Month: July 2009

TURKISH MINISTER REAFFIRMS DETERMINATION TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

Anadolu Agency
July 29 2009
Turkey

Ankara, 29 July: Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said [on]
Wednesday [29 July] that Turkish government was still resolute to
normalize relations with neighbouring Armenia.

"But at the same time, it is important for us to see the same
determination from the international community and especially from
Armenia on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Davutoglu
told a press conference after his meeting with Bosnian Foreign Minister
Sven Alkalaj.

Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic or economic relations since
Armenia declared its independence in 1991 and Turkey closed its border
with Armenia after this country invaded the Upper Karabakh region of
Azerbaijan in 1992.

On 24 July 2008, the then Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan
expressed Turkey’s willingness to normalize relations with Yerevan.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul travelled to Armenia in September
2008 to watch 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between the two
countries upon an invitation by President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia.

Turkey and Armenia are to play another qualifier in Istanbul in
September 2009 but Sarksyan said [on] Tuesday he would only accept
an invitation to the return match if Turkey takes "real steps" to
open their border.

Davutoglu said Turkish government was hopeful over the normalization
process with Armenia.

"We believe that the most extensive normalization would be seen in
our region in the coming period," Davutoglu said.

PRESIDENTS AGREE SERBIA, ARMENIA "UNAVOIDABLE" FOR EUROPEAN GAS SUPPLY

B92 TV
July 29 2009
Serbia

[Presenter Roksanda Djordjevic] Serbian President Boris Tadic who is
on a two-day official visit to Armenia has met with Armenian Prime
Minister, Tigran Sargsyan. Serbia and Armenia agree that imposing of
solutions for conflicts is absolutely unacceptable, Tadic has said.

[Tadic] Serbia in the Balkans and Armenia in the Caucasus region are
among key factors, unavoidable factors. Both countries are unavoidable,
not only in resolving political issues but also in energy supplies. In
the future, a key gas pipeline for supply of European markets and
developed European countries will apparently go through Serbia and
Armenia. We can learn a great deal from each other. A profoundly
planned and considered policy is distinctive for Armenia and Serbia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKISH RESORTS FAVORED BY ARMENIANS

AssA-Irada
July 29, 2009 Wednesday
Azerbaijan

A great number of Armenian tourists head to Turkeys recreation centers,
according to the Armenia office director of a leading Russian tourism
company, Tez Tour. Narine Davtian said the desire to rest at a seaside
resort has overshadowed their hate for the Turks.

Thus, 8,000 tourists from Armenia are expected to visit Antalya by
the end of 2009. Armavia Airlines is administering four flights a
week from Yerevan to the Turkish resort city for the purpose. The
flights are so booked that there are no seats left on the airplane,
Davtian said. I love my country, but lets not mix tourism with
politics, she added. However, the nationalist Dashnaksutyun Party
is opposed to Armenians flocking to Turkeys tourism centers. Its
representatives have appealed to the mayors office of Yerevan
demanding that posters advertising recreation in Antalya be withdrawn
from the citys streets. Arutyun Melikian, a Dashnaksutyun activist,
has called on his fellow countrymen to rest in Armenia instead. The
money being channeled into Turkeys armament and strengthening should
stay in the country, and our motherland should strengthen. Of note,
the Dashnaks have contemplated and found unordinary posters saying
Armenians resting in Antalya are arming the Turkish military. Many
residents of the Armenian capital have welcomed the nationalists
move. Armenia and Turkey have been at odds and the border between the
two countries has been closed since 1993 on Ankaras insistence due to
Armenias policy of occupation of Azerbaijani territory and Armenian
genocide claims. Vacationing in Armenia is much more expensive than
that in Turkey. Thus, spending a week in Jermukh, one of the countrys
major recreation centers, costs $700, compared to only $450 in Antalya.

