Month: February 2015

Karabakh Justice Minister: Humanitarian actions shall be within legal framework

15:39, 28.02.2015

Armenian News-NEWS.am spoke with the Minister of Justice of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR; Artsakh), Ararat Danielyan. Below is
an abridged version of the interview.

The judicial process [in the NKR] with respect to the two Azerbaijan
citizens had the expected reaction in the Azerbaijani press, where
they are attempting to misrepresent the situation. How do you
interpret what is happening?

The NKR First Instance General Jurisdiction Court made a ruling
finding [Azerbaijan] citizens Dilham Askerov and Shahbaz Guliyev
guilty of committing particularly grave crimes. [But] as is typical
for all civilized countries, the defendants were given the opportunity
to appeal this judgment; the [respective] litigation is conducted very
transparently. When the judgment enters into force, they can petition
to the President of the country, with a request for pardon.

Do you have [any] information about the citizenship of the defendants?

In my view, citizenship does not matter when carrying out justice.

Can Askerov and Guliyev petition to the European Court [of Human Rights (ECHR)]?

The status of living space does not matter when petitioning to the
ECHR. At the same time, a person’s citizenship likewise has no
particular importance for the exercising of his rights. The
Nagorno-Karabakh authorities do not evade liability, and they stand
ready to act as defendant in the ECHR.

Can the abovementioned persons be defined as “captive?”

In no way. The apprehension has not occurred during military
operations; they were not taken captive. In this case it is not about
captives. The members of the [Azerbaijani sabotage] team illegally
crossed the Nagorno-Karabakh border, with a special objective. The
[ensuing] death of the [Armenian] people is to their “conscience.” The
confiscated video footage bespeaks the objective of their visit [to
Artsakh]. [But] the Karabakh side stands ready to implement all rights
of the convicts provided by law.

The judgment on Askerov and Guliyev led commentaries, including from
the US Department of State representatives, who called for making a
humanitarian gesture to Azerbaijan [and returning them to their
country]. How would comment on this?

The humanitarian actions likewise need to be within the legal
framework. Guarantees are needed that the convicts will serve their
sentence if they are handed over to Baku. The example of Ramil Safarov
[, however,] is vivid evidence of how the [respective] actions by the
Azerbaijani authorities will be. [To note Ramil Safarov, a
then-lieutenant in the Azerbaijani military, was extradited on August
31, 2012 from Hungary, where he was serving a life sentence–and with
no expression of either regret or remorse–for the premeditated axe
murder of Armenian lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan, in his sleep, during a
NATO Partnership for Peace program in Budapest on February 19, 2004.
Safarov had planned on killing the other Armenian military serviceman,
who likewise was attending the aforesaid program, but he was unable to
carry out this plan. Ramil Safarov’s return to the Azerbaijani capital
city of Baku was welcomed, as was his act of murder, by the officials
of President Ilham Aliyev’s government and much of Azerbaijani
society, and the Azerbaijani president immediately granted him a
pardon, he was declared a national hero, promoted to a higher military
rank, and was allocated housing and pension.] All matters shall be
resolved within the legal framework. As for the calls for creating a
climate of trust, it is important to take into account the fact that
the Azerbaijani side wants no confidence-building [measures] at all.
This is the case when the people of Artsakh, unlike the Azerbaijanis,
feel no hatred towards them.

From: Baghdasarian

Turkey, the Legacy of Silence – New Documentary needs your support

Posted by
Garo Kotchounian
February 23, 2015

A documentary and a web-series about four Turks discovering their
Armenian origins… and breaking silence.

BREAKING THE SILENCE

To DONATE or Support this Project Click HERE

For the past two years, driven by a desire to give voice to the
Armenian survivors, we have been working on Turkey, the Legacy of
Silence. We are currently seeking funds to complete the project in
time for a release in April 2015, fundamental date for all the
Armenians of the World. In fact, they will commemorate the century of
the genocide of their ancestors in Anatolia. Staging four similar but
distinct characters, Turkey, the Legacy of Silence is a documentary
and an interactive web series which illustrates the universal story of
secrets and the unsaid.

Through the stories of Nazli, Armen, Dogukan and Yasar, we will reveal
the weight of silence, still burdened by thousands of Armenian
descendant families. Our seek is what has never been told, what has
been hidden for a century.

Armen, Dogukan, Yasar and Nazli are Turks and Kurds. However a
surprising discovery drastically changed their lives : they are also
Armenian. Their parents and grandparents survived the genocide of
1915. They were all assimilated in turkish and kurdish families and
converted to Islam to save their lives. Since then, the secret has
been kept. After a century of silence, History is reappearing.
Actually seeking for their ancestors story, Armen, Dogukan, Yasar and
Nazli are ready for anything : searching, asking, angering, hoping…

Yasar Kurt, famous musician in Turkey, learned at the age of 39 that
he was Armenian. With us at his side, he sets out for the first time
to his great-grandfather’s village, in an attempt to find the traces
of his history.

Armen, 54 years old, found the official registers proving that the
vast majority of his family was decimated in 1915, and that his father
was converted. Today he is trying to give new life to his identity
through the church of Diyarbakir, in Turkish Kurdistan.

Nazli, 36 years old, wants to pass on her long-hidden Armenian
identity to her seven-year-old son. This woman has been fighting with
Turkish authorities for two years in order to enroll her son in an
Armenian school.

Dogukan, 22 years old, made the highly symbolic decision of
reconverting to Christianity. He will be baptized as Sevag, the name
of a murdered Armenian in 2011 during his military service.

During this documentary, we sight to understand why these stories
remained so long in the shadow. Many families were aware of this
reality. But it disappeared from History as if nothing happened. We
now know that they survived at the cost of abandoning their name,
language, religion and most of their traditions.

Why keep silence for a century long ? What has this legacy of silence
hid during decades ? Since ten years now, increasing numbers of Turks
have discovered this familial ans societal secret, maintained by
Turkish state. These people are now proclaiming the Armenian heritage
of their ancestors. Turkey, the Legacy of Silence gives a face to the
descendants of these Islamized Armenians, who number more than a
million people in Turkey today.

