Month: October 2006

ACLU Sues DEA, Police Officers for Roughing Up Amtrak Passengers

THE TORCH, Fall 2006, Volume 41, Number 3
The Newsletter of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico

A drug enforcement agent and two police offices illegally searched
and roughed up an Armenian couple as the couple’s Amtrak train stopped
in Albuquerque on the afternoon of August 17, 2005.

During the search, one agent pulled bras and underwear from a
personal bag belonging to Diana Arutinova, smiling lasciviously as
the accompanying agents laughed and made coarse jokes. Arutinova and
her partner, Edgar Manukian, told the three agents they had nothing
illegal in their bags and to stop searching. The officers ignored
their wishes.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico sued the
officers on the couple’s behalf, claiming multiple violations of both
Arutinova’s and Manukian’s civil rights.

"This was a gross abuse of power," said ACLU executive director
Peter Simonson. "The agents had Arutinova and Manukian at their
mercy and they used the opportunity to entertain themselves and to
terrorize the couple."

Things went from bad to worse after the illegal search. Manukian
asked the officers for their names and badge numbers. Agent Jay
Perry pushed Manukian toward the train door and said, "You want my
name? What are you gonna do about it, —hole?"

Fearing for her husband’s safety, Arutinova stepped in between the
two men, but Perry grabbed her roughly by the arm and shook her so
hard that her head struck the wall. Perry then dragged Arutinova by
the arm back down the hallway toward the couple’s roomette, striking
her head against the wall two or three more times. He stopped only
when Arutinova began to scream.

Manukian took photos of the departing agents, but one officer noticed
the camera and the agents returned. Perry grabbed Manukian’s arm and
yelled, "What the hell are you doing taking pictures of us?

Give me that camera!" The agents seized the camera and walked away.

Simonson said, "Clearly the officers were trying to cover their tracks
by seizing the camera. The act was as cowardly as it was illegal."

Zachary Ives and Martha Mulvaney of Freidman, Boyd, Daniel, Hollander
and Goldberg PA are litigating the case for the ACLU along with
ACLU staff attorney George Bach and ACLU Legal Director Phil Davis.
The case was filed in federal district court.

The counts against the officers include retaliation for protected
speech, excessive use of force, and unreasonable search and seizure.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages.

************************************************** **************************
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Telephone: (818) 500-1918
Facsimile: (818) 246-7353
[email protected]
************************************* ***************************************

PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: October 5, 2006

Contact: Lerna Kayserian

Tel: (818) 500-1918

BOB COLLINS TO BE HONORED AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL BANQUET

GLENDALE, CA – Supporters and friends of the Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) gathered on September
29, 2006 at the home of Hovig and Aida Dimejian for the organization’s
traditional Banquet Kickoff Party. Community leaders, organizational
representatives, activists and benefactors were among over 100 people
in attendance.

"This year’s ANCA-WR Annual Banquet promises to be another sell out
event," commented Aida Dimejian, Chairwoman of the Banquet Committee
and a member of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. "The attendees
will witness, first hand, all of the remarkable accomplishments
our organization achieves for the benefit of our community," the
chairwoman added.

Mr. and Mrs. Dimejian, who graciously hosted the event, welcomed
guests to their home and thanked those in attendance. Top donors at the
banquet kick-off event included philanthropists and long-time ANCA-WR
supporters, who pledged to sponsor tables at the Annual Banquet.
Attendees were also updated on the details of the annual gala, which
will be held on November 12, 2006 at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown,
Los Angeles.

ANCA-WR Chairman Steven Dadaian announced that Bob Collins, Chief
Instructional Officer for Secondary Education for the Los Angeles
Unified School District will be this year’s recipient for the Man
of the Year Award. This prestigious award is granted to individuals
who have made remarkable contributions in advancing the concerns of
Armenian Americans and the community as a whole.

