06/13/2026
🙏🏻40 days🙏🏻 Many of you have sent messages wanting to know more about Apo. His obituary is below. 🤍
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Apo Ashjian moved to Lebanon at the age of 3 with his family. In 1970 he migrated to the U.S. with his family and settled in Cambridge. He later attended Northeastern University majoring in physical education and was a collegiate soccer player.
After moving to America, Apos’ parents felt it was important to preserve his Armenian identity and signed him up in as many Armenian youth organizations as possible. He joined the Tekeyan Cultural Association at the age of 17, and there he developed a passion for Armenian dance. This led him to direct the AGBU Daron Dance Ensemble in 1980 and the Hamazkayin Erebuni Dance Ensemble from 1981-1985.
In 1986, Apo and a few special individuals felt it was important to form an independent dance company, one free of any political or religious affiliation so that all individuals from all walks of life could join. This is when he founded the Sayat Nova dance Company of Boston in 1986 and directed its premiere performance that November to a sold-out audience. In October 1987, Ashjian traveled and studied with various dance ensembles throughout Armenia. He studied extensively with renowned choreographers and expert ethnographers and in 1994, he received his certification as an Armenian dance Director and Choreographer. In 1995, Apo also opened Abaka Dance Academy where he instilled the love of Armenian culture into the children of our community, giving generations of children something to belong to.
Through Sayat Nova Dance company of Boston and Abaka, the number of individuals that Apo has impacted is immeasurable. The lessons he taught went far beyond dance steps and choreography. He was a father figure and a role model, helping shape lives for countless individuals. His gentle guidance and grounding presence taught discipline and pride. By giving his life to something bigger than himself, he encouraged others to also lead a life with purpose. He did not only promote Armenian culture through dance, but also as a hairdresser, where he would educate his non-Armenian clients about Armenian culture and music. Many of his clients actually traveled to Armenia to visit the country after hearing from Apo about what a beautiful place it is.
Apo’s ambitious character was contagious. As an 18-time marathoner, and a track & field coach, he quickly gained followers to run and cycle alongside him. Even when running marathons, he promoted the Armenian culture, carrying the Armenian flag across the finish line.
A man of great integrity and highest character, his influence as a public figure didn’t come close to the immense influence he had on his family. Apo met his wife Arlet in 1980. They married in 1981, and had 3 children, Alina, Garineh, and Vrej. He was so proud, not just of them, but of their significant others, Sevag, Hrag, and Megan. Above all else, Apo’s proudest role was being a grandfather to his five grandchildren, Liana, Arek, Sevana, Aren, and Alique. His love for them was immeasurable and his legacy lives on through them and all the other lives he touched.
Memorial gifts may be made to Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston - PO Box 490 Newton, MA 02456 or Online at www.sayatnova.com/donate