TURKEY AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NORMALIZE TIES WITH ARMENIA

AssA-Irada
July 29, 2009 Wednesday
Azerbaijan

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Wednesday that Turkish
government was still resolute to normalize relations with neighboring
Armenia, Turk.net reported. "But at the same time, it is important
for us to see the same determination from the international community
and especially from Armenia on the conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan," Davutoglu told a press conference after his meeting
with Bosnian Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj. Armenia and Turkey have
been at odds and the border between the two countries has been closed
since 1993 on Ankaras insistence due to Armenias policy of occupation
of Azerbaijani territory and Armenian genocide claims. Yerevan is
failing both to end occupation and to relinquish its territorial claims
against Turkey, as well as continues propagating the alleged genocide
all over the world. However, there have been signs of normalization
in Ankara-Yerevan ties of late, and the two countries officials have
held several rounds of talks on various levels. In April, Turkey and
Armenia announced a "roadmap" for re-establishing diplomatic relations
and opening their shared border. But Ankaras Muslim ally Azerbaijan
said Armenia should first leave Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh, Azeri
region under Armenian occupation. Davutoglu said Turkish government
was hopeful over the normalization process with Armenia. "We believe
that the most extensive normalization will be seen in our region in
the coming years," Davutoglu said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA TO GIVE "PROPER RESPONSE" IF WAR THREATS BECOME REALITY – LEADER

Mediamax
July 30 2009
Armenia

Yerevan, 30 July: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated in Yerevan
today that if the authors of military menaces addressed to Armenia
decide to realize them, they will receive a proper response.

Mediamax reports that Serzh Sargsyan said this, speaking at the parade
of graduates of military educational establishments today, devoted
to the 15th anniversary of establishment of the Ministry of Defence’s
Military Institute [named] after [late Prime Minister] Vazgen Sargsyan.

The president stated that "the Armenian Army will continue its holy
mission with pride, remaining the reliable defender of our state’s
and the people’s security, an irreplaceable and basic component of
regional security and stability".

"Today we are strong, stronger than ever, our Army is solid, modern
and capable of fulfilling any task. It has passed with honour the
exam of not only war, but peace as well, symbolizing the victorious
spirit of all Armenians," Serzh Sargsyan stated.

The president reminded those threatening Armenia with a war words
from the Bible: "For all they that take the sword shall perish with
the sword".

"The best sons of our nation, the generation of our fathers, my
generation prove the truth of these words. Let no one doubt that if
necessary, the same will happen today as well. From today on, each
of you is the sword of justice and retribution and the unbreakable
shield of Armenia and Artsakh [breakaway Azeri region of Nagornyy
Karabakh], facing which, any claims of the enemy will be smashed",
Serzh Sargsyan stated, addressing the graduates.

Contact: Haykuhi Khachatryan

Fuller Center for Housing Armenia
Yerevan 0033, Baghramyan str. 3rd lane, house 10a
Tel: (+374 10) 271 499

This time world champion Suzy Kentikyan punches to fight homelessness in
Armenia

On July 30 Lilit Asatryan leading Armenian Young Women Association and the
world boxing WBA ? WIBF champion Suzy Kentikyan, joined Fuller Center for
Housing Armenia to build with Martirosyan family in Haytagh village, Armavir
region.

This was not the first time when Armenian Young Women Association led by
Lilit Asatryan was joining those in housing need by their volunteer
contribution to help the families and to encourage others to volunteer. On
their initiative Suzy Kentikyan used the strength of her muscles to fight
the homelessness away from her homeland.

"I am very glad that I can be useful somehow to those in housing need as
well…I wish they finish their home as soon as possible and move in" said
Suzy.

Suzy Kentikyan, her sister and her grandfather arrived to Armenia from
Northern Hollywood as well as AYWA group consisted of 15 volunteers helped
Martirosyan family to lay concrete waterproof layer around the house.

"We will remain strong as long as fragile women like Lilit volunteer with us
from year to year and thus make their contribution to the brighter future of
our families. We do become stronger, when celebrated sportsmen and
sportswomen are standing next to us and build with the needy in Armenia. We
are grateful, as the power of our compatriots is extremely valuable for our
mission to give children an opportunity to live in safe homes and to have
safe future," said Armen Avetisyan, the Executive Director of Fuller Center
for Housing Armenia" I am sure together we will win in this battle against
poverty housing in Armenia".

