Author: Andres-Papazian

Armenian National Committee of Australia
259 Penshurst Street, Willoughby NSW 2068
PO Box 768, Willoughby NSW 2068
Tel: (02) 9419 8264
Fax: (02) 9411 8898
Email: [email protected]
Web:

Diaspora Minister raises Genocide recognition and NKR independence with
Australian MPs

SYDNEY: Minister of Diaspora for the Republic of Armenia, the Hon. Hranoush
Hakobyan visited the New South Wales State Parliament and met with State and
Federal Parliamentarians during her short stay in Australia.

The meetings, facilitated by the Armenian National Committee of Australia
(ANC Australia), with Joe Hockey MP, Paul Fletcher MP, Gladys Berejiklian MP
and Jonathan O’Dea MP, provided the Diaspora Minister with a valuable
opportunity to present the views of the Armenian government regarding
Armenian Genocide recognition and Nagorno Karabakh independence.

Responding to the enquiries raised by the MPs, Hakobyan also shed light on
the mission of the Diaspora Ministry and the reasons for its existence,
paving the way for expanded discussions on the historical reality of the
Armenian Genocide and the worldwide Armenian Diaspora.

`The pursuit of universal recognition and condemnation of the Armenian
Genocide and advocacy for recognition of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh as
an independent state remain the two most pressing foreign policy objectives
of the government of Armenia,’ said Minister Hakobyan.

ANC Australia Executive Director Varant Meguerditchian, who accompanied
Minister Hakobyan during her visit, outlined the importance of her meetings
with Australian parliamentarians.

`In discussions with Australian MPs, Minister Hakobyan and ANC Australia
together emphasised that the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian-Australian
community remain united on the dual issues of Armenian Genocide recognition
and Nagorno Karabakh independence,’ he said.

`Topics often raised by ANC Australia with Australian MPs were today
reinforced as a result of the messages communicated by Minister Hakobyan.’

The Australian parliamentarians who received Minister Hakobyan have a track
record in working with ANC Australia to advocate issues of concern for the
Armenian community. Hockey has, for several years, been a staunch supporter
of Armenian Genocide recognition in the Federal Parliament, while Fletcher
and O’Dea have lent support to the independence of Nagorno Karabakh during
public speeches. Recently re-elected, Berejiklian has served as a former
board member of ANC Australia.

Minister Hakobyan was on an official visit to Australia to further promote
relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian-Australian
community. This week Hakobyan visited multiple community establishments
including the Armenian Cultural Centre in Willoughby and the Hamazkaine
Galstaun College in Ingleside.

Hakobyan also appeared at various community gatherings including a
communitywide presentation, held on Tuesday, March 29 at the
Austral-Armenian Centre, which attracted more than 500 attendees.

From: A. Papazian

03/31/2011

Armenian Genocide survivors remember

by Andrew Benjamin , Chronicle Contributor

Perouz Kalousdian, above, Charlotte Kechejian and Arsalos Dadir will
all attend a commemoration of the Armenian Genocide they survived on
May 1 in Manhattan. PHOTOS BY ANDREW BENJAMIN

`We suffered and we suffered and we and suffered. I’ll never forget,’
recalled 101-year-old Perouz Kalousdian. Kalousdian is a resident of
the New York Armenian Home in Flushing and is one of three survivors
of the Armenian genocide who lives there.
This year marks the 96th anniversary of the start of the
Armenian genocide. Turkish leaders of the Ottoman Empire are believed
to have slaughtered 1.5 million Armenians from 1915 through 1923, in
what historians consider one of the first modern systematic campaigns
to eliminate an
entire racial group. Though some deny the systematic nature and
extent of the killings, they were recorded in contemporaneous
accounts, including in a book by the American ambassador to the
Ottoman Empire, Henry Morgenthau.
The anniversary is to be commemorated with an honor to those who
survived in Times Square on May 1 at 2 p.m.
Three survivors who will attend the ceremony spoke to the press on
Sunday about the horrors they saw and their struggle to survive.
Despite her age, Kalousdian has a clear memory of Turkish soldiers
rounding up the men in Palu, the village she lived in. `They took all
the men. They took them and shot them,’ she said.
Just 6 years old, she also witnessed soldiers tying males up two by
two and throwing them over a bridge into the River Euphrates.
As a way to keep her safe, Kalousdian’s mother put her in an
American orphanage in Kharpet, now known as Elazig. At the orphanage,
she learned how to knit and sew.
Her father, who was living in the United States, sent money to her
and her mother, with the hope they would eventually come to America.
`It was always in my mind that we would be going
to America,’ she said. At 14, she and her mother came to New York and
became citizens.
The next survivor who spoke was 98-year-old Charlotte
Kechejian. From Nikhda, she was 10 years old when her father was taken
away and killed by the Turks. Her last memory of him was of his
wanting to hug his family, but the soldiers refused to let him.
She and her mother were forced to walk in the scorching desert to
escape further persecution.
Kechejian couldn’t remember how long she traveled in the
desert, but said it felt like an eternity. `I thought it was so long,’
she said. `I’ll never get out of it.’
Kechejian and her mother barely got any food or water, but both
managed to survive. Her mother instilled hope that it would not last
long. `’It’s a temporary thing,” Kechejian recalled her mother
saying. `’So just grin and bear it.”
She was put into an orphanage for some time, and then came to
America with her mother. Asking for her daughter’s approval, her
mother remarried, and Kechejian finished high school and found work at
various department stores.
The last survivor to speak was 97-year-old Arsalos Dadir. Growing
up in the village of Shabin-Karahisar, she came from a wealthy
family. Turkish soldiers forced her family out of their home. Her
father was killed by the soldiers.
Speaking through an interpreter, she talked of how little there was
to eat. `My mother would go out and [take out bread] from the cupboard
and it would be that small,’ she said extending her
pointer finger. She and her siblings `would cry for more.’
She and her family survived thanks to her Turkish neighbors, who hid
them in a chicken coop.
Her family moved to Constantinople, now Istanbul. On the
way there, her three siblings contracted tuberculosis and died. She
was the only survivor. She married there and raised two sons, who
brought her to America.
After she was done speaking, she looked at everyone and remarked
`May God never reduce the number of people like you all around us.’

©Queens Chronicle 2011
‘

From: A. Papazian

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

TOP STORY March 31,2011

_A Feast for the Spirit in April _

April begins on Friday-and with it begins one of the most active and
consequential months in the Armenian Church calendar.