A DUTY OF REMEMBRANCE

Turkey, the Legacy of Silence isn’t only the touching story of four
people, this is also a worldwide call to the duty of remembrance.
Among the survivors of the genocide, some fled the country. Others
remained in Turkey. But the price of their survival was high :
assimilation, conversion to Islam, and above all, silence about their
origins. Today, despite the risks, fear and shame,Armen, Dogukan,
Yasar and Nazli have the courage to break the taboo on their Armenian
roots and show their faces. For them, this heritage has finally come
out of oblivion, traditions must be born again, their stories must be
told.

A DOCUMENTARY AND A WEB-SERIES

The documentary :

We are writing a 52′ documentary which will be broadcasted, for the
moment, on a french TV channel : Toute l’Histoire. During the film, we
will be guided by Armen, Dogukan, Yasar and Nazli in Istanbul and
through eastern Turkey and follow them in their Armenian identity
seek. These stories will be enhanced by historical archives and
commented by experts. We can also count on the support of the Institut
Anadolu Kültür in Turkey, an organization striving for dialogue
between Turkey’s different communities.

The five experts of the documentary

Fethiye Çetin. Lawyer and activist for turkish human rights. Her book
My Grandmother : A Memoir relates the story of her Armenian
Grandmother who survived the genocide by converting to Islam.

Ayse Gül Altınay. Turk sociologist. She works on nationalism and the
duty of remembrance. She wrote, with Fethiye Cetin, The Grandchildren,
which presents the testimony of 24 descendants of genocide survivors.

Yves Ternon. French historian. His works concerns crimes against
Humanity and especially the Armenian genocide.

Hamit Bozarslan. History and science politics PHD. He writes about
violence and minorities in Middle East. He’s the author of Histoire de
la Turquie. De l’Empire à nos jours.

Adnan Celik. Kurd anthropologist. He’s one the rare expert about the
islamized Armenians in Diyarbakir.

The web-series :

To reach the younger generations we planned using the medium of video,
easy to use and share, in a form that is familiar to them : the web
series. 5 video episodes of 8 minutes each will be released online
every three days until April 24, 2015. The stories of each character
are rich enough to perfectly adapt to a series format. In parallel to
the central narrative, we have developed 10 chronological markers of
1-2 minutes each (2 per episode), which will portray the events of
1915. Each of them is illustrated by drawings and will be personified
by a voice over.

The public will be invited to offer testimony on the website. This
space will be open for three months, under the careful advance control
of moderators. We will also launch a call to Internet users around the
world so they can answer this question : “Why is it so important to
break the silence ?”

Screen capture of the web-series

Illustrations for the web-series, by Aline Rollin

WHO WE ARE ?

Anna Benjamin, co-author and co-director

I know little about the immigration of my maternal grandparents to
France, or their life in Turkey. My grandfather was from a village
near Ismit. My grandmother was conceived in Istanbul and was born on
the exile road. Today I have decided to tell a part of their story, by
remaining connected to the present.

For Armenians, speaking of the genocide is often a painful moment that
provokes passionate debates. Today, I have found the project that best
depicts my vision : as a young journalist and as an Armenian
descendant, I want to re-establish the memory of the genocide in
modern-day Turkey. I also want to initiate dialogue between the two
communities.

Guillaume Clere, co-author and co-director

I lived for four years in Lebanon, not far from Turkey. The Land of
the Cedars did not experience the genocide, but its problems of
identity led to a terrible civil war that has ended only in
appearance. Most of the people I met saw themselves as Shiite, Druze,
Assyrian or Maronite first, and Lebanese only second.
L’Orient-Le-Jour, I witnessed confrontations in Beirut between Shiites
and Sunnis. Those four years taught me how deadly the question of
identity could be. When Anna told me she intended to work on the
Armenian genocide, I jumped at the chance to join her. The idea about
exploring the topic of silence around identity in a culturally rich
country such as Turkey, strengthened my desire to participate in this
project.

Jules Valeur, sound engineer

He collaborates with a number of documentary production companies
(Ciné Tamaris, Yami 2, Mosaïque Films…). He currently works as a boom
operator and sound engineer for various projects including short and
feature-length films and web documentaries.

Avril Ladauge, web-designer

Always seeking to find the best user experience, I enjoy exploring the
new stories made possible by the digital experience, and utilizing its
tools to tell the stories that move me. When Anna and Guillaume
presented their idea of mixing testimony, web-based participation, and
new technologies, I didn’t hesitate for a second to accept this
beautiful and creative venture.

Aline Rollin, illustrator

She divides her time between sketch reporting, educational
illustration and information graphics. Illustrating Turkey, the Legacy
of Silence has involved the exciting challenge of bringing forth, from
the historical archives, drawings that are noticeable and narrative.

OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

At the moment, we went four times in Turkey. We spent one month and a
half scouting Anatolia to find Armenian descendants. Last July, we
spent one month shooting the images of the documentary. Finally, in
december, we went to Istanbul for one last shooting journey.

The intense writing and field work were made possible by the public
and crowd funding we gathered this last year. With the support of our
production company Découpages, we won a writing and production help
allowed by the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée).
Turkey, The Legacy of Silence won also two categories in the 2014
Première Caméra prize (documentary and web documentary) organized by
Kisskissbankbank, the agency CAPA, France Info (Radio France group)
and the AB Groupe. These financial supports allows us to offer Turkey,
the Legacy of Silence in two forms.

TAKE ACTION

Until April 2015, we still have A LOT to do : Logging, editing,
standardizing, translating, illustrating, developing, testing,
promoting, and then, at last, broadcasting. For the moment, we still
lack funds to edit the web series, develop the web site and translate
the film in english…

To honor the memory of Armenian History, to mark the genocide century
and reveal the silence, this work must be accomplished by the best
professionals. Once that’s done, we have to promote the project
worldwide, outside France. Especially in Armenia, Turkey, United
States, Russia, Argentina, Canada… For every Armenians of the planet,
youth and elders.

Your help will make this film possible !

If you appreciate this project, you can support it financially, you
can share it and talk about it.

Let’s get in contact! Suggestions, remarks, support, anything. Even if
it’s just for a tap in the back, any gesture is significant.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter !

THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

Anna & Guillaume.

UPDATE NEWS !

January : Editing is reaching to an end! We should be able to show the
movie to festival organizers very soon!

February : Silence! Recording french version voices in the studios.

