The establishment of the Armenian General Benevolent Union 120 years ago was celebrated with gratitude and continuity
On March 28, 2026, Plovdiv became a center of tradition and spirituality, hosting a landmark charity gala evening on the occasion of the remarkable 120th anniversary of the AGBU.
The celebration was honored by official guests, including H.E. Ms. Tsovinar Hambartsumyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Bulgaria and H.E. Father Hrach Muradyan – Vicar of the Armenian Diocese in Bulgaria and spiritual shepherd of the Plovdiv community over the past decade.
A special greeting to those present was also delivered in an official address by the President of the AGBU – Mr. Sam Simonyan.
Support for the event was expressed by Artur Hovhannisyan, Chairman of the Union of Armenians in Europe, and the significance of the Charity Gala was further emphasized by the presence of prominent representatives of AGBU and the Armenian community in Bulgaria, including Mr. Agop Movsesyan – Chairman of AGBU – Burgas, Mrs.Sarpuhi Derandonian, Chairwoman of AGBU Haskovo, Mrs. Nora Derandonian – Secretary of the Ararat Community Center – Haskovo, Mr. Garo Kumruyan, Member of the Board of AGBU – Varna and Mr. Ohanes Panikyan, Chairman of the Church Board of Trustees of the Surp Astvadzadzin church – Sofia.
The evening, realized in partnership with the Union of Armenians in Europe, passed under the inspiring motto of youth and continuity. A strong accent was placed at the beginning with the captivating performance of the dance group YAN (AGBU Plovdiv), whose energy took over the hall.
In emotional addresses, current and former scholarship holders of the union, shared their personal mission: preserving the Armenian identity as a living testament for generations.
The program skillfully interwoven official greetings, a charity auction, an exquisite raffle and a traditional quadrille, symbolically ending with the cutting of the anniversary cake.
With deep gratitude, we announce that the amount of 18,000 euros was collected during the gala evening. These funds are a valuable investment in the future of our youth and our cultural heritage, and will support:
·The educational and cultural initiatives Discover Armenia and Armenians Come Together
·A creative camp and master classes for the YAN dance ensemble in Armenia
·The large-scale spectacle “Two Houses”, which on September 13 this year will bring together on the stage of the Ancient Theater in Plovdiv the National Dance Ensemble of Armenia and the Thrace ensemble.
Our unity at this Gala evening proved once again that united through giving, we not only preserve the Armenian spirit, but also pass it on stronger to those who come after us.
Philanthropy aimed at youth is an investment in the future that brings the highest return — not in numbers, but in human potential. When we support children and youth, we give them the chance to dream boldly, develop their talents, and build the confidence that will guide them throughout their lives.