Month: February 2012

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY URGE AFFIRMATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AS SECRETARY CLINTON’S PUBLIC STATEMENT DRAWS IRE

Noyan Tapan – News from Armenia
2012-02-04

Washington, DC – Members of Congress and the Armenian Assembly
expressed strong concerns regarding Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton’s remarks on the Armenian Genocide at a town hall meeting
last week, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

In a dear colleague letter circulated today, Congressmen Adam
Schiff (D-CA) and Robert Dold (R-IL), sponsors of the Armenian
Genocide resolution, urged Members to join them in sending a letter
to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling on the Secretary to
“disavow her ill-considered statement.” The letter also urges the Obama
Administration to unequivocally affirm the Armenian Genocide this April
24th and firmly recognize “genocide wherever and whenever it occurs.”

Speaking at a town hall meeting last week at the State Department,
Secretary Clinton, in response to a question about the Armenian
Genocide and the recent developments in France surrounding the
adoption of new legislation criminalizing its denial, stated: “I
think it’s fair to say that this has always been viewed, and I think
properly so, as a matter of historical debate and conclusions rather
than political. And I think that is the right posture for the United
States Government to be in, because whatever the terrible event might
be or the high emotions that it represents, to try to use government
power to resolve historical issues, I think, opens a door that is a
very dangerous one to go through.”

Expressing surprise and dismay, the Assembly sent a letter to President
Barack Obama requesting swift action. “Secretary Clinton’s response
is untenable and requires immediate remedy. Mr. President now is the
time to fulfill your campaign promise and unequivocally affirm the
Armenian Genocide,” the Assembly wrote in its letter.

“There is no debate about the historical fact of the Armenian
Genocide,” Reps. Schiff and Dold told the Assembly. “Raphael Lemkin,
a Holocaust survivor who coined the term genocide and worked tirelessly
toward the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention
and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, invoked the Armenian
experience as a prime example of genocide,” continued Schiff and Dold.

“We welcome this bi-partisan initiative to set the record straight,”
stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “We urge human
rights activists from across the country to make sure that their
Member of Congress signs this important letter to Secretary Clinton,”
added Ardouny.

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 non-partisan,
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

GERMANY HAD PREVIOUSLY REFUSED TO PAY COMPENSATION TO THE GREEK CLAIMANTS

Noyan Tapan – News from Armenia
2012-02-03 17:07:29 | | Politics

Italian legal experts were in court to hear the verdict on Friday.

The UN’s highest court has ruled that Italy was wrong to allow its
courts to make claims for compensation against Germany for Nazi
war crimes.

The International Court of Justice’s ruling confirms that Germany
has legal immunity from being sued in foreign courts by victims of
such crimes.

Germany has paid tens of billions of dollars in reparations since
the 1950s.

It appealed to the UN court in 2008 after Italy’s supreme court backed
a claim by a former slave labourer.

ICJ judge Hisashi Owada read out the verdict at the court’s
headquarters in The Hague.

It found that the Italian supreme court had violated Germany’s
sovereignty in 2008 by judging that Italian civilian Luigi Ferrini
was entitled to reparations for his deportation to Germany in 1944
to work as a slave labourer in the armaments industry.

The ICJ is the UN’s highest judicial organ and settles disputes
between states.

Its rulings are final and binding on states.

Wave of claims

Mr Ferrini made his claim for compensation from Germany in 1998 and
in 2004 the Italian supreme court decided in his favour.

A wave of compensation claims ensued and as of September last year,
there were 80 cases pending with 500 plaintiffs, German lawyers told
the ICJ.

Greece was also drawn into the dispute after relatives of Greek
victims of a massacre in 1944 refiled a case before Italian courts.

Germany had previously refused to pay compensation to the Greek
claimants.

Last year, German lawyers argued that the “consequences would be
severe” if Italian courts were allowed to continue hearing such claims.

Germany said it could put “all interstate peace settlements in jeopardy
by allowing domestic courts to re-examine and reopen them”, allowing
plaintiffs to “shop around for the most favourable courts”.

Italy argued for its part that such claims were admissible as the
abuses committed by German troops amounted to “international crimes”
which had precedence over state immunity.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CONGRESSMEN WOLF AND CHU COMMEMORATE SUMGAIT AND BAKU POGROMS

news.am
February 04, 2012 | 13:31

U.S. Representatives Frank Wolf and Judy Chu marked the anniversary
of the Sumgait and Baku pogroms by speaking out this week in the U.S.
House of Representatives in condemnation of Azerbaijan’s aggression
and ongoing threats against Nagorno-Karabakh, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).

