Month: August 2008

FAMOUS HANDWRITING OF ARMENIAN PAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on July 31, 2008
Armenia

Playing Into The Hands Of Our Rival

"What is Aram Harutyunyan’s opinion about the initiative taken by
Armenian Pan National Movement to appeal to Hague Court with "Robert
Kocharyan’s case?"

"From juridical point of view it has no prospects, it is a rather
propaganda based initiative, which will definitely play into the
hands of our rival. It is the famous handwriting of Armenian Pan
National Movement.

Both during the pre-election campaign, and before and after the
elections, they need a big hullabaloo. They managed to do that, doing
a great harm to our country," the Chairman of "National Accord" said.

THE ASSESSMENT OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENTISTS

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on July 31, 2008
Armenia

"Foreign Policy" journal and the Peace Foundation – the two leading
American Institutes of Political Science, have published the expertise
rating list of the world’s countries which were found to be legally
incompetent.

The list reflects the authorities’ inability to maintain territorial
integrity as well as the countries’ demographic, political and
economic situation.

According to the research, Georgia and Azerbaijan were found to be
more legally incompetent than Armenia.

Moldova is considered the most unstable state in Europe. Belarus,
Georgia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine rank as the 53rd, 56th, 64th and the
108th countries respectively. Armenia occupies the 109th horizon in
the list.

AZERIS BECOME ACTIVE

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on July 31, 2008
Armenia

The Azerbaijani armed forces have recently displayed significant
activeness along the whole Karabakh-Azerbaijani contact line, leading
to a violation of the ceasefire regime.

In particular, on the night of June 29 and during the whole day, the
opponents opened fire from machine guns and rifles with medium-sized
calibers. The gunshots were directed to the military positions of
Karabakh, located on the south-eastern, north-eastern and northern
borders of the country.

After the equivalent operations of the Armenian forces, the enemy was
silenced. The NKR Defense Army did not suffer losses as a result of
the violation of the ceasefire regime.

SAINT CROSS CHURCH OF CRIMEA

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on July 31, 2008
Armenia

We have already told you that on July 29 Armenian President Serge
Sargsyan and Catholics of All Armenians Garegin B participated in
the ceremony dedicated to the 650th anniversary of Saint Cross Church
in Crimea.

Saint Cross is the most significant center of Crimean – Armenian
colony.

It is located 4 km Southwest from the city Old Crimea, on the terrace
of the mountain "Saint Cross". The manuscripts about the church were
first written in 1347, though this church has been built much later
in 1358 by the help of Hovhannes kronavor, his brothers and religious
followers. The construction records of the church testify to this fact.

In 14-18 centuries Saint Cross used to be a big religious and cultural
center. It used to have its religious school, and a library, besides
being an Episcopal residence. As a religious center the complex
functioned up to 1920.

ARMENIA’S RAILROADERS TO CELEBRATE HOLIDAY

ARKA
July 31, 2008

YEREVAN, July 31. /ARKA/. The South-Caucasian Railway managed by the
Armenian Railways Company plans a number of events for August 2-3 on
the occasion of Railroader’s Day.

The press service of the South-Caucasian Railway reports that a
new electric train will leave Gyumri for Yerevan on August 2. The
commuter train arrived in Armenia with the assistance of the Russian
Railways Company. A function will be held at the Gyumri station,
which will be attended by the regional officials, command staff of
the South-Caucasian Railway and public representatives.

A special train with a steam-driven engine will arrive in Yerevan
from Gyumri on August 3. Armenia’s best variety actors will give a
concert at the Arno Babajanyan concert hall.

Railroader’s Day was first celebrated on August 3, 1886. At present,
this is the principal professional holiday of railroaders in the
countries with a common 1,520mm-wide gauge – the Commonwealth of
Independent States, Baltic States, Finland and Mongolia).

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER FINDS HIS WASHINGTON MEETINGS SUCCESSFUL

ARKA
July 31, 2008

YEREVAN, July 31. /ARKA/. Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan
finds his meetings in Washington successful.