The ANCA-WR will honor Mr. Collins for his leading role in implementing
the Armenian Genocide curriculum in the Los Angeles Unified School
District. His efforts in bringing a full and accurate human rights
education to the almost one million students in the Los Angeles
Unified School District distinguish him as a community leader.

"Bob Collins is an exceptional educational leader," commented ANCA-WR
Chairman Steve Dadaian. "His bold steps are allowing hundreds of
thousands of our fellow Americans to learn about the Armenian Genocide
and why crimes against humanity represent a grave danger to us all,"
the ANCA-WR Chairman added.

Due to limited space, the event is expected to sell-out shortly.

Those interested in attending the banquet may contact the ANCA-WR
office at (818) 500-1918 to reserve a table or individuals tickets.

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United
States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad
range of issues.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
October 6, 2006

His Holiness Karekin II Receives President of Romania

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, received President of Romania Traian Basescu and
his delegation yesterday, October 5.  The Romanian president was
accompanied by Andranik Manukian, Minister of Transportation and
Communication of the Republic of Armenia and the ambassadors of
both countries.

Welcoming President Basescu to the headquarters of the Armenian Church,
His Holiness expressed his pleasure at the strong relations enjoyed
between the two states, stating "(They are) the continuation of
the close and warm ties that have existed between our peoples since
the Middle Ages.  It gives us joy that Romanian-Armenians have for
centuries had their important contribution to the life of Romania
with their devoted service."  Recalling that His Holiness Vasken I of
blessed memory, the 130th Catholicos of All Armenians, was born and
lived in Romania, the Armenian Pontiff noted that the nearly 40-year
reign of Vasken Catholicos played a significant role in the renewal
and reconstruction of the Mother See.  His Holiness also extended
his congratulations to Romania for their upcoming membership in the
European Union, and extended his fraternal love and warm regards to
His Beatitude Teoctist I, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

President Basescu thanked His Holiness for the audience and expressed
his respect and admiration for the Armenian Church, her long history
and the faithful Armenian people.  The president spoke of the important
role of spiritual values and religions in the shaping of a healthy
society, noting the imperative for ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue
at the highest levels to face the issues challenging mankind.

The meeting concluded with the Romanian president and the Catholicos of
All Armenians reflecting on the current status of Europe and Armenia’s
place as the first among Christian nations.

##

–Boundary_(ID_Ih346A0hZdND7zqBuTvPB Q)–

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

SERJ TANKIAN WELCOMES HOAGLAND "HOLD"

— System of a Down Vocalist Praises
New Jersey Senator’s Principled Stand

"[Bob Menendez’s] principled stand represents a powerful
contribution to the worldwide effort to end the denial
of justice for this crime, and break forever the
worldwide cycle of genocide." — Serj Tankian

WASHINGTON, DC – Serj Tankian, lead singer for the Grammy Award-
winning band System of a Down, has welcomed the "hold" placed by
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) on the confirmation of Richard
Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia until the Bush
Administration ends its denial of the Armenian Genocide.

"I respect U.S. Senator Bob Menendez’s decision to block the
President’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Armenia until the Bush
Administration ends its cover-up of the Armenian Genocide," said
Serj Tankian. "His principled stand represents a powerful
contribution to the worldwide effort to end the denial of justice
for this crime, and break forever the worldwide cycle of genocide."

This April, Tankian was joined by fellow System member John
Dolmayan in a three-day Armenian Genocide recognition advocacy tour
of Washington, DC, featuring meetings with Members of Congress, an
anti-denial rally outside the Turkish Embassy, and a Capitol Hill
screening of the new Genocide documentary "Screamers." For a full
review of the tour, visit:
leases.php?prid=945

In announcing his decision last month to block the Hoagland
nomination, Sen. Menendez stressed that, "as a leader and defender
of democracy, it is our nation’s responsibility to speak out
against injustice and support equality and human rights. But if
the Bush Administration continues to refuse to acknowledge the
atrocities of the Armenian Genocide, then there is certainly cause
for great alarm, which is why I am placing a hold on this nominee."
He added that, "I will continue to work with my colleagues in the
United States Senate to make strides toward ensuring that all
people, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, receive
protection from policies of discrimination and hate that lead to
genocide."

