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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Azerbaijan's Divisive Campaign at UN Threatens to Derail Karabagh Peace Process 2) Congress Finalizes FY 2005 Foreign Aid Bill 3) UN Vote On Pro-Azeri Karabagh Resolution Delayed 4) Turkey. Cultural Genocide 5) 'Beast on the Moon' to Debut on Broadway 6) Tribute to Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian 7) Gorky Expert Discusses Influence of Armenian Culture, Genocide on Artist's Work 1) Azerbaijan's Divisive Campaign at UN Threatens to Derail Karabagh Peace Process Rep. Pallone speaks out against destructive UN resolution; ANCA leads grassroots campaign to urge the administration to oppose destabilizing measure WASHINGTON, DC--On Tuesday, the ANCA issued an appeal to Secretary of State Colin Powell urging him to "strenuously and publicly oppose" an Azeri-sponsored United Nations resolution, which would seriously undermine the Mountainous Karabagh peace process. The action follows a strongly worded November 19 House floor statement by Congressional Armenian Caucus co-chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and an earlier joint letter by the Armenian Caucus Co-chairs calling the resolution "ill-advised" and urging the US to take decisive action against the measure. Azerbaijan has pressed forward with its resolution, which seeks to condemn the repatriation of Armenians to their ancestral homes in Mountainous Karabagh, despite opposition from the Co-Chairs of the Organization for Security and cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group. The co-chairs have noted that, "introducing this issue to the United Nations General Assembly may have two negative consequences. In light of the situation we have outlined, this will be detrimental to the efforts to find a just and lasting settlement of the issue, particularly at this time. Secondly, it will fail to achieve consensus, a situation that will not be helpful. We advise avoiding this situation." Azeri Ambassador to the UN, Yashar Aliyev, began lobbying in support of the resolution on October 14, the day that he submitted a letter requesting that it be included on the UN General Assembly agenda. Both the UN General Committee and General Assembly have voted to allow the matter to be considered. The United States, along with Minsk Group Co-Chairs France and Russia, have abstained on both votes. In his November 19 remarks, Rep. Pallone expressed alarm that "the United States has thus far failed to compellingly address the resolution…This failure by the Administration now has the potential to undermine US interests and American values in the strategically important Caucasus region." The November 7 letter from the Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) raised similar concerns, stressing that, "efforts to reinforce stability and reduce the risk of conflict are in the best interests of the US and the South Caucasus region. To this end, we urge that the United States forcefully renounce this proposal, secure its retraction, and impress upon the Azeri government that it should drop such counter-productive tactics in favor of a serious and lasting commitment to the OSCE Minsk Group process." In the days leading up the vote, ANCA chapters around the country have mobilized local activists to urge the US Ambassador to the United Nations to actively oppose the Azeri measure. The ANCA launched a free WebFax campaign on its website-- Secretary Powell and US Ambassador to the UN John Danforth, calling for an unequivocal "no" vote on the resolution. The WebFax letter explains that Azerbaijan's resolution "works at cross-purposes to America's interests, which are best served by continued dialogue. In fact, the only interests served by Azerbaijan's resolution will be those of hardliners in Baku who seek the fragmentation of the OSCE framework, the unraveling of ten year's worth of negotiations, and the resumption of hostilities in the region...The United States, as a co-chair of the Minsk Group and an honest broker to the negotiating process, should strenuously, and publicly oppose this measure at every stage." 2) Congress Finalizes FY 2005 Foreign Aid Bill Reverses administration's effort to break military aid parity for Armenia and Azerbaijan; fails to include Schiff amendment on the Armenian genocide WASHINGTON, DC--The United States Congress this past weekend adopted an Omnibus spending measure including several provisions of special interest to Armenian Americans--including the reversal of a White House proposal to tip the balance of US military aid toward Azerbaijan. The Bush Administration, in the budget it submitted to Congress in February of this year, had proposed sending four times more Foreign Military Financing to Azerbaijan ($8 million) than to Armenia ($2 million). The final version of the foreign aid bill, adopted on November 20 during a lame duck session of Congress, sets the total military aid figures, including three quarters of a million dollars in International Military Education and Training, for both nations at $8.75 million. "It is absolutely critical that the