fellow Armenians through shared learning and networking to achieve excellence in their professional, commercial, and community efforts. ABN's commodity is - Intellectual Philanthropy - a platform where Armenians can support other Armenians in business and commerce through sharing their network, expertise, providing mentorship, guidance and opportunities for career growth. ABN fosters an environment where our Members can Learn, Share, Support, and Grow. Our Members connect using the LinkedIn and Facebook platforms. To-date we have over 12,000 Members, with a collective reach to millions of professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, small business owners and students, across a multitude of industries. ABN Programs and services include, online forums, job postings, networking events, workshops, and support programs that provide access to best practices and improvement strategies in an effort to advance our Members' careers. Joining ABN on Linkedin and Facebook is easy and FREE of charge and there are No Membership Fees. or email us at armenianbusinessnetwork@gmail.com Website: www.armenianbusinessnetwork.com (9,442 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Churches of Etchmiadzin, Antelias, Jerusalem, Istanbul * on FB - This is our Group of our Armenian Holy Apostolic Orthodox Churches to show our love and appreciation and passion for our Armenian Holy Apostolic Orthodox Churches (1,166 fans as of Oct 2018)

ARMENIAN CHURCH SURP GIRAGOS DIYARBAKIR - TIGRANAKERT·SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 * (on FB)- Our Story: In 1518, the Ottomans confiscated the largest Armenian Apostolic church in Amid, called Saint Theodore (“Sourp Toros”), and converted the sanctuary into a mosque, renaming it Kursunlu Cami. The community was devastated by the confiscation and was likewise pressured to accommodate the dislodged congregation. There was a smaller church, called Saint Sergius (“Sourp Sarkis”), which was upgraded to the position of cathedral for the Armenians. Sourp Sarkis was later renovated, and eventually contained five altars. Until 1915, Sourp Sarkis was famous because it preserved the valuable relic of the right-side nail used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This relic was brought out in solemn procession several times each year, and was venerated by all of the Christians in Amid. When Sourp Sarkis was pillaged in May 1915, the relic of the Holy Nail was either stolen or lost. During most of the 20th century, the building has been operated as a warehouse, and has consequently fallen into ruins. In the early 18th century (perhaps in 1722), the Ottomans decided that the city was too overcrowded; consequently, all of the cemeteries (Christian and Muslim alike) were to be exhumed and the remains re-interred in new cemeteries located outside of the city walls. On the grounds of the earlier Armenian cemetery in the middle of the city was a funeral chapel. This chapel had been donated by a grieving family in loving memory of their daughter and her infant son, both of whom passed away shortly after childbirth. Appropriately, the name of the chapel was Saints Cyriacus and Julietta. Briefly, toward the end of the third century, the widow Julietta was persecuted for her adherence to Christianity. She was arrested and brought before the local judge who demanded that she renounce her faith. She refused. In order to intimidate her, the judge seized hold of her three-year old son, Cyriacus. The little boy, attempting to defend his mother, also began to proclaim “I am a Christan! I am a Christian!” The judge became so infuriated that he grabbed Cyriacus by the feet and, swinging the child, dashed the little boy’s head against the stone steps, killing him. It is said that Julietta died of fright at seeing this gruesome persecution of both Christianity and her son. The solemnity of their martyrdom spread quickly throughout the area, and countless churches and shrines were built in memory of Saints Cyriacus and Julietta. They are likewise venerated by all Orthodox and Catholic Churches throughout the world. In Armenian, Cyriacus is “Giragos,” and Julietta is “Houghida” or “Oghida.” After the relocation of the cemetery, the city land still belonged to the Armenians, who decided to build a new church on the site. Accordingly, the new church was consecrated in the names of Saints Cyriacus and Julietta. During the course of the 18th and early 19th centuries, the edifice was renovated and enlarged on several occasions. Tragedy struck on June 10, 1880, when the entire sanctuary was consumed in a devastating fire. The Armenian community decided to rebuild and even enlarge the structure, which was completed in 1883. At the time, the new church of “Sourp Giragos yev Houghida” was purported to be the largest Armenian basilica in Anatolia. The external dimensions are 31 meters in length by 35 meters in width. The basilica is renowned for having seven altars, constructed with mosaic tiles and overlaid with gold: five on the ground floor and two on the second story. From the northeast to the southeast: Saint Gregory the Illuminator (“Sourp Krikor Lousavoritch”), Saints Cyriacus and Julietta, the main altar in the center dedicated to the Holy Birthgiver-of-God Mary (“Sourp Asdvadzadzin”), Saint John the Baptist (“Sourp Garabed”), and Saint Stephen the Protomartyr (“Sourp Sdepannos”). Upstairs: Saints Peter and Paul (“Sourp Bedros yev Sourp Boghos”) and the Holy Archangels (“Sourp Hreshdagabedk”). Church services were held every morning and every evening. Holy Badarak was offered every Sunday as well as other days during the week, often at one of the various altars in commemoration of a particular saint’s day. The Dikranagerdtsis were fond of entering the cathedral throughout the day, and