Month: November 2009

PAST’S PRESENT; EMERGING FROM A TURBULENT PAST, ARMENIA IS CAUGHT IN A CLASH OF OLD AND NEW AS IT EMBRACES CAPITALISM

The Straits Times (Singapore)
November 3, 2009 Tuesday

The Armenian taxi driver was an instant friend.

Within five minutes of our meeting, he had invited me to his home
for coffee and a meal, and told me how close we were. Like brothers,
he indicated, putting two meaty fingers together.

I had approached him after reaching the town of Garni, from where
I was heading for Geghard Monastery, possibly Armenia’s most famous
sight. Fourthcentury monks had carved it out of rock in the craggy
hills above Azat River and it was accessible only by taxi.

In a flurry of gestures, rapid-fire Armenian and the occasional
‘caaawfeee’, Ludwig told me we would drop by his home on the way back.

To show he meant what he said, he drove home and introduced me to
his family before we continued on to Geghard.

Once there, however, everything changed. A Russian couple had hired
him to take them to the next town after dropping me off – I had paid
him to take me to the monastery and back – and suddenly, Ludwig had
lost all interest in me.

Back at Garni, he pulled up at the bus stop and indicated that I
should get off to take a bus back to the Armenian capital of Yerevan.
‘Yerevan bus here. Out,’ he said with a polite but cursory wave.

No more brothers, no more coffee and not even a hearty goodbye
handshake, which Armenians exchange frequently.

In five minutes, it was bye-bye friendship, and hello, new business.

In a way, it is probably a story of Armenia, a country in the heart of
Caucasus that is caught between old and new, between ancient Christian
traditions, a turbulent past and a new wave of capitalism.

In Yerevan, where one out of three of the country’s three million
residents live, the living dilemma of a modernising Armenia is evident.

On clear days, you can see Mount Ararat in the distance, a reminder
that the city is near where Noah’s Ark was said to have landed after
the biblical flood subsided.

In ancient churches such as the bedroom-sized Katoghike, Yerevanites
worship before traditional altars laden with religious icons and burn
incense, in scenes reminiscent of Greek orthodox churches.

Armenia was the first country in the world to declare itself a
Christian state. Christianity had made its way here not long after
the time of Christ – via two of His disciples, in fact.

The somewhat run-down, slate-grey slabs of buildings that dot the
capital, however, are a stark reminder of its 70 years under Soviet
rule. And the occasional public display of posters and pictures related
to the 1915 mass killings of Armenians remind you of a perennially
sensitive topic that mars the country’s ties with neighbouring Turkey.

Armenia says as many as 1.5 million Armenians were slaughtered by the
Turkish Ottoman leaders as part of an organised campaign to force
the people out of eastern Turkey in World War I. Turkey, however,
maintains that they were victims of a civil war, not genocide.

Only recently have their leaders made headway in establishing formal
ties, but the weight of history is palpable in the occasional protest
march, especially around commemorative days.

The grey buildings contrast with the lively, summer feel in the
numerous European-style street cafes, bringing to mind a scene of
Western Europe.

There are few corners in Yerevan where you cannot see scores of
well-dressed urbanites sipping cappuccinos in alfresco cafes, watching
the world go by.

Armenia, it appears, is in transition between the old and the new,
communism and capitalism, traditions and modernity. Here, you might
find it hard to decide whether you are in Western or Eastern Europe,
or Central Asia.

Armenia’s monasteries and churches could have come out of ancient
Europe. But Geghard Monastery and the pagan temple of Garni seem to
take you back to the ancient Mediterranean.

Surrounded by misty mountains north of Yerevan, Geghard features,
among other things, a tomb carved out of rock that produces seemingly
endless echoes, as well as a sacrifice site that is still being used.
For animals, that is.

Garni, on the other hand, sits high on a promontory, from where you can
catch breathtaking views of the lonely, green-clad mountains around.

Against the haunting tunes of a flute played by the occasional busker
inside the temple, it is almost hard to tell if you are in Greece
or Ireland.

But talk to Armenians and you might feel like you are in Central Asia.

Bushy eyebrows, dark eyes and a mix of Oriental and Russian facial
features remind you of Armenia’s location – a bit of Europe, Asia and
the Middle East. Its four neighbours – Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan
and Iran – come from all parts.

The food, too, is a veritable mix. Kebabs and lavaash – a flat
chapati-like bread – are as plentiful as the hearty, Hungarian
goulash-like soups, cheese and salami.

Accessible, safe and developed yet still exotic and mysterious,
Armenia is an interesting mix for the traveller who has done the
usual European destinations.

Why, you might even meet Ludwig.

[email protected]

Getting there A number of airlines fly to Yerevan from European cities
such as London, France and Moscow. Flights are expensive, though –
be prepared to pay $3,000 to $4,000 return.

RESEARCH DATA FROM A. CHILINGARIAN AND COLLEAGUES UPDATE UNDERSTANDING OF PLANETARY SCIENCE

Science Letter
November 3, 2009

"Interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) dominate the intense
geomagnetic storm (GMS) occurrences, and simultaneously, they are
correlated with the variations of the spectra of particles, ranging
from the isothermal solar wind ions to GeV energy protons and fully
stripped nuclei. The aim of this paper is to get more insight in
the correlations of the ICME parameters with geospace parameters,
including the Dst index and the secondary cosmic ray flux," researchers
in Yerevan, Armenia report (see also Planetary Science).

