Author: Andres-Papazian

THIRD FORUM OF ARMENIAN VILLAGE COMMUNITIES OPENS IN JERMUK

October 03, 2013 | 19:44

The third forum of Armenian village communities opened in Jermuk
on Thursday.

The forum organized by Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration
brought together several dozens of heads of village communities,
representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture
and international agencies.

President Serzh Sargsyan and Premier Tigran Sargsyan are expected to
visit the forum that is being held on October 3-5.

Opening the forum, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration
Vache Terteryan said they would discuss a wide range of issues.

Not only heads of the communities, but members of the Councils of
Elders have been invited, Terteryan said, adding that it is important
to increase their role in the local self-government institutions.

The participants will discuss issues on development of small and
medium-sized business, tourism, cattle breeding and other problems.

,

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: A. Papazian

9 SERVICEMEN RECEIVE APARTMENTS IN KHACHIK BORDER VILLAGE

Thursday,
October
03

The Armenian government and Defense Ministry give priority to the
improvement of housing conditions of servicemen. Numerous residential
buildings were put into service in recent years.

The opening ceremony of a new building took place in the border village
of Khachik, Vayots Dzor province yesterday. Families of nine servicemen
received apartments, the press service of Defense Ministry reported.

Congratulating the servicemen and their family members, Defense
Minister Seyran Ohanian handed them the apartment keys and
certificates.

In his words, the problem of housing conditions of Armenian servicemen
is at the center of the authorities’ attention and everything is done
so that servicemen can feel that the state cares about them and tries
to ease their problems.

Following the opening ceremony the minister familiarized himself with
the construction work and said that the living conditions are in line
with modern standards.

TODAY, 18:40

Aysor.am

From: A. Papazian

YEREVAN-TBILISI-YEREVAN ROUTE RESTORED

15:23, 3 October, 2013

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 3, ARMENPRESS: On October 1 CJSC “South
Caucasus Railway” closed season for cruising the train “Armenia”
on Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan route. According to preliminary data from
the beginning of the summer season the train transported 46.7 million
passengers, compared to 51 thousand in 2012.

The company told Armenpress that such a decline was due to unfavorable
weather conditions in Georgia, as well as the floods that took place
in a number of resort towns.

>From October 2 trains restarted running on the route
Yerevan-Tbilisi-Yerevan and the train “Armenia” will resume next
summer.

CJSC “SCR” keeps running its policy to improve the quality of
passenger service and the level of comfort in local and international
trains. Accordingly, the railway upgrades the rolling stock, expands
the list of services, and increases the speed of trains.

CJSC “South Caucasian Railway” is a 100% subsidiary of JSC “Russian
Railways” and provides concession management of Armenian railroads.

CJSC “Armenian Railways” was referred to the concession management
to the company “SCR” according to the Concession Agreement signed on
February 13, 2008. The term of the concession

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am

From: A. Papazian

LIES, INSINUATIONS NEVER BENEATH BAKU’S DIGNITY

October 3, 2013 – 16:44 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Serzh Sargsayn had hardly returned from PACE session
when Azerbaijan hurried to yet again to stack up accusations against
the Armenian leader while portraying own President as a dove of peace.

The Chief of the Political Analysis and Information Department at
Azerbaijani presidential office Elnur Aslanov, for instance, stated
that Sargsyan tried to suggest that Aliyev pointed out Armenians as
No.1 enemy.

Seems like Aslanov is unaware of the international community’s
response to Aliyev’s bellicose statements on Karabakh, with Baku
having confirmed to be buying weaponry for a war against Armenia.

Aslanov went on to recall that “30 000 Armenian nationals currently
reside in Azerbaijan, with their basic rights and freedoms guaranteed
by the country’s Constitution.” Interestingly enough, Aslanov suggested
the Armenian minority has their own newspaper.

One might wonder if Aslanov has any idea what year it is. The last
Armenian-language newspaper in Azerbaijan was closed in 1989 after the
deportation of the Armenians by the “most tolerant nation.” Stopping
just short of accusing Armenia of fascism, Aslanov justifies the
anti-Armenian hysteria by Baku’s “protecting ideals and values common
to the civilized countries and defending the state’s interests which
are based on those values.”

Clearly, Baku suffers from inferiority complex, with all of its
statements aimed at self-affirmation and proof of its ancient origin.

Indeed, a nation having no clear proof or idea of its roots, starts
from appropriating the lands and culture of the neighboring countries.

