Turmoil in Armenia - Lecture by Professor Stephan Astourian
Saturday, April 26, 2008 - Irvine, CA
OCAPS in collaboration with the Armenian Students Association of UCI proudly organized a lecture by Professor Stephan Astourian at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Campus. Professor Astourian, who was educated at the Sorbonne University in Paris and UCLA, is the Director of  the Armenian Studies Program at U.C. Berkeley and Adjunct Professor in the Department of History at the same university. Click here to read detailed article.

Celebration of Armenian Christmas
Saturday Jan. 13, 2007 - Lemon Heights, CA
Perched high atop the hills of Lemon Heights, overlooking the twinkling lights from Newport Beach to Anaheim Stadium, the beautiful Tomassian residence was setting for the Armenian Christmas party. Attended by long time members, new members, guests and dignitaries, this was undeniably the most anticipated event of the year. OCAPS Executive Council members greeted guests as they arrived, as well Serge and Mona Tomassian welcomed all to their lovely home. Attendees were treated to the melodic sounds of oud music, played by Viken Najarian. So enchanting was his music, that guests got up to do some traditional Armenian dances towards the latter part of the evening. A festively decorated table, held a bountiful buffet of Armenian and Mediterranean food which was created specially for this event. After dinner, Taleen Tertzakian gave a very poignant and touching slide presentation on her trip to Armenia where she delivered the OCAPS philanthropic funds to the students, teachers and staff at 2 schools in rural villages of Davoush Marz near the Azeri border. Her moving presentation ended with much applause and words of thanks to all our members who contributed to this very worthwhile cause. The Consul General of Armenia, The Honorable Armen Liloyan and the Assistant Consul General, Honorable Hakop Hovanesyan were in attendance at this event. Both engaged the group with a lively discussion on the progress of Armenia and it ambitious plans for its people. Serge Tomassian thanked the OCAPS members, and the dedicated Executive Council and presented each with a beautiful wrapped gift in appreciation for their leadership efforts. Before the presentation portion of the event came to a close, Serge Tomassian then presented an exquisite award to Edwin Khachanian for his dedicated service and leadership as President of OCAPS in 2006.  The evening concluded with a group rendition of Silent Night lead by George Ekizian.

Autumn Afternoon Social
November 12, 2006 - Newport Beach, CA
With 70 members and guests in attendance, the Orange County Armenian Professional Society (OCAPS) hosted their Autumn Afternoon Social, with special guest speaker Dr. Richard Kasper. His topic for presentation was "The Role Of Christianity In Armenian History". Nestled amidst lush green palms poolside, the Granville Clubhouse in Newport Beach was the setting for the capacity crowd event. While the sunlight streamed in through the windows on this Sunday afternoon, members and guests cheerfully greeted one another. After a very warm welcome by OCAPS President, the audience was treated to a special flute recital by Andrea Kirazian. The very talented Andrea Kirazian, who started playing the flute at age 9, has played the flute for Badarak at various Armenian Churches in Southern California and also performed in in local community orchestras. She has also performed professionally for the Royal Carribean Cruise Lines. The audience, on this Sunday afternoon was simply mesmerized by the way she played the beautiful Sharagans (hymns). After quite a lengthy applause, Andrea was presented with a gift as token of appreciation from OCAPS. Dr. Kasper, the featured speaker is well known and respected in the Armenian community as an ophthalmologist specializing in eye surgery as well as a professor of ophthalmology at USC Medical school. He recently received the Lifetime Humanitarian Award from the Armenian Eye Care Project. Along with his extensive medical background, he has had a parallel path in life, which was his passion to study the Bible and teach it to others. Dr. Kasper began his much anticipated presentation by quoting from William Saroyan's “Inhale Exhale” book and then spoke of The Role of Christianity in Armenian History, a topic he has studied and researched. He delivered a very insightful presentation covering the topic in detail throughout the key aspects of Armenian history. A question and answer session followed. Then Dr. Kasper invited Andrea Kirazian back up to play one more Sharagan, which was very moving. After much applause, Dr. Kasper was given a gift as token of appreciation from OCAPS. In closing, OCAPS President thanked those who helped make this wonderful event possible, and invited everyone to mark their calendars for the OCAPS annual Armenian Christmas party on January 13th for members and their guest at the home of Serge Tomassian, OCAPS President for 2007.

