Author: Andres-Papazian

THE ISSUES OF THE JAVAKHETI ARMENIANS ARE AGAIN PRESENTED IN AN INCOMPLETE AND DISTORTED FORM IN THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT’S 2010 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT ON GEORGIA

yerkir.am
20.04.2011

On April 8, 2011 the U.S. State Department released its 2010 Country
Reports on Human Rights Practices. In the country report on Georgia
similarly to the last year’s report, the facts of violation of
the rights of the Armenians of Javakheti have been presented in an
incomplete and distorted manner.

In particular, the report fails to reflect the following violations
of the rights of the Armenians of Javakheti:

The social and political life of the Javakheti Armenians is under the
direct, systematic and total control of the Georgian law enforcement
agencies. Even the slightest manifestations of social protest of
the Javakheti Armenians are uprooted through illegal police actions
(illegal detention, pressure, threats, fabricated criminal charges,
etc.).

The results of the Georgian municipal elections, run in May 2010, were
rigged in the Armenian-populated regions in favor of Saakashvili’s
“National Movement” ruling party.

The Georgian legislation bans the establishment of political
organizations on a regional basis. Consequently, in order to
take part in the elections, the Javakheti political structures are
obliged to seek ways to include their candidates in the lists of any
nationwide Georgian party. This greatly hinders the participation of
forces representing the interests of the Armenian population in the
socio-political life.

The Georgian authorities continue to impose mandatory legislative
and administrative measures to compel the minorities in the regions
of their compact residence to use exclusively the Georgian language
in all spheres of public life, ignoring the demands of the Javakheti
Armenians to grant the Armenian language the status of a regional
language. This is a flagrant violation of the international commitments
undertaken by Georgia , including the European Framework Convention
for the Protection of National Minorities.

According to the official statistical data, the Armenians constitute
about 55% of the population of Samtskhe-Javakheti province, but
they are almost non-represented in the governing bodies of this
administrative unit.

The Georgian custom officials on the Armenian-Georgian border continue
to pose artificial obstacles to transportation of Armenian books and
press to Javakheti.

The report rightly notes that the Javakheti Armenians complain “about
government unwillingness to give provincial-language status to the
Armenian language”, but immediately afterwards it adds that “many NGOs
in the region stated that they saw an improvement during the year in
the number of opportunities for Georgian-language instruction”. The
impression is that by this way the U.S. State Department encourages
the Georgian authorities to continue the policy of accelerated and
forcible imposition of the Georgian language, which is one of the
main sources of irritation of the Javakheti Armenians.

In the report of 2010 the inaccuracies on the case of Vahagn Chakhalyan
(the Javakheti Armenian political activist convicted to 10 years’
imprisonment based on trumped-up charges) have not been corrected. On
the positive side, in the new report the U.S. State Department
considered it appropriate to make a reference to the arguments of the
Armenian side, indicating that “Vahagn Chakhalian and his relatives
had been targeted for prosecution because of his political activity
in the country’s ethnic Armenian community”.

Comparing the report on Georgia with the reports on the other countries
of the region, we can see, that noting the phenomena, such as lack
of fair trial, judicial control by the authorities, prosecution
for politically motivated reasons in Georgia, the phenomena that
also affect the Javakheti Armenians, the U.S. Department of State
nevertheless avoids giving these cases an equivalent assessment,
thus applying double standards for Georgia.

The United States , as one of the main partners of Georgia , by
not covering in its report the basic facts of the violation of the
rights and freedoms of the national minorities in this country,
actually, delegate to Saakashvili’s regime the right to continue
its discriminatory policy. The U.S. government, in fact, renders
Georgia disservice, as this mode of action by the Georgian authorities
increases day by day the resentment of Georgian citizens, including
Javakheti Armenians.

The Coordinating Council for Protection of the Rights of the Javakhk
Armenians urges the U.S. authorities to cover the issues of the
Armenian population of Georgia in their reports more objectively
and fairly, as well as to strengthen the efforts to ensure full
implementation of the international commitments undertaken by Georgia
in the field of protection of human rights and the rights of the
national minorities.

From: A. Papazian

HRANT DINK’S NIECE LUSIN DINK WILL MAKE A FILM ABOUT WILLIAM SAROYAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 20, 2011 – 17:02 AMT 12:02 GMT

Young filmmaker Lusin Dink, the niece of a famous journalist Hrant
Dink murdered by Turkish radicals, will create a Journey to Bitlis
film, featuring William Saroyan’s trip to Bitlis in 1964.

The project of the film was announced a winner at Istanbul-hosted
Armenia-Turkey film platform on promotion of documentaries and awarded
with a prize of USD 30000 instituted by Eurasia Partnership Foundation.

Archive materials and photos will be used in a film drawing on
Saroyan’s short stories, with a road to Bitlis to be used as film set.

Cooperation with Armenian animators in the course of film creation
is planned.

From: A. Papazian

ROMANIA SEEKS TO GAIN AZERBAIJAN’S FAVOUR?

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 20, 2011 – 16:41 AMT 11:41 GMT

Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia commented on Azeri media reports
suggesting Romanian President Traian Basescu, while in Baku, said
the principle of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is a solution to
Karabakh conflict settlement.

“I wouldn’t like to believe that the leader of any EU country would
take a unilateral position and make non-constructive statements,”
Shavarsh Kocharyan said.

“The statement of Romanian President runs counter with the position of
the international community, OSCE, EU, Helsinki final act, statements
of the OSCE MG co-chairs in Athens, L’Aquila and Astana.

“The statements stipulated for Karabakh conflict settlement based
on the people’s right to self-determination, non-use of force and
territorial integrity. One would be surprised to learn Romania’s
attempting to gain Azerbaijan’s favor,” the Deputy Minister said.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIAN GENERAL CONTENT WITH OPTIMIZATION OF RUSSIAN MILITARY BASE IN ARMENIA

news.am
April 20 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. – Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan received on
Thursday Colonel General Alexander Postnikov, commander-in-chief of
the Russian Ground Forces.