And a mention of the recently deceased great Armenian actor Sos Sarsyan
who once said “to you Karabakh is a territory, to us it’s a sacred
fatherland” was completely out of reason. A tolerant and civilized
state should have known better than mentioning those deceased in any
context. And Aslanov better keep silent.

Karine Ter-Sahakian/ PanARMENIAN.Net

From: A. Papazian

ABOUT 600 CONVICTS TO BE RELEASED UNDER AMNESTY

16:08 03/10/2013 ” LAW

About 600 convicts will be released under the amnesty declared on the
occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence, Armenian
Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan told a press briefing in parliament.

According to the Minister, about another 600 convicts will have their
prison terms shortened under the amnesty.

The deadline for the amnesty is December 25, 2013.

Today the National Assembly with an overwhelming majority of votes
passed the draft decision introduced by the Armenian President on
the declaration of amnesty on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary
of Armenia’s independence.

Source: Panorama.am

From: A. Papazian

200 NEW VACANCIES TO OPEN IN GYUMRI DUE TO DIASPORA ARMENIANS

12:04, 3 October, 2013

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Due to the new program of “Digital
Pomegranate” innovative company established by the Diaspora Armenians
200 vacancies will be opened in Gyumri at the course of two years. Todd
Fabacher, one of the founders of the aforesaid company, stated
this at the course of the press conference held on October 3. As
reports “Armenpress” among other things Todd Fabacher underscored:
“The Company will be engaged in encouraging the development of small
business in Armenia and find solutions to a number of issues. We shall
cooperate with various small businesses and create websites for them,
which will be regularly updated, thus providing wider information to
the citizens.”

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web:
Email: [email protected]

** TOP STORY October 3, 2013
————————————————————
Bishops Synod
Clergy taking part in the recent bishops synod pose for a group photo
at Holy Etchmiadzin.

** Historic Bishops Synod Concludes, Set to Meet Again
————————————————————

The four-day synod of bishops at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
concluded on Friday, September 27. Some 62 Armenian bishops and
archbishops from around the word, representing the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and the See of the Great House of Cilicia, came together
for the synod, which is the first such meeting in the Armenian
Church’s modern history.

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, presided over the synod and were present throughout its
proceedings.

As reported last week, Catholicos Karekin II and Catholicos Aram I
delivered formal addresses to the assembled clergymen. Republic of
Armenia President Serge Sargsyan attended the opening ceremony and
spoke as well. The synod also heard from Archbishop Aram Ateshyan,
Patriarchal Vicar of Constantinople.

With Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
serving as co-chairs, the synod discussed a series of pressing issues
confronting the worldwide Armenian Church. Among these was the
canonization of new Armenian saints-a practice that has fallen into
disuse for several centuries. A special `sainthood committee’ was
assigned to study specific questions arising out of the synod’s
intention to canonize the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

The synod also adopted a uniform text for the church’s baptism and
chrismation services, and established a foundation for the support of
disadvantaged children in Armenia and Cilicia, and for the aid of
Armenians in war-torn Syria.

Representing the Eastern Diocese at the synod were Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and ecumenical director Archbishop Vicken
Aykazian.

Speaking after the synod, Archbishop Barsamian commended the
`atmosphere of brotherly love and openness’ pervading the sessions,
and the resolution of the synod to convene again in a year’s time. He
also expressed appreciation for the spiritual guidance of His Holiness
Karekin II and His Holiness Aram I.

Click on the following links to read more
()
, or to view an Armenian-languagevideo on the synod
()
.

** Scripture of the Week
————————————————————

Is 17:7-14
2 Cor 13:5-13
Mk 11:27-33

** Prayer of the Week
————————————————————

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

** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
————————————————————

5 October: Seventy-two holy disciples of Christ

6 October: Fourth Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
Sogoian Gallery at Holy See
Emma Sogoian cuts the ribbon at the new manuscript gallery her family
established at Holy Etchmiadzin.

** New Manuscript Gallery Opens at Holy Etchmiadzin
————————————————————

On Monday, September 30, a new manuscript gallery opened at the Alex
and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum of Holy Etchmiadzin. The
Carl and Emma Sogoian Manuscript Gallery houses 22 Armenian
illuminated manuscripts and a copy of the first Bible printed in
Armenian.

His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, presided over the opening of the gallery. Mrs. Sogoian, a
parishioner of St. John Church of Southfield, MI, said she donated the
manuscripts in honor of her late husband, Carl. Last November, she was
awarded the “St. Gregory Medal” and Pontifical Encyclical during a
celebration in Southfield.