BROADCASTS

– Valence, April 11th
– Vienne, April 12th
– Paris, to be determined

Armenia to rule out illegal drug import from EEU – official

13:48 * 28.02.15

As long as the drug import among the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU)
member states remains legally unregulated, any drugs imported to
Armenia from the common trade zone will have to undergo corresponding
procedures before entering the market, says the head of the Scientific
Centre of Drug and Medical Technology Expertise

“The legislation for the EEU area will be regulated starting from
January 2016, but Armenia is already an EEU member. So the only
problem today is that drugs imported to Armenia from the EEU may not
have a registration. But for Armenia, only registered drugs are
entitled to import,” Hakob Topchyan told Tert.am.

He explained that many drugs registered in other member states of the
economic bloc (which allows the free movement of goods across the
trade zone) may pave their way also to the domestic market, making
Armenia practically an illegal drug importer.

“Starting from 2016, the EEU will have a common drug register; [once
it is in effect], we will not have to follow this procedure. So we are
not complicating the issue today but just making clarifications to
regulate the domain. Any company importing drugs moves the goods to
storages after importing them from the EEU and later issues
notifications to the Ministry of Health to conduct documentation
within five days. After obtaining the certificate, the drugs will be
excised and undergo corresponding documentation within five days,” he
added.

As for the imports from third countries, Topchyan said they will
continue the customs clearance based on the one window principle in
effect at present.

Asked whether a relaxed border control will not increase the risk of
illegal import, Topchyan said he thinks that the
State Drug Inspection, which also controls the drug market, will
enforce the necessary fines on the infringers.

It comes after Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan said at the special
cabinet meeting on Friday that they have serious measure to implement
to regulate the drug import from third countries.

Russia seeks to declare Premyakov mentally incompetent – civic activist

16:11 * 28.02.15

The Russian side is trying to do its utmost to declare the army
private accused of committing the January 12 murder in Gyumri mentally
incompetent, an Armenian human rights activist has said, commenting on
the Russian media’s recent coverage of the incident.

Speaking to Tert.am, Chairman of the Helsinki Committee’s Vanadzor
Office Artur Sakunts said he thinks that the reports about plans to
conduct the prosecution in Dony Rostov, open proceeding against 50
different officials, including doctors, for covering up details on
Valery Premyakov’s mental health and assign a forensic-psychological
expertise demonstrate that Russia’s efforts are directed at ruling out
the serviceman’s incrimination.

The Armenian service of RFE/RL (Azatutyun.am) earlier quoted the
chairman of Russia’s North-Caucasus regional court as unveiling plans
for hearing several high-profile cases, including the one which
involves Premyakov as an accused in the brutal murder of the
seven-member Avetisyan family.

Sakunts said he believes that Russia is now working to the best of its
efforts to prevent Premyakov from appearing in court.

“Even if they manage to rule out Premyakov’s presence in court, the
judicial process will be under the proceeding of a Russian court, a
place which will be geographically inaccessible to the aggrieved,” he
said.
.
Sakunts, who represents the interests of the Avetisyans’
daughter-in-law, Araksyan, said he thinks that the reports about
instituting a prosecution against over 50 people is aimed at keeping
Premyakov away from a public process.

“And the main issue regarding the Russian side’s conduct is addressed
to the Armenian law enforcement bodies which, as a matter of fact,
will find themselves out of game due to their originally demonstrated
unprincipled stance,” he added.

Asked to comment on the justifications behind the plans to move
Premyakov to Russia, Sakunts promised to address the topic in more
detail in future.

From: Baghdasarian

The first obstacle of the Iran-Armenia railway is “the concessionaire
of the Armenian railway”

February 28 2015

“Today, the Armenian railway concessionaire first of all prevents the
construction of the Iran-Armenia railway”, such opinion was expressed
by economist Ashot Yeghiazaryan in the conversation with Aravot.am,
commenting on the Government’s yesterday’s decision pertaining to the
Southern Railway. Minister of Transport and Communications Gagik
Beglaryan reported the Prime Minister at the Government session that
the terms for accepting respective legal acts on making amendments in
the Concession Agreement and the list of Action Plans required for the
construction of Southern Railway (Iran-Armenia) of Armenia is delayed
for two months. Gagik Beglaryan had associated the delay of the
railway construction by having a negative posture on some matters by
the concessionaire. To our question that some politicians are
convinced that the Iran-Armenia railroad will never be built and
actually, the construction of the railway is a “myth”, Ashot
Yeghiazaryan assured that it is a non-profitable project for the
“South Caucasus Railway”, which is the operator of the Armenian
railway. “It is a non-profitable project not only financially, but
also requires huge investments, which requires long years of
compensation. In addition, Russia’s today’s concessionaire is not
competitive and it is unable to provide competitive railway services.”
According to him, no new concessionaire can emerge under these
conditions, as railway transport and energy are very important
geo-economic infrastructures, with the help of which Russia is able to
keep the post-Soviet countries to be dependent. The economist believes
that the way to Iran definitely is not beneficial for Russia
geo-economically and geopolitically, because Armenia having
alternative routes would mean lessening the dependence.

Lusine BUDAGHYAN
Read more at:

From: A. Papazian

We stayed, resisted, and won: Kobani official
TehranTimes

On Line: 28 February 2015 18:26
In Print: Sunday 01 March 2015

TEHRAN — Kobani Autonomous Administration Prime MinisterAnwar Muslim
says the liberation of the Kurdish Syrian town from ISIL was the
result of the townspeople’s strong resistance.

“The reality is that in 2014, Kobani was heard of a lot around the
world. The terrorists were trying to occupy the town by hook or by
crook,” he said in an interview with Shargh newspaper published on
Saturday.

Muslim added, “Before Daesh invaded, many people from Arab, Armenian,
Turkmen, and other nationalities had sought refuge in Kobani because
our town enjoyed the greatest security across Syria.”

“The terrorists could not see that. In 2013, a number of extremist
groups attacked Kobani; and groups such as Ahrar ash-Sham and Nusra
Front were defeated by our defense forces.”

SP/PA

Conscript Died at Military Post

Lragir.am
Country – 28 February 2015, 12:51

On February 27, at 20:40 the conscript Albert Emil Safaryan, 19 was
deadly wounded from a firearm at the military post of one of the
northern military units of the Defense Army.

The press service of the NKR Defense Army informed that investigation
is carried out to find out the details of the incident. The NKR
Ministry of Defense expresses condolences to the family, friends and
fellow servicemen of the killed serviceman.

