Category Archives: Press Release
FL Armenians Press Release
Florida Armenians Launch Armenian Professional Network with Tampa Bay Mixer
TAMPA, FL – Last year, Florida Armenians (FLArmenians) launched a statewide professional network with an inaugural event at Malio’s Prime Steakhouse in downtown Tampa Bay, reported FLArmenians. Over 30 young professionals, entrepreneurs, small business owners and students from a variety of industries and professions were in attendance.
“FLArmenians has ignited a new era among the Tampa Bay Armenians both in community and business interaction,” stated Melik Keuroghlian, FLArmenians Tampa Officer. “It’s amazing how this launch has started a ripple that continues in motion,” Keuroghlian said.
The Florida Armenians Professional Network (FLAPN) is currently in the process of building a statewide database of Armenian professionals and business owners in order to facilitate opportunities for Florida Armenian youth and Armenian owned businesses. The FLAPN Business Directory will be published in the coming months.
Guests enjoyed complimentary food and beverages to the tune of Armenian and Middle Eastern music all while taking in the view of downtown Tampa Bay. “We’re pleased to see such a diverse group of young and professional Armenians come together and build the personal and business relationships that will carry our community forward,” stated Arsine Kaloustian, FLArmenians Communications Director.
Photographs from the event are available on the FLArmenians Facebook Page and on Instagram.
To have your business listed in the FLAPN Business Directory please send your company information to flarmenians@gmail.com. Please include any positions currently available with complete job descriptions and application requirements.
###
NR#: 2014-01
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Kicks Off 2014 Season
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demirjian and Deacon Allan Tossonian
NAPLES, FL – On Saturday, November 2, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) welcomed Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian of St. Hagop Church in Pinellas Park to celebrate Holy Badarak with its parishioners. Fr. Hovnan was accompanied by deacon Allan Tossoonian, with Pierre Abadjian playing the organ.
ACSWFL Parishioners Dining following Holy Badarak
Dozens of parishioners were in attendance, all of who were delighted to worship together again since our last service in March. November is typically a slow month in Southwest Florida, with seasonal parishioners gradually trickling in from their homes up North. Fellowship followed the service, with our local and seasonal parishioners socializing and catching up after the summer break.
Many of the ACSWFL seasonal parishioners return up North for the holidays so no service is held in December. However, in January, February, and March, our parish attendance increases greatly. For example, the service in March was attended by over one hundred parishioners.
ACSWFL Parishioners Gay Kazarian, Nancy Kazarian and Sarkis Kazarian
The ACSWFL 2014 Badarak Schedule & Upcoming Parish Events
January 12, 2014 – Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian + Christmas Dinner
February 11, 2014 – Ladies & Men’s Luncheon @ Local Restaurant – TBA
February 16, 2014 – Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian + Bake Sale
March 9, 2014 – Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan + Lenten Luncheon
March 18, 2014 – Church Spring Picnic
For further information, please contact Carole Meghreblian, Parish Council Chairperson at carolemeghreblian@gmail.com.
Florida State Senate Recognizes April 24 as Armenian Martyrs Remembrance Day
Florida Armenians with Senator Jack Latvala (R-Pinellas)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Yesterday, the Florida state Senate adopted SR 1878, the Armenian Martyrs Remembrance Day resolution to mark the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, reported Florida Armenians. Armenian-Americans from Miami and Boca Raton joined members of the local Tallahassee Armenian community to mark the historic day.
“It’s like a weight lifted off my back,” stated Margaret Atayants, a student at Tallahassee Community College. “I’m grateful to the Florida Senate for honoring and recognizing the victims of the first genocide of the twentieth century,” she said.
Senator Jack Latvala (R-Pinellas) introduced SR 1878 and spoke in favor of the resolution on the Senate floor. He then recognized Armenian-American community members observing the historic moment from the gallery.
“The entire St. Hagop Armenian Church community of the Gulf Coast is thankful for the efforts of our elected officials,” stated Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Armenian Church. “Each time a genocide recognition resolution is introduced and passed, a small bit of justice is served for victims of the Armenian genocide and all victims of genocide and mass-atrocities,” Fr. Demerjian said.
In 2006, Florida Governor Jeb Bush issued an official proclamation recognizing the Armenian Genocide. However, the Florida legislature had not affirmed this crime against humanity until yesterday.
“This is a historic day for Florida and for all Armenian-Americans,” stated Taniel Koushakjian. “On behalf of the entire Florida Armenian-American community, we thank Senator Latvala, Senate President Gaetz and the entire Florida Senate for their leadership on this important human rights issue,” stated Koushakjian.
Florida Armenians would also like to recognize and give special thanks to Henry Petraki and the Atayants family for their steadfast efforts and support.
###
PR#: 2013-03
Florida Armenians 