Speaking at a press conference, he said that March events were
discussed during his meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice and other high-ranking officials.

The minister said that Armenian authorities make every effort to remove
heavy consequences of the March unrest not because of other countries’
calls, but to secure national interests.

NY Hyortik AYF Chapter
69-23 47th Ave.
Woodside, NY 11377
(718) 651-1530
[email protected]
July 29, 2008
For Immediate Release

‘Standing Guard for Our Rights, Our Commitment is Forever’
New York ARF and AYF Host Commemorative Program Honoring Khanasor, Lisbon
Events

NEW YORK – On July 25 the New York Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Hyortik
chapter joined the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) New York Armen
Garo Gomideh in commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Khanasor
Expedition and the 25th anniversary of the Lisbon 5 event. A capacity crowd
of community members, in particular a strong youth presence, joined both
organizations in the Armenian Center in Woodside, NY, to recall the
historical significance both had on the Armenian spirit and Cause.

After the singing of Mer Hairenik, ungerouhi Sossi Essajanian welcomed
clergy and guests. "With these two important events in our history, as
always, we show that we stand guard for our nation’s right today, tomorrow,
and forever," she said. Following this introduction Essajanian invited unger
Armen Caprelian to present a few words on behalf of the ARF Armen Garo
Gomideh. He said, "Thank you for joining us in commemorating the memory of
our unforgettable heroes of Lisbon and Khanasor. We are proud to acknowledge
that today’s program was organized by our young ungers and ungerouhis; we
realize that both events happened generations before them but yet they still
carry the spirit." He went on to note that this also shows that the ARF is
still passing the torch to its future generations.

In his remarks Caprielian discussed the work of Hai Tahd. He said. "Dear
friends, when it comes to helping the Armenian nation, the ARF and Armenian
National Committee have stood strong. We encourage you to stand with us in
every way: such as physically at events and financially with support.
Through these actions we commemorate the sacrifices of our past heroes whose
memories we honor this evening."

Next unger Mher Janoian from the AYF Central Executive offered thoughts on
behalf of the body. "In 1897 on July 25, exactly 111 years ago, the Khanasor
Expedition brought pride and hope to the Armenian people," he said. "This
success gave birth to intellectuals, workers and leaders, creating strong
support from the Armenian people in seeking self-defense and revolution and
in their own ability to achieve these. Thus they realized that there would
be no real help from the rest of the world but that they had to rely on
their own strength." Janoian continued by emphasizing that that same
knowledge was gained during the Lisbon 5 event. He said "Yes, the five youth
were passionate, but they rose above life’s everyday pleasures, financial
motivations, educational endeavors, family and friends. They stepped outside
the box of indifference encapsulating the youth and returned to their
historic Armenian roots."

Finally, Janoian turned his words to the Armenian youth at large. He said,
"The AYF calls on all Armenian youth organizations and associations to bring
together their members, organize meetings to work on keeping the Armenian
culture in the Diaspora and strengthening Armenia=85 The AYF stays away from
indifference and continues its oath by standing strong in defense of
Armenia, as faithful guardians of the Armenian Cause, people, church and
culture."

Following the AYF message ungerouhi Mary Yaralian discussed the historical
significance of the Khanasor Expedition. "The Khanasor Expedition has a
unique place in Armenian history and in the ARF’s work," because, she said,
it was a large-scale and successful expedition that took place on the
historic Armenian homeland and ended in victory. Yarlian’s presentation
highlighted the leaders of the expedition, the reasoning for the plan of
attack, and what actually happened during the battle. Her presentation was
accompanied by a slide show of images ranging from photos of expedition
groups to the flags used during the event, as well as the hand-written oath
taken by all fedayees before their departure.

