Each year at the Mothers’ Day luncheon sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, one person is honored as the Mother of the Year. This year the honor was kept secret until its announcement at the luncheon. Speaking on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, announced that this year the Prelacy was honoring all of the current members of the Prelacy Ladies Guild. Explaining that the original founding members had been honored a few years ago, Hayr Anoushavan called each current member individually to receive her special certificate of appreciation. The event took place at the St. Regis in New York City.

Archbishop Oshagan was unable to make the presentations himself because he had left the previous day for the funeral of His Eminence Archbishop Zareh Aznavourian, in Antelias, Lebanon.

In her usual friendly and efficient style, Ms Gilda B. Kupelian opened the luncheon with words of welcome for the attendees who hailed from the entire metropolitan area along with a large contingent from the Philadelphia area. Ms Kupelian spoke of how the PLG was established by Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian during his tenure as Prelate.

“The newly formed Ladies Guild of the Prelacy, under the chairmanship of Hasmig Hovnanian, formally introduced itself to the Armenian community at a tea held at the Prelacy on November 10, 1974,” she said. “For twenty years under the tenure of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, the PLG continued its philanthropic work with the same enthusiasm. Today, as we venerate our mothers and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the PLG, under the guidance of our Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, we underscore the common denominator of shared commitment to serve the Prelacy in its mission.”

In his written message to the gathering, Archbishop Oshagan said: “It is always a true joy for me to greet you on the occasion of the Prelacy Ladies Guild’s Mothers’ Day luncheon which has become a wonderful tradition for our community. This year’s luncheon has special significance because it marks the 30th anniversary of the Prelacy Ladies Guild. It can be said that the Prelacy Ladies Guild has fulfilled the duties of a mother for the Prelacy. For the past three decades these dedicated and loving women have generously given their times, resources, and talents to tend to the needs of the Prelacy. Just like a loving mother, they have done this without any expectations of glory and thanks. They have done it simply because of love.”

Besides being an anniversary celebration, the luncheon also remembered the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, who served as Prelate from 1978 to 1998. On the first Mothers’ Day of his tenure in 1978, Mesrob Srpazan wrote: “On this day we attempt to show our love, our respect, and our gratitude to you—the one person, above all else, to whom we owe our lives with all its many treasures. It is through your love, devotion, and self-sacrifice that we have grown. Our advancement in life is constantly reinforced through the trust that there is one person in this world who loves us more than we love ourselves. One person who suffers for us, and whose happiness is us. Dear mothers, we are proud of you because you not only gave us life and all its wonderful virtues, but you also formed our characters and nourished our souls with the Armenian spirit.”

A special 30th anniversary booklet, with a photo gallery of the past three decades, was prepared by Gilda Kupelian and Rita Tatevossian.

The attendees enjoyed the delicious luncheon followed by a stunning fashion show by Neiman Marcus of Paramus, New Jersey. But, without doubt, what was most enjoyed was the friendship and camaraderie that is always the focal point of this annual event.

Mrs. Lucille Sahagian conducted the raffle drawing of thirty beautiful donated gifts bringing the event to an enjoyable conclusion.

Current members of the Guild are: Seda Andrikian, Sima Artinoff, Marion Boudakian, Linda Chirinian, Lilian Hairabedian, Lillian Merdinian, Diana Minassian, Seta Nalbandian, Annie Pampanini, Anna Piliguian, Lucille Sahagian, Ovsanna Tatarian, Rita Tatevossian, Gemma Vartanian, Silva Zadourian, and Gilda B. Kupelian (consultant).