especially as they would pass by to and from their daily tasks. The basilica was built with 16 monolith columns forming 20 arches that supported a flat roof; there was no dome surmounting the structure, though the sanctuary was constructed with giant windows all across the northern and southern walls to allow plenty of sunshine. Around the interior was a second story gallery that extended across the western, northern, and southern walls. It is said that more than 3,000 faithful could be comfortably accommodated on both floors during services. It was decided that the headquarters of the diocese of Dikranagerd would be relocated from Sourp Sarkis to Sourp Giragos, making the new church the cathedral for the diocese. Surrounding the cathedral were a series of buildings: chapels, rectories for the priests, classrooms for the Sunday School, bookstore, kitchen for preparing food daily for the poor and elderly, and the offices for the prelature. At its peak, there were more than 100 clergy and laity on the staff of the cathedral. For a brief time, there was also a parochial school for boys and girls located within the compound. Over the course of several centuries, Sourp Giragos accumulated a substantial financial endowment. Either through bequests or by purchase, the church came to own numerous residential and commercial properties within the city walls, as well as livestock and numerous acres of farmland in the surrounding villages. The properties produced rental income to the church, and the farms provided both food and work for the people. The bank investments produced annual returns for the salaries and maintenance of the staff and charitable foundations. Medical services, daily meals (both served and delivered), orphan care, and elder support were all part of the services ministered by the church and out of the endowment. The church also owned and maintained critical water wells and fountains inside and outside the city. In addition to the cemeteries, the church was also responsible for several chapels and shrines that were visited regularly during pilgrimages. The first bell tower of the cathedral, which was built in 1884, was struck by lightning on Holy Saturday morning, 1913. It was rebuilt that same year, and when it was completed, it was the tallest structure in the city. The bell was cast by the famous Zildjian Company. The spire would become a point of contention with the Muslims, since the Armenian bell tower was taller than any of their minarets. On May 28, 1915, as the Ottomans were dragging the Armenian prelate, Mgrditch Vartabed Chulghadian, off to be tortured and eventually martyred, the artillery cannon from across the city took aim at the bell tower and shot it to pieces as the prelate was forced to watch. Even though the church continued to operate during the 20th century, the bell tower was never rebuilt. Most of the Armenians living inside the city were trapped, and neighborhood by neighborhood, the Ottomans pillaged property and killed the helpless Dikranagerdtsis with nearly full-proof entrapment. The gendarmes sealed off each street and then raided the houses without reproach. After 1918, the few Armenians still residing both in the city and surrounding villages congregated around the large complex of Sourp Giragos, and attempted to revitalize the community. Until 1985, there was a permanent priest living inside the compound, and services were continued daily for the remaining 100 or so families. In the early 1990’s, during a series of severe snowstorms, sections of the roof of the cathedral collapsed, eventually leaving the basilica with just four walls and no protection from the elements. Vandals caused serious damage to the altars as they chipped away the mosaics and tore out the artwork and gold overlay. The floor of the basilica was mired in mud and debris for many years, and most of the metalwork has corroded in the interim. Within the compound was a small chapel dedicated to Saint James (“Sourp Hagop”). The Armenians would utilize this chapel for their occasional services when a priest would visit from Istanbul. The deteriorating economic and political conditions in Diyarbakir forced most of the Armenians to leave, either to Istanbul or to Europe. Today, there are just a handful of Armenians living in the city. It should be noted that the other Christians living in the city were also persecuted by the Ottomans in 1915. Many were massacred and others were forced to leave. Today, only the Syrian Orthodox and the Chaldean Catholics have been able to keep their ancient churches in the city. (3,352 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Cultural Agenda * (on FB) - In this group we share Armenian Cultural Heritage Information and we spread the word about Armenian cultural news and events that take place all over the world. Post your cultural events and invite friends who would be interested. Please avoid posts of commercial nature. (974 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian East Coast Nigh LIfe (on FB) - AECNL will be a place for Armenian Young People to get to know each other, hang out. We will be inviting famous Armenian Musicians, Actors to perform and also hang out. These events will take place all over East Coast, The events will probably go from Monthly to Weekly in the near future. Lets Help this page become Active so we know who is on board. Please Share your opinions regarding this page. Thanks (66 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Evangelical Church of New York * (on FB) - A community church in the middle of the big city. General Information Worship Service Sunday 11am - Bible Study Tuesday 7pm. Address: 152 E 34th St, New York, New York 10016 - (212) 685-3177 - email: info@aecnyc.org website: http://aecnyc.org (665 fans as of Oct 2018