In his remarks, Rep. Wolf noted that, “shortly after the break-up
of the Soviet Union, Armenians in Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh
endured great hardship, including pogroms in Sumgait (February
1988), in Kirovabad (November 1988) and in Baku (January 1990),” and
went on to quote a recent alarming report from Bloomberg News that,
“Azerbaijan is buying up modern weaponry to be able to regain control
of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.” “Such acts of aggression,”
stressed the Virginia legislator, “would have a devastating impact.”

Congresswoman Chu, in her speech, reminded her colleagues that,
“Between 1988 and 1990, the Armenian population was the target of
racially motivated pogroms in Azerbaijan. Hundreds of Armenians were
murdered and more wounded during three violent attacks in Sumgait,
Kirovabad, and Baku.” She added that she remained concerned that,
“the sentiments that sparked this violence still remain,” and that
Azerbaijan is building up its arsenal to renew its aggression against
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Buiding 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Hasmik Grigoryan
Tel:? +(3741) 56 01 06? ext. 105
Fax: +(3741) 52 15 05
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

Yerevan, February 3, 2012

Hayastan All-Armenian Fund launches renovation of Gyumri Children’s Home
orphanage

With contributions made by the German-Armenian community to Phoneathon 2011,
the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has launched an extensive renovation of the
Gyumri Children’s Home orphanage.

Built in 1924, the orphanage was used as a boarding kindergarten until 1972.
Two additional wings were constructed in 1946 and 1993, respectively. The
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund will refurbish the two older buildings, which
comprise a total area of 900 square meters. The project will include the
renovation of the bedrooms, gym, cafeteria, kitchen, and restrooms as well
as installation of air-conditioning and fire-protection systems.

Currently over 120 children with mental or physical disorders live and
receive care at the facility. After they reach age 6, they are placed in
various mainstream or specialized orphanages, among them the Kharberd
special-needs orphanage and the Mary Izmirlian Orphanage in Yerevan. These
subsequent placements are made based on assessments of each child’s mental
and physical health, specific care needs, and prospects of improvement. For
instance, children with eyesight disorders are placed in Yerevan’s No. 14
Boarding School, which specializes in the education and care of children
with ocular diseases. As for children whose health improves considerably
following appropriate medical treatment, some rejoin their families at the
families’ request.

“Conditions at the facility deteriorated day by day,” said Ruzanna Avagyan,
director of the Gyumri Children’s Home orphanage. “The water and sewage
pipes were corroded. As a result, the restrooms were frequently out of
order, and the walls were gravely damaged because of water seepage.
Furthermore, the air-conditioning system had long ceased to work, a fact
that has made the care of children with various disorders all the more
difficult.”

Commenting on the upgrades currently implemented by the Hayastan
All-Armenian Fund, Avagyan stated, “When completed, the renovations will
allow us to vastly improve our operations. We will also be able to provide
the children with critically important physical therapy.”

On his part, Gilbert Moumdjian, chairman of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s
German affiliate, reaffirmed the German-Armenian community’s commitment to
supporting development projects in the homeland. “Naturally we wish that all
Armenian children can be healthy in body and mind,” he said. “As for those
children with various disorders, we must do our utmost to help ease their
pain, to make their lives better and more meaningful.”

From: Baghdasarian

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:

February 2, 2012

ORIENTAL ORTHODOX AND ROMAN CATHOLIC DIALOGUE CONCLUDES

The final session of the ongoing Oriental Orthodox and Roman Catholic
dialogue took place last week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Armenian
Church was represented by Bishop Armash of the Holy See of
Etchmiadzin, and Archbishops Oshagan and Nareg of the Holy See of
Cilicia.
Bishop Armash celebrated the Liturgy at the Armenian Church in Addis
Ababa on Sunday, January 21, and Archbishop Nareg delivered the sermon
and transmitted the blessings of Their Holinesses Catholicos Karekin
II and Catholicos Aram I.
The next meeting of the Dialogue Committee will take place in Rome in
January 2013.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL CELEBRATE LITURGY AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy this Sunday,
February 5, at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, on the
occasion of the churchs name day celebration. A Requiem Service will
be offered in memory of Archpriest Asoghig Kelejian, the parishs first
pastor. A luncheon in Chadrjian Hall will follow after the
services. For information: 718-224-2275.

