Author: Andres-Papazian

European Voice
Nov 11 2010

Forgotten genocides of the Caucasus

By Gary Peach
11.11.2010 / 04:15 CET

A history and travelogue that features great suffering and some
remarkable people.
There is a passage in Oliver Bullough’s book that so brilliantly
encapsulates the 19th century tragedy of the Circassians that it is
unlikely ever to be surpassed.

The author is in Akçakale, a mountain village on Turkey’s Black Sea
coast where a century-and-a-half ago tens of thousands of Circassians
perished from starvation and disease after being exiled by tsarist
Russia from their homeland in the northern Caucasus. Scouring the base
of a seaside cliff, Bullough finds human bones in a rock fissure.
Stunned, he asks locals about Circassian graves in the area, about
what they learned from their ancestors about the Circassians’ plight.
He said the villagers either had no idea what he was talking about or
looked at him as if he were a lunatic.

This episode neatly summarises the story of the Circassian genocide:
bones all around, and ignorance too. In Sochi, now a Russian Black Sea
resort and formerly a Circassian bastion, Bullough searches a local
history museum for information on the region’s original inhabitants
or, more to the point, how in 1864 a quarter of a million Circassians
were shanghaied onto small cargo boats and dispatched to Ottoman
shores. Many never reached those shores (many of the younger women who
did were sold off into slavery). But he finds only a single picture
showing a column of refugees. `There was no suggestion that anyone
actually died,’ writes Bullough.

No one book can hope to capture the mind-twisting mosaic of the
northern Caucasus – Avars, Karachais, Ubykh, Dargins, Adygeans are
just part of the mosaic – but Bullough’s historical travelogue
expertly illuminates some of the pieces. It is a region that, as it
has done for centuries, confounds ethnographers and, more importantly,
conquerors.

As the author shows, Russia’s leaders continue to repeat the mistakes
of arrogant tsarist and Soviet generals, as a result of which two
horrific wars have been fought in the past two decades (three, if we
count the Georgian conflict). The soil of the Caucasus is soaked in
blood, and news reports from the region evoke a perpetual inferno:
terrorist attacks, gang killings, insurgents, assassination, suicide
bombers.

Bullough is indefatigable in his research. In the quest for survivors
and first-hand testimony of atrocities, he travels to Kosovo and
Israel to visit small Circassian communities, and to Jordan and
Kazakhstan to interview Chechens. He climbs mountains to examine the
ruins of Balkar villages that were annihilated by Soviet forces during
the Second World War and, in one of the book’s most harrowing
tableaux, he counts the bodies in the Beslan morgue after the 2004
school massacre.

Generous and hospitable
With this kind of material, one can regard `Let our fame be great’ as
an exercise in endurance: readers’ tolerance of injustice will be
tested. Thankfully, the depressing subject matter is softened by the
remarkable people Bullough interviews. Despite their sufferings, many
remain generous and hospitable. One cannot help feeling a rush of hope
at the scene of a large Circassian crowd, numbering in the hundreds,
singing wistful songs at a memorial service in Turkey for the
approximate half-million ancestors killed as a result of the 19th
century war and deportations.

Will the world ever recognise the Circassian genocide? Any progress
depends on the Circassians’ approximately five-million strong
diaspora, who have apparently taken a lesson from the Armenians and
begun lobbying politicians in European capitals. The goal is to win
support by 2014, the year Russia hosts the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Given the ongoing cataclysm of the northern Caucasus, there is some
chance the Circassians will find attentive listeners.

But hopes clash with reality. If anything, Bullough’s book is a
sobering testimony to the inextirpable culture of lies that plagues
not only Russia’s `official version’ of history, but nearly everything
that has to do with the Caucasus. For the West, acknowledging the
tragedy of the Circassians will inevitably lead to a direct
confrontation with the insidious culture of lies whose roots begin in
the Kremlin. It is unlikely either Brussels or Washington will have
the stomach for that.

Gary Peach is a journalist based in Riga.

From: A. Papazian

2 500 tons of fruits and vegetables exported from Armenia with
`ARARATFRUIT’ brand

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS: Till now 2 500 tons of fruits and
vegetables have been exported from Armenia with `ARARATFRUIT’ brand,
of which only 2 tons of grapes, the rest are apricots, peach, tomato
and pepper. The exports have mainly been implemented through the
Russian Federation and Ukraine. Currently the company has 1000 tons of
fruits and vegetables which will soon export too.

`SPAYKA’ company has been established in 2001. It organizes cargo
transportations to the CIS countries and Europe.

From: A. Papazian

Amendments to ‘Available Apartments for Youth’ Program Directed to
Youth of Provinces

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 11, ARMENPRESS: At today’s session, the Government
of the Republic of Armenia made a decision on making amendment to the
`Available Apartments for Youth’ program for the benefit of the youth
of the provinces.

The general backing for the youth of provinces is now 4% against the
previous 2%; the initial deposit is 10% against the previous 30%.

RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan says the program corresponds to the
Government’s principle of symmetric territorial development.

