Month: September 2013

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

September 20, 2013
____________________________________________________

CATHEDRAL 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED IN GRAND STYLE

By Florence Avakian

It was an inspiring day, historic as well as futuristic, as more than 200
parishioners and friends gathered in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium on
Sunday, September 15 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the consecration
of St. Vartan Cathedral in New York.

The event took place following the celebration of the badarak by the Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Archbishop
Kahajag Barsamian on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The
names of more than 150 departed St. Vartan godfathers and Cathedral Project
committee members were read in a special requiem service during the
services.

In his homily, the Primate recounted the spiritual importance and symbolism
of the cathedral-not only for the Armenian community, also for Americans who
have come to pray and light candles throughout countless occasions. He
especially singled out the tragic day of September 11, 2001, when hundreds
of people entered the sanctuary to find solace and comfort in the wake of
the terrorist attack on New York.

The Primate also expressed great appreciation to the Catholicos of All
Armenians Karekin II for his gift to the Eastern Diocese of the
1500-year-old relic of St. Vartan the Brave, in honor of this 45th
anniversary. The precious relic, a piece of stone encrusted with the blood
of St. Vartan, is encased in a hand-crafted silver cross, which was
sanctified in Etchmiadzin in a special ceremony in late August, and brought
to St. Vartan Cathedral. It was unveiled for the first time on Sunday in a
procession led by members of the Knights of Vartan.

Opening the luncheon and program in Kavookjian Hall, Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian gave the invocation after which Commemoration Committee co-chair
Paul Zakian offered a toast to “all who sacrificed for this sacred place.”

Mistress of Ceremonies Arpine Barseghian, a medical student, speaking in
English and Armenian, introduced the keynote speaker: Mark Movsesian,
Professor of Law at St. John’s University, and an authority on the nexus of
law and religion.

* Part of the City’s Fabric

In an inspiring address, Movsesian related that this
cathedral which was consecrated by the late Catholicos of All Armenians
Vasken I “required vision, skill and courage, and has been part of the
fabric of this city.” Modeled in part on the ancient St. Hripsime Church in
Armenia, it is not only a “monument to antiquity, but a living spiritual and
cultural center.”

He recounted many milestones that have taken place in the cathedral,
including the liturgical celebrations, events for young people, families,
and the elderly, musical performances, art exhibitions, spiritual and
educational workshops and ecumenical gatherings.

Dedicated to Vartan the Brave whom, in preserving Christianity for Armenia,
achieved a “moral victory,” the history of St. Vartan “resonates with the
concept of religious liberty that is so fundamental to American culture-the
arguments of waves of immigrants who came here,” he continued. “Many of
these immigrants came so that they could worship God free from state
compulsion.”

* Sacrifice, Martyrdom, Survival, Rebirth

The story of Avarayr is one of “blood and sacrifice, of martyrdom and
survival, emblematic of our history as a Christian people from the
beginning.” The Genocide survivors were the founders of this cathedral,
Prof. Movsesian noted, and “associated this new American cathedral with the
message of survival and rebirth.” Many have since come having survived
persecution in Azerbaijan in the 1980s; and even the Copts who also have
suffered persecution, conduct services here, he related.

The name of St. Vartan is a reminder that in other parts of the world,
especially in Syria today, Armenians “continue to pay a price for their
faith,” Movsesian declared. “We must do what we can to help our brothers and
sisters who are persecuted for their religion – our religion-and welcome
them as our ancestors did. May the cathedral be a symbol of hope for them.”

To the delight of the audience, St. Vartan Armenian School students Erik
Assatryan, Valentina Assatryan, Marar Makarian, Ariana Pamoukian and Jano
Tokatiyan recited several beloved Armenian poems in clear and proud voices.

Violinist Sami Mardinian and pianist Riko Higuma offered selections from
Komitas, Khachaturian and Edgar Baghdasarian.

A video presentation was shown outlining the cathedral building’s history
and consecration, produced by Artur Petrosyan and narrated by the Diocesan
Communications director Chris Zakian.

Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian stated that for
Armenians who live outside of Armenia, the cathedral is “a piece of the
homeland. It is not only a peaceful sanctuary, but also embodies the
strength of our faith, our spiritual and cultural heritage, and symbolizes
the memory of our history and our reconstructed identity.” He recalled how
during the late ’80s and early ’90s, with Armenia struggling after the
devastating earthquake, war, blockades, and a depressed economy, St. Vartan
Cathedral and the Diocese served as a launching point for many of the relief
efforts to support the “vital programs” in Armenia and Karabagh.

The mission of the church today, the ambassador continued, is “revival and
renewal of our religion and social lives. The Armenian Apostolic Church has
always been, is, and will be our solid pillar of faith and love towards each
other, and towards the homeland.”

* The Dream Became Reality

Closing the memorable evening, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian recalled the
powerful “I Have a Dream” speech of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. “This
dream became a reality for us in this country of equality and opportunity.
The dream of the Armenian immigrants-60, 70, 80 years ago-became a reality.
Here, we welcomed the first ambassador of a free Armenia, and here we now
see the young people reciting in Armenian.”

That was the dream of those who built this cathedral, and “we express our
deep appreciation to them. The dream now is to see that the younger
generation feels proud of their identity,” the Primate stated. “It’s our
mission to keep the dream alive now and in the future.” Expressing
appreciation to the members of the Commemoration Committee, and to
Ambassador Nazarian who “represents for us the strength of our country,” the
Primate declared, “May the ties between Armenia and the diaspora always and
forever grow stronger.”

The closing prayer by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, and the singing of the
Hayr Mer by all present closed a memorable day of reflection and gratitude.

The Commemoration Committee was under the auspices of the Primate, and under
the direction of the Cathedral Dean, Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian.
Committee members included Paul and Berta Zakian, co-chairs; Araks Yeramyan
Andrews, Talene Baroyan, Sona Haratunian, Dr. Kevork Niksarli, Shoghik
Oganesyan, Avedis Ohannessian and Vartges Saroyan.

* * *

PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv1):

Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian presents the Relic of St. Vartan to
the congregation, during the Divine Liturgy honoring the 45th anniversary of
New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, on September 15, 2013.

PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv2):

Members of the Mid-Atlantic Knights of Vartan escort the Relic of St. Vartan
into St. Vartan Cathedral, on September 15, 2013.

PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv3):

The faithful express their devotion to the Relic of St. Vartan, during the
45th anniversary Divine Liturgy at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral.

PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv4):

Prof. Mark Movsesian of St. John’s School of Law, keynote speaker at the St.
Vartan Cathedral 45th anniversary luncheon, on September 15, 2013.

PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv5):

Mistress of Ceremonies Arpine Barseghian, a medical student, at the
cathedral 45th anniversary luncheon.

PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv6):

Abp. Yeghishe Gizirian speaks with Cathedral 45th anniversary committee
co-chair Paul Zakian (left) and keynote speaker Mark Movsesian (right).

# # #

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

His Holiness receives former Lebanese President Amin Gemayel

Antelias – On 18 September 2013, Former President Amin Gemayel met with His
Holiness Aram I at the Bikfaya monastery. Hagop Pakradouni, Armenian MP, was
also present at the meeting that lasted more than an hour. They discussed
the situation in Lebanon and Syria and also the problems of Christians in
the Middle East.
##
View photo:

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

The Council of Religion of the Catholicosate of Cilicia meets in Antelias to
set its agenda and is briefed on the forthcoming Armenian Bishops Conference
by His Holiness Aram I

Antelias – On 16 September 2013, the Council of Religion of the Executive
Committee of the Catholicosate met under the presidency of His Holiness Aram
I at the monastery in Bikfaya.

After studying the programme adopted by the recent National Assembly of the
Catholicosate, the members of the Council agreed on a plan of action. They
set the following priorities: reorganizing the activities of the departments
of religious education and youth, strengthening ecumenical and
interreligious work, and assessing the Seminary programmes.

His Holiness briefed the Council on the forthcoming Armenian Bishops
Conference, to be held 24-27 September 2013. The conference will receive a
report on the study, “Harmonization of the Order of Baptism” and
“Classification of Armenian Saints.”

Minister Kenney issues statement marking Armenia’s Independence Day

Ottawa, September 21, 2013 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for
Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing the
celebration of Armenia’s Independence Day:

`On this date in 1991, 99.5 per cent of voters in an Armenian referendum
voted in favour of full independence from the Soviet Union. The subsequent
declaration of independence helped establish a sovereign democratic
Armenia, ending almost 70 years of oppression under the Communist regime.

