(ACC Beyond groundbreaking on May 24! Info on page 20!)
քաղաքական գործիչներ, հոգեւորականներ
անդամներ:
Կազմակերպութեամբ՝ Թորոնթոյի հայ դատի
(ANCT) եւ հովանաւորութեամբ՝
Քաղաքացիութեան եւ բազմամշակութայնութեան
նախարարին խորհրդարանական օգնական եւ Սքարպորօ-
Էյճընքորթի երեսփոխան Արիս Պապիկեանի, ձեռնարկը
մեծարեց Հայոց ցեղասպանութեան 1.5 միլիոն զոհերը՝ հաստատելով հաւաքական յանձնառութիւն՝ յիշողութեան,
եւ արդարութեան: Ոգեկոչումը սկսաւ բացման խօսքով, զոր արտասանեց
Գանտահարեան՝ ՀՕՄ-ի ամէնօրեայ վարժարանի
եւ Թորոնթոյի ՀՅԴ-ԳԵՄ
Armenian Genocide commemoration at Queen’s Park unites
Ontario
leaders across the political spectrum
TORONTOHYE—On April 16, a reception brought together political leaders, clergy, and members of the Armenian-Canadian community at Queen’s Park, in commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Organized by the Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT) and sponsored by Aris Babikian, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and MPP (Scarborough–Agincourt), the event honoured the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide while affirming a collective commitment to remembrance, education, and justice.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Elizabeth Kandaharian, a graduate of ARS Armenian Private School and a member of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF Canada) Simon Zavarian chapter, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
Speaking on behalf of the ANCT, Kandaharian addressed the gathered officials and guests with a clear and powerful message: “Distinguished guests, your presence today carries great meaning—but remembrance must not end when this ceremony does… We need your voices not just in moments of silence, but in the halls where power is exercised and decisions are made.”
In her remarks, she urged the elected officials to use their influence boldly and consistently to confront genocide, reject denial, and challenge historical distortion. “The solidarity you show today must become a year-round commitment—a moral responsibility that echoes far beyond this gathering,” she added.
Rev. Fr. Hayr Karekin Shekherdemian of the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church offered a prayer on behalf of Ontario’s Armenian clergy representing the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church of Toronto, and the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. His prayer honoured the memory of the victims and called for peace, justice, and the ongoing preservation of Armenian identity.
The Honourable David Warner, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, delivered heartfelt remarks. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the Armenian community, Warner emphasized the moral imperative of remembering the genocide and praised the educational and advocacy efforts of Armenian-Canadians. He also addressed present-day concerns, acknowledging the struggle for the right of return to Artsakh, which he described as the Armenians’ indigenous homeland.
The presence of political leaders from all major parties signalled a strong show of bipartisan solidarity. Among them was MPP Aris Babikian (Scarborough–Agincourt), Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and a key organizer of the event. As the only Armenian member of the Ontario Legislature, Babikian reflected on his personal ties to genocide history.
“As the third generation of survivors of two genocides— Armenian and Greek—I am forever indebted to Ontario and Canada for recognizing the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide and for providing me the opportunity to fulfill my potential and serve the people of this province,” he noted. Babikian invited several of his Progressive Conservative colleagues to join him in honouring the Armenian community and reaffirming the province’s commitment to remembrance.
Progressive Conservatives from across the GTA and Ontario attended in support, including Hon. Graham McGregor Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (Brampton North); Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill); Hon. Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries (Niagara West); and Hon. Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (Durham). They were joined by provincial parliamentarians Effie Triantafilopoulos (Oakville North—Burlington); Logan Kanapathi (Markham— Thornhill); Sheref Sabawy (Mississauga—Erin Mills); Dawn Gallagher Murphy (Newmarket—Aurora); Andrew Dowie (Windsor—Tecumseh); Billy Pang (Markham–Unionville); and Laura Smith (Thornhill).
The New Democratic Party was represented at the April 16 commemoration by MPP Tom Rakocevic (Humber River—Black Creek), who delivered a message of solidarity on behalf of the NDP. Joined by colleagues Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale—High Park), France Gélinas (Nickel Belt), and Chris Glover (Spadina— Fort York), Rakocevic reaffirmed the party’s support for justice and human rights. He also recalled the historic October 21, 2020, ‘Take Note’ session at the Ontario Legislature, when 11 MPPs united in a powerful statement against Azerbaijan’s aggression toward the people of Artsakh.