The delegation headed by Alexander Postnikov has arrived in Armenia
to carry out check up and control over implementation process of
measures taken to optimize deployment of the Russian military units
and the Russian base in Armenia.

Both Alexander Postnikov and Seyran Ohanyan expressed satisfaction
with the implementation of activities.

In the course of his visit to Armenia, Colonel General held meetings
with First Deputy Defense Minister David Tonoyan and the Deputy
Chief of Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General
Enrico Apriamov.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 N. Belmont St.
Glendale, CA 91206

For Immediate Release: April 21, 2011
Contact: William Bairamian
Tel: 818-500-1918

THOUSANDS JOIN IN PROTEST CALLING ON OBAMA TO HONOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE PLEDGE

— President Obama’s trip to California comes on the eve of April 24, the
international day of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

Los Angeles, CA – Over 1,500 Armenian-American and anti-genocide activists
flooded the streets of Culver City on Thursday, April 21 to protest
President Obama’s failure to honor his pledge to recognize the Armenian
Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region (ANCA-WR).

The protest, which took place in front of Obama’s campaign fundraiser at the
Sony Picture Studios, was organized by the Armenian Genocide Community Task
Force and included Grammy Award-winning artist Serj Tankian along with Armenian
American community leaders and activists young and old from throughout the
Southland. Armenian American TV icon Kim Kardashian alerted her 7.2 million
twitter and blog followers about the demonstration and encouraged them to
participate in Easter Sunday’s National Day of Prayer commemorating this
crime.

“As President Obama embarks on his re-election campaign, the Armenian
American community, anti-genocide activists, and people of good conscience
are still waiting for him to demonstrate Presidential leadership to fulfill
his 2008 promise by reaffirming the Armenian Genocide,” stated ANCA Western
Region Chairman Andrew Kzirian.

Serj Tankian led the energized crowd in chants of `As President, I will
recognize the Genocide,’ referencing Obama’s January 18, 2008 statement
pledging to call this evil by its rightful name. With the international day
of commemoration of this crime just days away on April 24th, protesters
called on the President to visit the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial,
located just miles away in Montebello.

One demonstrator made a powerful statement without uttering a word by coming
dressed up as the Statue of Liberty with a Turkish flag covering her mouth
and holding a sign urging President Obama to `End Turkey’s Gag Rule over
America – Recognize the Armenian Genocide’. The costume and the sign
reference the unspoken gag rule Turkey has placed on the United States
Administration, through threats and intimidation, from speaking publicly and
honestly about the Armenian Genocide.

In a series of letters and statements issued as Senator and candidate,
President Obama pledged to clearly and unequivocally end U.S. complicity in
Turkey’s genocide denial and properly recognize this crime against
humanity. He has yet to honor that pledge, resorting to euphemistic
language to describe the murder of over 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman
Turkish government from 1915-1923. The complete set of Senator Obama’s
statements on the Armenian Genocide are can be found at:

The April 21st protest was part of a series of events commemorating the
Armenian Genocide in the Southland. On Saturday, community members will
gather at Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument at Bicknell Park in Montebello
for a commemorative event at 11AM, which will be followed by a candle light
vigil and concert at the same location at 7PM.

On Easter Sunday, Armenian-Americans will gather for a protest at the
Turkish Consulate on Wilshire Boulevard at 4PM, after attending Easter
Service where they will participate in a National Day of Prayer in
celebration of Easter and in honor of the Armenian Genocide.

For the first time in 150 years, Easter and April 24 will fall on the same
day, and people of faith all over the world are being asked to pray with
Armenians as a part of `Resurrection and Recognition: National Day of Prayer
on April 24.’ The Conference of European Churches and World Council of
Churches have called on their member churches to pray with Armenians this
Easter for the resurrection of the Armenian people from the ashes of
Genocide.

“We commend the World Council of Churches and Armenian religious leaders in
leading Christian communities across the U.S. in this National Day of
Prayer,” said Rostom Sarkissian, Senior Advisor to the ANCA WR Board of
Directors. “This year’s Easter celebration on April 24th not only marks the
resurrection of Christ but the rebirth of the Armenian Nation from the ashes
of the Genocide.”

For more information regarding the National Day of Prayer, visit

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the
Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated
organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the
Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

###

From: A. Papazian

Textile treasures of Turkish Armenian Patriarchate revealed in a book
VERICIHAN ZIFLIOGLU
ISTANBUL – Hurriyet Daily News
Thursday, April 21, 2011

The closed doors of Turkish Armenian Patriarchate have been opened for
two US experts. Archaeology Professor Ronald T. Marchese and Textile
professor Marlen R. Breu have now published a book after carrying out
10 years of research, with special permission from Patriarch Mesrop
II, on 18th and 19th century textile treasures held by the Istanbul
Armenian Orthodox Church. `The materials that appears in the book have
never been studied before,’ says Marchese