‘Our citizens should take an advantage of this new opportunity. We
must exert efforts for that the loans are available in provinces and
communities. It is not a secret that mortgage loans are secured only
in Yerevan, because risks in the capital city are easier to manage for
trade banks. Due to this amendment we create more favorable
opportunities for people in communities to take an advantage of the
mortgage loans with extra conditions,’ the Prime Minister said.

At the press conference, held after the session, RA Finance Minister
Tigran Davtyan said the amendments are an essential aid by the state.
According to the calculations of the Ministry, mortgage interest rates
in the provinces will make 6.5-7%.

The Minister said the program is being implemented fully. Refinancing
of 1.1 billion AMD and loans for 137 people have already been secured.

’99 loans have been provided to young dwellers of Yerevan, and 38
loans – to inhabitant of the provinces. The index cannot satisfy us.
This decision is aimed at creating additional impetuses and more
favorable conditions for the provinces,’ the Minister said.

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 November 11,
2010

His Holiness Karekin II in prayer at Holy Etchmiadzin.

_His Holiness Karekin II: 11 Years of Spiritual Service _

On Sunday, November 7, a special service was held at Holy Etchmiadzin in
celebration of the 11th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Bishop Artak Tigranian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. At the conclusion of
services, an Order of Special Prayer for the Catholicos was held. Diocesan
Primates and members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin gathered to
congratulate His Holiness.

`Holy Etchmiadzin, established by our Lord Jesus Christ, with her
Catholicos, is the life-giving and everlasting fountainhead of the
Armenians,’ Bishop Tigranian said in his sermon. `The spiritual authority of
the Mother See extends and spreads worldwide to the Armenian nation and
clergy.’

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness Karekin II extended
his blessings to the faithful.

Eleven years ago, the National Ecclesiastical Assembly elected His Holiness
Karekin II as the 132nd Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
His Holiness was consecrated and enthroned as the successor to St. Gregory
the Illuminator in a majestic ceremony at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
on November 4, 1999.

_Primate Attends Meetings in Armenia and Jerusalem _

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), departed for Holy Etchmiadzin this week, where he will
participate in a meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

The Supreme Spiritual Council is the highest executive body of the Armenian
Church, comprised of clergy and lay members. It convenes under the
presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians.

Following the meeting at Holy Etchmiadzin, Archbishop Barsamian will travel
to the Holy Land, where he will attend a meeting of the St. James
Brotherhood at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Scripture of the Week

Is 25:9-26:7
Phil 1:1-11
Lk 9:44-50

Prayer of the week

Jesus, Wisdom of the Father, grant me wisdom, that I may, at all times,
think, speak, and do before you that which is good in your sight. And save
me from evil thoughts, words, and deeds. Have mercy upon your creatures, and
upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_20 November:_ Feast of All Saints, Old and New, Known and Unknown

_21_ _November:_ Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple;
Barekendan of the Fast of Advent

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

The Vaskenian Theological Seminary was established in 1990.

_Vaskenian Seminary Celebrates 20th Anniversary _

On Thursday, November 4, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over a celebration dedicated to the
20th anniversary of the Vaskenian Theological Seminary.

Clergy, seminarians, faculty members, seminary benefactors, government
officials, and guests took part in the event, which was held at the
Pontifical Residence of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Located in Sevan, Armenia, the Vaskenian Theological Seminary was
established in 1990 by His Holiness Karekin II, who was then the Primate of
the Araratian Diocese in Armenia. The institution bears the name of His
Holiness Vasken I, the late Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.

At this month’s celebration, His Holiness Karekin II offered a prayer asking
that `our spiritual seminaries nurture priests who will justify the hopes of
our nation and realize the oath which will glorify the name of His Holiness
Vasken I of blessed memory. May God send His blessings that the seminary
keep the name and sacred memory of our beloved Pontiff vibrant.”

Since its inception, 142 young men have graduated from the seminary.

[4]Click here to read more.
Links:
4.

DIOCESAN NEWS

_Annual Appeal: Track Our Progress
_
Since the launch of the 2010 Annual Appeal this fall, generous supporters
have contributed $323,659 to the effort ([5]click here to track our
progress).
Links:
5.

We are almost halfway to reaching _our goal of raising $750,000_ to help our
Diocese meet its budgetary needs. And we need your help.

For our 2010 Diocesan Appeal, a generous donor has issued a `Matching
Contribution Initiative.’ The donor has agreed to contribute up to
$100,000-_matching dollar-for-dollar every contribution received by the
Diocese this fall!_

Our success depends on donations large and small, from people who want to
seize this opportunity to _double the impact_ of their contributions to the
Armenian Church of America.

Whether you’re one of the Diocese’s much-appreciated longtime donors, or
someone who’s been looking for the right time to give, _you won’t want to
let this opportunity slip away!_
[6]
CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW.
Links:
6.

The National Council of Churches and the Church World Service are meeting in
New Orleans this week.