In one of those unexplained internet glitches, the following obituary
was received by some of our readers in a garbled fashion, mixed in
with the item right above it. We are, therefore, repeating it this
week.

OBITUARY: ARMEN TANIELIAN
Archbishop Oshagan and the Religious and Executive Council expressed
profound sorrow on the death of Armen Tanielian, eldest brother of His
Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern
Prelacy. Mr. Tanielian passed away on Tuesday, January 24, in Beirut,
Lebanon, following a stroke. Bishop Anoushavan immediately left for
Lebanon upon receiving the news of his brothers serious illness.
Funeral services took place on Wednesday, January 25, at Forty
Martyrs Armenian Church in Beirut. Interment followed at the National
Cemetery in Bourdj Hamoud.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Bishop Anoushavan and all members
of the Tanielian family.
May he rest in heavenly peace.

OBITUARY: SOSIE KACHIKIAN
Archbishop Oshagan and the Religious and Executive Councils received
the news of the passing of Sosie Kachikian with great
sorrow. Mrs. Kachikian died on Tuesday, January 31.
Mrs. Kachikian was a long-time supporter of the Armenian Church and
especially the Eastern Prelacy. She was a Pillar of the Prelacy since
the Pillars program was inaugurated, and was a generous supporter of
projects and events. She sponsored the publication of a number of
books in the United States, Lebanon, and Armenia. She was also a
valued and generous volunteer at the Hovnanian School in New Milford,
New Jersey.
Her late husband, Dr. Rouben Kachikian, served on the Prelacys
Executive Council and at the time of his death in 1993, he was the
vice-chairman of the Council.
The Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, will preside over the
funeral services. The family will accept visitors at the Wake on
Friday, February 3, from 6 to 9 pm (service at 8 pm), at
Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey. Funeral services will take place Saturday, February 4, at
10:30 am at Sts. Vartanantz Church, followed by interment at George
Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey.
She is survived by a daughter, Karen Mazzar, a son, Robert and his
wife Kim, and grandchildren Val Andrew, Robin, Madeleine, and
Olivia. She is also survived by three siblings, in Philadelphia, Rose
Arpajian, Mary Zakarian, and Paul Zakarian.

VICARS 40th ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION
TO BE CELEBRATED ON MARCH 25
The 40th anniversary of the ordination of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,
Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy, will be celebrated on Sunday,
March 25. His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy Sunday morning
at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, where he served as the
parish priest for many years. This will be followed by a celebratory
banquet at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, New York.

GHEVONTIANTZ CLERGY GATHERING
The annual clergy gathering on the occasion of the Feast of
St. Ghevont and the Priests will take place February 13 to 16. Clergy
from the Eastern and Canadian Prelacies will be meeting jointly this
year at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.

PUPPET THEATER OF ARMENIA PERFORMS
The celebrated State Puppet Theater of Armenia performed at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York, on January 29. Two plays, The
Foolish Man and The Birthday Gift were performed to a sold-out
audience. Children of all ages, as well as their parents, enjoyed the
talented cast, puppets, folk songs and dances. At the conclusion of
the performance the audience joined the performers in song and
dance. The event was organized jointly by Hamazkayin Armenian
Educational and Cultural Society of New York, and St. Illuminators
Cathedral.

The Puppet Theater of Armenia performs at the Cathedral.

Delighted audience enjoys the performance.

BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, February 5, Sunday of the Catechumens, are:
Isaiah 63:7-18; 2 Timothy 3:1-12; John 6:22-38.

The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea
saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus
had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples
had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place
where they had eaten they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given
thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples
were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum
looking for Jesus.
But when they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to
him, Rabbi when did you come here? Jesus answered them, Very truly, I
tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but
because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that
perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the
Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set
his deal. Then they said to him, what must we do to perform the works
of God? (John 6:22-28)

For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (

).