`The Government of Canada recently announced that it will be providing
funds to build a memorial to the victims of Communism within sight of
Parliament Hill. This memorial will help teach future generations how
millions of people lost their lives and suffered in inhumane conditions in
Armenia and other countries victimized by tyrannical regimes.

`Canada has enjoyed a strong relationship with the Republic of Armenia for
22 years, and has been proud to support Armenia’s economic, political and
democratic development.

`The Government of Canada fully supported Armenia’s candidacy to become an
associate member of l’Organisation international de la Francophonie at the
Quebec Summit in 2008, and was very happy to welcome Armenia as a full
member last October. Canada and Armenia have also signed a number of
bilateral trade agreements.

`Our two countries’ close ties have only been strengthened by the many
positive contributions of the Armenian-Canadian community, whose members
have played an important role in Canadian society for more than a century.

`As Minister for Multiculturalism, I join with Canadians in wishing a happy
Independence Day to all Armenian citizens and people around the world of
Armenian descent.’

Le ministre Kenney fait une déclaration à l’occasion de la Fête de
l’indépendance de l’Arménie

Ottawa, le 21 septembre 2013 – L’honorable Jason Kenney, ministre du
Multiculturalisme, a fait la déclaration suivante à l’occasion de la
célébration de la Fête de l’indépendance de l’Arménie:

« À cette même date, en 1991, 99,5 p. 100 des électeurs ont voté, dans le
cadre du référendum arménien, en faveur de l’indépendance complète à
l’égard de l’Union soviétique. La déclaration d’indépendance
qui a suivi a
contribué à l’établissement d’un État arménien démocratique souverain,
mettant ainsi fin à près de 70 ans d’oppression sous le régime communisme.

Le gouvernement du Canada a récemment annoncé qu’il fournirait les fonds
pour construire un monument commémoratif aux victimes du communisme près de
la Colline du Parlement. Ce monument servira à enseigner aux générations
futures comment des millions de personnes ont perdu la vie et enduré des
conditions inhumaines en Arménie et dans d’autres pays victimes de régimes
tyranniques.

Le Canada entretient de solides relations avec la République de l’Arménie
depuis 22 ans et est fier d’avoir soutenu le développement économique,
politique et démocratique de l’Arménie.

Le gouvernement du Canada a pleinement appuyé la candidature de l’Arménie
en tant que membre de l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie au
Sommet du Québec en 2008, et était très heureux d’accueillir l’Arménie
comme membre à part entière en octobre dernier. Le Canada et l’Arménie ont
également signé plusieurs accords commerciaux bilatéraux.

Les liens étroits entre nos deux pays ont été resserrés grce aux
contributions positives de la communauté canado-arménienne, dont les
membres jouent un rôle important dans la société canadienne depuis plus
d’un siècle.

En tant que ministre du Multiculturalisme, je me joins aux Canadiens pour
souhaiter à tous les citoyens arméniens et à toutes les personnes de
descendance arménienne dans le monde une joyeuse Fête de l’indépendance
arménienne. »

Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP
Calgary Southeast

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence: achievements and losses

13:03 – 21.09.13

Today, September 21, 2013, is the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

On September 21, 1991, 2,042,627 of 2,056,758 voters of Armenia
(94.39%) voted for the country’s independence.

On September 23, 1991, the Supreme Council of Armenia declared the
country’s independence.

Independence is a victory that will never be snatched from the Armenian people.

Following the statement on Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union,
different political figures and forces are speaking of restrictions on
Armenia’s sovereignty and even of Armenia’s lost independence.

Tert.am interviewed the painter and poet Samvel Sevada and Art
Director of the Sharakan folk song company Daniel Yerazhisht.
Sevada notes progress among young people.

`I mean free thinking. It was not so in our times. We were bearers of
the Soviet ideology. I could not know many things. But now
communication is free and information is thousand times as much as it
was in our times,’ he said.

Independence means problems. Good or bad, the Soviet Union guaranteed
certain stability.

`People worked and thought of achievements. We lived in 1/6 of the
world, and all the roads were open. Now we have open ways to the
world, but many other ways are closed,’ Sevada said.