Martirosyan family got a chance to build a house many years ago, when they
received their plot of land for building. But it is impossible to start
construction and to finish a house with the earning of a locksmith. They
could only erect the walls and had no means to finish the house and make
their dream of own house come true. "When we learnt that our family was
selected as partner family of Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, we were so
happy, realizing that now we have an opportunity to complete our home. And
now when such people join us and work with us we are proud and grateful"
said Sargis Martirosyan.

The Fuller Center for Housing Armenia is working to eliminate poverty
housing by providing long term, interest free loans and by assisting with
volunteers helping low-income families to build simple, comfortable,
affordable houses and renovate their houses. For more information, please
visit

This year the organization aims to support 100 needy families.

Tibet Talk with Jamyang Norbu in Bangalore

Phayul[Thursday, July 30, 2009 00:26]

Bangalore – If you’re a Rangzen activist, a supporter of the Tibetan
independence movement or simply an ardent follower of the Tibetan
issue, then you must surely have a general understanding of Tibetan
history. Still, if one needs a scrupulously well-researched and
painstakingly honest argument to prove Tibet’s independence, the next
time you’re part of a campaign or in a heated debate with a friend or
stranger, the perfect solution would be to turn to Jamyang Norbu’s
compilation of historical documents, maps, audio clips and photographs
in a presentation titled `Independent Tibet – Some Facts.’ (Please
see )

The eminent Tibetan scholar, during a two-hour long session at the TCV
auditorium in Bangalore organized by Think Tibet and the Regional
Tibetan Youth Congress, addressed a group of nearly 200 Tibetans, and
spoke at length to prove the independence of Tibet before the Chinese
Communist invasion in 1950, presenting facts, pictures and references,
wherever the need arose.

Before 1950, Tibet was a fully functioning independent state,
maintaining basic law and order and yet staying far ahead of time with
the abolishment of capital punishment in 1913, and dictating laws that
govern environmental protection, Norbu said. Tibet at the time fed its
people unfailingly with no help from the outside world, and despite
its seclusion, was a self-sufficient nation, owing no money to any
nation or foreign institution, he added.

According to Norbu, the Tibetan people have two national anthems, the
older of which is Gangri Rawae or Snow Mountain Rampart, while Sishe
Pende or Universal Peace and Benefits is the more modern one composed
after Tibet lost independence.

Norbu pointed out that until after the Communist invasion, Tibetan
immigrants residing in North America or Europe was unheard of, and
that despite the frontiers of India, Bhutan and Nepal being completely
unguarded, very few Tibetans fled the country as economic or political
refugees.

Thus, the Communist Chinese invasion in 1950 — that saw over 40,000
troops of the 52nd, 53rd and 54th divisions of the 18th Army of the
Red Army attack the Tibetan frontier guarded by 3,500 regular soldiers
and 2,000 Khampa militiamen — was never a peaceful liberation as
China makes it out to be, Norbu argued. He lauded the courage of the
Tibetan army, who despite being heavily outnumbered, bravely faced the
Chinese army and fought as hard as they could.

Presenting a series of photographs, Norbu showed the first reference
to the Tibetan flag, which was made in a 1934 Flags of the World issue
of the National Geographic Magazine. The modern Tibetan flag, which
was adopted in 1916, was probably too new at the time the magazine
brought out its very first flag issue in 1917, Norbu said, but noted
that Tibet still found mention in an article on medieval flags in that
issue.

Thus, at a time when many countries in the world were yet to create
their own flags, Tibet was among the few nations to have a flag, the
scholar averred.

Similarly, the maps, globes and atlases that were drawn before 1950,
showed Tibet as an independent nation, always distinct from China,
Norbu said. Maps drawn as early as 1680-1700 show Tibet in two parts
but still separate from China, he said, while showing photographs of
rare maps, globes and atlases from different periods of time.

Before 1950, Tibet even had its own distinct currency, which was based
on the Tam and Srang denomination system, Norbu said. While a joint
Chinese-Tibetan currency or the Ganden Tanka was brought out when
Manchu forces occupied Tibet, Tibetans issued its own coin using
elaborate Tibetan and Buddhist designs once the Chinese army was
expelled in 1912, he added.