US maintain parity in military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan," commented Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). "This is as important as ever, particularly in light of the ongoing dangerous comments by Azeri leaders. I am fully committed to ensuring that this policy continues." Congress--at the urging of Senator Mitch McConell (R-KY) and Rep. Knollenberg, both of whom serve as senior members of their respective chamber's foreign aid subcommittees--earmarked at least $75 million in economic aid for Armenia and an additional $3 million for Mountainous Karabagh. Subcommittee member Steve Rothman (D-NJ) welcomed the final numbers, stating "Armenia, as an emerging democracy with a developing free market economic system, needs continued US assistance to accomplish its objectives: regional peace and stability, a successful transition to a free market economy and a flourishing democracy. I will continue to work with the Administration to push Azerbaijan and Turkey to lift their blockades against Armenia, which are placing oppressive and unjustifiable obstacles in the path of Armenia's continued growth and development." "Armenian Americans value the foresight and vision of Congress in restoring military aid parity, setting a $75 million earmark for Armenia, and continuing direct aid to Mountainous Karabagh," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Senator McConnell, Congressman Knollenberg and all our friends deserve a great deal of credit for their tireless efforts on this spending measure. We were, at the same time, disappointed that Congressional leaders failed to respect the clearly expressed will of the US House in adopting the Schiff Amendment. In failing to include this provision in the final version of the bill, Congress missed an opportunity to send a clear message to Turkey that the US government will not tolerate its shameful denial of the Armenian genocide." The restoration of military aid parity by the Congress was identified by the ANCA in early 2004 as a major legislative priority following the President's budget request breaking the standing agreement between the White House and the legislative branch that military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan remain equal. Following the bill's passage Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) cited the importance of maintaining military aid parity. "Even though the President waived Section 907 in FY 2002, its principles and the commitments that were made at that time still remain fundamental to US policy towards the South Caucuses. Moreover, because Azerbaijan continues its blockade of Armenia, it is more important than ever for maintaining Foreign Military Funding parity between these two nations." The House version of the foreign aid bill, adopted this July, included a strongly worded amendment, authored by Rep. Adam Schiff, on the Armenian genocide. This measure, approved as an amendment by voice vote on the House floor, aimed to restrict the government of Turkey from using any of the aid it receives from this appropriation to lobby against the adoption of the Congressional Genocide Resolution. The Senate version did not include a counterpart to the Schiff Amendment, nor did the final text that emerged from House-Senate deliberations. Rep. Schiff commented on the removal of the provision from the final bill stating: "Generations of Americans have long waited for Congress to condemn the murder of 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children. Even though the Schiff amendment was not enacted into law, its passage by the House in July was a seminal moment in the effort to recognize the Armenian genocide. While I had hoped that this would be the year Congress would formally speak against the evil perpetrated against the Armenian people almost ninety years ago, we will redouble our efforts in the next year to pass the Schiff Amendment as well as legislation recognizing and condemning all genocides." 3) UN Vote On Pro-Azeri Karabagh Resolution Delayed UNITED NATIONS (RFE/RL-Reuters)--Azerbaijan urged the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to intervene in a long and bitter territorial dispute with neighboring Armenia over the Mountainous Karabagh region. But France, Russia, and the United States, which have been trying to resolve the dispute on behalf of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, asked the assembly to stay on the sidelines and not interfere with their efforts. Azerbaijan has repeatedly accused them of doing little to restore its control over Karabagh. Talks "can only progress in an atmosphere of confidence between the parties. Anything in the direction of building confidence and of avoiding a division of the General Assembly is helpful," said US envoy Susan Moore, speaking on behalf of the OSCE initiative led by Paris, Moscow, and Washington. Azerbaijan's foreign minister, Elmar Mammadyarov, said his government had decided to take the issue to the General Assembly because Armenia was pursuing an "illegal settlement policy" by flooding the disputed area with Armenians, with an eye to annexing the enclave. He called on the assembly to adopt a resolution affirming its "continued strong support" for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and the right of Azeri refugees to return to their former homes in the enclave. The allegations were rebutted by Armen Martirosian, Armenia's ambassador at the UN. He reportedly reiterated the Armenian position that the seven districts in Azerbaijan proper were occupied as a result of Azerbaijan's attempts to win back Karabagh by force and that their return is conditional on a comprehensive peace accord. He also charged that Azerbaijan itself pioneered ethnic cleansing in the conflict by unleashing pogroms of its ethnic Armenian citizens in 1988-90. Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, for his part, warned on Tuesday that the passage of the pro-Azeri resolution would reverse progress which he said he and Mammadyarov made during peace talks earlier this year. The assembly put off a vote on the draft resolution until an unspecified later date. 4) Turkey. Cultural Genocide Calendar documents destruction of Armenian Churches The Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA) organization has published a 2005 calendar depicting the fate of Armenian churches in Turkey, which stood intact at the turn of the of the 20th century, but stand effectively leveled today. The RAA uncovers and researches Armenian architectural monuments in the territory of historical Armenia--primarily Western Armenia and Cilicia, and in the neighboring countries of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Nakhichevan, and Iran. Their goal is to take photographs and map existing strictures in order to rescue them on paper, and present Armenian public and international community--before ultimate eradication. The RAA began its activities at the end of the 1960s, and was established in Germany in 1982. In 1998, it registered and operates as a non-profit organization in Armenia. More detailed information on their activities can be found on 5) 'Beast on the Moon' to Debut on Broadway NEW YORK--Art has once again come to the aid of the Armenian Cause, this time in the form of a play called Beast on the Moon. The beautiful and gripping story by Richard Kalinoski, about two survivors who settle in the United States and seek to start a family in the wake of the genocide of their past, powerfully discloses the true nature of the events of 1915. The play--honored by the American Theatre Critics Association in 1996--has been performed in 16 nations, translated into 11 languages, and won more than 40 awards around the world. Producers of the developing New York production of Kalinoski's play are now aiming the work at Broadway in 2005. On November 12, in New York City, producer David Grillo of Stillwater Productions, spoke at a workshop meant to attract the remaining investors needed to stage Beast on the Moon this spring. The American play about Armenian immigrants still dealing with the shadows of the 1915 Armenian genocide--even as they face hope and opportunity in their new home in Milwaukee"is an absolutely universal tale of love as a healing tool in the aftermath of wartime loss," remarked Grillo. Armenian-Americans will be doubly compelled to see this play. On a purely human level, the audience must grapple with the complexity of how love enables the most deeply unexpressed feelings to emerge and be potentially healed, while an Armenian audience will connect with the pathos of what many grandparents and great-grandparents endured as they struggled to construct a life in the aftermath of witnessing the vicious destruction of their families. The work, billed as "a love story, and an American immigrant story," is set in 1921 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Aram Tomasian first greets Mrs. Seta Tomasian as a fifteen year-old girl, who has been rescued from Armenia to live as his mail-order bride. As these two very different people go through twelve years of marriage, they confront the challenge of merging their opposite approaches to managing grief. Seta, open and talkative, strives to deal with the loss of her family by sharing with her husband. Fiercely determined to replace his slaughtered family by producing children of his own, Aram is quiet and brooding. Because of the starvation she experienced as a refugee, Seta is unable to bear children. Their relationship comes to an impasse; yet through the darkest moments, it is clear that the marriage is infused with deep love and need for one another. The couple befriends a young Italian orphan boy, whom Seta has welcomed in her home and Aram grows to love. By the play's end, Aram sheds some of his rigidity, and thanks to his extraordinary young wife, discovers the possibility of happiness. By supporting this play, Armenian-Americans will participate in a form of activism guaranteed to be deeply enriching on many levels. Members of the audience will reflect on how love enables traumatized individuals to regenerate their lives through building a family, while they will learn about one of the greatest injustices of the twentieth century. "So much appeals