Tutelian is a member of the Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church in Bethesda as well as the Soorp Khatch Ladies Guild. The church is hosting the free “Taste of Armenia,” beginning noon Thursday through Saturday with food, kids games and a merchants mall. Is there a large Armenian community in D.C.?
There is a large community and it’s getting larger. It’s similar to Greek Orthodox. People come to our church from around the greater D.C. area because we’re the closest Armenian church, the next one is in Richmond. I came here in 1972 from the Boston area.
What drew Armenians to the area?
A lot of them of them came during World War II to escape and many owned hotels in the D.C. area. After more went to college you saw many going into the public service. We also have a Voice of America Armenian division here, as well as some activist groups like the Armenian National Commission and the Armenian Assembly. Unfortunately, Armenians spread around the world when they immigrated so the traditions are different. Some migrated to Canada or the U.S., we have a families at the church from Cuba, Argentina, Greece, Iran, Lebanon and Syria.
How long does it take to prepare some of this food?
We start two months in advance for dessert. The manti, which are these little, very little dumplings cooked and then frozen are put in a broth and served with yogurt. My grandmother taught my mother this recipe and my grandmother taught me. We always serve it as a first course at Christmas.
What was the first recipe you learned?
I learned to make good choreg, a sweet bread my mom used to make. The aroma was so great she would say ‘The poor neighbors smell it and they can’t have it!’ So she would take it door to door. I’m in charge of making this at the bazaar.
— Leigh Giangreco