He regrets that independence caused emigration of many art and
cultural workers – 60% to 70% of them left the country.

`We can see many absurd things. The generation of independence does
not know modern Armenian writers,’ he said.

Musicians and artists face the same problem. Art workers are not paid
in Armenia.

`My dream is clean and well-developed independent Armenia, with moral
people who are honest to each other, with prospering villages and no
emigration. I want my country to be really independent,’ Sevada said.

For his part, Daniel Yerazhisht believes that independence requires
great efforts and responsibility, self-sacrifice because `this is our
people’s centuries-old dream.’

`We are saving what our forefathers have left for us. They are waiting
for full victory and independence as well. They are watching us from
the ages. Can we achieve a full victory?’

Dabiel Yerazhist is optimistic. He believes that Armenia has the
potential to achieve the goals.

“Independence is a process. We must win every day,’ he said
.
With respect to Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union, Daniel
Yerazhist said he is not an `expert.’

In response to the statements that independence remains on paper, he
said, `So we must keep this paper.’

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

We all should make efforts to create democratic state – Prosperous
Armenia Party MP

September 21, 2013 | 12:38

YEREVAN. – The Independence Day has become a sort of holiday toasts
for us, and, on September 21, again routine protocol words are heard
that independence is an indisputable value.

Non-pro-government Prosperous Armenia Party National Assembly Faction
Secretary Naira Zohrabyan told the above-said toArmenian News-NEWS.am.

In her words, nothing is said with respect to what the Armenian people
need to do so that Armenia’s independence truly becomes indisputable,
so that independence spreads onto every citizen the realization that
he lives in an independent country.

Zohrabyan also noted that each and every resident of Armenia should be
aware that, with our work, we are called to create a country which
Armenians do not leave.

To note, Armenia celebrates Independence Day on September 21.

The Declaration of Independence was adopted at the session of the
Supreme Council of Armenia on August 23, 1990. Under this document,
the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic was renamed the Republic of
Armenia.

Under the decree of Armenia’s Supreme Council, a referendum on
secession from the USSR and the establishment of an independent
statehood was held on September 21, 1990. A total of 94.99 percent of
the citizens voted `for’ independence.

Two days later, the Supreme Council declared Armenia an independent
and sovereign state.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Tremendous efforts are necessary to preserve independence – `Barev,
Yerevan’ bloc

September 21, 2013 | 12:20

YEREVAN. – Independence gained in 1991 was a great achievement for the
sake of Armenia’s future. We have to love and respect it, member of
`Barev, Yerevan’ bloc Anahit Bakhshyan said.

She blamed the Armenian authorities for current situation in the
country, adding that tremendous efforts are necessary to preserve
independence.

As to a remark that Armenian people seem not to be so enthusiastic
about celebrating the holiday, Bakhshyan noted it is the result of
social conditions.

Armenia marks the 22nd anniversary of Independence on September 21.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

The 2nd category disabled Vigen Davtyan is beaten. `After the blows
onto my head, the concussions will continue to grow.’

September 20 2013

Aravot.am talked to `Democratic Way’ party member Vigen Davtyan, who
yesterday was beaten at the Shirak supermarket while distributing
flyers about Raffi Hovannisian’s rally. He could hardly speak. `I went
and stood next to the people, old people were seated, one of them was
playing a backgammon game, they were keeping themselves busy, I
thought to go closer and give flyers. A young man approached, it was
his precinct, and asked whose these are, I said – Raffi Hovannisian’s,
the day after tomorrow is the rally and we are disseminating it. At
that moment, the boy said swearwords to the address of Raffi
Hovannisian, pulled me from my hand saying get out … from here. At
that moment, my flyers fell down, I tried to pick them up, I was
trembling, and he took the chance. He took the heart, didn’t know what
to do. They were many, I was alone. I wanted to go, I did not intend
to fight, then he started hitting me and nobody interfered. He was
using swearwords to my address, I answered and there they broke, and
started to beat me. They were hitting my chest, head.’ Vigen Davtyan
is a second category disabled, he has epilepsy, and he fell into a
seizure from the head blows. The disease is aggravated. He told us
that he has acute pain. `When I was lying on the ground, they kicked
my head, my eyes lid is in a bad shape. I’ve been 15 years in the
epilepsy treatment. Now, after head blows, the concussions will
continue to grow.’ Vigen Davtyan told that at first he was beaten by 2
people, and then they grew in number. `I was confounded, could not
realize anything.’ After beaten up, when the young men have left a
short distance, Vigen Davtyan telephoned the police. He had written an
explanation and hopes that the police will punish the guilty. Before
the police came to the place of the scene, the young men had quickly
disappeared. Hripsime JEBEJYAN