Across the Eastern Diocese, local parishes are continuing their Lenten
programs, in anticipation of Palm Sunday (April 17) and the Holy Week
observances of Holy Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (April 21, 22,
23)-dramatizing the great events from the final days of Christ’s earthly
ministry.

That drama reaches its climax on Easter Sunday (April 24), when the church
rejoices over Christ’s triumph over evil and death, through his glorious
resurrection.

A rare conjunction of dates in 2011 places Easter on the date usually
designated for Armenian Martyrs Day. Please note that Diocesan parishes will
be observing Martyrs Day on the day _after _Easter-Monday, April 25-at which
time requiem services will be held in memory of the martyrs of the 1915
Armenian Genocide.

The month will conclude with the Eastern Diocese’s annual gathering, the
109th Diocesan Assembly, convening this year in Boston, MA. The Holy Trinity
Church of Cambridge, MA, is hosting the annual Diocesan Clergy Conference
(April 26-28) and the Diocesan Assembly itself (April 28-May1), as well as
concurrent organizational gatherings like the Women’s Guild Assembly (April
29-30).

Look for features on all of these events in the present and upcoming
editions of the Diocesan e-Newsletter, and on the Diocesan [4]website. And
please contact your local parish for information on its own activities
throughout the month, so you and your family can enrich your lives with the
spiritual treasures of the Armenian Church.
Links:
4.

Scripture of the Week

Mk 13:1-37
Is 65:8-25
Phil 3:1-4:9
Lk 17:20-18:14

Prayer of the week

O Lord, send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring
me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of
God, and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_2 April:_ Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

_3 April:_ Sunday of the Judge

_7 April:_ Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

A cornerstone blessing ceremony for a new church in Armavir was held this
week.

_New Church to be Built in Armavir, Armenia_

On Monday, March 28, a ground blessing ceremony was held for a new church in
the Perkashad village of Armenia’s northwestern Armavir Province.

The village has long been without a church, and one of its former residents,
Mr. Khachatur Khachatryan, stepped forward to sponsor the project. Mr.
Khachatryan currently resides in Kiev, Ukraine.

Bishop Sion Adamian, the Primate of the Armavir Diocese, presided over the
cornerstone blessing ceremony. Archbishop Grigoris Buniatian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Ukraine, also took part in the ceremony.

The new church is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2012.

_History Written in Thread _

A wonderful article in the March 30 online edition of the _New York Times_
tells how officials of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul, along with a
pair of American scholars, have preserved and documented a treasure trove of
Armenian textiles-some dating from the 1700s.

In studying these exquisite works of art-which in their day were put to
actual use as liturgical vestments, altar curtains, and vessel coverings-the
researchers gained a fresh appreciation for the devotional life of
generations of Armenian Christian women.

With the Eastern Diocese poised to embark on a year-long exploration of lay
ministry in the Armenian Church, the article is a beautiful reminder of how
pious Armenian women offered their artistic talent, and their fine
embroidery work, to illuminate the faith for the larger community of
believers.

The _Times_ online piece, titled `A Culture’s History Written in Thread,’
includes a splendid photo gallery of some of the finer pieces on display in
an underground museum at the Armenian Patriarchate. To read the article, and
view the gallery, click [5]here.
Links:
5.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Clergy from the Diocese’s Midwest region met for their annual retreat this
week.

_Midwest Clergy Gather for Lenten Retreat _

Clergy from the Midwest region gathered this week for a three-day Lenten
retreat in Ingleside, IL. The program began on Monday, March 28, with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presiding.

Organized by Diocesan Vicar, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, the
retreat focused on the centrality of prayer in a priest’s life. Through a
series of Bible study and discussion sessions clergy examined personal and
liturgical prayer and its importance in a pastor’s life and ministry.

Clergy also took part in daily morning, midday, evening, and nighttime
prayers. The 17 participants included clergy from across the Midwest. A
similar retreat is scheduled for the New England region in Whitensville, MA,
next week.

Members of the Fund for Armenian Relief board of directors met at the
Diocesan Center today.

_FAR Board Reviews Latest Activities and Plans _

Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presided over a meeting of the
Fund for Armenian Relief board of directors on March 31 at the Diocesan
Center in New York.

The board heard updates on FAR’s most recent humanitarian and developmental
projects involving orphans, handicapped children, educational opportunities,
and improving the quality of life for the most vulnerable people of Armenia.
With an eye to the future, the board discussed strategic priorities for the
coming year.

Also reviewed and approved was a financial performance report conducted by
independent auditors, which praised FAR for its overall integrity, its
strict adherence to internal control policies, and the transparency of its
activities.

Delegates at last year’s Diocesan Assembly in Chicago, IL.

_109th Diocesan Assembly to be Held in Boston _

This year’s Clergy Conference and Annual Diocesan Assembly-themed
`Vocations-The Call to Serve: Ministry of the Faithful’-will be hosted by
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA.

The_ Clergy Conference_ will be held at the Connors Family Retreat and
Conference Center in Dover, MA, from Tuesday, April 26 to Thursday, April
28. 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).

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 Mr. Sarkis Bedevian and 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.

For more information, [6]click here to visit the parish’s Assembly website.
Links:
6.

_Holy Week and Easter at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral
_
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will observe Holy Week, April 17 through April
24, with a series of special services, culminating in the Easter Sunday
celebration on April 24, 2011.

Holy Week is the sacred commemoration of the dramatic events leading to the
resurrection of Jesus Christ, his victory over death, and the redemption of
humanity and the fallen world. The Armenian Church re-enacts these episodes
in the days leading up to Easter.

An unusual conjunction of the calendar this year places Easter Sunday on the
date designated for observance of Armenian Martyrs Day, in commemoration of
the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Please note that at St. Vartan Cathedral, and
at parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese, April 24 will be reserved for
the full Easter celebration; Martyrs Day, with its traditional requiem
service, will be observed on Monday, April 25.
[7]
Click here for a complete schedule of services.
Links:
7.

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

_Dignitaries Joining FAR’s Tribute to Charles Aznavour _

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 [8]
Links:
8.

Aghtamar Church, a precious jewel of Armenian architecture, on an island in
Lake Van.

_FAR’s Young Professionals Trip to Tour Historic Armenia_

For the first time, the Fund for Armenian Relief’s `Hayastani Kidak
Society’ Young Professionals Trip will include a tour of historic Armenian
lands in eastern Turkey as part of its itinerary. The year 2011 marks the
16th summer that FAR has held the two-week trip, which also includes an
extensive and enriching tour around Armenia.