OCAPS Exhibitor at Armenian Festival of Orange County
September 30 and October 1, 2006 - Laguna Hills, CA
Colorful festival booths dotted the hillside, aroma of freshly cooked kebab wafted through the air and strains of Armenian music could be heard, as the OCAPS staffed their booth at the 2nd Annual Armenian Festival in Laguna Hills. In addition to OCAPS, there were many other Armenian organizations in attendance at this popular 2 day weekend event.  It was a well attended event that provided a unique opportunity to promote the Orange County Armenian Professional Society and share information on the organization. The booth was staffed with several enthusiastic OCAPS members, who gave out membership information and answered questions from the many festival visitors.

Mezze Madness
Saturday, September 23, 2006 - Orange County, CA
On this early Fall evening, the Orange County Armenian Professional Society held their "Mezze Madness" social at the lovely home of OCAPS member, Dr. Armen Shahbazian. This social was designed for members to meet, mingle and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Armenian professionals in a relaxed setting. Over forty-five members and their guests enjoyed the evening, while Executive Council members circulated, making sure that everyone felt welcome. Members and their guests were treated to some very special entertainment by renowned oud player, Viken Najarian.  An array delectable mezze was offered, complete with kebab, hummus, eggplant, salads, assorted cheeses, meats and colorful vegetables. The bountiful mezze ended on a very sweet note with desserts that included fresh fruit, key lime pie, brownies, and a wonderfully rich caramel, chocolate and nut creation. As the evening came to a close, OCAPS President elect Serge Tomassian thanked Dr.Shahbazian for graciously opening his lovely home for this occasion. In addition, Serge Tomassian thanked the OCAPS members who worked so tirelessly to organize the event.

Angels Baseball Game
Friday July 14, 2006 - Anaheim, CA
OCAPS members and friends enjoyed a fun Friday Southern California summer night out at beautiful Angels stadium to watch the Angels battle it out with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.  It was a gorgeous evening and attendees enjoyed a great game as the Angels shut-out the poor Devil Rays.  Munching on hot dogs and peanuts, everyone watched some excellent pitching and an exciting home run.  After the game, Anaheim stadium fans were treated to a blockbuster fireworks show, capping off a fun night out at the ball park.

Spring Dinner with Mark Geragos Esq.
Saturday, April 1, 2006 - Costa Mesa, CA
The Spring Dinner was held at the exclusive Center Club, adjacent to the Orange County Performing Arts Center, in Costa Mesa.  The elegant event was attended by OCAPS members and guests.  The guest of honor and keynote speaker was noted Los Angeles attorney Mark Geragos, Esq.  The evening commenced with a wine reception, where members mingled and had a chance to meet Mr. Geragos personally and have their picture taken with him.  This was followed by a tasty dinner and keynote address.  Mr. Geragos talked briefly about his family and reminisced about his experience as a young Armenian growing up in California, and included some humorous stories from his youth.  He then related his experiences in representing public figures in several high-profile trials, and in serving as CNN legal commentator.  He spoke of his accomplishments in obtaining settlements from several life insurance companies for policies held by the victims of the Armenian Genocide.  In this regard, he gave a personal and touching account of how, while searching through data archives of insurance policies, he stumbled across the name of one victim who was his relative.  After his very interesting address, Mr. Geragos answered questions from attendees, and a vibrant forum of discussion ensued.  At the end of the program, OCAPS presented Mr. Geragos with an award in recognition of and in appreciation for his significant contributions to the American-Armenian community.  As the evening drew to a close, many members and guests continued their lively discussion as they filed out of the Center Club.  Overall, the evening was a great success, with informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking discussion at a very classy venue.

Celebration of Armenian Christmas
Saturday Jan. 14, 2006 - Laguna Beach, CA
OCAPS members and guests attended the annual Armenian Christmas Celebration event at the very attractive residence of Aram & Terez Bassenian in the spectacular Emerald Bay hills in Laguna Beach.  It was a joyous event for all attendees who enjoyed a diverse menu of Armenian food and sampled wine in a warm welcoming atmosphere.  It was a great start for a new year for OCAPS members.