"Our observations of GMS occurring during the 23rd solar activity cycle
demonstrate that the count rate increase during GMS occurs coherently
(or up to 1 h in advance) with Dst changes. We show that the ratio
between the increases of neutron and charged fluxes is approximately
constant in a large range of the GMS severity (-470 to 20 nT). The
neutron flux always undergoes larger changes compared to the charged
component. The difference in peak amplitude can be explained by the
fact that lower-energy primary particles produce neutrons compared
to the primaries that generate electrons and muons reaching the
Earth’s surface. We also illustrate that the main driver of GMS is
the southward Bz component of the magnetic field of the ICME," wrote
A. Chilingarian and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Thus the information on the flux changes
for different secondary particles helps to "test" the models of the
interplanetary magnetic field and the magnetosphere for understanding
of the level of disturbance and the specific mechanisms leading to
cutoff rigidity reduction."

Chilingarian and colleagues published their study in the Journal of
Geophysical Research – Space Physics (Cosmic ray intensity increases
detected by Aragats Space Environmental Center monitors during the
23rd solar activity cycle in correlation with geomagnetic storms.

Journal of Geophysical Research – Space Physics, 2009;114():9107).

For additional information, contact A. Chilingarian, Yerevan Physics
Institute, Cosm Ray Division, Alikhanyan Bros 2, Yerevan 36, Armenia.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Geophysical Research –
Space Physics is: American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20009, USA.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

REPORTS FROM Y.L. VARTANYAN AND COLLEAGUES ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE IN ASTROPHYSICS

Science Letter
November 3, 2009

"The stability of strange dwarfs for quark cores with M (0core) /M
(aEuro) = 10(-4), has been studied by calculating, in each individual
case, a series of strange dwarfs with configurations in which 5 a<…

10(-4), 10(-3), 5 a<… 10(-3), 10(-2), 1.31 a<… 10(-2), 1.6 a<…

10(-2), 1.7 a<… 10(-2), 2 a<… 10(-2), ranges from the values in
white dwarfs to rho (drip) = 4.3 a<… 10(11) g/cm(3), at which free
neutrons are produced in the crust. For the series with M (0core)
/M (aEuro) < 0.0131, stability is lost when rho (tr) < rho (drip),"
researchers in Yerevan, Armenia report (see also Astrophysics).

"For the series with M (0core) /M (aEuro) > 0.0131, the equality rho
(tr) = rho (drip) is reached before the strange dwarf attains its
maximum mass. Although the frequency of the radial pulsations in the
fundamental mode obeys omega (0) (2) > 0 for these configurations,
they are unstable with respect to transitions into a strange star
state with the same total number of baryons and a radius on the order
of that of neutron stars. An energy on the order of the energy in a
supernova explosion is released during these transitions," wrote Y.L.

Vartanyan and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "It is shown that the gravitational red
shift of white and strange dwarfs are substantially different for
low and limiting (high) masses."

Vartanyan and colleagues published their study in Astrophysics
(Stability of strange dwarfs II. Computational results. Astrophysics,
2009;52(3):440-450).

For additional information, contact Y.L. Vartanyan, Erevan State
University, Yerevan, Armenia.

Publisher contact information for the journal Astrophysics is:
Springer, Plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

REPORTS FROM L.A. SARGSYAN AND COLLEAGUES ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE IN ASTROPHYSICS

Science Letter
November 3, 2009

According to recent research from Armenia, "Optical classifications are
provided for 18 infrared objects whose spectra have been obtained with
the Spitzer space telescope. An attempt is made at classification in
terms of the spectral energy distributions (SED) based on photometric
data from the SDSS and 2MASS (11 objects, 4 of which also have SDSS
spectra) archives. 7 of the objects are classified using the SDSS
spectra, and other sources are used for 5 of the objects, 4 of which
cannot even be classified using spectral or photometric data."

"For 3 of the objects, the classifications according to photometric
data and the SDSS spectra are the same, so it is to be hoped that
the proposed classification can be used for classifying many objects
when only photometric data are available. These objects have also
been classified according to their IR spectra. The IR and optical
classifications are mostly in agreement when they are compared,"
wrote L.A. Sargsyan and colleagues (see also Astrophysics).

The researchers concluded: "Morphological descriptions of the objects
are also given."

Sargsyan and colleagues published their study in Astrophysics
(Optical classification of 18 infrared galaxies. Astrophysics,
2009;52(3):377-382).

For additional information, contact L.A. Sargsyan, VA Ambartsumian
Byurakan Astrophysics Observ, Byurakan, Armenia.

Publisher contact information for the journal Astrophysics is:
Springer, Plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 5, 2009

HIGHLIGHTS:

"PRESS CLUB" CYCLE: ELECTION PLEDGES AND ACTIVITIES OF PARTIES

PACE MARKED SETBACK IN MEDIA FREEDOM IN COUNCIL OF EUROPE MEMBER STATES

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF "HAYK" NEWSPAPER

"PRESS CLUB" CYCLE: ELECTION PLEDGES AND ACTIVITIES OF PARTIES

On November 3, another "Press Club" show went on the air of "Yerkir Media"
TV company. The cycle is produced under Yerevan Press Club project,
supported by the Open Society Institute. The guests of the program host, YPC
President Boris Navasardian were Hamazasp Danielian, professor of Yerevan
State University, candidate of political sciences, and Lusineh Vasilian,
correspondent of Public Radio of Armenia. The discussion centered on the
fulfillment of election pledges and the compliance of the political
platforms with the current activities of Armenian parties.