Paper currencies, however, came into being in Tibet only in the early
20th century, but the beautiful designs on them were painstakingly
printed, prompting one numismatist, Wolfgang Bertsch, to call these
bank notes `small works of art,’ Norbu said. Even in those early
days, Tibetans coined an ingenious solution to preventing forgery of
these bank notes — the serial numbers on these bank notes were
handwritten by a guild of specialist calligraphists, the epa, Norbu
said.

Chinese efforts to take over the Tibetan currency remained
unsuccessful until after the departure of the Dalai Lama in 1959, when
the official Chinese currency, the renminbi or yuan, came into use,
Norbu said.

But, the greatest proofs — if there were really a need to compare
these facts and evidences of Tibet’s independence before Chinese
invasion – would have to be the Tibetan passports, and also the
writings of so many scholars, explorers, and government delegations
who after visiting Tibet, recorded all they witnessed and experienced
in the land they strongly affirmed was an independent state.

Norbu, while addressing the rapt audience in the South Indian city of
Bangalore, showed photographs of different Tibetan passports, right
from the earliest on record that was issued by the Tibetan government
to an Armenian merchant Hovannes in 1688, to the more recent passport
used by Tsepon Shakabpa Wangchuk Dedhen, which Friends of Tibet
presented to the Dalai Lama in March, 2004.

Important too were the treaties signed between Tibet and its
neighboring countries such as Bushair, Ladakh, Nepal, China and
others, but one of the most important among these date back to 821 to
822 AD during which the Tibetan empire and the Chinese empire entered
into a treaty — the evidence for which can be found on a stone pillar
near the Jokhang temple in Lhasa, Norbu said.

He spoke at length of the other treaties and conventions Tibet entered
into as an independent nation, the most recent being the Shimla Treaty
of 1914 in which British India and Tibet agreed on their common
frontier.

Norbu’s two-hour long session appeared to be aimed at arming the
Tibetan people with facts, figures and proofs they’d need to argue the
case of Tibet’s independence, and as such undoubtedly served its
purpose. Despite the seriousness of the subject, Norbu spoke
eloquently, sometimes moving the audience to tears, and at other
times, leaving them roaring with laughter as he told stories with a
touch of the unmistakable Tibetan humor.

There is more work to be done for Tibet, Norbu said, adding that he
was constantly researching and looking for such documents, photographs
and things that would further authenticate Tibet’s independence. These
efforts would sometimes be met with much frustration when things fail
to go through as one plans and wishes, Norbu said.

Still, it is for us, Tibetans, to continue trying, he said.

d=3D25225&t=3D0

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 30, 2009

AGBU Najarian-Gulbenkian School Students Win First & Second in
Pan-Armenian Olympiad of Armenian Language Competition

On July 17, 2009, the Pan-Armenian Olympiad of Armenian language and
literature, as well as the Armenian studies competition, concluded at
the Arno Babajanian Concert Hall in Yerevan, Armenia. School teams from
12 countries took part in the Olympiad that started on July 10 and
included 133 student participants.

The Syrian team, which triumphed during the competition, was awarded the
top prize. Maria Shahinian, Arpi Dekirmenjian and Nushik Tutunjian from
AGBU Lazar Najarian Calouste-Gulbenkian School in Aleppo, Syria, were
among the participants in the competition. Maria Shahinian was among the
three first-prize winners of the Armenian studies competition, while
Nushik Tutunjian was among the three second-prize winners.

The main goal of the Olympiad and the competition was to encourage
diasporan Armenian students to deepen their love and knowledge of
Armenian language, literature, history and culture. During their stay in
Yerevan, the visiting students traveled to a number of historic sights
and enjoyed the cultural riches of Armenia.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian program, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.

July 30, 2009

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL PRESIDE OVER LITURGY
AT CAMP
HAIASTAN

This Sunday, August
2, the Prelate will travel to Massachusetts
where he will preside over the Divine Liturgy at Camp Haiastan
in the covered Pavilion at 11 a.m. Rev. Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor of Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, will officiate and Archbishop
Oshagan will deliver the sermon. The Blessing of Madagh will take place
immediately following the Liturgy and this will be followed by Sts. Vartanantz’s
annual picnic.

