The Knights of Vartan Inc. (Վարդանանց Ասպետներ) is a non-political, non-sectarian, non-denominational fraternal organization established in 1916 in the USA that encourages its members to take leadership roles in cultural, educational, religious, and charitable organizations on the local, national and international level for the betterment of Armenians worldwide. The Knights of Vartan emphasizes patriotism, discipline, and knightly virtues, in order to strengthen the fabric of national life. The primary objectives of the Knights of Vartan are to create a spirit of brotherhood and cooperation among Armenians and to instill the principles of charity, justice, noble character and good citizenship. History of the establishment of the Knights of Vartan Inc. On May 27, 1916, a small group of Armenian community leaders established the Knights of Vartan Inc. Brotherhood. The Knights of Vartan's 12 Founding Fathers were: Bishop Papguen Guleserian, Rev. Garabed M. Manavian Rev. Khachadour G. Benneyan, Rev. Haigag H. Khazoyan, Rev. A. A. Bedikian, Rev. Mihran T. Kalajian, Prof. Mardiros Ananigian, Prof. Haroutune Dadourian, Prof. Vahan Babasinian, Mr. Karekin M. Guiragosian, Mr. Garabed Pushman, Mr. Nazareth Gumushguerdanian. In 1932, the Knights of Vartan, Inc., decided to organize an affiliated organization, known as the Daughters of Vartan, devoted to the spiritual and cultural ennoblement of Armenian womanhood. The institution of the first Chapter (Otyag) took place on December 18, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Purpose of the organization The Knights of Vartan Inc. is an Armenian organization founded after the Armenian genocide and massacre of the Armenian people in 1915. The main aims of the organization are to fight for the recognition of the Armenian genocide, to assuage the pain of the Armenian people suffering from genocide, and to train compatriot leaders to serve the religious, cultural, educational, and charitable needs of the Armenian people throughout the world. The organization is named after Commander Vartan Mamigonian, a 5th-century Armenian hero. Vartan Mamigonian, an esteemed and revered nobleman and a staunch Christian, was one of the great heroes in Armenian history who was later sanctified. Vartan sacrificed his life defending the principles of Christianity and liberty at the Battle of Avarayr in AD 451. St. Vartan's patriotism, courage, faith, devotion, and self-sacrifice in the service of his people have been a continual source of inspiration to Armenians in their struggle for freedom. Because of these qualities and virtues, he was adopted as the patron saint of the Knights of Vartan Brotherhood. The name