The next "Press Club" show will be aired on "Yerkir Media" on November 10,
at 21.15.

PACE MARKED SETBACK IN MEDIA FREEDOM IN COUNCIL OF EUROPE MEMBER STATES

The Report on Media Freedom of the Sub-Committee on Media of the PACE
Committee on Culture, Science and Education is placed on the website of
Council of Europe. Overall, for the last three years (2007-2009), the report
notes a tangible regress of the level of freedom of media in Council of
Europe member states. Armenia is repeatedly mentioned in different sections
of the report.

Thus, the report particularly emphasizes that in varying degrees in a number
of countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova – the authorities
displayed intolerance towards the independent and inquiring media as well as
political opponents. Four CoE member – Armenia, Moldova, Azerbaijan and
Russia – were classified as not free by the international human rights
organization "Freedom House".

In the section dealing with cases of violence against journalists, PACE
lists, in particular, the incidents occurred with Gagik Shamshian, free
lance photo journalist, and Lusineh Barseghian, correspondent of "Haykakan
Zhamanak" daily. The incidents took place in Armenia during the presidential
elections of 2008. The report also mentions the assaults of 2008 – on Hrach
Melkumian, Acting Director of the Yerevan Bureau of the Armenian Service of
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Edik Baghdasarian, Head of
"Investigative Journalists" NGO, as well as the assault on Argishti
Kivirian, Coordinator of Armenia Today news agency – in 2009. The report
also stresses about the State of Emergency declared after the presidential
elections of February 19, 2008, and the temporary censorship imposed in that
period.

As for the broadcasting sphere, PACE states that Armenia and Azerbaijan
"maintain tight state controls over the management and work of their
national television systems". Armenia, the report notes, "is being strongly
pressed to permit the popular independent TV channel "A1+", whose
broadcasting license was taken away in 2002, to be awarded a new one in line
with a ruling of the European Court of Human Rights".

Read the whole version of PACE report on

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF "HAYK" NEWSPAPER

On November 4 "Hayk" newspaper celebrated its 20th anniversary since its
first issue.

Yerevan Press Club celebrates colleagues and wishes them success and
prosperity.

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]

Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]

Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

PRESS RELEASE
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR)
395 Concord Ave.
Belmont, MA 02478
Tel.: 617-489-1610
E-mail: [email protected]

GLENDALE TRIBUTE TO DR. VARTKES BROUSSALIAN TO
INCLUDE SCREENING OF "THE RIVER RAN RED"

The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) and
the UCLA Friends of Armenian Studies will present a special evening in
tribute to the late Dr. Vartkes Broussalian, featuring a free showing of
Dr. J. Michael Hagopian’s documentary The River Ran Red, on Saturday,
November 21, at 7:00 p.m., at the Glendale Central Library Auditorium,
222 E. Harvard Street (2nd floor), Glendale, CA.

About Dr. Vartkes Broussalian

Dr. Vartkes Broussalian (1928-2009) was a brilliant economist trained at
the London School of Economics and UCLA whose career spanned more than
half a century. He held senior-level positions in various branches of
the United States Government including the Executive Office of the
President; he taught at several major universities including Duke and
UCLA; and he served as an advisor to the newly formed democratic
governments of Armenia and Moldova in the early 1990s.

Dr. Broussalian served on the NAASR Board of Directors from 1991 until
2003 and was actively involved in the UCLA Friends of Armenian Studies,
serving as Chairman of the Board from 2001-2003.

About The River Ran Red and Dr. J. Michael Hagopian

Culminating more than forty years of interviews with more than 400
eyewitnesses to the Armenian Genocide of 1915, The River Ran Red is the
final film of documentarian Dr. J. Michael Hagopian’s trilogy "The
Witnesses." The film was awarded first prize at the 2009 New York
International Film & Video Festival for Best International Historical
Documentary.

The River Ran Red is about Hagopian’s epic search for survivors of the
Genocide who were sent to their fate along the Euphrates River to the
Syrian Desert and Der Zor. Footage from many interviews with survivors
carried out over several decades gives the film tremendous power and
immediacy.

The evening will include a conversation with Dr. Hagopian about the film
and he will offer his personal reflections on Dr. Vartkes Broussalian.
UCLA doctoral candidate Ara Soghomonian will conduct a
question-and-answer session with Hagopian.

Dr. J. Michael Hagopian pioneered the effort to document the Armenian
Genocide through films such as: Where Are My People, The Forgotten
Genocide, The Armenian Case, The Armenian Genocide, Voices from the Lake
and Germany and the Secret Genocide. He holds a doctorate in
International Relations from Harvard University.

Refreshments will be served prior to the 7:30 screening of The River Ran
Red.

More information about the event is available by contacting the UCLA
Friends of Armenian Studies at 310-275-2767 or NAASR 617-489-1610 or
[email protected], or by writing to NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA
02478.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:

November 5, 2009

ACNIS Holds Roundtable Discussion on Armenian-Turkish Diplomacy &
Nagorno Karabagh: `Deal or No Deal?’