Read more at:

© 1998 – 2013 Aravot – News from Armenia

Anahit Bakhshyan to RPA councillors. `Let them `enjoy’…’

September 20 2013

`With their such statements and comments they confirm that they need
the presence of our `Hello Yerevan’ to legitimize their illegal
actions in order to involve us into this responsibility’, – so
responded the head of `Hello Yerevan’ faction of the Yerevan Council
of Elders to Aravot.am referring to statements of RPA faction members
of the Yerevan Council of Elders. To recall that yesterday RPA faction
members Vahe Nikoyan and Naira Nahapetyan reacted to the fact that the
councillors of PAP and `Hello Yerevan’ factions will not constitute a
part of the the committee formed by the municipality for review and
discussion of public transport fare. According to the authors of the
statement http.//, this `once again
proved the abstained status of the latter and opportunistic approach
in solving the problems concerning Yerevan people’. Ms. Bakhshyan
urges the representatives of RPA never to talk about commitment,
moreover, not to say that they bear some responsibilities based on the
interests of Yerevan. `Today, we, based on Yerevan interests, dispute
the legality of the decisions at the court, and will prove as to what
extent illegality and fabrication are in the legal documents available
under those decisions. They do not want us to do it, but they want us
to be part of the activities of a commission having no legal status,
the powers and decision-making procedures of which we still do not
know,’- said Anahit Bashkhyan, adding, `Let them `enjoy’ the
groundless sense of responsibility, and answer before people how they
made the decision on raising transport fees. Let it be also left to
their conscience.’ Nelly Grigoryan

Read more at:

© 1998 – 2013 Aravot – News from Armenia

From: A. Papazian

ANCA-ER director joins Baroness Cox for visit to Armenia, Artsakh

September 21, 2013 – 10:28 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian National Committee of America Eastern
Region (ANCA-ER) Executive Director Michelle Hagopian is in Armenia
accompanying Baroness Caroline Cox on her 80th trip to Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh, the ANCA-ER reported.

Baroness Cox is the 2012 ANCA Freedom Award recipient and a major
champion for Karabakh, having opened up a rehabilitation center there
through her nonprofit, Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART). She’s
also a member of the British House of Lords.

Lady Cox asked Hagopian to attend when the pair met at the ANCA-ER
Banquet in December 2012.

`It such a thrill and an honor to join Baroness Cox on her 80th visit
to Armenia and Artsakh. Her dedication and love for the Armenian
people show in everything she does. We’re truly lucky to have a
humanitarian like her fighting for our cause,’ Hagopian stated.

`It’s my first time journeying to both Armenia and Artsakh, and it is
a pleasure to do so with Lady Cox.’

Hagopian arrived in Yerevan on September 20 and will be staying until
September 27. Members of her HART-United Kingdom team and other
colleagues of Cox are along for this trip as well. Among the items on
the group’s itinerary include visiting church clergy, meeting elected
officials, and traveling to Nagorno Karabakh by helicopter, which was
a gift provided from the Armenian government in honor of her 80th
trip.

The Lady Cox Rehabilitation Center is internationally recognized as a
`Center of Excellence,’ disseminating its wide-ranging therapeutic
repertoire far beyond Karabakh to other countries throughout the South
Caucasus. `The spirit of Armenia, which not only survives but creates
beauty from the ashes of destruction, is spreading hope and healing
for people with special needs not only in Karabakh and Armenia but far
beyond these lands,’ stated Lady Cox.

Baroness Cox’s humanitarian aid work has taken her on many missions to
conflict zones, including Nagorno Karabakh, Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda,
Burma, and Indonesia. She has also been instrumental in helping to
change the former Soviet Union’s policies for orphaned and abandoned
children from institutional to foster family care.