After 10 years of in-depth research of the archives and repositories
of the Armenian Orthodox Church, two professors from the United States
have published a book about the church’s treasures.
The Turkish Armenian Patriarchate opened its doors to Archaeology
Professor Ronald T. Marchese and Textile Professor Marlen R. Breu in
1998. The two researchers then spent the next decade examining and
cataloguing many of the church’s artifacts, mostly from the 18th and
19th century though some were over 300 years old. Mesrop II, who has
been fighting dementia since 2007, authorized the professors to carry
out the inaugural study of the church’s textile treasures.
Marchese and Breu studied a variety of materials from holy books with
priceless stones to caftans worn by patriarchs, and from golden
brocaded clothes devoted to churches by women, to icons and slippers
worn by priests.
This thorough, comprehensive research has been published in a book
titled
`Splendor and Pageantry – Textile Treasures from the Armenian Orthodox
Churches of Istanbul.’ The book, in English and Turkish, includes
color photos of many of the treasures.
Speaking to the Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review in an e-mail
interview, Marchese said they started work in 1998 and examined
hundreds of textile artifacts. `Many pieces used today were made more
than 200 years ago, some older than 300 years. Such pieces were
donated by Armenians of the past and then blessed to become gifts to
the glorification of Church and God.’
Breu said the work was significant because the artifacts had never
before studied before or written about. `The older pieces are very
important. The reason there are few older objects is the numerous
fires, the breaking down of textiles over time, especially if they are
used, and other factors. For this reason, our focus in the book is
largely on 18th and 19th century artifacts.’
Close friend of the sultans
Churches have great importance to Armenian society and valuable stones
are
used in all objects from religious dresses to holy books and
icons. =80=9CThe Armenian community was wealthy and many were very
important in Ottoman circles. The working relationship between the
Ottoman authorities and elite of the community benefited both
parties. Many of these people were close friends with sultans and high
government officials. Their prestige in the state offered
opportunities for many Armenians, who displayed their wealth by
becoming patrons. In this manner lavish use of gold and precious
stones attached to objects of faith were donated to the church,’
Marchese said in light of their research.
When asked about the difference between textile treasures in Anatolian
and
Istanbul Armenian Orthodox churches, Marchese said, `In Istanbul the
eastern Anatolian traditions found a place to come together and shared
stitching techniques with their Greek counterparts with the arrival of
Europeans and European traditions as well as their Ottoman neighbors.’
Breu said the items they studied provided a clear insight into the
history
of the church and religious art. `The artifacts of Istanbul churches
reflect the history of the Armenian people and also Ottoman history,
changes in the accepted forms of art in general, especially in
Christian religious art, and the introduction of Western art movements
into the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. They also reflect art
forms from the East.’
© 2011 Hurriyet Daily News

From: A. Papazian

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: [26]
26.

TOP STORY April 21, 2011

_Christ is Risen! _

This Sunday, the worldwide Armenian Church will celebrate the Feast of the
Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ-the most important day of the
year in our church calendar. This year, for the first time ever, Easter
falls on the same day Armenians traditionally observe the anniversary of the
1915 Armenian Genocide.

On Easter Sunday, April 24, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, and reflect on the
significance of both occasions in his homily. The Divine Liturgy will begin
at 10:30 a.m.

Aso Tavitian will serve as the godfather of the release of doves ceremony on
the cathedral plaza following services. The AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble
will perform traditional Armenian dances on the plaza.

Click to read the Easter messages of [4]His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and of [5]Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian.
Links:
4.
5.

View the complete schedule of [6]Holy Week and Easter Sunday services at the
cathedral, or [7]contact your local parish for information on services in
your area.
Links:
6.
7.

[8]Click here to learn more about Easter.
Links:
8. ;

_Commemorating Armenian Martyrs Day _

This year Armenian Martyrs Day will be observed in New York through events
on Monday, April 25 and Sunday, May 1. On Monday, April 25, the Divine
Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral at 11 a.m. It
will be followed by a requiem service and a memorial meal.

Also on April 25, the Genocide memorial trees surrounding the plaza of St.
Vartan Cathedral will be re-dedicated following services on the occasion of
their 35th anniversary. The tree plots were refurbished and restored through
the generosity of Adrienne Alexanian, in memory of her parents, Edward and
Grace Alexanian.

On Sunday, May 1, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Vartan
Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. It will be followed by a requiem service and a
blessing of _madagh_. The annual Genocide Commemoration sponsored by the
Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan will be held in Times Square at
2 p.m.

Also in commemoration of the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
St. Vartan Cathedral Council will host an art exhibition featuring the work
of Mher Khachatryan, from April 24 to May 1, in Guild Hall of the Diocesan
Center.

Scripture of the Week

Acts 1:15-26
Mk 16:2-8

Prayer of the week

Guard us, O Christ our God, in peace under the shadow of your holy and
venerable Cross. Deliver us from the visible and invisible enemy. Make us
worthy to give you thanks and to glorify you together with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_21 April:_ Holy Thursday

_22 April:_ Holy Friday

_23 April:_ Holy Saturday (Easter Eve)

_24 April:_ Easter Sunday; Armenian Martyrs Day

_25 April:_ Remembrance of the Dead

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

_WCC Releases Statement on Armenian Genocide_

On April 14, the World Council of Churches, comprised of 349 churches,
released a message commemorating the Armenian Genocide.

The message, which appears on the WCC’s website, marked the first time the
WCC has officially made a public statement on the 1915 massacres.
Remembering and honoring the 1.5 million victims, the World Council of
Churches addressed the need for public recognition of the Armenians
Genocide.

Under the auspices of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Ecumenical Director
at the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and former
president of the National Council of Churches, along with Bishop Hovakim
Manukian, director of Inter-Church Relations at Holy Etchmiadzin, worked
with leaders of the World Council of Churches and the Conference of European
Churches on the Armenian Martyrs Day message.
[9]
Click here to read the full statement.
Links:
9.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will host this year’s Diocesan
Assembly.

_109th Diocesan Assembly Begins Next Week_

Next week, clergy and lay delegates from across the Diocese will gather in
Boston, MA, for the 109th Diocesan Assembly. Themed `Vocations-The Call to
Serve: Ministry of the Faithful,’ the Assembly will be hosted by Holy
Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA.

The Assembly proceedings will be held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston,
from Thursday, April 28 to Saturday, April 30 (the Divine Liturgy will be
celebrated at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, May 1). The Assembly will be
preceded by the annual Clergy Conference, which will be held at the Connors
Family Retreat and Conference Center in Dover, MA, from Tuesday, April 26 to
Thursday, April 28.

A banquet will be held on Friday, April 29, to honor this year’s `Armenian
Church Member of the Year’ and `Friend of the Armenians.’ The awards will be
presented to [10]Mr. Sarkis Bedevian and [11]Governor Deval Patrick,
respectively. Recognition will also be extended to board members of the
Armenian Heritage Foundation, which is working to build the Armenian
Heritage Park in Boston.
Links:
10.
11.

Banquet tickets may be purchased until Friday, April 22. [12]Click here for
more information. For more information about the Assembly, [13]click here.
Links:
12.
13.