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) convened a roundtable discussion today entitled
`Armenian-Turkish Diplomacy & Nagorno Karabagh: `Deal or No Deal?’
that assessed recent developments between the two issues.

The event was attended by several ambassadors and senior diplomatic
officials from the European Commission, the European Union’s Special
Representative for the South Caucasus, the Council of Europe and the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as well as
staff from the British and U.S. embassies, and the Armenian Ministry
of Defense.

After welcoming the nearly sixty participants, ACNIS Director of
Administration Dr. Karapet Kalenchian presented a brief introduction
of the issues of Armenian-Turkish diplomacy and the Nagorno Karabagh
conflict, which he said `demonstrated the significance of discussing
and analyzing the security and increasing political independence of
Karabagh.’ Dr. Kalenchian added that the `current dynamic situation
was a challenge of national importance for Armenia and Karabagh, while
also serving as a test for Turkey.’

ACNIS Senior Analyst Manvel Sargsyan presented his analysis of the
`looming ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols’ that were
signed on October 10 by noting that `Turkish attention to the Nagorno
Karabagh issue has rapidly expanded,’ adding that `Turkey continues to
coordinate the ratification of protocols in terms of progress over the
Karabagh issue,’ but stressed that `Armenia and the international
community must not succumb to this pressure.’ Sargsyan went on to say
that `Turkey may now exert a serious impact on the configuration of
the future political processes in the region.’

According to Sargsyan, `even today there is à clear problem of a
deterioration of relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan,’ which he
said `without any doubt, may reflect developments in the international
situation regarding the Nagorno Karabagh issue.’ He added that the
`conflict situation, in fact, has adopted a role as a stimulant for
political configurations in the region’ and that `within Karabagh
there is a strong opinion over the inadmissibility of territorial
compromises to Azerbaijan and, of course, over any resolution of the
Karabagh conflict based on the Madrid principles.’

ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian then presented an assessment of
recent developments since the signing of the protocols, which he
argued has `initiated a new stage of Armenian-Turkish diplomacy,
marked by a number of tests by the Turkish side aimed at challenging
Armenian resolve.’ Giragosian explained that `this new stage, moving
beyond the protocols to the parliaments, presents a new set of
challenges, as Turkey continues to make strong statements that may
actually endanger the process of parliamentary ratification.’ More
specifically, he said that `the rhetoric and threats from the Turkish
side, especially over new demands for progress over the Nagorno
Karabagh issue, suggests that the passage of the protocols by the
Turkish parliament will not be easy.’

Citing the fact that the Turkish side, at least publicly, still seeks
to re-connect the Karabagh issue to the Turkish-Armenian normalization
process, Giragosian stated that `this poses a serious obstacle’ and
stressed that `such a connection is unacceptable and clearly, it is
too late and too dangerous to try to re-connect the Karabagh issue to
the process at this stage.’ He then explained that `the Karabagh
issue was removed from the protocols and it should not be seen as any
sort of precondition or prerequisite.’

The ACNIS Director went on to say that `this issue of `normalization’
must be seen in the proper perspective, as any move by Turkey to
reopen the border and extend diplomatic relations with Armenia
represents only the bare minimum of expectations of normal countries,
meaning that Turkey should not be unduly praised or rewarded (for such
moves).’ And `the real burden,’ he said, `rests more with the Turkish
side, as it was Turkey that closed its border with Armenia in 1993 and
withheld diplomatic relations in support of Azerbaijan over Karabagh,
and, most crucially, it is Turkey that remains challenged by the need
to face the historic legacy of the Armenian genocide.’

He then closed with an argument for `a more realistic approach to the
Nagorno Karabagh issue,’ based on a `recognition of the fact that the
omission of any reference to the Nagorno Karabagh issue in the
protocols means that there is no direct linkage between the Karabagh
peace talks and the current Armenian-Turkish effort to `normalize’
relations.’ The Karabagh talks, he explained, are `on a separate
`second track’ of diplomacy moving at a much slower speed and driven
by a very different set of issues than the `first track’ of
Armenian-Turkish diplomacy.’

Giragosian added that `there were other important lessons,’ including
the fact that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe’s (OSCE) Minsk Group, which is the lead mediator of the
Karabagh conflict, is `structurally flawed by the absence of the
democratically-elected representatives of the Nagorno Karabagh
Republic (NKR) which, as a direct party to the conflict, must be
afforded a direct and formal role in the peace process.’ Moreover, he
said, `the failure to incorporate Karabagh in the peace talks as a
party of equal standing only questions the viability of reaching a
negotiated resolution capable of meeting the minimum standards of
security and sustainability.’ Giragosian closed by noting that `the
recognition of the role of the OSCE Minsk Group as the mediator of the
Karabagh conflict also means that Turkey can have no direct role in
the peace process and should not be accepted as a neutral broker or
mediator of the Karabagh conflict.’

The two presentations were then followed by a series of questions and
answers, and featured a lively exchange among Armenian
parliamentarians, leading Armenian analysts, experts and journalists.
The presentations are available upon request by contacting ACNIS or
can be freely downloaded from the Center’s website ().

