Month: March 2007

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Contact: Haig Hovsepian

Tel: (818) 500-1918

ANCA-WR MEETS WITH U.S. REPRESENTATIVE ANNA ESHOO ON CAPITOL HILL

— ANCA-WR Travels to Capitol Hill to Represent Armenian American
Interests

Washington, DC – Aida Dimejian, member of the Board of Directors of the
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region, and Andrew
Kzirian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of
America – Western Region, met with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and various
U.S. Representatives and Senators on a trip to the nation’s capital on
February 8-9, 2007. Working out of the Armenian National Committee of
America’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C., Dimejian and
Kzirian embarked on a two day schedule of meetings with Congressional
offices to discuss issues of importance to Armenian American communities
in the western United States.

"So far we have 176 cosponsors of H. Res. 106 but that number should be
a lot higher – it is up to every Armenian American activist to call upon
their Representatives to urge them to sign on to this resolution,"
stated Dimejian. During the trip, Dimejian and Kzirian met with
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, who voiced her strong support for the passage
of H. Res. 106 in the United States Congress.

H. Res. 106 calls on the President to ensure that the foreign policy of
the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity
concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and
genocide documented in the U.S. record relating to the Armenian
Genocide.

"The Armenian Genocide claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenian men,
women and children and stands as one of the most tragic chapters in
human history," said Congresswoman Eshoo. "H. Res. 106 is an opportunity
for Congress to follow the strong example set by the governments of
Canada, France, Russia and others who have properly recognized the
Armenian Genocide."

"We hope to continue our already strong relationship with Congresswoman
Eshoo – she stands for justice and is a highly principled leader which
all young Americans can look to as an example," stated Kzirian.

Congresswoman Eshoo has a long record of broad leadership and support
for issues of interest to the Armenian American community. As the only
U.S. Representative of Armenian descent, and as a member of the Armenian
Issues Caucus in Congress, Representative Eshoo plays a key role in the
legislative process as it applies to issues of importance to Armenian
Americans. She has cosponsored numerous resolutions recognizing the
Armenian Genocide and has participated in several Armenian Genocide
commemorations on Capitol Hill. Representative Eshoo, through her
strong efforts and principled approach to her representation of the
Armenian American community, has continuously earned an A+ ANC
Congressional Report rating.

During the trip, Dimejian and Kzirian met with the offices of Senators
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Harry Reid (D-NV), and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and
also Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA),
Gerald McNerney (D-CA), Gary Miller (R-CA), Howard Berman (D-CA), Ciro
Rodriguez (D-TX), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Kenny Marchant (R-TX), Jane
Harman (D-CA), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Dean Heller (R-CA), Diane Watson
(D-CA), George Miller (D-CA), Harry Mitchell (D-AZ), Brian Bilbray
(R-CA) and Adam Smith (D-WA).

The Armenian National Committee of America (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.

###

Photo Caption: Representative Anna Eshoo joins ANCA-WR Board Member Aida
Dimejian and ANCA-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian on Capitol Hill.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2007
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
Email: [email protected]

Assembly Leaders Meet with Lawmakers on Capitol Hill

Washington DC – Assembly Board of Trustees Member Annie Totah and
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny met separately with House Majority
Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) to
discuss several Armenian-American issues, including the Armenian
Genocide resolution (H. Res. 106) which is currently cosponsored by 176
Members of Congress.

Hoyer is a longtime champion of Armenian issues and, since 2000, a
member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. For over a
decade, he has consistently commemorated the anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide with statements on the floor of the House of Representatives.
In 2006, the Congressman addressed the Assembly’s pan-Armenian Advocacy
Conference and said he would continue to fight for U.S. affirmation of
the historical truth.

Like Hoyer, Representative Jackson Lee is an avid supporter of Armenian
issues and a member of the Armenian Caucus. The Congresswoman is a
cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide resolution and has repeatedly signed
the congressional letter to the President, urging him to properly
recognize the events of 1915 as genocide in his April 24th message.

"Our meetings with Majority Leader Hoyer and Representative Jackson Lee
were very productive," said Totah. "Advocacy work is all about
relationship-building and the Assembly will continue its meetings and
discussions with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advance this important
legislation."

H. Res. 106 calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy
of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity
concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and
genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian
Genocide.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.