_Women’s Guild Assembly and Luncheon_

The Women’s Guild will host its annual assembly concurrent with the Diocesan
Assembly in Boston, from April 29-30. On April 30, the Women’s Guild will
hold its second annual `Woman of Wonder Luncheon.’ This year’s honoree is
Helene Dorian of Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge.

Click for [14]information on the event and [15]sponsorship opportunities
(please note that donations in honor of Ms. Dorian may also be made to the
Diocese’s St. Vartan Camp).
Links:
14.
15.

Fr. Guregh Davtyan (left) and Fr. Vartan Navasardyan.

_Clergy from Armenia Visit Eastern Diocese_

With the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, two priests from Armenia-Very Rev. Fr. Vartan
Navasardyan and Very Rev. Fr. Guregh Davtyan-arrived in the Eastern Diocese
this week. They will observe the proceedings of the Diocesan Assembly and
visit several parishes of the Eastern Diocese.

Both are graduates of the Gevorkyan Theological Seminary at Holy
Etchmiadzin. Fr. Navasardyan was ordained to the holy priesthood in 2003. He
serves as the director of the Department of Christian Education at Holy
Etchmiadzin. Fr. Davtyan was ordained in 2009, and serves as the dean of St.
Shoghakat Church in Vagharshapat, Armenia.
Suren Martirosyan receives the top award for his performance in the Academic
Olympiad in economics.

_FAR Mathevosian Scholar Wins Academic Competition_

Suren Martirosyan, a fourth-year economics student at Yerevan State
University and a recipient of FAR’s Mathevosian scholarship, won the
university’s Academic Olympiad competition in economics, which was held
recently in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia. Following his success in the competition,
Martirosyan received and accepted a job offer from Prometey Bank=80’a
commercial bank in Armenia.

Martirosyan is just one of FAR’s many Mathevosian scholars. The scholarship
program provides much-needed assistance to students from low-income
families, allowing them to study at Armenia’s leading academic institutions,
and ultimately find work in their fields of specialization.
[16]
Click here to read more on FAR’s blog.
Links:
16.

FAR will honor the beloved artist and humanitarian Charles Aznavour in New
York on May 20.

_FAR’s Tribute to Charles Aznavour Next Month _

As announced previously, on Friday, May 20, the Fund for Armenian Relief
will mark the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence with a grand
tribute honoring a beloved Armenian artist of international standing:
Charles Aznavour.

Since the 1988 earthquake, Mr. Aznavour, through his _Aznavour Pour
L’Armenie _foundation, has been a major force in humanitarian aid to
Armenia.

FAR will honor this great artist, humanitarian, diplomat, and visionary in
the elegant setting of New York’s Cipriani Wall Street. Charles Aznavour
will be traveling to New York to receive the admiration of the community in
person.

As news of the tribute has spread, an impressive roster of dignitaries have
lent their names to the tribute’s Honorary Committee, including fellow
artists Liza Minnelli, Elton John, Celine Dion, Placido Domingo, Tony Benet,
and Atom Egoyan. Also gracing the committee are Vartan Gregorian (president
of the Carnegie Corporation), Clive Gillinson (artistic director of Carnegie
Hall), Reynold Levy (president of the Lincoln Center for the Performing
Arts), Joseph Polisi (president of the Juilliard School), and the French and
Armenian ambassadors to the U.S. and U.N.

Actor Eric Bogosian will entertain guests at the tribute as its Master of
Ceremonies. Tickets for the Friday, May 20 tribute are still available
online at [17]
Links:
17.

PARISH NEWS

(front row, from left) Fr. Papken Anoushian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
and Krikor Markarian with parishioners at St. Thomas Church.

_Primate Visits St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ _

On April 17, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian continued an
annual tradition of spending Palm Sunday with the parishioners of St. Thomas
Church of Tenafly, NJ. The Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered
the homily, and presided over a celebratory dinner.

After services, St. Thomas’ pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Papken Anoushian,
offered a prayer to start the banquet honoring the parish’s 46th
consecration anniversary. During the program, the parish honored Krikor
Markarian with the `St. Thomas Award.’

Since Palm Sunday is ACYOA Day in the Eastern Diocese, the parish ACYOA
Juniors helped serve the meal, and the group advisor, Peter Afarian,
presented Fr. Anoushian with a $1,000 donation for the church.

[18]Click here to read more.
Links:
18.

Vartouhie Papazian teaches children how to make _choreg_ from scratch.

_Children Enjoy Special Program at St. Vartan Cathedral _

On Palm Sunday, April 17, the St. Vartan Cathedral Council hosted a
`Children’s Day’ program for children ages 5-12.

Some 30 participants explored the significance and traditions of Holy Week,
learned the art of _choreg_ baking, and took part in arts and crafts
activities. They also participated in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy
and the Palm Sunday procession, and enjoyed a lunch with their peers.

The event was chaired by Linda Kirishjian. St. Vartan Cathedral Council
members Araks Yeramyan Andrews, Richard Manuelian, and Avedis Ohannessian
were present. Also assisting the council was Dn. Sebuh Oscherician.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian delivered the
day’s sermon in Armenian. [19]Click here to view the day’s photos.
Links:
19.

Tom Mooradian (lower right) with Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan , Antranig Garibian,
and Sabrina Garibian.

_Cheltenham, PA, Parish Hosts Book Reading _

On Sunday April 10, Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, welcomed Tom and
Jan Mooradian. Mr. Mooradian gave a talk about his memoir _The Repatriate_,
which tells the story of his experiences in Soviet Armenia in the 1940s and
50s.

A rising high school basketball star in Detroit, Mr. Mooradian made a trip
to Armenia in 1947, where he unknowingly became a Soviet citizen under the
repatriation program and was barred from returning to the United States. Mr.
Mooradian joined Soviet Armenia’s national team and spent the next decade
playing basketball in the Soviet Union.

During his talk this month, Mr. Mooradian also shared stories of his life in
the United States after his return from Soviet Armenia. Following the
program, Mr. Mooradian answered questions and signed books. [20]Click here
for more information about _The Repatriate_.
Links:
20.

Young people take part in a procession to Lowell City Hall last Saturday.