Armenian KEF Musicians (on FB): This group is for musicians of Armenian Kef.... (305 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Lightnouse Charitable Foundation (ALCF) (on FB) The mission of ALCF is to assist underprivileged and undeserved people in Armenia, provide shelter and vital services to at risk Armenian women and children, and preserve the integrity of the Armenian family |||| ALCF was registered in Armenia in 2006. In 2011 we built the complex to serve the needy people. categories Nonprofit Organization · Charity Organization · Community Service ||| email: armenianlighthouse@gmail.com ; Website: http://armenianlighthouse.com/?Lng=1&ID=2 ||| {746 fans as of Sept 2018}

Armenian Youth Federation * (on FB) Empowering generations to preserve and advance the Armenian nation. Company Overview: The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) serves as the youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and strives to advance the goals of a free, independent and united Armenia. Toward these ends, the AYF is dedicated to the principles of freedom, democracy, self-determination, economic justice, and social equality. The AYF is committed to the moral, social and intellectual advancement of Armenian youth in order that they may gain a better understanding of themselves. It is guided in these aims through its five long standing pillars of Political, Cultural, Educational, Athletic, and Social activity. With a legacy of over eighty-five years of community involvement and organizational structures in over 17 regions around the world, the AYF stands prepared to play a leading role in the preservation and advancement of the Armenian nation. Address: 104 N Belmont St Ste 313, Glendale, California ph:(818) 507-1933 (25,192 fans)

Armenian market * (on FB) - ***If you want to get where you are going, you have to help others get where they are going*** Welcome to the group Armenian Market. This group is created to help Armenian business owners grow and help promote their products and services. This is group is for everyone! This is a place where you can find Armenian Product, Armenian made products, Armenian Services or services provided by Armenian people. You are welcome to post your products and services any day of the week and any time. Please be cordial and respective of each other. This is not a place to discuss politics or other issues. Please no fundraisers or request for donations. This group is a Market! *** Used items may be published for sale Only Saturday and Sunday *** Group Type: Buy and Sell (5,967 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Music || Music of Armenia on FB* - → www.musicofarmenia.com Music of Armenia is breathing new life into the Armenian music legacy by rediscovering, preserving and promoting Armenian music and talent. Stay connected → www.facebook.com/musicofarmenia → www.twitter.com/musicofarmenia → www.youtube.com/c/musicofarmenia → www.soundcloud.com/musicofarmenia → www.instagram.com/musicofarmenia (11507 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Network of America - Greater NY Region * (on FB) Since 1984, the Armenian Network of America, Inc. - Greater New York Region has provided Armenian professionals opportunities to connect with one another through various cultural, educational, and social elements. We promote the interests of the Armenian American community through a forum which is ecumenical, non-partisan, global and broad-minded in practice and in opinions. There are 3 regions: Greater New York (1984), Los Angeles (2013), and Washington DC (1986), which operate independently, catering to the dynamics of their designated geographic area. This allows for a flexible organizational infrastructure that meets the needs of local members while maintaining a uniform and cohesive organizational identity. The Armenian Network incorporates Regional Executive Committees, responsible for the management of Network activities/functions within their designated geographic area, and a National Board of Directors, which oversees the management of the corporation. The Armenian Network of America, Inc. - Greater New York Region is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. ||| {2814 fans as of Sept 2018} website: www.armnet.org Contact: Talene Khachadourian Email:

Armenian Planet on FB - L'Arménie d'hier et d'aujourd'hui, sa diaspora, l'Artsakh, le Djavakhk, l'Arménie historique, son peuple, son histoire, ses trésors, son église, le génocide..... (983 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern US * (on FB) - founded in 1958 - Website: http://www.armenianprelacy.org - (212) 689-7810 {2038 fans as of September 2018}

Armenian Real Estate Referral Group * (on FB) (73 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenian Single Parent Society (A.S.P.S.) (on FB)- It is Armenian Single Parent Society's Mission to empower and equip single parents with the necessary tools, resources and support to enable them to create a healthy home environment and nurture their children into a productive and successful adulthood. {687 fans as of Sept 2018}

Armenian Social (on FB) (worldwide) - {31,521 fans as of Sept 2018} - Website:

Armenian Society of Columbia University * (on FB): This page is for Columbia University students and alumni who are looking for a page to connect with other students/alum under the shared interest of Armenian identity, interest, or issues. The objective of the Armenian Society of Columbia University is to unite all students of Armenian descent throughout the university. The organization is represented by students and alumni from around the world. The ASCU serves the Armenian community at large by promoting Armenian culture, heritage, and history through the organization of social, educational, and charitable events. The ASCU also networks with other Armenian and non-Armenian organization in effort to raise cultural awareness in our society ||| {359 fans as of Sept 2018} - Website:

Armenians Around the World (AAW) - (on FB) Welcome to Armenians Around the WORLD!!! Please let us know what is going on in your Armenian Community... Update us with important news... Fashion... Medical... etc... This page is dedicated to you all... Just love one another... Thank you Jesus!!! {1,773 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenians in Banking & Finance * (on FB) - An independent networking group committed to strengthening Armenian professional ties in the banking and finance industry in New York. (199 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenians in Glendale, CA (on FB) - Welcome to Armenians in Glendale group! This group is intended for all Armenian speakers in Glendale aria, regardless of where they were born, but connected to Armenia. Dear members, invite friendly Armenian friends to join us. (203 fans as of Oct 2018)

Armenians in Malaysia (on FB) - (213 fans as of Sept 2018) - Website:

Armenians in the USA (on FB) - (1,542 fans as of Sept 2018)

Armenians Unite / Հայեր Միացեք (on FB) I encourage you all to join this group, invite your friends and post quality content. Remember to do to others as you would to your self. THE ADMINS WILL NOT TOLERATE: - Lack of respect - Biased arguments - Profanity of any kind - Meems - Advertising Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and each of you should tolerate each other's words. However we are strictly against Sophistry/Reverse Philosophy(the use of Rhetoric for personal gain). This group is growing day by day and many people from different areas of the world are joining it. The group shall ban no Facebook user based on the exercise of free speech. However, obscene language and obscene content are strictly prohibited. No one should be subjugated due to their beliefs, the way they speak, where they live, etc. Whether religion you may be, do not push it onto others. Keep everything clean and respectful. Any degrading comments posted by a member of this group will result in the Admins removing the comment and/or banning the member. It is a neutral group made to unite all Armenians so that we can help each other out in whatever issue there may be. Together we will be stronger and unstoppable. Also keep Meems and such silly or unrelated things to a minimum for more better content to have a grater chance of getting viewed by our members, and keep in mind that no Advertisement is allowed. Invite all of your Armenian friends and post content and comments that will make us all proud to be Armenian. Also lets keep in mind that we are all representing Armenians all around the world, so let our actions mirror that. Supporting Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArmenianHub/ (4,164 fans as of Oct 2018)