——————————— ————————————

The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is
a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan,
Armenia. As an independent, objective institution committed to
conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to
raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public
engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater
and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the
institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the past fifteen years, ACNIS has
acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional
independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national
and international policy issues.

For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected];
or visit

Armenian Genocide Museum of America
1334 G Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005

PRESS RELEASE
November 5, 2009

Contact: Press Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 383-9009

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MUSEUM BENEFITS FROM DAY OF SERVICE BY WASHINGTON
ORGANIZATIONS LED BY BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Sigma Chi Fraternity, Knights of Vartan, ACYOA, ARAMAC, Armenian
Network, and Armenian Assembly Volunteers Join Community-Wide Effort

Washington, DC – Volunteers from across the Washington, DC area joined
the Boy Scouts of America for a day of community service at the Armenian
Genocide Museum of America (AGMA), Saturday, October 31.

Supporting the Boy Scouts of America Troop 50 from Annandale, Virginia,
volunteers from Knights of Vartan – Ani Lodge, Armenian Christian Youth
Organization of America (ACYOA) from St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic
Church in Washington, DC, Armenian-American Action Committee (ARAMAC) DC
Youth, Armenian Network of America, Sigma Chi Fraternity at George
Washington University, and Armenian Assembly of America staff and
friends joined in a full day of service at the future site of the
museum.

"For many years virtually no attention was paid to the National Bank of
Washington (NBW) building, which will house AGMA. Designated on the
National Register of Historic Buildings, the site had been allowed to
deteriorate," said museum trustee and chairman of its building and
operations committee Van Z. Krikorian. "Under new management, the
museum’s architectural plans were given approval by the District of
Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board, and aspects of the historic
building that will be renovated and those that do not require
preservation were clarified. Therefore, we especially appreciated not
only the help but also the constructive spirit of the local community to
bring the museum project another step closer to realization. Plans for
similar efforts are under way, and we thank all those individuals and
organizations that participated and supported the Halloween cleanup."

"When the Boy Scouts proposed a day of service at AGMA," added AGMA
Director Dr. Rouben Adalian, "we welcomed the opportunity to take
another step toward ensuring the preservation of the historic aspects of
the bank building by removing many of the later additions that obscured
the authentic and original architecture of the interior space. With the
enthusiasm the Boy Scouts generated in the community and the strong
support of over 50 volunteers, we were able to implement a thorough
improvement of the site. The results speak for themselves. An open
interior space brightened with the filter of natural light has given
everyone who participated a sense of the wonderful qualities of the
exhibit spaces available in the bank building."

"I want to thank everyone who participated," continued Adalian, "with
special appreciation for the Boy Scouts who took a leadership role in
organizing the event. Aram Tramblian who heads Troop 50 is an
exceptional young man whose commitment to the purpose of the museum
energized an entire community and persuaded so many volunteers to join
his effort. I also want to thank Annie Totah and Peter Vosbikian,
trustees of the Armenian Assembly of America, who provided the support
and donated the supplies that made the day of service possible."

Joining the volunteers was also Dr. Harutyun Marutyan, from the National
Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, who is currently a
fellow at the Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies at the United States
Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the first scholar from Armenia doing
research at USHMM. "I wanted to contribute my share toward the
emergence of this important institution," said Marutyan.

As plans progress for the development of the Armenian Genocide exhibits,
AGMA also anticipates opening the site to future events to provide the
local community access to the historic building whose amazing
architectural features are all the more visible now thanks to all the
volunteers who turned out to extend their support to help preserve the
building and prepare the way for the future museum.

The Armenian Genocide Museum of America is an outgrowth of the Armenian
Assembly of America and the Armenian National Institute (ANI), catalyzed
by the initial pledge of Anoush Mathevosian toward building such a
museum in Washington, DC.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

November 5, 2009
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL OFFICIATE AT
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR YN. ARPINE SHRIKIAN

Archbishop Oshagan will officiate at funeral services for Yeretzgeen
Arpine Shrikian who passed away last Sunday, November 1. The Prelate
will lead
the Dan Gark (Homecoming) service this evening and the funeral service
tomorrow at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Dearborn,
Michigan.

Yn. Arpine is survived by her husband, Archpriest Dr. Gorun Shrikian,
and children Anie, Dirouhie, Movses and their families. Der Gorun and
Yeretzgeen served St. Sarkis Church for more than 30 years.

For more information about the services click here (
4882/goto: b2f9f3d0bbba6523a3047f52efa
).
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL TRAVEL
TO ILLINOIS FOR PARISH ANNIVERSARY

Archbishop Oshagan will be in Chicago, Illinois, this Saturday and
Sunday, November 7 and 8, where he will preside over the 66th
anniversary
banquet of All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois, on Saturday evening.

On Sunday His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN WILL ATTEND LITURGY AND DINNER
HONORING THE CONSUL GENERAL OF LEBANON

Bishop Anoushavan will attend a Pontifical Divine Liturgy on Saturday,
November 7, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lebanon in Brooklyn, New
York.
During the Liturgy the Maronite Bishop Gregory Mansour will confer
upon the Honorable Antoine Azzam the Insignia of the Order of Saint
Gregory the
Great in the name of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI who named
Mr. Azzam a Knight of the Pontifical Order of Saint Gregory the Great.