SAVE THE DATE FOR REOPENING OF ST.
ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL

St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, which has been undergoing a major
renovation, is preparing for a blessed re-opening on the weekend of September
19 and 20. On Saturday, September 19, His Eminence will re-consecrate the
Cathedral’s altar, and on Sunday, September 20, he will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon.

The Cathedral’s infrastructure was in serious disrepair. As the
renovation progressed the overall condition of the Cathedral was found to be
worse than originally believed. The renovation has included renewal of all
utilities, and major renovation of the sanctuary, offices, hall, and rest
rooms.

MORE DATEVATSI IMPRESSIONS

Here are a few more impressions
from students who attended Datev Summer Institute this year.

"At first, I was a little nervous about coming to Datev. I got here and
the environment is amazing. I didn’t know my roommate at all and now we’re best
friends even though we live in different states. We were roommates again this
year. The classes are really interesting and fun and really help open your eyes
to God. You do everything with your friends, including meals and church, and it
helps bring you closer to God, your Armenian culture, and your friends. I look
forward to it all year long and it is definitely an experience I will never
forget."
Alysha Phillips (2nd year student)

"This is my 3rd year at Datev and, wow, has it been great thus
far! It’s not only because I’m learning and having a blast with my friends, but
because of the loving environment that is shared here with my brothers and
sisters in Christ. Aside from the great classes, I have learned that when we
come to events like this with open hearts and minds, we will be blessed beyond
belief. As Christians, we believe that one of our main purposes is to be a
light onto the darkness and Datev is just the place to prepare you to do so."
Mesrop Borekjian (3rd year student)

"Throughout our years at Datev, we have learned many things about Armenian
language, religion, and culture. It has made a big impact in our lives. Datev
is amazing, we have so much fun and make life long friends. We look forward to
returning as post graduates."
Sareen Streeter and Shoghag Aktavoukian (4th year students)
To the press release and photographs of the 2009 Datev Institute click
here ( 82/goto: l ).

2009 PRELACY LINKED iN WEEKEND

The 2009 Prelacy LINKED iN weekend for young adults will take place
September 25-27, at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts,
as part of the ongoing Year of the Youth activities.
Under the general theme of "Know Your Church," presentations will be
made
by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Archpriest Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, Professor
Michael Papazian, and Yeretzgin Margaret Stepanian. The weekend gathering will
also feature prayer services, meditations, bible studies, and panel discussion.
For more information click here ( 82/goto: htm ).
ARMENIAN AMERICAN
NIGHT IN NEW YORK

Enjoy a free concert under the stars on August 16, 7 pm, at Armenian
American Night at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York. Music by Onnik
Dinkjian, Ara Dinkjian, Dick Barsamian, Chuck Yegian, Jaq Hagopoian and Vicken
Makoushian and his Band. Also featuring Antranig Dance Group. For information:
516-761-0042.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for
today, Thursday, July 30, are: Genesis 4:1-50:26; Numbers 20:23-30; Deuteronomy
34:5-12; Joshua 24:29-33; 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; Hebrews 11:1-31; Luke 20:34-40.

Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died
there in the land of Moab, as the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the
land of Moab, opposite Bethpeor, but no one
knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred twenty years old when
he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. The Israelites
wept for Moses in the plains of Moab
thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended.

Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of
wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him,
doing as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Never since has there arisen a prophet in
Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequaled for all
the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the
mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in
the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:5-12)

For listing of the coming week’s Bible
readings click here ().

S ONS AND GRANDSONS OF ST. GREGORY

This Saturday,
August 1, the Armenian Church remembers the sons and grandsons of St. Gregory
the Illuminator, namely, Sts. Aristakes, Vrtanes, Housik, Grigoris, and Daniel
(who was not related, but was a distinguished and favorite student of St.
Gregory). All of them continued the work of St. Gregory, preaching the word of
Christ to pagans, at great personal peril.