Immediately following this the audience was transported to July 1983 when
AYF Hyortik president Sevag Parsehian read a compilation of detailed news
reports describing the attack on the Turkish Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal.
"On Wednesday, July 27, 1983, five armed men attacked and occupied a Turkish
Embassy building in Lisbon, Portugal. After a pitched battle, they blew
themselves up when Portuguese government forces penetrated the building,"
read Parsehian. The account went on to describe how the youths barricaded
themselves in the Embassy then issued a statement that said, "We have
decided to blow up this building and remain in its ruins. This decision is
neither an act of suicide nor an indication of insanity; it is our sacrifice
on the alter of freedom=85"

A 30-minute documentary on the Lisbon 5 event was then shown. The film
highlighted the personalities and lives of the five youths from Lebanon. The
last 15 minutes presented actual footage of the youths as they spoke to the
world on video about their ideas, intents and beliefs. At the end of the
black-and-white segment the group sings a Verker-Ov Li before they departed
on their historic mission.

The impact of their actions and consequent death was not left unnoticed.
Five members of the Hyortik chapter took turns reading letters from
relatives of the youths, reflecting on their loss and understanding the
reason why they chose their actions. "We know that the destiny of the
Armenian has always been full of pain. My consolation is that my son did not
die an ordinary death; he sacrificed the spring of his life and became a
martyr along with his comrades on the road to the liberation of his nation
and his fatherland," read one letter in part.

Hearing from the voices of those left behind, the Hyortiks awakened the
spirit, ideas and determination of the youths as they presented a dramatic
skit to the poetic words of singer Karnig Sarkissian. After the five boys
kneeled shoulder to shoulder in a circle in the darkness, the inspiring
words brought them slowly to their feet and with them rising the Armenian
flag and posters reading "1915 Never Again," "Armenians Demand Justice," and
"Recognize the Armenian Genocide." The end of the short skit brought the
audience to their feet for a standing ovation.

After this, unger Ara Caprielian spoke about the historical and
psychological significance of these two events. In his presentation, given
all in Armenia, Caprelian said, "During the latter part of the 19th century,
Western Armenians were subjected to harrowing conditions in the Ottoman
Empire where they were denied elementary rights," he said. "On the one hand
they were subjected to massacres and other forms of oppression, while
students returning from European universities were imbued with liberation
ideas. Political parties were formed to carry on the struggle on behalf of
the people. The Khanasor Expedition was a major punitive, guerilla operation
directed against the Mazric Kurds who had previously killed many Armenians,"
said Caprielian. He concluded by saying that "The struggle on behalf of Hai
Tahd continues and we will succeed as long as our commitment is forever, our
resolve steadfast, and our willingness to sacrifice unshaken."

Finally Bishop Anoushavan Tanelian reflected on the event and the continued
spirit of the youth. He said, "Today, if we weren’t here, where would we be?
At home or in front of the television, it would be a normal day. But I am
proud, happy and congratulate the youth who brought us all together to
connect us with our roots." Tanelian went on to consider the connection
between the two events. He said that the stories are indeed from different
time periods but there is the same sprit that travels centuries from
Khanasor to Karakilise, Bash Abaran=85" Then he talked about the Artsakh
liberation struggle and how the spirit will continue "now, tomorrow and
forever." With those concluding words, the event ended with the
singing of *Harach
Nahadag* after which light reception was held.

Two days later on July 27, the Hyortiks joined the ARF Armen Garo Gomideh in
a hokihanisd that took place at the St. Illuminator’s Armenian Cathedral to
remember the martyrs of the Khanasor Expedition and the Lisbon 5 event.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

(Photo credit on all photos: Raffi Maseredjian)

IMG_1547: AYF Hyortik chapter members presented a dramatic skit about Lisbon
5 to the poetic words of Karnig Sarkissian

IMG_1589: Bishop Anoushavan Tanelian reflected on the event and the
continued spirit of the youth

IMG_1560: Unger Ara Caprielian spoke about the historical and psychological
significance of these two events

Turkey

A narrow scrape for democracy

Jul 31st 2008 | ANKARA
The Economist print edition

The judiciary shrinks from banning the ruling party

AFP

BY THE slimmest of margins, Turkey has averted the worst political crisis in
years, perhaps in decades. On July 30th the country’s constitutional court
turned down an attempt by state prosecutors to ban the ruling Justice and
Development (AK) Party on the ground that it was seeking to introduce
elements of Islamic law in defiance of the state’s avowed secularism.