Mr. Azzam is the Consul General of Lebanon in New York. The Liturgy
will be followed by a dinner in the Cathedral Hall.

PRELATE AND VICAR RETURN FROM BIBLE TRANSLATION SESSION

Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan returned to New York after a
week long Bible translation session in Montreal with Archbishop Khajag
Hagopian and Rev. Dr. Manuel Jinbashian for the ongoing project.

NEW CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE CATHEDRAL

Explore the basic elements of what Armenian Christians believe through
a six-part program on "The Creed" (Havadamk). Chanted or recited
by countless Christians every Sunday during the Soorp Badarak (Divine
Liturgy), the Creed represents a concise summary of biblical faith,
formulated by the Church fathers of the first two Ecumenical
Councils–Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD)–and endorsed by
all the ancient
churches.

The classes will take place at St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, twice a month, on the
2nd and 4th
Mondays: November 23, December 14, 28, January 11, 25, February
8. The program will begin at 7:15 pm with a presentation (about 45
minutes) followed
by Q&A and discussion (45 minutes).

The event is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC) and St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. The sessions will be
conducted
by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, AREC Director.

The program is open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For
registration and information: [email protected]
(mailto:arec@armenianprel acy.org) or 212-689-7810;
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or
212-689-5880.
BENEFIT PERFORMANCE FOR ST. ILLUMINATOR’S SCHOOL

The Mayr Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society is sponsoring a
benefit performance of a modern production of Levon Shant’s JAMPOON
VRA
(On the Road), tomorrow evening, Friday, November 6, at the Armenian
Center in Woodside, New York. The proceeds will benefit the
St. Illuminator’s
Armenian Day School. The play is performed by the Hamazkayin Theater
Group under the directorship of Dr. Herand Markarian. Enjoy a superb
play while
supporting a great cause. For tickets/information, call Sonia at
718-961-9550 or Alice at 516-676-6167.
SYMPOSIUM COMMEMORATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ADANA MASSACRES

A week-long events including a three-day symposium to commemorate the
100th anniversary of the Adana Massacres took place in Antelias,
Lebanon,
last week with the participation of community and political leaders,
clergy, historians, researchers, international law experts and the
descendents
of the victims, who traveled from various parts of the world.

The events began with a Requiem Service in memory of the martyrs,
presided over by His Holiness Aram I and celebrated by the members of
the
Cilician Brotherhood. Following the service the participants were led
to the Cilicia Museum for the opening of an exhibition of photographs
from
the Catholicosate’s archives depicting scenes of the massacres in
Adana.

In his opening remarks, the Catholicos said: "As Armenians we should
set aside our differences and unite in our just claims for reparation
for the
Adana tragedy. Demand for justice is not constrained by time. We must
ensure that the consequences of the genocides are recognized and
remedied. In
Adana we lost 30,000 lives; the massacres left us with widows,
orphans, destroyed churches, homes, schools, farms, mills and
everything else that
touched the peoples’ livelihood. Hence, today on behalf of all
Armenians we demand compensation from Turkey for those losses
inflicted upon our
people."
U.S. PREMIERE OF FILM "GYUMRI"

The Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and the American
Museum of Natural History are proud to co-sponsor the United States
premiere of
GYUMRI (69 minutes), at the 33rd annual Margaret Mead Film and Video
Festival on Friday, November 13, 8 pm. Filmmaker Jana Sevcikova, who
will attend the screening, tells the story of the survivors of the
December 7, 1988 earthquake that struck northern Armenia, nearly
leveling the town
of Gyumri. She spent three years making this documentary film about
life after the catastrophe. To order tickets: 212-769-5200. Mention
Anthropology
Museum of the People of New York to receive special member price of
$10. For information: 718-428-5650.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for today, Thursday, November 5, are: Wisdom 6:22-25;
Zechariah 12:6-10; Hebrews 13:7-9; Matthew 4:23-25.

I will tell you what wisdom is and how she came to be, and I will hide
no secrets from you, but I will trace her course from the
beginning of creation, and make knowledge of creation, and make
knowledge of her clear, and I will not pass by the truth; nor will I
travel in the
company of sickly envy, for envy does not associate with wisdom. The
multitude of the wise is the salvation of the world, and a sensible
king is the
stability of any people. Therefore be instructed by my words, and you
will profit. (Wisdom of Solomon 6:22-25)

For listing of this week’s Bible readings click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/dbr2009-11.pdf
).
ARCHANGELS MICHAEL AND GABRIEL

This Saturday, November 7, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Archangel is a title given to an angel
of high rank in the celestial hierarchy.

Michael, which means "who is like God," is the prince of all angels
and the leader of the celestial armies. He is considered to be
the protector of Christians against the devil.

Gabriel which means ("strength of God" is one of God’s chief
messengers. He was God’s messenger to Daniel to explain his vision
(Dan. 8:16-26) and prophecy (Dan. 9:21-27). He also foretold the birth
of John the Baptist and was chosen to announce the forthcoming birth
of Christ (Luke 1:11-21).

O God, the fiery heavenly powers glorify you; through them you have
poured out on the sons of Adam heavenly, incorrupt, divine gifts;
through their prayers have mercy on us, O God.

The immaterial One in the likeness of human form appeared to the
mortal prophets and announced to them the mystery of your coming in
prefigurations of many different appearing; through their prayers have
mercy on us, O God.

