HTAC Press Office
The Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s Women’s Guild Debutante Committee organizes a Debutante Ball for our community every two years. This beautiful tradition has continued for over 40 years. The original purpose of a Debutante Ball was to introduce the young ladies of the community to society. Today’s Debutante Ball is a means of bringing together Armenian girls and boys ages 16 to 18 years. Preparation involves the group meeting routinely for about 6 months prior to the event. During this time, they learn Armenian “shourjbar”, the waltz, and the protocol for the evening. In the process, the group develops special friendships and a relationship with our church.
This formal function is held traditionally in the fall at a ballroom where the Debutantes and their Escorts, dressed in formal attire, present themselves to their family and friends with their newly acquired skills.
On Saturday, October 24, 2015, The Holy Trinity Armenian Church celebrated the 22nd Debutante Ball, at Toronto’s Westin Prince Hotel. The organizing committee consisted of a group of seven wonderful ladies, worked together tirelessly under the leadership of Mrs. Anita Ohanessian. Their attention to the finest details in organizing this event resulted a successful and memorable evening for the youth of the community, their families and loved ones.
This event has an important role in raising funds to support numerous services and programs offered to the community by the Holy Trinity Armenian Church.
The 15 debutantes and 15 ushers in this year’s Ball, attended the dance practices through the months leading to the event. It is quite rewarding to witness the close bond and lasting friendships that our boys and girls create during this project.
It was an honour to have His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, Primate of the Armenian Church Diocese of Canada at the event. The Primate and Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, Parish Priest of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church delivered inspirational messages directed to the young boys and girls, about life and future, and the important role they have in our church and community.
Special appreciation goes to the organizing committee, all proud parents, the participating youth and their friends and everyone who supported Debutante Ball 2015 with their kind and generous donations. May God bless you all.
Committee Members: Aline Peltekian, Anita Ohanessian, Anne Ohanessian, Dalita Dokmecian, Hilda Adamian, Marlin Ustun, Sheila Torikian
Debutantes: Ellena Azadian, Robin Tonbazian, Natalie Sagherian, Natalya Kouyoumdjian, Maria Tevyants, Alita Yaldizciyan, Arlene Khachadoorian, Sarin Chemilian, Bella Karadjian, Mariya Manoukian, Tatevik Muradyan, Monique Peltekian, Ani Yaghubian and Olivia Jenkins.
Ushers: Kyle Hasessian, Orbel Haroutunian, Araz Tokdjian, Alec Jenkins, Ari Dokmecian, Alex Sarkissian, Aaron Avanes, Arden Ustun, Shant Cholakian, Levon Eloyan, Daniel Bedrossian, Michael Schmittat, Ari Derohanesian, Remy Guirguis and Mathew Aksu.
