A gala evening dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the first President of the Republic of Abkhazia Vladislav Grigorievich Ardzinba was held in the St. Petersburg House of Nationalities. The event was organized by the World Abaza Congress (WAC) and the St. Petersburg Abkhazian Diaspora.
The memorial evening brought together representatives of the St. Petersburg government, officials, artists, journalists, veterans, cadets and members of national communities. Particular attention was paid to the family of Oleg Bebiia, who died heroically during the SMO, as well as to the elders of the Diaspora in the face of the Abkhazian long-liver of St. Petersburg Rauf Tarkhunovich Aiba.
The following people delivered welcoming speeches: the WAC Chief of staff Abzagu Tsvizhba, the former Chairman of the "Apsny" society Vitaly Lazariia, the Chairman of the cultural and educational society "Apsny" Irina Dameniia, the vice-president of the House of National Cultures Tatyana Smirnova, the adviser to the Head of the House of Nationalities Alla Dydymova, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on external relations Evgeny Kassyura.
Video messages from Abkhazia were sent by Father Vissarion Apliaa, Oleg Dameniia, Leonid Lakerbaya, who shared memories of Vladislav Ardzinba, emphasizing his contribution to the formation of Abkhazian statehood. Chairman of the WAC Mussa Khabalevich Ekzekov, who participated in the memorial events in Abkhazia, sent an address to the guests of the evening. It was read by the head of the WAC Chief of staff Abzagu Tsvizhba:
"The life of Vladislav Ardzinba teaches us: statehood is a daily work, dedication and responsibility to future generations. No matter how the world changes, our duty is to continue this path in order to pass on to our descendants a country that they will proudly call their home."
The program featured:
- performances by the folklore group of the Apsny Union of Creative Youth;
- concert numbers by the Abkhaz-Abaza ensemble "Abaza";
- fiery dances by the Caucasian "Apsuatsas" dance studio;
- poetry reading in Abkhaz by children;
- a quiz on knowledge of the history of Abkhazia.
In the foyer, guests could take a look at a photo exhibition, books by Vladislav Ardzinba and documentary footage of his life. Special thanks during the evening went to Diaspora activists Maktina Bashmakova and Diana Azhiba, whose energy and initiative helped organize a memorable evening.
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