Note about the readings: Today is the last of the four days in our
liturgical calendar where there are no Bible readings, the only days
without readings. This coincides with the Fast of the Catechumens,
which began on Monday and ends on Friday. There is only one Bible
reading for Friday, a reading from the Book of Jonah. This period is
traditionally a time for reflection and repentance, and a time for the
clergy and laity to witness their faith to the unbaptized. The Fast of
the Catechumens, which is practiced only in the Armenian Church, leads
to the Churchs remembrance of the prophet Jonah, whose entombment in
the belly of the whale represents the three-day burial of Jesus, and
Jonahs release represents the resurrection of our Lord.

THE PROPHET JONAH
Tomorrow, Friday, February 3, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Prophet Jonah (Hovnan), one of the twelve so-called Minor
Prophets. The Minor Prophets are not considered less important than
the ones designated Major Prophets, but their books in the Bible are
shorter. All of the Minor Prophets were servants of God who proclaimed
His will to people in need of repentance.
The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the better-known stories
in the Old Testament. Jonahs feast falls on the last day of the Fast
of the Catechumens. Just as the people of Nineveh fasted and repented
from their wicked ways, so too do the people of God during this
preliminary fast before Great Lent (Medz Bahk), the most penitential
season of the year.

ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR
This Saturday, February 4, the Armenian Church commemorates St. Sarkis
the Warrior, his son Mardiros, and 14 faithful soldiers. This is a
moveable feast that can occur between January 11 and February 15. It
follows the Fast of the Catechumens. Although the fast is not
connected to the feast of St. Sarkis, it has come to be associated
with this saint, even often incorrectly referred to as the fast of
St. Sarkis.
Sarkis lived during the fourth century and was from Cappadocia in
Asia Minor. He rose through the military ranks because of his valiant
campaign on behalf of the Emperor Constantine. With the accession of
Emperor Julian, Sarkis took refuge in Armenia with his son. Later they
went to Persia to join the Persian army in fighting Julian. Both
fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian leader, Shapur II, tried
to convince them to abandon their Christian faith and embrace
Zoroastrianism. Both refused, and father and son were
martyred. Fourteen loyal Christian soldiers who went to claim the
bodies were also killed. Eventually, Christians secured the remains
and sent them to Assyria, where they remained until the fifth century
when Mesrob Mashdots had the remains transferred to the city of Karpi
in the area of Vaspurakan in Armenia. A monastery was built over the
site of the grave.

GENERAL SECRETARY OF WCC MEETS WITH CATHOLICOS
Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of
Churches, met with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House
of Cilicia, on January 28, at the Catholicosate in Antelias,
Lebanon. Dr. Tveit informed His Holiness of the activities of the WCC,
and they discussed the impact of the WCC on the life of the member
churches.
Based on his experience as Moderator of the WCC from 1991 to 2006,
His Holiness shared his views on the Council as the privileged
instrument of the ecumenical movement, and said that it should enable
the churches to respond to the current challenges posed by the global
order.

ERIC BOGOSIAN IN SEARCH OF TEHLIRIAN TONIGHT
Writer and actor Eric Boghosian will discuss his writing and acting
career as well as his new book and ongoing research on Soghomon
Tehlirian, at the inaugural lecture of the Hamazkayin Arts & Letters
series, tonight, February 2 at The Cornell Club, 6 East 44th Street,
New York City, 7 to 9 pm. Admission is $75 for advanced orders and $85
at the door. For students with valid ID the fee is $40 in advance and
$50 at the door. Advance orders accepted up to January 30. For
information: [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=) and for tickets go to
hamazkayin.ticketbud.com/eric (

).

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 2Inaugural lecture of the Hamazkayin Arts & Letters Series,
Searching for Tehlirian, by Eric Bogosian, discussing his writing and
acting career and his new book and ongoing research on Soghomon
Tehlirian, at the Cornell Club, 6 East 44th Street, New York City, 7
to 9 pm. For information: [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=) and for tickets:
hamazkayin.ticketbud.com/eric (

).

February 2Grammy composer Hayg Boyadjian will discuss his music during
a noontime Avak luncheon at St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North
Andover, Massachusetts. Public is invited.

February 12St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts,
Consecration of new baptismal font and special prayer for the newly
renovated sanctuary, and 42nd anniversary celebration, under the
auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, at 1 pm in the churchs
Jaffarian Hall. Adults $40; children $10. Tickets must be purchased in
advance.

February 13-16Ghevontiantz Clergy Gathering, Eastern and Canadian
Prelacies, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

February 19Traditional Poon Paregentan Manti Luncheon and Program, at
St. Illuminators Cathedrals Pashalian Hall, New York City. Adults $25;
children $10.