Birthright Armenia * (on FB) - To strengthen ties between the homeland and Diasporan youth by affording them an opportunity to be a part of Armenia’s daily life and to contribute to Armenia’s development through volunteer experience, while developing life-long personal ties and a renewed sense of Armenian identity. ||| website: Birthright Armenia (35,708 fans as of Oct 2018)

Eastern Diocese * (on FB) - The mission of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church is to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and to proclaim its message of salvation. This mission is realized through worship, education, witness, service, and the common life in Christ as expressed in the distinctive faith-experience of the Armenian people. All members of the Armenian Church—both clergy and lay—are called to participate fully in its mission . The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, based in New York, oversees more than 60 parishes from the East Coast to Texas. Website: https://armenianchurch.us/ Call 2126860710 (8,715 fans as of Oct 2018)

Hamazkayin of New Jersey * (FB group) - Hamakayin was founded on May 28, 1928 ||| The goal of the Armenian Educational and Publishing Pan-national (Hamazkayin) Association is to increase the education of the Armenian people through the Armenian language and the Armenian spirit. About: We aim to empower our membership to nurture and promote Armenian arts and culture. Company Overview: The New Jersey chapter was founded on Dec. 1, 1968. The chapter has organized public events, lectures, book events, and other celebrations. In 2005, the childre... See More General Information: The Hamazkayin of New Jersey is a non-profit organization, that has several different groups running in fields such as dance, singing, music, acting, arts and craft, and etc. In addition to organizing cultural events, the Hamazkayin runs schools, publishes books through its printing press, maintains bookstores, publishes a monthly literary magazine, Pakin, and organizes the Hamazkayin Forum. It was founded on May 28, 1928, in Cairo, Egypt by a group of nine Armenian intellectuals, including the writer and educator Levon Shant; historian, critic, and first Education Minister of Armenia, Nigol Aghbalian; former foreign minister of the Republic of Armenia Dr. Hamo Ohanjanian; and stage director and art critic Kaspar Ipekian. email: newjersey@hamazkayin-usa.org website: http://hamazkayin-usa.org/new-jersey (113 fans as of Oct 2018)

Hamazkayin New York - Համազգային Նիւ Եորք * (FB Group) - Website http://www.hamazkayin.org/ Contact: (274 fans as of Oct 2018)

Los Angeles Valley College Armenians (on FB) - This group is ONLY for Armenians attending Los Angeles Valley College. Feel free to join the group and get closer to Armenians attending LAVC. Note: This group is not affiliated with the LAVC in any way. It is made by students (270 fans as of Oct 2018)

Mentor Armenia (linkedin) network group on ||| The purpose of this group is to create a network of professionals interested in providing "pro-bono/free" consulting support to Armenian Government, NGOs and private businesses. We shall also post opportunities to do research and support Armenian students in their diploma thesis and coursework. {126 members as of Aug 2018} Website: *

{Los Angelos} ՀԱՅՏԱՐԱՐՈՒԹՅՈՒՆՆԵՐ ԼՈՍ ԱՆՋԵԼԵՍՈՒՄ US Armenia Լոս Անջելեսում ապրող հայեր, այս խումբը ստեղծվել է Ձեզ համար : Կարող եք հրավիրել Ձեր ընկերներին եւ տեղադրել հայտարարություններ (88 fans as of Oct 2018)