Azerbaijan is transforming into a mini-Russia
By Ronan Keenan
Feb. 26, 2015

The West’s renewed difficulties with Russia have once again
highlighted the importance of cutting resource-dependency on
antagonistic states. No one can disagree that Europe surely must find
alternative sources of natural gas. And it is vital that the US
establish strong links with former Soviet republics. Accordingly, the
US and Europe have turned to Azerbaijan as an ideal diversifier to
Russia. The young nation has abundant energy resources and a highly
strategic geographic location’wedged between Russia and Iran.

But it turns out there are plenty of reasons to be uneasy about the
West’s blossoming relationship with Azerbaijan. Political repression
and antagonism toward weaker neighbors make the nation seem like a
miniature Russia. Yet aside from empty rhetoric, there is little
evidence that the US or Europe will slow their courtship of president
Ilham Aliyev and his authoritarian regime.

Azerbaijan’s aspirations for global prominence are abundantly clear.
Three flame-shaped towers dominate the skyline of the capital, Baku,
each outfitted in sparkling orange-and-blue-tinted glass. On the
highway to the airport, foreign businessmen are transported by
black-cab taxis imported from London. The nation’s leadership want
Baku to be a magnet for global investment, and over its short history,
it has shown an ability to prosper in a world of decentralized global
order.

Yet, just a couple hundred miles west of the glittering capital,
things are not so glamorous. For nearly 30 years, the mountainous
terrain of the autonomous Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has been a scene
of dire hostility. Legally part of Azerbaijan, the territory has been
governed by ethnic Armenians since a war of secession, stoked by
neighboring Armenia, broke out in the late 1980s. While a 1994
ceasefire is technically still in place, skirmishes along the border
with Azerbaijan proper are common, and tensions between the two
nations have been steadily escalating of late. In July of 2014, border
violence reached an all-time high since 1994, leaving eight
Azerbaijani and two Armenian soldiers dead, according to Reuters; and
both nations pointing fingers as to who violated the ceasefire first.

In January, the mediating Organization for Security and Co-operation
in Europe, or Minsk Group, headed by France, Russia and the United
States, called for a bilateral de-escalation and ordered Azerbaijan to
honor its commitments to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Aliyev
bit back, demanding that `measures must be taken’ by the Minsk Group
to push Armenia out of the territory’saber rattling that no doubt
irritated the Russians, who maintain a mutual defense agreement with
the Armenians.

Nagorno-Karabakh has been just one of several cases in which an
increasingly assertive Azerbaijan has upset both its neighbors and the
West. The country’s burgeoning confidence and geopolitically strategic
importance means that such trends are likely to continue, with little
retort from the US or Europe.

Much of Azerbaijan’s ascendance’both in concrete and self-proclaimed
terms’can be attributed to an incredibly dynamic economy. Between 2006
and 2008, it was the fastest growing in the world, expanding at an
average annual rate of 28%’inspiring massive foreign investment,
capped off by the launch of a Condé Nast glossy. Expansion has since
remained relatively robust, helped by large oil and gas reserves in
the Caspian Sea. However, with about half of the economy reliant on
oil exports, the 50% fall in prices over the past seven months will
inflict a significant drag on growth. Estimates generally indicate
that the economy increased just 4% last year, and a similar figure is
expected for 2015.

Strengthening political and economic relations with China and
increased focus on gas should help boost revenue in future years, but
the near-term sharp deterioration in growth could could provoke
disquiet in a population defined by starkly contrasting levels of
income inequality.

But Aliyev has a number of tools at his disposal for effectively
neutralizing criticism. First, there’s the State Oil Fund of the
Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), which is a $40 billion
sovereign-wealth fund that the government has been using to fill gaps
in the annual budget, sometimes accounting for more than half of
government revenue. Such use of the fund should help ease the impact
of declining oil income over the short-term.

The second tool, which has been more frequently employed since
Aliyev’s reelection in 2013, involves summary crackdowns on all signs
of dissent. Azerbaijan’s growing middle class has become increasingly
attuned to the behavior of elected leadership, particularly signs of
corruption, and repression of political opposition. Aliyev’s response
to criticism has involved arresting investigative journalists and
civil-society activists, in addition to targeting NGOs that promote
democracy, including the US-funded International Research and
Exchanges Board (IREX). The most newsworthy recent instance was the
Dec. 26 raid on the local bureau of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
(RFE/RL), a US government-funded news service.

Aliyev showed little regard for ensuing international criticism. In
September, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning
human-rights offenses in the country. Azerbaijan responded that, `if
this attitude continues, Azerbaijan will be forced to once again
discuss cooperation with the European Parliament.’ Perhaps most
egregious, the raid on RFE/RL came several days after John Kerry spoke
with Aliyev by telephone, beseeching the leader to ease his
suppressive tactics. Clearly, Kerry’s words went unheeded.

In recent weeks, there have been more calls from within the EU and US
for sanctions against Aliyev and his regime. But the likelihood of any
actual reprisals is remote.

This is because condemnation from the US and Europe carries little
weight in Baku. Azerbaijani leadership knows it has something
Europeans need. Gas imports from Azerbaijan took on new significance
in 2014 as Europe sought to dampen reliance on Russia. A $45 billion
Shah Deniz II gas field project will allow Azerbaijan to at least
double gas exports by 2020, and correspondingly increase its role in
European markets by a substantial margin. While Azerbaijani gas will
probably meet only 2% of European demand over the next several years,
a further deterioration in relations with the Kremlin could see a
swift escalation in dependence on Azerbaijan’s resources. Moreover,
the US will be reliant on Azerbaijan as a key transit point when it
transports troops out of Afghanistan.

Notably, Azerbaijan has been unafraid of rankling its more powerful
neighbors’Russia and Iran; a trend that has proven attractive to
Western interests for obvious reasons. The country has angered Iran by
allegedly allowing Israel access to bases near the Iranian border.
Additionally, along with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, it has been in
dispute with Russia and Iran for more than 20 years over maritime
boundaries in the Caspian Sea. And when it came to a 2012 United
Nations resolution condemning the actions of the Assad regime against
Syrian revolutionaries, Azerbaijan sided with the US, and against a
vocally pro-Assad Russia and Iran.

