To mark International Women’s Day (March 8), Armenian President Armen Sarkissian invited Doctor of Philology Verjine Svazlian (Leading Researcher at the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences), WWII veteran Margarita Darbinyan (Matenadaran Senior Researcher), composer Geghuni Chtchyan (People’s Artist of Armenia), and WWII veteran Rozalie Abgaryan to the Presidential Residence in Yerevan and congratulated them for their contributions to the culture of Armenia.

Wishing them good health and happiness, Sarkissian, according to a statement released by his office, noted that all four present a living story of the tribulations and victories achieved by the Armenian people over the centuries.

“Despite the Genocide, the hardships and the pain, today we are a country with a powerful army, two symphonic orchestras, brilliant musicians, a conservatory that we can be proud of," Sarkissian said. “We Armenians can be proud because we greatly contributed to the outcome of World War II. We have a Matenadaran, which many countries can’t reach. We have the special secret of survival, a special gift of living.”

The women, ranging in age between 85 and 100, recounted episodes from their lives and touched upon the history of their families, the Armenian Genocide, and WWII.

“Beauty has nothing to do with age, it is a feature of attraction. All four of you are not only attractive but also individuals. I want to wish you all health and smiles, so that you pass your inner positive energy to the next generation,” Sarkissian said.