The Satenig Chapter of Greater Washington was founded in 1929 by Vartanoush Gharibian. The chapter’s first president was then-17-year-old Rose Baboyian (then known as Vartoush Haroutounian). Ungh. Baboyian remains the youngest chairwoman to have served the chapter.

The chapter did not take on the name “Satenig” until the mid 1980’s, when it was suggested that the chapter adopt a formal name. The name of Armenian heroine Satenig Ohanchamian was selected and, thus, the ARS Satenig Chapter of Greater Washington was born.

The Satenig Chapter was heartbroken by the tragedy of the 1988 earthquake in Armenia . Chapter members quickly set up locations throughout the community to collect donations for the relief effort and helped facilitate the transport of medical supplies to Armenia .

Two much-anticipated and standing community traditions are the Satenig Chapter’s annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in November, and its January 6 Armenian Christmas Luncheon, which includes a pageant starring Hamasdegh Armenian School students in a costumed show depicting the Wise Men’s visit to the newborn Jesus. The tradition is much anticipated also because the role of the infant Jesus is usually played by the newest infant boy in the community.

The Satenig Chapter is an active participant in international and regional ARS activities. Locally, the chapter contributes baked goods for the annual Soorp Khatch Church Bazaar, sponsors campers to attend AYF Camp Haiastan, supports the Hamasdegh Armenian School , and awards scholarships to students whose parents cannot afford tuition. The Satenig Chapter contributes its time and funds, whether the effort is in Armenia or Javakhk or in its own backyard.