This year, participants will be able to visit incredible historic sites like
Armenia’s magnificent former capital of Ani, the holy island of Aghtamar, as
well as Kars and Van. The trip provides an ideal opportunity for young
professionals between the ages of 23 and 40 to travel to Armenia as a group,
learn about the country and culture firsthand, and become acquainted with
FAR’s projects.

[9]Click here to learn more about the trip, on the FAR blog.
Links:
9.

PARISH NEWS

Fr. Tateos Abdalian with children at St. Garabed Church of Baton Rouge, LA.

_Baton Rouge Parish Prepares for Easter_

St. Garabed Church of Baton Rouge, LA, welcomed Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian, as well as Diocesan Mission Parishes director, the Rev. Fr. Tateos
Abdalian, to the community on the weekend of March 25-28.

On Saturday, Fr. Abdalian spoke to Sunday School students on Great Lent, and
on how to prepare for Easter. Later, he met with the local ACYOA to discuss
their involvement in church activities. A choir rehearsal in preparation for
Holy Week and Easter was also held.

On Sunday, Fr. Abdalian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and Archbishop
Gizirian delivered a homily on the parable of the shrewd manager, and on the
need to use the Lenten season to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit. A meal
in the church hall followed services.

Parishioners of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida mission parish
gather for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy (photo by J. Meghreblian
via naplesnews.com).

_Badarak Closes Winter Season in Southwest Florida _

Diocesan Mission Parishes director, the Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, led more
than 125 parishioners of the Armenian Church community of Southwest Florida,
in a celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 20. The occasion was
an uplifting way to close the annual winter season, during which the
community fills with vacationers from colder climes.

Following the liturgy, people gathered in the hall of a local Episcopal
Church for a Lenten luncheon and program, where Parish Council chair Carole
Meghreblian welcomed the crowd, and Fr. Abdalian encouraged them to return
to their home parishes with a refreshed spirit of Christian witness.

An informal `quiz-contest,’ using questions from the `Armenian Church
Hye-Q’ game created by the Diocesan Department of Youth and Education,
brought out the competitive spirit in the attendees, and rounded out the day
and the local winter season.

For more information about the parish, or to join its mailing list, contact
Carole Meghreblian at (239) 348-3804, or at [10][email protected].
[11]Click here to read an article about the parish written for the local
newspaper.
Links:
10. mailto:[email protected]
11.

_Upcoming Parish Events _

_Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI _
The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
will host Professor Rouben Shugarian, Armenia’s first Ambassador to the
United States, on Saturday, April 2, at 7 p.m.

The evening is being organized in commemoration of the 96th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide. Professor Shugarian’s talk is titled “The Recent
History of the International Mediation of Armenian-Turkish Relations. The
Basic Mistakes.”

[12]Click here for more information.
Links:
12.

_Holy Cross Church | Union City, NJ_
The Women’s Guild of Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, will host a `Women
Saintly Day’ program on Saturday, April 2, beginning at 11 a.m.

The day will include a worship service in the church sanctuary, followed by
a luncheon and program at the Holy Cross Church Center.

Donation is $20. Reservations must be made by Saturday, March 26. For more
information, contact the church office at (201) 864-2480, or Diana Burggraf
at (201) 868-0520.

_Holy Trinity Church | Cheltenham, PA_
The Women’s Guild of Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, will host the
annual Saintly Women’s Day program on Saturday, April 2. Ladies from all
the Armenian churches in Philadelphia are invited to participate in the
event.

The day will begin at 11 a.m. with a worship service. The service will be
followed by a Lenten luncheon and program, featuring guest speaker Maria
Bakalian. For more information, contact the church office at (215) 663-1600.

_St. Mary Church | Livingston, NJ_
The Women’s Guild of St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, will host a
mid-Lenten luncheon on Sunday, April 3, beginning at noon.

The family-style meal will be held in the church’s Toufayan Hall. Donation
is $15 for adults; free for children. For more information, call the church
office at (973) 533-9794.

_Holy Ascension Church | Trumbull, CT_
The Church of the Holy Ascension of Trumbull, CT, will host a Lenten
luncheon and program on Sunday, April 3, at 12:15 p.m. in the
Agahigian-Sherinian Church Hall.

The Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, parish pastor, will speak about the
challenges facing the Armenian Church.

The free event is part of a series of programs organized in celebration of
the 80th anniversary of Holy Ascension Church.

_Holy Translators Church | Framingham, MA_
On Thursday, April 7, the Church of the Holy Translators of Framingham, MA,
and the National Association of Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) will
cosponsor an evening with Dr. Richard Hovannisian, AEF Professor of Modern
Armenian History at UCLA. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Titled “In Search of Armenian Cilicia,” Dr. Hovannisian’s talk will offer an
illustrated presentation about his trip to historic Cilicia. The
presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. Dr.
Hovannisian’s books will be available for sale.

The evening will be held in the fellowship hall at Holy Translators Church.
For more information, contact Stepan Piligian at (508) 574-4130 or
[13][email protected].
Links:
13. mailto:[email protected]

_St. Vartan Cathedral | New York, NY_
On Wednesday, April 13, the St. Vartan Cathedral Council will sponsor a
Lenten lecture by Dr. Roberta Ervine of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. Dr.
Ervine will speak on “The Rock at the Tree: Armenian Faith and the Cross.”

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. For more information, contact the
cathedral office at (212) 686-0710, ext. 141.

_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.
Contributions for the event booklet must be made by March 31. [14]Click here
for more information.
Links:
14.

EVENTS

Participants at last year’s Walk for Faith event at St. Nersess Seminary.

_St. Nersess Seminary Walk for Faith Event on Sunday _

The third annual St. Nersess Armenian Seminary Walk for Faith fundraiser
will be held on Sunday, April 3. The goal is to raise $20,000 to benefit the
various youth and vocations programs offered by the seminary.

The day will begin with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the
seminary’s chapel, followed by lunch and the 3K walk in the seminary’s New
Rochelle, NY, neighborhood.

For the first time this year, the event will include an inspirational rally
immediately before participants set out for the walk. `During the
seminary’s 50th anniversary year, we want to make this Walk for Faith a bit
more special than in years past,’ said the Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian,
who is organizing the walkathon.
[15]
Click here for more information.
Links:
15.

Zabel Yesayan.

_Film Screening at the Zohrab Center Next Week _

The Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center will screen the
film “Finding Zabel Yesayan” on Thursday, April 7, at 7 p.m.

The 40-minute documentary traces the life of the Armenian writer and
activist Zabel Yesayan, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide who later
settled in Soviet Armenia.
[16]
Click here to view a flyer.
Links:
16.

