CEREMONIAL OPENING OF HOMENETMEN–FRANCE’S SPORTS AND CULTURAL COMPLEX IN ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX
Saturday, November 22, 2025, will hold a special place in Homenetmen’s calendar, marking the inauguration of the largest Homenetmen center in Europe.
On that day, a dream cherished for generations finally became a reality with the opening of the Homenetmen-France Sports and Cultural Complex in Issy-les-Moulineaux. The process of securing the land and constructing the center spanned more than six years, from the initial agreement between Homenetmen-France and the Municipality of Issy-les-Moulineaux on April 17, 2019, to the official authorization on September 21, 2019, and from the start of construction in April 2022 to its grand opening on November 22, 2025.
The complex is located in the Armenian-populated district of Issy-les-Moulineaux, just outside Paris (6 Rue Rabelais), and extends over 3,000 square meters.
PHOTO EXHIBITION
The official opening was preceded by a photo exhibition dedicated to the history of Homenetmen-France, held in the entrance hall leading to the sports field, where official guests of the ceremony and nearly 800 community members were present.
Among the official guests were the leaders of the Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches of France, Homenetmen Central Executive Chairman Yeghpayr Hagop Khatcherian and almost the entire Central Executive Committee, which was holding its plenary meetings in Paris at the time, Deputy Mayor of Issy-les-Moulineaux Arthur Khandjian, Hussam Hariri, son of former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, representing him, CCAF Co-chairs Murad Papazian and Ara Toranian, ARF Bureau member Hovsep Der Kevorkian, members of the ARF Central Committee of Western Europe, representatives of Hamazkayin and HOM Central Executives, members of Homenetmen-France and the Council of wisemanh3, Mayor of Bourj Hammoud, Mardig Boghossian, benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Adom and Sella Tenjoukian, former Homenetmen Central Executive committee member yeghpayr Andranig Baharian, representatives from Homenetmen regions, including Armenia, Lebanon, London, Almelo, Södertälje, Vienna, Munich, Marseille, Nice, Valence, and numerous Armenian clergy, educational institutions, guests, armenian and local journalists, friends, benefactors, and parents.
At 4:45 p.m., the official opening was conducted by Central Executive Chairman yeghpayr Hagop Khatcherian, Deputy Mayor Arthur Khandjian, Hussam Hariri, and Council of wisemanh3 members Yeghpayrner Hratch Sisserian and Levon Baghdasarian. Cutting the red ribbon, they were greeted with enthusiastic applause as they led the audience toward the sports complex, where the day’s ceremony continued.
THE CEREMONY
The opening ceremony consisted of three parts: a parade, speeches, and a cultural program.
Led by Solitary Scoutmaster Kour Gassia Vekilian, the scouts of the local chapter marched including the Yerets/Barmanuhi, Ari/Arenoush, Kaylig/Ardvig, and the newly formed Mogli teams. They followed the standard-bearer and completed an impressive circuit around the field before taking their designated places.
The national anthems of France, Armenia, and Artsakh were performed by soprano Lusine Levoni, and the Homenetmen anthem “Haratch Nahadag” was sung by the Homenetmen-France scouts and the assembled crowd.
The masters of ceremonies, Yeghpayr Njteh Meguerditchian and Kouyr Tania babanazarian, presented the program in Armenian and French.
The opening prayer was offered by Bishop Grigor Khachatryan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of France, accompanied by Archbishop Avedis Balekian of Issy-les-Moulineaux and priest father Dirayr Keledjian, of Alfortville. The speeches followed.
The first address was delivered by a former Central Executive member, former Homenetmen-France Chairman, and member of the Council of wisemanh3, Yeghpayr Hratch Sisserian, the visionary behind the complex’s construction. He expressed gratitude to all major and minor donors, as well as the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Municipality of Issy-les-Moulineaux. He paid special tribute to “a true friend of the Armenians,” Mayor André Santini, to Deputy Mayor Arthur Khandjian, and to the Homenetmen Central Executive Committee for their unwavering support of this monumental project.
