AFFA – Adibekyan Family Found for Advancement

Adibekyan Family Fund For Advancement

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ABOUT
THE FUND:

Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement (AFFA), founded by businessman and philanthropist Gagik Adibekyan, launches charitable projects in Armenia and other countries, aiming to develop and strengthen cultural and business ties between people and nations.

“We believe that the implementation of charitable and socially significant projects will strengthen cultural and business ties between people of different countries, regardless of their religion or nationality.”

//Fund activity

AFFA’s charitable activity aims to support projects in the following fields:

Regional Development in Armenia

Implementation of various programs aimed at the development of infrastructure, as well as cultural, historical, tourism, and educational sectors in the regions.

Cultural-historical heritage preservation

Support for cultural and research projects, restoration of ancient temples and monuments, as well as construction of new churches in Armenia and abroad.

Social activity

Implementation of charitable programs in the fields of healthcare, education, and public awareness, as well as support for social institutions caring for orphans.

Peacekeeping

Raising global awareness of genocide and acts of cruelty in the contemporary world.

//Peacemaking

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

The Armenian Genocide that happened from 1915 to 1923 left an indelible mark in the world history as a crime committed by the Ottoman Empire against the principles of humanism and the Armenian people. The subsequent events of the 20th century highlighted the importance of the global community’s unity in the struggle for human rights. For the past sixteen years, the Fund has been actively engaged in awareness-raising efforts, collaborating with leading independent international journalists and periodicals, and organizing meetings with prominent political and public figures to reveal the truth about the Genocide.

Largely due to the activities of the Found, the fact of the Genocide was recognized by the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg. By making this historical decision, it joined the several dozens of other countries and international organizations – including the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the UN Commission on War Crimes, and others. Under the motto “Memory. Gratitude. Faith in the Future,” the Fund holds social and cultural events aimed at conveying the resilience of the Armenian people and expressing gratitude to the countries that support Armenia in its struggle for historical justice.

100 YEARS MEMORY ALLEY

The 100 Years Memory Alley project was created to express gratitude to the countries that have acknowledged the Armenian Genocide. As a token of appreciation, 100 trees were planted at the alley near the newly built church in the town of Masis, Armenia.
The name of the Alley was chosen not by chance: it was founded in the year of the 100th anniversary of the Genocide. The motto of the project is “Memory. Gratitude. Faith in the Future.” Its objective is not only expressing gratitude to the countries that have recognized the fact of the Genocide, but also showing to the world the faith of the Armenian people in the great future of their country.

“We expect that this park will become a symbol of friendship and tolerance as well as a place of attraction for the town people, residents of Armenia, guests and tourists”, Gagik Adibekyan, President and the Founder of AFFA, stated in his speech at the opening ceremony of 100 Years Memory Alley.

//Social activity

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UWC DILIJAN COLLEGE

In August 2014, UWC Dilijan College, the first international boarding school in the Eastern Europe and the CIS countries, was opened in the town of Dilijan in Armenia.
As of early 2025, UWC Dilijan enrolls approximately 220 to 227 students from around 70 to 80 different countries and nationalities worldwide – including Armenia, CIS countries, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, and even Australia.
The educational institution is a part of the prestigious network United World Colleges – UWC, and is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization for training under the IB Diploma program. Obtaining an IB diploma will enable the get admitted to enter the best universities of the world.
The initiators and ideologists of the educational project were Ruben Vardanyan, a businessman and a philanthropist, and his wife Veronika Zonabend. One of the sponsors and founding partners of UWC Dilijan College was Gagik Adibekyan, President of AFFA. On the whole, the construction of the international school was supported by more than 200 donors and personally by Serzh Sargsyan, who was the President of Armenia at the time.
Foundation of a world-level school in Dilijan became not only the impetus for economic development of the region, but also an opportunity for talented Armenian children to obtain free prestigious education.

CHRISTMAS CHARITY FAIRS

Traditionally, Romanov Dvor business quarter’s atrium hosts Christmas Charity Fair on New Year’s Eve, and the money raised during it are donated to orphanages. The event is organized by AFFA and RD Group Holding. Every year, Christmas Tree of Wishes Campaign is held as part of the fair: New Year wishes of orphans are hung onto the specially installed Christmas Tree. Guests of the fair can help fulfill a child’s dream by bringing a gift to Romanov Dvor.

CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KONSTANTIN KHABENSKY FOUNDATION

Adibekyan Family Found for Advancement is actively collaborates with Konstantin Khabensky Foundation. In June 2014, the organizations held a joint charity campaign that raised approximately half a million rubles. All funds were used to help children with cancer and other brain-related diseases.

SUPPORT FOR THE MYTISHCHI ORPHANAGE

Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement and RD Group Holding provide ongoing support to the Mytishchi orphanage, a music-focused educational school.

On the eve of 2015, representatives from the Holding and AFFA visited the children to congratulate them on the upcoming New Year and Christmas.

//Cultural-historical heritage preservation

REBIRTH OF THE TATEV MONASTERY

The “Rebirth of the Tatev Monastery” project aims to restore one of Armenia’s oldest monastery complexes, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, located 20 km from the town of Goris.
Armenia is a country rich in culture and traditions, and it is the oldest Christian state in the world. The preservation and restoration of architectural monuments, churches and monasteries hold special significance here.

One of the most important goals of the project is strengthening the ties between Armenia and Artsakh. “Rebirth of Tatev” project aims to create conditions for maintaining a stable tourist flow, making Tatev and Goris convenient “transit hubs” for Armenians and foreign visitors travelling to Artsakh.

The “Rebirth of the Tatev Monastery” project brought together approximately 140 people from 18 countries. AFFA is proud to be part of this initiative, alongside the IDeA Foundation, the Government of the Republic of Armenia, and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

CONSTRUCTION OF SAINT GEVORG CHURCH

St. Gevorg Church in Masis, Armenia was built with the support of AFFA (Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement) and officially opened on November 1, 2009. The church has since become a spiritual and cultural center for the local community.

On April 11, 2015, a khachkar (Armenian cross-stone) was consecrated on the church grounds in commemoration of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, marking the 100th anniversary of the tragic events of 1915. The khachkar stands as a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and national identity.

In addition to its religious services, St. Gevorg Church hosts community gatherings and commemorative events, strengthening the spiritual life and historical consciousness of the region.

SUPPORT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION CATHEDRAL OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH

AFFA (Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement) played a significant role in supporting the construction of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, a monumental project that became the centerpiece of the Armenian Church Complex in Moscow.

The cathedral’s foundation was laid in 1996 on Mira Avenue, one of Moscow’s central thoroughfares. After years of dedicated construction and artistic effort, the church was officially opened and consecrated on September 17, 2013, in a ceremony attended by religious leaders, dignitaries, and members of the Armenian diaspora.

With a total area of 25,000 square meters, the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral is the largest church of the Armenian Apostolic Church outside of Armenia. The complex includes not only the cathedral itself, but also facilities for educational, cultural, and administrative functions, serving as a major spiritual and cultural hub for Armenians in Russia.

The architecture of the cathedral reflects classical Armenian design elements, harmoniously integrated into the urban landscape of Moscow. It stands as a powerful symbol of faith, identity, and the enduring presence of the Armenian community abroad.

RECONSTRUCTION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS ON ROMANOV LANE

Before AFFA (Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement) and RD Group Holding began construction of the Romanov Dvor business quarter, the historic buildings on Romanov Lane were in a state of severe disrepair. Facades were crumbling, decorative elements had been partially lost, and the atriums required significant renovation. These buildings, some of which dated back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, represented a unique layer of Moscow’s architectural and cultural heritage.

During the development of the business quarter, particularly the creation of the pedestrian street, Romanov Alley-these historic buildings were carefully restored by teams of architects, engineers, and conservation specialists. The renovation process prioritized the use of authentic materials and traditional construction techniques to maintain historical accuracy.

The revitalization effort not only preserved the architectural identity of Romanov Lane but also reanimated the area, transforming it into a vibrant urban space that blends heritage with modern functionality. Today, these restored buildings house boutique offices, cafes, and galleries, contributing to the cultural and commercial life of the Romanov Dvor complex and the broader city center. Their successful integration into the contemporary urban fabric stands as a model for the adaptive reuse of historic architecture in Moscow.

RESTORATION OF REKTORSKY DOM

Rektorsky Dom in the center of Moscow was built in the 1740s and was originally the palatial estate of the Princely House of Volkonsky. At the end of the 18th century, the building became the residence of the rector and professors of Lomonosov Moscow State University, serving as a significant cultural and academic hub.