to me about Beast that it is hard to find a place to begin," Grillo previously told Playbill On-Line. "It is an extraordinarily challenging drama with a surprising number of well-earned laughs. The play takes its audiences through an emotional cataclysm and delivers them, at its finish, to joyful redemption. I don't like plays that ask me to jump through emotional hoops and then leave me beaten up by the side of the road. Beast is redemptive. The journey is hard, but one for which the audience is enormously grateful." To learn more about Beast on the Moon, visit <; For those interested in possibly investing in its Broadway production, contact the producer David Grillo at 212-541-4502 or at dgrillo@nyc.rr.com. 6) Tribute to Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian By Anahid M. Ugurlayan An enlarged color photograph of Archbishop Ashjian holding a lamb at the center of the stage near the podium was the setting for what would prove to be an emotional evening. As Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan would later explain, the lamb was a sacrificial one, but Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian had asked that its life be spared and helped take care of it until it grew to be a sheep. A small gesture, perhaps, but it is one that exemplifies Archbishop Ashjian's kindness and charity that would be highlighted throughout the evening. Family, friends, and supporters of the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, who passed away on December 2, 2003, gathered at St. Peter's Church in New York to honor and pay tribute to him. The tribute was organized by the Special Committee of the New York Chapter of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society under the leadership of Chairperson Arevig Caprielian and under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Eastern US. The program commenced with a video of Archbishop Ashjian's pilgrimage to Western Armenia--vivid images of centuries-old churches destroyed or left to nature's devices with no effort on the part of the Turkish government to preserve Armenia's cultural heritage--Archbishop Ashjian praying for the souls of deceased relatives of pilgrimage-goers. After the video presentation, Arevig Caprielian delivered the opening remarks, welcoming all in attendance and reminding them of Archbishop Ashjian's innumerable achievements for the Church and the Armenian people around the world, especially as the Prelate of Eastern United States and Canada for 20 years and in Armenia, his home during the last six years of his life. Dr. Herand Markarian, the master of ceremonies, remarked that those who mourn the passing of Archbishop Ashjian are also "carriers of his memory," and that his spirit is ever-present as long as "we as a nation live his memory." Dr. Markarian introduced the video, Life and Times of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian: Road of Achievements, which was shown in two parts. In the first part, His Eminence speaks of the importance of faith--how it guides to become a source of strength in one's life, without which the meaning of life would be lost. He speaks of his childhood and his parents, both orphans of the 1915 Armenian genocide, who instilled strong Armenian values and the spirit of the Church, which would serve as the foundation for his future religious studies. Archbishop Ashjian recounts his theological studies and his service to the community as Dean of the Monastery in Bikfaya, Beirut, as Principal of the Mardikian School in Antelias, Lebanon, as Prelate of New Julfa/Isfahan in Iran, and, finally, as the Prelate of the Eastern United States and Canada for twenty years (1978-1998). As Prelate of the Eastern United States and Canada, his achievements included founding the Land and Culture Organization and educating Armenian youth about Armenian history and religion through the Siamanto Saturday program and the Datevatsi Seminars in Philadelphia each year in July. The video presentation also included excerpts of the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian genocide in Washington, DC, where 800 genocide survivors were in attendance, his placing of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of Armenian-Americans who served in the military from WWI to the present, as well as a speech on Armenian Independence Day where he spoke as both a clergyman and a patriot, championing our national independence. Despite Archbishop Ashjian's humble demeanor, viewing himself first and always as God's servant, his many achievements and his spiritual guidance left a lasting impression on all who knew and worked with him. One of these individuals, the Honorable Sarkis Teshoian, delivered the English message and spoke of his dear friend, brother, and leader. Judge Teshoian, who served as chairman of the Prelacy's Executive Council during Archbishop Ashjian's tenure in New York, recounted episodes from his many visits with the Archbishop, recalling his wise counsel and his insatiable thirst for knowledge, having authored numerous articles and at least three dozen books in Armenian and English. He spoke of how Archbishop