Author: Andres-Papazian

THE GAME OVER NAGORNO-KARABAKH IS GOING ON AND THE PLAYER WITH STRONGER NERVES WILL WIN
David Stepanyan

Ar
2010-08-20 15:39:00

Interview with Aleksey Vlasov, Director of the Russian Center for
Post-Soviet Area, editor-in-chief of Vestnik Kavkaza portal, Deputy
Dean of the Moscow State University History Department

Mr.Vlasov, do you see any link between the signing of a new strategic
treaty between Turkey and Azerbaijan and the prolongation of the
period of deployment of the 102nd Russian military unit in Armenia?

They are certainly inter-related. Some Azerbaijani political experts
are mistaken thinking hat Russia definitely staked on Armenia as
the outpost of the Kremlin in the South Caucasus in response to
rapprochement of Baku and Ankara. Everything is much more complicated,
I think. Russia leaves no hopes for a more complicated game. One
should not make any hasty conclusions before the visit of Medvedev to
Baku in autumn. As of S-300 air defense system, the expert said that
it meets the diversified policy of Russia. It is clear, however, that
Azerbaijan needs more tangible arguments to retain the former dynamics
of rapprochement with Moscow. The Karabakh issue is probably no longer
in this list. Energy cooperation and trade-economic cooperation are
possible topics for the dialogue.

But one can make conclusions on how much these actions may compensate
for Baku the negative reaction in the society, connected with the
Russian-Armenian treaty about the base, only after the Russian
leader’s visit to Azerbaijan in autumn of the current year. As for
the relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan, enhancing of the new
strategic alliance is really connected with the Karabakh conflict
as well, in which the negotiating pause has appeared. This step had
to push Yerevan to compromises, but its effectiveness was reduced
because of the Russian decision on the base. The game goes on, and
the player with strong nerves will win.

Does this agreement imply that Russian border guards will have wider
powers in protecting the borders with Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan in
case of new Azeri aggression?

I think that the Russian leadership will not pit stress on the content
of the treaty but its spirit. That is to say, the fact of its signing
is a guarantee for Yerevan but not evidence of Russia’s readiness to
fight for Karabakh. Moscow will not draw much attention on the topic,
as it will prevent the conflict via the diplomatic ways but not follow
its military stage. It will not be the status-quo in the Kremlin way.

Can we be 100% sure that there will be no new war in Nagorno-Karabakh
considering Moscow’s growing involvement in the peace process?

Moscow really tries to create a new balance of relations in the
Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan triangle and all the latest steps by the
Kremlin were aimed to keep this balance in case of military actions
around Karabakh. The developments around S-300 and the military base on
Armenia constitute links in one and the same chain when transferring
“the keys to crisis” to Moscow. It is another matter how the Kremlin
will use this situation. The strategic lines of Russia’s behavior
are not observed yet. Tactical landscape is more visible and our
diplomacy takes to it like a duck to water.

Are the rumors that Russia has supplied Azerbaijan with S-300 air
defense systems true and do they have any connection with the visit
of President Medvedev to Armenia?

The supposed sale by Russia to Azerbaijan of the two air defence
systems C-300 ‘Favorit’ is understood in Baku as a finished deal.

Local experts think that this complex will allow Azerbaijan to protect
its strategical facilities from possible missile strikes. It is very
much possible. But the point is who is watched as a potential source
of threat. It may be either Armenia or Iran. But the real meaning
of this step should be compared with general nature of relations
between Russian Federation and Azerbaijan. Against the background
of displeasure of the Azerbaijani elite regarding the new format of
the treaty with Armenia on the base, this bargain is watched like
a balancing step but not like a new stage of inter-actions between
Moscow and Baku in the military sphere.

Recently Russia has substantially strengthened its positions in both
Armenia and Azerbaijan. Are they doing it exclusively at the expense
of the United States or are there other countries too?

Russia has really enhanced its positions in the South Caucasus. But
the main resource of this progress is the systemized weakening of
the positions of Washington.

Barack Obama has not yet gained a strict position regarding this
region and the situation about the ambassador to Baku is another
evidence of it. The rest players have still preserved their positions.

Ankara could really improve them but the domestic political problems
of this country affect Turkey’s position much. In general, Russia’s
success is more a result of other players’ failure. Just this
circumstance does not make it possible to assess the Russian policy
in the South Caucasus like good or bad. New opportunities for the
energy game, for further isolation of Georgia and for bargaining on
the Iranian topic have been opened. But these opportunities have been
just opened a little, and they should be still used.

From: A. Papazian

West and Russia to build relations despite Caucasus disagreements

Aug 26, 2010

RIA Novosti

Two years ago, on August 26, 2008, Russia recognized the independence of the
republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

President Dmitry Medvedev announced the decision two weeks after the end of
military action in South Ossetia. The Georgian aggression initiated by the
regime of Mikhail Saakashvili ended up with the defeat of the Georgian
troops. The aggressor was punished, the peace has been restored, Medvedev
said when meeting his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy. Then the two
presidents signed a cease fire document which later became known as the
Medvedev-Sarkozy plan on the settlement of the conflict. Later Georgia also
signed the document.

