The Ararat Hockey Club unites Armenian youth, including Toronto’s own Lucas Arabian
By Tamar Dekirmenjian
June was coming to an end and the ice rink was being prepared for another tournament game in Nashville. The atmosphere was cold, but there was much warmth in the hearts of many.
The weekend of June 27, 2025 was filled with Armenian pride and camaraderie for the Ararat Hockey Club and their 14 players. This dream had been months in the making, since October of 2024, when Dallas Armenian resident Greg Dekirmenjian wanted to put together a team of likeminded and skilled players between the ages of 11 and 12 who could compete and represent our nation. Many phone calls to communities and churches were made diligently, and although this sport is a niche within our community, a head coach was found: Andy Gevorgyan from Los Angeles, who was also able to help find players and coach the group. This would be the inaugural season for this Armenian youth hockey club.
Now the team and tournament locations were set. The Ararat Hockey Club would compete at the Music City Cup in Nashville, Tennessee. But how would these young boys play together when most were meeting for the first time? Exactly how our ancestors accepted challenges: to rise above, persevere, and conquer, no matter what may lie ahead.
Armenian families from all over North America (Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas, Calgary, and Toronto) flew into Nashville, unaware of how the weekend would unfold. And as William Saroyan stated, “See if the race will not live again when two of them meet…” and that is precisely what happened. The families clicked, bonded, and formed friendships for a lifetime. Armenian music was played all weekend by the poolside, in the hockey rinks, and inside the hotel.
Among the players was Toronto’s own Lucas Arabian, the team’s goalie. “Living in Toronto, hockey has always been a big part of our lives,” said his parents, Ed and Araxie Arabian. “When the opportunity arose for Lucas to be part of the Ararat Hockey team it felt like a natural decision for our family. Being able to combine our love for the sport with our Armenian heritage made this experience incredibly meaningful. Representing our community through the Ararat team was not only a source of pride but also a way to celebrate our culture and support our son in doing what he loves.”
Lucas said that he was elated to be part of an all-Armenian team as the goalie. “It was such a cool experience! I made some great friends, and I can’t wait for us to play together again,” he explained.
The players showed resilience during the competition and earned a spot in the championship game. Although they came up short of the gold, there was no shortage of talented plays. The boys took home silver, representing not a lost nation, but one where our last names and culture will be remembered within the hockey community. After all, who can forget the tricolour flags being waved from the
bleachers and Armenian music blaring during warmups and medal presentations in country music town?
As the weekend concluded, it was evident that the goal of bringing together a group interested not only in hockey but also in their Armenian identity had been met. Parents and players lingered in front of the ice rink, unwilling to part with their new friends.
The future on the ice seems bright and cool as the Ararat Hockey Club looks forward to once again participating next summer and bringing together players and families to represent our lasting nation.
JK to Grade 8
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
From the Red Desert to Jerusalem
ՏՈՒՆԸ
Գէորգ Տանայեան
THE BLOOD REMEMBERED/ THE MOUNTAIN SANG
Rupen Khajag
A flicker opened the earth, beneath a basement’s hum.
A pulse moved through iron light, and silence grew limbs.
A finger rose toward the past but touched only breath.
Names became rivers, and dialects burned into dust.
The sea exhaled memory into stones no longer standing.
Somewhere, the Mountain sang, and the blood remembered its route without asking.
Special Offer
Isabel Bayrakdarian: Ancestral Songs, Prayers, and Lullabies
Isabel Bayrakdarian: Ancestral Songs, Prayers, and Lullabies
with special guest Kevork Mourad
with special guest Kevork Mourad
Isabel Bayrakdarian: Ancestral Songs, Prayers, and Lullabies
Saturday, November 22, 2025 8pm
with special guest Kevork Mourad
Saturday, November 22, 2025 8pm Koerner Hall
Koerner Hall
Saturday, November 22, 2025 8pm Koerner Hall
The Armenian Canadian soprano gives new life to beloved children’s songs, lullabies, and prayers that have been passed down generation after generation from her homeland, accompanied by live drawing by Kevork Mourad – a collaboration in which art and music harmonize with one another.
The Armenian Canadian soprano gives new life to beloved children’s songs, lullabies, and prayers that have been passed down generation after generation from her homeland, accompanied by live drawing by Kevork Mourad – a collaboration in which art and music harmonize with one another.
