GLENDALE – To mark the 60th anniversary of the Nor Serount Cultural Association (NSCA) and the 35th anniversary of the founding of its southern California chapter, the NSCA celebrated six decades of service to the Armenian community on March 7, in the presence of religious leaders, dignitaries, community leaders, activists and supporters who had filled the hall to capacity.
The evening began with an invocation prayer led by His Eminence Archbishop Hovan Derderian of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, along with former Archbishop of the Western Diocese, Vatche Hovsepian.
Following the invocation were welcoming remarks by Mistress of Ceremonies, Arus Krikorian, who shared with the audience, the many achievements and accomplishments of the NSCA throughout the years. Archbishop Derderian addressed the audience by praising past and present board members of NSCA, wishing them many years of success in all their activities in providing cultural programs to the community, as he honored NSCA’s current Chairman Harut Der-Tavitian.
A video montage highlighting 35 years of NSCA events and activities was presented to the audience, followed by dance performances of the NSCA dance troupe. In his address, Chairman Der-Tavitian reiterated the importance of preserving the Armenian culture and identity, but stressed the importance of utilizing the internet, modern technology and new approaches to achieve those goals. He announced the establishment of NSCA’s Armenian Identity Endowment Fund, which will contribute towards the realization of Armenian Identity Advocacy projects. He expressed his gratitude to all those who worked towards the advancement of the NSCA for the past 35 years, as southern California founding members were later honored in an award ceremony.
In a letter addressed to SDHP Western Region Chairman, Gabriel Moloyan, Republic of Armenia Minister of Culture Affairs, Hasmik Poghosyan congratulated the 60th anniversary of the NSCA. She commended the NSCA for striving towards preservation of the Armenian culture through audio visual, artistic, literary and musical performances and programs. She wished the NSCA many years of prosperity and expressed her gratitude for all the work that they have done and continue to do for the community.
The evening concluded with celebratory music, dancing, fine Armenian cuisine and a raffle for an antique Armenian rug dating back to the late 1800’s. Over $50,000.00 was raised for the NSCA Endowment Fund for the continued success of its Armenian Identity Advocacy Project, which aims to preserve the Armenian Cultural Identity through the enhancement of academic curriculum in light of the digital age and an accelerated rate of assimilation in the Armenian Diaspora.