###

NR#2007-027

Photo graphs available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following links:

27/2007-027-3.JPG

Caption: L to R: Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Assembly
Board of Trustees Member Annie Totah and longtime Armenian issues
supporter and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

27/2007-027-2.jpg

Caption: Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) flanked by Assembly
Board of Trustees Member Annie Totah and Assembly Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday, February 28, 2006

AGBU Camp Nubar Welcomes Registration for Summer 2007 Sessions

As the summer of 2007 draws closer, AGBU’s Camp Nubar is gearing up
for another fun and stimulating season in the breathtaking Catskill
Mountains of upstate New York. Registration is now open to Armenian
youth, ages 8 to 15, and AGBU encourages new and returning campers to
come take advantage of the recently renovated facilities and enjoy all
the exciting activities Camp Nubar has to offer.

Situated on 365 acres of unspoiled forestland with its own spring-fed
lake, Lake Arax, Camp Nubar provides a diverse summer program for
young Armenians from around the world with cultural, social and
recreational activities. Campers can choose from an incredible variety
of activities, including archery, Armenian language and cooking
classes, arts and crafts, basketball, boating, computer classes,
horseback riding, photography, sailing, softball, swimming, tennis,
volleyball and water skiing.

With newly renovated and expanded facilities for both campers and
staff, Camp Nubar has kept pace with the growing demand for modern and
spacious accommodations. Just last year, construction was completed on
numerous camper cabins, the staff lounge and a new Almuni
House. Ranked by the American Camp Association (ACA), the American Red
Cross and the American Academy of Pediatrics as a first-rate modern
facility, Camp Nubar is unique among Armenian camps in its ability to
ensure a high-quality program that meets or exceeds the most rigorous
safety supervision and competency standards in the industry.

Registration for Camp Nubar’s summer 2007 season is now open and this
year’s sessions run from July 7 – August 18. Campers can choose
between a trial-, two-, four- or six-week session. Applications are
available online and parents are encouraged to register their children
early in order to ensure placement in what promises to be an exciting
43rd summer season at Camp Nubar.

First Session: July 7-21, Trial Session: July 21-29, Second Session:
July 21-August 4, Third Session: August 4-18, Four-week Session: July
21-August 18, Six-week Session: July 7-August 18.

Accredited by ACA (), AGBU Camp Nubar was founded in
1963 and continues to be a summer haven for Armenian youth from all
around the world. For more information on Camp Nubar, please call
(212) 319-6383, visit or email
[email protected].

For more information on AGBU and its youth programs, please visit

ANC PAC
104 N. Belmont St.
Suite 200B
Glendale, CA 91206
Press Release
ANC-PAC Announces Endorsements For Board Of Education, GUSD & GCC Board Of
Trustees
February 28, 2007
Glendale, CA – Less than a week after publicizing its endorsement of
Councilmember Rafi Manoukian and Greg Krikorian for Glendale City Council,
the Armenian National Committee Political Action Committee (ANC-PAC)
announced its endorsement of incumbent Mary Boger and community activist
Nayiri Nahabedian for the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) Board of
Education, and current GCC Board of Trustees Tony Tartaglia and Dr. Vahe
Peroomian for the Glendale Community College Board of Trustees.
"We wanted to make sure we took the time to meet with candidates as well
as community members in order to make a well informed endorsement decision,"
stated Pierre Chraghchian. "There were many qualified candidates with a
passion for the community who would have made a substantial contribution to
the public. However, we feel that the candidates we chose have the qualities
that best fit the community’s needs," added Chraghchian.
Professor Nayiri Nahabedian, candidate for GUSD Board of Education, is a
product of our local Glendale schools. She graduated from UCLA with a
Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s from the School of Public
Policy and Social Research. A current faculty member at CSULA who specializes
in the areas of children and families, Professor Nahabedian has actively
served our community as one of the founding members of the Generation Next
Mentorship Program and by helping parents and teachers while working with
Haykakan Azgayin Khorhurd.
Incumbent Mary Boger, a resident of Glendale for nearly thirty years and a
Member of the GUSD Board of Education, has always been an active participant
in the community. She has chaired the Blue Ribbon Panel on Parks, Recreation
and Open Space and co-chaired the Citizens Memorial Advisory Committee.
Recognized by Congressman Adam Schiff as a Congressional Woman of the Year
and by the News-Press as a Woman of Achievement, Ms. Boger has also received
one of the first three Honorary Degrees presented by Glendale Community
College.
Tony Tartaglia, candidate for GCC Board of Trustees, is a Public Affairs
Manager for the Southern California Gas Company, where he as worked for over
seventeen years. With a degree in mechanical engineering from CSUN and a
Master’s in business administration from Pepperdine University, Mr. Tartaglia
has served and is currently serving on many boards and organizations
throughout southern California, including the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of
Commerce, Glendale College Foundation, New Horizon’s Family Center (Glendale)
and the Burbank Unified School District Partnership Advisory Board.
Dr. Vahe Peroomian, a current member of the GCC Board of Trustees, is
currently a researcher specializing in magnetospheric physics and space
weather at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at UCLA, with
funding from NASA and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Peroomian received
his Bachelor, Master and PhD. degrees in physics from UCLA. He was appointed
as a GCC Trustee in June 2005 from a field of 16 candidates. An educator for
over 18 years, he has earned the UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy
Outstanding Teaching Award in four consecutive academic years. Dr. Peroomian
has also served as the Science Content Area Chair for the Southern California
campus of the University of Phoenix and currently resides in Glendale with
his wife and children.
"We feel that the candidates endorsed have a strong track record of
commitment to the community and an overall understanding of the needs of the
school district and the GCC Board of Trustees," stated ANC-PAC spokesperson
George Garikian. "We are confident in our decision and look forward to
working with them on the campaign trail."
The ANC-PAC will spend the next 6 weeks encouraging people to volunteer on
campaigns and go out and vote on April 3rd.
The ANC-PAC is a non-partisan federally registered political action
committee established to support political candidates who share the values of
the Armenian American community.