March 3Mid-Atlantic Regional Seminar for Sunday School teachers, 10 am
to 3 pm, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC)
at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

March 3Hovnanian Schools 35th Anniversary Gala at Westmount Country
Club, Woodland Park, New Jersey. Honorees are Dr. John Apovian and
Mr. Hratch Kaprielian. Cocktail hour 6 pm; dinner and dancing 7:30
pm. Art Exhibition during cocktail hour. Entertainment by Kevork
Artinian and his band; Ara Dinkjian; and Yuri Yunakov. $175 per
person. For reservations, information or sponsorship contact at:
[email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=) or 201-967-5940.

March 4Book reading and signing by childrens author, Talene Dadian
White, at 1 pm, in Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminators Cathedral, New
York City. Proceeds will benefit the Cathedrals Armenian Day and
Sunday Schools. For information: 212-689-5880.

March 17Mid-West Regional Seminar for Sunday School teachers, 10 am to
3 pm, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) at
St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.

March 24New England Regional Seminar for Sunday school teachers, 10 am
to 3 pm, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC)
at St. Stephens Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.

March 25Celebration of the 40th anniversary of Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielians ordination to the priesthood. Save the date.

March 30Musical Armenia 2012 (29th concert of the series), sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild, 8 pm, Weill Recital
Hall, at Carnegie Hall, New York City. Featured artists: Marta
Bagratuni, cello (with Zhao Zhao Yank, piano); Hayk Arsenyan,
piano. Please note that this year Musical Armenia is on Friday
evening.

May 9-12National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted by
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island. Clergy conference on
May 9; full delegation May 10 to 12. Accommodations at Crowne Plaza
Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island. Details will be forthcoming to parishes
and delegates.

May 11-12National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 30th
anniversary celebration and annual conference in conjunction with the
National Representative Assembly, Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode
Island. For information: Mary Derderian 781-762-4253.

May 4 thru May 24Sixteen performances in May (including matinee
performances on Saturdays and Sundays) of Herand M. Markarians new
play commissioned by the New York State Theater Institute,
Silence. With award-winning actress Lorraine Serabian. This story of
love, loss, and relentless search by a women for her son after the
Armenian genocide of 1915, is directed by Kevin Thomson. Performances
at the Shell Theater in the Times Square Arts Building, 300 West 43rd
Street, New York City. Reserve tickets now ($18): SmartTix.com or
212-868-4444. For information: [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]?subject=).

July 14Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild and ARS Ani Chapter,
Providence, Rhode Island, A Hye Summer Night VI dance, featuring
Hachig Kazarian, Richard Hagopian, Kenneth Kalajian, Jason Naroian, 8
pm to 1 am; $35 adults; $15 children 16 and under. At the Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, Rhode
Island. Mezza will be served. Limited seating. For tickets and
information: 401-434-4467 (Joyce Bagdasarian); 401-354-8770 (Joyce
Yeremian).

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys 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]

Swedes Submit Zarakolu for Peace Prize: Turkish publisher favors
Genocide recognition

ArmeniaNow.com
03.02.12 11:29

Members of the Swedish Parliaments have submitted Turkish human rights
defender Ragip Zarakolu as a candidate for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.

Zarakolu has been sentence to jail several times for articles he
published about the Armenian Genocide and about Turkey’s treatment of
its Kurdish population.

Recently Zarakolu wrote to the Turkish parliament calling on the
lawmakers to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.

`It is not only an obligation towards the victims but also a duty for
securing healthy way of thinking for the society. The acknowledgement
of the genocide will not belittle Turkey but will strengthen it,’
Zarakolu wrote.

Zarakolu visited Armenia in February 2011.

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

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Watch our latest videos on YouTube here:

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Organized by The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia

“THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE: FROM RECOGNITION TO REPARATION”
23-25 February, 2012
Antelias – Lebanon

PRESS RELEASE
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA
40 Baghramyan Ave.
Yerevan 0019, Republic of Armenia
Email: [email protected]
Web:
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AUA e-Bulletin

AUA Low Cost Student Loan Program featured on CivilNet.TV Segment

Chief Financial Officer Gevorg Goyunyan was recently invited by
CivilNet.TV to talk about AUA’s affordable alternative to the high cost
of student loans in Armenia. AUA has led the charge to make high quality
education affordable by offering a low cost Student Loan Program, the
first of its kind in Armenia, which has been embraced by hundreds of
students over the years.