The Armenian Canadian soprano gives new life to beloved children’s songs, lullabies, and prayers that have been passed down generation after generation from her homeland, accompanied by live drawing by Kevork Mourad – a collaboration in which art and music harmonize with one another.
SPECIAL 25% TICKET DISCOUNT
SPECIAL 25% TICKET DISCOUNT
SPECIAL 25% TICKET DISCOUNT
For 25% off tickets to this concert, simply quote thecode: ARMENIAN25 when you call 416.408.0208, book tickets online,or visit the Weston Family Box Office in person
For 25% off tickets to this concert, simply quote thecode: ARMENIAN25 when you call 416.408.0208, book tickets online,or visit the Weston Family Box Office in person
For 25% off tickets to this concert, simply quote thecode: ARMENIAN25 when you call 416.408.0208, book tickets online,or visit the Weston Family Box Office in person
Groups and individuals providing promotional support for the concert Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Maral and Simon Hasserjian, Lena Ouzounian, Tenny Nigoghossian, Mig Migirdicyan and Vazken Kerametlian
Groups and individuals providing promotional support for the concert Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Maral and Simon Hasserjian, Lena Ouzounian, Tenny Nigoghossian, Mig Migirdicyan and Vazken Kerametlian
Groups and individuals providing promotional support for the concert Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Maral and Simon Hasserjian, Lena Ouzounian, Tenny Nigoghossian, Mig Migirdicyan and Vazken Kerametlian
Responding to challenges in the healthcare system in Armenia
By Dr. Ani Hasserjian
Fifty-one years ago, in 1974, the first Armenian Medical World Congress (AMWC) was held in Beirut, Lebanon. That gathering marked a milestone, uniting Armenian healthcare professionals from across the globe. Out of that success, the Armenian Medical International Committee (AMIC) was formally established in 1990 as a non-political, non-profit umbrella organization to connect Armenian medical associations worldwide, promote scientific exchange, and strengthen healthcare in Armenia and across the diaspora.
Since then, AMIC has organized 14 congresses in cities across the world—from Venice, Montreal, and Lyon to Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, and New York— bringing together generations of Armenian doctors, dentists, researchers, and public health experts. The congresses remain an important platform for dialogue, education, and innovation, and for reinforcing the bond between diaspora professionals and the homeland.
This July, nearly 600 participants gathered in Madrid, Spain, for AMWC-2025, held at the historic Complutense University of Madrid's Medical Faculty. The theme, "Medicine in motion: Turning scientific insights into action," underscored the urgency of applying research and professional expertise to realworld challenges, particularly those faced by Armenia today.
Canada was represented by three physicians. Dr. Krikor Balabanian (Montréal) presented the projects of the Armenian Medical Association of Quebec (AMAQ). Dr. Cyril Tahtadjian (Mississauga) outlined the initiatives of the Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario (ACMAO). And Dr. Ani Hasserjian (Toronto), also representing ACMAO, delivered a presentation titled “Responding to challenges in the healthcare system in Armenia."
***
Dear Colleagues,
I am honoured and privileged to address this distinguished group of healthcare professionals on behalf of the Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario (ACMAO).
I extend my gratitude and congratulations to the Armenian Medical International Committee (AMIC) and to the Organizing Committee, led by Dr. Lilian Grigorian, for continuing the mission of AMWC. Fiftyone years after the first Congress in Beirut, Lebanon, you have brought us together once again—this time in Madrid—for the 14th AMWC.
For 37 years, ACMAO's work has focused on providing medical and dental assistance to Armenia and Artsakh. Between September 1998 and September 2023, under the leadership of the NGO Hand in Hand, ACMAO played a significant role in establishing four dental clinics, a women's health clinic, and two mobile dental clinics in Artsakh. Following the genocidal
ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan, the forcibly displaced people of Artsakh now reside in Armenia, where they continue to need our humanitarian support—financial assistance, moral encouragement, medical aid, protection, and prayers. This displacement is not only a political and humanitarian crisis; it is also a serious public health challenge.
