Author: Andres-Papazian

SON ALIYEV – TODAY’S HAMLET?

Panorama
Oct 28 2010
Armenia

“Every nation is proud of what they have. Our President put a wreath
on the Armenian memorial erected in Astrakhan and the Azerbaijani
erected Aliyev’s statue. Azerbaijani state is only 90 years old, and
the nation is called Azeri since 36 (They used to be called Moslems,
Caucasian Turks or Caucasian Tatars), hence not having any cultural
heritage they had to erect that statue,” Republican Speaker Edward
Sharmazanov said

According to him Azerbaijan managing its Armenian complexes, erects
statues, orders huge flags, which are being torn…

Republican speaker didn’t exclude that the ghost of father Aliyev
pursues son Aliyev and he became “today’s Hamlet.”

From: A. Papazian

ARF-D UPSET AT ASTANA

news.am
Oct 28 2010
Armenia

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) is upset
at the results of the Astrakhan meeting and does not have any special
hopes in connection with the OSCE Summit in Astana.

The Armenian-Azerbaijani-Russian presidential meeting has fallen short
of expectations. The sides did not discuss the principal aspects
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, particularly Nagorno-Karabakh’s
status and security guarantees, Armen Rustamyan, the Chairman of the
Foreign Relations Committee, RA Parliament and ARF-D Board member,
told journalists.

The statement adopted in Astrakhan will, to a certain extent,
contribute to security and atmosphere of confidence in the conflict
zone provided the agreements are put into effect and not violated by
Azerbaijan. Baku’s position does not inspire any optimism – Azerbaijan
organized a provocation just on the threshold of the Astrakhan
meeting. “In fact, the present situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict zone is a neither-war-nor-peace situation. Even official
statements say about exchange of POWs,” Rustamyan said. He is not
optimistic about the OSCE Summit in Astana. “I do not think any
fundamental agreements may be reached in Astana, as the sides are
too far from each other now. Azerbaijan is not at all ready for any
compromise. If the international community and mediators are expecting
the summit to produce any results, it means they hope for concessions
by the Armenian side. They are erroneous, however. The Armenian side
will not do it,” Rustamyan said.

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJANI, ARMENIAN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENTS SIGN DECLARATION

news.az
Oct 28 2010
Azerbaijan

Aliyev, Medvedev and Sargsyan Ilham Aliyev, Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitriy
Medvedev have signed a declaration on the exchange of prisoners of
war and human remains.

The declaration was signed at a meeting of the three presidents in
the Russian city of Astrakhan yesterday.

Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev described the declaration as
humanitarian. “This decision is very important in overcoming the
various difficulties related to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem between
Armenia and Azerbaijan. We are talking about a declaration aimed at the
exchange of POWs and increasing confidence in the return of the bodies
of the dead,” Medvedev told a press conference after the meeting.

The return of human remains and exchange of POWs have been a sensitive
issue over recent months with two high-profile cases in particular.

Armenia has so far failed to return the remains of Azerbaijani Warrant
Officer Mubariz Ibrahimov who was killed in a clash on the Armenian
side of the contact line in June. The Azerbaijani authorities reported
that Armenian Manvel Saribekyan committed suicide in detention in
Azerbaijan earlier this month and have yet to return his body. The
Azerbaijani authorities described Saribekyan as an agent while the
Armenians said he was a shepherd.

Agreement by December?

Following yesterday’s talks in Astrakhan, the Russian president said
he was “moderately optimistic” about the chances of the Armenian
and Azerbaijani leaders making progress towards a settlement of the
20-year-long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Azerbaijan and Armenia may reach an agreement on the principles of
a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by the OSCE summit to be
held in early December,” Medvedev said.

He said the issue had been discussed at the meeting: “The issues
concerning the principles for the basis of a peace agreement remain
open. Nevertheless, we have come some way and this shows that if
the sides work hard in November – we will instruct the foreign
ministers to do so – we will manage to achieve an agreed option on
common principles for a settlement by the OSCE summit to be held in
Kazakhstan on 1-2 December.”

Medvedev said that plenty of issues remained unresolved, but the
sides wanted to reach agreement. “Russia will continue its efforts. I
think that a result may be achieved and it gives rise to a degree of
moderate optimism.”

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian described the trilateral
meeting in Astrakhan as useful and important.

