The Knights of Vartan is an Armenian fraternal service organization established by twelve visionary men to encourage its members to assume leadership roles in cultural, educational, religious, and charitable organizations and activities. For over 80 years the lodge has supported the local Armenian community, Armenian culture, language and religion. petitioned to form a lodge and on April 28, 1942, the Knights of Vartan granted a charter to Ani Lodge in Washington D.C. The population in Washington DC grew after World War II as government activity significantly increased. Knights from Ani lodge provided leadership, time, and effort in establishing both local Armenian churches, first at St. Mary in 1952 and later at Soorp Khatch in 1964. These churches became critical infrastructure as the Washington DC area experienced several waves of Armenian immigration: first from Lebanon, Turkey, and Syria during the 1970s and 1980s; Iran in the 1980s; and Armenia in the 1990s. These immigration waves over the past 50 years contribute today to the geographic and cultural diversity within our lodge. Annual Vartanantz programs at local churches
Donations to local churches and organizations
Genocide commemoration by local DC City Council
Genocide education in DC Public School social studies curriculum
National Programs
Times Square, New York City April 24
Armenian Research Center at University of Michigan