_Armenian Martyrs Day Commemorated in Lowell, MA_

On Saturday, April 16, three Massachusetts churches gathered to commemorate
the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Lowell, MA. Participants
led a procession to City Hall, where clergy led prayers and a flag-raising
ceremony was held at the location of a memorial monument the community plans
to build by the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in 2015.

Two Diocesan parishes-Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford and Hye Pointe
Church of Haverhill-as well as the St. Gregory Church of North Andover took
part in the ceremonies. Also present were Lowell mayor Jim Milinazzo and
other local officials, as well as the Armenian-American Veterans of Lowell
and members of other Armenian organizations.

[21]Click here to read a story about last week’s commemoration in the local
paper.
Links:
21.

Fr. Vart Gyozalian at the Hye Pointe Armenian Genocide memorial.

_Hye Pointe Parish Commemorates Armenian Martyrs Day_

The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe in Haverhill, MA, observed
Armenian Martyrs Day with a requiem service and program on Tuesday, April
12. The service was held at the church’s Armenian Genocide _khatchkar_
memorial.

Haverhill mayor James Fiorentini read the town’s proclamation commemorating
the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalian
delivered a message.

A reception followed in the Haverhill Town Hall.

_UPCOMING EVENTS _

_Holy Trinity Church | Cheltenham, PA_
On Saturday, April 23, Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, will join four
other Philadelphia-area Armenian churches for the fourth consecutive
Armenian Genocide Walk for Justice. The walk will begin at the Philadelphia
Art Museum and conclude at the Philadelphia Independence Visitors Center.

The program will consist of a cultural performance by the Ararat Dance
Ensemble, remarks by political and civic leaders, and a keynote speech by
attorney Mark Geragos. [22]Click here for more information on the event.
Links:
22.

_Church of the Holy Resurrection | New Britain, CT_
The Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT, will commemorate the
96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with a requiem service and program
on Monday, April 25, beginning at 7 p.m.

The Rev. Nicolas George Mumejian will be the guest speaker. Special
recognition will be extended to the honorable John Geragosian. [23]Click
here for more information.
Links:
23.

_St. John Church | Southfield, MI_
At St. John Church of Southfield, MI, the ACYOA Seniors and Juniors
installed1,500 white crosses on church grounds in memory of the 1.5 million
martyrs of theArmenian Genocide. As part of this year’s project, the ACYOA
asked parishioners to dedicate a cross in memory of or in honor of a loved
one, or a village in historic Armenia.

On Monday, April 25, a requiem service and wreath-laying ceremony will be
held at the church’s Martyrs Monument. A _madagh_ dinner and program will
follow. For more information, contact the church at (248) 569-3405.

_St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY_
The Women’s Guild of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY,
will host a Ladies Boutique Luncheon on Saturday, April 30, beginning at
12:30 p.m.

The stylish fundraiser will feature unique shopping kiosks, silent auction
opportunities, and a chef-prepared lunch.

Admission is $45 per person (reservations must be made in advance). Proceeds
from the event will go toward St. Gregory the Enlightener Church. [24]Click
here for more information.
Links:
24.

YOUTH NEWS

Hasmig Tatiossian (second from left) spoke about the ACYOA and FAR in
Cheltenham, PA.

_ACYOA Day Celebrated on Palm Sunday Across Diocese _

Parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese observed ACYOA Day as part of their
traditional Palm Sunday celebrations on April 17.

For the occasion, members of the ACYOA Central Council projected out to
local communities across the Diocese, where they gave presentations about
the organization’s recent projects and met with youth leaders.

[25]Click here to read more.
Links:
25.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS

The Diocese’s e-Newsletter will not be published on Thursday, April 28,
while the Diocesan Assembly is in session. We look forward to resuming
e-Newsletter publication on Thursday, May 5.

May our Lord’s glorious resurrection inspire you with hope, and strengthen
you with the knowledge of God’s love, throughout the coming year.

_Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! __Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee!_
Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ!

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
April 21, 2011
American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 12th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576
Contact: Gaiane Khachatrian
E-mail: [email protected]

Provost to Depart American University of Armenia

After many years of service to the American University of Armenia, Provost
Lucig Danielian will depart the university at the end of June 2011. AUA
thanks Dr. Danielian for her commitment to the university and wishes her
well in her future endeavors.

“It has been a privilege to work with Dr. Danielian during my first year as
President,” said AUA President Bruce Boghosian. “In her seventeen years at
this institution, she has worked tirelessly to improve our academics, to
expand our programs and facilities, and to see us through the process of
accreditation.” AUA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and
Colleges, one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the United
States Department of Education.

Effective July 1, University of California Berkeley professor Armen Der
Kiureghian will assume the position of Interim Provost. Dr. Der Kiureghian
is well known to the AUA community as a founder of the institution and
former Dean of Engineering. He is an elected member of the National Academy
of Engineering in the United States and the National Academy of Sciences in
Armenia. President Boghosian expressed his appreciation for Dr. Der
Kiureghian’s service, noting in particular his familiarity with AUA, as well
as his expertise in university administration and the accreditation process.

AUA will open searches imminently for a Provost, a Dean of the Department of
Political Science and International Affairs, and a Vice President of
Operations. The university plans to move in new directions, significantly
expanding its educational mission.

From: A. Papazian

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
April 21, 2011

Contact: Jenny Kiljian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
[email protected]

KARDASHIAN BLOGS FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RECOGNITION

— Publicizes Obama Demonstration and Encourages Participation in National
Day of Prayer on April 24th

Los Angeles, CA – Kim Kardashian posted a blog note and sent a “tweet” to
7.2 million of her fans today urging the U.S. government to recognize the
Armenian Genocide and encouraging her fans to join the Resurrection and
Recognition: National Day of Prayer on April 24.

Kardashian’s tweet amplifies voices from across America calling on the
President to honor his pledge to properly commemorate the Armenian Genocide,
notably Grammy Award-winning artist, System of a Down frontman, and human
rights leader Serj Tankian.

