Burbank ANC Armenian Christmas Event a Big Success

On Monday, January 9, more than 75 guests, including local office holders, Burbank City officials and representatives from the Burbank Unified School District were part of a dinner hosted by the Burbank Armenian National Committee (ANC) to celebrate Armenian Christmas, which falls on January 6 in accordance with the Armenian Church. The guests enjoyed a traditional Armenian dinner, against a backdrop of festive music and decorations, at Armenian-owned Robert's Cuisine, located one block from Burbank City Hall.

The Christmas event is in its seventh year. The annual tradition allows the Burbank ANC to look back at its previous year's accomplishments and thank Burbank community leaders for their continued support of the grassroots organization's activities. Those activities include issues of local interest to Armenian-American residents of Burbank, as well as far-reaching work related to the Armenian Genocide.

Dr. Arbi Ohanian, Burbank ANC chair, extended a warm welcome to the guests. He explained why Armenians, the first country in the world to accept Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD, celebrate Christmas on January 6 (instead of December 25) along with Greeks and Russians. In the early days of Christianity, the birth of Christ was celebrated on January 6. But the Roman Catholic Church changed its date of celebration to December 25, to compete with and overshadow a Pagan holiday observed on that date.

Additionally, Paul Krekorian, President of Burbank Board of Education, who is currently running for the open seat in the 43rd State Assembly District, spoke about the Burbank ANC's 2005 contributions to the community. Among others, Krekorian mentioned an on-going voter registration drive, continued efforts with Burbank schools and the successful "Books for Burbank" program that garnered the donation of more than 1,200 Armenian-related books to the Burbank Public Library.

Some of the guests in attendance were: Burbank Airport Commissioner & City Council Candidate Bill Wiggins, Community Development Director Sue Georgino, Police Chief Tom Hoefel, Superintendent of Schools Greg Bowman, Library Services Director Sharon Cohen, School Board Members Larry Applebaum, Dave Kemp and Ted Bunch, and a number of members from City of Burbank boards and commissions.

For Immediate Release - January 13, 2006 --- Contact: Peter Musurlian - Burbank ANC PR Committee (818) 500-1234