_NCC Meeting Marks 100 Years of Ecumenical Movement
_
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Director of Ecumenical Relations at the Eastern
Diocese, is attending the 2010 General Assembly of the National Council of
Churches and the Church World Service this week in New Orleans, LA.
Archbishop Aykazian served as President of the NCC from 2008 to 2010.

Also taking part in the meetings are the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian of
Chicago, IL; Yn. Arpi Kouzouian of Cambridge, MA; and the Rev. Fr. Vartan
Kasparian of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

This year’s General Assembly is dedicated to the celebration of the
centennial of the establishment of the worldwide ecumenical movement. Some
400 religious leaders are attending the November 9 to 11 events, which
include scheduled talks, small group meetings, and joint prayer and worship.

In addition to looking back at a century of work in the ecumenical movement,
participants are discussing the future of Christian unity, with a focus on
increased global diversity, war and terrorism, economic inequality, and
environmental issues. Also under discussion is the plight of Christians in
the Middle East and the situation in Sudan. Another theme is the rebuilding
of New Orleans, five years after Hurricane Katrina.

More than 100 women gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Women’s Guild
Central Council Symposium.

_Symposium Builds Ties Among Women’s Guild Chapters
_
More than 100 women from across the Eastern Diocese attended the Women’s
Guild Central Council Fall Symposium in Washington, D.C., last weekend. The
gathering was hosted by the city’s St. Mary Armenian Church.

Participants heard from a roster of interesting speakers, including
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, director of Ecumenical Relations at the Eastern
Diocese; Yn. Jennifer Karapetyan; Yn. Anahid Kalayjian; Mrs. Rita Balian;
and Mrs. Donna Evans, wife of former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans.

Other highlights included a tour of Washington-with visits to the National
Cathedral, the Capitol, and the Armenian Embassy, among other sites=80’a lunch
served by the Women’s Guild of St. Mary Church, and a festive `Kef Nite.’

The weekend concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday,
November 7, by the Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, pastor of St. Mary Church.

Vanadzor State Pedagogical Institute students volunteer at the FAR Vanadzor
Old Age Home.

_Students in Armenia Volunteer at FAR Home in Vanadzor _

Students from Vanadzor State Pedagogical Institute’s Department of Social
Pedagogy and Psychology recently spent a month volunteering at the Fund for
Armenian Relief’s Vanadzor Old Age Home (VOAH) in Vanadzor, Armenia.

The students worked under the supervision of VOAH’s teachers and
psychologists, and spent time with elderly residents. They learned about the
operations of the center and the implementation of various research methods.
FAR and the Vanadzor State Pedagogical Institute look forward to a long-term
partnership.

VOAH provides a supportive and caring environment for Armenia’s elderly who
are unable to afford proper care. Dedicated staff provide medical,
psychological, and financial assistance to more than 50 residents.

[7]Click here to visit FAR’s blog and to read more.
Joao Kouyumdjian.
Links:
7.

_Classical Guitar Recital Held at Diocese
_
Brazilian-Armenian classical guitarist Joao Kouyumdjian performed at the
Diocese’s Haik and Alice Kavookjian Hall on Friday, November 5. The evening
also included guest performances by Solange Merdinian (mezzo-soprano), Gohar
Vardanyan (guitar), and Joe Arndt (piano).

The program featured pieces by J.S. Bach, Isaac Albeniz, Heitor Villa-Lobos,
and Iakovos Kolanian. The event was sponsored by the Diocese’s Krikor and
Clara Zohrab Information Center, the New York Armenian Students’
Association, and the Armenian Network of Greater New York.

[8]Click here to read the Zohrab Center’s blog.
Links:
8.

A woman makes lavash in Armenia (photo submitted by Rosa, Avedis, and Ara
Donabedian).

_Share Your Photos, and See What Others are Posting
_
Our readers have continued to send creative submissions for our online photo
contest. [9]Click here to see the latest posts.
Links:
9.

We invite you to share your digital photos in response to the question `What
is Armenian about your day?’

E-mail images to [10][email protected] (please include a
caption in the subject of your e-mail, and your full name in the body).
Links:
10. mailto:[email protected]

We will feature the best entries in our e-newsletter and on our [11]Facebook
page in the coming weeks.
Links:
11.

_Diocese Searches for Executive Director_

The Eastern Diocese is searching for candidates for the position of
Executive Director.

Based in New York City, the Executive Director will be responsible for the
management of the administrative and operational functions at the Diocese,
in accordance with the policies established by the Primate and the Diocesan
Council. Responsibilities will encompass the areas of finance,
administration, development, communications, education, and facilities
management.

[12]Click here to view a complete job description and list of
qualifications. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to
[13][email protected].
Links:
12.
13. mailto:[email protected]

PARISH NEWS

Parishioners Mr. and Mrs. Vreij and Christine Kolandjian were presented with
the Diocese’s `St. Vartan Award.’

