Orran Celebrates 25Th Anniversary Of Establishment

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church of Santa Clarita, attended 25th anniversary gala celebration of Orran and delivered the invocation.  

Orran, which translates "haven" in Armenian, was founded in April 2000 by Raffi and Armine Hovannisians in downtown Yerevan.

Initially, the center started its journey with a group of 16 children. But soon, within six months, it expanded its embrace to include over 26 at-risk elderly individuals and 40 socially vulnerable children. Some of these children were orphaned and desperately in need of support.

In 2009, thanks to major benefactors Krikor and Anna Krikorian, Orran extended its reach to the city of Vanadzor, establishing another vital center. Since then, its reach has continued to grow, currently providing a haven for 100 elderly and over 300 children, aged between 6-16. 

Orran’s impact reaches far beyond its walls. Through food packages, shoes, winter clothing, hygiene supplies, sleeping bags, baby formula, and other necessities, Orran has helped 30,000 people to date. Orran’s apprenticeship program has successfully paired young people with skilled craftsmen, resulting in 300 graduates who now earn a living using the skills they’ve acquired.