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. 565601
Email: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

28-02-2007

Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian’s Visit to Ireland

Armenia’s Foreign Minister, Vartan Oskanian, is in Dublin, for the
first-ever high-level visit of an Armenian official to Ireland.

Minister Oskanian met with Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern and the two
held a lengthy meeting focusing on many bilateral and multilateral issues.
The Ministers acknowledged that the two countries – small, with few natural
resources, and with large diasporas – have much in common and can cooperate
in a variety of areas. They specifically discussed Armenia-Ireland
cooperation within the European Union’s Neighborhood Policy, citing the EUs
huge potential role as a facilitator of bilateral goal-oriented
collaboration. They discussed the geopolitics of the Caucasus region,
including energy issues.

Minister Ahern spoke about Northern Ireland, and explained the progress that
has recently been made in resolving that situation. The Armenian Foreign
Minister discussed Armenia’s relations with its neighbors. Minister Oskanian
also briefed Minister Ahern on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution
process. They agreed on the need to

Following the meeting at the Foreign Ministry, Minister Oskanian went to
Ireland’s Parliament, and met with the members of the Joint Committee on
European Affairs. He presented Armenia’s political and economic development
and responded to questions. Members of the Committee expressed interest in
exploring the possibilities of closer cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Minister Oskanian spoke at the Institute of European
Affairs, on "Armenia – Foreign Relations in a Difficult Region, at a
Difficult Time."

He also visited the Chester Beatty Library, which houses nearly 150 medieval
Armenian manuscripts.

Minister Oskanian met with the leadership of the Dublin Central Library in
anticipation of a photo exhibition to be opened in the Library in April on
the occasion of Armenia’s 15th anniversary of independence.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEETING OF MECC

The meeting of the Middle East Council of Churches’ (MECC) Executive
Committee started today in Egypt. The committee is formed of 24 members who
represent all the churches in the Middle East. The Armenian Church is
represented in this committee by Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian (Primate of
the Diocese of Tehran) and Bishop Kegham Khatcherian (Primate of the Diocese
of Lebanon).

The meeting will discuss issues related to the work of the Middle East
Council of Churches, its relations and its administrative and financial
aspects. This meeting is held twice a year.

The MECC Standing Committee on Administration and Finance convened
recently in Cyprus. As a member of this committee, Dr. Jean Salmanian
actively participated in the meeting.

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
March 1, 2007
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]

ASSEMBLY HOLDS MEMBER BRIEFING, LEGACY SOCIETY DINNER IN FLORIDA

Boca Raton, FL – On February 9, over 70 Assembly supporters attended a
briefing by Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny to gain a better
understanding of the organization’s current activities and legislative
priorities in the 110th Congress.

Ardouny, who was introduced by Board of Trustees Member Lu Ann Ohanian,
presented the current work of the Assembly including efforts to gain
congressional support for the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H. Res. 106)
and House and Senate legislation condemning journalist Hrant Dink’s
assassination. The two resolutions condemning Dink’s murder, known as S.
Res. 65 and H. Res. 102, were introduced by Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE)
and Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY) respectively. Ardouny
encouraged community members to urge their lawmakers to support the
resolution and invited them to participate in the Assembly’s upcoming
Advocacy Conference in Washington. The event is designed to provide
activists the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their
representatives and advocate on behalf of Armenian-American issues.