YOUTH NEWS

Young people from nine parishes took part in the ACYOA National Lenten
Retreat last weekend.

_ACYOA Meets for National Lenten Retreat_

Young people from nine parishes across the Eastern Diocese gathered in
Michigan last weekend to learn about the importance of prayer in daily life.

Titled `Conversations with God for a New Generation,’ the National Lenten
Retreat was led by the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary, and was sponsored by the ACYOA Central Council.

Meeting from Friday, March 25 to Sunday, March 27, the ACYOA members took
part in presentations such as `Prayer: Definitions and Directions,’ `Psalms:
The Heart of Prayer,’ `Narek: From the Depths of the Heart,’ `Beginning to
Pray: A How-to Guide,’ and `Seeing God: A Toumanian Tale.’

Instructors included the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of St. Gregory
the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL; the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian,
pastor of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI; and ACYOA executive
secretary Nancy Basmajian.

[17]Click here to read more.
Links:
17.

ACYOA Juniors Retreat participants at St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL.

_Florida Holds an ACYOA Juniors Retreat_

Diocesan Youth Outreach coordinator Jennifer Morris traveled to Florida last
weekend to lead that state’s first Diocesan-sponsored ACYOA Juniors regional
retreat.

Three Florida parishes-St. Mary (in Hollywood), St. Hagop (in St.
Petersburg), and St. David (in Boca Raton)-sent a total of 23 teenagers to
the St. Mary Church, for a 24-hour retreat and `lock-in,’ where the youth
were led in talks and activities on the topic `Communicating Through
Christ.’

Sessions were led by the Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, pastor of St. Mary
Church; Dn. Justin Ajamian, pastoral intern at St. David Church; and Ms.
Morris. A Saturday evening campfire and vespers service encouraged attendees
to reflect on the day’s sessions, with the entire event concluding on Sunday
with the Divine Liturgy and a luncheon provided by the hosting St. Mary
parish.

Two more ACYOA Juniors retreats are scheduled for the upcoming weeks:

_New York Metro/Mid-Atlantic Regional Retreat_, at Don Bosco and Marian
Shrine Retreat Center (Stony Point, NY); Friday-Sunday, April 1-3 (ending
with the third annual St. Nersess 3K Walk for Faith, on April 3).

_Michigan/Ohio Regional Retreat_, at Camp Ohiyesa (Holly, MI);
Friday-Sunday, April 8-10.

To receive registration packets for these events, contact your parish priest
or youth advisor, or e-mail Jennifer Morris at
[18][email protected].
Links:
18. mailto:[email protected]

Fr. Krikor Sabounjian with staff members at St. Vartan Camp.

_Register Now for Diocesan Summer Camps_

The first two weeks of spring have flown by (although at this writing winter
still seems to have some life in it), and the Diocesan Summer Camp programs
are gearing up for another season. Both camps are taking applications for
the following sessions:

_Hye Camp 2011, housed at Camp Hickory in Ingleside, IL_
Staff Training: Thursday, July 27 – Saturday, July 30
Camp Session: Saturday, July 30 – Saturday, August 6

_St. Vartan Camp 2011, housed at the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY_
Staff Training: Wednesday, June 22 – Saturday, June 25
Session A: Sunday, June 26 – Saturday, July 9
Session B: Sunday, July 10 – Saturday, July 23
Session C: Sunday, July 24 – Saturday, August 6

Applications for Midwest Hye Camp are now available for download. [19]Click
here to download and print camper, CIT, staff, and volunteer application
forms. Register by June 1 to take advantage of the early-bird discount.
Links:
19.

St. Vartan Camp registration may be completed online. [20]Click here to
register online for St. Vartan Camp.
Links:
20.

For information about Hye Camp and St. Vartan Camp, contact Jennifer Morris,
Youth Outreach coordinator, at (212) 686-0710, ext. 118, or
[21][email protected].
Links:
21. mailto:[email protected]

From: A. Papazian

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:

March 31, 2011

MUSICAL ARMENIA ARTISTS THRILL AUDIENCE
The 28th Musical Armenia concert last Sunday was received with great
enthusiasm and appreciation. The two talented featured artists, Karen
Hakobyan and Joao Kouyoumdjian, enthralled the near-capacity audience
at Carnegie Halls Weill Recital Hall in Manhattan.
Archbishop Oshagan hosted a reception after the concert at the
Prelacys Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall, providing an opportunity
for the artists and their families to meet some of the audience, the
patrons, and committee members who worked for months in organizing and
promoting the concert. The Prelate praised the two performers for an
outstanding concert. He noted the importance of the Musical Armenia
series which for nearly 30 years has been promoting young talent. I am
very proud that the Prelacy has been able to continue this concert
series since the first concert in 1982, and I look forward to its
continuation into the foreseeable future, the Prelate said. He
expressed his thanks the Prelacy Ladies Guild, the Organizing
Committee, and to the generous patrons.
Archbishop Oshagan congratulates the artists during reception at the
Prelacy.
Archbishop Oshagan with committee members and the artists holding the
concert poster.

LENTEN PROGRAM CONTINUES
The fourth of the six-part Prelacy Lenten program took place yesterday
evening, March 30, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan,
the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy. The lecture The Miracle of
Children A Psychological Perspective was presented by Dn. Vahan
Kouyoumdjian, M.D.
Dn. Vahan highlighted how miraculously children are created
and discussed different stages of childrens development, and how at
each stage they have special needs and ways parents should meet those
needs for kids to grow up healthy. A lively discussion ensued after
his informative presentation.
In celebration of the Year of the Armenian Child, as proclaimed
by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, all
of the Lenten lectures this year will focus on children. Next
Wednesday, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, AREC Director, will speak about
Religious and Moral Development of Children.
The Lenten programs begin with table fellowship at 7:15 pm,
followed by Lenten Service (Husgoom) at 8:00 pm, and lecture and Q/A
from 8:30 pm to 9:15 pm. The Lenten program is sponsored by the
Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy
Ladies Guild, and the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators Cathedral. For
further information contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810 or the church
office at 212-689-5880.
Dn. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, M.D., presents a psychological perspective on
children.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS CONFERENCE
Twenty-one Sunday School teachers and directors from eight Prelacy
parishes, and six instructors, plus clergy and guests from the New
England region, gathered at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas
Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, for a conference on The Feasts of
the Armenian Church, last weekend, March 25-27, 2011. Sponsored by the
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the three-day conference
included morning and evening worship services, presentations and
workshops, as well as networking teaching ideas and Sunday School
programs.
H. G. Bishop Anoushavan, Prelacy Vicar, presented Easter in the
Armenian Christian Tradition; Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of
St. Stephens Church (MA), Nativity and Theophany in the Armenian
Christian Tradition; Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of St.
Asdvadzadzin Church (MA) and Chairman of the Prelacys Religious
Council, the message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on the Year of
the Armenian Child; Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, pastor of St. Gregory
the Illuminator Church (MA), taught Easter and Christmas sharagans;
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC, spoke about The Calendar of the
Armenian Church; Mary M. Shamshoian-Olson, Ed.D., Chief Academic
Officer, Consolidated School District 158 (Illinois), led two
workshops on teaching the feasts of the Armenian Church in Sunday
School.
Teachers and presenters at the Conference for Sunday School teachers.