Talking to journalists after the meeting, he said: “The presidents
discussed the details of the Karabakh conflict settlement. They
reaffirmed the provisions of the declaration adopted in Meiendorf,
stressed that it is necessary to undertake steps for a diplomatic,
political solution in order to improve the atmosphere of mutual trust
and to strengthen the ceasefire regime.”

The Meiendorf declaration was signed by the Armenian and Azerbaijani
presidents following talks mediated by Dmitriy Medvedev at Meiendorf
Castle, near Moscow, in November 2008. In that declaration, the
presidents agreed to step up their efforts to resolve the dispute
over Nagorno-Karabakh and to develop confidence-building measures.

The chairman of the Azerbaijani parliament’s committee for defence
and security, Aydin Mirzazade, said he was “cautiously optimistic”
about yesterday’s declaration in Astrakhan.

“The declaration of the presidents at first reading makes me cautiously
optimistic, because, unlike the recent past, it talks about specific
dates for the preparation of the basic principles,” Mirzazade commented
to Interfax-Azerbaijan.

He recalled, however, that Armenia had rejected previously reached
agreements. “Nevertheless, I would like to believe that Armenia will
make use of this chance,” he said.

The clause in the declaration about an urgent exchange of prisoners
and human remains is especially important, Mirzazade said. “I think
this could bring a degree of confidence to the situation.”

Azerbaijani president meets OSCE mediators

Following the trilateral summit, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
met the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Igor Popov of Russia,
Robert Bradtke of the USA and Bernard Fassier of France – and Andrzej
Kasprzyk, personal representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office.

They discussed the current state of and prospects for the Karabakh
talks.

>>From Astrakhan, Ilham Aliyev left for Kiev, where he was welcomed
by senior Ukrainian officials.

Sources: ITAR-TASS, RIA Novosti, Panorama.am, Interfax-Azerbaijan, APA,

From: A. Papazian

DEATH OF A HIPPIE AND RISE OF HIGH VALUE TOURISM IN GOA
By: IANS

Mid-Day, Bangalore

Oct 28 2010
India

The death of 85-year-old Yertward Mazmanian aka ‘eight finger Eddie’,
arguably Goa’s first hippie, curiously comes at a time when the state
is on the verge of a strategic shift in its tourism approach.

A day before Mazmanian – called eight finger Eddie because of two
missing digits on his right hand – died Oct 18, tourism officials
stressed the need for bidding goodbye to hippie and backpack tourism
at an international travel mart held here. The same hippie culture
had helped put Goa on the international tourism map in the 1970s.

News of the death of the American-born hippie of Armenian descent
created a lot of static on social networking site Facebook, where
over Rs.100,000 was pooled from his fans the world over towards
his cremation.

It was Norwegian freelance journalist Oystein Krogsrud, who shuttles
between Goa and Norway, who gave Eddie company during his last few
days in the hospital and the final journey to a local crematorium
where Eddie was cremated with Hindu rites.

“I think all hippies who have died here have been cremated. The hippies
have a much stronger connection to Hinduism than Christianity, even
though Eddie often pointed out that he was not following any kind of
religion,” Oystein, who also broadcast Eddie’s funeral through live
internet across the world, told IANS.

Oystein had been following Eddie closely for over 10 years and had
last interviewed him four days before he died. According to him,
Eddie had left his biological family behind in 1963.

In a video interview to a researcher a couple of years ago, Eddie
said he first came to Colva, a beach village in south Goa, in 1965.

“Some people let me stay in their house at Colva beach. Those days
you didn’t have to pay rent unless you yourself wanted to contribute
something. Sometimes people were sceptical, but then they realised
you did not want anything,” Eddie said.

Eddie was also responsible for starting the now famous Anjuna flea
market back in 1975 — a place for hippies and other foreigners to
just hang out or to barter goods. The same market is now a vibrant hub
of trade, starting from food to clothes, junk jewellery, and loads
of trinkets found in virtually every stop on Goa’s popular tourist
circuit on Wednesdays.

“Only freaks came to the first flea market then. It wasn’t a regular
thing. Then we’d make another one on some other auspicious day. People
gave things away, or it was only free…it was like a party,” he said.

But the brand of tourism Eddie came to represent is not what the
tourism industry is keen to promote any more. Officials and tourism
captains are looking to move Goa away from backpack, hippie to ‘big
bucks’ tourism. Seven offshore casinos, more than a dozen onshore
casinos, 25 five-star hotels and a planned marina and a golf course
is Goa Tourism’s new ‘big picture’.