St. Gregory had two
sons, Aristakes and Vrtanes. Aristakes, the younger son, succeeded Gregory as
Catholicos and was martyred around 333 A.D. Aristakes represented the Armenian
Church at the first ecumenical council at Nicaea
in 325. It was at this council that the Nicene Creed, recited to this day
during the Divine Liturgy, was written and adopted. Vrtanes–at this time over
70 years old–was called upon to become catholicos and served for eight years
until his death. Vrtanes had two sons, Grigoris and Housig. Grigoris preached
in the northern provinces of Armenia
(present day Georgia)
where he was martyred in 347. Daniel, who as noted above was not related by
blood to Gregory, is included with the sons and grandsons. He was chosen to
succeed Housig as catholicos, but never actually served as he too was martyred
one year later in 348.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August
2–Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Annual Picnic and Blessing of
Madagh and Grapes at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, 12 noon to 6 pm,
rain or shine. Music by John Berberian and Ensemble.

August
2–St. Paul Church
(Waukegan, Illinois), annual Blessing of the Grapes and
Family Shish Kebab Picnic and Bake Sale, 12 noon to 4 pm, rain or shine. Call
ahead to place orders, 847-244-4573.

August
8–National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) religious seminary hosted by the Ladies
Guild of St. Gregory Churchy of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
For information: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 781-762-4253.

August
9–St.
Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, annual picnic and blessing of
madagh and grapes at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts. Starts at 12 noon,
rain or shine. Live music.

August
9–Holy Trinity
Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
annual picnic and blessing of the grapes.

August
9–Annual
Blessing of the Grapes picnic by Holy Cross Armenian Church, 101 Spring Avenue,
Troy, New
York, noon to 4 pm, on the church grounds. Full
course kebab dinner, Armenian pastries and lehmajune will be available.

August
16–Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, annual picnic and
Blessing of the Grapes.

August
16–St.
Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, picnic and
Blessing of the Grapes.

August
16–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Grape Blessing picnic. For information:
215-482-9200.

August
16–St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City,
Illinois, annual Blessing of the Grapes picnic, following Divine Liturgy and
Blessing of the Grapes, 12:30-3:30 pm, at St. Gregory Community Center.
Delicious shish, losh and chicken kebab dinners, Armenian pastries, and
specialty foods; raffle, games and activities for kids. Rain or shine.

September
13–Holy
Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 75th
anniversary Holy Mass and banquet, under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.

September
13–St.
Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North
Andover, Massachusetts,
annual picnic on newly renovated church grounds, 158 Main St., North Andover.
Enjoy food, music. Fellowship. For details go to church’s web site ( ( 82/goto: ))
or call 978-685-5038.

September
12–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia; opening of Haigazian Armenian School.

September
13–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia;
opening of Sunday School.

September
13–Annual
picnic of St. Stephen’s Armenian Church of New Britain and Hartford at the
Quartette Club, 225 Wooster Street, New Britain, Connecticut, beginning at
noon, rain or shine. Live music. Armenian food. Free admission.

September
19-20–Re-consecration
of the altar and the newly renovated St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City on Saturday.
Episcopal Divine Liturgy and Madagh on Sunday.

September
20–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Lobster Fest. For information: 215-482-9200.

September
20–St. Sarkis Church (Douglaston, New York), annual picnic
on the church grounds, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, beginning at
1 pm immediately following church services and the blessing of the basil.
Delicious Armenian kebabs, sweets, etc., along with games, music, dancing,
tavloo, basketball, volleyball, vendors and returning by popular
demand–"Kid-Z-One," with a host of activities for children. For information
718-224-2275.

September
21–St.
Steph en’s (Watertown, MA) Armenian School/ACEC 14th
annual Golf Outing at Framingham Country Club. $170 includes golf, lunch,
dinner, and contests. For information contact Astor at 781-326-5764.

September
25-26-27–Prelacy
Linked In, gathering of the youth. For details click
here ( 82/goto: htm ).

September
28–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Golf Outing at
Talamore Country Club, Ambler, Pennsylvania.
For information: 215-482-9200.

September
28–Holy Trinity
Church (Worcester,
Massachusetts), 6th annual Golf
Outing, Sterling National Country Club, Sterling,
MA. Golf, breakfast, dinner, and
prizes, $130 per person. For information send email to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]),
or telephone 508-872-9629.