A majority of six of the 11 constitutional court’s judges had, in fact,
voted to shut down the party. But to pass such a measure required the
support of seven judges, so the court settled on the minority view of four
others-including the chairman, Hasim Kilic-only to impose a fine. This is
expected to be the loss of half of AK’s state funding, which amounted to 47m
Turkish lira ($40m) last year.

"We think that this political party should take the necessary message from
this verdict," said Mr Kilic, his voice tight with emotion. In parliament,
AK deputies embraced and clapped as they watched the judge’s televised press
conference. The European Union’s enlargement commissioner, Olli Rehn, called
it "a good day for Turkey and for Europe".

The verdict should help end the political upheaval that has gripped Turkey
since March, when the chief prosecutor asked the court to bar the prime
minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan; the president, Abdullah Gul; and scores of
other named officials from politics for five years. They were accused of
undermining the secular republic created by Kemal Ataturk 85 years ago out
of the ruins of the Ottoman empire.

To many, the prosecution was an attempt at "a judicial coup"-perhaps the
most serious assault on Turkey’s turbulent democracy since the army seized
power from elected politicians in 1980. Despite the subsequent restoration
of democracy, the army demanded, and obtained, the resignation of an
Islamist-tinged prime minister, Necmettin Erbakan, in 1997.

The army’s hand has been apparent in the latest manoeuvring against AK. But
this time Turkey’s meddlesome generals have been humiliated. Despite their
displeasure AK was re-elected with an enhanced majority in 2007. The army
failed to block the appointment of Mr Gul as president, despite an internet
message that appeared to threaten military intervention. Short of such a
hard coup, the army has no cards left to play.

That said, the court’s decision is not an outright victory for AK, despite
its supporters’ excited chants of "we will continue". Ten of the
constitutional court’s judges agreed that the party was guilty of
anti-secular activity; they disagreed only on the punishment.

The verdict should be seen as a stern warning to the party not to push its
divisive religious agenda. Earlier this year the party forced through a law
allowing girls to wear the Islamic headscarf at university, which was later
struck down by the constitutional court. Secular Turks view the headscarf as
a symbol of Islamic militancy. Even Mr Erdogan’s allies agree that he should
have done more to appease the concerns of secularists.

Within hours of the court’s verdict, Mr Erdogan spoke of the need to
strengthen unity and promised to abide by Ataturk’s principles. "The AK
party, which has never been a focus for anti-secular activities, will
continue to stand up for the fundamental values of the republic," he said.
He also declared that his government would henceforth pursue full membership
of the EU. Critics point out that he made the same promises on the night of
his electoral victory last year. Having outmanoeuvred the generals yet
again, will he abide by his pledges this time?

Sources close to the prime minister maintain that he will. A key test will
be whether he reshuffles the cabinet. A first step, say secularists, would
be get rid of the controversial education minister, Huseyin Celik, who is
accused of seeking to inject Islam into school textbooks and who was among
the 70 AK officials for whom the chief prosecutor had sought bans. An even
greater test will be whether Mr Erdogan consults the opposition in any
future effort to rewrite the constitution, an authoritarian document drawn
up by the generals after the 1980 coup.

It will take some time for the country fully to absorb the meaning of this
week’s verdict. Until recently it seemed virtually certain that the court
would rule against AK. But opinion began to shift over the past month as the
potentially disastrous effects of a ban finally seemed to sink in among
those pushing for it.

The European Commission had threatened to suspend Turkey’s accession talks
had AK been shut down. America made its displeasure known, albeit more
mildly. The global credit crunch, moreover, has hit emerging markets.
Turkey, with its enormous current account deficit, looks more vulnerable
than most.

So for more than one reason, Mr Erdogan has much to gain by focusing on
pushing the liberal political and economic reforms that marked his earlier
years in office. Mr Rehn said Turkey should now seek to regain the time
wasted by the crisis, and "resume with full energy its reforms to modernise
the country".