For more photos click here (

).

PRELATE WILL BE IN NEW JERSEY
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and Arevakal
Service this Sunday at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey. The services will be celebrated by the parish priest,
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian. Archbishop Oshagan will deliver the sermon.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL SPEAK ABOUT BIBLE TRANSLATION
Archbishop Oshagan will lecture tomorrow, April 1, at St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York. His Eminence will speak about Bible
translation. The lecture is at 7:30 pm, after Vespers at 6:30; table
fellowship will follow the lecture.

ANEC DIRECTOR VISITS SCHOOLS
The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) met on Saturday,
March 19, at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The
members discussed forthcoming activities, as well as reports on visits
to several Saturday and day schools within the jurisdiction of ANEC.
Dr. Vartan Matiossian, director of ANEC, visited the Nareg
Saturday School of Sts. Vartanantz Church in New Jersey, on February
19. He conferred with the principal, Mrs. Knar Apkarian, and also
observed several classes. During a seminar/meeting with the
administration and faculty of the school on Saturday, March 19, he
shared his observations about educational and curriculum aspects, and
offered various suggestions for the improvement of work in class.
Dr. Matiossian also visited the St. Illuminator Armenian Day
School in Woodside, New York on March 15. He met with the principal,
Ms. Christine Reiglehoff; the secretary, Mr. Sarkis Apelian; and the
chairman of the Board of Education, Dr. Herand Markarian. He also
observed several classes in English and Armenian.

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 (

).

NEWLY ELECTED TRUSTEES JOIN BOARD
OF ST. GREGORY, NORTH ANDOVER
Newly elected trustees joined with existing members at St. Gregory
Church, North Andover, Massachusetts. The parish is currently
undergoing extensive interior renovations. Renovations to the church
foyer and side staircases are almost complete. Major renovations to
the churchs sanctuary will begin later this spring. During this time
services will take place at the parishs Jaffarian Hall. Also planned
is the installation of a wheelchair lift.
The Board of Trustees of St. Gregory Church, front row, left to right:
Richard Shahtanian, Chairman John Kulunjian, Rev. Fr. Karekin
Bedourian, Nancy Vartabedian, Christine Kourkounian, and Karen
Aznoian. Second row, left to right: Joseph Almasian, Gregory Minasian,
John Jeknavorian, Dr. John Saryan, and Alexander Movsesian.

BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, April 3, Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday
of the Judge, are: Isaiah 65:8-25; Philippians 3:1-4:9: Luke
17:20-18:14.
Thus says the Lord: As the wine is found in the cluster, and
they say, Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it, so I will
do for my servants sake, and not destroy them all. I will bring forth
descendants from Jacob, and from Judah inheritors of my mountains; my
chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall settle there. Sharon
shall become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a place for
herds to lie down, for my people who have sought me. But you who
forsake the Lord, who forget my holy mountain, who set a table for
Fortune and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny; I will destine you to
the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter; because,
when I called, you did not answer, when I spoke, you did not listen,
but you did what was evil in my sight, and chose what I did not
delight in.
Therefore thus says the Lord God: My servants shall eat, but
you shall be hungry; my servants shall drink, but you shall be
thirsty; my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame; my
servants shall sing for gladness of heart, but you shall cry out for
pain of heart, and shall wail for anguish of spirit. You shall leave
your name to my chosen to use as a curse, and the Lord God will put
you to death; but to his servants he will give a different name. Then
whoever invokes a blessing in the land shall bless by the God of
faithfulness, and whoever takes an oath in the land shall swear by the
God of faithfulness; because the former troubles are forgotten and are
hidden from my sight.
For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the
former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and
rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create
Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in
Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of
weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be
in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does
not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be
considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be
considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they
shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and
another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the
days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall
long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lordand their descendants
as well. Before they call I will answer, while they are not yet
speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the
lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpentits food shall be
dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountains, says
the Lord. (Isaiah 65:8-25)

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

).

SUNDAY OF THE JUDGE
We are now more than half-way through Great Lent. This Sunday, April
3, is the Sunday of the Judge (Datavori Kiraki). The Gospel reading
for this day is the parable told by Jesus about a widow and a judge
(see Luke 18:1-8). The judge in this parable is seen as hard-hearted
and without principles, fear of God, or regard for people. A widow in
the same town has been ill-treated and she has come to the judge for
justice. Although her cause is just, the judge does not pay attention
to her case. However, she is persistent and she makes the same appeal
again and again until at last the judge decides to see that she
receives justice. He does this not because he cares for justice, but
because he wants to be rid of the widow.
The message of this parable is that we must persevere and
pursue righteousness and justice relentlessly with the confidence that
perseverance (especially in prayer) will be rewarded.

FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTIA
This Saturday, April 2, the Armenian Church commemorates the Forty
Martyrs of Sebastia. Although the backgrounds and identities of the
forty young soldiers are not certain, it is believed they came from
Lesser Armenia and served in the Roman army. According to St. Basil of
Caesarea, forty Christian soldiers refused to worship the Roman
emperor while stationed in Sebastia in Armenia in 320. They remained
faithful to their Christian faith. The soldiers were tried and
condemned to death by stoning. Miraculously, when the sentence was
being carried out, the stones would not reach the condemned soldiers,
but would instead come back striking those throwing the stones. The
soldiers were than thrown into a frozen lake and forced to stay there,
unless they renounced their faith. Warm baths were prepared for anyone
who would recant. Of the forty, only one gave up. When he did, another
soldier, moved by the example of the suffering Christians, declared
himself a Chr!
istian and took the apostates place. All forty died.
Some of our great church fathers like Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, Ephraim
the Assyrian, and Sisian of Sebastia, wrote panegyrics about the forty
martyrs. Their memory is commemorated each year during Lent on the
Saturday following the median day of Lent (Meechink), which was
yesterday. The Armenians have built and named churches in memory of
the Forty Martyrs in various parts of the world.
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE DILEMMA
Well-known journalist Tom Vartabedian recently wrote an article which
he titled, Is Armenian Language Dying a Slow Death in America? The
article prompted an enormous response from the Armenian community. But
the responses Tom appreciated most of all were from the youngsters in
his own parish, St. Gregory Church in North Andover, Massachusetts.
Ten year old Meline Almasian offered her solution to preserving
the language: Go to church, hear the language spoken, and treat it
like a learning lesson. If any language dies, its only because people
let it die. Its up to all of us to keep the language aliveyoung and
old.
Aghavny Bebirian, 18, comes from a family that speaks Armenian
at home, and most of the youngsters agreed that this was important.
Aghavny said, Its up to our current generation to take the bull by the
horns. To save it, we must learn it, speak it, and more importantly
pass it along to others.
Thirteen-year-old John Mahlebjian noted, In order to keep our
identity, it starts with the language. If we cant communicate words,
we can communicate feelings. If parents dont use it in the home, its
hard for their children to learn.

To read all of the responses click here (

).

To read Toms original article click here (

).

BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY CONTINUES SEARCH
Two members of the Armenian community in New Jersey, Irene Hamptian
Katrandjian and Varoujan Vartanian, are in need of a stem cell match.
The search is continuing through the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor
Registry. The effort for donors is minimal, painless, and free. You
could be the one to save a life. Two more recruitment drives will take
place as follows:
On Palm Sunday, April 17, a recruitment drive will take place
at Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. On Easter Sunday, April 24, a recruitment
drive will take place at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City, from 10:30 to 2:00 pm.
Meline Almasian plays a word game in Armenian School, using a fun
approach.
Aghavny Bebirian has visions of the Armenian alphabet dancing in her
mind.
Please remember: The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
(ABMDR) is in need of funds to cover the cost of processing the
samples. It costs $50 per sample. Please consider making a
tax-deductible donation in any amount. Donations may be sent to:
ABNDR, c/o Carol Haddad, 74 Eastbrook Drive, River Edge, NJ 07661.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE.
Besides books the Prelacy Bookstore offers unusual, one-of-a-kind
jewelry.

This week bring to your attention:

Lovely pendants created by an Armenian jewelry designer, Ludwig.

Each one is $60, plus shipping and handling.

To order contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or by
phone at 212-689-7810.

Also from the Bookstore
>From time to time you have been receiving emails from the Bookstore
featuring new and old editions of publications in English and
Armenian. This list is prepared by the Armenian National Education
Committee (ANEC). Henceforth, this twice-monthly book list will be
offered as a link through Crossroads. To see the latest list of books
click here (

).
, , [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) (212) 689-7810

CONFERENCE ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ORAL HISTORY
This Saturday, April 2, an international conference will take place at
UCLA focusing on the Armenian Genocide oral history collections in
North America. It is organized by Richard G. Hovannisian, UCLA
Armenian Education Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian History. We
have just received notification that the conference will be streamed
live. Connect by going to the web site: Armenianhistory.ucla.edu (

) and click on Events where the link for the conference may be
opened. The conference will begin at 9:30 am, Pacific Time (12:30 pm,
Eastern Time).
The conference is possible through the support of UCLA Center
for Near Eastern Studies, Souren and Verkin Papazian Fund, and Bob and
Nora Movel Fund.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 6 through LentSt. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic
Church, Granite City, Illinois, Lenten Bible Study Series 2011. Begins
Sunday, March 6, immediately following Divine Liturgy; continues every
Friday evening during Great Lent, from 6-7 pm. (Vigil service to
follow). Topic: Understanding the Divine Liturgy (Because lets face
it, you dont!). A detailed look at the origins, structure, theology
and historical development of the Soorp Badarak.

March 9 to April 13Prelacy Lenten Lectures, every Wednesday during
Lent, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York
City. Fellowship at 7:15 pm; Lenten service at 8 pm; Lecture at 8:30
pm. For details click here (

).

April 1St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series, Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate of Eastern
Prelacy, will speak about Bible translation. Fellowship by the
Saturday School PTA. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm;
Fellowship 8:15 pm.

April 8St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series, Biblical Meditation on the Year of the
Armenian Child, by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of
St. Illuminators Cathedral. Fellowship hour by the Yeraz Dance
Ensemble. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.

April 9Evening service at 7 pm, followed by a reception for the
Pillars of the Prelacy in New England area, at St. Stephens Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts.

April 10St. Illuminators Cathedral, Pashalian Hall, New York,
Traditional Lenten Luncheon and Program, under the auspices of
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Organized and prepared by the
Cathedrals Ladies Guild; adults $25, children $10. For
information/reservations: 212-689-5880.

April 15St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education and Tradition series, For Christ our Passover lamb, has been
sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7)a Reflection on the Death of Christ, by
Deacon Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacys Armenian Religious
Education Council. Fellowship hour by the Senior Citizens
Group. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.

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 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.
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

Why did they kill Christians?
by Orhan Kemal Cengiz

01 April 2011, Friday

When members of the Ergenekon gang were arrested, starting with 2007,
several documents were seized from them, in their houses and
businesses. One of these documents was titled `Lobby,’ which explains
how and why Ergenekon would gain control over civil society in Turkey.

In 2004 and 2005, many ultranationalist associations were established.
All of these associations were established by a bunch of people all of
whom were in the core group of Ergenekon. They are Sevgi Erenerol,
Kemal Kerincsiz, Ergun Poyraz, Muammer Karabulut and Oktay Yildirim.
These people were also very active in the anti-Christian campaigns in
those years. I would like to give the names of some of the
organizations they established: the Turkish Revolutionaries
Association, the Association for the Union of Patriotic Forces, the
Grand Attorneys Association, the Ayasofya Association, the
International Father Christmas Peace Council, the Association for
Union of Great Powers, the National Union Movement Platform, the
National Industrialists and Businessmen Association, the Private
Security Sector Businessmen’s Union Association and the Leading Youth.