October
1–Sts.
Vartanantz Church (New Jersey), presents 7th
annual Golf Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. $175 includes lunch, dinner,
golf and contests. Come out and enjoy a great day and support the church. For
information contact Mark, 201-483-3200.

October
17–National
Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) annual conference at the Prelacy offices in
New York City.
Details will follow.

October
18–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Intercommunal
Cultural Celebration at Holy Trinity Church,
Cheltenham, PA.

November
1–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Sunday School Halloween Party.

November
6-7–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Food Festival.

November
20, 21, 22–Sts.
Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield,
New Jersey) Annual Bazaar and
Food Festival. Saturday night dancing with "Onnik Dinkjian"; Sunday traditional
kavourma dinner.

December
20–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Sunday School Christmas Pageant.

December
31–St.
Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Seroonian Community Center New Year’s Eve celebration.

December
31–Sts.
Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield,
New Jersey), New Year’s Eve
Dinner-Dance. Details to follow.
Web
pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

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

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Assembly of America
July 30,2009
Contact: Michael A. Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

LAWMAKERS ADDRESS TURKISH BACKPEDALING

82 Members of Congress Send Letter to President Obama

Washington, DC – Earlier today, under the leadership of the
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs, Representatives
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), along with Congressmen
Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA), a bipartisan group of
legislators sent a letter to President Barack Obama highlighting
Turkey’s failure to live up to its commitments regarding normalizing
of relations with Armenia without preconditions, reported the Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly).

The letter read in part "We write to you [Mr. President] with our
concerns about Turkish backpedaling on the agreed upon roadmap to
normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia." Recalling stated
U.S. policy "that normalization should take place without
preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe," the letter pointed
out Armenia’s constructive approach and raised concerns about Turkey’s
counterproductive actions: "While the Government of Armenia remains
committed to this roadmap and has long offered to establish ties with
Turkey without preconditions, Turkey’s public statements and actions
since April 24th stand in sharp contrast to this agreement and
undermine U.S. policy that normalization take place without
preconditions."

Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny commended this bipartisan
initiative stating that "Armenia has repeatedly offered to normalize
relations with Turkey without preconditions only to be rebuffed by
Turkey. We also support the position espoused by the Members that the
Administration should separate the issues of normalization and
Genocide affirmation. U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide should
not be held hostage to normalization of relations."

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR#2009-062

Editor’s Note:

Letter Signatories – Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Mark Steven Kirk
(R-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA), Gary Ackerman
(D-NY), Joe Baca (D-CA), Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Shelley Berkley
(D-NV), Howard Berman (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Bruce Braley,
(D-IA), John Campbell, (R-CA), Lois Capps (D-CA), Michael Capuano
(D-MA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jerry Costello
(D-IL), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Peter DeFazio
(D-OR), Steve Driehaus (D-OH), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Chaka Fattah (D-PA),
Bob Filner (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Scott
Garrett (R-NJ), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Rush
Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Patrick
Kennedy (D-RI), Dale Kildee (D-MI), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), James
Langevin (D-RI) Barbara Lee (D-CA), Sander Levin (D-MI), Daniel
Lipinski (D-IL), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) Daniel Lungren (R-CA). Stephen
Lynch (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Edward Markey (D-MA), Betty
McCollum (D-MN), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), James McGovern (D-MA) Jerry
McNerney (D-CA), Candice Miller (R-MI), Walt Minnick (D-ID), Grace
Napolitano (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-CA), Devin Nunes (R-CA), John Olver
(D-MA) Payne, Donald (D-NJ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Collin Peterson
(D-MN), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Steven Rothman
(D-NJ), Edward Royce (R-CA), Bobby Rush (D-IL) Paul Ryan (R-WI),
Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD) James Sensenbrenner
(R-WI), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mark Souder (R-IN),
Zack Space (D-OH), Jackie Speier (D-CA), John Tierney (D-MA), Dina
Titus (D-NV), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen
(D-MD), Tim Walz (D-MN) Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY),
Frank Wolf (R-VA), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
From: Baghdasarian