"We have a unique opportunity this Congress to pass the Genocide
resolution," said Ardouny. "The time is now. Our goal is to have a vote
in the House by April 24."

The event was held at The Addison in Boca Raton, FL and was hosted by
Life Trustee Mrs. Charles Talanian.

The previous day, the Assembly held a reception at the Boca Raton Bridge
Hotel to recognize and thank Legacy Society members, from the eastern
United States. The Legacy Society includes those who have remembered the
Assembly in their estate plan.

Assembly Board of Trustees Treasurer Edele Hovnanian presented Associate
Trustees Zaven and Arline Dadekian with Legacy Society pins, and thanked
them for their contributions to the organization. Zaven Dadikian was a
primary proponent for beginning the Legacy Society and leads the
Assembly’s Investment Committee.

"Thanks to Zaven and Arline Dadekian, and all of our Legacy Society
Members, the Assembly is able to face the challenges ahead with the
knowledge that our financial future is secure," said Hovnanian.

Members who donate a planned gift in their will, trust or estate plan
are eligible to join the Assembly’s Legacy Society. For more information
on the Assembly’s Legacy Society please contact Development Director
Andy Zovko at (202) 393 -3434 Ext. 245 or via email at
[email protected].

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR#2007-029

Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:

/2007-029-1.jpg

Caption: L to R: Longtime Assembly Member Mary Atamian along with
Assembly Member Marilyn Zeronian, Life Trustee Mrs. Michael Ohanian,
Queenie Nahigian and Marilyn Michaelian.

-029-2.jpg

Caption: L to R: Life Trustee Mrs. Charles Talanian with her son Charles
Talanian and daughter Life Trustee Gail O’Reilly.

-029/2007-029-3.jpg

Caption: Mike Boodakian, left, and dedicated Assembly volunteer Carol
Norigian.

s/2007-029/2007-029-4.jpg

Caption: Life Trustee Ann Hintlian, left, with Board of Trustees Member
Lu Ann Ohanian.

029/2007-029-5.jpg

Caption: L to R: Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny and Legacy
Society Members Marta and James Batmasian, Edele Hovnanian and Margaret
and Zaven Dadekian.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
March 1, 2007
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
E-mail: [email protected]

OVER 200 ATTEND RUNWAY 2007 FASHION PRESENATION
Florida Event Benefits Armenian Assembly Programs, Initiatives

Boynton Beach, FL – More than 200 Assembly supporters from across the
United States and several from the United Kingdom gathered in Boynton
Beach, Florida, on February 10 for the Runway 2007 fashion show and
luncheon hosted by the Armenian Assembly’s Southeast Regional Council.

The event, chaired by longtime Assembly Member Mary Atamian and Ida
Boodakian, featured the latest men’s and women’s fashions from the
finest boutiques in Palm Beach. Assembly Members were featured as models
for the men’s fashions. Members and guests enjoyed an extraordinary
afternoon while supporting Assembly programs and initiatives in
Washington, Los Angeles and Yerevan that promote issues of importance to
the Armenian-American community.

"The work that the Assembly does is greatly appreciated by the Armenian
community, and we are pleased to hold this fundraiser to support the
organization’s ongoing work," said Atamian. "We extend our special
thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shooshanian for their generous support and
for securing Quail Ridge Country Club for this special event."

The afternoon began with a silent auction which included paintings,
rugs, gift baskets and fine jewelry. There was also a live auction for
items donated by Assembly supporters including a getaway package with
two tickets to any show at Jujamcyn Theaters courtesy of Daniel Adamian
and two nights hotel stay at the "W" Hotel in New York, two tickets to
the owners box at Fenway Park courtesy of Edward Eskandarian, and two
tickets to see BB King perform in Boston courtesy of Edward Atamian.

"The Assembly thanks Mary Atamian, Ida Boodakian and Carol Norigian, and
the members of the committee for their hard work in organizing such a
successful event," said Development Committee Co-Chair Lu Ann Ohanian.
"The Assembly is grateful for their support."

The planning committee included Fashion Show Co-Chair Ida Boodakian, Kay
Arakelian, Rose Asserian, Seta Baldalian, Marta Batmasian, Mary Der
Vartanian, Araxie Kazarian, Agnes Killabian, Lucille Manuelian, Carol
Norigian, Lucy Shooshanian, Deanna Stepanian, Diane Tashjian, and
Berjoohie Zakarian.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR#2007-029

Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:

/2007-029-1.jpg

Caption: Edward Shooshanian, who along with his wife Lucy provided the
venue for the Runway 2007 fashion presentation.

