As one walked into the foyer of the Biotech Center Auditorium, there was an array of traditional Armenian food begging to be eaten, while Armenian music played in the background. The spread included beoreg, layers of philo dough wrapped around a cheese filling, sojouk; Armenian sausage; basterma, dried fillet minion with spices; and cheoreg, a sweet bread. These were prepared by the women’s guild of St. Peter Armenian Church with the assistance of the members of the Armenian Student Association.
After everyone had a chance to explore the plethora of options to satisfy their taste buds, the presentation began. The president of the ASA, Vagan Babajanyan, greeted everyone with the aid of Father Stepanos Doudoukjian, Pastor of the St. Peter, and introduced Jason Demerjian. Demerjian represented the Diocese of the Armenian Church in donating Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart: an English speaking translation of St. Grigor Narekatsi, by Thomas J. Samuelian to the Chapel and Cultural Center.
The guest speaker for the night, Dr. Abraham Terian, professor and academic dean at St. Nersess Armenian seminary, was then introduced by Babajanyan. Dr. Terian discussed the history of Armenia and its culture, but for the most part focused on religious aspects. He discussed at length the fact that there are more biblical manuscripts in Armenian than any other language and that they have been translated the least. The oldest mathematical tables are in Armenian manuscripts. With the conclusion of the lecture the floor was opened to a question-and-answer session of a few minutes. Most of the audience was expecting a more genocide-focused lecture rather than one of religion, but agreed that it was rather informative and interesting.
To close the night, Babajanyan presented Mayor Harry Tutunjian and Dr. Terian with both a T-shirt and pen. All were then dismissed back to the foyer to enjoy what was left of the Armenian delights.
For the ASA’s first event, it is fitting that it was in October, as it is Armenian culture month, as many may not know. The night was viewed as an overall success for the ASA’s first official event as a Rensselaer club. Tutunjian felt that it was a “great way to bring the Armenian community [together] with the college.” The ASA’s president commented that the night “took a lot of work and effort which paid off … good food and good things to say.” The blending of the Armenian Students of Rensselaer and the surrounding community was a coherent family allowing for the evening to flourish.
