An evening for history.
A gesture for the future.
On March 28, 2026, Plovdiv became a center of tradition and spiritual heritage as it hosted a landmark charitable gala evening celebrating the remarkable 120th anniversary of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)
The celebration was honored by distinguished guests, including H.E. Dzovinar Hambardzumyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia, and Very Reverend Father Hrach Muradyan — Vicar of the Armenian Diocese in Bulgaria and spiritual shepherd of the Plovdiv community for the past decade. A special greeting to the attendees was delivered in an official address by AGBU President Mr. Sam Simonian.
Support for the event was also expressed by Artur Ovanisyan, President of the Union of Armenians in Europe. The significance of the Charitable Gala was further highlighted by the presence of prominent representatives of AGBU and the Armenian community in Bulgaria, including Mr. Agop Movsesyan, Chair of AGBU Burgas; Mrs. Serpuhi Derandonyan, Chair of AGBU Haskovo; Nora Derandonyan, Secretary of the “Ararat” Cultural Center in Haskovo; Mr. Garo Kumruyan, Board Member of AGBU Varna; and Mr. Ohannes Panikyan, Chair of the Church Board of the “Surp Astvadzadzin” Church in Sofia.
The evening, organized in partnership with the Union of Armenians in Europe, unfolded under the inspiring theme of youth and continuity. A powerful opening was set by the captivating performance of the YAN Dance Ensemble (Plovdiv), whose energy filled the hall.
In heartfelt addresses, current and former AGBU scholarship recipients shared their personal mission: preserving Armenian identity as a living legacy for future generations.
The program skillfully intertwined official greetings, a charitable auction, an elegant raffle, and a traditional quadrille, concluding symbolically with the cutting of the anniversary cake.
With deep gratitude, we announce that the gala evening raised a total of 18,000 euros. These funds represent a meaningful investment in the future of our youth and cultural heritage, supporting:
- The educational and cultural initiatives Discover Armenia and Armenians Come Together
- A creative camp and masterclasses for the YAN Dance Ensemble in Armenia
- The large-scale production “Two Homes”, which on September 13 this year will unite on the stage of the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv the National Dance Ensemble of Armenia and Ensemble “Trakia”
Our unity at this Gala once again proved that through philanthropy we not only preserve the Armenian spirit — we pass it on stronger to those who come after us.
Charity directed toward the young is an investment in the future with the highest return — not in numbers, but in human potential. When we support children and young people, we give them the chance to dream boldly, develop their talents, and build the confidence that will guide them throughout their lives.
This is not simply assistance — it is an act of trust. A message that we believe in their power to change the world. And every helping hand extended today becomes a light they will carry forward.
Read the congratulatory address of the President of AGBU – Mr. Sam Simonyan in the News