2007-029/2007-029-2.jpg

Caption: L to R: Life Trustee Gail O’Reilly, Assembly Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny and Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member Jirair
Harutunian.

ress/2007-029/2007-029-3.jpg

Caption: L to R: Dr. Tanya Hodge, Hollie Ritchie and Assembly Member
June Hatfield.

-029/2007-029-4.jpg

Caption: Fashion Show Co-Chairs Mary Atamian, left, and Ida Boodakian.

7-029/2007-029-5.jpg

Caption: L to R: Fellow Trustee Lucille Manuelian, Member Berjoohie
Zakarian, Marion DerVartanian and Associate Trustee Rose Assarian.

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
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. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

March 1, 2007
___________________

NYC CATHEDRAL TO HOST JOINT MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HRANT DINK ON SUNDAY,
MARCH 4

The Armenian-American community will join together at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday,
March 4, 2007, in New York City’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral for a joint
memorial and requiem service honoring the life and work of Hrant Dink, the
courageous Armenian-Turkish journalist assassinated outside the office of
his newspaper, Agos, in Istanbul on Friday, January 19, 2007.

The guest preacher at the service will be the Reverend Canon Francis V. Tiso
of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The service will also include remarks by three special guest speakers: Peter
Steinfels of the New York Times, Jeremy Main of the Overseas Press Club, and
Anna Kushner of the PEN American Center who will speak to the courage of
their fellow journalist and the need to protect journalist as they exercise
free speech rights.

The memorial service will take place at the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral,
630 Second Avenue at 34th Street in Manhattan followed by remarks at the
reception in the Haik and Alice Kvookjian Auditorium.

COURAGEOUS JOURNALIST

Dink was editor-in-chief of Istanbul’s bilingual Turkish-Armenian newspaper
Agos. He was a respected member of the Armenian community because of his
open and forthright approach to discussing the Armenian genocide.

He began Agos on April 5, 1996, as a way to build a bridge of understanding
between the Turkish and the Turkish-Armenian communities. He also sought to
pull the Armenian community out of isolation in Turkey.

For statements in support of Genocide recognition, Dink was prosecuted three
times for "denigrating Turkishness."

Dink was assassinated in Istanbul on January 19, 2007, allegedly by Ogün
Samast, an ultra-nationalist Turk. He left behind a wife, two daughters, and
a son.

JOINT COMMUNITY MEMORIAL

The March 4 service is being organized by the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of America, the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of America and the Armenian
Missionary Association.

"Hrant Dink never believed that it was disloyal to speak the truth. Indeed,
he believed that it was his, and every Turkish citizen’s duty to seek out
and speak the truth. He believed that Turkey, being bound by a past too
unbearable to even speak, held his country in bondage. So, with a clear
conscience, a good heart and a talent for writing, Hrant and his colleagues
founded Agos, a bilingual Turkish-Armenian newspaper dedicated to
responsible journalism and advocacy for peaceful change and dialogue," said
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate (or head bishop) of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern), who traveled to Istanbul to attend
Dink’s funeral last month.

"I have been encouraged by the vast majority of people’s reactions to this
tragic event. I have personally witnessed the solidarity with Hrant’s ideas
and dreams demonstrated by well over 100,000 people who lined the streets of
Istanbul as the funeral cortege passed by, as well as those who flocked to
his graveside to pay their respects. These were not the passing whims of
sympathy for a victim of a crime as some would report, but the earnest,
sincere and heartfelt expressions of love and commitment to Hrant’s life’s
work by people who have silently shared his struggle and who now proclaim
their solidarity loudly, vocally and explicitly for the world to see,"
Archbishop Barsamian continued.

The joint memorial and requiem service will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday,
March 4, 2007, at the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 Second Avenue at
34th Street in Manhattan.