Ashjian's faith, hope, and love were evident in his unwavering commitment to the Church and his parishioners. The program continued with a heartfelt rendition of "Nor Dzaghig" and "Yegeghetsin Haygagan" by mezzo soprano Hasmik Meikhanedjian, accompanied by pianist/organist Janet Marcarian. Following the musical portion of the program, the second part commenced with a video presentation of Archbishop Ashjian's work in Armenia. This chapter of his life began when His Holiness Karekin I Catholicos of All Armenians' offered, and His Eminence later accepted, the position of the Executive Director for the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia. Among his memorable achievements from this commemoration included his organized pilgrimages to Western Armenia to help reintroduce Armenians to their usurped homeland. At one point, His Eminence asks: "How can we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of our Christianity and not visit our homeland?" Among the numerous historic sites Serpazan visited was the Tiridates Stone, where St. Gregory baptized King Tiridates as the first Christian king of Armenia in 301 AD, and is especially noteworthy given that Serpazan presided over the commemorative events marking the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia. Archbishop Ashjian also visited his mother's birthplace, Havav. In a private ceremony of symbolic unification of Sevan and lake Van, he poured water bought from Sevan into the lake Van, and returning to Armenia, he poured "Vana jur" into Sevan. In addition, His Eminence officiated at an Armenian wedding ceremony at Aghtamar's Holy Cross Church. The sound of Armenian prayers was heard once again at this church and among the ruins of other churches and monasteries deserted during the genocide. One wonders what will become of these churches and monasteries in Serpazan's absence. While tending to his duties for the 1700th anniversary of the Armenian Church, Archbishop Ashjian diligently embarked on his charitable work, including the baptism of thousands of adults and children, the renovation of the St. Gevorg of Moughni church and monastery, the building of the Terchounian orphanage in Gyumri, and the publishing of hundreds of historical and literary books. In the video, the pastor of the St. Gevorg of Moughni church recounts how Archbishop Ashjian revitalized the village through the renovation of the church, the building of a community center and other significant improvements. He notes that His Eminence's devotion was not forgotten by the villagers who, when learning of His Eminence's passing, renamed the main street of their village "The Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian poghots." Moreover, the local residents collected $300 and hosted another "hokejash" in his memory on Merelots after Easter Sunday. The video continued with Archbishop Ashjian speaking of his last published book, The Etchmiadzin Chronicles, written on the occasion of the 1700th Anniversary of the Armenia's adoption of Christianity, comprising excerpts of travel journals of those who visited Etchmiadzin over the centuries. Notably, His Eminence spoke of a flower that was mentioned by one of the travelers who visited Etchmiadzin and how the uniqueness of the flower spurred Serpazan to embark on a determined and eventually successful search for it. In fact, the invitation to the evening's Memorial Tribute included a photo of Archbishop Ashjian holding a bunch of the coveted flowers--Iris Elegantissima. The touching nature of this photo is heightened when one learns that this was the last photo taken of Archbishop Ashjian in Armenia. Indeed, the photo reflects both the beauty of Armenia and Archbishop Ashjian's spirit. As His Eminence speaks, one could sense the joy and satisfaction he felt in helping to preserve Armenian culture, as well as improving Armenia's social condition. The video presentation was followed by a message delivered in Armenian by Dr. Ashot Melkonian, Director of the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia. Dr. Melkonian spoke of Archbishop Ashjian's tireless charitable and scholarly work in Armenia and how he regarded Archbishop Ashjian as an invaluable mentor and a friend. Dr. Melkonian, who is a native of Javakhk, Georgia, explained that Archbishop Ashjian was the first clergyman to visit Javakhk in over 20 years and bless the inhabitants. Appropriately, the townspeople considered Archbishop Ashjian's visit one of great significance--as if he were a Catholicos for them. Dr. Melkonian also spoke of a young man's future rescued by Archbishop Ashjian during his visit to a prison. His Eminence baptized the young man, offered him guidance, and provided a home for his family, asking only one thing in return: that he lead a good life and attend church each Sunday. Since then, the young man attends mass at Holy Etchmiadzin each Sunday and visits Archbishop Ashjian's library at the National Academy. Dr. Melkonian recounted how this story illustrates Archbishop Ashjian's view of humanity, namely that everyone is equal in the eyes of God. The personal memories of Archbishop Ashjian