AUA Alum Elected to Chair Presidential Commission on Ethics of High
Ranking Officials

AUA Alumnus Emil Babayan, who is also a Senior Lecturer in the Law
Department, was recently appointed to head the Commission on Ethics of
High Ranking Officials. The Commission, established by Presidential
decree, aims to “raise society’s confidence in public institutions
functioning in Armenia” and create a more transparent public domain.
Previous to this appointment Babayan served as Deputy Minister of
Justice of the Republic of Armenia. Babayan served as AUA’s 2011
Commencement Speaker.

AUA Alum leads Seminar on Challenges and Opportunities for Better Health

AUA Alumnus Dr. Tatul Hakobyan, Public Health Adviser in the World
Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, led the Public
Health seminar at the College of Health Sciences on December 20, 2011.
Dr. Hakobyan’s talk was devoted to “Challenges and Opportunities for
Better Health in Europe.”

READ MORE…

Anti-Smoking

College of Engineering Developing Innovative Solar Space and Water Heater

The College of Engineering’s Engineering Research Center (ERC) has
initiated “Development of a Solar and Natural-Gas Driven Hybrid Hot
Water and Space Heating System,” a project funded by Industrial
Technologies Co. (ITC), an Armenia-based engineering and
product-development company. ERC will develop an optimized design for
the unit and provide product schematics and specifications.

READ MORE…

Anti-Smoking

Center for Excellence in Negotiation hosts Seminar

The Center for Excellence in Negotiation (CEN), a program of AUA’s Legal
Resource Center, hosted a seminar led by Boston-based Bridgeway Group
negotiation expert Arthur Martirosyan on the role of values and
environment on negotiation processes. The discussion aimed to help the
CEN set its agenda for the coming year. The CEN’s work is comprised of
three components: (1) training, (2) analytics/research, (3)
consultation/interventions.

READ MORE…

Anti-Smoking

Mane Beglaryan Joins SBM Faculty

The School of Business and Management (SBM) announces the appointment of
Mane Beglaryan as Coordinator of Internship Program and Instructor of
Management. Ms. Beglaryan comes to SBM with a background in
international development having worked for private consulting companies
in Washington, D.C. Beglaryan is not new to AUA as she taught
Organizational Behavior in the School of Political Science and
International Affairs in Spring 2011, and designed and taught Effective
Communications at SBM last fall.

READ MORE…

Anti-Smoking

Faculty Member named Deputy Minister of Justice

AUA Law Adjunct Lecturer Yeghishe Kirakosyan has been named Deputy
Minister of Justice. Mr. Kirakosyan is teaching Public International Law
this winter in the Law Department. Over the past year, he has organized
and led a number of round tables at AUA on emerging issues in
international law in conjunction with International and Comparative Law
Center of which he is a co-founder. Mr. Kirakosyan holds his doctorate
in public international law from Yerevan State University and has
completed the Foreign Ministry Training Program at the Fletcher School
of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. We congratulate Mr. Kirakosyan
on his appointment and wish him all the best as he undertakes this
important public service.

Anti-Smoking

AUA and Northeastern University: Study abroad this summer

AUA will once again host Northeastern University’s Dialogue of
Civilizations Study in Armenia program which offers students an
opportunity to study Armenia’s history, politics, and culture while
earning college credit. This year the program will be held from late May
to late June 2012 and will include field trips to Armenia’s various
historical sites. The application deadline is February 15, 2012. For
more information please see:

Anti-Smoking

Faculty Research and Scholarship

College of Health Sciences Associate Dean Varduhi Petrosyan was recently
appointed Associate Editor of the International Journal for Equity in
Health, “an open access, peer-reviewed, online journal presenting
evidence relevant to the search for, and attainment of, equity in health
across and within countries.”

Dr. Syuzanna Vasilyan, Assistant Professor, Political Science and
International Affairs, recently participated in the round-table
conference “Democracy promotion East and South after the Arab Spring:
Re-evaluating the EU’s Engagement with Authoritarian Regimes,” organized
jointly by Maastricht University (the Netherlands), the Trans-European
Policy Studies Association (Belgium) and the Institut für Europäische
Politik (Germany). Dr. Vasilyan presented a talk on “The European Union
(EU) as a ‘Moral Power’ through its Democracy Promotion Policy in the
South Caucasus.”