Some believe the judges’ change of heart may be linked to another, equally
sensational, case that has been launched against the so-called Ergenekon
conspirators. Prosecutors in Istanbul claim to have uncovered a plot by a
group of ultranationalists-among them retired generals, convicted murderers,
pro-secular journalists and academics-to overthrow AK, which draws its
support from a rising class of pious Turks and frightens many secular ones.

Some 80 alleged conspirators have been arrested. Their purported plan was to
incite chaos through a string of assassinations and bomb attacks designed to
provoke the army to intervene. There is widespread speculation that
Ergenekon may have been behind this week’s bomb attack in Istanbul that
killed 17 people, including five children and a pregnant women. But security
officials say this was more likely the work of separatist Kurdish guerrillas
of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. Either way the incident was a chilling
reminder of the potential turmoil that could arise from the lack of a stable
government.

The biggest reason for the court’s decision may be rooted in hard
parliamentary arithmetic. Even if AK had been shut down and its leading
members banned, some 300 of its deputies would have retained their seats as
independents, regrouped under a new name and formed a new government alone.
Recent opinion polls consistently suggest that AK retains a big lead over
its secular rivals.

Hopes within pro-secular circles that the threat of closure would prompt
mass defections from the party never materialised. "The secularists appear
to have finally grasped that the only way to get rid of the AK is at the
ballot box," notes an European diplomat. If so, that is a huge step forward
for Turkish democracy.

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
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER – July 31, 2008

PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO CAMP HAIASTAN
This Sunday, August 3, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Camp Haiastan
in Franklin, Massachusetts where he will preside over the annual picnic
organized by St. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island.
Besides the hundreds of young campers that flock to Camp Haiastan each
summer, it is a popular gathering place for adults on the weekends, as
nearly every Sunday during the summer one of the New England churches or
other organizations sponsor a good old-fashioned Armenian picnic.

LINKED IN: A WEEKEND WORKSHOP FOR STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS
Are you looking for a way to connect with friends and with your church?
Would you like to learn more about your Armenian spiritual heritage?
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, a workshop for students and professionals (ages 18
to 35) will take place September 26 to 28, at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox
Retreat Center in Charlton, Massachusetts.
For more details click here.
Direct your questions via email to [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: The registration form is now on the web page. Don’t delay. Send
in your form right away as space is limited. Click here.

QUEEN RECEIVES LAMBETH PARTICIPANTS
The participants in the meeting of the Bishops of the Anglican Church
were welcomed on July 24 by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain to
Buckingham Palace in London. Some 1,500 participants and guests participated
in the march organized by the spiritual head of the Anglican Church, the
Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. Their main aim was to bring
attention to poverty reduction.
Later the participants visited Lambeth Palace, the headquarters of the
Anglican Archbishop, where they met with the Prime Minister of England,
Gordon Brown. The meetings of the Lambeth Conference took place from July 21
to 26. Bishop Nareg Alemezian attended as the representative of the Armenian
Church of the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

PASSING OF VERY REV. FR. OSHAGAN MINASSIAN
Archbishop Oshagan expressed his deep sympathy to Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern), on the
passing of V. Rev. Fr. Oshagan Minassian, who passed away last Saturday,
July 26. His funeral and final anointing took place today, at Holy Trinity
Church in Cambridge with Archbishop Barsamian presiding.
Born in Aleppo, Syria in 1930, Fr. Minassian entered the Armenian
Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon when he was 14 years old and later
continued his studies at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He served
as pastor of Holy Cross Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, as well as St.
Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, from
1958 to 1960.
Fr. Minassian suffered a spinal cord injury following an automobile
accident in 1955, which eventually prevented him from continuing his serve
as a parish priest. He turned his efforts to teaching and liturgical music.
He earned a master’s in religious education in 1962, a doctorate in theology
in 1974 and a master’s degree in sacred music in 1982. He also studied
conducting and completed the requirements for a doctorate in musicology at
the University of Massachusetts. For the past 42 years, Fr. Minassian served
as choirmaster at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
He founded the Erevan Choral Society and published a number of works related
to Armenian liturgical music.
May Almighty God grant eternal rest, peace and light to his soul and
grant comfort to his family.

