Author: Andres-Papazian

G. AYVAZYAN: “SIDES DELAY RESUMING OF WAR”

Panorama
Oct 28 2010
Armenia

Grigori Ayvazyan, the Chairman of Azerbaijani Armenians’ Assembly
met with the reporters today and talked about the tripartite meeting
of the Presidents and the statement: “Both sides strive to delay the
inevitable – the resuming of the war.”

According to the source “sides which have such different opinions
can never come to a conclusion. Azerbaijan is getting prepared to a
revenge war, and everybody knows that.”

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]

October 28, 2010
LEADERSHIP MEETING TAKES PLACE
In conjunction with the regular monthly meeting of the Prelacys
Religious and Executive Councils, last Saturday a special meeting took
place with council members and about a dozen invited guests from
various parishes within the Eastern Prelacy. The Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan, presided over the meeting which began at 9 am and continued
through to 2:30 pm. Participants focused on an agenda of varied topics
relevant to the future of the Armenian Church.
A partial view of the leadership meeting at the Prelacy. Archbishop
Oshagan is addressing the participants.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL PRESIDE
AT ST. ILLUMINATORS CATHEDRAL SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and Requiem
Service at St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, this Sunday,
October 31. Requiem Service will be said for the late Mrs. Hranoush
Mokosian who passed away recently at an advanced age. She lived
independently and from her frugal savings she was able to designate
donations to a number of her favorite charities, including the
Armenian Church.
VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO RACINE
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and deliver the Sermon this Sunday, October 31, at St. Hagop
Church in Racine, Wisconsin. The parishs priest, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel
Garabedian, will assist him on the altar. Following the Liturgy the
Vicar will preside over the parishs annual anniversary banquet.
VICAR WILL ATTEND INTERFAITH GATHERING
Bishop Anoushavan will attend an Interfaith gathering next Thursday,
November 4, at the Interfaith Center in New York City. The topic of
the gathering is Building Sacred Space in the City: Religious Freedom
in Bricks and Mortar.
CATHOLICOS ARAM INVITES PRELATES AND
LAY REPRESENTATIVES TO ANTELIAS MEETING
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, invited
the prelates and lay representatives for a general meeting to discuss
the vision of being the Armenian Church in the 21st century. An
important part of the meeting focused on the impact of geopolitics on
the life of the Armenian nation. At the conclusion of the meeting,
members of the Catholicosates Religious and Executive Councils and the
National Assembly will meet to set priorities and develop an action
plan for all dioceses under the Cilician See.
Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, chairman of the Prelacys
Religious Council and pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, is in Lebanon and representing Archbishop
Oshagan and the Eastern Prelacy.
A scene for the general meeting at the Catholicosate of the Holy See
of Cilicia, with His Holiness Aram I presiding.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram and Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, who
represented the Eastern Prelacy.
ARCHPRIEST FR. ARAM STEPANIAN
PREACHES IN LEBANON
Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, chairman of the Prelacys Religious
Council, and pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, was invited to Lebanon to deliver a series of sermons
on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the Armenian Apostolic
Church Lay Brothrhood (Hayasdanyayts Arakelagan Yegeghetsasirats
Yeghpayragtsoutioun).
Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian preaching in Lebanon.
BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, October 31, Eighth Sunday of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross, are: Isaiah 22:15-25; Ephesians 1:1-14; Luke
8:17-21.
Paul, and apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the
world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for
adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good
pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he
freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption
through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the
riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and
insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to
his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the
fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and
things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance,
having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes
all things according to hi!
s counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on
Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when
you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had
believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy
Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as
Gods own people, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:1-14)