On September 7th, after more than forty minutes of intense debate,
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Ambassador-
Designate Hoagland’s nomination. Following the vote, the ANCA
announced that it would continue to urge Senators to place a hold
on the Hoagland nomination. On two previous occasions, June 28th
and August 1st, the panel delayed its consideration of the
nomination due to bipartisan concerns over a series of
controversies. Among these points of contention were the nominee’s
written responses to Senator Boxer’s inquiry, in which he
questioned the genocidal intent of the Ottoman Turkish government.
Also of concern to members of the panel was the State Department’s
firing of the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshal
Evans. His early recall from Yerevan is widely seen as retribution
for his public statements, in February of 2005, calling for an end
to "word games" by the U.S. government in avoiding the proper
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Despite dozens of
Congressional inquiries, the Administration has yet to explain its
reasons for firing Amb. Evans or to reveal the communications it
received from the Turkish government on this matter.

To date, more than half of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
including Senators George Allen (R-VA), Joseph Biden (D-DE),
Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Norm Coleman,
Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Russell Feingold (D-WI), John Kerry (D-
MA), Barack Obama (D-IL) and Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), have contacted
Secretary Rice or questioned Ambassador-designate Hoagland directly
regarding his nomination or the firing of Ambassador Evans.
Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Jack Reed
(D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and most recently John Ensign (R-NV),
along with over sixty Members of the U.S. House have also expressed
serious concerns to the State Department on this matter.

In a September 1st letter, the ANCA urged Members of the Committee
to block the Hoagland nomination until:

1) Ambassador-designate Hoagland provides a responsible and
unambiguous public statement affirming that he does not question
the clear genocidal intent of the Ottoman Turkish government
against its Armenian population.

2) The State Department provides a full, honest, and public
explanation regarding the reasons for the controversial firing of
the current Ambassador, John Marshall Evans.

3) The Administration explains any and all communications,
directly or indirectly, between the U.S. government and the Turkish
government concerning Ambassador Evans.

Since February of this year, the ANCA has led nationwide efforts to
demand answers concerning the recall of Ambassador Evans and,
later, to educate Senators about the adverse impact of sending an
envoy to Armenia that has called into question the genocidal
character of Ottoman Turkey’s systematic destruction of its
Armenian population.

#####

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

06-10-2006

Minister Oskanian’s Meetings in Moscow

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian today participated in
consultations with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, under the
auspices of the Minsk Group co-chairs, in Moscow. In a day-long
meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry, the ministers assessed
the current situation, identified the problematic issues still in
dispute, and heard the co-chairs’ ideas as to how to overcome those
differences. Minister Oskanian said the Armenian side has taken note
of the discussion, which he characterized as food for thought and said
they would receive serious consideration prior to the next meeting
before the end of the month.

In the margins of the Minsk Group meeting, Russian Minister of Foreign
Affairs Sergei Lavrov received Minister Oskanian. The bilateral
meeting between the two ministers began with a discussion on the
negotiations and the situation surrounding Nagorno Karabakh. They
also discussed recent developments in the South Caucasus and possible
outcomes. Minister Oskanian and Minister Lavrov also explored other
bilateral issues.

************************************************** **************************

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Telephone: (818) 500-1918
Facsimile: (818) 246-7353
[email protected]
************************************* ***************************************

PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: October 5, 2006

Contact: Lerna Kayserian

Tel: (818) 500-1918

BOB COLLINS TO BE HONORED AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL BANQUET

GLENDALE, CA – Supporters and friends of the Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) gathered on September
29, 2006 at the home of Hovig and Aida Dimejian for the
organization’s traditional Banquet Kickoff Party. Community leaders,
organizational representatives, activists and benefactors were
among over 100 people in attendance.