PASSING OF JOHN OULIGIAN
John Ouligian of Fairfield, Connecticut, died at home last Sunday, July
27. John was an active member of the Armenian community and served as
chairman of the Prelacy’s Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) for
several years, as well as serving as a member of the committee for many more
years.
Funeral services took place yesterday at the Armenian Church of the Holy
Ascension, in Trumbull, Connecticut, with Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian
officiating. In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted for: Armenian
Church of the Holy Ascension, Trumbull, Connecticut; St. Illuminator’s
Armenian Cathedral, New York City; and Camp Haiastan, Franklin,
Massachusetts.
He is survived by his wife, Dottie Bengoian Ouligian, who lovingly cared
for him, as well as a son, Charles Ouligian and family; a sister Susan
Kelerchian, nieces and nephews, and many friends who remember his sweet
nature and smiling face.
May Almighty God illuminate his soul.

DATEV INSTITUTE PHOTOS ON WEB
Many photos from the 2008 St. Gregory of Datev Institute of Armenian
Christian Studies, are now on the Prelacy’s web page. Click here and take a
look.

MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York.

YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated the year 2008 as the "Year of Christian Education."
To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click here.
To read His Holiness’ message in English click here.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, July 31 are: Proverbs 1:20-25;
Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 15:30-33; Luke 12:32-40.
You grew weary from your many wanderings, but you did not say, "It is
useless," You found your desire rekindled, and so you did not weaken. Whom
did you dread and fear so that you lied, and did not remember me or give me
a thought? Have I not kept silent and closed my eyes. And so you do not fear
me? I will concede your righteousness and your works, but they will not help
you. When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind
will carry them off, a breath will take away. But whoever takes refuge in me
shall possess the land and inherit my holy mountain. (Isaiah 55:10-13)
For listing of the week’s Bible readings click here.

ST. GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
This Saturday, August 2, the Armenian Church remembers St. Gregory the
Theologian, also known as Gregory of Nazianzus, considered to be one of the
four great doctors of the Church during the 4th century, along with Basil
the Great, John Chrysostom and Athanasius the Great. He is noted for being
an accomplished and eloquent speaker. He is also known as one of the
Cappadocian Fathers, along with Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa. Some
of his sermons and poetry have survived.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 3-Holy Cross Armenian Church, 50th Anniversary Blessing of the Grapes
picnic, noon to 4 pm, on the church grounds, 101 Spring Ave., Troy, NY.
Blessing of the grapes at 3 pm officiated by Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian. Eat
in or takeout; raffle. For information 518-274-1477.

August 5-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 9th annual
golf outing at Blackstone National Golf Club, Summon, Massachusetts.
Information: 508-234-3261.

August 17-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, picnic and
blessing of the grapes, officiated by Archbishop Oshagan and New England
area clergy. On church grounds, beginning at 12 noon. For information:
508-234-3677 or

August 17-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, Feast of the Assumption of the Holy
Mother of God and Blessing of the Grapes, and picnic, at the Armenian
Center, Woodside, NY. For information 212-689-5880.

September 7-Annual picnic Festival of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, at American Legion Grounds, Haverhill, Massachusetts,
beginning at 12 noon.

August 3-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the
Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or
shine.

August 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.

August 17-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, annual church
picnic and blessing of the grapes at Dunkerhook Park, Pavilion D, Paramus,
NJ. For information 201-943-2950.

September 7-St. Stephen’s Church of New Britain-Hartford, Connecticut,
annual picnic, 1 pm to dusk at Quartette Club Grounds, 225 Wooster Street,
New Britain. Rain or shine. Free admission.

September 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Celebration of
the Holy Cross and Madagh. For information 201-943-2950.