“We are extremely grateful to the Sogoian family for preserving our
national treasures,’ His Holiness said. `This new gallery will make it
possible for Armenians and members of the broader community to become
acquainted with these rare works of faith and art.’

Also displayed in the newly opened gallery are documents from the
Armenian Genocide, including the correspondence of the late Patriarch
of Constantinople, Archbishop Zaven Yeghiaian.

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Diocesan Annula Appeal

** Support the Diocese’s 2013 Annual Appeal
————————————————————

The Eastern Diocese has launched its 2013 Annual Appeal-the only
Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted each year to help the Diocese
undertake the many ministries, programs, and resources that enrich
life in our parishes.

Your thoughtful gift brings light to our local churches. It supports
Christian education, Armenian language instruction, summer camps,
youth programs, mission parish outreach, and the use of new
communication technologies.

To our past and prospective donors, we are deeply grateful for your
support of the creative, educational, and inspirational programs that
lift up Armenian communities throughout the Eastern Diocese.

Please accept this invitation to strengthen our efforts. Your generous
contribution to the 2013 Annual Appeal will help spread the good work
of the Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
generations.

Follow this link to donate now
()
to the 2013 Annual Appeal.

Octet Music School in Gyumri
Young musicians perform at the Octet Music School opening.

** The Sounds of Music Reborn in Gyumri
————————————————————

In former times, the Octet Music School had been a shining jewel of
Armenia’s second-largest city, Gyumri: a haven of culture teaching
some of Armenia’s finest youthful musicians. But after the 1988
earthquake, the demolished school had never been rebuilt, and for the
past 25 years had been holding classes in dilapidated temporary
shelters.

That all ended on September 20, when the Octet Music School opened its
brand new doors. The highly anticipated opening was the culmination of
efforts by American-Armenian philanthropists Edward and Janet
Mardigian, to rejuvenate the sounds of music for the school’s talented
young students. The Mardigians’ rebuilding of the Octet School is one
of several major projects undertaken by the family through the Fund
for Armenian Relief.

Contributing to the project were Jon Dee’s internationally renowned
`Do Something’ organization, the `Mediamax’ news agency, and acclaimed
rock stars Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, and
Geoff Downes of Yes/Asia, among other benefactors.

President of the Republic of Armenia Serge Sargsyan was present for
the opening day celebration, along with other distinguished figures of
the regional and national government, and members of FAR’s board and
staff.

Among the speakers during the ceremony were Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, `Mediamax’ director Ara Tadevosyan, Ian
Gillan, Jon Dee, and members of the Mardigian family. Following a
special performance by the school orchestra, the youth from the
community and special guests planted 300 trees in the schoolyard to
green the site of the reborn music school.

Click on the following links to read more
()
, view a gallery of photos
()
, and log onto the FAR blog
()
.

Dr. Ernest Barsamian
Dr. Ernest Barsamian was honored in Boston in September.

** Medical Pioneer Dr. Ernest Barsamian Honored
————————————————————

Dr. Ernest M. Barsamian, a pioneer in medicine and medical technology,
and a longtime member of the Eastern Diocese, was honored by the
alumni association of the American University of Beirut as this year’s
Distinguished Alumnus on September 21. The gala dinner took place at
Boston University’s Trustees’ Ballroom, in the presence of 200 guests
from around the country.

In a written message for the occasion, Diocesan Primate Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian paid tribute to Dr. Barsamian’s `long career of
innovation and compassion,’ during which the honoree `has employed his
intelligence and leadership to bring genuine advancement to the
medical field. His efforts in medical science, research, surgery,
invention, education and administration have been truly pioneering,
opening entire new pathways for subsequent researchers to follow.’
He added: `As a physician, educator, and humanitarian, he has left a
profound legacy measured in the improvement and preservation of
countless human lives.’

Among the distinguished roster of speakers honoring Dr. Barsamian was
Dr. Aram Chobanian, former president of Boston University, and an
active member of the Fund for Armenian Relief Board.

Days after the AUB event, Dr. Barsamian was awarded the Republic of
Armenia’s `Mkhitar Heratsi’ medal. Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian, accompanied by Ambassador to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian,
made the presentation on behalf of President Serge Sargsian in a
special ceremony at Harvard University on September 25. The medal
recognizes extraordinary accomplishment in the medical field.