MyArmenianNetwork - I am passionate about Armenians, who we are, our culture, our language, our history. I am even more excited with the level of talent Armenians have to offer the communities around the world. MyArmenianNetwork was created with the purpose to help connect the talent we have, build relationships and provide a premium workforce services. At MyArmenianNetwork, we manage the entire cycle from job posting, to social marketing, resume building, and interview prepping in order to ensure efforts are concentrated in getting the best suited people for the appropriate roles. The Network also provides outsourcing solutions for your business requirements, to Armenia’s full service custom software and application development, marketing, and engineering companies. Discuss your requirements today, and allow us to provide skilled staffing or business solution for your organization. Thank you for your support. Together We Make a Stronger Community Worldwide ||| {( on FB https://www.facebook.com/myarmeniannetwork/ description: Purpose of My Armenian Network is support Armenian professionals, students, and community members everywhere. My goal is to use the pool of talent we have globally to inspire, support, and provide guidance to our members. Use the group to network, share knowledge, ask for support, and help build a strong Armenian future (413 fans as of Oct 2018 - based in Toronto)} ||| Mobile NO. +1-416-731-2622 email: narbeh@myarmeniannetwork.com

NY Armenian Home * (on FB) They have a new administrator of NJ Armenian Home (August/September 2018). Neiri Amirian is the Chairman of Board of Directors. email: neiriamirian@aol.com, phone: 917-579-5857 (107 fans as of Oct 2018) website: http://www.newyorkarmenianhome.org/index.htm

New York Armenians * (on FB) - New York Armenian Community and it's social, cultural needs and networking.||| Pari Yegak = Welcome - {NOTE: To join: It's a MUST to respond to the pop up questions. If you add/invite a person, they need to fill the questionnaire for consideration. The main purpose of this group is for the social/business/cultural needs of Armenians in New York City and New York State, including NJ/CT/MA/PA/WASH DC -to network, add events by organizations or promote their businesses. Add their official FB event link. All posts need to be in English or translated. Add your business info as well at the worldwide Armenian Business forum at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArmenianBusiness/ Please don't post and run: Give a brief summary if it's not easily obvious as to nature of the post. This group is not a forum for political discussions. Any post that doesn't follow the above points, might be removed without warning. This is an Armenian community service done on a voluntary basis: We have several members to assist as admin to manage this community group. Thank you everyone for being part of New York Armenians and Eastern US community group! Shnorhagalutune/Thanks, Lucine Tegnazian FY: If you want to see the posts, simply tick "Get Notifications" and it will show up in your News Feed. It's underneath the like button. ||| {3761 fans as of Oct 2018} - Website:

NY Armenians * (on FB) - If you have Armenian blood and live in NY, you are welcome to join . By Ash Krikorian ||| {1725 fans as of Sept 2018} - Website:

Onnik Dinkjian Fans, Family & Friends (on FB)* - Please Share Your Pictures or Stories of Onnik.... ~~Son of Dikranagerd~~ He was born Jean-Joseph Miliyan in Paris, France in 1929, the son of Garabed and Zorah from Dikranagerd (Diyarbakir), who both escaped persecution during the genocide. He and his sister, two years his senior, were orphaned five years after his birth. Garabed died when Jean-Joseph was not yet one year old. Onnik first began taking an interest in music when he went to St. Gregory’s Armenian Church in Paris for the first time at the age of 10. They were adopted by his godparents, Nishan and Oghida Dinkjian, who were also from Dikranagerd, and continued to live in Paris. Growing up he learned not only fluent French and Armenian, but also the melodious dialect of Armenians from Dikranagerd. Nishan Dinkjian went to Paris from Aleppo and worked various menial jobs before he fell into the wholesale banana business. When fruit became scarce after the war started in 1939, he went into clothing sales to support his family. ~~The devotion~~ Onnik first began taking an interest in music when he went to St. Gregory’s Armenian Church in Paris for the first time at the age of 10. Every Sunday he would need to take two metro rides to get there. The sacred hymns of the liturgy sung by the choir and soloists aroused something within him that would change his life forever. “I absolutely fell in love with the music,” he said. “This is what brought me into the Armenian Church, not necessarily as a religious person but as a lover of the Armenian music.” ~~New York, Boston, California~~ At the age of 17, in July 1946, Onnik and his family moved to the United States, Nishan Dinkjian’s two sisters had settled. They had been separated during the genocide but desired to live in close proximity with one another. Onnik entered the U.S. with his given name, but would later change it legally to Onnik Dinkjian in honor of his adoptive parents. In 1952, Onnik was drafted into the U.S. Army. In Germany he was assigned to the Winged Victory Chorus, a well-known group led by Joe Baris that performed a wide range of choral works, from composers as diverse as Puccini and Debussy to Rogers and Hammerstein and Irving Berlin. “For a year and a half in Germany all I did was travel from one city to another with some famous American stars, like Eddie Fischer and Danny Kaye, all because of the music, my singing.” When he returned from the army, Onnik opened his own dry cleaning store and married Araksi Maksian (Mghsian) from Lyon, France, whose roots were in Kharpert. They had two children, Anahid and Ara. Excerpts From ONNIK: Portrait of a Legend by Christian Garbis. Published in The Armenian Weekly, November 13, 2012. To read the rest of this article you can click on the following link: http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/11/13/onnik-portrait-of-a-legend/ (713 fans as of Oct 2018)