“We applaud Kim Kardashian for calling on our government to recognize the
Armenian Genocide. Americans of good conscience are committed to ending the
cycle of genocide, and to do that, we have to start by calling evil by its
name. That’s why we will be demonstrating during President Obama’s visit to
California in support of a truthful and just resolution of this crime” said
Andrew Kzirian, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ANCA-WR. The
Armenian Genocide Task Force is organizing a community-wide April 21st
demonstration at the President’s fundraiser in Culver City, California.

Kardashian’s tweet was clear and concise: `It’s time to recognize the
Armenian Genocide ”

This is not the first time Kardashian has called on the U.S. government to
recognize the Armenian Genocide. In 2010, Kardashian called on Speaker
Pelosi to schedule a vote on H.Res 252, the Armenian Genocide resolution.
In
that message, she said `It’s time for America to speak openly and honestly
about this horrible crime against humanity, and the only way this will
happen is if WE speak up first.”

Kardashian’s blogpost can be found at:

Kardashian’s tweet can be found at: !/kimkardashian

*Obama Visit Coincides with Annual Armenian Genocide Observance*

President Obama’s trip to California comes on the eve of April 24th, the
international day in support of a truthful and just resolution of the
Armenian Genocide.

On the cusp of his Los Angeles 2012 Presidential campaign kickoff event in
Los Angeles today, the community will urge President Obama to honor his 2008
campaign pledge. Demonstrators will also call on the President to visit the
Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial, located just miles away in Montebello.

The community-wide task force organizing the protest represents Armenian
community organizations from throughout California. Los Angeles Armenian
Americans and anti-genocide activists can join the 3:00pm protest at Sony
Picture Studios in Culver City. Buses are being provided to transport
individuals starting at 1:30pm from Saint Mary Armenian Church in Glendale
and Ferrahian Armenian School in Encino as well as Rose & Alex Pilibos
Armenian School in Hollywood.

“As President Obama embarks on his re-election campaign, the Armenian
American community, anti-genocide activists, and people of good conscience
are still waiting for him to demonstrate Presidential leadership to fulfill
his 2008 promise by reaffirming the Armenian Genocide,” stated ANCA Western
Region Chairman Andrew Kzirian. “Here in California, home to nearly a
million descendants of the survivors of this Genocide, he can take a strong
step in that direction by visiting the Armenian Genocide Martyr’s Memorial
in Montebello,” he added.

*Resurrection and Recognition: National Day of Prayer on April 24*

Kardashian’s blog post goes on to note that, `this year, April 24 falls on
Easter Sunday. Armenians are the first Christian Nation in the world, and
almost everyone will be in church to celebrate Easter. Even on this really
happy day, we’re going to be remembering the Genocide.’ She alerts her fans
that `there’s going to be a National Day of Prayer in churches across
America to celebrate Easter and commemorate the Genocide.’ Her blog links
to the National Day of Prayer Facebook page –
.

“We commend Kim Kardashian for calling on Americans of good conscience to
pray with Armenians in celebration of Easter and in recognition of the
Armenian Genocide on Easter Sunday” said Rostom Sarkissian, organizing
member of the ‘Resurrection and Recognition: National Day of Prayer on April
24′

In an April 14 statement, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Conference
of European Churches (CEC) called on its member churches to join with
Armenians on April 24 in a National Day of Prayer.

`When Christians all over the world celebrate Easter on the same date this
year, it will be an historic opportunity for all of us to pay tribute to the
memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide,’ said the WCC and
CEC. `As the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian people observe the
96th year of the Armenian Genocide, the World Council of Churches and the
Conference of Churches in Europe appeal to all member churches to
commemorate the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide during their
prayers and messages on Easter day 2011.’

Armenian American religious leaders issued an appeal earlier urging people
of all faiths to pray with the Armenian nation on April 24. `As children
of
the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion, on this Holy Day
of Easter, we call upon our Christian brothers and sisters as well as people
of all faiths to pray with us for the two million Armenians, Assyrians,
Chaldeans, Syriacs, Pontians, and Greeks, who fell victim to the Ottoman
Empire’s World War I-era genocide of its Christian minorities, and for
justice and peace to prevail in our world,’ said the statement, signed by
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Archbishop Hovnan Derderian; Very Reverend
Father Krikor Chahinian; and Reverend Joseph D. Matossian.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the
Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated
organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the
Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

#####

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Prelate, Western United States
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, 91214
Tel: 818-248-7737/8
Fax: 818-248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

April 21, 2011

Sunday, April 24 is Easter.
Christendoms greatest holy day.

Christ is risen from the dead.
Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ.

Prelates Easter Message
(To read the message in Armenian click here (

).)

Who Will Roll the Stone?

Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?
(Mark 16:3)