But a special affinity for taking jabs at Putin or the Ayatollah does
not make Azerbaijan an unquestioning doormat to Western interest. In a
short letter to The Wall Street Journal published in early January,
the Azerbaijani ambassador to the US, Elin Suleymanov, claimed that
criticism of the country’s handling of the RFE/RL case was an
`ideological misinformation campaign.’ He added that `financial
mismanagement’ spurred an investigation into RFE/RL, but did not say
why that somehow warranted a raid. The letter also denied that
world-renowned Azerbaijani human-rights activist, Leyla Yunus, was
suffering from ill health while governmental detention, and did not
explain why she was arrested in the first place.

Other methods to deflect negative attention have been more subtle, but
nonetheless disreputable. Last September, The New York Times revealed
that, in 2012, Azerbaijan’s government hired a Washington, DC-based
public relations and lobbying firm with the purpose of expanding its
relationships with US thinktanks’an effort to bolster public opinion
of the republic and highlight its important role as a security partner
in a notoriously fraught region. Former British prime minister Tony
Blair has led a highly criticized public-relations campaign on behalf
of the country.

Such audacity has so far been tacitly encouraged. On January 20,
Germany welcomed Aliyev for a two-day visit that concluded with a
meeting with chancellor Angela Merkel. Issues of human rights and
Nagorno-Karabakh were treated with benign, almost sympathetic
language, and the German leader instead focused on the practicalities
of energy security. Merkel noted the growing role that Azerbaijan
plays in Europe’s energy-sourcing, and added that Germany intends to
further develop relations between the two nations. Merkel cannot be
blamed for focusing on the German national interest. In a world where
Western influence is in decline, domestic issues take precedence.

Azerbaijan’s ability to profit from a growing uncertainty of global
order looks set to continue for now. However, relying
disproportionately on the energy sector for economic growth, stifling
the middle class, and behaving like an indiscriminate gadfly toward
large powers are not viable strategies for long-term stability. It
seems that Aliyev is modeling himself on Vladimir Putin, despite
frequently butting heads with the Russian leader. One would think
that, should it continue to mirror the repressive policies of its
bearish neighbor, Baku would be subject to the same level of
international pushback as Moscow. But, for the time being, Mr. Aliyev
will get away with what he can.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Studies Program at U.C. Berkeley
Contact: Stephan Astourian
E-mail: [email protected]

The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of
California, Berkeley seeks applications for a part-time lecturer in
Armenian language, at 67% percent of full-time. The anticipated start
date for the position is July 1, 2015.
Initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility for subsequent
renewals.
Teaching duties include two Armenian language courses per semester at
beginning and advanced levels, aimed primarily (but not exclusively) at
heritage speakers of Armenian. The language instructor also participates
in course development, extracurricular activities, and promotion of the
study of Armenian at the University.
Basic qualifications: the minimal academic degree required at time of
application is B.A. or equivalent. Complete command of Armenian and
English is required.
Preferred qualifications: Experience teaching language at the university
level in the US
Salary is commensurate with college-level teaching experience, in
accordance with University policy. Currently, the starting 100% annual
salary is $49,012.00, subject to change.
To apply, please go to the following link:

Applicants should submit a cover letter (including summary of teaching
experience), curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of
two references.
Additional application materials may be requested at a later time.
Please refer recommenders to
The initial review date is March 25. To receive full consideration,
please submit all materials prior to this date; however, this position
will remain open until filled.
Please direct questions to [email protected]
Under Federal Law, the University of California may employ only
individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as
established by providing documents specified in the Immigration Reform
and Control Act of 1986. Only applicants who meet eligibility
requirements as of the position start date will be considered.
UC Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of
policies and programs to support employees as they balance work and
family.
The University and the Department are interested in candidates who will
contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education
through their work.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete
University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy
see:

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 26, 2015

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:

NATIONAL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON

The national observance in the United States includes special events
that will take place over a three-day period (May 7, 8, 9) in
Washington, DC, that includes an ecumenical prayer service, a
Pontifical Divine Liturgy, a memorial concert, and an awards banquet
honoring those who helped the survivors. The Catholicoi, His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will be present to preside
over the events. Armenians from all over the United States are
expected to participate in solidarity and unity.

Learn more about the national observance in Washington at

().

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:

NEW YORK METRO AREA EVENTS

In New York, commemorative events are being organized by the Armenian
Genocide Centennial Committee of America, Eastern Region, for the
weekend of April 24 that will take place in New York City. On Friday
evening, April 24, services will take place at both St. Vartan
Cathedral and St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. A candlelight vigil will
follow at the United Nations. On Sunday, April 26, a united Divine
Liturgy, presided by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in New York
City, to be followed by a rally in Times Square that will include the
participation of national public figures and cultural
performances. The participation of all parish communities and
organizations in the Eastern Region is expected to bring together many
thousands of Armenian Americans to the =80=9Ccrossroads of the world.’

PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF 21 CHRISTIANS

By the directive of the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, Requiem Services
will be conducted in all parishes of the Eastern Prelacy this Sunday,
March 1, for the souls of the 21 Coptic Christians who were brutally
martyred last week by Islamist extremists in Libya. The Prelate has
also directed the parishes to conduct a special plate collection on
Sunday to assist the families of the 21 victims.

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent
letters of condolence to the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
and Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In his
letters, His Holiness wrote about the dangerous consequences of
extremism that could jeopardize the peaceful Christian-Muslim
coexistence in the region. He emphasized the urgency of combating
extremism in all its forms and expressions.

In his directive to the parishes, Archbishop Oshagan called for
prayers for worldwide peace, especially in the Middle East, and also
for the safety of 220 Christians, mostly Assyrian, who were kidnapped
this week by ISIS terrorists from various villages in the Hassakeh
province in northern Syria.

NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE RALLIES

AROUND GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL AND VISIT OF CATHOLICOS ARAM

The New England Regional Conference took place last Saturday, hosted
by Holy Trinity Church of Worcester, Massachusetts. Focal points of
discussion included the centennial observances in New York City and
Washington, DC, and
the upcoming pontifical visit by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.

Pastors, members of the boards of trustees, and delegates to the
National Representative Assembly attended the one-day seminar that
provided the opportunity to share ideas.

More photos and article by Tom Vartabedian here
().