Rutgers Armenian Students Association * (on FB) - Welcome to the Armenian Students Association! The purpose of RASA is to get together and promote the Armenian culture and expand the awareness of current issues affecting Armenians everywhere. But most importantly, we get together and have kef! Among other events which vary from year to year, we hold four annual events: Dr. Asbed Vassilian's Falafel Night, "Opportunities for Armenian Students" Armenian Organizations' Presentations, Armenian Cultural Night, and the Armenian Genocide Commemoration But we want to do many, many more things! So come to meetings, give us your thoughts and ideas and let's make it work! (while dancing and eating dolma, shish kebab and pilaf) rutgers.armenianclub@gmail.com https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=rutgers.armenianclub%40gmail.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York (227 fans as of Oct 2018)

SOAR - Providence Chapter * (on FB) - The Providence Chapter of SOAR is one of many worldwide chapters affiliated with The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR), Inc. SOAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian relief to orphaned children living in Armenia. Working with a loyal donor base and a trusted network of partners in Armenia, SOAR distributes much needed food, clothing, medicine, educational supplies, and other essential resources to orphanages throughout Armenia. (113 fans as of Oct 2018)

St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, Douglaston, NY * (on FB) - Our Church stands strong upon the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and the tradition of the Armenian church fathers. St. SARKIS CHURCH helps you to know and serve our Heavenly Lord better and live according to the principles of Christianity. Address: 38-65 234th St, Douglaston, New York (Douglaston stop on LIRR) Call (718) 224-2275 - website: http://www.stsarkischurch.net/index.html (1,376 fans as of Oct 2018)

Support Armenian Business (on FB)* - ||| it's global forum for Armenian owned businesses and shopping for those who like to buy Armenian products or looking for services {2903 fans as of Aug 2018} - Website:

Tekeyan Cultural Association - Greater New York * (on FB) - The Tekeyan Cultural Association is a worldwide organization committed to the educational advancement of Armenian literacy, history, music, and culture. Adress: 560 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey and mailing address: TCA Greater NY Chapter, P.O. Box 1074, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 (646 fans as of Oct 2018) Website: ----- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tekeyangreaterny/

Tekeyan Cultural Association Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group * (on FB) - TCA's MMTG is founded 1998 as part of TCA and committed to preserving Armenian culture through theater, art and music. (247 fans as of Oct.2018)

USArmenian moms Սիրելի Ամերիկաբնակ Հայ Մամաներ, կանայք և աղջիկներ բարի գալուստ խումբ !!! Dear USArmenian moms, women and girls welcome to this group !!! Group Type Parents (5,220 fans as of Oct 2018)

Utah Armenians United (on FB) We are the Armenian community of Utah, on this page you will find all events and fundraisers that support our community ||| {167 fans as of Sept 2018) - Website:

* also in sub groups