"This year’s ANCA-WR Annual Banquet promises to be another sell out
event," commented Aida Dimejian, Chairwoman of the Banquet Committee
and a member of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. "The attendees will
witness, first hand, all of the remarkable accomplishments our
organization achieves for the benefit of our community," the
chairwoman added.

Mr. and Mrs. Dimejian, who graciously hosted the event, welcomed
guests to their home and thanked those in attendance. Top donors at
the banquet kick-off event included philanthropists and long-time
ANCA-WR supporters, who pledged to sponsor tables at the Annual
Banquet. Attendees were also updated on the details of the annual
gala, which will be held on November 12, 2006 at the Marriott Hotel
in Downtown, Los Angeles.

ANCA-WR Chairman Steven Dadaian announced that Bob Collins, Chief
Instructional Officer for Secondary Education for the Los Angeles
Unified School District will be this year’s recipient for the Man of
the Year Award. This prestigious award is granted to individuals who
have made remarkable contributions in advancing the concerns of
Armenian Americans and the community as a whole.

The ANCA-WR will honor Mr. Collins for his leading role in
implementing the Armenian Genocide curriculum in the Los Angeles
Unified School District. His efforts in bringing a full and accurate
human rights education to the almost one million students in the Los
Angeles Unified School District distinguish him as a community
leader.

"Bob Collins is an exceptional educational leader," commented
Dimejian. "His bold steps are allowing hundreds of thousands of our
fellow Americans to learn about the Armenian Genocide and why crimes
against humanity represent a grave danger to us all."

Due to limited space, the event is expected to sell-out shortly.
Those interested in attending the banquet may contact the ANCA-WR
office at (818) 500-1918 to reserve a table or individuals tickets.

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United
States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA
actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on
a broad range of issues.

Armenian National Committee of New Jersey
461 Bergen Blvd
Ridgefield, NJ 07657
(201) 945-0011

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2006
Contact: Ani Tchaghlasian
[email protected]

ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF NEW JERSEY
ENDORSES BOB MENENDEZ FOR U.S. SENATE

— Calls on Garden State Armenians to
Vote for Menendez on November 7th

RIDGEFIELD, NJ – The Armenian National Committee of New Jersey (ANC-NJ),
the grassroots voice of over 50,000 Garden State Armenian families, has
endorsed the candidacy of Senator Bob Menendez.

"Bob Menendez, a true champion for Armenian Americans in New Jersey
and across the country, is our clear choice for U.S. Senate," said
ANC-NJ Chairwoman Ani Tchaghlasian. "We value Bob Menendez’s
principled leadership on Armenian issues – most notably his firm
stand against the Hoagland nomination – and will encourage all
Armenians – Democrats, Republicans and independents – to go to the
polls in support of his candidacy on November 7th."

Last month, in a powerful show of moral courage and solidarity with
New Jersey’s Armenian American voters, Senator Menendez placed a
"hold" on the nomination of Richard Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia over the Administration’s deeply flawed policy of denying
the Armenian Genocide. His stand was welcomed statewide as a
reflection of the Senator’s uncompromising commitment to core
values and his strength in fighting for his beliefs.

During his tenure in the U.S. House, before joining the Senate
earlier this year, Bob Menendez served on both the House
International Relations Committee and the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues. While in both the Senate and the House, he
consistently received "A" ratings from the ANCA for his effective
leadership on the full range of Armenian American issues.

#####

Billionaire Investor Retreats From G.M. Alliance
By NICK BUNKLEY

New York Times
October 6, 2006

DETROIT, Oct. 6 — Jerome B. York, an adviser to the billionaire
investor Kirk Kerkorian, resigned from the board of General Motors
today, and condemned the company’s management and its ability to
overhaul the company in his letter of resignation.

After Mr. York informed G.M. that he was quitting, Mr. Kerkorian said
he no longer wanted to increase his stake in the company beyond the
9.9 percent he has now.