On night of August 8, 2008, Georgia’s President Mikhail Saakashvili ordered
the bombardment of the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinval and to open fire
on peaceful citizens and the Russian peacekeepers.

In Russia people were shocked not only by the actions of the Georgian
president but also by the ways the Western mass media covered the events.
Russians, who used to respect freedom of speech as one of the main
achievements of Western civilization, witnessed a real information war
against their country. The Western media ignored the fact that it was
Saakashvili who had started the war and only then Russia brought its troops
into South Ossetia. In fact, Russia carried out a humanitarian peacekeeping
operation saving the South Ossetian people from genocide. Alexander
Konovalov, president of the Institute of strategic estimations, recalls:

I happened to be in the West right after the war started and I had the
impression that we saw two different versions of one play. They saw it
without the first act, and we saw it from the very beginning. That is why
the first impression of the people in the West was that an aggressive and
malicious Russia had attacked a small, democratic and helpless Georgia,
while our people had the impression that a strong and aggressive Georgia
attacked helpless South Ossetia.

Two years after the war, the Europeans at least know who started the war
thanks to the report published by a group of the EU experts headed by
diplomat Heidi Tagliavini. We hear from Dmitry Danilov, an expert with the
Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

First of all, Tagliavini’s report made it clear for Europeans – who started
the war. In the report, the possible conclusion was made that it was
Saakashvili and Russia had to intervene after that. That is why now we do
not hear such critical statements as two years ago. The statements are well
considered and pragmatic. The EU and US say they do not want the development
of the relation with Russia to depend on the disagreements on the Caucasus
problem. This is a remarkable feature of the Western policy.

Of course, the disagreements remain. The West calls Russia’s interference in
August 2008 as “disproportional” and does not recognize the independence of
the two republics. In its turn Moscow has its own point of view and is not
going to change it. At the same time both Russia and the West understand
that they should build their relations on the status quo basis.

From: A. Papazian

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Tel: (818) 500-1918

PRESS RELEASE
August 26, 2010
Contact: Tamar Baboujian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

PROFESSOR RICHARD HOVANNISIAN TO BE HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
AT 2010 ANCA-WR BANQUET

GLENDALE, CA—Longtime professor and academician Dr. Richard Hovannisian
will be honored with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the
Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) Annual
Banquet this year. The honor is among the organization’s highest awards and
is being presented to Professor Richard Hovannisian for teaching,
researching, writing, and lecturing worldwide about Armenian history,
culture, and current issues. The 2010 Annual Banquet, which is set to be a
sold out event, will be held on October 24th at the Universal Sheraton in
Los Angeles.

“We are proud to be honoring Dr. Richard Hovannisian,” remarked ANCA-WR
Chairwoman Aida Dimejian. “His contributions in academia have continuously
supported the advancement of the Armenian Cause and complimented the efforts
of our organization. We applaud him for his decades of noble service.”

Richard G. Hovannisian is the Professor of Armenian and Near Eastern History
and Holder of the Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian
History at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He was born and
raised in Tulare, California. He received his B.A. and M.A. in history from
the University of California, Berkeley and Ph.D. in history from UCLA. A
member of the UCLA faculty since 1962, he has organized both the
undergraduate and graduate programs in Armenian history and has guided many
students to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Armenian History.

Dr. Hovannisian served as the Associate Director of UCLA’s Center for Near
Eastern Studies from 1978 to 1995. He became the first Holder of the AEF
Chair in 1986. From 1965 to 1969 he was also Associate Professor of History
at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles, and has served as a
distinguished visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley;
California State University, Fresno; Florida Atlantic University; and Clark
University. Professor Hovannisian is a Guggenheim Fellow and has received
many honors for his scholarship, civic activities, and advancement of
Armenian studies. He is a founder and six-time president of the Society for
Armenian Studies and serves on the editorial boards of five journals and on
the boards of directors of ten scholarly and civic organizations. He has
given hundreds of lectures and participated in numerous international forums
and in the media on Armenian issues.

Since the 1970’s, Dr. Hovannisian has focused on remembrance and denial of
the Armenian Genocide, about which he has spoken in 35 countries, more than
150 colleges and universities, and more than 1000 public lectures and forums
on six continents. He has served as a consultant to the California State
Board of Education, authoring the chapter on the Armenian Genocide in the
State’s Social Studies Model Curriculum on Human Rights and Genocide. Dr.
Hovannisian has also served as a consultant to the Facing History and
Ourselves Organization, assisted in the preparation of its resource book on
the Armenian Genocide, and introduced the subject in numerous Facing History
teacher-training institutes and summer workshops.

Dr. Hovannisian is the recipient of the Medal of Mesrop Mashtots from His
Holiness Karekin II of the Great House of Cilicia in 1982, Medal of Saints
Sahak and Mesrop from Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II in 2001, and
Knight of Cilicia from His Holiness Aram I in 2001. In 1990, Richard
Hovannisian became the first social scientist living abroad to be elected to
the Armenian National Academy of Sciences. He has received honorary
doctorate degrees from Yerevan State University (1994) and Artsakh
(Karabagh) State University (1997). In May 1998, on the occasion of the
eightieth anniversary of the founding of the first Armenian republic, he was
awarded the Movses Khorenatsi medal by the Republic of Armenia, and
subsequently was awarded with a similar medal from the Republic of
Mountainous Karabagh.