Hugh Gantzer, a tourism industry expert, said hippie tourism gave
Goa a bad name.

“They have outlived their usefulness. Goa has to say goodbye to them.

Tourism in Goa has moved on. Hippie and backpack tourism inevitably
is associated with drugs and does not make a healthy spectacle,”
said Gantzer, an award-winning travel writer, who was a resource
person at the International Travel Mart-Goa, which concluded Oct 17.

However, despite his death, Goa’s first hippie will continue to live
in the consciousness of travellers coming to Anjuna for years to come
thanks to a unique initiative started by Oystein.

“We have emptied Eddie’s house and plan to make a museum out of Eddie’s
personal stuff at this year’s Anjuna flea market when it resumes in
a few weeks, coinciding with the beginning of the six-month tourism
season here,” Oystein said.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Watch our latest videos on YouTube here:

THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA ATTENDS THE MIDDLE
EAST SYNOD ORGANIZED BY THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Upon the invitation of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVIth, around 185
delegates gathered in Rome from 10 to 24 October 2010, to discuss issues
related to the Catholic Church in the Middle East. The agenda of the meeting
was organized around the general theme “Communion and Witness: The multitude
of those who become believers were of one heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32).

His Holiness Aram I nominated H.G. Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of the
Diocese of Peria (Syria) to represent the Catholicosate. Bishop Shahan was
one of the thirteen fraternal delegates attending the meeting. Jews and
Muslims were also invited.

During the meeting, H.G. Bishop Shahan read the message of H. H. Aram I
addressed to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVIth. In the message Catholicos
Aram I expressed his appreciation for the timing of such a meeting and
shared his views on the way churches in the Middle East could help their
believers to stay in the region. According to the Catholicos, Middle East
churches should work more closely towards unity, find new ways of
cooperation and mutual support, and promote interreligious dialogue
particularly with Islam. At the end of the message, His Holiness Aram I
invited the churches in the region to strengthen the Middle East Council of
Churches.

Bishop Sarkissian contributed to the meeting by participating in the work of
the committees and other activities organized around the Synod.

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

From: A. Papazian

Armenians Studying in Georgia: How the Issue is Being Resolved

Epress.am ()
Oct. 29, 2010

One of the biggest problems of Armenians in Georgia is the question of
higher education. After the reforms in Georgia’s education system,
when the system of unified national exams began to be implemented, it
became mandatory to take an exam in the Georgian language. That
basically excluded all applicants who did not know Georgian from the
higher education system.

This was told to the Epress.am Tbilisi correspondent by Marina
Elbakidze, who is a project coordinator at the Caucasus Institute for
Peace, Democracy and Development (CIPDD).

“In the past few years, the majority of Armenian and Azerbaijani youth
left Georgia; very few have been accepted into Georgian
universities. Javakheti youth who cannot be admitted to university
here, go to Russia or Armenia to study, after which, if they even
return, it’s the same, they don’t know the country’s state [official]
language and they can’t find work. Or they don’t return at all,” said
Elbakidze.

This problem has existed for 5 years, she said, and it has often been
discussed at the state level.

“But this year, major changes were introduced to the education
system. Those who graduated from a non-Georgian school, who know
Armenia, Azerbaijani [or] Abkhazian, can take a general ability test
and meeting the minimum competence level, can study at any faculty at
a zero rate [i.e. free of charge] and study the Georgian language for
one year free of charge, and then proceed to the first course.”

Elbakidze also noted that each university is obligated to allocate 5%
of the total number of seats to Armenian and Azerbaijani students, and
1.5% to Ossetians and Abkhazians.

“Another question is Russian is not in this list and graduates from
Russian schools are deprived of such privilege, even though many
Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Georgians who graduate from Russian
schools easily take exams in the Russian language.

“This year, more than 100 applications were received from Javakheti,
of which 80 were admitted at the zero rate. Javakheti residents also
request that a joint Armenian-Georgian university be opened at
Akhalkalaki. In Armenian schools, the hours of Georgian language
education have increased and the hours of Armenian language education
have been reduced, which Javakheti residents don’t welcome,” she
concluded.

From: A. Papazian

The Honorable Tigran Sarkisyan
ARMENIAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC.
1300 E.
Shaw #131 P.O. Box 5969
Fresno, CA 93755
Tel: 559-224-1000
Fax: 559-224-1002

Contact Person
Varoujan Der Simonian

For Immediate Release
October 28, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

OVER $75,000 WORTH
OF CYCLING SUPPLIES TO ARMENIA
ATG / 2010 Tour de Fresno a Resounding Success!