For more on Dink’s life and works, visit:

— 3/1/07

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

March 1, 2007

40th DAY REQUIEM SERVICE FOR HRANT DINK
Archbishop Oshagan has directed all parishes within the Eastern Prelacy
to offer a requiem service this Sunday, March 4, on the occasion of the 40th
day of the death of the Hrant Dink. The noted journalist was assassinated in
Istanbul last month.
In New York City, a united requiem service will take place at St. Vartan
Cathedral, 34th Street and Second Avenue, with the participation of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern); the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America; the Armenian Catholic Exarchate of
America; and the Armenian Missionary Association of America. The requiem
service will begin at 1:30 pm, following Sunday services in the individual
churches. The guest preacher at the requiem service will be The Reverend
Canon Francis V. Tiso, Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical
and Interreligious Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Speakers during the reception/program that will follow the requiem service
include Peter Steinfels, who covers religious news for the New York Times
and writes the Beliefs column; Anna Kushner, coordinator of the Freedom to
Write Program at PEN American Center; and Sonya Frye of the Overseas Press
Club. The students of the Hovnanian School (New Jersey) will offer an
audio/visual presentation about Hrant Dink.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN CHOLOYAN URGES FAITHFUL
TO SUPPORT ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE OF JERUSALEM
ON HOLY FIRE CEREMONY CONTROVERSY
In response to a worldwide appeal issued by the Armenian Patriarchate of
Jerusalem, Archbishop Oshagan encourages everyone to voice their support of
the Patriarchate on the ongoing dispute surrounding the Holy Fire Ceremony
in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
The Holy Fire Ceremony is a religious ceremony that takes place on the
Saturday of Holy Week, within the Tomb of Jesus Christ in the Church of the
Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. The Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Coptic
Orthodox and Jacobite-Syrians, all participate in this miraculous Holy
Saturday ceremony where the Holy Fire descends from Heaven and lights up the
lamp within the Tomb of Christ. The ceremony is conducted according to
precise and clear rules and arrangements, which have been in existence for
hundreds of years. According to the centuries-old practice, the Greek
Patriarch and Armenian Patriarch (or representative) enter the Holy Tomb
together, kneel down in front of the Tomb together, and witness the miracle
of the descent of the Holy Fire together. They then transfer the Holy Fire
to members of the Eastern Churches through two windows located in the wall
of the Angel’s Chapel.
During Easter of 2002, the newly elected Greek Patriarch, Irineos I (now
deposed), incited a conflict inside the Holy Tomb with the Armenian
Patriarch’s representative, by demanding a change in the arrangements. Since
that time the conflict has continued to escalate.
The Armenian Patriarchate has made petitions and requests to the Israeli
government for a decision on the matter. After five years only promises have
been given without any decisions. The Patriarch is asking all Armenians to
petition the Israeli government to act with a sense of duty and
responsibility, and to uphold the centuries-old rights of the Armenian
Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Archbishop Oshagan urges you to act immediately. For the names and
addresses of the officials who should be contacted (via fax or email), and a
sample letter click pdf.

PRELATE AND VICAR ATTEND MEETING TODAY
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan attended a meeting today of the
"Christian Arab and Middle Eastern Churches Together (CAMECT)." The
participating churches meet several times during the year to discuss common
concerns and to assess the situation in the Middle East. Today’s meeting
took place at the headquarters of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association
(CNEWA) in New York City.
Today’s meeting and luncheon was sponsored by Archbishop Oshagan, who is
president of CAMECT, and was hosted by Msgr. Archimandrite Robert L. Stern,
Secretary General of CNEWA. Addressing the gathering during lunch was
Archbishop Celestino Migliori, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the
United Nations.

PRELATE WILL ATTEND AGBU CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
This Saturday evening, March 3, Archbishop Oshagan will attend the AGBU
Centennial Celebration at the New York Historical Society. The event will
feature an exhibit of historic photographs from the AGBU Nubarian Library in
Paris.

PRELATE AND VICAR WILL ATTEND ROBERT FISK LECTURE
On Sunday evening, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will attend
a lecture by Robert Fisk at Town Hall, New York City. The event is organized
by the Nation Institute and the Lannan Foundation, and coordinated by the
ANCA.

PRELACY LENTEN MEDITATIONS CONTINUE
The second of the six Prelacy Lenten Meditations took place yesterday
evening, Wednesday, February 28. The 2007 Prelacy Lenten program focuses on
the seven vices and seven virtues. Last evening, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian,
pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, spoke about "Envy and Brotherly
Love."
Using examples from both the Old and New Testaments, Der Nareg showed
the destructiveness of envy and the curative powers of love. Der Hayr urged
everyone to utilize the Lenten season as a time of healing and forgiveness.
Next Wednesday, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, New York City, will continue the series on the seven vices and
virtues by offering his meditation on "Anger and Patience."
The annual Lenten series is sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, the
St. Illuminator’s Ladies Guild, and the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). All of the programs take place at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, with the following general
schedule: Lenten Service at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary; Lecture at 8 pm in
Pashalian Hall, followed by a light Lenten meal and fellowship. For a
complete schedule of lectures click