“The ANCA-WR looks forward to saluting Dr. Hovannisian for his invaluable
contributions to our community and our nation,” stated Elizabeth Boyajian,
Chairwoman of the 2010 Banquet Committee. “We encourage members of our
community to take part in the celebration to recognize Dr. Hovannisian’s
exemplary work and service,” she added.

Individuals interested in attending the ANCA-Western Region banquet are
encouraged to call (818) 500-1918.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the
Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated
organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the
Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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:

Email not displaying correctly? [1]View it in your browser.
[2]armenianchurch-ed.net [3]e-Newsletter Archive
Links:
1.
2.
3.

TOP STORY August
26, 2010

The Armenian Heritage Park in Boston will commemorate the victims of the
Armenian Genocide while celebrating the contributions of Armenian-Americans
and other immigrant groups.

_His Holiness Karekin II to Preside Over Groundbreaking Ceremony for Armenian
Heritage Park in Boston_

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, will preside over a groundbreaking ceremony for Boston’s Armenian
Heritage Park on Thursday, September 9, beginning at 2 p.m. Also in
attendance will be Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor of Boston
Thomas Menino.

The Armenian Heritage Park, located on parcel 13 of the Rose Fitzgerald
Kennedy Greenway in Boston, will commemorate the victims of the Armenian
Genocide while celebrating the contributions of Armenian-Americans and other
immigrant groups to the city and state. Once completed, the park will
feature an abstract sculpture commemorating the immigrant experience and the
Armenian Genocide, as well as a labyrinth of grass and stone symbolizing and
celebrating life’s journey.

The park is a project of the non-profit Armenian Heritage Foundation, which
is comprised of some 38 Armenian parishes and organizations in
Massachusetts. Visit [4] to learn more.
Links:
4.

His Holiness Karekin II will be visiting the United States next month to
consecrate the newly built cathedral of the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America in Burbank, CA. As part of this visit, he will travel to
Boston for the groundbreaking of the Armenian Heritage Park. The September 9
ceremony is open to the public; local community members are encouraged to
attend this uplifting event.

Scripture of the Week

Is 9:8-19
2 Cor 1:1-11
Mk 4:35-40

Prayer of the week

Heavenly King, grant me your kingdom which you promised to your beloved, and
strengthen my heart to hate sin and to love you only and to do your will.
Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

26 August: St. Jeremiah the Prophet

31 August: St. Ezekiel the Prophet

4 September: 318 Fathers of the Holy Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

His Holiness Karekin II with Damtiu Dessalegn at Holy Etchmiadzin.

_His Holiness Karekin II Welcomes New UN Representative _

On Wednesday, August 25, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, met with Damtiu Dessalegn, the newly appointed
representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in
Armenia.

His Holiness welcomed Mr. Dessalegn to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,
and spoke with him about the mission of the Armenian Church, its history,
and its present-day programs. His Holiness also spoke about joint ecological
projects undertaken in recent years by the United Nations and Holy
Etchmiadzin.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees addresses refugee issues
worldwide. Its Armenia office is located in Yerevan.

At the conclusion of Wednesday’s meeting, His Holiness Karekin II thanked
Mr. Dessalegn and the UN agency for its support of refugee families in
Armenia.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Bishop Armash Nalbandian.

_Bishop Armash Nalbandian to Visit Eastern Diocese _

Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
Damascus, Syria, will visit the Eastern Diocese next month. He will deliver
a public lecture at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary on Tuesday, September 7,
at 7:30 p.m.

Titled `The Armenian Communities of Syria: Yesterday and Today,’ the
presentation will be given in Armenian and English. It is free and open to
the public. A reception will follow the lecture. St. Nersess Seminary is
located at 150 Stratton Road in New Rochelle, NY.

Bishop Nalbandian is a native of Aleppo, Syria, and a graduate of the
Gevorkyan Seminary at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the University
of Tübingen in Tübingen, Germany.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Diocesan Council members at a recent
meeting.

_Diocesan Council Prepares for Annual Appeal _

The Diocesan Council held its monthly meeting via teleconference on
Thursday, August 26. The council was apprised of Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian’s recent visit to Armenia, where he participated in a series of
meetings at Holy Etchmiadzin. The Primate shared his reflections on the need
to reconnect Armenians to our common history in the Armenian Church.

Diocesan Council members also discussed the upcoming launching of the Annual
Appeal, the main fundraising effort of the Eastern Diocese, which will begin
shortly after Labor Day and continue until the end of the year.

In addition, council members spoke about the upcoming visit of His Holiness
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, for the
consecration of the newly built cathedral of the Western Diocese in
California.

Another important topic of discussion was the continuation of the Diocese’s
vocations theme. Council members spoke about the shortage of clergy in the
Eastern Diocese and the need for parish leadership to keep this issue in the
forefront of attention on a parish level.