By the 1990s, the mansion had fallen into critical condition due to neglect and urban decay. With the support of AFFA and the RD Group development holding, the mansion underwent a comprehensive restoration completed in 2005. The building’s 17th-century façade architecture and unique decorative elements were carefully restored, returning the estate to its historical grandeur.

Following the restoration, Rektorsky Dom has been repurposed as a prestigious cultural and commercial space, blending historical significance with modern functionality. Today, it houses exclusive office spaces, art galleries, and cultural venues. The building frequently hosts exhibitions, private events, and academic gatherings, reconnecting it with its original educational legacy. The restoration project has been widely recognized as a model for architectural preservation in Moscow, emphasizing the importance of integrating heritage buildings into the fabric of modern urban life.

//Regional Development in Armenia

MASIS

The development of Masis holds a special place among the priorities of the Adibekyan Family Fund for Future Advancement (AFFA). In collaboration with the City Hall and local residents, AFFA is driving a broad-based transformation of the town, focusing on improving infrastructure, education, and the overall quality of life.

Masis’s transformation began with memorial events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During these events, the “100 Years Memory Alley” project was launched, marked by the planting of 100 trees near Saint Gevorg Church – symbolizing remembrance and renewal.

One of the cornerstone projects is the construction of the Park of Francophonie, a vibrant public space that promotes intercultural dialogue and international cooperation. The park has quickly become a central gathering space for residents and includes an open-air sports complex that encourages physical health and active lifestyles, a children’s playground, offering a safe and joyful space for play and socialization and landscaped green areas, with walking paths, trees, and shaded seating to promote relaxation and community interaction.

These initiatives fall under the larger program titled “Creating a Better Masis”, emphasizing sustainable urban development where health, culture, and community intersect.

AFFA also places a strong emphasis on improving education in Masis. Key developments include the renovation of school building and modernization of educational facilities, especially at Secondary School No. 1. There are also initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of French language education, alongside support for after-school programs and the creation of a youth development center.

In addition, AFFA supports programs for Armenian students abroad, who commit to returning to Armenia to work in regional communities for at least five years. This initiative strengthens professional capacity while ensuring sustainable local development. This approach not only raises the level of professionalism but also ensures the long-term development of local communities.

These projects demonstrate a strategic approach to Armenia’s development through investments in culture, education, and human capital, with an emphasis on bringing back knowledge and experience to the country.

AFFA, together with the City Hall, has organized major public celebrations, including events related to Francophonie. Public spaces continue to be improved on a regular basis, with new social infrastructure facilities being added to meet the growing needs of the town.

These projects reflect AFFA’s strategic, long-term vision for Armenia’s growth through investments in culture, education, and human capital, ensuring that Masis becomes a model for sustainable and inclusive development. According to AFFA, this is only the beginning of a shared journey with the people of Masis toward a brighter future.

DILIJAN

The opening of the international school UWC Dilijan College in 2014 marked the beginning of an ambitious and comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the town of Dilijan into a major cultural, educational, and tourist center in Armenia.

This development project includes the creation of a modern and comfortable business and cultural environment, enhancement of residential infrastructure, preservation of Dilijan’s rich cultural and historical heritage, and the construction of up-to-date transportation systems.

The project led by Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) and with the support of Adibekyan Family Fund for Advancement (AFFA) has attracted significant local and international investment.

The development of Dilijan has had a wide-ranging regional impact on the Tavush region and beyond:

UWC Dilijan has become a hub for international education, attracting students and educators from around the world. This promotes cultural exchange, raises educational standards, and fosters future leaders.

Improved infrastructure, along with increased promotion and investment in hospitality services, has significantly boosted tourism in Dilijan, often referred to as the “Armenian Switzerland.”

Local businesses, from hospitality to construction, have seen increased demand, created jobs and encouraged entrepreneurship. The influx of professionals, visitors, and students has revitalized the local economy.

Investments have led to the renovation of public spaces, development of eco-friendly housing, and improvement of utilities, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Support for museums, local artisans, and cultural institutions ensures the protection and promotion of Armenian heritage while encouraging contemporary cultural initiatives.

Overall, the Dilijan development project is a model for sustainable regional growth, blending education, culture, and tourism to create long-term social and economic value for Armenia.