LUMES OF LITERATURE SERIES
FROM CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
Throughout the years, the publishing house of the Catholicosate of the
Great House of Cilicia has produced hundreds of valuable books. Chief
amongst these is the series on Armenian Literature, presenting the complete
writings of the authors. Five volumes have already been published. The 6th,
7th, and 8th in the series are expected to be issued within the next two
months. The 6th volume (1,090 pages) includes the works of Soghomon
Makenatsi, Krikoris Arsharouni, Sdepanos Sunetsi, Sahagtoukhd Sunetsi,
Hovhannes Korebisgobos, Khosrovig Tarkmanitch, Ghevont Yerets, Ardavazt
Vanahayr Yerashkhavor, Ishkhanian Hamazasb, Sahag Ardrouni, Yeznig
Goghpatsi, Movses Khorenatsi, Yeghishe, Tavit Anhaght and Yeznig Yerets. The
7th volume (920 pages) consists of the works of Hovhan Otsnetsi and Movses
Kertogh. The 8th volume (670 pages) includes all the hymns of the Armenian
Church.
This series is being published in collaboration with the Department of
Armenian Affairs of the Gulbenkian Foundation, and is under the direct
supervision of His Holiness Aram I and Dr. Zaven Yegavian, Director of the
Department of Armenian Affairs of the Gulbenkian Foundation.

MUSICAL ARMENIA
The 2007 Musical Armenia concert will take place Sunday, March 25, 2 pm,
at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City. Tickets are $25.
Featured artists are bass Serge Barseghyan (accompanied by Evan Solomon)
and the Ararat Trio, comprised of Patil Harboyan, piano; Van Armenian,
violin; and Hrant Parsamian, cello.
Serge Barseghyan has appeared as a soloist in the United States and
Europe, including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Barcelona, and Valencia.
Patil Harboyan was awarded first prize at the Margo Babikian Piano
Competition in Lebanon and the Armenian Allied Arts Association Competition
in Los Angeles. Van Armenian has served as concertmaster of the Pacific
Music Festival Orchestra in Japan and of the Colorado-based National
Repertory Orchestra. Hrant Parsamian was awarded highest prizes at the
Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition and the Olga Koussevitzky
Competition.
The Musical Armenia concerts have been presented since 1982. Its goal is
to showcase the talents of young Armenian artists. If you would like to
purchase tickets and/or become a sponsor of this year’s Musical Armenia
concert please contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810 or by e-mail to
[email protected].

2007 DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM
The 21st annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Christian summer studies
program will take place July 1 to 8 in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For details
click

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDINATION OF
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN CHOLOYAN
The 40th anniversary of the ordination of our Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in three different regions as follows:
May 5-In the New England area in Providence, Rhode Island.
May 12-In the Mid-Atlantic area in Teaneck, New Jersey.
May 18-In the Mid-West in Dearborn, Michigan, during the National
Representative Assembly.
Watch for details.

BUSINESSMAN FROM TAIWAN HELPS
RENOVATION OF NOUBARASHEN ORPHANAGE
For many years the Eastern Prelacy has sponsored the Noubarashen
Orphanage in Yerevan for children with special needs. The building was built
in 1970, but has been poorly maintained for decades. Thanks to the Edward
Malkonian Fund, administered by the Prelacy, major renovations have been
taking place during the past several years. Late last year, Steve Kao, a
Taiwanese businessman, agreed to secure the funds necessary to renovate the
orphanage’s primitive kitchen. He and his local Rotary Club donated $15,000,
and the renovation of the kitchen was just completed. The orphanage
currently houses 120 handicapped children. Mr. Kao’s only connection to
Armenians is a trusted Armenian friend, Mr. Garbis Garboushian of
Burlington, New Jersey, who suggested the project. Aside from this generous
donation, Mr. Kao sponsors several orphans through the Prelacy’s Orphan
Sponsorship Program.
If you would like to sponsor an orphan click

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
This Saturday, March 3, the Armenian Church remembers St. Cyril
(315-386) of Jerusalem, a Doctor of the Church. St. Cyril had a pleasant and
conciliatory disposition, but unfortunately he lived at a time when bishops
were embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to condemn any
attempts at compromise as treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as
a bishop were spent in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of
the possessions of the church to raise money for the poor people who were
starving to death. He was condemned for selling church property and was
banished. His best-known work that survived, The Catechetical Lectures, is
believed to be one of the earliest systematic accounts of Christian
theology. The lectures consist of an introductory lecture, followed by
eighteen lectures on the Christian faith that were used during Lent for
those preparing to be baptized on Easter, and five lectures on the
sacraments to be used after Easter. The lectures have been translated into
many languages including English and Armenian, and are noted for their
presentation of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a
balance between correct belief and holy action.

SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 4, is the
Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the Prodigal Son is intended to
show God’s fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who repent. The
well-known story describes an errant son whose absence causes pain to his
father. When the son returns the father welcomes him with open arms and
jubilation much to the distress of an older son who had remained faithful.
But the father says, "It is fitting to make merry and be glad, for your
brother was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." You can
read the story of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel according to Luke, chapter
15, verses 11 to 32.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
In spite of a long history of hostile neighbors, many invasions,
occupations, and persecutions, the Armenian language was not lost,
assimilated or changed. Even during the many long periods without political
independence, the language survived as a vigorous medium of expression and
many excellent works of literature were produced. The renaissance of
Armenian literature in the 19th century, for example, which produced such
writers as Raffi, Sundukian, and Apovian, occurred at a time when Armenia
had no political independence and had been under foreign subjugation for
five centuries. Working under such oppressive conditions, the Armenian
language preserved its integrity, its vigor, and its beauty of expression,
and continued to bring forth literary masterpieces.
The Encyclical issued by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, proclaiming 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language is
on the Prelacy’s web page. To read the encyclical in Armenian click
. To read the encyclical in
English click

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, March 1, are 1 Samuel 3:21-4:18; Proverbs
3:11-4:14; Jeremiah 2:31-3:16.
"And you, O generation, heed the word of the Lord. Have I been a
wilderness to Israel, or a land of thick darkness? Why then do my people
say, ‘We are free, we will come no more to thee’? … "And when you have
multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says the Lord, they
shall no more say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It shall not come
to mind, or be remembered, or missed; it shall not be made again." (Jeremiah
2:31-3:16).

For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click

et us then, my brethren, endure in hope. Let us devote ourselves, side by
side with our hoping, so that the God of all the universe, as he beholds our
intention, may cleanse us from our sins, fill us with high hopes from what
we have in hand, and grant us the change of heart that saves. God has called
you, and you have your calling."
(from The Catechetical Lectures, by St. Cyril of Jerusalem, who is
remembered by the Armenian Church this Saturday).

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

8-2007 Prelacy Lenten Program, to be held at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral,
New York City, Wednesday evenings during Great Lent. Lenten service at 7:30
pm; Lecture and Q/A at 8 pm; Lenten meal and fellowship at 8:45 pm. Theme:
Seven Vices and Seven Virtues. For further information click

Febru ary 25-Membership meeting, St. Gregory Church, Granite City, Illinois.

February 25-First membership meeting, St. Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts.

March 4-Second membership meeting, St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.

March 4-Membership meeting, St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts.

March 4-Membership meeting, St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts.

March 4-Membership meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

March 18-Membership meeting, St. Illuminator Cathedral, New York City.

March 18-Membership meeting, St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut.

March 25-Musical Armenia 2007, Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, 2 pm.
Sponsored by Prelacy Ladies Guild. Featured performers are: vocalist Serge
Barseghyan (bass); and Ararat Trio (Van Armenian, violin; Paul Harboyan,
piano; Hrant Parsamian, cello).

April 1-Ladies Guild Annual Palm Sunday Bake Sale, St. Stephen’s Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts.

April 14-Ladies Guild Comedy Night featuring Mel Gibson, Meze and dessert
will be served, St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. For
information, 617-924-7562.

May 5-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in the
New England area will take place in Providence, Rhode Island.

May 6-30th anniversary of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School, Terrace on
the Park, Corona, New York, at 5 pm.

May 7-Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers’ Day Luncheon, St. Regis Hotel, New York
City.

May 12-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in Mid
Atlantic area will take place at the Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New
Jersey.

May 12-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, 50th anniversary concert
featuring Onnik Dinkjian and John Berberian.

May 18-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in
Midwest will take place at the National Representative Assembly.

May 20-"Hello Ellis Island" and Reception, St. Stephen’s Church Hall,
Watertown, Massachusetts. $20 per person. Information, 617-924-7562.

July 1-8-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, 21st annual summer Christian
studies program for junior and senior high school students, at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For information click

August 7-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual golf
tournament at Blackstone Country Club.

August 19-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church picnic.

September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley.

December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar.

December 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.

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