Again, all of these organizations were quite active in anti-Christian
campaigns in Turkey. In fact, everything starts with quite an ordinary
development. In 2002, the National Security Council (MGK), which
consists of high military commanders and members of the government,
defined `missionary activities’ as a national threat. There was a
parallel between this definition and the intense activity of those
associations that were established by Ergenekon members. The media
also gave much support in spreading paranoia about missionaries
amongst the whole population in Turkey. If you were to look at
`mainstream’ newspaper’ coverage between 2004 and 2007 you wouldn’t be
able to believe your eyes. You would get a sense that Turkey was being
invaded by Christian missionaries and that the country was about to be
divided. As I am writing this piece the second wave of the
investigation into the Ergenekon-Malatya massacre connection has just
started, and police have begun searching the homes of several theology
professors who are known for their anti-Christian and anti-missionary
stances. These professors were quite active in the war against
missionaries; they appeared on TV programs almost every day and tried
to convince the public how great a danger Turkey was in because of
missionary activities.

In my Wednesday piece, I tried to explain the strategic importance of
Malatya in all these anti-Christian campaigns. Last week a tape
recording and statement of a secret witness caused Ergenekon
prosecutors to start a wave of arrests targeting some gendarmerie
officers who were on active duty in 2007, when the Malatya Massacre
took place.

According to the statement of the secret witness, Deniz Uygar, a
former JITEM aide who was active in anti-Christian campaigns, the
local gendarmerie unit in Malatya, following the orders of their
superiors, decided to scare away missionaries in this city, and
through this action deter Christians across the country. They
evaluated the information collected about Emre Gunaydin and his
friends, who later killed three Christians by slitting their throats.
Uygar also says in order to prepare these youngsters for the murders
Ergenekon suspects gave seminars and spoke about missionary activity
in Malatya.

Connections between JITEM/Ergenekon and the Malatya massacres are not
limited to only these actions. We know two prime suspects in the
Ergenekon gang, former gendarmerie commander Sener Eruygur and former
commander of the 1st Army Hursit Tolon, used to visit Malatya. When
Tolon was arrested, police found a power point presentation prepared
by him on missionary activities and slides that included the
underlined name of Kayra Publishing, which was replaced with Zirve
Publishing, where the Malatya massacre took place.

I can tell you many other things that reveal a connection between
Ergenekon and the Malatya massacre, but I think this is already
enough. The Malatya massacre was an important event in the game of
manipulation that the Ergenekon gang was playing. They, on the one
hand, wanted the Turkish people to believe that there was a serious
`missionary’ danger in Turkey and wanted to mobilize nationalist
sentiments. On the other hand, they wanted to send a message to the
whole world by showing that as soon as an `Islamist party’ came to
power, Christians were massacred.

I think Father Andrea Santoro, Hrant Dink and the three Christians in
Malatya were killed for same purpose by JITEM/Ergenekon. While these
murders were carefully being planned, I believe the police were also
watching every step, without seeing the big picture. The police were
not concerned with the possibility of the murder of an Armenian and a
few missionaries. In this sense these murders present a quite
thought-provoking picture of the system in Turkey. However, following
recent developments in the Ergenekon case, I am quite hopeful for the
first time. I hope these important and hopeful developments are not
overshadowed by the hunt for Ahmet Sik’s book.

From: A. Papazian

MP says OSCE field report unprofessional

Thu 31 March 2011 10:45 GMT |
Ayten Mustafayeva

Azerbaijani MP Ayten Mustafayeva said OSCE MG Assessment Mission
report developed in unprofessional manner.

Ayten Mustafayeva, Director of the Azerbaijan National Academy of
Sciences Institute of Human Rights, member of the Azerbaijani
parliament has commented on the report developed by the OSCE MG Field
Assessment Mission following the visit to Azerbaijan’s occupied lands.

The human rights activist says the summary of the report on the
occupied lands developed by the Field Assessment Mission is a
controversial document, in which one paragraph contradicts the other.

‘At first, it says that towns and villages that existed before the
conflict are abandoned and almost entirely in ruins. While no reliable
figures exist, the overall population is roughly estimated as 14,000
persons, living in small settlements and in the towns of Lachin and
Kelbajar. … Settlers, for the most part ethnic Armenians who were
relocated to the territories from elsewhere in Azerbaijan…’.

However, the report fails to indicate links from where the figure
14,000 has been quoted. But the next paragraph says that many of the
illegal Armenian settlers do not possess documents identifying them. A
question arises: ‘Why the OSCE report says that they are refugees from
Azerbaijan?’ How did they discover that they are from Azerbaijan, but
not from Lebanon, Syria, Russia and other countries? This shows how
OSCE’s is irresponsible about what it does.

‘The statements about destruction and looting of the occupied
territories are nothing new since this can be seen from images taken
from space. This is a forced statement of a well-known fact, without
specifying that it has been all done by Armenian occupants. The report
fails to indicate that bases have been created for terrorists and
plantations have been laid to cultivate drugs that in the
Armenian-occupied territory of Azerbaijan and prisoners from
Azerbaijan are still being used as slaves in mines doing hard work.
While Azerbaijan and foreign sources have plenty of facts and evidence
about it, the OSCE mission report fails to cite them.’

‘With regard to illegal settlement of Armenians in the occupied
Azerbaijani lands, they are either criminals from various countries
hiding from justice, or those who were forcibly relocated here from
Armenia, as well as poor Armenian families resettled here from the
Middle East in exchange for money.

We also know that many of them are fleeing this land, because there
are no conditions to live. Except Khankandi and some settlements, all
occupied areas, towns and villages are in ruins,’ Mustafayeva
underscored.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA, SINGAPORE TO EXPAND BILATERAL RELATIONS

news.am
March 30 2011
Armenia

On March 24-29, Armenia’s Ambassador to Singapore Armen Sargsyan
(residence-Beijing) was on a visit to Singapore to hold meetings
with country’s top officials and participate in the events dedicated
to the 175th anniversary of the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the
Illuminator.

Sargsyan met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore George Yeo.

The sides discussed issues on bilateral relations, mutual visits
and establishment of cooperation between business circles, the press
service of Armenian Foreign Office informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

George Yeo expressed readiness to assist in development of
Armenia-Singapore relations. He also made a high appraisal of the
Armenian community’s role in the country’s economic, public and
cultural life.

On March 27, the foreign Minister attended the liturgy at St. Gregory
the Illuminator in Singapore at the Ambassador’s invitation and
delivered a congratulatory speech.

Armenian Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan, Archbishop Voskan
Kalpakyan, leader of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church
in Australia and New Zealand, Archbishop Aghan Paliozyan, over 160
Armenians from 14 countries attended the event.

From: A. Papazian

NO ARMENIAN REPLY TO BAKU’S CONCERN OVER KARABAKH FLIGHTS

news.az
March 30 2011
Azerbaijan

Separatist Nagorno Karabakh regime is not recognized as an independent
country.

Azerbaijan’s appeal to the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) to prevent Armenians from building an illegal airport and
organizing illegal flights to the occupied territories is a warning,
Deputy Director of Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation Administration
Fuad Guliyev said.

Guliyev said the Azerbaijani side is solid for the warning and
statements.

‘We have stated several times and reiterate that all flights to our
occupied territories are illegal. They will be prevented within the
framework of the legislation,’ he said.

Deputy Director said ICAO told Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation
Administration that organization had informed Yerevan about
Azerbaijan’s concern and warning.

Fuad Guliyev said separatist Nagorno Karabakh regime is not recognized
as an independent country.

‘Moreover, if Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation Administration does
not issue a certificate to the airport built in Khankendi, which is
an integral part of Azerbaijan, this airport will not be able to get
international status,’ he said.

Fuad Guliyev said they had not received any official written reply
from the Armenian side to Azerbaijan’s appeal and warning through ICAO.

Director of Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation Administration Arif
Mammadov had said physical destructive measures would be taken against
the planes flying to Khankendi airport ignoring Azerbaijan’s warning.

Civil Aviation Administration agreed with Defense Ministry and sent
a warning letter to the ICAO in October, 2010.

Following the statements, OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs and US ambassador
to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza called official Baku to avoid such step.

Moreover, Armenian side makes different statements too. They say that
such efforts of Baku will be prevented, even Azerbaijani planes will
not be allowed to fly over Armenia to Nakhchivan and Turkey.

Taking stance on Armenian statements, Azerbaijani experts on aviation
consider that all military and civil missiles flying over the occupied
territories are considered as ‘enemy’. National and international
laws let Azerbaijan take appropriate measures against the violation
of air space in the internationally recognized territories.

Air Defense Troops’ experts declare that they are able to carry
out measures against each military and civil aircrafts flying to
Azerbaijan’s Khankendi airport. If close location of Khankendi airport
to the front-line is taken into consideration, Air Defense Troops
can annihilate those aircrafts by using C-125 or C-200 complexes.

At the same time, it is possible to destroy navigation system of those
aircrafts by using modern radioelectronic methods, and annihilate
them without using any force. According to the words of experts, at
present, Azerbaijan’s air defense systems can control not only the
flights over Nagorno Karabakh, but also all the flights over Armenia.

Civil aircrafts fly especially at altitudes of 8-10 km, their speed
is lower than the military ones. Moreover, aircrafts rising from
Khankendi may be annihilated till the level of maximum altitude.

Note that, the first flight to Khankendi is considered to realize on
May 9 of this year.

From: A. Papazian

Kurdish civil disobedience continues in Turkey
31/03/2011

By Alina Lehtinen for Southeast European Times in Istanbul — 31/03/11

[Photo: Pro-Kurdish rallies took place at the weekend. (Reuters)]

Last week the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) called on
Kurds in Turkey to stage acts of civil disobedience by organising
sit-ins throughout southeast Turkey.

On Monday (March 28th), riots broke out in Siirt province when about
40,000 people marched to the alleged mass graves of 200 Kurds buried
in Kasapderesi.

The protests followed a BDP sit-in at Taksim Gezi Park on Sunday,
where participants chanted pro-Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) slogans.
Security was tight during the protest.

In the southeastern towns of Batman and Diyarbakir some BDP members,
as well as other protesters, were detained.

The situation is expected to remain deadlocked until the June 12th elections.

According to Professor Tarik Oguzlu from Bilkent University, the
ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is unlikely to make any
major changes to its policies towards the Kurdish problem before those
elections.

“I don’t expect the AKP to take any radical reform for this particular
problem in Turkey. Most likely they will keep silent,” said Oguzlu.

Turkey’s Kurdish population has been demanding basic rights and
autonomy for decades. However, their demands still have not been fully
addressed. In 2009, the government tried to tackle the problem with
its so-called “Kurdish Initiative”. However, analysts say it did not
meet with success.

“The whole enterprise backfired because of the government’s ineptitude
and the failure of all other parties in Turkey to be able to agree on
how to implement it,” Professor Michael Gunter from Tennessee Tech
University, an expert on the Kurdish issue, told SETimes.

The issue is highly sensitive in Turkey. Last week, Nobel
Prize-winning novelist Orhan Pamuk was fined more than 2,500 euros for
his comments in an interview with a Swiss newspaper in 2005 on the
number of Kurds and Armenians that have been killed on Turkish soil.

Turkey is not the only country currently facing unrest among its
Kurdish population.

“Kurdish people in Syria and Iraq are also revolting. The Kurdish
problem in Turkey is very much connected to the Kurdish problem in the
region,” Oguzlu explained.

Some experts are warning that the Kurds are trying to take the same
path as rebels in the Middle East and North Africa who are currently
toppling a succession of governments.

“The current Kurdish unrest in Turkey could receive a ‘boost’ from the
riots currently occurring in many other places throughout the Middle
East,” Gunter said.

However, Professor Erhan Kelesoglu of Istanbul University is hesitant
to make such claims.

“Some analysts think that Kurdish youths are quite furious against the
regime and very enthusiastic about the riots in the Middle East. We
will see the outcome in near future,” he said.

From: A. Papazian

U.S. AND TURKEY ASSESS DIFFERENTLY ISSUE OF OPENING OF AIRPORT ON AZERBAIJAN’S TERRITORIES OCCUPIED BY ARMENIA

Azerbaijan Business Center
March 30 2011

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. The U.S. and Turkey differ in opinion on
the occasion of expected opening of the airport (on 9 May) in the
Azerbaijani territories being occupied by Armenia.

Turkish ambassador Hulusi Kilic to Azerbaijan has stated today that
the decision on flights of airplanes to Khankendi (the administrative
centre of the Armenian-occupied areas) should be based on international
law

“We should not take steps that cause anxiety in Azerbaijan. Anyway,
Turkey has always been with Azerbaijan and supports it,” Kilic said.

Earlier, U.S. ambassador Matthew Bryza to Azerbaijan said that
Azerbaijan and Armenia should solve issues of safety of flights before
the opening of the airport in Khankendi.

State Civil Aviation Administration’s director Arif Mammadov, in turn,
claimed that Azerbaijan has the right to destroy aircrafts to land
in the currently-built airport in Khankendi.

In connection with this issue Azerbaijan has sent a warning sent to
the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),” Mammadov said.

As a result of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno Garabagh
conflict, Armenia has occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territory.

From: A. Papazian