The Women’s Guild Central Council will meet on Saturday at the Diocese.

_Women’s Guild Central Council to Meet on Saturday_

The Women’s Guild Central Council will meet at the Diocesan Center on
Saturday, August 28, to plan for its upcoming fall symposium, which will
take place in November in Washington, D.C. (see article below for more
information).

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will preside over the
meeting. In addition to the fall symposium, Central Council members will
discuss the Saintly Women’s Day program planned for April 2011.

On Sunday, August 29, council members will participate in the Divine Liturgy
at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and sponsor the coffee hour after services.
Serj Tankian has agreed to help raise funds for the renovation of FAR’s
Octet Music School in Gyumri (Mediamax).

_Renovating the Octet Music School in Gyumri, Armenia_

Armenian-American musician Serj Tankian has agreed to help raise funds for
the renovation of the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Octet Music School in
Gyumri. The school was destroyed during the 1988 earthquake, and classes
today are still held in temporary aluminum shelters.

In pledging to help the school, Tankian, who recently gave a performance in
Yerevan, follows rock musicians Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi, who held two
concerts in Armenia earlier this year, with proceeds going toward the
renovation project. Tankian has spoken about the possibility of
collaborating with Tony Iommi to raise money for the school by producing
joint recordings for iTunes.

Fundraising for the renovation of the Octet Music School is jointly
coordinated by Mediamax, the Australian non-profit organization =80=9CDo
Something,’ and the Fund for Armenian Relief. Of the $250,000 needed to
rebuild the school, $72,000 has already been raised. [5]Click here to visit
FAR’s blog and to read more.
Links:
5.

_Zohrab Center Donates Books to New York Public Library_

The Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center donated more than
400 books to the New York Public Library on Monday, August 23.

The books covered topics outside the scope of the center’s Armenian focus,
and included volumes on U.S. history, literature, grammar, and art. The
donation will benefit the Webster branch and other New York Public Library
branches.

To learn more about the Zohrab Center and its collection, visit the
center’s blog at [6]
Links:
6.

_Adult Armenian Language Courses at the Diocese in NY_

Adult Armenian language courses will begin at the Diocese’s Mesrob Mashdots
Institute on Wednesday, September 29. The two-hour classes-offered at the
beginner, intermediate, conversation, and literature appreciation
levels-will be held at the Diocesan Center in New York City.

Click to [7]view a flyer and to [8]download a registration form. For more
information, e-mail Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian
studies at the Diocese’s Department of Youth and Education, at
[9][email protected].
Links:
7.
8.
9. mailto:[email protected]

_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.

[10]Click here to view a complete job description and list of
qualifications. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to
[11][email protected].
Links:
10.
11. mailto:[email protected]

PARISH NEWS

_Upcoming Armenian Festivals Across the Diocese_

What follows is a list of upcoming festivals and picnics across the parishes
of the Eastern Diocese. Please contact the individual parishes for more
information on the scheduled events.

_Providence, RI_
Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, will host its annual picnic on
Saturday, August 28. The picnic will be held under two large tents on the
lawn adjacent to the church parking lot (70 Jefferson Street, Providence,
RI).

The grills start at 3 p.m., and will be going through the evening until 10
p.m. The food lines and beverage bar-featuring losh kebab, chicken kebab,
shish kebab, khema, pilaf, and salad-will be set up outdoors.

The Brian Ansbigian Ensemble will begin playing at 5 p.m. Activities for
children will include a bounce house, Ron the balloon man (from 6:30 to 8:30
p.m.), and more. For more information, call (401) 272-7712.

_New Britain, CT_
The Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT, will host its annual
Armenian Festival on Sunday, August 29, from noon to 6 p.m. The festival
will be held rain or shine.

The event will feature live Armenian music, a small youth dance ensemble,
and a raffle and car show. Available for sale will be Armenian and American
food, pastries, and gift items.

The church is located at 1910 Stanley Street in New Britain. For more
information, call (860) 223-7875.

_Evanston, IL_
St. James Armenian Church of Evanston, IL, will host its annual Taste of
Armenia festival on Sunday, August 29, from noon to 7 p.m. The event will
take place on Clark Street, between Benson and Sherman avenues in downtown
Evanston.

With annual attendance of well over 2,500 people, the festival offers a
leisurely afternoon of delicious Armenian cooking, music, and great company.
The Taste of Armenia serves up charcoal-grilled kebabs and homemade
specialties, including healthy salads and “sarma” rolls with fresh-grape
leaves.

Prominent local Armenian bands play music for line dancing all afternoon,
and there are always plenty of games and activities for kids. For more
information, [12]click here.
Links:
12.

_Springfield, MA_
St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, will host its Armenian Festival on
Sunday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will take place on
church grounds, rain or shine (2427 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA).

The Armenian Festival begins with a breakfast brunch of choreg, string
cheese, olives, and coffee. Later in the day, enjoy traditional Armenian
picnic fare, including lamb, chicken, and losh kebab, and spinach boreg
dinners, fresh khema sandwiches, yelanchi (stuffed grape leaves), cheese
boreg, paklava, khadayif, and other Armenian pastries.