Wine Tasting & Garden Party
Sunday, May 15th, 2005 - Corona Del Mar, CA
Did you know that the very first OCAPS event was a Wine Tasting?  It was fourteen years ago on Sept. 29, 1991 at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, CA when OCAPS held their first event.  And now, at this event it was an incredibly beautiful day at the residence of  David & Diane Keligian’s newly remodeled back yard.  The attendees enjoyed the incredible ocean and harbor views from the hill top garden party while participating in the lavish narrated wine tasting event.  Steve Mashikian, a noted wine expert, provided information on wines, pairing wines with food, reading labels, storage and an overview of the wine industry.  The wine tasting featured four specially selected wines.  The wine tasting experience was followed by a delicious dinner under the stars!

Armenian Christmas Celebration
Saturday Jan. 8, 2005 - Laguna Niguel, CA
Michael and Elizabeth Agajanian graciously opened their beautiful home in Laguna Niguel for this popular OCAPS event.   We thank them for their hospitality.  Members and guests enjoyed a rich menu of delicious Armenian food and wine in a cozy and elegant ambiance.  This special event was a great way to start the new year.

Hairspray Musical
Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004 – Costa Mesa, CA
Great Show!  OCAPS members attended the award-winning musical "Hairspray" at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.
OCAPS had secured orchestra level group seating for 40 members.  It was an enjoyable afternoon for the members that attended this entertaining and uplifting performance together.

Housing Trends Today
Sunday, May 2, 2004 – Costa Mesa, CA
The event committee greeted members and guests on this sunny and warm May afternoon at the Clubhouse Restaurant in Costa Mesa. It was a long awaited event with the opportunity to meet and greet three distinguished housing industry professionals: Aram Bassenian AIA, Chairman and CEO of Bassenian/Lagoni Architects, Dan Nahabedian, Vice-President, Residential Marketing for Irvine Communities Development Company (a subsidiary of The Irvine Company), and Aram Chahbazian, AIA, Principal, Thomas P. Cox Architects.  As guests got settled in and enjoyed the array of spring appetizers and refreshments, this upbeat and informative program began with an introduction of the panelists.  An in-depth question and answer session followed. Guests were invited to stay and speak with the OCAPS panelists on an individual basis.

Angels Baseball Game
Sunday July 4, 2004 - Anaheim, CA
What a beautiful day for a ball game!  Forty-eight members and their guests attended the Angels v. Dodgers baseball game on the 4th of July.  A shish kebob tailgating party was held in the parking lot before the game, with delicious food and the opportunity to mingle with other members.  The baseball game between these two Southern California rival teams followed in Anaheim Stadium.  Immediately after the game, there was a spectacular fireworks presentation lasting around 20 minutes.

Picasso to Pollock
Saturday Feb. 28, 2004 - Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach, CA
Some four hundred patrons gathered at the Orange County Museum of Art to celebrate the captivating opening night gala of Picasso to Pollock: Modern Masterpieces from the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art. Throughout the evening guests enjoyed tours of 59 paintings and sculptures by the foremost artists of the 20th Century, a sumptuous dinner buffet, Absolute martinis, and musical entertainment by song-writer and jazz vocalist Shira Myrow.  Guests enjoyed their cocktail-style dinner throughout the evening, mingling with friends, enjoying the live entertainment and breaking for art tours that were conducted every fifteen minutes.  The event was jointly organized by the Junior Achievement of Armenia and the Armenian Eye Care Project, with support from a broad cross section of Armenian groups including the Orange County Armenian Professional Society.  OCAPS proudly publicized this gala event and members received discounted tickets.

Celebration of Armenian Christmas
Saturday Jan. 10, 2004 – Chant éclair, Irvine, CA
Over 40 guests were in attendance at OCAPS annual Armenian Christmas party for members.  This year, the party was held at the beautiful and very newly remodeled Chant éclair restaurant in Irvine.  In fact, so newly remodeled that they opened up the restaurant just for our event!  The food was delicious, the service was wonderful, and the atmosphere delightful.  The featured entertainment was by Soprano Anahide Nercessian, with a voice so stunning that even the restaurant staff stopped what they were doing and came out of the kitchen to hear this truly talented artist. This event was a perfect wrap up to the holiday season.