The moves came two days after talks collapsed among General Motors,
Renault and Nissan over a global alliance — talks that Mr. Kerkorian
instigated and that he pushed the reluctant management of General
Motors into joining.

Investors bid General Motors stock down sharply on today’s news, with
the shares trading as much as 7 percent lower early in the afternoon
on the New York Stock Exchange. The market reaction cut the value of
Mr. Kerkorian’s 56 million G.M. shares by more than $100 million.

Mr. York, in his letter to G.M., said he reached the conclusion that
the company’s other directors were not willing to challenge executives
on the company’s strategies. He said the company was being too timid
in confronting its problems.

"I have grave reservations concerning the ability of the company’s
current business model to successfully compete in the marketplace
with those of the Asian producers," Mr. York wrote in the letter,
a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times.

General Motors spokesmen did not immediately return calls this
afternoon seeking comment. Mr. York criticized G.M. for not obtaining
an independent analysis of an alliance’s potential value before
backing out of the talks on Wednesday. But he attributed his decision
to resign primarily to the environment in the boardroom, rather than
the company’s reluctance to more fully pursue the alliance proposal.

G.M., which lost $10.6 billion last year but posted an operating profit
in the second quarter of this year, insists that its own turnaround
plan is gaining traction and that it would not be helped and might
be hindered by an alliance.

Rick Wagoner, the chief executive of the company, has said it would not
benefit from a deal with Renault and Nissan as much as its prospective
partners would, and wanted billions of dollars paid up front to General
Motors in compensation. That demand apparently killed the talks.

Analysts suggested that Mr. Kerkorian may now be preparing to wage a
proxy fight against G.M.’s management. If Mr. York, a longtime adviser
to Mr. Kerkorian, remained on the board, he would be restricted in
the part he could play in any hostile moves Mr. Kerkorian made.

A week ago, Mr. Kerkorian said that he was interested in buying 6
million to 12 million more G.M. shares, increasing his stake in the
company to about 12 percent. He backed off that statement today in a
regulatory filing, but noted that his investment company, Tracinda
Corporation, "will continue to review their investment in General
Motors," and may decide to buy or sell additional shares based on
the company’s performance and other factors.

Copyright 2006 The New York Times Company

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) 630 Second Avenue, New
York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

October 6, 2006
___________________

DIOCESE HOSTS DAY OF DISCUSSION FOR ARMENIAN LANGUAGE EDUCATORS

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) hosted a day-long
symposium for parish Armenian School teachers and principals on September 9,
2006, at the Diocesan Center in New York City.

More than 70 teachers attended from the St. Vartan Cathedral’s Armenian
School, 11 parish schools, the Diocese’s two Khrimian Lyceum programs, and
one Armenian day school.

The theme of this year’s start-of-school symposium was how best to lead
Armenian heritage learning, with a focus on language, literature, and
cultural traditions.

"I believe in the continuous exchange of ideas and I am grateful for the
symposium’s more experienced speakers who presented their practical
knowledge to us," said Lucia Vorperian, a teacher at the St. Vartan
Cathedral Saturday School and the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum.

Speakers at the day-long session included Vehanoush Tekian a writer and
former literature teacher at the Hovnnanian Day School in New Jersey,
Zarmine Boghossian principal at Holy Martyrs Day School, and Gilda
Buchakjian-Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian studies for the Diocese.

"We wanted to make sure the teachers took away tools, ideas, and resources
that will help them in the coming months impart a strong sense of our
Armenian language and culture to the next generation," Buchakjian-Kupelian
said. "The Diocese always stands ready to assist our local educators in
anyway we can, and I’m glad so many of them attended this edifying event."

Attendees, too, were glad to have made the trip.

"When I realized we were going to drive for five hours, leaving at 4 a.m.,
and devote a whole Saturday, I thought ‘Is this going to be worth it?’" said
Norik Baboorian-Checkosky, a teacher at the St. Mary Church’s Shnorhali
School in Washington, D.C. "But from the first minute, I realized what a
great decision we had made. The speakers’ ability and knowledge and their
approach to teaching was wonderful. I am sure I will be using these ideas
in my teaching."