The second annual Tour de Fresno charity bike ride organized by the
ATG / Bike for Hope was a tremendous success. This year’s event
shattered all expectations with 729 riders and volunteers gathered at
the Chukchansi Baseball Park to take part in the tour; a huge leap
from the 162 riders that participated in 2009! The ride was the ninth
annual fund raising bike a thon organized by the Armenian Technology
Group, Inc.(ATG) / Bike for Hope.

Earlier this year, $75,361 worth of bicycles and cycling supplies
arrived in Armenia as a follow-up fundraising drive in Los Angeles and
the inaugural 2009 Granville Homes Tour de Fresno Charity
Ride.. Through financial and in-kind donations to the ATG BikeForHope
program, ATG secured new racing bicycles, cycling components, biking
supplies and clothing for the Junior Olympic School of Cycling in
Yerevan.

The supplies were shipped from US to Armenia courtesy of the UAF. They
were entrusted to the supervision of the world-renowned cycling coach,
Albert Soloyan, who will oversee the training of over 250 teenagers,
as they prepare for the Olympics and other competitions.

“It is our hope that this after-school program will help restate and
promote a healthy life-style among the children and the youth in
Armenia,” said Varoujan der Simonian, executive director of ATG.

The donated cycling supplies have a special meaning to Hrach
Gevrikyan, proprietor of Velo Pasadena and Velo Studio of Burbank who
assisted ATG during this drive. Hrach, spearheaded the campaign to
acquire, gather, itemize and box

the items prior to their shipment to Armenia.

“I cannot forget what Albert Soloyan and the Cycling School in Armenia
has given me when I was growing up. They are part of my daily life
wherever I am,” said Hrach. As a youngster, Hrach was trained under
Mr. Soloyan, who had coached Hrach to win thirteen-time cycling
championship of Armenia prior to migrating to United States.

This year cyclists had pre-registered in one of the four ride options
that they participated in: Century, Metric Century, 41 mile
Countryside and recreational 15 mile scenic rides, compared to only
two ride options offered last year.

The comments and feedback provided by the riders were excellent.
Survey results conducted following the rides indicates that overall,
98% of the participants will return next year, as well as encourage
their friends to join.

“I did the 15 mile ride and had a blast. I was able to see parts of
Fresno in ways I never knew,” said Brandon of Salinas, California.

Riders from 63 different cities across the State took part in the
tour. They expressed great support for the Tour de Fresno
commemorative jerseys and gloves, stating that they were not only
stylish and comfortable but also wonderful ways to represent Fresno
and California’s beautiful Central Valley! “I never knew Fresno had
hills, lakes, mountains, etc. I’m in for next year!” said Jake
Bursalyan from San Francisco.

The Tour de Fresno was an enormous success thanks to everyone that
helped and participated. The nine rest stops throughout the rides
also proved to be a great success with the riders. “The ride was
awesome and the sandwiches were delicious!” exclaimed Mike from
Fresno. All credit goes out to our volunteers at the rest stops as
well as the post-ride lunch for their help and efficiency in providing
the riders with everything they needed in between and after their
ride.

`We were delighted to hear about how satisfied everyone was with the
event’ said Der Simonian.

Additional comments and pictures are posted on Tour de Fresno website
and facebook.

Tour de Fresno will support organizations in the communities that are
actively involved in making a positive and lasting difference in the
lives of the youth. Proceeds from this years’s ride will benefit
activities promoted by local organizations like Hope Now for Youth,
where moral values and social behavior

are taught through educational and training activities in order to
teach good values, acceptable behavior, and responsible citizenship.
Hope Now trains local youth through a special educational process and
then places them as interns at local businesses.

In 2011, the ride is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September
17, and, based on the survey results, it is anticipated that the tour
will break a new attendance record.

####

Attached please find Photos of Hrach Gevrikyan of Velo Studio in
Berbank with Varoujan Der Simonian

For additional photos from the tour you may visit
Or click to the link on our site – Photos courtesy of 360 image
makers.com

Varoujan Der Simonian, Executive Director
Armenian Technology Group, Inc.
1300 East Shaw Ave., Suite 131
P.O.Box 5969
Fresno CA 93755-5969 US
1.559.224.1000 Fax 1.559.224.1002
[email protected]

From: A. Papazian

CHESS: ZAVEN ANDRIASIAN 2ND IN CHIGORIN MEMORIAL

Panorama
Oct 28 2010
Armenia

GMs Zaven Andriasian and Hrant Melkumyan scored 7 points each out of
9 and shared the 1st-6th places in the rapid tournament which was held
within the frameworks of Chigorin Memorial in Saint-Petersburg, Russia.