_Houston Parish Honors Dedicated Members_

St. Kevork Church of Houston, TX, marked the 28th anniversary of the
parish’s establishment on Sunday, November 7, and honored several
parishioners for their dedication and service to the community.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, visited St. Kevork Church and
celebrated the Divine Liturgy on this occasion. The Primate spoke about the
Armenian identity, focusing on how Armenians’ commitment to their faith and
nation was cemented in the fifth-century Battle of Avarayr.

Archbishop Barsamian congratulated the day’s honorees, and stressed that
their efforts are helping to carry forward the mission of the Armenian
Church in America.

Parishioners Mr. and Mrs. Vreij and Christine Kolandjian were presented with
the Diocese’s `St. Vartan Award.’

Also recognized were: Asdghik Bray, Sadie Jordan, Hasmig Mavoulian, and
Manoosh Penrose for their contributions to St. Kevork’s Women’s Guild;
Hasmik Kadamian for 10 years of dedication and excellence in teaching at the
parish Armenian School; Craig `Sarkis’ Rogers and Helen Marout for
exceptional service to the Parish Council; and Mhair Dekmezian for
contributions to the local ACYOA chapter.

The afternoon program featured remarks and vocal and instrumental
performances. Dinner was prepared by the parish Women’s Guild.

Click to [14]read more and to [15]view photos.
Links:
14.
15.

_Palos Heights, IL, Parish to Bless New Liturgical Object_

On Sunday, November 14, parishioners at Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of
Palos Heights, IL, will gather for the 52nd anniversary of the church and
the blessing of the church’s new Holy Week tomb.

The tomb (_kerezmahn_) is a liturgical object traditionally used in the
Armenian Church during Holy Week to represent the entombment of our Lord. On
Holy Friday, a cross is placed in the tomb, where it remains until Easter
Sunday. The empty tomb is displayed between Easter and the Feast of the
Ascension of Our Lord as a symbol of the Resurrection.

The new tomb at Sts. Joachim and Anne Church was donated by Liz Sahagian in
memory of Andy Sahagian. It was constructed by John Soghomonian. When it is
not being used as the tomb of Christ, exterior walls can be added to the
structure, which then resembles the architecture of the cruciform of the
Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Following services on November 14, the parish will host a traditional
Armenian dinner. A celebratory program will feature performances by Sunday
School students and a talk by Parish Council chair Biran Nigohosian on `The
Moral Compass of the American Lawyer.’

For more information, or to make a reservation, contact the church office at
(708) 388-4940, or [16]click here to visit the parish website.
Links:
16.

_Greenfield, WI, Parish to Celebrate 70th Anniversary_

Parishioners at St. John Church of Greenfield, WI, will celebrate the 70th
anniversary of the church’s consecration on Sunday, November 14. Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian will visit the parish and celebrate the Divine Liturgy on
this occasion.

The day will begin with a morning service at 9:30 a.m., followed by the
Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. A banquet and program will be held later in the
afternoon.

To make a reservation for the banquet, call Laurie Dadian at (414) 423-0416,
or e-mail the church at [17][email protected]. [18]

Click here
to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
17. mailto:[email protected]
18.

The St. Vartan Cathedral Council sponsored a fall gathering at Michael
Aram’s flagship store in Manhattan.

_Michael Aram’s Store Site of St. Vartan Cathedral Evening_

On Friday, October 29, more than 100 people took part in a fall gathering at
Michael Aram’s flagship store in Manhattan. The special evening was planned
and sponsored by the St. Vartan Cathedral Council.

Participants had an opportunity to meet members of the cathedral community
and to speak with artist and designer Michael Aram while browsing his latest
collection of metalwork items for the home.

The mission of the St. Vartan Cathedral Council is to extend the reach of
the cathedral community in New York City. The council looks forward to
hosting more community events in the coming months.

Click to [19]read more about the October gathering, and to [20]view photos.
Armenia’s Keghart Monastery.
Links:
19.
20.

_Mission Parishes Department Announces Trip to Armenia_

The Diocese’s Department of Mission Parishes will sponsor a trip to Armenia
from June 22 to July 7, 2011. The two-week program will be led by the Rev.
Fr. Tateos Abdalian, director of the Department of Mission Parishes.

The trip will include visits to Holy Etchmiadzin, the Kandzasar Monastery in
Nagorno-Karabagh, the Tatev Monastery, the Sevan Monastery, the Keghart
Monastery, sightseeing in Yerevan, and more.

The trip is open to all parishioners of the Diocese’s mission parishes (18
and older). The registration deadline is February 15, 2011 (the cost of
$2,790 will be offered to the first 30 people to register).

[21]Click here to download an itinerary and application form.
Links:
21.

_Upcoming Parish Gatherings _

_Armenian Church at Hye Pointe | Haverhill, MA_
The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe will host its annual bazaar on Friday and
Saturday, November 12 and 13, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be held
at 110 Main Street in Haverhill, MA.

Enjoy Armenian cuisine, including lamb, losh, and chicken kebab dinners,
kheyma, and other favorites. The bazaar will also feature a pastry table, a
country store, and raffles.

For more information, visit the church website at
[22], or call the church office at (978) 372-9227.
Links:
22.