The day will also feature live oud music, backgammon, checkers, chess, a
Chinese raffle, and other activities. Games and activities for children will
be provided. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit [13], or call David
Jermakian, festival chair, at (413) 596-5366.
Links:
13.

The Armenian Dance Company of Chicago performs at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church.

_Recent Parish Celebrations in the Midwest _

St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, and St. George Church of
Waukegan, IL, held summer festivals earlier this month.

In Chicago, festivities began on Saturday, August 14. Activities included
live Armenian music and dancing, food, and games for children. On Sunday,
August 15, the community gathered for the Divine Liturgy and Blessing of
Grapes service, performed by the parish pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Aren
Jebejian. The picnic continued after services on the church grounds.
[14]Click here to view photos.
Links:
14.

In Waukegan, the Blessing of Grapes service was held on Sunday, August 22.
The Rev. Fr. Paren Galstyan, interim parish pastor, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy, and the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian performed the Blessing of
Grapes service. A festival followed, featuring Armenian music, food, and
other activities. The mayor of Waukegan, Robert G. Sabonjian, took part in
the day’s events. [15]Click here to view photos.
Links:
15.

The Armenian Dance Company of Chicago performed at both festivals.

EVENTS

_Women’s Guild Fall Symposium Scheduled for November_

The Diocesan Women’s Guild Central Council (WGCC) has announced its fall
symposium, which will take place in Washington, D.C., in November.
Saturday’s program and lunch will take place at the city’s St. Mary Armenian
Church.

Billed as `a celebration of faith and fellowship in our nation’s capital,’
the WGCC symposium will run Friday through Saturday, November 5-6, 2010
(with Sunday November 7 reserved for church services at St. Mary Armenian
Church and travel). The schedule will include inspirational speakers,
empowering presentations, and sightseeing around Washington.

[16]Click here to view a flyer which gives reservation, program, costs, and
deadline details for the symposium. The flyer also has a registration form
attached, which needs to be mailed to Rita Oscherician with the appropriate
payment amount.
Links:
16.

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

YOUTH NEWS

Participants in FAR’s 2010 Young Professionals Trip to Armenia.

_FAR’s Young Professionals Reflect on Trip to Armenia _

Voice of America recently interviewed participants in this summer’s Fund for
Armenian Relief’s Young Professionals Trip to Armenia. [18]Click here to
watch the Voice of America video in Armenian, and to hear participants’
reflections on their two-week journey.
Links:
18.

The FAR Young Professionals trip took place from July 7 to July 21.
Participants visited Armenia’s historic religious and cultural sites. In
addition, they met with spiritual and government leaders, including His
Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
and the Minister of Diaspora Hranoush Hakobyan.

To learn more about the Young Professionals Trip and other FAR programs,
visit the organization’s website at [19]
Links:
19.

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: [20]
Links:
20.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

August 26, 2010

EXTREME UNCTION OFFICIATED BY ARCHBISHOP YEPREM
Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, former Prelate of the Western Prelacy,
officiated the Extreme Unction of Archpriest Fr. Vahrich Shirinian,
during the Divine Liturgy and funeral services last Friday, August
20. Archpriest Fr. Vahrich passed away on August 14. Funeral services
took place at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, where Der Vahrich served for 25 years. Clergy from
parishes of the Eastern Prelacy participated in the service to bid
farewell to their brother-in-Christ.

BLESSING OF GRAPES CEREMONY FOR
RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators Cathedral in
New York City, visits the New York Armenian Home for the Aged every
Wednesday. Last Wednesday, August 18, during his regular visit he
performed the Blessing of Grapes ceremony for the residents.
Accompanying Der Hayr was Mrs. Lalig Vartanian, chairwoman of the
Cathedrals Board of Trustees, and the co-chairs of the Cathedrals
Sunday School, Ms. Tamar Lakissian and Ms. Sossi Essajanian, and
little Taleen Lakissian.
Der Mesrob blessed each resident individually and then
distributed the bags of blessed grapes to each. He also presented a
donation of $500 to the home from St. Illuminators Cathedral.
In a letter of thanks, the Executive Director of the Home,
Ms. Aghavni Aggie Ellian, wrote: I cannot express how much the
residents look forward to your visits and your blessings and how you
individually offer prayers and kind words to the residents. Whenever
we have an emergency, and you are busy, you never refuse us and manage
to visit a sick resident in the hospital or in the home. You have no
idea how happy you make them feel and how pleased we are for that.
Photo: Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminators
Cathedral, and Mrs. Lalig Vartanian (center), chairwoman of the
Cathedrals Board of Trustees, with administrators of the Armenian
Home.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DER KAREKIN AND YERETZGIN SEVAN
Congratulations are in order for Der Karekin Bedourian and Yeretzgin
Sevan, who are the parents of a daughter, Megheti, born last Sunday,
August 22, at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Boston.
Der Karekin was recently appointed to serve as pastor of
St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts. He was ordained in the city of his birth, Kessab,
Syria, in March 2009, by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Der Hayr served
as a pastoral intern at St. Stephens Church, Watertown, Massachusetts,
prior to his assignment to the North Andover parish.