Yeghpayr Sisserian added: “I am grateful even to those who discouraged us and doubted we would make it. In reality, they strengthened our resolve tenfold and pushed us to reach exactly where we stand today.” He concluded by emphasizing that the center is open to all Armenians without distinction.
Next, Hussam Hariri took the floor. He highlighted the fraternal and enduring bond between the Hariri family and the Armenian community, particularly Homenetmen, honoring the memory of his grandfather, the late Rafic Hariri, and reaffirming the commitment of his father, Saad Hariri, who supported this project from the very beginning.
Deputy Mayor Arthur Khandjian then spoke on behalf of Mayor André Santini, who could not attend due to health reasons. He reminded the audience that Santini was the cornerstone behind making this dream a reality, a project unique in Europe.
Khandjian concluded: “The challenges of establishing ourselves are now behind us. From this point forward, this 3,000 square meters center will serve as a true home for the Armenian community.”
The final remarks were delivered by Central Executive Chairman Yeghpayr Hagop Khatcherian: “This center will help shape the Armenian of tomorrow. Entrust your children to this institution, called Homenetmen, if you want them to grow into exemplary Armenians.” He wished full success to the project, envisioning it as a unifying force for the community.
THE CULTURAL PROGRAM
After the speeches, a 40-minute artistic presentation followed, featuring music, dance, live visuals, and video. The program depicted the Armenian Genocide, the revival of the Armenian people, the founding of Homenetmen, and the 48-year history of Homenetmen-France, all woven together with artistic elegance and emotional depth.
Conceived and prepared by French-Armenian artist and Homenetmen member Yeghpayr Essaï Altounian, the presentation featured Altounian himself, the Issy-les-Moulineaux “Ararat” Folk Dance Ensemble (artistic directors, Katarina and Aram Arzumanyan), singer Ermonia, and the scouts of Homenetmen-France.
OPENING OF THE ROOMS
That same day, seven newly built rooms were inaugurated named in honor of distinguished figures of the organization and parents of Homenetmen members.
Special plaques commemorated: Souren Muradian (founder of Homenetmen-France), Gabi Postu (first Chairman of Homenetmen-France), Karnig Meguerditchian (former Central Executive Chairman), Mihran Shimshirian (former Central Executive member), Kegham and Alice Sisserian, Hagop and Anahid Baghdasarian, and Garo Vekilian.
Present at the dedications were family members: Njteh Meguerditchian, son of Karnig Meguerditchian, from Yerevan, Houri Shimshirian, daughter of Mihran Shimshirian, from Beirut, Dikran Muradian, son of Souren Muradian, Seda and Lena Postu, wife and daughter of Gabi Postu, and members of Sisserian, Baghdasarian, and Vekilian families.
DINNER AND EXCHANGE OF COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS
Following the grand ceremony and reception, Homenetmen leaders and invited guests attended a dinner hosted by the Homenetmen-France Council of wisemanh3.
During dinner, Homenetmen-France presented special commemorative gifts to Mayor André Santini (in absentia), Deputy Mayor Arthur Khandjian, artistic director Essaï Altounian, and all those who contributed to the realization of the center. A commemorative gift was also presented to the Homenetmen Central Executive Committee.
In turn, the Central Executive Committee presented a gift to Deputy Mayor Arthur Khandjian on behalf of Mayor Santini, and then announced, through the Chairman, that the Central Executive was donating to Homenetmen-France’s new complex a large bronze Homenetmen emblem, specially crafted in Beirut and brought to Paris, to be mounted on one of the stadium walls.
Heartfelt speeches were delivered, including a message from the Mayor of Bourj Hammoud, read in French. Representatives of various Homenetmen regions also presented commemorative gifts. The enthusiastic atmosphere inspired generous donations throughout the evening.