Participants at the New England Regional Conference last Saturday in
Worcester. (Photo by Tom Vartabedian)

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, March 1, Third Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday
of the Prodigal Son are: Isaiah 54:11-55:13; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1;
Luke 15:1-32.

So he told them this parable: `Which one of you, having a hundred
sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the
wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When
he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he
comes home he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to
them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just
so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
repentance.

`Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does
not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she
finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and
neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I
had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the
angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

Then Jesus said, `There was a man who had two sons. The younger of
them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of the property
that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them.
A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a
distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute
living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place
throughout the country, and he began to be in need. So he went and
hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him
to his fields to feed the pigs. He would have gladly filled himself
with the pods that the pigs were eating;
and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said,
`How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare,
but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and
I will say to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before
you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of
your hired hands.’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he
was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion;
he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said
to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no
longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his
slaves,
`Quickly, bring out a robe-the best one-and put it
on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the
fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of
mine was
dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began
to celebrate.’

`Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached
the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and
asked what was going on. He replied, `Your brother has come, and your
father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe
and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came
out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, `Listen!
For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I
have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a
young goat
so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours
came
back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the
fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, `Son, you are
always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate
and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to
life; he was lost and has been found.” (Luke 15:1-32)

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

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM

This Saturday, February 28, we commemorate St. Cyril (315-386) of
Jerusalem, a doctor of the church. St. Cyril had a pleasant and
conciliatory disposition, but he lived at a time when bishops were
embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to condemn any
attempts at compromises, even calling such attempts as
treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as a bishop were spent
in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of the possessions
of the church to raise money for the poor starving people. He was
condemned for selling church property and was banished. His best known
work
that has survived, `The Catechetical Lectures,’ is believed to be one
of the earliest systematic accounts of Christian theology. The
lectures consist of an introductory lecture, followed by eighteen
lectures on the Christian faith that were used during Lent for those
preparing to be
baptized on Easter, and five lectures on the sacraments to be used
after Easter. The lectures have been translated into many languages,
including English and Armenian, and are noted for their presentation
of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a balance
between correct belief and holy action.

Thousands of pilgrimages would come to Jerusalem for Holy Week. Cyril
instituted the liturgical forms for that week as they were observed in
Jerusalem. A detailed account of Holy Week observances in Jerusalem in
the fourth century is available thanks to a woman named Egeria
(Etheria), believed to be a Spanish nun, who made a pilgrimage to
Jerusalem and kept a journal describing the liturgical practices at
the various holy sites.

SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 1, is the
Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the prodigal son shows
God’s fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who repent. (See
Bible reading above).

Light from light, generation and down, you came to seek out the
wondering sheep of our nature which you carried together with the
cross on your shoulder; purify us also from our sins.

Holiest of the holy, purifier of those who exist, you swept your
house, purified the world from sins and having found your image in it
you renewed it, renew us also from our ancient sins.

With the prodigal son we cry out to you, tender-hearted Father, we
have sinned against heaven and before you, the purifier from sins;
come out with love to meet us, embrace us with a kiss and purify us
from our sins.

Holy Mother of God, fountain of life which flowed from the heavenly
Eden, which watered the thirsting earth with the Spirit’s wisdom, pray
that we may be given a fountain of tears for the cleansing of our
sins.

(From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church for the Third
Sunday of
Lent, Sunday of the Prodigal Son.)

THE SUNRISE SERVICE (AREVAKAL)

Although there are references to a Sunrise Service in the Armenian
Church as early as the 7th century, the service as we know it today is
the work of
the 12th century Catholicos, St. Nerses Shnorhali (The Graceful) whose
music and prayers have greatly enriched the Armenian Church.

During Lent the Sunrise Service, which traditionally took place on
Wednesday and Friday mornings during Lent, takes place on Sundays
immediately following the closed-altar Divine Liturgy.

Although the Church takes on a mournful demeanor during Lent, the
Sunrise Service is quite joyous with its main theme being `light,’
representing our Lord. The word light (looys) appears more than any
other word throughout the service, whereas the word `darkness’
(khavar) is used just once.

The service consists of four parts, or sets. Each one follows the same
pattern starting with a hymn, followed by a litany by the deacon, and
a prayer
by the priest. Each set has a different theme. Readings are from the
book of Psalms.

The joyful music of the hymns and the stirring words make this one of
the most pleasant and spiritually uplifting services in the Armenian
Church.

LENTEN REFLECTIONS CONTINUE

The second of the Prelacy’s six-part Lenten Program took place last
night, Wednesday, February 25, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New
York City, with church service and reflections and meal fellowship,
presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. The program will
continue on
subsequent Wednesdays during Lent.

This year, instead of faith-based topics, the Lenten reflections are
focusing on diverse aspects of the Armenian Genocide, in commemoration
of the centennial anniversary. The reflections are presented by young
adults, three every Wednesday. Last night’s presentations were offered
by Sossi Essajanian, Melineh Mesrobian, and Arousiag Markarian.

Next Wednesday, March 4, reflections will be presented by Seta
Tavitian Megherian, Yeraz Markarian Meschian, Ph.D., and Tamar
Harutunian, Esq.

The Lenten Program is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy’s Ladies Guild (PLG), and the
Ladies’ Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.

The presenters last night were Sossi Essajanian, Melineh Mesrobian,
Arousiag Markarian.

Last week’s reflections by Lori Hatem Asquith, Esq., Ara Sarajian,
and Krikor Yeremian can be seen here
().

MUSICAL ARMENIA

The annual Musical Armenia concert series presented by the Eastern
Prelacy
of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Prelacy Ladies Guild, will
take place Friday, March 20, 2015 at 8 p.m. in Weill Recital Hall at
Carnegie Hall in New York City. The high standards of professionalism
as represented by
the roster of artists featured during the past years will continue
with this year’s thirty-second concert of the series. A duo of
exceptionally talented musicians, Patil Harboyan, pianist, and Heather
Tuach, cellist,
in a program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, will present the works of Armenian composers, including
Atamian, Babajanian, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and
Talalyan. A considerable part of
the program will be devoted to the work of the great Armenian composer
and
musicologist Komitas Vardapet, who was among the intellectuals and
leaders
arrested on April 24, 1915, at the onslaught of the Armenian
Genocide. Continue reading the entire press release here
().

SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER

The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.

Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your
pocketbooks.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.

THE NEED IS REAL.