The six winners took the following places in the tie-break: 1. GM Yudin
(Russia), 2. GM Andriasian (Armenia), 3. GM Lafuente (Argentina), 4. GM
Vorobiov (Russia), 5. GM Gasanov (Ukraine), 6. GM Melkumyan (Armenia).

Today the main tournament of the Chigorin Memorial starts with the
rules of classical game, armchess.am said.

From: A. Papazian

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: [23]
Links:
23.

TOP STORY October 28, 2010

_An Evening with Author Agop J. Hacikyan to be Held at the Diocesan Center on
Friday _

The Eastern Diocese will host Armenian-Canadian author Dr. Agop J. Hacikyan
for an evening celebrating his literary career on Friday, October 29, at
7:30 p.m. Mr. Hacikyan has written more than two dozen books, including the
international bestseller _A Summer Without Dawn_, a novel about the Armenian
Genocide. His most recent work is _The Lamppost Diary_.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), will preside over the event, and deliver remarks. Also
speaking will be Mr. Hagop Vartivarian and Mr. Osheen Keshishian. Mr. Berc
Araz will serve as the master of ceremonies.

The event is being organized by several Armenian organizations in the
greater New York City area. It is free and open to the public. A reception
and book-signing will follow the program. [4]Click here to view a flyer for
more information.
Links:
4.

Scripture of the Week

Is 22:15-24
Eph 1:1-14
Lk 8:17-21

Prayer of the week

O Lord, turn not your face from me. O beneficent Lord, I beseech you, be my
helper. O Lord, despise me not and forsake me not. O God, my Savior. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_31 October:_ Eighth Sunday after the Exaltation

_6 November:_ Holy Archangels Gabriel and Michael

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

The Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian performs the sacrament of holy
matrimony in Dublin.

_New Parish Established in Dublin, Ireland _

The Armenian community of Dublin, Ireland, recently organized its first
parish and welcomed the Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain, for services and
fellowship, from October 16 to 18.

On Sunday, October 17, more than 100 people gathered to participate in the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy, a historic occasion for the city’s
Armenian community. Fr. Hovhanessian congratulated the newly-formed parish
and encouraged members to continue developing programs to preserve their
faith and heritage. The weekend also included a wedding and seven baptisms.

The Armenian community of Dublin has applied for and received formal
recognition from the government of Ireland, which now lists the Armenian
Church as an official denomination and as a solemnizing religious body.

For more information, [5]click here to visit the website of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of Great Britain.
Links:
5.

DIOCESAN NEWS

_Eastern Diocese’s “Matching Challenge” Now Underway
_
The success of last year’s Annual Appeal Matching Challenge was a tribute to
the confidence and enthusiasm of our people, who supported their Diocese in
record numbers.

This year, we’re hoping that lightning will strike again!

For our 2010 Diocesan Appeal, a generous donor has issued another =80=9CMatching
Contribution Initiative.’ Once again, the idea is to raise funds to help our
Diocese meet its budgetary goals. But we also want to _inspire people across
our Diocese_ to show their support of the Armenian Church.

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. To track our progress, [7]click here.
Links:
6.
7.

Students at GTech (file photo).

_FAR’s GTech Graduates Help Train Teachers in Armenia
_
Two recent graduates of the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Gyumri Information
Technology Center (GTech), Suren Gharagyoazyan and Garegin Tonoyan, recently
joined a teacher-training project sponsored by the Armenian Educational
Foundation.

By signing up to prepare local teachers to lead computer classes,
participants not only promote computer literacy, but also acquire more
hands-on training in their field. The current project enables Suren and
Garegin to work in 12 different villages around Vanadzor in Armenia.

GTech was established in 2005 by FAR, in partnership with several technology
companies. The goal of the center is to strengthen the information
technology skills of young Armenians and to expand opportunities in the
region. GTech also helps to bolster development by providing an incubator
space for new start-up IT businesses. [8]Click here to visit FAR’s blog and
to read more.
Links:
8.