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PRESS RELEASE
ANCA Endowment Fund
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel (202) 775-0279
Fax (202) 775-5648
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

February 2, 2012
Contact: Armen Carapetian
Tel: (415) 938-6368

ANCA TELETHON 2012 TO SHOWCASE ARMENIAN PRIDE, POWER, AND PROGRESS
— Volunteers, Supporters, and Media Gather for Kick-off Reception and
Press Conference in Support of National Grassroots Campaign

WASHINGTON, DC=97Representatives from a broad range of Armenian American
organizations and media joined ANCA Endowment Fund supporters on February
2nd to launch a series of community activities leading up to the “ANCA
Telethon 2012” that will be held in May of this year. The ANCA Telethon
2012 effort was kicked-off at a special press conference and reception held
at the Glendale Hilton.

ANCA Endowment President Ken Hachikian was joined by His Eminence
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church, and telethon committee members Steve Artinian,
Vanna Kitsinian Der Ohanessian, Esq. and Dr. Vicken Hovsepian in presenting
the vision for ANCA Telethon 2012. Speakers discussed details about its
broadcast reach and programming, and insights into innovative new ideas to
engage an unprecedented level of community participation in this
fundraising and community-building drive.

ANCA Telethon 2012 will be aired nationally on May 20, 2012, on a variety
of broadcast, cable and digital channels and showcased online at
from 5:00pm to 11:00pm EDT (2:00pm to 8:00pm PDT).

“We’re very encouraged by the launch today of ANCA Telethon 2012 with an
energetic turnout by so many Armenians =96 from all across our diverse and
vibrant community =96 who share a common commitment to the Armenian Cause,”
said ANCA Endowment President Ken Hachikian. “In the coming days and weeks,
we look forward to engaging activists and supporters throughout all fifty
states as we expand the grassroots power, respect, and influence of our
community in the nation’s capital and in hometowns across our great
country.”

The ANCA Endowment Fund supports a broad range of educational, youth, and
civic programs that give voice to the views and values of the Armenian
American community, strengthening our presence in the American civic arena,
and empowering pro-Armenian stakeholders with the information and resources
they need to take on the powerful forces aligned against the Armenian
nation.

The first two ANCA Endowment Fund telethons, held in 2006 and 2009, raised
over $4.5 million for Armenian American educational, youth, and civic
programs. Both programs touched a common emotional chord, speaking directly
to the devotion to the Armenian Cause that rests in the hearts of Armenians
from across the U.S., regardless of organizational or political
affiliations.

Countless organizations, volunteers, churches, community leaders, local
ANCAs, performing artists, Members of Congress, and state legislators from
across the nation participated in the telethons, contributing to their
enormous success. Both telethons featured several documentaries that
highlighted various ANCA programs and numerous results the ANCA Endowment
has achieved over the years, largely through its volunteer and grassroots
network.

#####

NOTE TO EDITOR: ANCA Telethon 2012 logo attached.

February 3, 2012
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF MADAGH ON
THE NAME DAY OF ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA

On Saturday, February 4, 2012, the Armenian Church will celebrate
the Feast of St. Sarkis and his son Mardiros. This feast is also a
celebration of the name day of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
On this occasion, on Sunday, February 5, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon,
and conduct the blessing of madagh at St. Sarkis Church.
On the evening of Saturday, February 4th, parish pastor Rev. Fr.
Khoren Babochian will conduct eve of the feast services. On the morning of
Friday, February 3rd, Fr. Khoren conducted the blessing of salt, after which
the Ladies Auxiliary began preparing the madagh for Sunday’s service.

HOLY SEE OF CILICIA SEMINARY REQUEST FOR ARTWORK
TO FEATURE IN A PERMANENT EXHIBITION

We hereby bring to the attention of community artists and art
collectors the following request from the Dean of the Seminary of the Holy
See of Cilicia.
Given that the Seminary is located in Bikfaya, Lebanon, some
distance away from the Catholicosate in Antelias where the “Cilicia” Museum
is located, the Seminary has decided to have a permanent exhibit of artwork
in Bikfaya for Seminarians and visitors to have the opportunity to become
better familiarized with Armenian art at any time.
To begin organizing this exhibition, the Seminary has made an appeal
to Armenian artists and art collectors alike to donate their works.
Paintings must be between 50 x 70 cm’s and 80 x 100 cm’s. There are no size
limitations for sculptures. A brief biography of the artist, approximately
one paragraph, must accompany the artwork.
For more information, interested parties may contact the Seminary
Dean, Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, at (011-961-4) 980-060, (011-961-3)
486-943, or by emailing [email protected].
We are confident our community will respond favorably to this
request and will contribute to the establishment of this exhibition.

EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY ON THE 111TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH OF
FRESNO

On Sunday, January 29, 2012, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered his message at Holy Trinity
Church in Fresno on the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the church.
Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian and deacons assisted at the altar.
Prior to the sermon, the Prelate gave thanks to Almighty God for
granting the blessed day together to celebrate Divine Liturgy the 111th
anniversary of the parish. Reflecting on the Pontifical Visit of H.H.
Catholicos Aram I to the Church and Sunday School in October of last year,
the Prelate noted that His Holiness places a great deal of importance and
priority to educating our youth and providing them with the necessary
knowledge and tools to develop their unique Armenian Christian identity, and
that we are all called to do the same, for our youth are the future leaders
who will continue in our path and that of our forefathers, which is why we
must instill and root in them our faith, values, and heritage from a young
age so that they are fully prepared to take the lead.
Given that it was the eve of the Fast of the Catechumens, the
Prelate gave a brief background on the fast, which is observed only in the
Armenian Church.
The sermon was on the day’s Scripture reading from the Gospel of
John which told of one of the most dramatic miracles in the earthly ministry
of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus walking on water in the midst of a dark and
stormy sea.
Speaking on this passage, the Prelate noted the following; “We all
face storms in our lives. The nature of our storms may vary, but there is
none among us who hasn’t at some point in his or her life been faced with a
difficult and trying situation. In the midst of it all, we need to remain
strong and hopeful, for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is always with us.
Rather than feel overwhelmed, helpless, and alone, we need to weather our
storms with faith and turn to God to lead us to shore. God sees our
troubles, and when we come to the place where we stand in awe of His power
and His plan, the storms will cease to frighten us. We all need our Savior,
and the good news is that He is here. We need only to lift our eyes and
hear Him whisper in His reassuring voice, “Do not fear, it is I.” He will
bring us safely to shore.”
The Prelate then once again congratulated the parish on their 111th
anniversary, commended the servants and volunteers for their service and
contributions, and urged the faithful in attendance to actively participate
in the mission of our church and in our community life so that together we
can overcome any and all obstacles that may arise.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate presided over the 111th
anniversary banquet, hosted by the Pastor and Board of Trustees. Executive
Council member Mr. Bill Sahatdjian participated in the Liturgy and Banquet.
(Click here for full press) (Click here for photos)

PRELATE ATTENDS ANCA TELETHON KICK-OFF

On Thursday, February 2, members, supporters, and friends of the
ANCA gathered at the Glendale Hilton for the kick-off to the ANCA Telethon
2012, which will be held on Sunday, May 20 with the theme “Armenian Pride,
Armenian Power, Armenian Progress”. This is the third ANCA Telethon, with
the first held in 2006 and the second in 2009.
The Prelate attended and delivered his blessings, message, and
encouragement. He commended the members and volunteers of the ANCA for
their diligent efforts to raise awareness and educate the world about our
history, our cause, and our rights. He also gave thanks to the sponsors and
donors who have supporter the ANCA throughout the years and urged them to
once again express their support at the upcoming Telethon.

DAVIDIAN-MARIAMIAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ANNUAL APPRECIATION NIGHT

On the evening of Tuesday, January 31st, Davidian & Mariamian
Educational Foundation held their annual appreciation night at the Armenian
Society of Los Angeles Hall in Glendale.
This annual event serves to commend individuals and organizations
who make advancements in the field of education. This year’s honorees were
the Armenia’s Ministry of Diaspora, which was named “Organization of the
Year”, and Dr. Kathy Fundukian-Torossian who received the “Educator of the
Year” honor.
The Prelate attended the event and delivered his message, commending
the Davidian and Mariamian Educational Foundation and the evening’s honorees
for providing the foundation and the tools to help our youth develop their
identities as Armenians and help them grow into productive citizens and
leaders of our community. Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian accompanied the Prelate.