Toronto’s Berge Papazian honoured at AGBU General Assembly

Torontohye sits down with the community leader for a candid conversation on leadership, service, and the future of AGBU

At the 93rd General Assembly of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), held recently in New York City, Berge (Barry) Papazian was honoured with the AGBU Alex Manoogian Award for Leadership. Presented by outgoing AGBU President Berge Setrakian, the award celebrated Papazian’s longstanding commitment to the Armenian community and his contributions to AGBU both locally and globally.

In an exclusive conversation with Torontohye, Papazian reflected on his personal and professional journey, as well as the evolution of the Armenian community in Toronto. Born in Damascus and raised in Beirut, Papazian immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 13. Settling in Toronto’s Leaside neighbourhood, he remembers the warmth of the welcome his family received from neighbours, teachers, and classmates. “At the time, there was only the [Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic] church on Woodlawn, and the Armenian community all knew each other. That’s where I was lucky enough to meet my future wife, Evelyn—at an Armenian church picnic,” he explains. 

This early connection to Toronto’s Armenian community shaped Papazian’s identity and inspired his lifelong dedication to community service. “Since those early days, I have been fortunate to enjoy good and respectful relations across the many Armenian centres and churches in Toronto,” he notes. 

Beyond his deep ties to the Armenian community, Papazian has built an impressive career in law. As a founding partner of Papazian Heisey Myers, he has specialized in litigation, arbitration, and corporate governance, earning widespread respect in the legal profession. Papazian attributes much of his professional ethos to his Armenian heritage. “Because of our history, we develop, even at a young age, a sense of insecurity that pushes us to work harder,” he explains.

He also recognizes the unique responsibility that Armenians often feel as representatives of their community. “We are often identified immediately by our names as Armenian,” he says. “What we do and say reflects not only on us but also on other Armenians. That awareness encourages us to conduct ourselves with integrity in all our dealings.”

A journey of service

Papazian’s journey within the AGBU leadership began in 2004 when Setrakian invited him to assist with AGBU Armen-Ontario, a financial trust supporting charitable initiatives. What started as a short-term commitment evolved into a decades-long relationship. Papazian was elected to the AGBU Central Board in 2006 and served as its Secretary for eight years. Though he stepped down from the Central Board to make way for younger leadership, he has continued to serve Toronto AGBU and Armen-Ontario in various capacities.

Over the years, Papazian has witnessed the evolution of AGBU and the Armenian community it serves. One of the organization’s primary challenges, he notes, has been engaging youth. He credited Setrakian’s leadership for creating innovative programs to address this. “Over 15 years ago, AGBU began focusing on young professionals, creating more than 60 YP committees worldwide,” he said. “This initiative has paid off, with younger members now holding strategic positions within the organization.”

Papazian also highlights the importance of educational initiatives like the Armenian Virtual College (AGBU AVC) and the recently launched Innovation Studios. “These project-based learning environments combine advanced technology and robotics with Armenian culture,” he explains. “Toronto is one of only two locations offering [the Innovative Studios] program, which is currently engaging 16 teenagers.”

Beyond its educational initiatives, Papazian emphasizes AGBU’s critical role in addressing the needs of Armenians in Armenia, Artsakh, and other parts of the diaspora. “We’ve been actively assisting Armenians from Artsakh, Lebanon, and Syria,” he says. “This includes relocation support, housing, job placement, and emotional counselling, as well as programs focused on women’s empowerment and small business development.”

AGBU has also provided direct financial assistance and created programs to foster resilience and independence. Papazian highlights one initiative that holds special significance for him: “Over the past two summers, we sponsored two weeks of camp in Armenia for children of fallen and injured soldiers. That was, by far, the most important charitable activity.”

When asked about receiving the Alex Manoogian Award, Papazian speaks with humility. “It was a heartfelt surprise,” he says. “I believe it was meant to demonstrate AGBU’s appreciation for the value of sustained leadership. Our organizations benefit from long-term relationships and trust, especially during challenging times. After my eight-year term on the Central Board, I stayed involved because our communities need consistent leadership to navigate difficult decisions and undertake significant projects,” he explains. “This award felt like recognition of that commitment.”

Looking ahead

Despite the challenges facing the Armenian nation and diaspora, Papazian remains optimistic about AGBU’s role in shaping the future. “This organization has always been forward-thinking while staying true to its roots,” he says. He points to AGBU’s presence in Yerevan and its work in Armenia as examples of its ability to address pressing needs while fostering innovation.

As Papazian continues to serve the Armenian community in Toronto and beyond, his story is a reminder of the importance of leadership, collaboration, and unwavering dedication. Through his work with AGBU, he has demonstrated that the values of service and commitment remain vital to strengthening Armenian communities worldwide.

Papazian’s journey—rooted in early connections to Toronto’s Armenian community and guided by a commitment to service—offers an inspiring example of how leadership can make a lasting impact.