THE NEED IS GREAT.

DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON
LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE
() AND SELECT SYRIAN
ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR
DONATION TO:

Armenian Prelacy

138 E. 39th Street

New York, NY 10016

Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief

Thank you for your help

UNITED ARMENIAN FUND SHIPS $17 MILLION OF AID

The United Armenian Fund delivered over $17 million of humanitarian
assistance to Armenia and Artsakh from October 1, 2013 to September
30, 2014, according to a recent audit of its financial statements. The
UAF spent only 2%
of its total revenues on administrative expenses, allocating the
remaining
98% to assisting the people of Armenia and Artsakh.

In the past 25 years, the UAF has delivered to Armenia and Artsakh a
grand
total of $697 million worth of relief supplies on board 158 airlifts
and 2,192 sea containers. The UAF is the collective efforts of the
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary Association of
America, Armenian Relief Society, Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.

THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY

Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

Armenia becomes a member of the United Nations (March 2, 1992)

The Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia declared the
independence of Armenia by 213 votes to 0 on September 23, after the
popular referendum of September 21 had answered with an overwhelming
`Yes’ to the question whether Armenians wanted independence.

The three Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) had been
incorporated into the United Nations in September 1991, and thus,
Lithuania recognized the independence of Armenia in November. However,
international recognition essentially started after December 10, 1991,
the date when the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
was officially dissolved. Ironically, Turkey was among the first
countries to recognize Armenian independence on December 24, 1991, one
day before the United States, but has refused to establish diplomatic
relations until the present.

The Republic of Armenia officially applied for membership in the
United Nations on January 23, 1992. Six days later, the U.N. Security
Council discussed the application of Armenia in its session 3035 and
advised the U.N. General Assembly to incorporate the newly independent
Republic as a member (resolution 735, January 29, 1992).

On March 2, 1992, Ambassador Samir S. Shihabi of Saudi Arabia opened
the meeting of the U.N. General Assembly as its president. Secretary
General Boutros Boutros-Ghali placed on the agenda the application of
nine countries, eight of them former Soviet republics (Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kirguizia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
and Uzbekistan), as well as San Marino, which previously had enjoyed
observer status. The Republic of Armenia was represented by Foreign
Minister Raffi Hovannisian; Armenian ambassador to the United Nations,
Alexander Arzumanian, and Armenian ambassador to the United Kingdom,
Armen Sargsyan. Some 30 representatives of the Armenian
American community were also attending, including Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church, of blessed memory.

A large crowd gathered on March 2, 1992, to witness the raising of the
tricolor of the Republic of Armenia in fron of the United Nations
headquarters
in New York City.

The need to find a solution to the ongoing crisis of Karabagh was
noted by
the representatives of the United States, the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Russian Federation, and
the European Community. Foreign Minister Hovannisian spoke and, after
greeting those present in Armenian, continued speaking in English and
declared that Armenia wanted a peaceful resolution of the issue.

The resolution 46/227 of the General Assembly was approved on the same
day. Due to the civil war, the membership of Georgia was to be
approved in July 1992.

The representatives of the invited countries, led by Boutros-Ghali,
were invited to the ceremony of the raising of the flags at 1:30
p.m. Thousands of Armenians had gathered outside the United Nations
headquarters and their overwhelming applause greeted Raffi Hovannisian
while he raised the Armenian flag. The tricolor floating in front of
the United Nations became a symbol of Armenia’s membership in the
international community.

In remembrance of this historic date, the government of the Republic
of Armenia issued a resolution on March 23, 2012, which established
March 2 as the day of the diplomat of the Republic of Armenia.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE

100th ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE AT THE BOOKSTORE. . .

The Prelacy’s Bookstore has an extensive collection of books (in
Armenian and English) about the Genocide including histories, novels,
memoirs, eyewitness testimonies, poetry, and essays. We continue to
feature two titles from the Bookstore’s collection.

British Reports on Ethnic Cleansing in Anatolia, 1919-1922

Compiled by Vartkes Yeghiayan

These British reports shed new documentary light on the ethnic
cleansing that was carried out in Anatolia in the post World War I
period, from 1919-1922, and became part of the so-called Turkish `war
of independence’ that ended with the disappearance of Greeks and
Armenians from their historical lands and the foundation of the
Republic of Turkey.

Softcover, $20.00, plus shipping & handling

British Diplomacy and the Armenian Question, from the 1830s to 1914

By Arman J. Kirakossian

This volume traces the development of British foreign policy regarding
the
Ottoman Empire, its Armenian population, and other ethnic elements. It
explores British diplomatic activities and the British government’s
role at various stages of the Armenian Question.

Softcover, $32.00, plus shipping and handling

To order these or other books, contact the Prelacy Bookstore by
telephone (212-689-7810) or by email ([email protected]).

ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER

Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

If Something Is Scarce, Then It is Expensive

The name of the toothed cutting tool that we today call saw has
evolved over time. It was sawe in Middle English and sagu in Old
English. The name has a common origin with all Germanic languages, and
the common root is Proto-Germanic

sago, a word that meant `a cutting tool’ and came from an
Indo-European root meaning `to cut.’

This looks very straightforward, and it is interesting to see how the
same
concept varies from language to language. The word saw in Armenian is
sughots (Õ½Õ²Õ¸Ö=81), a composite term which comes from the root soogh
(Õ½Õ¸Ö=82Õ²) and the suffix -ots (Õ¸Ö=81). The origin of soogh,
however, is unknown.

What does this root mean? It has nothing to do, in appearance, with
cutting. Soogh means `scarce, brief, short.’ (The word sughakrutiun
(Õ½Õ²Õ¡Õ£Ö=80Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶, =80=9Cshort-writing’), for instance, is
the Armenian term for =80=9Cshorthand.’) Thus, sughots literally means
`that makes small.’ When you use a saw, you cut something into pieces
and make it smaller than the original.

Everything is good so far. But some readers are probably aware of the
word
soogh `expensive’ and the noun sughootioon (Õ½Õ²Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶
`expensiveness’). This meaning only exists in Western Armenian,
including several of its dialects; if Eastern Armenian speakers hear
these words, they understand soogh as =80=9Cscarce’ and sughootioon as
`scarcity.’ For them, `expensive’ is tang (Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯) and
=80=9Cexpensiveness’ is tangootioon
(Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶). However, it is intriguing that speakers of
both branches share the composite adjective tangakeen
(Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ¶, `valuable’).