Christian Churches Together Meeting
Fr. Aren Jebejian, third from left, represented the Eastern Diocese at
the Christian Churches Together meeting last week.

** Diocese Participates in Ecumenical Meeting in Chicago
————————————————————
The Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Chicago, IL, attended the Christian Churches Together
steering committee meeting last week on behalf of Archbishop Vicken
Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director. The meeting of the
ecumenical group was held at the headquarters of the Evangelical
Covenant Church in Chicago.

Fr. Jebejian spoke about the Armenian Church’s recent bishop’s synod,
which took place at Holy Etchmiadzin last week (see this week’s Top
Story). He also led one of the morning sessions, during which he
shared the unique way that the Armenian Church celebrates the Cross of
Christ though its various feast days dedicated to the holy cross.

The Christian Churches Together steering committee, which meets twice
a year, discussed the organization’s annual membership meeting
scheduled for 2014, heard a presentation on the financial report, and
reviewed the new budget. Archbishop Aykazian serves as president of
the Orthodox family of churches within Christian Churches Together.

St. Nersess Seminary
Construction is underway at the seminary’s new site in Armonk, NY.

** Keleshian Family Donates New Seminary Dining Hall
————————————————————

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary has announced it has received a generous
donation from Harry and Edna Keleshian for the construction of a new
dining hall at its future campus in Armonk, NY.

The hall will be named in honor of the Keleshians’ late son, Arsen
Keleshian, who was an active participant in the St. Nersess summer
programs through the late 1980s.

“It is critically important that we have clergy who are well educated,
well spoken, and willing to put their arms around the youth in the
Armenian-American community,’ said Harry Keleshian. `Arsen always felt
this warmth and a deeper faith while at St. Nersess.’

Under the leadership of its new dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian,
St. Nersess Seminary has launched the construction of its new campus,
which was made possible through an initial donation by Haig and Elza
Didizian of London. Fundraising for the remaining buildings on the
Armonk campus is ongoing.

Click here
()
to read more.

** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
Holy Cross Church of Armenia
A young dancer performs at Holy Cross Church.

** Holy Cross Church Observes Name Day
————————————————————

Holy Cross Church in uptown Manhattan celebrated its 84th anniversary
on Sunday, September 29, with services and a luncheon. The
Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, visiting pastor, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy, with the Rev. Fr. Arten Ashjian assisting. Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian presided and delivered the day’s sermon.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a requiem service was held for the
founders of the historic church. The blessing of madagh also took
place in the sanctuary. The more than 150 people in attendance then
gathered for a luncheon and musical program.

The parish awarded its annual Mabel Fenner scholarships to promising
students in the community and to St. Nersess seminarians. The
Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary,
expressed his gratitude on behalf of the seminary.

Click here
()
to view photos.

Nancy Basmajian
Nancy Basmajian is the new director of adult Christian education at
Holy Trinity Church.

** Cheltenham Has New Christian Education Director
————————————————————

Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, has appointed Nancy Basmajian
as the parish’s director of adult Christian education. A longtime
Diocesan staffer and ACYOA executive secretary until her retirement
earlier this year, Ms. Basmajian will design and implement programs
that promote church literacy, spiritual growth, and faith
development. In addition, she hopes to work with young parents who
want to make faith a priority in their home. Several initiatives have
already been scheduled for the fall.

`I’m very excited about the possibilities,’ said Ms. Basmajian. `I
believe the local parish is where the richness of our faith is lived
out and that people want opportunities to learn more about their
church and to grow in their relationship with Christ.’

To learn more about upcoming programming at Holy Trinity Church, visit

Fr. Simeon Odabashian Visits Cheltenham
A requiem service for the late Fr. Samoorian.

** Vicar Visits Chelmsford
————————————————————

On Saturday, September 28, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian,
Diocesan Vicar, visited Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA.

Fr. Odabashian and the Rev. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan, parish pastor,
led a requiem service for the late Very Rev. Fr. Ghevont Samoorian, on
the eve of the 48th anniversary of his ordination to the holy
priesthood. Following the grave blessing, Fr. Odabashian spoke about
Fr. Samoorian’s ministry.

Upcoming Events

** Upcoming Parish Events
————————————————————

St. Mary Church | Washington, DC
Washington’s St. Mary Church will celebrate authentic Armenian cuisine
and culture in its 65th annual food festival, October 2 through
5. Open Wednesday and Thursday, October 2 -3, 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. Friday, October 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9
p.m. Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For information, contact
the parish at (202) 363.1923, or
()
. To view a flyer, click here
()
.