_Women’s Guild Central Council Prepares for Symposium _

The Women’s Guild Central Council is preparing to host its fall symposium in
Washington, DC, from November 5-6 (with Sunday, November 7, reserved for
church services at the city’s St. Mary Armenian Church and travel).

Billed as “a celebration of faith and fellowship in our nation’s capital,”
the WGCC symposium will include inspirational speakers, empowering
presentations, sightseeing around Washington, and opportunities for
fellowship.

General information about the symposium can be obtained by contacting Rita
Oscherician at [9][email protected], or (201) 398-0153.
Links:
9. mailto:[email protected]

_Please note that there has been a change of venue for the program planned
for Saturday evening, November 6. It will now be held at St. Mary Church.
[10]Click here for details._
Links:
10.

To learn more about the Women’s Guild, and its recent and future activities,
[11]click here to read the organization’s `Hye Reflections’ newsletter.
Links:
11.

_Be Creative: Enter Our Photo Contest__ _

Since the launch of our new website last summer, the Eastern Diocese has
been expanding its online outreach to better serve our readers in an
ever-advancing digital media age.

This month, we set up a Posterous page
([12]), where users can upload photographs
and video from their computers, or directly from their mobile phones. To
kick-off this effort, we announced a photo contest on the topic of _=80=9CWhat is
Armenian about your day?’_
Links:
12.

We invite our readers to share digital photos on the site by e-mailing them
to [13][email protected] (please include a caption in the
subject of your e-mail, and your full name in the body). We hope to feature
the best entries in our e-newsletter in the coming weeks.
Links:
13. mailto:[email protected]

To read more about our digital media projects, [14]click here.
Links:
14.

_Schedule of Hymns for Sunday Services Available Online _

The `Giratsooyts,’ or schedule of hymns for Sunday services, is now
available on the Diocese’s website, in the Sacred Music Council section.
[15]Click here to access the listing.
Links:
15.

The information has been gathered and translated from several liturgical
resources published by the Armenian Church. The accessible schedule helps
guide parish choirs in preparation for Sunday services.

The Sacred Music Council is a Diocesan-wide organization dedicated to the
dissemination and appreciation of Armenian liturgical music.

_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.

[16]Click here to view a complete job description and list of
qualifications. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to
[17][email protected].
Links:
16.
17. mailto:[email protected]

PARISH NEWS

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian with newly
ordained sub-deacons.

_Two Sub-Deacons Ordained at Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham, MA_

On Sunday, October 24, the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, visited the Church of the
Holy Translators in Framingham, MA. Archbishop Barsamian presided over the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy and ordained parishioners Daniel Hyde and
Ara Bablouzian to the sub-diaconate.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Vard Gyozalian, a priest
from Holy Etchmiadzin who is completing a pastoral internship at Holy
Translators Church under the guidance of the parish pastor, the Rev. Fr.
Krikor Sabounjian.

Archbishop Barsamian delivered the day’s sermon, speaking on the
significance of the Holy Cross to the Armenian people. [18]Click here to
read more.
A Requiem Service was held in Baton Rouge for the defenders of Hadjin.
Links:
18.

_Baton Rouge, LA, Parish Welcomes Archbishop Gizirian, Commemorates Battle of
Hadjin _

Last weekend, the parishioners of St. Garabed Church of Baton Rouge, LA,
welcomed Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, as they gathered for the parish’s
annual commemoration of the heroic defenders of Hadjin.

The majority of local parishioners are descendants of survivors of the
Hadjin massacres, perpetrated in the 19th and early 20th centuries while the
city was part of the Ottoman Empire.

The occasion marked Archbishop Gizirian’s first visit to St. Garabed Church.
Traveling with him was the Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, director of the
Department of Mission Parishes at the Eastern Diocese.

More than 90 people gathered for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on
Sunday, October 24. Fr. Abdalian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with
Archbishop Gizirian presiding and delivering the day’s sermon. A Requiem
Service was held for deceased community members, as well as the defenders of
Hadjin. [19]

Click here
to read more.
Links:
19.

_Upcoming Parish Festivals and Gatherings _

_St. Hagop Church | Pinellas Park, FL_
Renowned Armenian scholar Richard Hovannisian will speak at St. Hagop Church
of Pinellas Park, FL, on Saturday, October 30, beginning at 7 p.m.

Titled “The Vanishing Landscape of Historic Armenia and Cilicia,” Dr.
Hovannisian’s presentation will focus on his personal journeys to historic
Armenia.

Tickets are $20 (advance purchase) and $25 (at the door). To make a
reservation, contact Mallory Maslar at (727) 481-3271.

The event is being held in conjunction with other Armenia-related events at
the University of South Florida Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center.
[20]Click here to view a flyer.
Links:
20.

_Holy Cross Church | Union City, NJ_
Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, will host its annual bazaar and food
festival on Saturday, October 30, at the church center (27th Street and
Bergenline Avenue).

A children’s Halloween party will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner will
follow at 6 p.m. Enjoy khavourma, keshkeg soup, kufteh, luleh kebob, cheese
boreg, yalanchi, and pastries. The event will also feature a raffle and
international music by DJ Berj.

Admission is free. Street parking is available. For more information,
contact the church office at (201) 864-2480.

_St. Vartan Cathedral | New York, NY_
The St. Vartan Cathedral Council is sponsoring a fall gathering at Michael
Aram’s flagship store in Manhattan on Friday, October 29, from 6:30 to 8:30
p.m.

Come mingle and meet members of the cathedral community. Meet artist and
designer Michael Aram and browse his latest collection. Light food and
refreshments will be served.

The Michael Aram Flagship Store is located at 136 West 18th Street in
Manhattan (between 6th and 7th avenues). [21]Click here to view a flyer.
RSVP is requested but not required. Call Deacon Sebuh at (212) 686-0710,
ext. 141.
Links:
21.

EVENTS

_Zohrab Center to Co-host Guitar Recital Next Month _

The Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, the Armenian
Students’ Association of New York, and the Armenian Network of Greater New
York will co-host a guitar recital at the Diocesan Center on Friday,
November 5, at 7 p.m.

The event will feature Joao Kouoyumdjian on the guitar, and special guests
Solange Merdinian, soprano; Gohar Vardanyan, guitar; and Joe Arndt, piano.
They will perform works by Iakovos Kolanian, J.S. Bach, Heitor Villa-Lobos,
Isaac Albeniz, and others.

Admission is free. A wine and cheese reception will follow the event. For
more information, contact Taleen Babayan at (212) 686-0710.

YOUTH NEWS

ACYOA members at this month’s leadership conference created action plans for
the holiday outreach project.

_Parishes Encouraged to Take Part in ACYOA Holiday Outreach Initiative _

At the ACYOA Leadership Conference, held from October 8 to 10 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. [22]Click here to learn more about the
project, and to access guidelines and resources.
Links:
22.

St. Sahag Church ACYOA Juniors with the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan and
Jennifer Morris last weekend.

_St. Sahag ACYOA Juniors Participate in Overnight Retreat_

Last weekend, Jennifer Morris, the Youth Outreach coordinator at the Eastern
Diocese, traveled to St. Paul, MN, to lead the St. Sahag Church ACYOA
Juniors in an overnight retreat, which was a first for the young parish.

The retreat began on Saturday, October 23, with an informational meeting for
teens and their parents about the ACYOA and Diocesan-wide programs. After
dinner, the parents departed and the teens participated in Bible Study and
interactive team-building exercises to help them build their leadership
skills for developing their newly-established ACYOA Juniors chapter.
Participants also had an opportunity for fellowship and an evening movie.

The retreat concluded on Sunday, October 24, with the celebration of the
Divine Liturgy by the parish pastor, the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan. During
the fellowship hour, Jennifer Morris addressed parishioners, shared with
them the highlights of the retreat, and thanked them for their warm
hospitality.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN WWF, LOCAL RESIDENTS ORGANIZE TO PROTECT BROWN BEARS

Hurriyet
Oct 28 2010
Turkey

World Wildlife Fund, or WWF, employees in southern Armenia are planning
to start night time observation of gardens that attract brown bears
to feed, the Caucasian Knot website has reported.

Each year from September onward, Armenia~Rs Syunik region frequently
sees bears invading fruit gardens, where they eat grapes, figs and
pomegranates and cause damage to shrubbery and trees. So far the bears
have caused the most significant property damage to the villages of
Nrnadzor, Shvanidzor and Alvank.

The WWF~Rs Armenian branch, along with local residents and employees
at the Arevik National Park, has organized night time observations in
order to both protect the bears and the environments where they feed.

This year the Caucasus Protected Areas Fund has allocated $500,000
to improve the protection level of the Khosrov Reserve, located in
the Ararat region in the south of Armenia, which is populated by
brown bears.

From: A. Papazian