But how come soogh means both `scarce’ and expensive’? The explanation
is very simple: the economic principle of demand and supply. Something
abundant has a cheap value, but if that same item is scarce, then it
becomes expensive. Thus, the origin of the meaning `expensive’ for the
word soogh.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST WITH FR. NAREG TERTERIAN

(Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York)

Episode 26: Interview with Professor Mark Movsesian, `Christians in
the Middle East from the Armenian Genocide to ISIS.’ Click to
listen. ()

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 28-March 1-Armenian Relief Society Youth Connect Program,
at New York University, `Looking Beyond the Centennial.’ Featuring:
Khatchig Mouradian, ARS Youth Connect Program Director; Speakers,
Scout Tufankjian, Photojournalist and Eric Nazarian, Filmmaker. For
Armenian college students, 18-25 years old. Deadline for registration
(required) January 30. Space is limited. $25 registration fee includes
meals and the evening dinner. Overnight accommodation available for
out-of-town students. For more information: [email protected] or
617-926-3801.

March 1-One Nation, One Culture: A Cultural Evening of Song & Dance
dedicated to the Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary, Felician
College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey at 4 pm. Organized by
the New Jersey
chapter of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, with
co-sponsorship of AGBU Ararat NY, Homenetmen Regional Executive,
Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, and Tekeyan Cultural
Association of Greater New York.

March 5-Official opening of Exhibit on Armenian textiles, `Stitching
to Survive: Handwork of Armenian Women,’ 6-8 pm, at the United
Nations, New York. Reception to follow. Organized by the Armenian
Relief Society, Inc., and the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN.

March 5-27-Solo Exhibition of art by Seeroon Yeretzian,
N.A.W.A. Gallery, 80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1405, New York City, Tuesday
to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. Opening reception on March 5, 5 pm to 8
pm. For information: 212-675-1616.

March 6-Conference, `Rebuilding a Nation: The Armenian Woman’s Century
of Resistance and Empowerment,’ 10 am-4 pm, at
Salvation Army Auditorium, 221 East 52nd Street, New York
City. Organized by the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the
Armenian Relief Society, Inc.

March 6-8-National Athletic Tournament, hosted by the North Andover
(Massachusetts) `Sassoun’ AYF Chapter; accommodations, Andover Wyndham
Hotel, 978-975-3600, book under `AYF’ for special rate ($109); March
6, Characters Sports Club, 7 pm-midnight for those over 21; March 7,
basketball & volleyball, Lawrence High School field house, 70-71 North
Parish Road, Lawrence; 8 am-6 pm, mini-bus transportation
available. Saturday night dance at hotel, 8:30 pm with Kevork Artinian
& Friends. For tickets: Rich Minasian [email protected] or
201-218-7126. Contact Mgo Kassabian for flight information,
[email protected].

March 7-Cultural program in commemoration of the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian genocide, sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society of
Eastern USA, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate. At 7 pm at
Waterside Restaurant & Catering, 7800 River Road, North Bergen, New
Jersey. Donation: $100. For information: Knar Kiledjian 201-233-1566;
Lena Orangian 516-724-3005 or by email to [email protected].

March 7-The 2015 Kyrkostas Concert, sponsored by the Anthropology
Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Museum at Queens
College will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide by celebrating the accomplishments of the musicians, dancers,
and artists of the survivors. At 7 pm at Kaloustian Hall, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Boulevard,
Bayside, New York. Reception will follow the program. Donation $15 per
person (2 for $25), children 12 and under $5. For information,
directions and reservations: 718-428-5650.

March 8-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, Ladies Guild Lenten Luncheon, following the Divine
Liturgy. For
information: 201-943-2950.

March 13-15-`Responsibility 2015,’ International conference for
Armenian Genocide’s centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,
featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and
artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under
the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America,
Eastern Region. for information.

March 15-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, Annual Membership Meeting following the Divine
Liturgy. For information: 201-943-2950.

March 20-Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy
Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists Patil Harboyan, piano and Heather Tuach, cello,
will present a
program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
that will include works of Armenian composers Atamian, Babajanian,
Gomidas, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and Talalyan. Tickets
are $25 and will be on sale after December 20th at the box office and
the Prelacy, 212-689-7810.

March 13-15-International conference, `Responsibility 2015′ marking
the Armenian Genocide’s centennial, at Marriott Marquis Hotel, New
York City. Organized by the ARF Eastern United States Centennial
Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee of America, Eastern Region. For information visit the web
site ().

March 21-`Renewal and Remembrance,’ Centennial Commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide presented by Hamazkayin of Philadelphia, at Founders
Hall, 7:30 pm, celebrating three generations of the Armenian singer in
the Diaspora, featuring Maroush Paneyan-Nigon (soprano), Barig
Naltantian (soprano), Vartan Gabrielian (baritone), and Gary Gress
(piano) performing works by European, American and Armenian
composers. Tickets: $35. Anny Aghajanian 215-699-9296; Elizabeth
Dramgotchian 215-920-6054; Kari Ghezarian 484-919-0203.

March 28-Eastern Prelacy’s Mid Atlantic Regional Conference for
pastors, trustees, and delegates, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 10 am to 4 pm.

April 23-Canonization of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 in Holy
Etchmiadzin, Armenia.

April 25-Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the
Connecticut State Capitol. Keynote speaker: Noted author Chris
Bohjalian.

April 26-Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine
Liturgy in New York City (site to be announced), presided by
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be
followed by Times Square gathering `100 Years to Remember.’

May 7, 8, 9-National Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration in
Washington, DC, organized under the patronage of the Diocese and the
Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Presided by His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of
Cilicia. May 7, Ecumenical Service at the National Cathedral, 7 pm;
May 8, A Journey Through Armenian Music at the Music Center at
Strathmore, 7:30 pm; May 8 & 9, Exhibits, Films, and Events at various
venues; May 9, Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception, 10 am; May 9, A Time to Give Thanks,
banquet, 6 pm, Marriott Marquis.

May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.

June 3-6-National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen’s
Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.

July 18-Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I, at
the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon. For details click here.

October 5-9-Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian
Prelacies.

November 15-90th Anniversary Banquet, St. Stephen’s Church, 167
Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Watch for details.

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

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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]