Celebration of Gabriel Moloyan’s 70th Anniversary of Public Service
On January 28, 2024, an honorary celebration of Gabriel Moloyan’s 70th anniversary of public service to the Armenian community and nation was held at the AEBU Center in Pasadena, California.
With more than 200 in attendance, the honored guests included Representative Judy Chu (28th Congressional District), Assemblymember Chris Holden (CA District 41), Pasadena City Mayor Victor Gordo, former Glendale City Mayor Vartan Gharpetian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America Reverend Hendrik Shanazarian, Social Democrat Hunchakian Party Central Committee Chairman Dr. Hampig Sarafian, Armenian Democratic Liberal Party Central Committee Member Dr. Raffi Balian, alongside representatives from Representative Adam Schiff’s office (30th Congressional District), representatives from State Senator Anthony Portantino’s office (CA Senate District 25), and board members from the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Organization of Istanbul Armenians, Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Armenian-American Museum and Cultural Center, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Armenian Athletic Association, and the Armenian Educational Benevolent Union.
The event’s hosts, Lena Manukian in Armenian and Harry Unell in English, chronicled Gabriel Moloyan’s lifetime of dedication and service. A brief biographical slideshow displayed the various images throughout Mr. Moloyan’s past. While speaking on behalf of Massis Weekly, Editor Krikor Khodanian focused on Mr. Moloyan’s role as an educator, cultural advocate, and journalist who never sought out titles or praise. Nor Serount Cultural Association Chairman Harut Der-Tavitian provided interesting anecdotes of Mr. Moloyan’s hard work and commitment to his duties and responsibilities. Mr. Der-Tavtian emphasized that the “Healthy Mind Healthy Body” ideal was manifest in Mr. Moloyan’s daily life. Further, Armenian Athletic Association Chairman Vartan Kojababian presented a plaque of appreciation and thanks to Mr. Moloyan’s service to the organization.
The evening would not be complete without a cultural component. A poetry reading was performed by Ani Marselian of Malkhasyan’s “Have You Not Been In Armenia”. The gifted singer Suzy Mazmanian performed Berberians “For Him” and Ayvazian’s “Armenia” accompanied by Isabel Kayayan on piano.
Mr. Moloyan gave his closing remarks and expressed his gratitude to the guests, attendees, organizers of the event, and his long time fellow volunteers. He expressed his concerns at the stagnation of the volunteer spirit in the diaspora and beckoned his fellow Armenian-Americans to organize and advocate for the community. Notably, Mr. Moloyan emphasized the importance of preserving our identity and to remain steadfast in our democratic ideals.