The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) hosted its sold-out 2025 Annual Gala Banquet on Sunday, October 26, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, uniting hundreds of community leaders, public officials, and grassroots advocates for a powerful evening of unity, remembrance, and renewed commitment to Armenian advocacy. The night reached a spiritual and emotional peak with the presence and message of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, who emphasized that “justice is not human-made—it is a God-given reality,” framing the Armenian Cause as both sacred and enduring.
“What brings us together tonight is undoubtedly the Armenian Cause. And the Armenian Cause is a sacred cause because it is a cause of justice. Justice is not a human-made reality. It is a God-given reality,” declared His Holiness. “Justice is deeply rooted in the common consciousness of the Armenian people. It is not a mere notion, but it has been an existential and integral part of the Armenian nation. The life and the survival of the Armenian people are so closely connected with justice.”
His Holiness’ powerful message framed the evening’s program, setting the tone for a night that honored the legacy of Armenian advocacy while looking toward a new generation of leaders and allies continuing that mission.
Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, the Gala marked a celebration of perseverance, unity, and policy progress. Attendees were welcomed by Banquet Committee Chairlady Liliane Arejian, whose leadership helped organize an unforgettable evening.
“Whether you’ve been part of the ANCA for years or are here for the first time, welcome. You’re a part of this family now, and your presence gives us strength and inspiration,” stated Arejian. “Tonight, let’s celebrate what we’ve achieved together and look ahead with hope, unity, and love for our people and our homeland, because together we are stronger, louder, and more determined than ever.”
Delivering a powerful national perspective, ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian addressed the organization’s work in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the enduring strength and unity of the Armenian Cause.
“We are today a force that has been tested by time, yet endures,” said Hamparian. “A force that has been written off, declared dead countless times, yet rises again, and again, and again. A force that is, today, attacked by enemies foreign and domestic – yet grows even stronger.”
ANCA-WR Chairman Oshin Harootoonian expressed gratitude for the community’s steadfast support and honored the legacy of dedicated advocates.
“To all of you here tonight, thank you. You represent what Hye Tahd looks like in action – commitment, pride, and unity. Just by being here you are helping move our mission forward,” noted Harootoonian. “We dedicate this evening to Apo Saghdedjian and Nishan Kulukian, and honor these fierce advocates that left us. We are proud to commemorate them both tonight.”
Continuing the evening’s reflections, ANCA-WR Board Member Lenna Hovanessian spoke about the growth of the organization’s grassroots network and the collective responsibility to defend the Armenian Cause, the right of return of the forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh, and the release of all illegally detained Armenian POWs in Baku.
“With our mission to educate, motivate and activate our vibrant community, tonight we are united by a sacred cause, Hye Tahd,” remarked Hovanessian. “We refuse to let our enemies erase our identity, our history and our existence. That unbreakable spirit lives and breathes in all of us – from Armenia to the Diaspora. Though we all want peace, make no mistake: we are in a David and Goliath battle. But peace comes through strength, with accountability and balance of power.”
Honoree Recognitions
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi — Lifetime Achievement Award
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, one of the most consequential advocates for the Armenian Cause in U.S. history, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of leadership advancing Armenian Genocide recognition and human rights.
“Among the defining moments of my public service is the day we secured bipartisan recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” said Pelosi. “It would not have happened without your outside mobilization. Know your power in this. That is why we were successful.”
Congresswoman Young Kim — Legislator of the Year Award
Republican Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) was honored with the 2025 Legislator of the Year Award for her outstanding leadership and unwavering advocacy on issues of importance to the Armenian-American community.
“The Armenian people have endured unimaginable hardships, from the horrors of genocide to the displacement of Artsakh’s families. Yet through it all, you have preserved your culture, defended your dignity, and built vibrant communities across California and the world,” said Congresswoman Kim. “Armenia’s struggle is not isolated. It is emblematic of the broader fight for human rights, democratic values, and historical truth that transcends borders.”