It was the third day of the burial. In accordance with the Hebrew
tradition, it was necessary to anoint the body of the deceased with
sweet-smelling oils. Early in the morning three women went to the tomb
that was dug in a rock with a large and heavy stone placed at the
entrance. The weak women had been asking one another, Who will roll
away the stone placed at the entrance of the tomb?
Just as Jesus birth was a series of miraculous events, so also
was his death and resurrection, which was victory over death. Christs
resurrection is the basis of our Christian faith, the power of our
Christian life, and the hope of being with Christ enjoying the kingdom
of God. Without that our preaching is in vain, (1 Corinthians 15:14),
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through
Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died (1 Thessalonians
4:14), as affirmed by St. Paul. The life of a Christian is not a
series of days starting and ending in this world. But it is a divine
grace and gift which starts in this world by faithfulness to Jesus
Christ through the implementation of Gospel messages and Biblical
principlesa good journey which finds its complete meaning when we
depart from this world and unite with Christ. This kind of hope and
faith is the assurance given to humankind by Christs resurrectionthe
guarantee of a new l!
ife, everlasting life, in unity with our Lord Jesus Christ which this
worlds faithlessness, doubt and stone-heartedness toward each other
never understand. Evidently there is no one to roll away the stone
from humankinds stone-heartedness, and human beings remain blind and
indifferent toward their fellow humans and remain heartless,
deceitful, and greedy.
Look around and you will see the domination of power and
materialism and the thirst for money for which humans utilize every
kind of evil and fraud. They become blind in their eyes as well as in
their souls and minds. They place their own personal profit above all
else. They agree with and exploit the lies in political and social
life; they are devoid of moral values and empathy and they neglect the
rights of the people. Tens of thousands of pages from Wikileaks are
testimony to the deceit, intrigue, and greed of the leaders of
countries and the lack of moral values in friendships. Countries in
this situation, including our own countrythe United States of
Americaare frantic and angry that the lies have become exposed, and
they condemn the exposer in the name of national security. Human
beings who were created in the image of God should condemn all, repent
their sins, and welcome a world of righteousness and justice for
all. Evil prefers darkness and flees !
from light. Jesus very plainly and truthfully proclaimed, For all who
do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their
deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the
light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done
in God (John 3:20-21).
In a world dominated by secularism and technology we have
become doubtful of the power that rolls the stone and performs
miracles. We have become deaf to the truth of the Gospel that turns
stone-hearts into tender hearts. The only miracle and power is Christ
himself. Nations and individuals who emulate his words and life have
been illuminated and by surviving enjoy a resurrected life. Have we
not been educated throughout the history of the Armenian people with
the truth of the Gospel? Did we not become strengthened by the
Gospel? Did we not withstand perils and catastrophes? Were we not
resurrected by national martyrdom after the Genocide? (This year what
a coincidence that Martyrs Day and Easter coincide!). We believed that
our Savior would roll the stone at the entrance of our nations tomb,
and we would come to light. That light became the source of our truth,
faith, and hopes that kept St. Gregorys lantern lit, kept the
Mesrobian language alive, and bec!
ame the music and melody of our hymns and prayers. Our nations true
riches and treasures have been our religion and language, our faith
and culture. Our nations joy and pride, and especially survival, were
secured on that foundation that is unshakeable and indestructible.
During the year of 2011 we are going to joyously celebrate the
20th anniversary of the re-independence of Armenia. Twenty years ago
on a happy and fortunate day, Armenia regained her independence, and
heroic Artsakh earned her independence, giving the children of our
nation everywhere new lifethe prospect of a resurrected life. For 70
years we remained in a state of national and spiritual devastation, in
bondage for rights, always waiting for the re-appearance of the person
who would roll away the stone placed at the entrance of our tomb; that
person is none other than our own strong will, and faith in our
spiritual and national values. Our consistent effort proved that those
who believed in pursuing our national rights and religious freedom
were not mistaken. The native land had again found its master. The
land recognizes its master, Moushegh Kalshoyan would write.
The celebration of the 20th anniversary must remind all of
usleaders and populacethat the owners of the land have the
responsibility to govern their native land, where there is the blood
of martyrs and heroes, where there is toil and sweat, church and
prayer, culture and literature. Our resurrected homeland is in need of
strengthening; it longs for sacrifices for prosperity and development
that calls for martyrdom when necessary for a united homeland. There
is a large stone which must be rolled away in order to reach that good
resurrection that girds us to our faith, and calls us to be the
forerunners in the growth of our national and spiritual life.
Christ is risen from the dead.
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate

AN APPEAL FROM THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH,
ARMENIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, AND THE ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL UNION OF
EASTERN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

This year, for the first time since 1915, April 24th, the 96th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, falls on Easter Sunday.

On this sacred day, for the first time since the Armenian Genocide, we
will join together as Christians to celebrate the Resurrection of
Christ after His death on the cross, and also, as heirs of an ancient
people that arose nearly a century ago from the ashes of genocide, to
mark our own rebirth.
We will recall with thanksgiving to the Almighty, our resurrection as
a people from the fires of hatred that nearly consumed us in 1915. As
a people who believe in the power of faith and forgiveness, we seek a
true and enduring redemption for the Republic of Turkey, the direct
descendants of the Ottoman Empire, through repentance and
restitution. For, just as Scripture tells us that the truth will set
us free, so too will justice set us all upon the path to peace. The
difficult path to true forgiveness must pass through confession and
compensation.
As Armenians and children of the first nation to adopt Christianity,
we approach this holiest of days with a call to all of our Christian
brothers and sisters worldwide, and to all Muslims, Jews, believers of
all denominations and faiths, to join with us in offering a prayer for
the Armenian, Assyrian, Chaldean, Syriac, Pontian, Greek, and other
victims of the Ottoman Empire’s World War I-era genocide. Let us raise
our voices in unison for peace and justice to prevail throughout the
world.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Bishop Manuel Batakian
Reverend Joseph D. Matossian

DIVINE LITURGY AND REQUIEM SERVICE WILL
COMMEMORATE 96TH ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE
On Monday, April 25, which is one of five Memorial Days in the
Armenian Liturgical Calendar, the 96th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide will be commemorated with a Divine Liturgy, Requiem Service,
and Madagh, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New
York City. Archbishop Oshagan will preside; the Liturgy will be
celebrated by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. Madagh will be offered immediately after the
services in the Cathedrals Pashalian Hall. All are welcome to attend.
In a rare occurrence, this year Easter and Martyrs Day
coincide. The last time Easter fell on April 24 was in 1859one hundred
fifty-two years ago, and of course well before April 24 sadly became a
significant day in Armenian history. Easter is celebrated on the
Sunday immediately following the Paschal Full Moon, which can vary as
much as two days from the date of the actual full moon. As a result,
the dates for Easter can range from March 22 through April 25.

PALM SUNDAY IN OUR PARISHES
Palm Sunday is always a joyful day in the Armenian Church, especially
for the children, who dress in their finest clothes and parade around
the church carrying decorated candles. This year colorful balloons
were added to the festivities. The multi-colored balloons were
inscribed in Armenian and English noting that 2011 is the year of the
Armenian child, and the Biblical verse, Let the little children come
to me
Archbishop Oshagan with the children in front of St. Stephens Church
in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Bishop Anoushavan is surrounded by the children at St. Sarkis Church
in Dearborn, Michigan.
The balloons are released upward at St. Gregory Church in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Balloons being distributed at St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts.