Armenia's medical system, though resource-limited, has shown resilience in the past. Today, however, it is under immense strain, with overburdened infrastructure, a lack of access to specialized care, a growing mental health crisis, public health concerns, and burnout among healthcare professionals. To respond effectively and to revive diaspora assistance, we need a multi-tiered strategy that combines shortterm emergency relief with sustained long-term reforms. This requires the active involvement of the government, local communities, NGOs, international partners, diaspora organizations, and medical associations such as ours. We must continue to work hand in hand, extending support to all those who are struggling in dire situations.
One of the most urgent priorities is strengthening access to primary and emergency care. Clinics and hospitals must be stabilized, particularly in regional provinces, and new centres created to serve rural populations. Mobile health units can provide muchneeded services in villages, as exemplified by the mobile dental clinic that will be inaugurated next week in Syunik with the participation of AMIC and the Armenian International Dental Association (AIDA). Expanding the training of family doctors to serve underserved communities, providing essential equipment and medicines to rural areas, and establishing regional emergency clinics are all crucial steps.
Equally important is building healthcare workforce capacity. Doctors and providers must be supported to prevent burnout, with incentives such as housing and services to encourage young professionals to work in
rural areas. They also need access to psychological support and counselling, as well as continuing education opportunities. Diaspora exchange programs and expanded training in telemedicine can further strengthen the healthcare workforce and build resilience across the system.
Mental health must also be prioritized. Many people continue to suffer from trauma, PTSD, displacement, uncertainty, loss, and anxiety. Addressing these challenges requires retraining psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and social workers, while promoting mental health awareness in schools and clinics. Community-based trauma groups can offer support, while public education campaigns are essential to reduce stigma and promote acceptance.
Another pressing area is ensuring access to essential medications and chronic care. Displaced people and those living with chronic illnesses must not be left without treatment. Free or subsidized medicines for those in need, a national health registry for displaced persons, and reliable access to basic chronic care medicines in village pharmacies are necessary measures.
Finally, diaspora and international support remain indispensable. Although donor fatigue is a reality in many Armenian communities, the Armenian government and Ministry of Health must work hand in hand with diaspora organizations to maximize impact. This includes encouraging diaspora medical missions, ensuring fair treatment of donated medical aid at customs, and creating sister-hospital partnerships that build enduring collaboration between Armenia and the diaspora.
While manpower and resources within diaspora medical associations are limited, united and effective measures can help us achieve these goals. By working together—turning scientific insights into action—we can support our brothers and sisters in Armenia and help build a stronger healthcare infrastructure for the future. ֎
Լենային
հայկական խոհանոցը
[vegan]
աղցան
(3-5 անձի համար)
•
• 4
• 2-3
• 5-10
• 3
•
1. (գոյ.) բուսական իւղ,
2. (ածական) զգալի, դրական,
6. (գոյ.) զարգացում,
7. (գոյ.) ժամացոյց
9. (գոյ.) նշանակութիւն,
14. (գոյ.) հին սովորութիւններ, կարգեր
15. (գոյ.) պսակ, արքայական խոյր, թագաւորութիւն
16. (գոյ.) նախնիներէն ձգուած ինչք կամ աւանդ
18. (ածական) պէսպէս, կերպկերպ, բազմապիսի
19. (գոյ.) որթատունկի պտուղ
20. (գոյ.) լման իրաւասութիւններով օժտուած (անդամ)
Ուղղահայեաց
1. (բայ) ընծայել, նուիրել
3. (գոյ.) ազգերու պատմութեան վերաբերող գիտութիւն
4. (գոյ.) անձ, գոյակ, արարած, շնչաւոր
5. (գոյ.) ոսկեխնձոր,
(տօմաթէս)
8. (յոգնակի գոյ.) ջուրի
10. (գոյ.) համեմուած
11. (գոյ.)
12. (բայ)
13. (գոյ.) համեմաբոյս,
17. (գոյ.) գեղարուեստական
խաչ-բառ
sudoku)
Junior problem
Marietta wants to call Rosita. She already knows the first four digits of Rosita's phone number and their correct order. She also knows that the last three digits are 1, 6, and 8, but she does not know their order. Marietta writes down every possible seven-digit phone number Rosita could have. How many of the numbers in her list are wrong?
Senior problem
A positive integer is divisible by 24 and contains only the digits 0 and 1. Among such numbers, it is the smallest possible. How many digits does this number have?
Armen’s Math Corner
20th anniversary! (answers on pg. 18)
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
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