Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in Lebanon
The Armenian General Benevolent Union was founded in Cairo, Egypt on April 15, 1906 through the vision and commendable efforts of Boghos Noubar Pasha and a group of notable Armenians. This national, humanitarian, charitable and social organization has become the guiding light of the Armenian people with its wise motto, “UNITY IS STRENGTH”.
From the day of its foundation, the AGBU objective has been to serve the Armenian people by promoting their physical, economic as well as educational standards.
Immediately after the Armenian Genocide, AGBU focused its activities on finding and saving Armenian orphans scattered throughout the Middle East, collecting them in newly-established orphanages, giving them shelter, food and education, and even later finding jobs for them. Thus, many orphanages were established by the efforts of AGBU, and thousands of Armenians owed their life, security and education to the AGBU.
After the First World War the Central Administrative Offices of the Union was transferred first to Paris, France and then to New York, U.S.A. .
AGBU, both in Armenia and abroad has focused on promoting the economic, social and educational sectors. Furthermore it has supported the Armenian Church and gradually expanded its services to establish funds, private schools, and dispensaries. In 1988, it extended far-reaching assistance to the survivors of the Armenian earthquake. Later with the independence of Armenia in 1991, AGBU, through the generosity of thousands of donors, began a new era of major cultural and humanitarian projects in Armenia.
The Union has over 200 branches in 24 countries, with 25,000 members and a multitude of supporters.
The first chapter was founded in 1910, in Beirut, Lebanon, by the initiation of the acting prelate Bedros Sarajian who later became Catholicos of Cilicia. The worthwhile objectives of the Union attracted numerous members. As of 1920, the branch concentrated its services to aid orphans and provide workshops for them. The humanitarian and financial support that AGBU provided to the Armenian community reached its peak in the 1930’s. These successful efforts towards promoting health and education encouraged the establishment of several branches in different areas in Lebanon.
New chapters were established, and the Union’s operation became widespread:
- Zahle in 1927
- Tripoli, Jounieh, Sidon, Tyre, Sin El-Fil during 1928
- Rmeil in 1929
- Ghazir in 1930
- Bourj Hammoud, Nor Hadjen, and Ashrafiyyeh in 1938
- Aley, Jbeil, Bikfaya, Mardjayoun, Rayyak in 1939
On November 18, 1945, Lebanon’s first District Committee was held at St. George Hotel in the presence of nine local dignitaries and three representatives of the AGBU board; The members of the District Committee were appointed and their functions were defined.
The newly-formed District Committee soon assumed its responsibilities, and ever since its leaders have exhibited great enthusiasm and dedication.
Through the years, the District Committee was headed by the following chairmen:
- Mr. Takvor Palandjian (1945-1947)
- Mr. Mihran Chelebi (1947-1954)
- Mr. Yervant Demirdjian (1954-1972)
- Mr. Garbis Nazarian (1972-1988)
- Mr. Hagop Altounian (1988-1993)
- Mr. Noubar Nazarian (1993-1996)
- Mr. Avedis Demirdjian (1996-to date)
In 1945, the first AGBU Educational Committee was founded with Mr. Puzant Yeghiaian as chairman.
Many schools were established by AGBU and submitted to the Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon.
- AGBU’s first private school, the “Tarouhy Hagopian Secondary School for Girls” was founded in 1939. In 1960, the building of the school was constructed with Takvor Pasha Hagopian as benefactor.
AGBU continued to establish other schools:
- “Hovagimian Manougian Secondary School for Boys”, founded in 1947. In 1951, the building was constructed and had Mr. Sarkis Hovagimian and Mrs. Mehrubeh Manougian as benefactors.
- “Antelias Elementary School” 1956-1974.
- “Yervant Demirdjian Elementary School” in 1957 ( Yervant Demirdjian as benefactor).
- “Levon G. Nazarian Elementary School” in 1962, ( Nazarian family as benefactor).
- “Yervant Hussissian Institute for Armenian Studies” 1965-1994 (Yervant Hussissian as benefactor).
- “Boghos K. Garmirian School” founded in 1974, (Haji Kevork Garmirian as benefactor) .
- “Technical College” operating in Nazarian School, 1979-1997.
All these schools are subsidized by the AGBU. In addition, every year AGBU grants university scholarships to more than 70 students in Lebanon only.
The most recent achievement of the AGBU in Lebanon is the “Noubar Nazarian” building which was completed in 1998. It was donated by the Nazarian family to serve as the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon.
At present, AGBU Lebanon has 11 chapters in Beirut, Tripoli, Zahle, Batroun, Bourj Hammoud, Antelias and Sin El-Fil.
The official publication of AGBU Lebanon is the monthly “Khosnag”.
During the Lebanese civil war, the AGBU helped the homeless and families in dire needs, and ensured free medicine and medical care.
The Union also contributed to the reconstruction of houses demolished during the war’s ferocious bombardments.
Between 1976 and 1991, AGBU distributed food parcels and supported the needy families financially. Many members of the Union volunteered to distribute food and financial aid.
Through the years 1975-1991 AGBU dispensaries in Beirut, Antelias and Zahle provided medical and dental care to 278,633 patients.
Antranik Youth Association (AYA) in Lebanon
Founded in 1931, enjoys the moral and financial support of the AGBU.
This association has branches and youth clubs in several locations in Lebanon such as:
- Alex Manougian Center in Watwat, Beirut.
- AYA Clubs in Bourj Hammoud, Remeil, Sin-El_Fil, Antelias, Tripoli and Zahle.
The activities include scouting, sports (athletics, basketball, table tennis, soccer, cycling) and cultural events. The Association’s main objective is to help in developing loyal Lebanese citizens and to foster brotherhood and understanding between various Lebanese youth associations and groups.
In order to achieve this aim, various sub-committees have been created that are directed to involve the youth in their activities:
- Scouts Movement.
- Antranik Cultural Committee.
- University Students Organization.
- Vahram Papazian Theatre group.
- The AYA Chorus and Dance Ensemble.
- The Pourasdan Club for flower arrangement.
In 1957, the “Knight’ Committee” was established. It consists of AYA married couples who provide financial and moral support to all the other youth activities of the Antranik Association.
Since October 1996, the AGBU Demirdjian Center, in Antelias, has provided a new venue for cultural, sports and youth activities, these include aerobics, modern ballet, artistic gymnastics and a summer camp for children. The center is a multimillion modern complex, donated by the generosity of the Demirdjian family, providing facilities which include a gym, a covered basket-ball court, a tennis court, and a glamorous banquet-concert hall.
Through the years, the AYA Central Committee was headed by:
- Archbishop Yeghishe Garoian.
- Mr. Puzant Yeghiaian.
- Mr. Khatcher Kaloustian.
- Mr. Sissag Varjabedian.
- Dr. Mihran Simonian.
- Mr. Garbis Markarian.
- Mr. Garo Jeghalian (Actual Chairman).
The AYA family is remarkable for its activities and for the vital role it plays in the lives of the young Lebanese Armenians.
Members, volunteers, professionals, consultants and staff have been crucial to the success of all AGBU and AYA programs throughout the years. But, as a non-profit organization, it is the donors who have made it all possible. With annual contributions and with the establishment of permanent endowments, donors by thousands have for a century made a big difference in the lives of several generations.