NEWLY ORDAINED DER HRANT KEVORKIAN ARRIVES
Last September Dn. Sebouh Kevorkian was ordained to the married
priesthood and renamed Hrant in honor of Archbishop Hrant
Khatchadourian, the first Prelate of the Prelacy. Der Hrant and
Yeretzgin Tamar arrived in the United States yesterday to begin their
service within the Eastern Prelacy. They are in the New York-New
Jersey area until next week when they will go to Watertown where Der
Hrant will receive training under the supervision of Archpriest
Fr. Antranig Baljian at St. Stephen Church for a time before being
assigned to a parish.
On Easter Sunday Der Hrant will celebrate the Divine Liturgy
and deliver the sermon at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
We warmly welcome Der Hrant and Yeretzgin Tamar.

DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 25th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Christian
Studies Program, for youth ages 13-18, will take place at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 3-10,
2011. By popular demand, the Institute this year will again extend the
week-long program with a three-day retreat (optional) from June
30-July 3.
The summer program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, contact
the AREC office by telephone at 212-689-7810, by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or click
here (

).

BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, April 24, Easter Sunday are: Acts 1:15-26;
MRK 16:2-8. Evening Gospels: Luke 24:13-36; John 20:1-18; John
5:24-30; John 19:31-37; John 20:19-25.
And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had
risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, Who
will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb? When
they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had
already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young
man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were
alarmed. But he said to them, Do not be alarmed; you are looking for
Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not
here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his
disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there
you will see him, just as he told you. So they went out and fled from
the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said
nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

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

).
MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON ON MAY 2;
LUCY ISHKANIAN WILL BE HONORED
The popular Mothers Day luncheon presented each year by the Prelacy
Ladies Guild (PLG) will take place on Monday, May 2, at The New York
Palace, 455 Madison Avenue (between 50th and 51st Streets).
Lucy Ishkanian will be honored by the Prelacy as The Woman of
the Year. Ms. Ishkanian, a familiar presence in the Armenian American
community, is an internationally recognized artist who has performed
extensively throughout the world, and has received critical acclaim
from critics, artists, and the music-loving public. Throughout her
career she has encouraged and nurtured the careers of young talented
musicians. She dedicated her 25th anniversary concert in 1997 to
benefit the Komitas Conservatory and the Juilliard School. She
considers one of her greatest accomplishments to be the foundation of
the Juilliard-Komitas friendship program established in 1992. The
program offers gifted students from the Komitas Conservatory in
Yerevan, who have been admitted to The Juilliard School in New
York,the invaluable opportunity to continue their musical
development. She has worked
tirelessly in this endeavor, and has presented benefit concerts for
the Armenian Scholarship Fund at Juilliard. Without this financial
support these students would not be able to study at Juilliard.
The Dean of the Juilliard School acknowledged the pivotal role
she has played in the nurturing of young talent. In a letter following
her 25th anniversary concert he expressed thanks for her generosity
and advocacy. These talented Armenian students, he wrote, would not be
able to attend without your efforts on their behalf. For those you
have helped and for all those who will benefit in the future from the
Armenian Scholarship Fund, I extend profound thanks.
She has brought the same advocacy and generosity to the
Prelacys Musical Armenia Concert Committee. Her dedication and
expertise have played an important part in the continued success of
this concert series.

FOR RESERVATIONS OR INFORMATION ABOUT THE
MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON CONTACT THE PRELACY OFFICE
212-689-7810.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 25Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service in commemoration of the
96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, at St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, presided by His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan. The Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service will be celebrated by
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York, with participation of metro area clergy. Madagh will be offered
following the Liturgy and Requiem Service.

May 1Armenian Genocide commemoration at the crossroads of the world,
Times Square, New York City, beginning at 2 pm. Sponsored by the
Knights and Daughters of Vartan; co-sponsored by AGBU, Armenian
Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America,
ADL-Ramgavars, and Armenian Council of America; with the participation
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Armenian Missionary Association
of America, Armenian Catholic Eparchy for United States and Canada,
Mid-Atlantic ACYOA, AYF, Armenian Youth Organizations, and University
Armenian Clubs. For up to date information go to
(

).

May 2Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers Day Luncheon, honoring Lucy
Ishkanian as Woman of the Year, at The New York Palace, 455 Madison
Avenue, New York City; reception at noon, luncheon at 1 pm.

May 4St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Mothers Day Luncheon,
honoring all mothers, sponsored by St. Sarkis Senior Citizens Group,
12 noon. Live Armenian and Middle Eastern music featuring Jacque
Hagopian. Limited seating. Reservations by April 25. Donation $25
advance; $35 at door. Reservations: 516-587-0727 or 718-224-2275.

May 7St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Fourth Annual
Celebration of International Cuisine, Simply the Best Party, 8
pm. Enjoy a special evening of tasting gourmet cooking and dancing to
the tunes of DJ Allen. Reservations a must; donation $50 in advance;
$60 at door; children under twelve, $25. Reservations: church office,
718-224-2275.

May 11-14National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy, hosted
by St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

May 21An event not to be missed, A Benefit Dinner Dance Extravaganza,
sponsored by the Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence,
Rhode Island, at the West Valley Inn, 4 Blossum Street, West Warwick,
Rhode Island. Twenty-seven musicians from New England area are
generously donating their talent and time. Dinner at 6 pm; adults $35,
children (under 16) $25. Dance only $20. Dinner tickets by advance
sale only. Contact Joyce Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467.

May 22Celebration of the 95th anniversary of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, New York City, will take place at the Terrace on the Park,
Flushing Meadow Park, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan. Cocktails 5 pm; Dinner 6 pm.

June 11St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, presents
Armenian Food Festival, 11 am to 7 pm. Buffet served all day; take-out
available. Pastries, handmade jewelry, Armenian gifts, raffles, and
much more. For information contact church office, 978-685-5038.

October 23Student Festival in celebration of the Year of the Armenian
Child. Details will follow.
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] (mailto:[email protected]) to
your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

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

From: A. Papazian