September 19-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island,
present "Remembering the Good Old Days. 8 pm, Aramian Auditorium. For
tickets and information 401-434-4467.

September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to follow.

September 22-13th annual St. Stephen’s School/ACEC Golf Tournament,
Framingham Country Club, Framingham, MA. For information, Astor Guzelian,
781-326-5764.

September 25-Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office
201-943-2950.

September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

October 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.

October 19-St. Stephen’s Church of New Britain-Hartford, first Connecticut
performance of "Hello Ellis Island," at Silas Deane Middle School, 551 Silas
Deane Highway, Wethersfield, Connecticut. Program starts at 3 pm; reception
follows. Advance reservation desired. Adults $25; Students $10; Children
under 12 $5. Tickets at door $30. For information: 860-229-8322.

October 31, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.

November 2-St. Stephen’s Church of New Britain-Hartford, Connecticut, 83rd
anniversary banquet at Indian Hill Country Club, 111 Golf Street, Newington,
Connecticut. Reception 1 pm, dinner at 2 pm. For information: 860-229-8322.

November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.

October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Details to follow.

November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.

November 28-William Saroyan Centennial Celebration, co-sponsored by the
Anthropology/Armenian Museum at Queens College and the AGBU, 3 pm at Lefrak
Concert Hall, Queens College, Flushing, New York. Archbishop Oshagan will
participate. The program includes readings and a play by Saroyan. Also
special performance by the Aaron Copeland School of Music students of the
music of composer Arno Babadjanian. For information: 718-428-5650.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
[email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit
Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

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

Thursday, July 31, 2008

AGBU-UN Group Raises Awareness & Funds for Youth Career Trail Program
in Armenia

Working in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP), The AGBU-United Nations Special Interest Group hosted its
first benefit reception on July 24, 2008 at the UN headquarters in New
York. The reception raised funds for the UNDP Youth Career Trail
Project, which seeks to mitigate youth unemployment in Armenia by
partnering recent college graduates with leading host organizations
through a six-month paid internship program. More than one hundred
guests, including AGBU and UN dignitaries, attended the reception.

The benefit reception included remarks by His Excellency Armen
Martirosyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent
Representative of Armenia to the United Nations, Arda Haratunian,
Member of AGBU Central Board of Directors, and Consuelo Vidal, UNDP
Resident Representative to Armenia, as well as a video presentation
featuring interviews with recent Youth Career Trail project
interns. Hors d’oeuvres and live jazz music also accompanied the
evening.

Although uninterrupted economic growth has been documented in Armenia
since 1994, economic recovery has not resulted in a real expansion for
employment so unemployment is one of Armenia’s key social and economic
problems. Young people are especially affected by this trend, with
youth unemployment in Armenia reaching a critical level of almost 50%.

Within the framework of the UN Global Compact initiative, the Youth
Career Trail Project is a joint effort between UNDP, the private
sector, and non-governmental organizations, such as AGBU, to alleviate
youth unemployment rates in Armenia. Easing the transition from
college to the workforce, participants in Yerevan and the outer
regions earn valuable on-the-job experience relevant to their
education.

Participants in the Youth Career Trail Project also refine necessary
career skills through the program’s capacity-building seminars. In
addition to partaking in a six-month paid internship, participants
attend seminars which offer help in presentation skills and
interviewing, as well as guidance in writing an effective résumé. Host
companies are encouraged to hire successful candidates upon completion
of the internship period, and over 50% of the first Youth Career Trail
class has found long-term employment.

The AGBU-UN Special Interest Group is proud to help sponsor the third
class of interns. Kim Yacoubian, AGBU’s Main Representative to the UN,
stated, "After nearly a year, our work has culminated in this evening,
the first of many initiatives to come, bringing us together to support
the next group of interns this coming August." AGBU-UN SIG’s benefit
reception raised $6,000, which will cover the internship stipends of
ten upcoming Youth Career Trail Project participants.

To make a donation or for general inquiries, please visit

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with
an annual budget of $34 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the
Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and
humanitarian programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians on six
continents.