Armenian Relief Society (ARS) members from various countries, including Greece, France, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Argentina, Brazil, Canada as well as the United States gathered in New York City this weekend to celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary.

The three-day celebration, organized by the ARS Central Executive Board, began with a gala evening at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall. The evening’s keynote speaker, Ms. Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking touched upon the changes in the non-profit sector, mentioning that investment in women’s economic development has shown to be successful. She urged the gathering to continue promoting educational, healthcare, housing and welfare issues for Armenian families throughout the world.

The evening began with master of ceremonies Ms. Stephanie Mesropian spoke about the organization’s future with special focus on the programs in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, was invited to read the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, who declared 2010 the Year of the Armenian Woman, congratulating the ARS on its 100 years of selfless service to the Armenian nation.