Remarks by the Ontario Liberal Party were delivered by MPPs Jonathan Tsao (Don Valley North) and Dr. Adil Shamji (Don Valley East). In his remarks, Tsao announced that he would introduce his first petition to the Legislative Assembly, calling for the continued recognition of May as Armenian Heritage Month and April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. The petition, which he introduced later that day, acknowledges both the significant contributions of Armenian-Canadians to the province and the enduring need to remember the victims of the genocide.
They were joined by Liberal colleagues from across the Toronto area, including Stephanie Bowman (Don Valley West), Andrea Hazell (Scarborough—Guildwood), Stephanie Smyth (Toronto— St. Paul’s), and Rob Cerjanec (Ajax).
Green Party MPP Aislinn Clancy (Kitchener Centre) also offered reflections and expressed her solidarity with the Armenian community in its pursuit of justice and recognition.
Among the distinguished guests were Deputy Mayor and Richmond Hill Councillor Godwin Chan; Karnig Hasserjian, Chair of the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto; Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian and Rev. Fr. Hayari Tanashian of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church; and Pastor Zohrab Sarkissian of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. Representatives from Armenian community organizations and grassroots initiatives were also in attendance, demonstrating the community’s unity and resilience.
In a press statement issued on April 21, the ANCT extended its gratitude to all speakers, guests, and attendees, with special thanks to MPP Aris Babikian for his sponsorship and support.
Babikian mentioned the commemoration in his remarks in the Ontario Legislature the following day. "A large number of the Legislative Assembly members from all parties joined religious and lay leaders of the GTA Armenian community in → 21
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Toronto city council approves waiver of over $600,000 in fees for Armenian Youth Centre expansion
TORONTOHYE—In a major boost to its expansion efforts, the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto (ACC) has announced that Toronto City Council has officially approved a waiver of over $600,000 in developmentrelated fees for the expansion of the Armenian Youth Centre (AYC). The decision paves the way for construction to begin this summer.
The waiver was made possible through a motion brought forward by Councillor Shelley Carroll and seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow. Their support removes a major financial barrier for the project and marks a significant milestone in the ACC’s broader efforts to expand and modernize its facilities to better serve the growing Armenian-Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
“We are deeply grateful to Councillor Carroll for championing our cause and recognizing the vital role our Centre plays in serving youth, families, and newcomers across the GTA,” the ACC said in a statement. “Her leadership and the City’s support ensure that our dream of a larger, more inclusive space for cultural, educational, and community programming is becoming a reality.”
This announcement comes on the heels of a broader campaign, ACC Beyond, which aims to enhance and expand the Armenian Youth Centre. As previously reported, the project will introduce a two-story, 16,000-square-foot addition featuring eight new training rooms, a robotics lab, an arts studio, an expanded cafeteria, a student lounge, and more—all fully accessible and designed to meet the needs of the next generation.
A rendering of the expanded Armenian Youth Centre (graphic courtesy of ACC Beyond)
For over 50 years, the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto has been the heart of our community — a place where culture thrives, friendships grow, and traditions are passed down. Now, it’s time to take the next step.
The ACC has already secured over $3 million in combined federal and provincial support through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program campaigns.
We are proud to introduce the ACC Beyond Fundraising Campaign, a transformative project for our home at 50 Hallcrown Place.
We are thrilled to upgrade our space to serve you better and create an even more welcoming environment for future generations.
Founded in 1967, the ACC has grown into a central hub for Toronto’s Armenian community, hosting a range of educational, cultural, athletic, and social programs. The Armenian Youth Centre, located at 50 Hallcrown Place, first opened its doors in 2004 and has since become a cornerstone for youth engagement in the community.
More details can be found by visiting www.accbeyond.com
This journey starts today, and we need you to be part of it. Will you help us take ACC Beyond?
With the City of Toronto’s strong show of support, the ACC is poised to begin an exciting new chapter. Construction on the expansion is set to begin this summer, moving the Centre one step closer to realizing its vision of a larger, more vibrant, and inclusive space for all. ֎
կարկանդակի հատումը կատարեցին մասնաճիւղիս երիցագոյն անդամ Նուարդ Գրիգորեան, որ ՀՕՄ-ի ջահը վառելով փոխանցեց կրտսերագոյն
ընդառաջել մահուան շեփորին,
հողը սուրբ հայրենական, Պատի՛ւը հայուն, Սրբութիւննե՛րը, Մագաղաթնե՛րը մեր նուիրական, Իրենց մարմինը վահան դարձուցած՝ Թուրք դահիճներու կապարներուն դէմ, Ու դիւցազնական գոյամարտերով
Վե՛րջ տուին անոնց դժխեմ ծրագրին.