continued by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, who also delivered the benediction. Archbishop Choloyan reminisced of days as a student at the Seminary where he met His Eminence and their enduring friendship, but also touched on the great loss that his death represents for the Church, the Holy See and the Armenian community. He noted that His Eminence's memory will live on, adding that St. Nerces "Parekordzagan" Organization, an organization that helps support orphans of the Karabagh war and other needy children, would be renamed as the "Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian Organization." The program concluded with the singing of "Cilicia" and Archbishop Ashjian's last message in which he spoke of how Christ helped everyone, regardless of social status and age, and how all of us should strive to find the good in all people. In addition, photos of His Eminence were shown on the screen, as well as the final photo of him waving goodbye as he descended a hill in Western Armenia--a symbolic farewell to the Armenian people and historic land. Archbishop Ashjian's work and accomplishments are too numerous too recount--from serving as Dean of the Cilician Seminary, as the principal of the Mardikian School, to Executive Secretary of the 1700th commemorative events of Christianity of Armenia, to his ecumenical appointments such as member of the World Council of Churches' Faith and Order Commission. The sense of shock of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian's sudden death remains profound and is heightened by watching him in the video, as one could not help but feel that he was still among us. Yet his spirit remains and will endure, and his vocational achievements and charitable work are surpassed only by his boundless humanity. Archbishop Ashjian will forever serve as a role model for all Armenians and as a shining example of the unrelenting resolve of the Armenian people to triumph against all odds. 7) Gorky Expert Discusses Influence of Armenian Culture, Genocide on Artist's Work WASHINGTON, DC--Renowned art historian and specialist on Arshile Gorky, Dr. Melvin Lader, presented his insights at a public lecture at the Armenian Embassy sponsored by the Greater Washington DC Chapter of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society and under the auspices of the Ambassador and Mrs. Arman Kirakossian. A standing-room-only crowd of over 150 people gathered on November 5 to hear Dr. Lader's talk and slide presentation, titled "Arshile Gorky: the Case of an Unlikely Modernist." Dr. Lader, a professor of art history at George Washington University, is a respected authority on the works of abstract expressionist pioneer Arshile Gorky, having lectured and published extensively on the life and works of the artist. He most recently curated (with Janice C. Lee) an exhibition of Gorky's drawings at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and the Menil Collection in Houston in 2004. Drawing on his research of Gorky's work, the artist's writings as well as side-by-side visual comparisons, Dr. Lader highlighted various influences in Gorky's life that were eventually reflected in the artist's work. These included memories of Gorky's childhood in Khorkom (a village near Lake Van in Armenia), color and imagery from Armenian Christian art, Gorky's haunting sufferings and loss of family during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, and his feelings of exile after coming to America. He also cited the influence of other artists such as Cezanne and surrealist Joan Miro. In referring to Gorky's famous Portrait of the Artist and His Mother, Dr. Lader states, "Alone in New York, the memory of his mother, her tragic death, and the genocide weighed heavily on his mind. And he undoubtedly conceived of the painting as a tribute to his mother and her role in his life. As such, it was the first major work he created descending from his Armenian memories which would become a central theme in most of his mature art." The formal presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period and reception in the Embassy, during which Dr. Lader responded to specific inquiries from the audience. In his opening remarks, Amb. Kirakossian stated, "I want to thank Hamazkayin for organizing this event. Obviously we have good cooperation with this society of dedicated people who are doing all their best to preserve Armenian culture." He went on to acknowledge Dr. Lader's contributions to the study of this pioneer in American art. "Dr. Lader's engaging talk brought to light the profound impact of Gorky's Armenian experience on his art, and by extension its impact on expressionism in general," stated Maggie Simonian, Chairwoman of the Hamazkayin Washington Chapter. "We are pleased to have been able to bring Dr. Lader's insights and research to the community and thank the Armenian Embassy for their gracious hospitality and collaboration in this event." Founded in 1928, the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the history and the cultural heritage of the Armenian nation. 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