As announcers of the good news of your economy, word cannot describe,
were sent Gabriel and Michael who with the assemblies of bodiless
spirits served you on earth; through their prayers have mercy on us, O
God. (From the Canon to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel,
according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Armenian Apostolic Holy
Church).

WEDNESDAY IS VETERANS DAY

Next Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day, formerly known as
Armistice Day–the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended the
Great War, now known as World War I. The holiday was renamed Veterans
Day in 1954 to honor all veterans. During the era when holidays were
shifted to create long weekends, Veterans Day was also changed to be
celebrated on a Monday. There was such an outcry of protest from the
public because of the loss of the significance of the "11th hour of
the 11th day of the 11th month" that it was changed back to its true
date–November 11.

Let us pause this day, and every day, to pray for the safety of all of
our service men and women.

USS NEW YORK: TO BE COMMISSIONED ON SATURDAY

The USS New York, a new amphibious transport dock ship, will be
commissioned this Saturday in New York City. Seven and a half tons of
steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage was used in the
ship which was constructed at the Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in
Louisiana.

The USS New York arrived in New York harbor early Monday morning,
November 2. At about 8 am she came to a standstill across from the
World Trade Center site, dipped her flag, and delivered a 21-gun
salute. Members of the city’s Fire Department, Police Department, Port
Authority Police, members of the families of 9/11 victims, and
veterans gathered on the shore to return the salute.

The ship went uptown to the George Washington Bridge, where the large
ceremonial U.S. flag, used only on national holidays, was flying, then
turned around and went downtown to dock at Pier 88 near the Intrepid
Sea and Air Museum. With the official commissioning ceremony on
Saturday, the ship will become a unit of the United States Navy.

The USS New York is open for visitors through November 11. It is
docked at Pier 88, 12th Avenue and West 48th Street.
"Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the
men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day
by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and
temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them;
and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 6–"On the Road," by Levon Shant, presented The Theater Group
of Hamazkayin, New York, directed by Dr. Herand Markarian. Sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society Mayr Chapter, this performance is a benefit for
St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School. Performance begins at 8:35 pm at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, New York. For tickets ($25)
contact Sonia at 718-961-9550 or Alice at 516-676-6167.
November 6-7–St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Food
Festival.
November 6-7–St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 53rd
annual bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at the ACEC, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown. Delicious lamb, losh and chicken kebab, kheyma, kufta and yalanchi. Meals
served from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. Armenian pastries, gourmet foods, arts & crafts, auction, raffles, and more.
November 7–Christmas Holiday Craft Fair, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall, 10 am to 4 pm.
November 7 & 8–Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
largest Armenian Fest in New England. Saturday from 12 noon to 10 pm. Sunday 12 noon to 8 pm. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtucket, 60 Rhodes Place (off Broad
Street), Cranston, Rhode Island. Kebobs and kufta dinners, pastry, raffles and more. Performance by the Armenian school dance group. Live Armenian
music * dancing. For information, 401-831-6399.
November 13–Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and The
American Museum of Natural History co-presenting the U.S. Premier of the film Gyumri, at the 33rd Annual Margaret Mead Film and Video
Festival, 8 pm. Filmmaker Jana Sevcikova, who will attend the screening, tells the story of the survivors of the December 7, 1988 earthquake that
struck northern Armenia nearly destroying the town of Gyumri. For information: 718-428-5650.
November 14–Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 45th anniversary
celebration.
November 15–39th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, presided by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General.
November 20-21–Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Fest 2009, Friday, November 20, 5 pm to 8 pm; Saturday, November 21, 10 am to 5 pm. Armenian delicacies and dinners. For information
508-852-2414.
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.
November 22–St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, Thanksgiving
Luncheon and Cultural Program, presented by the Cathedral’s Ladies Guild. $25 adults; $10 children. For reservations: 212-689-5880. Parking for $7.00
available at Kips Bay 27, 240 East 27th Street (between 2nd and 3rd avenues).
November 22–Holiday Fair Luncheon, Chinese Auction and Bake Sale
presented by the Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York, at 1 pm. Adults $10; children under 12 $5.00. For
information 718-224-2275.
December 4–Special benefit concert for St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn,
Michigan, featuring Isabel Bayrakdarian at the Dearborn Performing Arts Center.
December 5–Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
annual bazaar. Come one, come all.
December 5–Saint Gregory (North Andover, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild
Christmas Luncheon and Yankee Swap at the Phoenician at Michael’s Function Hall, Route 110 in Haverhill.
December 5–Annual Christmas Bake Sale and "Lunch at Cafe St. Paul", St.
Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois, 9 am to 3 pm.
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.
July 17–"A Hye Summer Night V," dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts.
Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. Watch for details.
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] (mailto:[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] (mailto:[email protected])

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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

PRESS RELEASE
November 5, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

2010 COLORADO U.S. SENATE CONTENDERS SPEAK OUT
ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION

— Romanoff Reaffirms Longstanding Support

WASHINGTON, DC – The two leading contenders for Colorado’s
Democratic U.S. Senate nomination, Andrew Romanoff and Michael
Bennet, have staked out their views on U.S. recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA).