Monte Carlo Night
Saturday, November 15, 2003 - Irvine, CA
Over 100 members and guests from as far north as Fresno and as far south as San Diego County attended Orange County Armenian Professional Society's Monte Carlo Night Gala Fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Irvine.  George Ekizian, Chairperson of this event strolled through the crowd and greeted guests. As guests enjoyed cocktails and waited for the casino tables to open, the Monte Carlo Night Committee warmly welcomed everyone.  Poster boards were displayed around the cocktail area, showing photos of the teachers at the schools in Armenia that this event will benefit.  On another board, photos of previous OCAPS events were displayed. The Ballroom was magically transformed into a Monte Carlo styled casino, complete with custom designed balloon arrangements done in red, black and gold. As music played softly in the background, plentiful food stations opened up throughout the night. Guests ate at smaller round tables, all within mingling distance of one another. Crowds gathered at the casino tables and still more guests arrived, some visiting, some eating and some joining in the gambling. From time to time, loud cheers and applause were heard coming from the tables. Added to this fun and excitement, were the fabulous prizes that everyone had the opportunity to win! A Sony 32" TV, a Las Vegas Getaway Weekend, dinner for two at some of the finest restaurants in town, gift certificates and spa memberships and jewelry.  The evening flew by with the gambling wrapping up at about 11:00pm. George Ekizian addressed the group, thanking everyone who came out to support this gala benefit and recognizing his Committee for their hard work and dedication.  As the evening came to a close, guests hugged and made plans to meet again at the next OCAPS event.

Sunset Cruise
Sept. 5, 2003 - Newport Beach, CA
The sunset was especially brilliant this warm September evening, as OCAPS members and guests arrived for a narrated cruise around the beautiful Newport Harbor.  Members and guests were warmly greeted by OCAPS Executive Committee. Some attendees came from as far as LA and San Diego counties on this Friday evening. After "The Belle" toured Newport Harbor and returned to dock, the group had dinner in especially reserved seating at Bayfront Café, a waterfront restaurant on Via Oporto in the Lido Marina.  Chuck Barsam, President of OCAPS welcomed everyone and gave a brief overview of the exciting social, cultural, educational and philanthropic events that the organization plans. He encouraged everyone to attend upcoming events which include a Meet and Greet with Senator Chuck Poochigian scheduled for Sunday, October 26th and Monte Carlo Night on Saturday, November 15th.

Families and Friends Enjoy Angels vs. Minnesota Twins Game
July 12, 2003 - Anaheim, CA
On this sunny Saturday afternoon at Edison Field in Anaheim, over 40 members, family and friends of Orange County's Armenian Professional Society attended the World Champion Angels Game. Event Co-Chairs Ara Kasarian and George Ekizian arranged for a shish kebab lunch under the "A" at Edison Field, prior to the game.  Guests mingled as the delicious lunch was being prepared.  After enjoying this kebab lunch, it was time for the big game.  Adults and children alike enjoyed receiving a "rally monkey" as they entered the stadium.  “Having members with their friends and families all together to share an afternoon at the ball game was an afternoon well spent.  The time together brought us a little closer as an organization and individually.  Everyone is looking forward to next year's event", said Ara Kasarian, co-chair of this event. 

Isabel Bayrakdarian Concert/Meet and Greet
May 29, 2003 - Costa Mesa, CA
Members and guests of Orange County Armenian Professional Society enjoyed and outstanding concert by Canadian Lyric Soprano, Isabel Bayrakdarian at OC Performing Arts Center, Founders Hall in Costa Mesa. Isabel Bayrakdarian performed selections from Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Khatchaturian and others. After this impressive performance and a rousing applause from the crowd, Isabel Bayrakdarian was presented a bouquet of red roses by Sonia Keyheyan, OCAPS coordinator of this very special event.  After the concert, members and guests gathered at the Pinot Province Restaurant in the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel to meet Isabel Bayrakdarian. Upon her arrival, the group warmly greeted the popular Lyric Soprano and had the opportunity to talk with her.