Armenia Recognized Nation of the Year by Dallas Mayor and Employees

On Thursday May 30th, 2019, the St. Sarkis church of Dallas/Fort Worth was invited to present Armenia to the Dallas Mayor, the City Manager and an audience of 250 city employees.   

The event began with playing the National Anthems of the United States and Armenia.  While everyone was reverently standing, a low hum spread through the room as every Armenian was quietly singing the words to the Armenian Anthem.  

The Mayor announced that Thursday May 30th, 2019 was “Armenia Day” as part of the recognition of Armenia as the Nation of the Year by the City employees, and presented St. Sarkis with his proclamation.  In response, St. Sarkis presented the Mayor with the Armenian flag which was unfurled and held by the Mayor and members of the St. Sarkis Parish Council, then taken out of the room.  When it appeared again mounted on a pole, there was a palpable feeling of pride that rippled through the room.  Now the Armenian flag is part of the International flags in the Dallas City Hall Flag Room.

The Dallas Armenian community was there en masse to present our rich heritage, history, powerful religious roots and our cultural treasury to them.  The St. Sarkis youth were at their best singing, dancing, reciting and playing music.  At the conclusion of the event, Rev. Fr. Ghevond Ajamian took the podium to thank the Mayor and everyone for the opportunity to introduce Armenia to them, and announced the building of our new church, hosting the Diocesan Assembly in 2020 and the Sports Competition in 2021.  He was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for the effort St. Sarkis expended in putting on this very informative presentation to the Mayor, City Manager and all their employees.  

​The event concluded with an Armenian meal that was an added touch to the introduction of Armenia to many non-Armenians.  St. Sarkis rocked on that day!

By Mary Mukhtarian