Author: Andres-Papazian

EDWARD NALBANDYAN: WE ARE READY TO GO FORWARD IF TURKEY AGAIN BE READY FOR NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS WITHOUT PRE-CONDITIONS

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 20, 2010
YEREVAN

Armenia’s steps over the Armenian-Turkish relations will depend on the
coming developments, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan said
at the National Assembly today in response to the question of member
of the “Heritage” faction Armen Martirosyan whether it is possible
that in 2011 the Armenian-Turkish protocols be withdrawn from the
big agenda of the parliament and Armenia recalls its signature from
that documents. “Our steps will depend on future developments and
what they will be I cannot say,” Edward Nalbandyan said.

During the session of the Foreign Relations Standing Committee of the
NA where the 2011 foreign ministry’s budget was discussed Nalbandyan
once again reminded Armenia’s position in the Armenian-Turkish issue.

“We have stated many times that we are ready to go forward if Turkey
again be ready for normalization of relations without pre-conditions,”
Mr Nalbandyan said, adding that corresponding developments will follow
this or that decisions of Turkey.

According to him, the Armenian-Turkish process was rather complicated
and “while starting it we really had a frank wish to normalize
relations with Turkey.” “We exerted all the possible efforts for
moving the process forward. We reached arrangements, registered them
in protocols that were signed. Armenia was ready to continue the
process, implement all that was agreed between the parties and our
stance corresponded to the one of the international community. UN
Secretary General Pan ki-Moon stated that the protocols must be
ratified without pre-conditions and the arrangements be implemented
during sensible timeframe. The same was the position of the USA, EU,
RF,” Nalbandyan said.

In his opinion, what Armenia got from the Armenian-Turkish process was
that today Armenia is a understandable partner for the international
community.

Edward Nalbandyan reiterated that the issue on recognition of the
Armenian Genocide remains one of the priorities of Armenia’s foreign
policy. “We seek the continuation of the process of international
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. During the Armenian-Turkish
reconciliation process we told the Turkish side and the public that
Armenia will never put under doubt the fact of the Armenian Genocide
and the importance of its international recognition,” the foreign
minister said.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA WORRIES OVER GROUNDWATER DEPLETION
By Galust Nanyan

Institute for War and Peace Reporting IWPR
CAUCASUS REPORTING SERVICE, No. 562
Oct 19 2010
UK

Concerns that fish farms could deprive agricultural land of irrigation.

Armenia’s government is worried that the growth in fish farming in
the Ararat valley could use up the country’s precious groundwater.

Armenia’s largest valley is home to 234 fish farms, which use 800
million cubic metres of water a year. This is a huge volume of water
for a landlocked country, which only permits an annual limit of 170
million m3 to be pumped out of Lake Sevan for irrigation.

Worried residents of the Ararat valley, which sits above 60 per cent
of the country’s 2.4 billion m3 of underground water reserves, say the
farms could cause pollution of groundwater and deprive agricultural
land of irrigation.

Some farmers say they have lost their only sources of water for their
crops since fish farmers began digging down to 150 m, rather than
the previous depth of 110 m, to access water.

“In the last two or three years water reserves in the Ararat valley
have significantly fallen, and this has become a problem. Water
in the Ararat valley is not only used for fish farming, but for
drinking and for irrigation. We need to find a way to prevent
the ruthless exploitation of the water reserves, which would cause
serious consequences,” said Armen Gevorgyan, minister for territorial
administration, and chairman of a special government commission set
up to investigate the issue.

The commission’s report painted a picture of an almost-unregulated
industry. It said that only 27 of the 87 fish farms in the Ararat
region’s half of the valley had the correct paperwork, with the rest
being classified as agricultural or industrial enterprises, while none
of the 147 that fall within the Armavir region had the right license.

Also, none of the fish farms had water meters, or used systems intended
to maximise their water efficiency. On top of that, 109 fish farms
lacked the correct drainage systems.

Experts say that fish farms, instead of using the water multiple
times, just discard it after one use, pouring it into rivers or drains
for disposal.

“The drainage systems which carry rain and groundwater are wearing
out in those regions where there are a lot of fish farms,” said Vova
Tadevosyan, director of Meloratsiya, a state committee on water use,
who argues that the fish farms risk turning the valley into a desert.

Experts argue that the environment ministry has not done enough to
prevent the digging of deep wells. Sanasar Baghdasaryan, head of the
environment section in the Armavir region administration’s agriculture
department, said that a local investigation as far back as 2007 showed
that the wells were being dug too deeply.

“Drilling is being conducted without basic checks, therefore in some
areas of 10,000 m2, up to seven wells are operating. The digging of
wells and their use is not being controlled,” he said.

An official of the environment ministry’s water department, who asked
not to be named because he was criticising his own department, agreed
that there were too many wells and worried that no checks were being
made on their use.

“A few years ago we were giving out permission on water use right
and left. Sadly, we don’t even now know the quantity of our national
water reserves, which were last measured 20 to 25 years ago. We are
treating our water reserves very badly,” the official said.

Such licenses have massively increased the amount of groundwater used
in the country. In 1984, the authorities said that 1.25 m3 could be
extracted from underground sources every year. Currently, license
holders have the right to extract 2.75 billion m3, more than twice
the level set by the old Soviet authorities.

The environment ministry declined to comment on these figures, but the
issue is beginning to gain prominence among the public. At the start
of the 1990s, the village of Hayanist had 80 wells, but 61 of them
have since run dry, worrying residents dependent on them for water.

“If they drilled another 20 m, then the water would be good quality
and the well would not be dry. But what have they done? A few years
ago, a fish farm was opened not far from our region and their wells
pump out water,” a resident said.

“Those who build these pools are rich, and they have four wells instead
of one. Whatever we do, we’ll lose anyway,” one of his neighbours said.

In the neighbouring village of Hovtashat, residents have the same
problem. In the 1990s, the received 4.5 m3 of water a second from
their 98 wells, but now they only get 2.5 m3 and 40 of the wells have
gone dry.

“The owners of the fish farms are using groundwater ruthlessly, and
their waste flows into the drainage system. As a result, the ground
is too dry and suffers from salinisation. Concurrently, because of
the unrestrained use of groundwater, our reserves are falling, and
some wells have completely dried up,” Simon Andreasyan, head of the
village council, said.

Galust Nanyan is a freelance journalist.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Institute of Armenian Studies
University of Southern California
Taper Hall of Humanities, Suite 252
Los Angeles, California 90089-4015
Tel: 213-821-3943
Email: [email protected]

GOV. DEUKMEJIAN & AMB. EVANS TO ADDRESS USC NOV 20 DIASPORA SYMPOSIUM

The first announcement of the upcoming symposium on the Armenian
Diaspora generated great interest among Armenian communities worldwide.
The large number of RSVPs received by the University of Southern
California’s Institute of Armenian Studies is a good indication of the
public’s enthusiasm for informed discussion regarding current issues of
serious concern to Armenians.

Among the topics to be explored are mechanisms of transnational
cooperation, models of unity frameworks based on elected leaders,
comparative analyses of Armenian and non-Armenian diasporas, and
modalities to strengthen Armenia-Diaspora relations to promote Armenia’s
economy and confront the threats faced by Artsakh and the Homeland. The
symposium will feature nationally and internationally renowned
personalities and scholars including Gov. George Deukmejian, Amb. John
Evans, Attorney Mark Geragos, Journalist Mark Arax, Publisher Harut
Sassounian, Ms. Archalus Tcheknavorian-Asenbauer, Dr. Gaidz Minassian,
and Professors Levon Marashlian, Stephan Astourian, Andrew Demirdjian
and R. Hrair Dekmejian.

The aim of the symposium is to promote intellectual discourse, serious
discussion of issues, and syntheses of ideas and experiences within an
academic milieu. The symposium is open to the public. Complimentary
breakfast and lunch will be served. Saturday, November 20, 2010, 9:30
a.m.-4:30 p.m. Town & Gown, which is accessible from Entrance 3 of
University of Southern California on S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles.
For reservations, email: [email protected].

From: A. Papazian

BRITISH STATE MINISTER: EUROPE SHOULD INTENSIFY JOINT EFFORTS TO RESOLVE NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

Today

Oct 20 2010
Azerbaijan

Europe should intensify joint efforts to resolve the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the British State
Minister for European Affairs David Lidington believes.

“The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is of great concern to the EU. We can
make joint efforts to support the process of resolving this conflict
more active,” Lidington said today addressing the Azerbaijan University
of Languages speaking on Azerbaijan’s role in Europe.

Great Britain and its partners in the EU are interested in assisting
Azerbaijan and Armenia to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
he said.

According to Lidington, recent armed incidents on the contact line
also concerns Europe.

“The UK continues supporting the OSCE Minsk Group’s efforts to assist
the conflict sides to find peaceful and sustainable resolution of
the conflict, and we will further support them,” Lidington said.

He believes that the EU can offer more, particularly to more clearly
define how it can assist Azerbaijan and Armenia after reaching the
final decision [on conflict resolution].

“My visit to Baku aims at evaluating the directions in what the UK
and the EU can provide effective assistance,” Lidington said.

According to Lidington, the common security is one of the reasons
why the UK strives for close partnership with Azerbaijan. The UK
supports Azerbaijan’s choice to integrate into the European and
Euro-Atlantic organizations, because all that is happening in EU
neighboring countries directly impact the EU, he said.

“The development of stable, safe, democratic societies in these
countries help to strengthen the EU itself,” Lidington said.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Millenium Armenian Children’s Vaccine Fund-Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation
450 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 600
Glendale, CA 91203
Contact: Paleny Topjian
Development Coordinator
Tel: (818)437-3677
Email: [email protected]
Web:

MILLENNIUM ARMENIAN CHILDREN’S VACCINE FUND TO CO-FINANCE DISTRIBUTION OF
PENTAVALENT VACCINE IN ARMENIA

Los Angeles, USA, October 21, 2010 – The Millennium Armenian Children’s
Vaccine Fund (MACVF) announced today that it will be co-financing the
distribution of the Pentavalent Vaccine with the Ministry of Health of the
Republic of Armenia (MoH). This five year program is part of a major
financing arrangement led by Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization
(GAVI) around the world and will commence in Armenia in 2011.

`At a time when the global economic crisis has pushed over 100 million
people back into poverty, we feel that immunization remains a crucial safety
net program for mothers and children in Armenia. These investments are not
just a temporary relief, but are investments in long term human capital for
Armenia. Every child that one day will form the future of Armenian society
will be affected by this program,’ says Raffy Ardhaldjian, Chief Volunteer
Officer of The Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation (ANMF), `Once again, we are
delighted to assist the MoH of Armenia in making history, raising the
standards of health in Armenia, and partnering with them in the introduction
of the Pentavalent vaccine to complement GAVI’s efforts.’

According to GAVI, the Pentavalent Vaccine protects against diphtheria,
tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib). The
World Health Organization (WHO), accounts that HiB disease, primarily
pneumonia and meningitis in young children is a significant public health
concern in many parts of the world where large scale HiB immunization has
not yet been implemented.

In order to fight the potential deadly effects of Hib and the four other
potential killers, and considering the proven efficacy and effectiveness of
the Pentavalent vaccine, GAVI will be offering WHO’s recommended five-in-one
vaccine composition to the Ministry of Health of Armenia (MoH). With the
financial support of GAVI and a co-financing involvement of MACVF and the
Government of Armenia, the MoH will distribute the Pentavalent vaccine
through its routine National Immunization Program (NIP).

`With only one visit to the polyclinic, children will be able to receive
five vaccines in one application thus reducing the psychological fear and
pain factor that children associate with vaccination,’ says Gayane Sahakyan,
Manager of the NIP of Armenia and State Hygiene and Anti-Epidemic
Inspectorate. `This is a logical and beneficial addition to our NIP and we
are very pleased that, once again, MACVF is lending its financial support to
our programs.’

MACVF’s past contributions include a joint effort with UNICEF, the MoH, and
the Rostropovich Foundation, to eliminate measles, mumps, and congenital
rubella. This effort included a mass immunization campaign of approximately
924,000 individuals. Additionally MACVF was instrumental in its long lasting
support to the MoH by financing routine, life-saving immunization vaccines
which has enabled the immunization of thousands of children in Armenia since
the inception of the program.

MACVF has been and continues to be vital in introducing life-saving vaccines
for the NIP’s regular vaccination programs. Adding the Pentavalent vaccine
to the NIP, will compliment Armenia’s public health achievements since
independence and be part of GAVI’s global effort to prevent 1 million deaths
until the year 2015.

Millennium Armenian Children’s Vaccine Fund (MACVF) is one of the primary
programs of the Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation. MACVF is a public-private
capital fund incubated around the year 2000 in partnership with
international agencies including UNICEF, the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID), and various constituents of the Armenian Diaspora, to
ensure a steady stream of income to finance vaccines for Armenia’s NIP. ANMF
was established in 1994 in loving memory of Ani and Narod Ardhaldjian (visit
).

The GAVI Alliance is a public- private partnership focused on saving
children’s lives and protecting people’s health by increasing access to
immunization in poor countries.

The National Immunization Program of Armenia is carried out by the
Communicable Diseases, State Hygeine and Anti-Epidemic Inspectorate of the
Ministry of Health. NIP unites and coordinates institutions, resources, and
activities, which promote the reduction of morbidity, disability, and
mortality as a result of manageable infections. This large-scale program is
also responsible for the procurement and distribution of vaccines to
polyclinics and health institutions throughout the country. According to the
WHO, the NIP of the MoH of Armenia has retained high coverage rates for its
vaccination programs.

###

About ANMF
Established in 1994, ANMF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt US
organization encouraging the welfare and development of Armenian women and
children through innovative cultural, educational, health and social
programs.

From: A. Papazian

“IF TOMORROW OCCUPIED SHUSHA GETS FREE, NO ONE WILL BE SURPRISED. PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF SUCH POLITICS”

Today

Oct 20 2010
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani political expert Rasim Aghayev believes, that Armenian side
has “nothing new to offer”, in case with the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh
negotiations.

Year after year, Armenian diplomacy fails to take certain steps. Same
thing happened with the Turkish-Armenian protocols – first Armenians
take a timeout, then they come back for negotiations and still
dont want to continue. And they’re doing the same with Azerbaijan,
said Aghayev.

“What kind of constructive position they expect of Azerbaijan? What
did they propose that we did not agree on? Did they agree to return
the occupied territories? Serzh Sargsyan talks nonsense, when claiming
that Armenia wants to negotiate without any conditions”, Aghayev added.

“Azerbaijan’s proposals are clear – return the occupied territories,
and after that we will talk about the status of Karabakh. Armenian
side has to come up with something constructive, instead of trying
to make these talks last longer and longer”, said Aghayev.

Expert also believes, that the latest assessment mission of OSCE to
the occupied territories, worries Armenia.

“Even the blind can see what’s going on in the occupied lands,
people starving, vandalized towns, everything is stolen. All of this
of course is not good for Armenians, and they will really have to
defend themselves against OSCE”.

“People in Armenia already start talking, that even if tomorrow the
occupied town of Shusha gets free, no one will be surprised. People
are tired of politics, and games that Sargysan and his team are
playing. That’s why Sargsyan and Nalbandian are nervous”.

From: A. Papazian

IS ANKARA MOVING EASTWARD?
by Joshua Kucera

EurasiaNet

Oct 20 2010
NY

Every year for the past 29 years, top US and Turkish government,
military and business figures have gathered in Washington, DC, to
discuss bilateral relations. This year’s meeting was the tensest in
years, prompting some participants to express concern that Turkey’s
once solid ties to the West are fraying, and Ankara is adopting a
more Eastern-oriented geopolitical course.

The event, hosted by the American-Turkish Council, is usually held in
the spring, but this year it was postponed after a US congressional
committee passed a resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide. The
rescheduled conference, which took place October 17-20, focused
attention on a variety of policy differences.

“It’s not exactly a secret that we’ve had some difficulties in our
relationship,” Richard Armitage, a former deputy secretary of state
and now board chair of the American-Turkish Council, said in a speech
opening the conference.

Over the past year, Turkey voted “no” on a US-sponsored United Nations
vote on sanctions against Iran and, together with Brazil, fashioned a
plan to deal with Tehran’s nuclear weapons program. Ankara also vexed
Washington by holding air force exercises with China. Meanwhile,
Israel – a close US ally -attacked a ship organized by Turkish
activists going to Gaza, prompting vociferous Turkish objections. The
breakdown in the Turkish-Armenian reconciliation process created an
additional disappointment for Washington.

While there have always been tensions in the US-Turkish relationship,
lately they have become much worse, said Ian Lesser, a Turkey expert
at the German Marshall Fund. “The debate has become much sharper,”
he said. “One of the reasons is that the issues we have before us in
our bilateral relations that are most controversial today are also
the ones that touch on core foreign policy interests, not only of
this administration but of American national security.”

Despite all the trouble spots and dire predictions by some experts,
Turkish and American officials continue to insist that the fundamental
strategic interests of the two countries remain aligned and that the
current problems are only temporary. Turkey’s improving relations in
the Middle East should be seen as an opportunity for the United States
to use Turkey as a bridge to those countries, some argue. “Turkish
influence in our neighborhood is a gain for our allies,” said Feridun
SinirliogÌ~Flu, an undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Turkey is not moving eastward. What Turkey is doing … is exercising
its newfound influence: it’s expanding its trade relationships,” said
Robert Wexler, a former member of Congress and now president of the
Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation. “So rather than
fear that new development here in Washington, I think we should applaud
it because, Lord knows, American diplomats, as capable as they are,
they can use some friendly hands that have different access, different
perspectives, different legitimacy in certain parts of the world.”

Both Turks and Americans agree that negative public opinion in their
respective countries, exacerbated by the recent spate of incidents, is
a problem area that could ultimately do serious harm to the strategic
partnership. “We can tell ourselves that we have common interests
and are focused on dealing with these challenges together, but if we
overlook the fact that Turkish public opinion is deeply skeptical …

about American foreign policy, or that American public opinion in
Congress is increasingly asking questions about Turkey, we are not
going to get our jobs done,” said Philip Gordon, assistant US secretary
of state for European and Eurasian affairs.

“Unfortunately, Turkey’s statements and actions last spring regarding
Israel and Iran have contributed to a political environment in which
it may be more difficult to move forward, at least in the short term,
on some important projects that the administration supports,” said
Alexander Vershbow, assistant secretary of defense for International
Security Affairs.

Even in the friendly setting of the ATC conference, serious differences
were evident. The United States, for example, wants Turkey to
participate in a joint NATO air defense shield, but Ankara is
uncomfortable with how the system overtly targets Iran. “Contrary
to some press reports, we are not pressuring Turkey to make a
contribution,” said US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the conference’s
keynote speaker. “But we do look to Turkey to support NATO’s adoption
at the Lisbon summit of a territorial missile defense capability.”

Turkey is worried that sanctions against Iran, being debated now in
the US Congress, could hurt the many Turkish businesses that trade
with Iran. The two countries’ trade last year totaled $8 billion,
said Rifat HisarcıklıogÌ~Flu, chairman of the Turkish Union of
Chambers and Commodity Exchanges. “Iran as a nuclear-armed power is
unacceptable,” he said. “However, there is a danger that the latest
US legislation on Iran sanctions can harm Turkish companies.”

Meanwhile, many in Washington mistrust Ankara’s commitment to the
US vision for peace in Israel and Palestine. “It’s not helpful to
whitewash or sugarcoat certain undeniable facts … with respect to
Hezbollah, with respect to Hamas, with respect to Iran, that don’t
seem to get elevated in the Turkish discourse in the way that they
should,” Wexler said. “Ironically, we in America and you in Ankara
profess support for the Middle East peace process. Hamas doesn’t
support that process. Hezbollah rejects the Middle East peace process.

Iran doesn’t have a different view of the Middle East peace process –
they reject it entirely.”

Ironically, Turkey’s drift away from the West, whether perceived or
real, can be attributed to the country’s democratization process,
analysts say. The rise of the Justice and Development Party has
broken the hold of the pro-Western military establishment on Turkey’s
leadership. As a result, Turkish leaders are now much more responsive
to public opinion.

“Populist is the right word [for Turkey’s emerging foreign policy],
more than Eastward or Islamist – they are really conscious of what
Turkish opinion polls say,” said Omer Taşpınar, a Turkey expert at
the US National War College. “And when there is such a high level of
resentment in the United States against Turkey, this creates problems
for the [Turkish] government. Turkey is becoming more democratic,
self-confident, but the fact that public opinion does not have a
very favorable opinion of the United States is creating a problem
for the government.”

Taşpınar identified the failure of Ankara to ratify the US-brokered
protocols between Turkey and Armenia as one of the reasons that US
policymakers are disillusioned with Turkey. “When the president of
the United States invests a lot of political capital in Turkey, and
there’s an engagement process, but in return Turkey fails to deliver
on Armenia, and then fails to deliver on Iran, there are big question
marks in Washington,” he said. But the same question marks exist in
Ankara, he added.

“Why should Turkey always be with the United States when US foreign
policy has had major failures?”

Editor’s note: Joshua Kucera is a Washington, DC,-based freelance
writer who specializes in security issues in Central Asia, the Caucasus
and the Middle East.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN OMBUDSMAN APPEALS TO AZERBAIJANI, NAGORNO-KARABAKH COUNTERPARTS

news.am
Oct 20 2010
Armenia

RA Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan addressed letters Oct. 20 to Ombudsman
of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) Mr. Yuri Hayrapetyan and
Ombudsman of Azerbaijan Mrs. Elmira Suleimanova. He appealed to them
for help in the handover of dead bodies.

The letters particularly read:

“Appeal to my counterparts:

“Dear counterparts, “Since human rights and humanism must be superior
to all the other views, I think it would be right is the Azerbaijani
and Nagorno-Karabakh authorities showed tolerance and took necessary
measures to arrange a handover of the dead bodies of an Armenian
and Azerbaijanis.

“I appeal to NKR Ombudsman Yuri Hayrapetyan for cooperation with the
NKR authorities in handing over the dead bodies of the Azerbaijanis
Farid Ahmedov and Mubariz Ibrahimov.

“I also appeal to the Azerbaijani Ombudsman, Mrs. Elmira Suleimanova
to show humanism and demand that the relevant authorities allow
international experts to study the circumstances of the Armenian
citizen’s capture and death. I call for measures to hand over Manvel
Saribekyan’s body to the Armenian side.

“As Armenian Ombudsman, I am ready, within my terms of reference,
to assist the proper implementation of the processes.”

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: [25]
Links:
25.

TOP STORY October
21, 2010

_Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross on Sunday_

On Sunday, October 24, the Armenian Church will observe the Feast of the
Discovery of the Holy Cross. The feast day marks the fourth-century
`discovery’ of the actual cross of the Crucifixion by Queen Helena, mother
of the Roman Emperor Constantine.

At the advanced age of 80, this pious Christian woman made a pilgrimage to
the Holy Land to identify places where Christ had walked, some 300 years
earlier. There, after years of prayer and good works, Helena was witness to
a miracle: at the foot of Golgotha-the hill where Christ was
crucified-workers under her sponsorship unearthed three wooden crosses.

But which one was the true Cross of Christ? In an ingenious solution, the
workers brought the body of a recently-deceased man to the site. Placing him
on the first two crosses produced no result. But when he was placed on the
third, the body stirred to life. This, Helena concluded, must be the True
Cross-still surging with the miraculous, life-giving power of Christ’s
Resurrection.

The cross is a source of great pride for Armenians as a _khachagir_-or
“cross-bearing”-nation. Over the centuries, Armenians have borne Christ’s
cross with faith, hope and love. What was once an instrument of torture and
death would become for Christians the symbol of salvation, and victory over
death. [4]Click here to read more about the significance of the cross.
Links:
4.

_Sub-deacons to be Ordained in Framingham, MA _

On Sunday, October 24, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), will visit the Church of the
Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, where he will preside over the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy and ordain two sub-deacons.

The Divine Liturgy will be 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.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Barsamian will ordain
Daniel Hyde and Ara Bablouzian to the sub-diaconate. A fellowship hour will
follow services. [5]Click here to visit the parish website.
Links:
5.

Scripture of the Week

Wis 14:1-8
Is 33:22-34:1
1 Cor 1:18-24
Mt 24:27-36

Prayer of the week

By the holy cross let us beseech the Lord, that through it He may deliver us
from our sins and save us by the grace of His mercy. Almighty Lord, our God,
save us and have mercy on us. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_24 October:_ Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

_31 October:_ Eighth Sunday after the Exaltation

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

A new tramway connects Tatev Monastery with the Yerevan-Goris highway.

_Tramway Provides New Access to Tatev Monastery _

After a year of construction, the new Tatev Monastery aerial tramway
officially opened in Armenia last week. His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, took part in the opening-day
ceremony on Saturday, October 16, and offered a prayer of thanksgiving on
the occasion.

Known as the `Wings of Tatev,’ the tramway stretches 3.5 miles. It connects
the Goris-Yerevan highway with the 9th-century Tatev Monastery in Syunik
(the word `Tatev’ means `to give wings’).

One of the projects main supporters was Ruben Vardanian of Russia, a
benefactor of Holy Etchmiadzin who also serves on the Supreme Spiritual
Council.

Also taking part in last week’s ceremony was Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan and other government officials. Click to read more about the
[6]ceremony and the [7]tramway project.
Links:
6.
7.

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!_
[8]
CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW.
Links:
8.

Members of the Diocesan Council at their Oct. 21 meeting.

_Diocesan Council
_
Members of the Diocesan Council met on Thursday, October 21, for their
monthly meeting to discuss Diocesan business.

Chief among the topics under discussion was the Diocesan theme of
Vocations-which the Diocese will continue to promote throughout its local
parishes in 2011, with a focus on lay ministries. The results of the past
year’s Vocations-related activities (which have revolved around the role of
the priesthood) will be compiled by the Council as a resource for all
Diocesan parishes.

The Council members also heard reports on the activities of the Diocesan
program and finance departments, and devoted attention to this year’s Annual
Appeal, now ongoing throughout the Eastern Diocese (see the item above for
details).

Abp. Barsamian (second from left), Rabbi Schneier (second from right), and
other dignitaries at an Appeal of Conscience Foundation event.

_Welcoming New President of UN General Assembly_

On Wednesday, October 20, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
attended a luncheon at the Minskoff Cultural Center in Manhattan, at the
invitation of Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder and president of the Appeal of
Conscience Foundation. The gathering of religious leaders met to welcome His
Excellency Joseph Deiss, the former Foreign Minister of Switzerland, who is
serving as president of the 65th session of the United Nations General
Assembly.

Archbishop Barsamian, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Church, and
Bishop Mark Sisk of the Episcopal Church were among the religious leaders
representing the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist faiths at the
luncheon. During a collegial conversation and Q-&-A session with Dr. Deiss,
attendees suggested ways to deepen the partnership between religious leaders
and the UN, and discussed ways they could promote peace and understanding
among different peoples, nations, and religions.

Archbishop Barsamian is a long-serving vice president of the Appeal of
Conscience Foundation.

_St. Nersess Seminary Board Elects New Members __ _

Members of the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary Board of Directors met at the
seminary on Saturday, October 16. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate and board president, presided over the meeting.

Five new members were elected to the board. The Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian,
Nicole Vartanian, and Hagop Kouyoumjian were elected for full six-year
terms. Karen Dilimentian and the Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian were elected to
serve for two-years.

Board members also reviewed operations of St. Nersess Seminary with its
dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Finidkyan, and approved the 2011 budget. They
expressed their satisfaction with recent programs at the seminary. [9]Click
here to visit the seminary’s website.
Links:
9.

_New England Clergy Meet with Primate in Watertown, MA _

On Monday, October 18, New England area clergy met with Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, at St. James Church of Watertown, MA, to
discuss Sunday School programs and other parish-level and Diocesan
activities.

Clergy spoke about the participation of Sunday School students in the Divine
Liturgy and the preparation of Sunday School teachers, the training and
requirements for new altar servers, and the new ACYOA partnership with the
Fund for Armenian Relief, which will help young people become more involved
in Armenia-related projects. Also in discussion was the Diocese’s theme of
`Vocations: The Call to Serve,’ and plans to focus next year’s theme on lay
ministries.

Margaret Ajemian Ahnert with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

_FAR Announces Ajemian Ahnert Scholars _

The Fund for Armenian Relief announced this week the selection of its first
five Margaret Ajemian Ahnert Scholars-young journalism students who will be
able to continue their academic studies thanks to the generous scholarship
program.

Margaret Ajemian Ahnert established the scholarship fund in memory of her
mother, Ester Ajemian, in July 2010. The scholarship supports and empowers
aspiring female journalists by providing them with an opportunity to receive
the education and training they need to pursue careers in the media. The
fund, administered by FAR, provides full tuition and monthly stipends to
female graduate students in Armenia.

A media specialist, Ms. Ahnert has worked as a television producer and a
teacher before publishing her first book `The Knock at the Door: A Journey
Through the Darkness of the Armenian Genocide.’ [10]Click here to read more
about the scholarship program.
Links:
10.

_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.

[11]Click here to view a complete job description and list of
qualifications. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to
[12][email protected].
Links:
11.
12. mailto:[email protected]

PARISH NEWS

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordained acolytes at Sts. Vartanantz Church last
Sunday.

_Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, Welcomes Primate, Marks Women’s
Guild Centennial_

Parishioners at Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, Mass., gathered on
Sunday, October 17, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment
of the local Women’s Guild-an organization that was instrumental in the
building of the parish’s first house of worship in the early part of the
20th century.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained four
parishioners to the rank of acolyte: Peter Martin Bogosian, Richard Hagob
Sarkisian, Samuel John Balian, and Jeremy Albert Oldham.

Following the ordinations, Archbishop Barsamian met with the parish Sunday
and Armenian School students. Addressing them in the sanctuary, he wished
them a productive academic year and expressed his gratitude to the teachers
who help ensure the success and growth of the two schools.

The afternoon continued with a festive banquet honoring the 26 women who
founded the parish’s Women’s Guild in 1910. Parishioners revisited the
history of the organization’s establishment and reflected on the many
contributions of the Women’s Guild to Sts. Vartanantz Church.

The day concluded with a parish leadership meeting. Click to [13]read more
and to [14]view photos.
Links:
13.
14.

From left: Gregory Abrahamian, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, and Fr. Kapriel
Mouradjian, with the Abrahamian family.

_Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain, CT, Launches Anniversary Celebration_

On Saturday, October 16, the Church of the Holy Resurrection launched the
celebration of the parish’s 70th year in New Britain, CT. The weekend also
marked the 30th anniversary of the consecration of the current sanctuary.

Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian visited the Holy Resurrection Church on the
occasion, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy there on Sunday, October 17. He
was assisted by the parish priest, the Rev.Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian.

Following services, parishioners gathered for a banquet in Abrahamian
Auditorium. The community honored Peter Bagdigian Jr, John Maljanian, Harry
Azarigian, and Stephan Der Margosian for their many decades of faithful
service.
Also recognized was Gregory Abrahamian, a resident of New Britain who has
worked as the city’s engineer. Archbishop Gizirian presented Mr. Abrahamian
with the Eastern Diocese’s `St. Vartan Award’ on behalf of Diocesan Primate,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.

Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian, Armenian Studies coordinator at the Eastern
Diocese, gave a talk at St. Leon Church this week.

_Women’s Guild of St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ, Hosts Talk on Armenian
Proverbs _

After the successful conclusion of their three-day food festival, the
Women’s Guild of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, hosted Gilda Buchakjian
Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian Studies at the Eastern Diocese’s
Department of Youth and Education, on Tuesday, October 19.

Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian’s talk centered on Armenian proverbs and
traditional sayings with a focus on their provenance-the traditional
lifestyle and folklore that promoted these expressions. The interactive
presentation included active participation from the women in attendance. The
lecture was enhanced by a visual presentation of original illustrations by
Linda Ganjian.

The St. Leon Church Women’s Guild is chaired by Rita Oscherician. Following
Tuesday’s talk, Mrs. Oscherician described the organization’s members as
`women of integrity and dedication, who are always ready to help others, and
usually without recognition.’

`They are a pleasure to work with,’ she added, =80=9Cand I feel truly blessed to
be amongst women that make a difference in the life of our parish and others
on a regular basis.’

Members of Women’s Guild of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of
Binghamton, NY, with parish pastor, the Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian.

_Women’s Guild of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton, NY, Honors
Two Longstanding Members _

On Sunday, October 10, the Women’s Guild of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Binghamton, NY, celebrated its annual Guild Day.

During a dinner following services, the organization honored two
longstanding members: Grace Baradet and Rose Ketchoyian.

Charlotte Sevazlian, the corresponding secretary of the Women’s Guild
Central Council and the council’s liaison to the Binghamton chapter,
presented the honorees with certificates issued by Diocesan Primate,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.

Charlotte Sevazlian also shared with attendees updates from the Women’s
Guild Central Council. [15]Click here to read more.
Links:
15.

_Binghamton, NY, Parish Hosts Antranig Dance Ensemble_

St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton, NY, hosted the Antranig
Dance Ensemble on Saturday, September 25. The performance, held at
Binghamton High School, drew more than 160 people.

The Antranig Dance Ensemble has been performing in Binghamton at the
invitation of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church for the past four years.
The group prepared a new show for last month’s performance.

The ensemble was established in 1969 under the auspices of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union. Today it is comprised of about 30 dancers.

_Upcoming Parish Festivals and Gatherings _

_St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ_
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host its fall bazaar and food
festival on Saturday, October 23, from 12 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, October 24,
from 12 to 6 p.m. Enjoy shish kebab, doner, yalanchee, boreg, and other
Armenian delicacies.

The event will also feature vendor booths, face painting, carnival rides, DJ
music, and other activities. The Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble of St. Thomas
Church will perform on Saturday; the AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble will
perform on Sunday.

For more information, call the church at (201) 567-5446, or [16]click here
to visit the parish website.
Links:
16.

_Church of Our Saviour | Worcester, MA_
The Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA, will host an Armenian festival
on Friday, October 22, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, October 24, from 12 to
5 p.m.
The event will be held in the church’s cultural center at 34 Boynton Street
in Worcester.

It will feature an Armenian Country Store, a raffle, and activities for
children. Enjoy traditional Armenian food and pastries. [17]Click here to
view a flyer. For more information, call the church office at (508)
756-2931.
Links:
17.

_St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY_
On Sunday, October 24, St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will celebrate
the 111th anniversary of the establishment of the parish.

A celebratory luncheon and program will follow services in the church’s
Gdanian Auditorium. The parish will officially welcome back the Rev. Fr.
Stepanos Doudoukjian and his family. Fr. Doudoukjian has returned to serve
as the parish’s pastor after working as the director of Youth and Vocations
at St. Nersess Seminary.

Reservations for the luncheon are required and must be made by contacting
the church office at (518) 274-3673. [18]Click here to visit the parish
website for more information.
Links:
18.

_St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ_
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host a Beefsteak Dinner and Dance on
Saturday, October 23, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The event will feature DJ
music by Time Machine Entertainment.

For more information, call Linda Capizzi at (201) 836-0513, or Margaret
Ajamian at (201) 847-0950.

_St. Mesrob Church | Racine, WI_
The Sunday School of St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI-the first Sunday School
established in the Eastern Diocese-will mark its 75th anniversary on Sunday,
October 24. A luncheon and program will follow services.

The day’s theme will be “Honoring our Past and Preparing our Youth.” The
parish will recognize past superintendents and teachers 65 and older. For
more information, e-mail [19][email protected].
Links:
19. mailto:[email protected]

_Church of the Holy Ascension | Trumbull, CT_
The Church of the Holy Ascension of Trumbull, CT, will host a concert on
Sunday, October 24, at 3 p.m. The event will feature performances by: Dn.
Vrej Yapoujian, vocalist; Houry Schmeizl, piano; Avetik Topchyan, kemancha;
and Mari Yapoujian, recitation.

For more information, call the church at (203) 372-5770.

_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). [20]Click here to view a flyer.
RSVP is requested but not required. Call Deacon Sebuh at (212) 686-0710,
ext. 141.
Links:
20.

EVENTS

_Panel on Christians in the Middle East at St. John’s Univ._

The Center for Law and Religion at St. John’s University will host a panel
discussion titled “Christians in the Middle East – Contemporary Human Rights
Concerns,” on Thursday, October 21, beginning at 7 p.m.

Panelists include the Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain; Caroline Labib Doss;
Michael J.L. La Civita of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association; Rev.
Frank Marangos of the Greek Archdiocese; and Pierro Tozzi of the Alliance
Defense Fund.

They will discuss challenges facing Christians in the Middle East and the
potential for addressing them through international human rights law. For
more information, [21]click here.
Links:
21.

_An Evening with Agop J. Hacikyan to be Held at Diocese_

The public is invited to attend an evening with Agop J. Hacikyan=80’author of
`A Summer Without Dawn’ and `The Lamppost Diary’-at the Diocesan Center on
Friday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m.

The event is being organized by several Armenian organizations in the
greater New York City area in celebration of Mr. Hacikyan’s literary career.
It will be held in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocesan
Center (35th Street and Second Avenue) in Manhattan.

For more information, [22]click here to view a flyer.
Links:
22.

_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 Juniors of St. Sahag Church in Minnesota to Take Part in Weekend Retreat
_
This weekend, Jennifer Morris, the Youth Outreach coordinator at the Eastern
Diocese, will travel to St. Paul, MN, to lead the St. Sahag Church ACYOA
Juniors in an overnight retreat.

The retreat will begin on Saturday, October 23, with an informational
meeting for teens and their parents about the ACYOA and Diocesan-wide
programs. After dinner, the parents will depart and the teens will
participate in interactive team-building exercises and Bible study as they
gain skills to develop their newly established ACYOA Juniors chapter.

The retreat will conclude on Sunday, October 24, with the celebration of the
Divine Liturgy by the parish pastor, the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan. The
weekend program marks the first such visit organized by the Diocese’s Youth
Outreach section.

Click to download a general [23]flyer and a tentative [24]weekend schedule.
Links:
23.
24.

From: A. Papazian

ANC LEADER MEETS WITH SOLIDARITY FOUNDER

news.am
Oct 20 2010
Armenia

Armenia’s first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan held a meeting with Adam
Michnik, the Editor of the Gazeta Wyborcza and one of the founders
of the Solidarity movement.

The sides discussed European issues, regional and democratic processes,
state of democracy in Armenia and prospects for democratic development.

Polish Ambassador to Armenia Zdzislaw Raczynsky, and Levon Zurabyan,
Central Office Coordinator, Armenian National Congress (ANC) the
attended the meeting.

From: A. Papazian