LINKED iN
The Prelacys annual LinkedIn gathering is a popular educational and
social weekend for young professionals and college students. Beginning
Friday evening and continuing to Sunday, the weekend provides
education through informative and thought-provoking lectures,
spiritual enrichment through Bible studies, meditations, and
liturgical services, and bonding with peers through discussion groups
and fellowship hours.
This years gathering will take place October 8-10 at the Holy
Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard in Charlton, Massachusetts. The general
theme for 2010 is The Multi-
Dimensional Aspects of Relationships.
For details about the weekend program and registration form click here
(

).

CLERGY RETREAT
For the third year in a row a retreat will take place for clergy
serving the Eastern Prelacy immediately following the Linked iN
gathering for young adults. The clergy retreat will take place
October 10 to 13. The main topic of this years retreat will be the
services of Holy Week.

ARTSAKH PRESIDENT IN ANTELIAS
Last Saturday the President of Nagorno Karabagh (Artsakh), Pago
Sahakian, visited His Holiness Aram I in Antelias. His Holiness
greeted President Sahakian, and led him together with his delegation
and the representatives in attendance to the Martyrs Chapel for
prayers in memory of the martyrs of the Genocide of 1915.
Following the service, His Holiness welcomed the President,
expressing the unconditional support of the Catholicosate of Cilicia
and the Diaspora for the independence and self-determination in
Karabagh. The President thanked His Holiness for his warm reception
and support. He also expressed thanks to the Armenian community in
Lebanon and the Diaspora for their contribution toward the rebuilding
of Nagorno Karabagh.

95th ANNIVERSARY OF DEFENSE OF MUSA DAGH
COMMEMORATED IN ANJAR
Last Saturday His Holiness Aram I, accompanied by the President of
Nagorno Karabagh, Pago Sahakian, and clergy, visited Anjar, Lebanon,
where they received a warm welcome. His Holiness and entourage walked
to St. Pauls Church for the service of the canonical hour. The
procession then moved to the monument dedicated to the martyrs of Musa
Dagh, where flowers were placed and a cultural program took place in
commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the forty-day defense of Musa
Dagh and the 70th anniversary of Anjar.
Anjar is located in Lebanons Bekaa valley, east of Beirut. The
inhabitants of Anjar were originally inhabitants of six villages
located on the foothills of the mountain made famous by Franz Werfels
Forty Days of Musa Dagh. In 1939 more than 1,000 families from the
villages of Musa Dagh were brought to the Bekaa valley and settled in
Anjar, with the help of the French government.

BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, August 29, second Sunday after the
Assumption, Feast of the Discovery of the Belt of the Theotokos, are:
Isaiah 9:8-19; 2 Corinthians 1:1-12; Mark 4:35-40.
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, Let us go
across to the other side. And leaving the crowd behind, they took him
with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A
great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the
boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the
cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, Teacher, do you not
care that we are perishing? He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said
to the sea, Peace! Be still! Then the wind ceased, and there was a
dead calm. He said to them, Why are you afraid? Have you still no
faith?
(Mark 4:35-40).
For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (

).
FEAST OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE BELT OF THE THEOTOKOS
This Sunday, August 29, the second Sunday after the Assumption, is the
Feast of the Discovery of the Belt of the Theotokos.
Because there are no relics of the Holy Mothers earthly body
(she was assumed into Heaven), her personal belongings became articles
of devotion. Her belt was the first to be discovered in Jerusalem in
the fifth century. This discovery is the basis for a feast day in the
Armenian Church.
There are eight feast days dedicated to the Holy Mother of
God. These include: Her Nativity, Her Presentation to the Temple, the
Annunciation, The Conception of Mary, The Purification, The
Assumption, the Discovery of the Belt, and the Discovery of the Box.

ST. JEREMIAH THE PROPHET
Today, Thursday, August 26, the Armenian Church commemorates Jeremiah,
one of the prophets of the Old Testament. His writings are collected
in the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah and the Book of Lamentations is
attributed to him. God appointed Jeremiah to confront Judah and
Jerusalem for the worship of idols and other violations of the
covenant (described in the Book of Deuteronomy). Jeremiah had the task
of explaining the reason for the impending disasterthe destruction by
the Babylonian army and captivity: And when your people say, Why has
the Lord our God done all these things to us? you shall say to them,
As you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your land, so you
shall serve foreigners in a land that is not yours.

EZEKIEL THE PROPHET
Next Tuesday, August 31, the Armenian Church commemorates Ezekiel,
another Old Testament prophet. Ezekiel, which means God strengthens,
was chosen by God as His messenger and Ezekiel faithfully served the
Lord. He was called upon to warn his people in accordance with the
message God had given him. God had Ezekiel proclaim judgments on the
cities that surrounded Jerusalem because of their sinfulness. The Book
of Ezekiel ends with hope, restoration, and redemption and points the
way to Christ, the redeemer of humanity.

