The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) had the distinct honor of hosting His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia. During this most memorable visit, His Holiness shared a special blessing and toured the Jamaica Plain, dedicated to providing both short-term and long-term rehabilitative care for elders in the Armenian community.
His Holiness engaged warmly with residents and staff, bringing joy and laughter throughout his visit. Notably, ANRC was the only rehabilitation center on his busy itinerary, which spans from Antelias, Lebanon, to various locations in the United States. This marks his first visit to the Boston area since 2015. One poignant moment was shared with 110-yearold resident, Mary Vartanian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. Mary presented His Holiness with a beautifully crocheted keepsake, inscribed in Armenian with the heartfelt message, “Do not forget April 24th,” commemorating the tragic events of 1915. Mary, originally from the village of Antep, moved to Lebanon and later the U.S. with her beloved husband, a talented violinist and composer, and their six children.
In a touching conclusion to the visit, His Holiness joined the residents for a short mass, during which the group sang the beloved Armenian folk song “Giligia.” The lyrics resonate with longing and hope, celebrating the beauty and rich traditions of the Armenian people
When doors of hope are opened wide,
And dreary winter flees away,
Our beauteous Armenia
Beams forth in glad and smiling day;
When swallows to their nests return
And trees put on their leaves so bright
I yearn for my Cilicia,
The land where first I saw the light.
After blessing the meal prepared by the residents and staff, His Holiness posed for photographs before departing in a stately caravan of black SUVs, leaving behind a community uplifted by his presence and message of hope
Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a not-for-profit nursing and rehabilitation center that has been serving elders locally and internationally for over 100 years, owned by AWWA and managed by Legacy Lifecare. Drawing on its ABOUT AWWA ABOUT ANRC rich history, generosity of spirit, and the work ethic of the Armenian community, ANRC provides short-term rehab and long-term care. ANRC is dedicated to ensuring the good health and well-being of all Armenian elders and others in the surrounding area.
About Armenian Women’s Welfare Association
Armenian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1915 dedicated to serving elders and their families both locally and internationally. AWWA is the proud owner of the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC), an 83-bed, not-for-profit, skilled nursing center providing both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care for elderly patients in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. In 2004, AWWA expanded its mission to Nagorno Karabakh to become a proud supporter of Hanganak Elder Program and Clinic which provided medical care, food, and social support to elders in that region and continues to do so for those elders displaced in Armenia today. AWWA believes that honoring elders is at the very foundation of both family and community. Drawing on the rich history, generosity, and work ethic of the Armenian community, AWWA aims to ensure the health and well-being of elders and their caregivers.