Author: Andres-Papazian

V. ZATLERS: LATVIA SUPPORTS AND HAILS PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF NK CONFLICT

Panorama
March 9 2011
Armenia

The Republic of Latvia hails peaceful resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict in the sidelines of the OSCE Minsk Group, President of Latvia
Valdis Zatlers declared today in a joint news conference with President
of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.

“Latvia supports and hails peaceful and only peaceful resolution
through diplomacy and negotiations,” Latvia President stated having
underscored that, in fact, Minsk Group makes that guarantee.

“Any other action that may cause escalation of the situation is
unacceptable for us. The settlement is acceptable only in the format
of Minsk Group,” he said.

From: A. Papazian

RIGA AND YEREVAN PLAN TO OPEN EMBASSIES ONCE FINANCIAL SITUATION IMPROVES
Nina Kolyako

The Baltic Course

March 9 2011
Latvia

After the financial situation in both countries improves, Latvia plans
to open an embassy in the Armenian capital Yerevan, whilst Armenia
is planning to open an embassy in Riga, Latvian President Valdis
Zatlers said at a joint-press conference with Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan in Riga today.

Valdis Zatlers and Serzh Sargsyan. Riga, 9.03.2011. Photo: president.lv

Both presidents also pointed out during the press conference that,
despite the economic crisis, trade volume between Latvia and Armenia
has increased a bit the past several years, writes LETA.

Zatlers emphasized that the European Union’s Eastern Partnership
Initiative is very important for Latvia, and can offer its experience
and expertise to Armenia in a wide range of areas.

Both presidents were in agreement that the political dialogue between
Latvia and Armenia is very good, however, cooperation in other areas
has much potential.

As reported, Sargsyan began his official two-day visit to Latvia today.

Later today, Zatlers and Sargsyan will address a Latvia-Armenia
business forum at the “Radisson Blu Daugava” hotel.

This evening, Zatlers and First Lady Lilita Zatlere will host a dinner
in honor of the Armenian president.

Tomorrow, at 10 a.m., the Armenian president will have a working
breakfast with Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (Unity).

At 11 a.m., Sargsyan will conclude his visit to Latvia with a visit
to the Armenian Apostolic Church in Riga.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY: AZERBAIJANI DEFENSE MINISTRY’S STATEMENT NOTHING BUT ATTEMPT TO “SAVE REPUTATION” OF AZERBAIJAN

news.am
March 9 2011
Armenia

The statement by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry is nothing but
an attempt to “save reputation” of their country, put under threat
after the murder of the Armenian soldier by an Azeri sniper on the
threshold of Armenian, Azerbaijani and Russian Presidents’ meeting in
Sochi, Spokesman for Armenian Defense Ministry David Karapetyan told
Armenian News-NEWS.am. He commented on the information disseminated
by Azerbaijani mass media that a 9-year-old Azerbaijani resident was
killed in the ceasefire violation by the Armenian side.

As reported previously, NKR Defense Army also refuted this information.

“The authors of such kind of misinformation must understand that these
cheap steps are not only unconvincing to the international community,
but also shameful, as they are speculating about a child’s life or
inventing an image of a tragic victim,” Karapetyan stressed.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIAN ENVOY DESCRIBES KARABAKH TALKS AS ‘CONSTRUCTIVE’

news.az
March 9 2011
Azerbaijan

The meeting of the Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders in Sochi
marks a step towards solution of the Karabakh conflict, Russia’s
envoy has said.

“This was the eighth meeting of the presidents. I think it was
constructive,” the Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan, Vladimir Dorokhin,
told journalists in Ganja.

He said that the presidents’ talks in Sochi on 5 March reached
agreement on further work to settle the conflict at the level of the
Foreign Ministry.

“We hope that further meetings will follow and an agreement that meets
the interests of both sides will be achieved,” the ambassador said.

Dorokhin also expressed regret at the murder of an eight-year-old
Azerbaijani boy by an Armenian sniper on 8 March. He said that every
effort should be made to avert such incidents.

From: A. Papazian

RIGA FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF KARABAKH CONFLICT WITHIN OSCE MINSK GROUP, LATVIAN PRESIDENT SAYS

news.am
March 9 2011
Armenia

Riga stands for peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict within
the OSCE Minsk Group, Latvian President Valdis Zatlers stated at a
joint press conference with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in Riga.

“Latvia supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict merely through
negotiations,” Zatlers stated, stressing the Minsk Group provides
guarantees for a peaceful solution to the problem. The Latvian
President emphasized any actions leading to the escalation of the
situation in the Karabakh conflict zone are unacceptable to Riga.

From: A. Papazian

TURKEY KEEN TO SEE KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

news.az
March 9 2011
Azerbaijan

Turkey’s ambassador to the USA, Namik Tan, has said that the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabakh needs to be resolved as
soon as possible.

He made the comments after giving a lecture on “Turkey in Europe,
the Middle East and Beyond”, at Johns Hopkins University’s School of
International Studies on 7 March.

Asked about Turkey’s role in brokering a lasting peace between Armenia
and Azerbaijan, Namik Tan said that Ankara supported the mediation
efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group.

“We support strongly the efforts of Minsk Group. I think this is,
of course, the first statement that I should make. The second is,
of course, we have a very peculiar situation down there, in terms of
Azerbaijani land, around 20 percent of the Azerbaijani lands are under
occupation. This is really, I think, unacceptable. I think it is part
of this whole – is the main reason, probably – of this problem.”

“As recently as last week, one of our deputy under secretaries visited
Washington and he had talks also on this issue, not only on this issue,
but one of them,” the envoy said.

“We are exchanging views with other parties and we hope, I think,
as early as possible – this adds a lot to the overall instability in
the region; this really ties all efforts of the regional countries to
bring more prosperity and better life to their people in the region –
we need to put it behind [us] as early as possible.”

In response to a follow-up question about Armenian-Turkish relations,
the envoy said: “For something to happen, as you know, it takes two to
tango, they say. This is a part of the previous question and relates
to your question – if we can find some sort of an acceptable solution
to this Karabakh conflict and to Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict or
disagreement, then I believe it will be much more easier for us to
take some more steps on our efforts to find a sort of a ultimate
solution to our problems with our Armenian friends.”

From: A. Papazian

MEETING OF ARMENIAN-ROMANIAN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE TO BE HELD IN BUCHAREST

news.am
March 9 2011
Armenia

On March 9-10, Armenian Minister of Transport and Communications
Manuk Vardanyan will participate in the meeting of Armenian-Romanian
inter-governmental committee on trade and economic relations, to be
held in Bucharest.

On March 11, representatives of trade agencies and business circles
will hold a round table in Bucharest, the press service of the
Armenian Ministry of Transportation informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. The
participants will discuss issues on investments and prospects.

From: A. Papazian

March 10, 2011

Is Azerbaijan Ready For Its Own Revolution?
by Arife Kazimova, Daisy Sindelar

Inspired by last month’s Egyptian uprising, young activists in
Azerbaijan are calling for antigovernment demonstrations on March 11
— and using Facebook to spread the word.

Originally planned as a “virtual protest,” in which supporters could
express their solidarity with a simple click of the mouse, the March
11 movement has since morphed into calls for a flesh-and-blood
demonstration of growing disenchantment with the country’s autocratic
regime. It is a move that has rattled Baku.

But it’s uncertain what size or shape the March 11 protests will take
— or even if they’ll take place at all, with organizers being
intentionally vague about locations. As of March 10, nearly 4,000
people had used Facebook to signal their intention to mark the day of
protests. Protest organizers have stressed the peaceful nature of the
initiative, but have not minced words when it comes to their goal —
bringing an end to the country’s “dictatorial regime.”

The Azerbaijani government does not take such phrases lightly. In the
past several days, authorities have arrested a number of activists
tied to the March 11 events and the country’s Musavat opposition
party, which is planning a subsequent day of rallied on March 12.
(Members of another opposition force, the Islamic Party of Azerbaijan,
are They forget that Azerbaijani youth will not be fooled by these
crazy attempts.”
planning yet another protest in the coming days.) They forget that
Azerbaijani youth will not be fooled by these crazy attempts.”

Among those arrested is Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, the only March 11 organizer
operating within Azerbaijan. A fellow organizer, France-based
Azerbaijani activist Elnur Majidli, said the arrest of Hajiyev and
others shows how anxious the authorities have become about rising
opposition to the regime of President Ilham Aliyev.

“If the government detains young men for a minor Facebook page and
exerts pressure on their families, it means the end for the
government,” Majidli says. “The authorities have admitted as much
through their actions. The more they detain young people, the more
they’re going to motivate those young people to protest and aggravate
the situation.”

The New Opposition

Hajiyev, Majidli, and other organizers of the so-called Great People’s
Day action say they chose March 11 as the day for their protest
because it marks one month since public demonstrations in Egypt forced
the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

Indeed, the March 11 organizers share the tactics and goals of their
Egyptian counterparts. All are young, Internet-savvy, and
Western-educated — Hajiyev, for one, is a 2009 graduate of Harvard
University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. As a group, they
have emerged as a fresh-faced complement — or alternative — to the
Azerbaijan’s graying class of political oppositionists, represented by
parties like Musavat and the Popular Front.

Hajiyev was detained March 4 in his home city of Ganja, on charges of
leaving the city limits while under investigation for evading military
service. But Hajiyev says his one-month detention is tied to his
Facebook activities, and has complained of being insulted and harassed
by prison officials.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy called on the Azerbaijani government
to ensure Hajiyev receives due process and proper treatment. The
rights watchdog Freedom House has called the recent arrests
“disturbing” and said further crackdowns “will be an indication not of
the Azeri regime’s strength, but rather its weakness.”

The March 11 campaign has sparked efforts from pro-government youth
groups to discredit activists like Hajiyev and question the loyalties
of government opponents. But Hajiyev’s mother, Solida Movlayeva,
argues her son is fighting for a better Azerbaijan.

“Bakhtiyar has been detained for his political views, because of his
search for justice,” Movlayeva says. “He’s a patriotic young man who
loves his country and its people. Otherwise he never would have
returned after paying to get an education somewhere else.”

Preparing For The Worst

Many countries have seen a rise in public protests inspired by the
political turmoil in Tunisia and Egypt. Oil-rich Azerbaijan, which is
ruled with an iron grip by Aliyev and a tightly knit network of
allies, has been no exception, with widespread poverty and political
and religious repression fueling anger among ordinary Azerbaijanis.

Mindful of the mood, the government has attempted to stave off public
unrest by trumpeting a new anticorruption drive. But critics have
shrugged off such campaigns as window-dressing and accuse the
government of redoubling its pressure on activists and boosting the
police presence in Baku. (The government’s lockdown efforts have been
so strenuous they’ve spawned a March 11 joke among young Azerbaijani
activists: “If they’re trying this hard, we’d better show up!”)

The government in recent days has also sought to crack down on a
number of foreign NGOs operating in Azerbaijan, including the U.S.
National Democratic Institute, a nonprofit group working with youth
groups in the country. An NDI employee in Azerbaijan told RFE/RL the
group’s country director received a letter from the Justice Ministry
requesting their office be closed.

In a statement published on its website on March 9, the Azerbaijani
Interior Ministry likewise blamed foreign agents for the rising
unrest, saying that “radical opposition forces” were attempting to
“create color revolutions in Azerbaijan.”

“Adventurers are trying to take advantage of the developments in North
Africa, and are using as their tools a group of youths and some NGOs
that are directly dependent on foreign donations,” the ministry said.
“But they forget that Azerbaijani youth will not be fooled by these
crazy attempts.”

The government has even brought out its chief psychiatric expert to
warn about the consequences of Facebook-style revolt. Speaking to the
Trend news agency, Garay Geraybeyli advised the country’s online
activists to seek mental help and said, “Those who prefer virtual
communication have problems communicating in real life. Such people
have a limited vocabulary. They have problems speaking.”

Geraybeyli’s admonition apparently does not extend to the country’s
president, Ilham Aliyev, who recently waded into the world of social
networking by launching his own Twitter and YouTube pages.

Written in Prague by Daisy Sindelar based on reporting by Arife Kazimova in Baku

From: A. Papazian

Armenian National Committee of America San Fernando Valley-West Chapter
17328 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 418
Encino, California 91316
E-Mail:[email protected]

PRESSRELEASE

ForImmediateRelease
March 10, 2011
Contact: Press Office
E-Mail:[email protected]

ANCA SFV-WEST MEETS WITH L.A. CITY COUNCILMAN PAUL KORETZ

ENCINO, CA—On February 24, 2011, members of the Armenian National
Committee of America San Fernando Valley-West (ANCA SFV-West) Chapter
met with Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz and his staff at his
Encino neighborhood field office. ANCA SFV-West Chairman Nareg
S.Kitsinian was joined by ANCA SFV-West Board Members Nichan Kulukian
and Tonya Barseghian.

`Councilman Koretz has been a tremendous advocate for his
constituents,” said Barseghian. “We are eager to work with him on
issues that concern the Armenian and greater San Fernando Valley
communities.’

During the meeting, the ANCA SFV-West discussed efforts by San
Fernando Valley-based Armenian community youth and social services
programs.

`Since taking office, Councilman Koretz has been ready to work with us
and values maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the community,’ noted
Kulukian.

`Councilman Koretz and his staff continue to work with the ANCA to
address the needs of the community,’ added Kitsinian. “We appreciate
that he is responsive and results oriented.”

The Armenian National Committee of America San Fernando Valley-West
Chapter advances the social, economic, cultural, and political rights
of the area’s ArmenianAmerican community and promotes increased
Armenian American civic participation atthe grassroots and public
policy levels.

####

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 10, 2011

LENTEN LECTURES BEGAN YESTERDAY
The Prelacys Lenten Lecture series began yesterday, March 9, featuring
Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York, who spoke on Children in the Bible. Held at St. Illuminators
Cathedral in New York City, the Lenten program began 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.
Der Nareg explained that in the Bible children are considered a
blessing and gift from God and highlighted a number of examples
including Isaac, Samuel, and Jesus Christ. All of the Lenten lectures
this year will focus on children in celebration of the Year of the
Armenian Child, as proclaimed by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Great House of Cilicia. Next Wednesday, March 16, His Grace
Anoushavan, Vicar General, will speak on Children in the Life of the
Armenian Church and Community.
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.
For the entire list of speakers and topics click here (

).

VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO MICHIGAN
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, will travel to Michigan this weekend
where he will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon
at St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn.

NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE
The New England Regional Conference for pastors, board of trustee
members, and delegates will take place on Saturday, March 19, hosted
by St. Asdvadzadzin Church, 315 Church Street, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts. The conference will begin at 10 am and conclude at 4
pm.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS CONFERENCE
A conference for Prelacy Sunday School teachers and Christian
educators is scheduled for the weekend of March 25-27. Sponsored by
the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the conference will
be held at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary in
Bloomfield, Connecticut. The theme of the conference is The Feasts of
the Armenian Church.
The program will integrate biblical, liturgical, doctrinal, and
iconographic elements in its presentations and discussions, together
with pedagogical insights for age-appropriate applications. The
speakers of the conference are: H. G. Bishop Anoushavan, Prelacy
Vicar; Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of St. Stephens Church (MA);
Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church (MA) and
Chairman of the Prelacys Religious Council; Rev. Fr. Karekin
Bedourian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church (MA);
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC; and Mary M. Shamshoian-Olson,
Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer, Consolidated School District 158
(Illinois).
For information and registration, click here (

).

VICAR ATTENDS OPENING RECEPTION
Bishop Anoushavan attended the opening reception of an exhibit of art,
Women and Spring, featuring the works of Emma Grigiryan, on March
8. The exhibit will be on display until March 11 at the Delegates
Entrance Lobby of the United Nations headquarters in the General
Assembly building in New York City. It was organized by the Permanent
Mission of Armenia to the United Nations. Armenia is chairing the UN
Commission on the Status of Women and International Womans Day.

CAMECT MEETS AT PRELACY
Archbishop Oshagan presided over a meeting of the Christian Arab and
Middle Eastern Churches Together (CAMECT) last week at the Prelacy
offices in New York City. Srpazan is president of the group that
works to strengthen the Christian presence in the Middle East and
promote greater understanding.

MUSICAL ARMENIA ON MARCH 27
The 2011 Musical Armenia concert, presented by the Eastern Prelacy and
the Prelacy Ladies Guild, will take place on Sunday, March 27, at 2
p.m., at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh
Avenue, New York City.
Featured artists are Karen Hakobyan, piano; and Joao
Kouyoumdjian, Classical Guitar. For tickets contact the Carnegie Box
Office, 212-247-7800; or the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
Distinguished for the musical color, brilliance, and excitement
of his performances, the talented Armenian pianist and composer Karen
Hakobyan has been acclaimed for his individual style and depth of his
interpretations. His performances have been broadcasted on WQXR, New
Yorks classical radio station, and on Armenian National
Radio. Mr. Hakobyan recently completed Professional Studies Diploma at
Mannes College of Music, and is currently pursuing a PSDF program at
Manhattan School of Music.
Extraordinary guitarist Joao Kouyoumdjian has presented solo
and collaborative concerts in the United States, Brazil, and El
Salvador. He was a recipient of several Juilliard Fellowships to
present interactive concerts and teach in Manhattan public schools and
health care facilities. In his home country, Brazil, he has appeared
in traditional festivals and major concert series. Mr. Kouyoumdjian
holds a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School and a
Bachelor of Music from the University of Sao Paulo.
Click here (

) for more information.

BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, March 13, Second Sunday of Lent, Sunday of
the Expulsion, are: Isaiah 33:2-22; Romans 12:1-13:10; Matthew
5:17-48.
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the
prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell
you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke
of a letter, will pass from the law until all is
accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these
commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least
in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will
be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your
righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will
never enter the kingdom of heaven.
You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You
shall not murder; and whoever murders shall be liable to judgment. But
I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will
be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will
be liable to the council; and if you say, You food, you will be liable
to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar,
if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to
your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to
terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with
him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to
the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you
will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit
adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with
lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your
right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is
better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to
be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it
off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your
members than for your whole body to go into hell.
It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a
certificate of divorce. But I say to you that anyone who divorces has
wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit
adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient
times, You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have
made to the Lord. But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by
heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his
footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And
do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or
black. Let your word be Yes, Yes or No, No; anything more than this
comes from the evil one.
You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth
for a tooth. But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if
anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if
anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well;
and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give
to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to
borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor
and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for
those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in
heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and
sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love
those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax
collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and
sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles
do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is
perfect. (Matthew 5: 17-48)

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

).

SUNDAY OF THE EXPULSION
As of Monday we entered the period of Great Lent (Medz Bahk) and the
Church has taken on a somber, mournful and penitential
manifestation. As of last Sunday (Poon Paregentan) the altar is closed
with a dark curtain, symbolic of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from
the Garden of Eden. Holy Communion is not offered during the
Liturgy. It is a period of repentance and reflection on our spiritual
journey toward Easter.
Each of the Sundays during Lent has a theme. This Sunday, March
13, is the Sunday of the Expulsion (Artaksman Kiraki). The message is
a continuation of last Sundays Paregentan theme, namely, Adam and Eves
fall and banishment from Paradise because of their disobedience. Of
the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,
for in the day that you eat of it you shall die (Genesis 2:17). With
Adam and Eves expulsion from Paradise, humankind was thus condemned to
experience death, pain, and sorrow. The hymns sung on the first two
Sundays of Lent remind us of the expulsion, and give sinners the good
tidings that they may render themselves worthy through repentance.
O Lord, you first gave the holy observance of the law in
paradise. But the first creatures disobeyed you by eating the
forbidden fruit and thus tasted the bitterness of sin and
death. Therefore, enable us to taste the sweetness of your
commandments.
(from the hymn sung on the Sunday of the Expulsion)

THE SUNRISE (AREVAKAL) SERVICE
During Lent the Armenian Sunrise Service (Arevakal) takes a prominent
place. Traditionally, this service takes place on Wednesday and Friday
mornings during Lent. Here in the United States and elsewhere, it is
performed on Sundays immediately after the closed-altar Liturgy.
Although the Church takes on a mournful appearance during Lent,
the Sunrise Service is quite joyous with its main theme being light,
which is our God, Christ the Lord. The word light (looys) appears more
than any other word throughout the service, whereas the word darkness
(khavar) is used just once. The upbeat music of the hymns and the
positive lyrics make this one of the most pleasant and uplifting
services in the Armenian Church. Sung properly, it makes you want to
sing with joy unto the Lord.

ARMENIAN BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY:
ITS A MATTER OF LIFE
Two Armenian Americans in Bergen County, New Jersey, are in need of a
stem cell match. They are Irene Hamptian Katrandjian and Varoujan
Vartanian. The chances of finding a match are greater from Armenian
donors. A recruitment drive is scheduled to take place this Saturday,
March 12, at a concert sponsored by Hamazkayin celebrating the 20th
anniversary of the independence of Armenia, which will take place at
the Dwight Englewood School auditorium, 315 E. Palisade Ave.,
Englewood, New Jersey. Volunteers from the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor
Registry (ABMDR) will be in the Lobby from 6:30 to 10 pm. It is a
simple and easy procedure that can save a life.
Please also consider making a donation to the ABMDR to cover
the cost of processing the samples. Send your tax-deductible donation
to: ABMDR, c/o Carol Haddad, 74 Eastbrook Drive, River Edge, NJ 07661.

TWO BOOKS FROM THE PRELACY BOOKSTORE
THE GREEDY SPARROW
An Armenian Tale
Retold by Lucine Kasbarian
Illustrated by Maria Zaikina
The Greedy Sparrow is from the ancient Armenian oral tradition.
Lucine Kasbarian learned the tale from her father, editor and
columnist C.K. Garabed. He had learned it from his grandmother. The
tale was first put down on paper by Hovhannes Toumanian at the turn of
the 20th century. This is the first time it is being presented in
English as a childrens picture book. But as Sesame Street Host, Bob
McGrath, has noted The Greedy Sparrow is actually for everyone. Its
clever and humorous, and the wonderful illustrations not only add
color but also truly interpret the story line.
Hardcover, $17.99 plus shipping & handling
If you would like to read an interview with the author click here (

).
THE ACCIDENTAL OBSERVER
Poetry in three languages
By Lola Koundakjian
For many years Lola Koundakjian has promoted the art of poetry and the
works of poets. This new volume of poems in three languages (English,
Armenian, Spanish) shows how good a poet she is. Her poetry is sparse,
and yet so meaningful. The ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Soft cover, $12.00 plus shipping and handling.

To order these books contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or by
telephone at 212-689-7810.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 4Poon Paregentan Celebration at Holy Trinity Armenian Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts, 6:30 pm in the church hall. Join in
Celebrating our Success while Preparing to Rededicate
Ourselves. Armenian music and dancing, games of chance, silent
auction, hot and cold appetizers, beer and wine, coffee and
dessert. $25. per person. For reservations: 508-852-2414.

March 5St. Stephens Ladies Guild (Watertown, Massachusetts) presents
Mezze, Music, March Madness, and Mardi Gras, at the church hall at 7
p.m. Music by Mal Barsamian, Leo Derderian, Steve Megerdichian, Ron
Tutunjian. Donation $25. For info contact Mary Derderian by email at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or telephone
781-762-4253.

March 5Sunday School Poon Paregentan program, St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 6 pm.

March 6Annual Membership Meeting (Part 2), St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 12:45 pm.

March 6Annual Membership Meeting, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, after the Divine Liturgy.

March 6Annual Membership Meeting, St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois,
following Badarak and Luncheon. For information contact a member of
the Board of Trustees.

March 6 through LentSt. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic
Church, Granite City, Illoinois, 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 (

).

March 9Mark Kyrkostas Remember Me with Music, live jazz and classical
piano concert featuring Ivy Adrian, Arnold Lee and Cosmo
Mallardi. Also dances from India, Bangladesh, Korea, and
Armenia. Sponsored by the Anthropology Museum of the People of New
York at Queens College. Event will take place at Kalustyan Hall, The
Armenian Church of Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Boulevard,
Bayside, New York. Donation $5.00; for information/reservations
718-428-5650.

March 11St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series, lecture by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian,
Vicar of Prelacy. Fellowship by the Ladies Guild. Vespers 6:30 pm;
Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15 pm.

March 12Lunch & Learn Series #1, by Armenian Relief Society, Shakeh
Chapter. Armenian traditional Lenten dishes will be featured and the
preparation of Topig will be demonstrated at Sts. Vartanantz Church
Hall, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, at 1 pm. Donation
$25. Contact 201-242-1650.

March 13SAVE THE DATE. Gakavik Childrens magazine workshop at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City. Details will follow.

March 18St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series. Over the Waterfall, a lecture on
Suffering by Professor Marilyn Martone, Ph.D., St. John s
University. Fellowship by Young Adults Group. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture
7:30 pm; Q: 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15 pm.

March 19New England Regional Conference, hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin
Church, 315 Church Street, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, for clergy,
board of trustees members, and delegate. Members of the Religious and
Executive Councils will be present. Conference will begin at 10
a.m. and continue to 4 p.m.

March 20Educational Committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New
York, presents The Harvest Year? featuring legal and financial issues
facing seniors, at 1:30 pm. Presentations by: Ann Margaret Carozza,
JD, Attorney at Law, Elder Law, Asset Protection & Qualifying for
Medicaid.; Lori Shibilo and Mary Ann Kuntz, The Medical Application
Process,; Dickran Kabarajian, CLU, LUTCF, Long Term Care
Insurance. For information: 718-786-3842 (Dr. Arthur Kubikian); or
718-224-2275 (church office).

March 25St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series. The Service of Washing of the Feet, a
lecture by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor. Fellowship by the
Choir. Vespers 6:30 pm; Lecture 7:30 pm; Q 8:00 pm; Fellowship 8:15
pm.

March 25-27Conference for Sunday School teachers and Christian
educators sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC), at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield,
Connecticut. Theme of the conference: The Feasts of the Armenian
Church. For information and registration click here (

).

March 27Musical Armenia Concert. Sponsored by Eastern Prelacy, Weill
Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City. For information click
here (

).

March 27Traditional Lenten Luncheon featuring Topig and an array of
Lenten dishes, hosted by the Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, immediately following church services. Adults
$20; children (5-12) $10.

March 27Lenten Luncheon, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York,
following Church services. Traditional home-cooked Lenten
meals. Reservations suggested. Church office: 718-224-2275.

April 1St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Lenten Worship,
Education & Tradition series, A Conversation with the Prelate,
Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate of Eastern Prelacy. 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, The Biblical Passages in the Vespers
Service of the Armenian Church, a lecture by Fr. Jean Pierre Ruiz,
Ph.D., St. Johns University. 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 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 2Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers Day Luncheon, New York City.

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, 5 pm to 10 pm, under the auspices of
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.
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