19th AMENDMENT BECAME LAW 90 YEARS AGO
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which simply states, The
right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or
abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex,
became law ninety years ago today.
The Amendment needed ratification by 36 states, and on August
18, 1920, the state of Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the
amendment. On August 26, 1920, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby
certified the amendments adoption and it became the law of the land.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 29 Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Troy, New York,
Blessing of Grapes picnic from 12 noon to 4 pm, on the church grou8nds
at 255 Spring Avenue, Troy, New York 12180.
September 12 St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, Feast of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Divine Liturgy, followed by Blessing of
Madagh (Harisah), sponsored by the Ladies Guild.
September 12 2nd Annual Picnic-Festival in North Andover,
Massachusetts, jointly sponsored by St. Gregory Armenian Church and
St. Michael Parish, 12 noon to 6 pm. Main Street in front of both
parishes will be closed to traffic. Featuring traditional delicious
Armenian and American picnic food. American and Armenian music, games
and activities. For information: 978-685-5038 or
September 12 St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, grand
opening of the newly built Founders Hall. Archbishop Oshagan will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over the luncheon.
September 12 St. Stephens Church, New Britain, Connecticut, annual
picnic at Quartette Club, Wooster Street, New Britain, from noon until
dusk.
September 17 6th Annual Golf Outing, All Saints Armenian Church,
Glenview, Illinois. For information: Armen Kholamian (847) 323-5452;
Hagop Soulakian (847) 858-7685; Sevon Torosian (847) 722-3289.
September 18 Dinner and performance of Hello Ellis Island, by The Way
We Were ensemble, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. For
information: 201-943-2950.
September 19 Annual picnic of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York,
on the church grounds. A relaxing, exciting, joyful, old fashioned
picnic. Good food, best shish kebob, entertainment by FJ-Erevan,
KidZone, special supervised activities for children starting at 1 pm.
September 20 St. Stephens Armenian School/ACEC 15TH Annual Golf Outing
at Framingham Country Club. $170 includes golf, lunch, dinner and
contests. For information: Astor at (781) 326-5764.
September 26 Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence,
Rhode Island, 70th anniversary of the church and Rev. Fr. Gomidas
Baghsarians elevation to Archpriest, and 10th anniversary of service
to Sts. Vartanantz. Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and preside over the celebratory banquet at Crowne Plaza,
Warwick, Rhode Island. For information: Ramon Zorabedian,
401-884-6626.
September 27 Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 7th Annual Golf Outing at Sterling National Country
Club, Sterling, Massachusetts. $140 per person includes golf, cart,
breakfast, dinner and prizes. For information: Kap Kaprielian,
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 508-872-9629.
October 3 50th anniversary celebration of Nareg Saturday Armenian
School of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, under the
auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan and presided by His Grace
Bishop Anoushavan.
October 8-10 The Eastern Prelacys Linked In workshop weekend for young
adults at Holy Virgin Marys Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton,
Massachusetts.
October 14-17 Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Food Festival
and Bazaar. Information: 301-229-8742.
October 17 St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, Hayrenikin,
debut of Huyser Musical Ensemble, 1 pm. Admission: $15.00. For
information: 212-689-5880.
November 5-6-7 Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
November 7 67th anniversary, All Saints Armenian Church, Glenview,
Illinois.
November 13-14 Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 46th
anniversary banquet Saturday evening. Sunday Divine Liturgy celebrated
by the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Oshagan. Information: 301-229-8742.

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

E. NALBANDYAN RECEIVES SWEDISH AMBASSADOR HANS GUNNAR ADEN

Aysor
Aug 23 2010
Armenia

On August 23, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan received Ambassador of
Sweden Hans Gunnar Aden completing his diplomatic mission in Armenia.

Highly assessing the cooperation between the two countries Minister
Nalbandyan thanked Ambassador Aden for his personal contribution to
development of Armenian-Swedish relations, MFA press office reported.

The sides attached importance to development of Armenian-Swedish mutual
economic contacts highly assessing mutual relations and cooperation
at international organizations.

The interlocutors exchanged thoughts over Armenia-European Union
cooperation.

At Ambassador’s request Nalbandyan touched upon the Nagorno Karabakh
settlement negotiations and other regional issues.

Upon the completion of the meeting, Minister Nalbandyan awarded the
Foreign Ministry Commemorative Medal to Hans Gunnar Aden for his
contribution to strengthening the Armenian-Swedish relations.

From: A. Papazian

NATIONAL LEGAL INTERNET PORTAL, BELARUS

BelTA

Aug 23 2010
MINSK

Belarus to produce Armenian brandy

MINSK, 23 August (BelTA) – Belarus will open a branch of the Yerevan
Brandy Company to produce Armenian brandy. On 21 August Belarusian
President Alexander Lukashenko paid a visit to the Yerevan Brandy
Company and met with Gagik Tsarukyan, head of the Multi Group Concern,
BelTA learned from the presidential press center.

It is very important for Belarus to produce a good brandy, the head
of state noted.

During a visit to Armenia, the Belarusian President visited a number
of industrial and trade companies in Yerevan.

Alexander Lukashenko visited the Belarus-Armenia Trade House which
is expected to open in the near future. At the beginning, the trade
house will sell more than 1600 names of goods produced in Belarus. In
the future the trade facility will sell the Belarusian furniture and
various equipment.

“The Belarusian goods will be in popular demand in Armenia as they
are cheap and qualitative,” the President noted.

Alexander Lukashenko also visited the Yerevan-based diamonds and
jewelry production facility to get familiar with the production
process including diamonds sorting and cutting. The sides discussed
the cooperation between the Armenian company and Belarus’ diamonds
producer, Gomel PO Kristall.

According to the President, due to implementation of concrete joint
projects Belarus and Armenia should increase the bilateral trade
significantly.

On 21 August, Alexander Lukashenko left Yerevan for Minsk.

From: A. Papazian

THE ARMENIAN CULTURAL CENTER OPENS IN DAGESTAN

Republican Information Agency

Aug 23 2010

Makhachkala, August 23, 2010. The meeting of representatives of the
Armenian diaspora of Makhachkala took pace in the Republican National
Library. The idea of creation of public organization “Armenian Cultural
Center” was the purpose of the meeting.

The Chairman of the Union of Filmmaker of the Republic of Dagestan M.
Suleymanov and the Prorector of the North Caucasian Taxation Institute
in Makhachkala M. Gamzatov addressed to participants of the meeting.

They lived for a long time in Armenia.

The creation of the Cultural Center will help to develop national
culture, education.

After the official part of the meeting a concert took place. The
winner of the international contest, the violinist Arutjun Pilojan, the
pianist Anait Pilojan and the singer Andronik took part in the concert.

From: A. Papazian

SAN BARTOLOME FEAST MARKED
CHRISTINA I. HERMOSO

Manila Bulletin

Aug 23 2010
Phillipines

Bishop Deogracias Iniguez will celebrate a high mass at 9:45 a.m. this
Tuesday at the San Bartolome Parish on Rizal Avenue, Malabon City,
in celebration of the feast of St. Bartholomew (San Bartolome),
one of the 12 apostles of Christ and a martyr of the Christian faith.

A binyagang bayan (mass baptism) follows the Eucharistic celebration
at 11 a.m. Masses will also be held at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 7:15 a.m.,
8:30 a.m., 4 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m. A solemn
procession will be held at 6 p.m.

Festivities in honor of their patron will also be held in Catbalogan,
Samar; Magalang, Pampanga; and Nagcarlan, Laguna.

Also known in the Scriptures as Nathaniel, San Bartolome witnessed the
Ascension of Jesus. Together with St. Jude, he introduced Christianity
to Armenia during the first century.

Hence, the two holy men are considered the patrons of the Armenian
Apostolic Church.

San Bartolome also preached in India, Mesopotamia, Iran, and Egypt
and was able to convert thousands to Christianity.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIA FURTHER STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION IN THE CAUCASUS

The Messenger
Aug 23 2010
Georgia

Russia is further strengthening its position in the South Caucasus and
consequently all over the post Soviet area as well as in the Middle
East. Meanwhile the West naively observes this “resetting policy” with
curiosity. This is what we conclude from the recent developments in
the mentioned areas – the deployment of S300 missiles on Georgia’s
territory of Abkhazia, the possible sale of the same devices to
Azerbaijan, the visit of Russia’s president Medvedev to Yerevan, along
with his signing of an agreement on Russian military base in Armenia,
holding the Collective Security Treaty Summit, an upcoming visit of
Medvedev to Baku in September, as well as a general strengthening of
its military presence in Georgia’s occupied territories which have
already been “the new reality” for two years.

Analysts worldwide, not only in Georgia, express their deep
concern as they see Russia increasing its presence not only in
the regions mentioned, but around the world. For instance Ariel
Cohen in his article in Washington Times thinks that Moscow is
using whole geopolitical instruments to change the balance in
Eurasia. This includes diplomacy, informative operations, selling
arms and constructing military bases to protect its interests in the
sphere. It has become clear that either the West cannot stop Russia,
or it is choosing not to do so. With the deployment of S-300 missiles
in Abkhazia and Armenia, Russia is able to control the entire area
of the South Caucasus, Black Sea and part of the Near East. Strangely
enough the West “cannot see” that and/or cannot respond effectively.

The US administration has chosen a soft force policy, while Moscow
exploits a “hard policy” and is gradually exercising more and
more influence in this strategically important region. Ariel Cohen
predicts that if things continue like this, Washington’s influence
in the region will decrease considerably and the US would need tens
of years to rebuild it, while the Russians are acting directly to
expel the US out of these regions. Cohen’s predictions are rather
pessimistic concerning the US reset policy towards Russia.

We can also surmise that Russia does not even think about the EU
as a player while it is creating its new reality. Russian analyst,
Stanislav Tarasov extremely positively evaluates Russia’s moves in
the regions, believing that they change the regional balance of the
forces in Moscow’s favour. Speaking about the South Caucasus, we
should assume that Moscow has also managed to push Turkey aside. The
final major problem Russia must overcome is to be the champion that
brokers the settlement of the Azeri-Armenian conflict over Karabakh. If
it can find an acceptable solution of the conflict for both sides,
then Russia’s position will be finally domineering in this region,
at least for time being.

From: A. Papazian