_Holy Cross Church of Armenia | New York, NY_
New York City’s Holy Cross Church will host its annual bazaar and food
festival on Sunday, November 14, following the Divine Liturgy.

Enjoy choreg, katah, keshgeg, kufteh, manteh, simit, and more. Take out will
be available. The event will also feature a country store, music by the John
Vartan Ensemble, and activities for children.

For more information, call the church at (212) 927-4020. Holy Cross Church
is located at 580 West 187th Street in Manhattan’s Washington Heights
neighborhood.

_St. Mary Church | Livingston, NJ_
The Women’s Guild of St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, will host its first
“Hye Tea” event on Saturday, November 13, from 3 to 5 p.m.

The event is open to all ladies. For more information, call the church at
(973) 533-9794.

_St. Vartan Cathedral | New York, NY_
The St. Vartan Cathedral Council is sponsoring a food and coat drive in New
York City. Drop-off dates are November 7 to December 19.

For information, call Deacon Sebuh Oscherician at (212) 686-0710, ext. 141.

YOUTH NEWS

_ACYOA Holiday Outreach Initiative Underway_

At the ACYOA Leadership Conference, held last month at the Diocesan Center,
young adults from 24 parishes made a commitment to implement a holiday
outreach initiative in their local communities.

Working in small groups, they designed action plans to collect art supplies
and other items for the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Children’s Center in
Yerevan, Armenia. The project is one phase of a three-pronged plan to build
a partnership with FAR-an idea that was first adopted at the ACYOA’s Annual
Assembly last spring.

Parish ACYOA chapters are asked to participate in this outreach initiative
during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, and to help collect items for
the Children’s Center in Yerevan. Parishes without formal ACYOA chapters are
also encouraged to take part. [23]Click here to learn more about the
project, and to access guidelines and resources.
Links:
23.

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: [24]
Links:
24.

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:

November 11, 2010

TODAY IS VETERANS DAY
Today, Thursday, November 11, is Veterans Day, previously known as
Armistice Day in honor of the end of what was at the time called the
Great War, and which we now call World War I. The horrific casualties
of this war (more than 37 million dead and wounded) influenced a whole
generation to become pacifists, and the Great War became the war to
end all wars. Sadly, this was not meant to be. Just 21 years later the
world was embroiled in another great war.
Let us pause this Veterans Day to pray for the souls of those
who made the ultimate sacrifice, and for the safety of all of our
service men and women currently serving around the world.

You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by
day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction
that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten
thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will
only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Because
you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place,
no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will
command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

(An excerpt from Psalm 91 [Psalm 90 in Armenian Bible], known as The
Soldiers Psalm.)

PRELATE WILL BE IN WASHINGTON THIS SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan, will travel to Washington, DC, this weekend where
on Sunday, November 14, he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and
deliver the Sermon at Soorp Khatch Church in Bethesda,
Maryland. During the service His Eminence will ordain Sarkis
Aktavoukian to the Diaconate. Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the
churchs 46th anniversary celebration Saturday evening.

VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO MICHIGAN
Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
Sermon this Sunday, November 14, at St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn,
Michigan.

VICAR AT ECUMENICAL GATHERING
Bishop Anoushavan is attending the World Council of Churches
U.S. conference which is taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In addition to his duties as Vicar General of the Prelacy, His
Grace is the Ecumenical Officer in the United States for the Holy See
of Cilicia.

VICAR ATTENDS WOODROW WILSON LEGACY
FOUNDATION INAUGURAL IN NEW JERSEY
On Monday, November 8, Bishop Anoushavan attended the Woodrow Wilson
Legacy Foundations New Jersey Chapters Inaugural Celebration. His
Grace offered the opening prayer on this occasion which was attended
by the Ambassador of Syria, H.E. Imad Moustafa; the Ambassador of the
Republic of Armenia to the United Nations, H.E. Garen Nazarian; the
Mayor of Fort Lee, New Jersey, the Honorable Mark Sokolich; and the
president of the Woodrow Wilson Legacy Foundation, Mr. Donald Wilson
Bush, who is a descendant of President Wilson.

ST. ILLUMINATORS DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS
CELEBRATE FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS
The students of St. Illuminators Day School in Woodside, New York,
celebrated the Feast of the Holy Translators with a program in the
school auditorium. This Feast honors St. Sahag Hayrabed and Mesrob
Mashdots, and their fellow translators.
The principal, Ms. Christine Reiglehoff, welcomed Board
members, parents and guests. The children presented their program
under the direction of their Armenian teacher, Zemroukhd Markarian,
and their music teacher, Shushan Savzyan. The children sang songs,
recited poems, and spoke about the creation of the Armenian alphabet
and the subsequent translation of the Holy Bible into Armenian.
Attendees enjoy the program presented by the students of
St. Illuminators Day School on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy
Translators.

BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, November 14, Tenth Sunday of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross, are: Isaiah 25:9-26:7; Philippians 1:1-11; Luke
9:44-50.
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying
with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your
sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of
this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to
completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think
this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all
of you share in Gods grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the
defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I
long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is
my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge
and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the
day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the
harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory
and praise of God. (Philippians 1:1-11).