Romanoff, a longstanding and vocal advocate for Armenian Genocide
recognition, announced his candidacy on September 16th, challenging
Bennet, who has held this Senate seat since he was appointed
earlier this year by Colorado’s Governor Bill Ritter to fill the
vacancy left when Ken Salazar departed the Senate to serve as
Secretary of the Interior. During his service in the Senate,
Salazar established a record, along with nearly all the other
members in the state’s Congressional delegation, of co-sponsoring
the Armenian Genocide Resolution, advocating Armenian priorities,
and supporting anti-genocide initiatives.

In an exclusive letter to the Rocky Mountain Hye Advocates [text
below], Romanoff, the former Speaker of the Colorado House,
reviewed his extensive record in support of Armenian American
concerns and pledged, if elected, to be an original co-sponsor of a
Senate Armenian Genocide Resolution.

Rocky Mountain Hye Advocates co-editor and ANCA activist Vi Bashian
Cooper praised Mr. Romanoff’s steadfast record of support stating;
"Speaker Romanoff has repeatedly demonstrated his longstanding
loyalty to our community and our abiding wish to have the Armenian
Genocide affirmed as United States policy. His actions as a
Colorado state legislator, including his service as Speaker of the
House, confirm his consistent dedication and honor to Colorado
Armenian Americans. Mr. Romanoff is one of those rare shining
lights of character and intellect on the Colorado political stage.
He will represent our Rocky Mountain state and our national
Armenian-American community with distinction should he be elected
to the United States Senate."

Senator Bennet, in letters sent to his Armenian American
constituents during his first months in office, addressed the
Armenian Genocide as a "heartfelt opinion." More recently,
including in a letter received by RMHA on October 26th, he has been
more straightforward, describing the Ottoman Turkish Empire’s
systematic slaughter of Armenians as genocide. He further states
that, "I certainly understand your frustration with those who would
attempt to qualify or recast these deaths as mere casualties of
war." Senator Bennet remains silent as to whether he will co-
sponsor the Armenian Genocide Resolution, S.Res.316, currently
before the U.S. Senate.

"Armenian Americans from across Colorado welcome our friend Andrew
Romanoff’s reaffirmation of his longstanding record in support of
Armenian Genocide condemnation and commemoration, and are, as well,
very gratified that Senator Bennet has joined with so many of his
colleagues in our state’s Congressional delegation in properly
recognizing this crime against humanity," said Jirair Christianian,
a Colorado Armenian American businessman and ANCA grassroots
activist. "We look to Senator Bennet, in the coming days, to act
upon his principled stand by agreeing to serve as an official
cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide Resolution."

For his part, Governor Ritter, who appointed Bennet, has a strong
record on the Armenian Genocide. He has continued the tradition of
his predecessors in annually issuing an Armenian Commemoration
proclamation. Last month, he distinguished Colorado as the first
state in the nation proclaiming "Genocide Awareness Day."

#####

TEXT OF SENATE CANDIDATE ANDREW ROMANOFF’S LETTER TO THE ROCKY
MOUNTAIN HYE ADVOCATES

October 27, 2009

Rocky Mountain Hye Advocates

Dear Mrs. Bashian Cooper and Ms. Barsam Brown,

As a state legislator, I was proud to serve as an original
cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide resolution. I will do the same
in the United States Senate.

I have actively supported the recognition of the Armenian Genocide
– an atrocity resulting in the extermination of three-quarters of
the Ottoman Empire’s Armenian minority population. Today,
Armenians remain on the defensive, as evidenced by California’s
federal appeals court decision last month related to WWI/Ottoman
Empire insurance claims. The federal appellate panel finding
stated, "There is an express federal policy prohibiting legislative
recognition of an ‘Armenian genocide.’" The court’s interpretation
of our national commitment should be a red flag that it is
imperative our Congress adopt an Armenian genocide resolution and
render denial unacceptable.

This year, as Colorado became the first state in the nation to
establish a "Genocide Awareness Day," I addressed my remarks during
the press event to single out the first genocide of the 20th
century. As George Santayana said. "Those who do not remember the
past are condemned to repeat it." We know from experiencing
today’s horrors in Darfur that we must be vigilant in recalling our
past as we seek to end ethnic and cultural devastation.

As a member of Colorado’s House of Representatives, I was a
cosponsor of the first General Assembly resolution in 2002
proclaiming April 24th as our "Colorado Day of Remembrance of the
Armenian Genocide." I continued my cosponsorship of this annual
resolution in 2003 and 2004.

In 2005, I was proud to be its prime sponsor, commemorating the
90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. At the invitation of
"Armenians of Colorado," I spoke at their annual commemorative
ceremony conducted on the State Capitol grounds at the Armenian
Genocide Memorial Plaque.

In 2006, as Colorado’s Speaker of the House, I was honored to sign
the joint Remembrance resolution. Later, as a guest of the "AOC,"
I spoke of our work in Colorado to affirm the Armenian Genocide
resolution and our efforts to secure its adoption at the national
level.

In 2007 and 2008, my last session in the Colorado House of
Representatives, I was again honored as House Speaker to sign the
General Commemorative Resolution.

My record speaks to my sense of duty and moral clarity in working
with Colorado’s Armenian community to press for the adoption of a
United States resolution which affirms the historical record of the
Armenian genocide.

I look forward to representing Colorado. Thank you for your
consideration.

[signed]
Andrew Romanoff

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress