Talking Vartan Podcast

Episode 14, entitled "We Remember" commemorates the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in both words and music. Among the participants are our leaders, Grand Commander Steven Adams and Grand Matron Alice Kalustian. We'll talk to Past Grand Commander Dr. Dennis Papazian, a scholar, and lecturer on Armenian affairs about how genocide affects us still, both historically and politically. Past Commander of Ararat Lodge, The Reverend Father Antranig Baljian will offer a special prayer for the victims of the genocide. We'll pay tribute to the victims in song with music from Charles Aznavour, George Garvarentz, and Alan Hovhaness. Finally, my mother and sister will join me in introducing you to my grandfather, a genocide survivor who wrote about his experiences in heart-wrenching detail. Hosted and Produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston.

Episode 13 focuses on the changes in our lives caused by the Covid-19 Virus. We will speak to Dr. Knarik Arkun, Matron of Arpie Otyag No. 9 in Boston, about being a physician and a mother during this health crisis. Her husband, Asbed Aram Arkun of Ararat Lodge No. 1, discusses the challenges of publishing a weekly newspaper during the Coronavirus pandemic. Past Matron and Southwest District Grand District Representative Sonia Serpekian describes how California Knights and Daughters are coping, while Communications Liaison Gohar Palyan gives her observations of life in Armenia during this crisis. Hosted and Produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston.

Episode 12 features a profile of Nareg-Sharvarshan No. 6 and Zabelle Otyag No. 12 and features a conversation with Commander Kazar Terterian and Matron Lisa Aglamishian. The conversation focuses on the diverse Armenian community in the Detroit, Michigan area and the challenges and the rewards of having a Tahlij and Otyag and making a positive difference in an area far from other Knights and Daughters of Vartan lodges.

Episode 11 features a conversation with Daughters of Vartan Grand Matron Alice Kalustian, speaking from San Fernando Valley, California. The Avak Dirouhie discusses her nearly five decades as a member of the Daughters of Vartan, her family, visiting Armenia and her work with Mer Hooys, The House of Hope for Girls in Armenia.

Episode 10 features highlights of a gala banquet in honor of NS Jack Medzorian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston. The gala was held on Sunday, November 17, 2019 in Watertown, Massachusetts. Hosted and produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Lodge no. 1 in Boston.

Episode 9 of "Talking Vartan" looks back at the recent "Veratarts Hayrenik" or "Back to the Homeland" by some 35 Knights and Daughters of Vartan in September of 2019. The guests are Grand Commander Steve Adams and Commander Tigran Sahakyan of Mamigonian Lodge No. 12 in New York, who was also Co-Chair of the organizing committee which planned"Veratarts Hayrenik 4".

Episode 8 feature3s a conversation with Matron (Dirouhie) Linda Keighley Short of Aig Otyag No. 10 in Providence, Rhode Island. She talks about managing an Otyag in Rhode Island even while living in California. She also discusses the work of her Otyag and the steps taken to make it easier for those who wish to be involved to do so.

Episode 7 of "Talking Vartan" features an interview with Asbed Aram Arkun of Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston. Arkun talks about his career in journalism as Assistant Editor and Chief of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator and Executive Director of The Tekeyan Cultural Association. The conversation was recorded on-location in Watertown, Massachusetts. Hosted and Produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston.

Episode 6 is a recap of the recent Knights and Daughters of Vartan Grand Convocation in Las Vegas from July 10-13, 2019. Hosted and Produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston, this podcast episode was recorded entirely on-location in Las Vegas.

Episode 5 is a preview of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Grand Convocation in Las Vegas, Nevada. Host and Producer Asbed David Medzorian introduces us to Naghkin Sbarabed Steven Adams of Yeprad Tahlij No. 9 in Fresno, California, who is expected to be elected as the Grand Commander or Avak Sbarabed of the Knights of Vartan at the upcoming Grand Convocation. Hosted and Produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Tahlij No. 1 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Episode 4 features a profile of Ardashad Tahlij No. 5 and Shooshanig Otyag No. 1 in Philadelphia. Guests are Sbarabed Vicken Bazarbashian and Dirouhie Araxi Bozadjian. Topics include the Philadelphia Armenian Community the restoration project for the Meher Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Hosted and produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Episode 3 profiles Gayane Otyag No. 22 in San Fernando Valley in California. Guests are Dirouhie Marie Jamgotchian and Nakgheen Dirouhie Nancy Hammoudian. topics include recruiting new members, the role and mission of the Daughters of Vartan, charitable projects involving the Gayane Otyag, visits to Armenia and collaboration and support by and for the Knights of Vartan. Hosted and Produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Tahlij No. 1 in Boston.

Episode Two profiles the Mamigonian Talij No. 12 in New York City and features a conversation with Sbarabed Tigran Sahakyan and Nakgheen Sbarabed Ari Minnetyan. The pair discuss the various projects that lodge members are involved in both in New York and in Armenia. They also preview the Genocide Commemoration Program to be held in Times Square on Sunday, April 28th. Hosted and Produced by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston, Massachusetts

Episode 1 profiles Ararat Lodge No. 1 and Arpie Otyag No. 9, both in Boston. Sparabed Argishti Chaparian and Nagheen Sparabed Jack Medzorian discuss the Ararat Lodge's many humanitarian projects underway in Armenia. Lodge Secretary Nerses Zurabyan talks about the Diaspora for Frontline Family Fund, which provides money to the children of Armenian soldiers who died in battle. Dihouri Dr. Knarik Arkun of Arpie Otyag no. 9 discusses the resurgence in the Daughters of Vartan membership and activities in Boston and promotes the upcoming City of Smile Fundraising Gala to be held in Waltham, Massachusetts on April 5th. Produced and Hosted by Asbed David Medzorian of Ararat Lodge No. 1.