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

).

HOLY SEE OF CILICIA TAKES PART
IN ECUMENICAL MEETINGS IN GENEVA
The meeting of the secretaries of Christian World Communions brings
together the General Secretaries, or ecumenical officers of major
Christian denominations that either have common membership with the
World Council of Churches (WCC), cooperate or engage in dialogue with
the WCC. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer for the Holy
See of Cilicia, attended along with representatives of the Greek
Orthodox, the Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican,
Baptists, Methodists, the Reformed, Evangelicals and Free churches.
The WCC also organized an Interreligious Consultation between
Christians and Muslim religious leaders and scholars, at its
headquarters in Geneva, November 1-4. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian,
Primate of the Diocese of Tehran, represented the Catholicosate of
Cilcia and Archbishop Viken Aykazian represented the Catholicosate of
Etchmiadzin.

ALUMNI RALLY TO ASSIST BIRDS NEST
Graduates of the Birds Nest during the last fifteen years gathered at
the home for disadvantaged children located in Byblos, Lebanon. They
had organized the visit to their adopted home and school through a new
link on Facebook.
The alumni met with the director and the Kayanian Monastic
Sisters, and shared stories of their childhood at the institution, and
they pledged to help the Birds Nest meet the needs of the children
currently at the Home.
During their visit they helped clean the grounds and
gardens. Their visit ended with prayers, and an agape meal honoring
the memory of Miss Maria Jacobsen, the Danish missionary who began
directing the home when she was 18 years old and continued until her
death at age 77. The thousands of orphans who grew up at the home
following the genocide all called her Mama. In 1970 the Birds Nest
was transferred to the care of the Holy See of Cilicia.
Birds Nest alumni returned to help clean and beautify the grounds
around the facility.
ARMENIA FUNDS THANKSGIVING TELETHON
The Armenia Fund is launching its 13th International Thanksgiving
Telethon campaign which will be seen on November 25, in all major
Armenian American communities in the United States and worldwide.
The 2010 telethon is focusing on the theme Water is Life. The
lack of drinking and irrigation water has long been a problem for
rural communities throughout Armenia and Artsakh. On average, each
family spends 40% of their daily lives carrying water from miles
away. And, that source is not always clean and is the cause of
disease. The primary purpose of Telethon 2010 is to solve, once and
for all, the water supply challenges which continue to plague many
rural Armenian communities.
The live broadcast of the Thanksgiving Day Telethon will be
accessible online on
the Armenia Fund USA website. The Telethon will be featured on
H1-Armenian Public Television, Los Angles based 24 hour Armenian
Russian Television Network, and Horizon Armenian TV. For full
information about how you can view the Telethon go to
(

).
Please be generous in your support of this very important
campaign. Water IS Life!

PANEL DISCUSSION TONIGHT AT RAMAPO COLLEGE
The Armenian National Committee of New Jersey and the Center for
Holocaust & Genocide Studies are sponsoring a panel discussion
tonight, November 11, at Ramapo College, Mahwah, New Jersey, at 7:15
pm at the Trustees Pavilion.
The topic under discussion is From Democracy to Justice: Turks,
Kurds, and Armenians in the 21st Century. Panelists include: Bilgin
Ayata, Ayda Erbal, Levon Marashlian, Khatchig Mouradian, Henry
C. Theriault, and moderated by Ani Tchaglasian.
Free and open to the public. For information: 201-684-7409.

RETREAT FOR WOMEN IN GRANITE CITY
The Ladies Guild of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Granite
City, Illinois, is sponsoring a Spiritual Retreat for Women, this
Saturday, November 13, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm at the church located at
1014 W. Pontoon Road, Granite City, Illinois. Speakers include Janet
Dohr, CPPSW; and Nayiri Baljian Bell. For information: 618-451-7884.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 13 Spiritual Retreat for Women, sponsored by Ladies Guild of
St. Gregory Church, 1014 W. Pontoon Rd, Granite City, Illinois, 9 am
to 4:30 pm. Speakers: Janet Dohr, CPPS and Nayiri Baljian
Bell. Registration, $10.
November 13-14 Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 46th
anniversary banquet Saturday evening. Sunday Divine Liturgy celebrated
by the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Oshagan. Information: 301-229-8742.
November 13-14 Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
Armenian Fest 2010 at Rhodes-On-The-Pawtucket, Cranston, Rhode
Island. Saturday, 12 noon to 10 pm; Sunday, 12 noon to 8 pm. Shish
Kebob, Losh, and Chicken dinners, sandwiches, falafel, served all
day. Armenian pastries, Country Store, hourly raffles, silent auction,
gift baskets, and much more. Live Armenian music, Mourad Armenian
School students to dance on Saturday at 5 pm and Sunday at 4 pm.
Admission free. For information call the church, 401-831-6399.
November 14 Thanksgiving Luncheon and Cultural Program, sponsored by
Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New
York City, following Divine Liturgy, adults $25; children $10. For
information/reservations: 212-689-5880.
November 19-20 Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival, Friday, November 19, 4 pm to 8 pm, with dinner
beginning at 5 pm. Saturday, November 20, 10 am to 4 pm with dinner
beginning at noon. Shish, Losh, and Chicken Kebob and Kheyma
sandwiches. Variety of baked goods and Armenian Country Store.
November 21 St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts, 40th anniversary and ordination of acolytes, presided
by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. Anniversary luncheon at Jaffarian
Hall will follow the Divine Liturgy. Tickets ($50 adults; $10
students and children) must be purchased in advance. For information:
978-685-5038.
November 21 Public Forum, The ARF at 120: A Critical
Appreciation. Participants include David Grigorian, Dennis Papazian,
Ara Sanjian, Kourken Sarkissian, Hratch Zadoian (moderator), and
Antranig Kasbarian (discussant). New York Hilton, 1335 Avenue of the
Americas at 53rd Street, New York City, 3 pm to 6 pm. Admission is
free.
December 4 4th annual banquet, sponsored by the Armenian National
Committee of America, Eastern Region, at Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode
Island. Cocktails and silent auction at 6:30 pm; dinner and awards
program at 8 pm. Warwick Mayor, Scott Avedisian, will host the
evening. ANCA-ER Freedom Award to go to the late Senator Edward
Kennedy. Vahan Cardashian Award to Tatoul Sonentz-Papazian. For
information/reservations, Stephanie at 401-523-0205.
December 4 Annual Bazaar of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, at Christian Reformed Church, 25 Cross Street,
Whitinsville. Delicious shish kebob dinner, baked goods, country
store, silent auction, Armenian boutique and more. Dinner service
begins 11:30 am. For information: 508-234-3677.
December 5 Christmas Boutique, sponsored by ARS Mayr Chapter of New
York at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City,
11 am to 5 pm. Homemade Armenian delicacies, beautiful Christmas gift
items. For information: 718-392-6982; 516-921-0563.
December 9 Film screening of award-winning Aghet: A Genocide,
sponsored by Armenian National Committee of New Jersey and Center for
Holocaust & Genocide Studies, Ramapo College, 505 Ramapo Valley Road,
Mahwah, New Jersey, 7:15 pm. Free and open to the public. For
information: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or
201-684-7409.
December 19 Fifth anniversary of ordination of Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, under
the auspices of the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop
Oshagan. Organized by the Board of Trustees of the Cathedral; luncheon
and special program in Pashalian Hall, following the Divine
Liturgy. $40 per person. For information/reservations: 212-689-5880.
March 27, 2011 Musical Armenia Concert. Sponsored by Eastern Prelacy,
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City.
May 11-14, 2011 National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy,
hosted by St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
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

Armenian National Committee Glendale Chapter
Contact: Elen Asatryan
Tel: (818) 243-3444
Cell: (818) 523-8389
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
November 11, 2010

Glendale Youth Center Launches Holiday Food Drive

Glendale, CA – The Armenian National Committee of Glendale in partnership
with Glendale Youth Center and the Glendale Chapters of the Armenian Relief
Society, the Armenian Youth Federation, and Hamazgayin will be hosting a
Holiday Food Drive in an effort to provide local families with much needed
food supplies during this holiday season. The Food Drive is scheduled to
take place from November 12th through December 3rd.

“We are confident that through the collaborative efforts of community
members and all the organizations housed at the Glendale Youth Center we
will be able to surpass our last year’s donation in helping local families
celebrate the holiday season during these dire economic times,” stated ANC
Glendale Executive Director, Elen Asatryan. .

Participants are encouraged to donate a variety of food items including:
Fruits & Vegetables: Canned vegetables, Vegetable juice, Diced tomatoes,
Tomato juice, Tomato sauce, Spaghetti sauce, Canned fruit, Fruit juice,
Dried fruit. Grains: Oatmeal, Whole grain crackers, All types of pasta,
Cereal, Cream Of Wheat, Whole grain rice. Protein: Canned tuna fish, Canned
salmon, Canned chicken, Canned bean soup, Canned baked beans, Dried and
canned beans and peas, Canned chili, Canned beef stew, Peanut butter, Nuts.
Oils: Corn Oil, Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil. Baby Formula and Canned Baby Food

Community members interested in participating may drop off non perishable
food items at the following locations:

1. Glendale Youth Center
211 W. Chestnut St., Glendale, CA 91204

2. St. Mary’s Armenian Church
500 S. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204

3. Chamlian Armenian School
4444 Lowell Ave., Glendale, CA 91214

4. Armenian Relief Society
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202

5. ANCA Western Regional Offices
104 N. Belmont St. 2nd Floor, Glendale, CA 91205

Collected items will be distributed from the Glendale Youth Center the week
of Thanksgiving and again before Christmas. Distribution dates and times
will be announced at a later date. For more information or for corporate
donations please contact ANC Glendale at 818.243.3444 or
[email protected].