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

).
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
This Saturday, October 30, the Armenian Church commemorates and
remembers St. John Chrysostom (Hovnan Voskeperan), who was a notable
Christian bishop and preacher in the 4th and 5th centuries in Syria
and Constantinople. He is famous for his eloquence in public
speakingChrysostom literally means golden mouth. The Orthodox Church
honors him as a saint and one of the three holy hierarchs (along with
Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian). He is also
recognized and honored by the Catholic Church and the Church of
England.
John converted to Christianity in 368 when he was barely 21
years old. He renounced a large family inheritance and a promising
legal career and went to live in a mountain cave where he studied the
Bible. He was later ordained a priest and soon his sermons were
attracting huge audiences. He challenged wealthy Christians, whose
generosity was confined to donating precious objects for display in
churches. The gift of a chalice may be extravagant in its generosity,
he said, but a gift to the poor is an expression of love. He told them
they had a duty to help the poor and needy. He wrote often about
valuing the richness of nature created by God which should
be enjoyed and protected. Although he was very popular with the
people, his outspoken criticism was not appreciated by the hierarchy
and he was sent into exile at various times. His sermons made a great
impact on Christendom (his Easter homily is considered to be a
masterpiece). He had a profound influence on the doctrines and
theology of the Armenian Church because he spent the final years of
his exile in Armenia. Some of his important works have survived only
in Armenian manuscripts. He is also the author of liturgical prayers
used in the Armenian Church.
BISHOP SHAHAN REPRESENTS CILICIAN SEE
AT VATICAN MEETING
Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, the Prelate of Aleppo, represented the
Catholicosate of the Holy
See of Cilicia at a special session of the Synod of Middle East
Bishops in the Vatican, from October 10 to 24. Presiding over the
Synod was Pope Benedict XVI.
The main purpose of the Synod was to discuss issues which
concern the Catholic Church in the Middle East and the current
situation of Christianity in general and the challenges they face. The
theme of the Synod was based on a biblical verse (Acts 4:32): Now the
company of those who believed were of one heart and soul.
The aim of the Synod was to establish closer communications
with the Catholic Church in the Middle East, as well as with
non-Catholic churches in the Middle East, and to provide encouragement
and hope to the presence of Christianity in the Middle East.
Shahan Srpazan addressed the Synod and communicated to the
Pope the brotherly greetings of Catholicos Aram I. He also
participated in panel discussions and met with several key Middle East
Christian leaders and the Commission of Church Unity.
HOLY SEE OF CILICIA REPRESENTED AT
50TH SESSION OF WCC COMMISSION
Mrs. Vana Der Hovhanessian represented the Catholicosate of the Holy
See of Cilicia at a meeting of the Commission on International Affairs
of the World Council of Churches, which took place in Tirana,
Albania. The general theme of the meeting was Current Challenges to
International Relations and the Role of the Churches. The Commission
identified peace and security, migrant workers, and religious freedom
as priority issues for the WCC from 2010 to 2013.
CNN INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTS MUSA DAGH PROGRAM
CNN International broadcast a feature on the heroic defense of Musa
Dagh during the Armenian Genocide, on the 95th anniversary of the
famed resistance against the Turkish army. The program featured
footage from a recent commemoration of the anniversary in Armenia, as
well as interviews with Musa Dagh descendants living in Armenia.
Although the dates of broadcast were last weekend, we
understand that it is available online at
(

).
The Armenians on Musa Dagh put up a fierce
resistance. Outnumbered and outgunned, they had little expectations of
surviving the siege. Their only hope was a rescue by an Allied vessel
that might be patrolling the Mediterranean coast. Two large banners
hoisted by the Armenians were sighted by a passing French
warship. Soon after five Allied ships moved in to evacuate the entire
population of men, women, and childrenmore than 4,000 in all.
Franz Werfels famous novel, Forty Days of Musa Dagh, (the
siege was actually 53 days), brought international attention to this
heroic event. Many of the survivors eventually settled in Anjar,
Lebanon. That community is intact and vibrant to this day.
Next month a new edition of the Werfel novel is being
issued, which will include sections that were omitted in the original
published version.
REMINDER: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 IS ELECTION DAY.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 30Screening of the 1919 American-made silent film, Ravished
Armenia, on two consecutive Saturdays, at 4 pm, at Theatre of
St. Clements Episcopal Church, 423 West 46th Street (between ninth and
tenth avenues), New York City. Co-sponsored by ANC of NY & NJ, and The
Anahid Sofian Dance Company. Dr. Antonia Lant, chair of the Department
of Cinema Studies at New York University, will present and discuss
this 1919 Hollywood film. Please note that this film is not
appropriate for children. Donation $15 (all proceeds will benefit Near
East Foundations work in Armenia). For information: 212-741-2848.
October 30Comedy & Mezza Night, sponsored by the ARS of Eastern USA
(Agnouni & Spitak chapters), featuring comedian Vahe Berberian in a
new repertoire, 7 pm at the Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New
Milford, New Jersey. For information: [email protected].
October 31St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York,
celebrates the Year of the Armenian Woman. Lecture by Mrs. Nayda
Voskerijian, member of Ladies Guild and Armenian Relief Society,
Armenian Women in America, immediately following church services.
November 5110th anniversary of birth of Aram Haigaz, sponsored by
Hamazkayin of New York, at 8:35 pm, at the Armenian Center, Woodside,
New York. Lecture by Dr. Margaret Khatchatrian (from Armenia);
Remembrances by his daughter, Iris Haigaz Chekenian; Readings from his
work; Aram Haigazs life through pictures by Dr. Herand
Markarian. Newly reprinted book, The Fall of the Aerie, will be given
as a gift to each family; newly published book, Letters, will be
available for purchase.
November 5-6St. Stephens Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. 54th annual
bazaar, at ACEC, 47 Nichols
Ave., 10 am to 9:30 pm. Delicious lamb, losh, & chicken kebab,
kheyma, kufta & yalanchi, Armenian pastries, gourmet foods, soujoukh,
arts & crafts, attic treasures, raffles, live auction, and much
more. Childrens games on Saturday. For information, 617-924-7562.
November 5-6-7Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Friday 5 pm-10 pm; Saturday, 5 pm-11 pm with
live music by Jaq Hagopian and his band. Sunday 12 noon 4 pm,
featuring traditional Kavourma dinner. Menu for Friday and Saturday
includes kebabs (chicken, luleh, and lamb), various homemade
appetizers, plus tourshe, string cheese, lahmejun, choreg, manti, sou
boreg and kufte to take home, and dessert table. Tricky Tray Friday
and Saturday; host of vendors for shopping; childrens activity
room. For information contact the church by email
([email protected] (mailto:[email protected])) or
phone, 201-943-2950.
November 6-7St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Annual Bazaar
featuring lavish Armenian delicacies, exclusive shops, kids carnival
games, raffles, attic treasures, and much more.
November 7St. Stephens Church, Hartford/New Britain, Connecticut, 85th
anniversary dinner and program in the church hall, begins at 1 pm.
November 767th anniversary, All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview,
Illinois.
November 13Spiritual 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 13-14Soorp 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 13-14Sts. 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 14Thanksgiving 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 19-20Holy 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 21St. 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.
December 44th 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 4Annual 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 5Christmas 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 9Film 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.
March 27, 2011Musical Armenia Concert. Sponsored by Eastern Prelacy,
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City.
May 11-14, 2011National 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

LACK OF QUALIFIED ENGINEERS MAJOR PROBLEM, RICH GOLDMAN SAYS

news.am
Oct 28 2010
Armenia

There are less problems and challenges in Armenia today as compared
with the period when Synopsys entered the country, Rich Goldman, CEO
of Synopsys Armenia, told the journalists today. According to him,
presently the main challenges for the company are Internet and lack
of qualified engineers.

~SInternet services are improving and we constantly see positive
changes. The second point is lack of qualified engineers in Armenia,~T
he said. The head of Synopsys Armenia noted that company has hired 60
people this year, while 20 out of them were employees of Virage Logic,
company merged with Synopsys Armenia.

Rich Goldman also stressed that presently the company has 40 vacancies.

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA MILITARY BUDGET
By Messenger Staff

The Messenger
Oct 28 2010
Georgia

An increase in the Azeri defence budget will be met with asymmetric
steps from Armenia, who spend less but more effectively, according
to First Deputy Defence Minister of Armenia, David Tonoian who
was speaking to Radio Liberty. Currently, Azerbaijan claims that
its defence budget is almost 8 times bigger than that of Armenia,
rising in 2011 to USD 3 bln. Tonoian however mentioned that Yerevan
has nurtured a system of strategic balance which forces peace on Baku.

Since 1994, Armenian armed forces have been preventing war, according
to Armenians who also believe that an increase in defence expenditure
does not necessarily mean improving the combat ability of its armed
forces. An increase in military expenses and purchasing arms would
not secure victory. Tonoian mentioned that the enhancement of the
Azeri defence system indirectly suggests preparation of military
confrontation, which is a worrying signal not only for Armenia but
the international community as a whole.

From: A. Papazian

N. ZOHRABYAN: ASTRAKHAN DECLARATION IS OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE

Panorama
Oct 28 2010
Armenia

“Astrakhan declaration has important humanitarian significance, which
is extremely necessary for the Azerbaijani political elite. The fact
that the declaration referred to Madrid principles is also of great
significance, which is a sort of call to the Azerbaijani political
elite headed by Aliyev to restrain from war threats,” NA Deputy,
member of Prosperous Armenia Party Naira Zohrabyan told Panorama.am.

According to NA Deputy the statement is important since agreement
has been made over the return of the hostages and the bodies.

“To be frank, I don’t think Azerbaijan’s President will respect the
agreement, since we have lots of precedents. Ilham Aliyev put his
signature on Meindorf declaration but he didn’t keep that, it didn’t
restrain him from making war statements. He increased the military
budget having intention to settle Karabakh conflict through war,”
the deputy said.

From: A. Papazian

TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School
1200 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Tel: 323-461-4377
Fax: 323-323-461-4247
Contact: [email protected]

Mr. Yervant Azadian Visits TCA Arshag Dickranian School

Los Angeles, October 28, 2010 – Taking time from his short stay in Los
Angeles, Mr. Yervant Azadian, a Detroit resident and Vice Chairman of the
Tekeyan Cultural Association Board of Directors, paid an official visit to
Arshag Dickranian School on Thursday, October 21st. He was accompanied by
the Very Rev. Baret Dz. Vartabed Yeretzian and TCA Board Member Vatche
Semerdjian.

After being greeted by Mr. George K. Mandossian, Chairman of the School
Board of Trustees, and Principal Vartkes Kourouyan, the distinguished
guests were led to the Principal’s Office, where they were briefed about
the day to day operation of the school.

Mr. Azadian, a staunch supporter of the school since its inception, was
delighted to see the significant progress the school had made over the
past three decades and its marked growth into becoming a prime learning
institution.

The group then conducted an hour long tour of the campus, meeting with
staff members at the administrative offices, Pre-Kindergarten toddlers and
several upper grade classrooms, where Mr. Azadian took time to speak to
the teachers and interact with the students, stressing upon the valuable
education they receive at ADS.

At the end, the visitors were invited to Walter and Laurel Karabian Hall
to join the students for lunch, which is prepared daily and served by the
ladies of the PTO Lunch Committee.

Located at 1200 North Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, the TCA Arshag
Dickranian Armenian School is a federally tax exempt, Pre-K to 12th grade
private educational institution. The school’s web site is

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIA SUCCEEDED IN MAINTAINING STATUS QUO AND CEASEFIRE REGIME, EXPERT SAYS

news.am
Oct 28 2010
Armenia

The Russian side did what it was supposed to do at the trilateral
presidential meeting in Astrakhan, Alexander Iskandaryan, Director
of Caucasus Institute, told a press conference on Thursday.

According to him, the OSCE MG Co-Chairs did not oppose the meeting
either. “I have no idea why the meeting was held on October 27.

However, it was important for Russia to organize the Presidents’
meeting before OSCE Summit in Astana, as RF attaches great significance
to the impending summit. The meeting was held on the threshold
of Azerbaijani parliamentary elections on November 7. The meeting
has produced at least some results, moreover, I did not expect the
Presidents to issue a joint statement,” Iskandaryan said.

The political scientist stressed the Mayendorf declaration was not
mentioned in the statement as it is unpleasant for Baku. Besides,
the statement also says both Armenia and Azerbaijan are members of
International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC).

From: A. Papazian

ASTRAKHAN SUMMIT SHOWS RUSSIA’S ‘INFLUENCE ON KARABAKH CONFLICT’

news.az
Oct 28 2010
Azerbaijan

Fikret Sadikhov The Armenian-Azerbaijani summit, mediated by the
Russian president yesterday, shows the extent of Moscow’s influence
over the Karabakh conflict.

This is the view of Azerbaijani political scientist Fikrat Sadikhov.

“As was expected, there was nothing sensational at the meeting of
the presidents in Astrakhan and there could not have been since the
Karabakh conflict is a tight knot, which cannot be untied at once,”
Sadikhov said today.

“But on the other hand, the reality is that Russia has confirmed
its influence over the negotiating process and shown that it does
not want to lose control over the Karabakh conflict. It is obvious
that if Russia wants to, it can force Armenia to take a constructive
stance on the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. President Medvedev
seems to be willing and to be doing everything for the resolution of
the Karabakh conflict,” the political scientist said.

“For Russia, this meeting in Astrakhan was important, as it showed to
the world community that it can control the situation in the Karabakh
conflict and offer options for a solution ahead of the OSCE summit
in Astana. The humanitarian agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia
on the exchange of captives and human remains from both sides is
positive. This is an achievement, however small, and it should be
realized that it is difficult to expect more,” he said.

“The most difficult aspect is the status of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan and the OSCE Minsk Group are for the phased resolution of
the conflict: first the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied
lands, then the return of displaced persons and other issues of
improvement in the region of the conflict. Meanwhile, Armenia insists
on the resolution of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh in one package.

“However, it is clear to all that Azerbaijan will not agree to
territories in exchange for status. Official Baku has accepted the
proposals of the OSCE Minsk Group on the Madrid principles and now
it is up to Armenia to decide,” he said.

From: A. Papazian

EXPO-RUSSIA ARMENIA 2010 OPENED IN YEREVAN

news.am
Oct 28 2010
Armenia

On October 28, EXPO-RUSSIA ARMENIA 2010 exhibition opened in Yerevan.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, leader of Prosperous Armenia Party
Gagik Tsarukyan, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko, as
well as other officials and businessmen attended the opening ceremony.

In his written address to the participants Russian Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov stressed that annual forum is to develop direct contacts
between businessmen of two countries. “Such events as EXPO-RUSSIA
ARMENIA 2010 are natural for partner relations between our states
that are characterized by developing cooperation in all fields,”
the message says.

Talking to NEWS.am, organizer of EXPO-RUSSIA ARMENIA 2010 David
Vardanov noted forum-exhibition has acquired greater importance
within recent 3 years. “Presence of Armenian President indicates its
significance, as well as authorities’ attention to businessmen,” he
said, adding that the number of participating companies, especially
Russian ones, has increased as well.

From: A. Papazian

October 28, 2010

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

Bay Area AUA Supporters Welcome Dr. Bruce Boghosian in San Francisco

Oakland, CA – About fifty Bay Area supporters of the American University of
Armenia gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stephan and Sylvia Melikian on
the evening of Saturday, October 23 to welcome incoming AUA President Dr.
Bruce Boghosian and his wife, Laura Boghosian. The event was hosted by the
Melikians and by Mr. and Mrs. Francois and Suzy Antounian, long-time
supporters of the university.

In opening the evening, AUA’s Vice President of Development and Government
Relations, Bruce Janigian, expressed his gratitude to the hosts for opening
their home to celebrate the growth and development of the university.

UC Berkeley professor Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, a founder of AUA and a
member of its Board of Trustees, was pleased to introduce Dr. Boghosian and
his wife to the guests.

Dr. Boghosian, who had just returned from Yerevan after spending nearly two
months at his new post, summarized the core programs and activities at the
university. He described the hard work and dedication of the university’s
employees and students, as well as the benefits of the American style of
graduate education.

AUA is one of the most visible American presences in Armenia, providing
educational opportunities that are largely complementary to those of the
country’s other universities.

The event was attended by numerous Bay Area AUA alumni, who conveyed the
pivotal role that AUA played in their lives and careers. They all shared
the view that the establishment of the university in Yerevan was one of the
most important and significant investments in Armenia’s recent history.

Marine Gouchian, an AUA School of Business and Management graduate and
currently a Certified Public Accountant in the United States, emphasized the
need for active engagement by alumni to shape the future of AUA. “I really
hope that AUA supporters are not discouraged that some of the graduates
leave Armenia in pursuit of other opportunities,” said Mrs. Gouchian. “I
assure you, that wherever we go, we are the ambassadors of our country with
continued involvement in Armenian affairs. We do everything in our power to
promote and assist Armenian causes. Armenia only becomes stronger when its
people are strong, regardless of where they live.” In fact, statistics
indicate that over 80% of AUA graduates remain in Armenia.

Now a licensed attorney in the states of New York and California, Evelina
Manukyan, a Law Department graduate of AUA, emphasized that AUA teaches its
law students that a solid and transparent legal system is the backbone of
every developed society. She indicated that this should be the true goal of
a legal education, rather than merely learning to navigate through an
existing legal system.

Dr. Arsen Tonoyan, a graduate of AUA’s College of Engineering and a
Principal Engineer at Dassault Systems Simulia Corporation in California,
expressed his confidence that mechanical engineering can play a crucial role
in Armenia’s development.

Informal, congenial discussions among AUA supporters, trustees and alumni
continued throughout the evening.

Donations in support of the American University of Armenia can be sent to
the American University of Armenia Corporation at 300 Lakeside Drive, 12th
Floor, Oakland, CA 94612.

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The American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC) is registered as a
non-profit educational organization in the United States and is affiliated
with the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support
from AGBU, AUA offers American-accredited instruction leading to the Masters
Degree in eight graduate programs. For more information about AUA, please
visit

From: A. Papazian