Most participants said the specific ideas and new resources presented made
the day productive.

"The Symposium was very informative. These practical-oriented subjects by
the speakers were very helpful," said Annie Altounian, a teacher at the St.
Peter Church in Watervliet, NY.

Fr. Karekin Kasparaian from the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White
Plains, NY, delivered the opening prayer. The day also included a special
remembrance of the late poet Silva Kaputikyan.

HONORING SERVICE

Along with focusing on techniques they could use in future classes, several
educators were thanked for their years of service.

Honored for 25 years of service to Diocesan Armenian Schools were: Ardemis
Arslanian, Mary Demirjian, Maro Hajakian, Rosine Hovsepian, and Marie
Zokian.

Marking 20 years of service were: Aida Sarkissian, Mary Sarkissian, Araxi
Shamamian, Marie Vardanian, and Mary Yacoubian.

Recognized for 10 years of service were: Anahid Boghossian, Ani Derderian,
Aida Diloyan, Jacklin Ekmekjian, Silva Jinivizian, Shnorig Minassian, Nectar
Sarkissian-Monroe, and Shakeh Tokatlian.

"I am glad so many people throughout the Diocese want to help our young
students learn our Armenian language, our beautiful Armenian culture, and
our unique Armenian traditions," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Diocese. "It is encouraging to think that our Armenian identity is
celebrated here in America."

— 10/6/06

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Vehanoush Tekian speaks to Armenian School educators
during the new school year symposium organized by the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern).

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Zarmine Boghossian addresses 70 local Armenian educators
during a day-long symposium at the Diocesan Center in New York City on
September 9, 2006.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, joins the educators being honored
for their years of service to parish Armenian Schools during a day-long
symposium at the Diocesan Center on September 9, 2006, marking the start of
the Armenian School year.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): More than 70 parish Armenian School educators attended
the day-long symposium organized by the Diocese.

# # #
From: Baghdasarian

October 6, 2006

PRESS RELEASE

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PROF. HANS FEULNER LECTURES ON THE ARMENIAN DIVINE LITURGY HOLY
COMMUNION IS THE SYMBOL OF OUR UNITY WITH GOD CONCLUDED THE PRELATE

A lecture on the Armenia Divine Liturgy took place on Wednesday,
October 4, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, under the
auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.

The event was organized by the Western Prelacy Christian Education
Department and featured Prof. Dr. Hans-Juergen Feulner from the
University of Vienna, Austria.

Welcoming remarks were made by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian who gave
a historical background on the rites of the Armenian Church, stressing
that the Armenian Divine Liturgy is a gem that has inspired and
captured the attention of Armenian as well as non-Armenian scholars.
He then introduced Prof. Feulner, describing him as a close friend of
the Armenian people and a professor who has thoroughly researched the
Armenian Divine Liturgy and written his graduate thesis on the subject.

In his lecture, Prof. Feulner spoke of how the Armenian Divine Liturgy
is a beautiful expression of the Armenian language and culture, and
a testament to the Armenian Christian faith. He also spoke on the
influences of the rites of various churches on the Armenian Divine
Liturgy throughout the years, stressing that regardless of these
influences, the rites of the Armenian Church have remained distinctive.

In his closing remarks, the Prelate highly commended Prof. Feulner and
his deep affection towards the Armenian people and specifically the
rites of the Armenian Church. He also commended the Prelacy Christian
Education Department for organizing their second event dedicated to
the Armenian Divine Liturgy, the first being a book presentation for
"The Innocent Convict, Badarak" by Jacques Hagopian. The Prelate
described this event as a spiritual enlightenment, an opportunity
for the faithful to reflect on the Divine Liturgy, through which we
become united with God and with each other.

The program concluded with the "Bahbanich" prayer and the collective
singing of "Hayr Mer", following which the guests enjoyed a reception.