The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter advocates for the social,
economic, cultural, and political rights of the city’s Armenian American
community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and
public policy levels.

####

From: A. Papazian

Armenian National Committee Glendale Chapter
Contact: Elen Asatryan
Tel: (818) 243-3444
Cell: (818) 523-8389
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
November 11, 2010
ANC Glendale Paves Path to College

Glendale, CA – Over 100 local parents and students gathered at the
Karamanoukian Glendale Youth Center on Tuesday, November 9th to learn about
the Glendale school system and the nuts and bolts of the college application
process. The forum, entitled “Path to College” was organized by the
Armenian National Committee – Glendale Chapter in partnership with Glendale
Unified School District and Glendale Community College.

“On behalf of the Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter I would like
to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Education members,
administration and staff of Glendale Unified School District and Glendale
Community College who helped make the Path to College Forum a great success
as well as ATT for its sponsorship,” stated ANC-Glendale Chapter Executive
Director, Elen Asatryan. “The number of attendees present proved that there
is a great need for such services and so we look forward to working with the
community and its institutions in providing similar opportunities to parents
and students in the future,” added Asatryan.

The program began at 6:30 pm with welcoming remarks by ANC-Glendale Chapter
Executive Director Elen Asatryan, followed by GUSD Assistant Superintendent
Katherin Fundukian and a pitch by PTA Council President Elizabeth
Manasserian encouraging parents to join their local PTAs. The main portion
of the program was presented by Crescenta Valley High School Counselor Anet
Hairapetian and Illin Magran, who provided information about high school
graduation requirements, college admission requirements, SAT & ACT College
admission exams, and ways students can recover credits. They were followed
by GCC Instructor, Sevan Ourfalian who discussed various GED Programs, while
GCC Financial Aid Counselor Armineh Gourgian walked parents through the
different avenues of paying for college. The forum ended with a
presentation from Meg Chil-Gevorkian of GCC Student Outreach Services who
explained the differences between community colleges and 4 year universities
as well as the benefits of living on campus.

The Armenian National Committee – Glendale Chapter advocates for the social,
economic, cultural, and political rights of the city’s Armenian American
community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and
public policy levels.

####

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA FUND TELETHON TO AIR NOVEMBER 25

armradio.am
10.11.2010 10:46

Raising funds for drinking water and irrigation projects in Artsakh,
Armenia Fund’s “Water is Life” International Thanksgiving Day Telethon
will air live from Hollywood on November 25, 2010, 8:00AM-8:00PM PST
coast-to-coast and around the world. Airing for 12 hours, Telethon 2010
will reach every continent, entering Armenian homes through satellite,
cable and the internet.

The Telethon will bring together Armenians from all walks of life
regardless of their political or religious views and affiliations
around one purpose: to bring life to Artsakh villages by giving them
round-the-clock access to clean drinking and irrigation water.

The shortage of water is a serious problem in Artsakh affecting more
than 70,000 people living in 200 villages. On average, each family
spends 40% of their daily lives carrying water from a source 2-5
miles away. That water is not always clean – 88% of all diseases are
related to tainted drinking water.

In the United States alone the potential audience for the Telethon is
around 55 million households in the states of Arizona, California,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, and Washington.

In Armenia, the Telethon can be viewed for full 12 hours on H1,
Armenia, Shant and Yerkir Media networks beginning 20:00.

From: A. Papazian

SOUTH CAUCASUS RAILWAYS AND GEORGIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY TO INSTALL UNIFIED TICKET SALES AND RESERVATION SYSTEM

/ARKA/
November 10, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, November 10, /ARKA/. The South Caucasus Railways company
operating Armenia’s railroads and the Georgian Railways Company will
install a unified ticket sales and reservation system, the press
office of the South Caucasus Railways company said.

It said an agreement to that end was signed November 5. The unified
system was developed jointly by programmers of both companies on the
basis of Orion information platform. The unified ticket reservation
and sale system will be installed within seven months since the
signing of the relating agreement,

The South Caucasus Railways is run by Russian Railways. The
concessional agreement was concluded in 2008 for 30 years, with a
right of extension for another 20 years after the first 20 years of
operation.

From: A. Papazian

“ARMROSGASPROM”: MORE THAN 608 THOUSAND SUBSCRIBERS CONNECTED TO GAS NETWORK OF ARMENIA

/ARKA/
November 9, 2010
YEREVAN

As of November 1, 2010 more than 608. 491 subscribers were connected
to gas network of Armenia.

Within nine months of 2010 the number of actual gas consumers of CJSC
“ArmRosgasprom” was increased by 12138, of which 2393 were connected
to the network in October.

This indicator was the highest in 2010 by monthly basis.

Armenia is within the first three countries of the world by
gasification level.

CJSC “ArmRosgasprom” is a monopolist in the internal market of
Armenia. Gas enters Armenia by transit through Georgia. The company
was established in 1997. The share of Open JSC “Gasprom” is 80% in
the charter capital of the company, the share of the Government of
Armenia is 20%.

From: A. Papazian