Christian Solidarity International (CSI) — Human Rights Champion Award
Christian Solidarity International (CSI) received the Human Rights Champion Award for its courageous advocacy and humanitarian relief efforts on behalf of the Armenian people of Artsakh.
“While I am not Armenian, and most of my colleagues are not Armenian, we are related through the Christian faith. And that is a very, very strong bond and binds us to the Armenians,” said Dr. John Eibner, President of CSI. “Yes, the challenge is enormous, but be of good cheer. There is hope in the David versus Goliath struggle – hope in the eternal spirit of Armenia, the first Christian nation.”
Armenian Bar Association — Vahan Cardashian Award
The Armenian Bar Association was presented with the Vahan Cardashian Award for exceptional legal advocacy and steadfast defense of Armenian issues. Accepting on behalf of the organization, Board Member Lucy Varpetian reflected on unity and purpose.
“We gather here in the presence of a united, resolute diaspora – a nation without borders, bound not by geography, but by history, by tradition, and by an unshakable sense of duty to the people and the land we love,” stated Varpetian. “May we too find strength in that message – not in the towering heights, but in being deeply rooted in our homeland, in service, and in one another.”
Schwartz Semerdjian Law Firm — Advocate for Justice Award
The distinguished San Diego-based Schwartz Semerdjian Law Firm was honored with the Advocate for Justice Award for its steadfast legal defense of the ANCA-WR in a politically motivated lawsuit filed by an Azerbaijani attorney – a case that underscored the importance of courage and integrity in advocacy.
“This case underscores the necessity to not be fearful of adversaries, especially when standing up for truth and justice. I’m honored and humbled to receive the Advocate for Justice Award, and I thank you for allowing our firm the opportunity to represent this great cause,” remarked Gerald Semerdjian in a video statement.
Voices of Advocacy and Unity
Armen Hovannisian, Esq., of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee, called for renewed unity and determination in defending Armenia and Artsakh.
“Let our voices rise high, to speak of our commitment to what those before us set out to do. And let us tell those who live in darkness and fear, who are enemies and skeptics of life, that the Armenians of Artsakh and Armenians everywhere in the world have a fundamental right to live freely and safely – especially in their current and ancestral homelands,” said Hovannisian. “What we must do now in 2025 and beyond is to fight like hell to ensure that the legacy of a land and a people which rose from the rubble of shattered lives and of a ravaged homeland in 1915 remains not only alive but relevant – and that justice and accountability in all their forms are pursued, and by all means necessary.”
Longtime congressional ally Brad Sherman reaffirmed his enduring partnership with the ANCA-WR and commitment to human rights and accountability in Artsakh.
“I look forward to Armenia once again demonstrating that it is a beacon to democracy and a place where everyone can say what is on their minds and that the freedom of speech is supreme,” stated Congressman Sherman. “Our focus is to demand that Baku release the POWs and demand that the people of Artsakh be able to return to their homes in safety and with protection.”
The Next Generation
The Gala also included a tribute to the next generation of advocates, as ANCA-WR Community Coordinator Garen Jinbachian presented certificates to the 2025 ANCA-WR interns for their outstanding contributions.
“The interns remind us that our survival was never an accident, but an act of will, of courage, and of voice,” noted Jinbachian. “The interns don’t just learn about advocacy – they breathe it. They are the heartbeat of our movement, the energy behind our campaigns, the voice behind our calls, the conviction behind every letter sent and every truth spoken.”
A Night of Legacy and Renewal
More than a celebration, the Gala served as a moment of renewal – uniting generations of Armenian-Americans under one shared vision for justice and national dignity. The evening reaffirmed the community’s commitment to Hye Tahd and the enduring belief that through faith, unity, and perseverance, the Armenian Cause continues to move forward with strength and conviction.
“The 2025 Gala Banquet was not only a celebration of past accomplishments, but a springboard for future progress. We are energized, united, and more committed than ever to advancing our cause,” concluded Chairman Oshin Harootoonian.
For more information on the ANCA-WR and how to get involved, visit www.ancawr.org.