Սարդարապատէ՛ն
Ղարաքիլիսա՛ Ու Բաշապարա՛ն,
For you, the Armenian soldier
Arman Ghaloosian
We did not ask you to carry such a burden, Yet you carry it regardless. We did not ask you to defend Mother Armenia against such madness and evil, Yet you defend her to your last breath.
You deserve so much more dear friends, dear brothers and sisters. You deserve to dance and sing under our peaceful skies, as it was always intended. You deserve to drink and be nourished by the untouched bounty of our home. Yet, so much is done to prevent you from doing so.
You ride to war.
You journey into the heart of fire, where darkness finds you. Yet, amidst the cold abyss, you shine as bright as the sun that graces your playful homeland. An eternal light, that is unwilling to fade, surpassing all means of the night.
You go with smiles on your faces, upon the stomping of your feet on the good earth of our ancestors. To the rhythms and melodies of our motherland. With such determination and purpose, that the mountains echo with your calls for eternal courage.
Mind Matters
Those calls are forever etched onto the highlands of your home, where they await you.
We did not ask you to carry such a burden and yet, you go with the might of so few, against the hate of so many. You deserve so much more dear friend. One day may you find peace in our land. May you find all else but war and may it come as swift as the spirit that carries you.
We are forever in your debt, brave soldier of Armenia. Defender of the highlands, guardian of the gate to heaven, protector of the promised land. Let the sun shine on you as it always should.
May you not be burdened with being the only light in the dark.
May the blessings of all those who have come before, guide you. To victory, in all times, but most importantly to times of peace. The only thing you truly desire. Let there be peace in the mountains once more.
Let your calls be heard, so you may rest and live beneath our playful skies, as they once were. ֎
Արցունքները եկան ու չդադրեցան։
GROUNDBREAKING
The Armenian Community Centre of Toronto invites you all to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new AYC expansion project.
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025 11:00AM
Լենային
[vegan]
Սնկալոշ
(6 հատ)
•
•
•
Ուղղահայեաց
2. (գոյ.) Թորոնթոյի հաքիի (hockey) խումբը (թարգմանաբար). թղկիի ________
5. (անուն) լիճ՝ Հայաստանի Գեղարքունիքի մարզին մէջ. ան աշխարհի՝ քաղցրահամ ջուր ունեցող 2-րդ բարձրադիր լիճն է
6. (բայ) իրարմէ բաժնուիլ, հերձուիլ, ջլատուիլ
7. (անուն) մեր թերթին անունը
8. (ածական) գէշ, վատ, վնասակար
9. (գոյ.) բոյսը հողին կապող մաս, սկզբնապատճառ, ծագում (բառի)
Five friends — Heros, Garen, Serjik, Aram, and Vartkez — are seated around a circular table, deep in discussion about Armenian politics. We’re told that Serjik and Aram are sitting next to each other, while Heros and Garen are not seated beside one another. Can you figure out who is sitting on either side of Vartkez?
a. Heros & Serjik b. Heros & Garen c. Garen & Aram d. Serjik & Aram e. Aram & Heros f. Garen & Serjik
20th anniversary! (answers on pg. 22)
Senior problem
In the addition shown, the letters X and Y each represent single digits, and the sum of the three numbers is 1XX7. What is the product of the digits X and Y equal to?
Armen’s Math Corner
Canadian Armenian Private Garden Section
In Tribute to Armenia, as symbolized by Holy Mt. Ararat, and to the Armenian people who were the first to embrace and adopt Christianity as a State religion in 301, and the first nation to be crucified in 19151923 falling victim to the first genocide of the 20th century. For the glory of a reborn free Armenia world-wide, whose generations of sons and daughters continue to believe in justice world-wide.
Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries
Please Contact our
For Your Personalized Appointment
Contact: Rosa Crognale
Michelle Richards Tel: 416-899-1174
Tel: 416-990-6516
Email: mrichards@arbormemorial.com
Email: rcrogn@mountpleasantgroup.com
Maria Larin Tel: 647-909-1881
Email: mlarin@arbormemorial.com
4164 Sheppard Avenue East Scarborough, Ontario MIS 1T3