St. James Church | Watertown, MA
On Saturday, October 5, St. James’ ACYOA Seniors will host a Fall
Reunion Dance, featuring music by Markos and the Hayasa Band. All ages
welcome; mezze will be served. Click to view a flyer
()
with ticket information. To reserve, contact Aaron Derderian at (781)
264-8680, or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Holy Martyrs Church | Bayside, NY
The Men’s Club of Holy Martyrs Church will hold a `casino night’ on
Saturday, October 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m. To view a flyer with
information on ticket prices, click here
()
. The church is located at 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway, in
Bayside.

Holy Cross Church | New York, NY
Holy Cross Church in uptown Manhattan will host a lahmajoun cooking
class on Sunday, October 6, beginning at 1 p.m. Learn to make
lahmajoun from scratch. The class is free and open to the public.

Holy Translators Church | Framingham, MA
On the weekend of October 5-6, Holy Translators Church of Framingham,
MA, will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its consecration. The
celebration will include a dinner-dance on Saturday evening at the
Verve Crowne Plaza in Natick, MA.

Abp. Khajag Barsamian will preside over the badarak on Sunday, which
will include ordinations of deacons and tbirs. For information or to
make reservations, log onto the parish website
()
.

Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL
The parish will hold its fall picnic on Sunday, October 6. For
information or to make reservations, contact the church office at
(407) 876-7732, or e-mail [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) . Click here
()
to view an informative flyer.

Sts. Vartanantz Church | Chelmsford, MA
The parish will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the consecration of
its present sanctuary on Sunday, October 13. Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will preside over the occasion, which
includes badarak, ordinations of tbirs, an afternoon reception and
banquet, and an awards ceremony.

The church is located at 180 Old Westford Road in Chelmsford. For
information or to make reservations, contact Rose Amboian at (978)
256-3430, or e-mail [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .

St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
Scholar Rifat Bali will discuss his latest book, `Model Citizens of
the State: The Jews of Turkey During the Multi-Party Period,’ on
Tuesday, October 15, at 7:45 p.m., at St. Leon Church. The event is
free and open to the public, with a reception to follow. Click here
()
to view an informative flyer.

On Friday, October 18, St. Leon Church will present Migirdic
Migirdicyan, chairman of Haystan Foundation, Toronto, who will give an
illustrated presentation on the Karabagh movement. The event is
scheduled for 8 p.m. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

St. Gregory the Enlightener | White Plains, NY
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church Women’s Guild and Men’s Club are
sponsoring wine and cheese tasting night on Friday, October 18. Wine
connoisseur Derek Kruizenga will guide you in sampling wines and
appetizers.
RSVP by October 11 is required; contact Sylvia Kruizenga at (203)
637-3638, or [email protected]. Click here
()
to view a flyer with ticket information.

** EVENTS
————————————————————
Fr. Nalbandian
Fr. Untzag Nalbandian authored a new volume titled Fate, Faith, Fun.

** Trumbull to Present Pastor’s New Book
————————————————————

On Friday, October 4, the Holy Ascension Church of Trumbull, CT, will
hold a traditional kinetson ceremony to honor the publication of a new
book by parish pastor Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, titled Fate, Faith,
Fun. The gathering will also commemorate the 35th anniversary of
Fr. Nalbandian’s ordination into the holy priesthood. Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will preside over the evening,
which is scheduled to begin at 7.

Via Armenian and English vignettes, Fate, Faith, Fun follows
Fr. Nalbandian’s life journey in different parts of the world. Books
will be available for purchase at the October 4 event.

For information, or to RSVP, contact Sonia Trapasso at (203) 916-7156,
or via e-mail at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Armenian Needlework Art

** The Art of Armenian Needlework
————————————————————

St. Vartan Cathedral will present an exhibition of unique Armenian
needlework by master needlework artist Lena Gorginyan on Sunday,
October 13, starting at 1 p.m. The works will be on display in Guild
Hall of the Diocesan Center, 630 Second Avenue (at 35th Street) in
Manhattan.

For information call (212) 686-0710, ext. 115, or e-mail
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . To
view a flyer, click here
()
.

** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
ACYOA Retreats

** Youth Ministry Announces Fall Season
————————————————————

The Diocese’s department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries begins a
busy fall season this month. To register for the programs listed
below, contact Lorie Odabashian at (212) 686-0710, or via e-mail at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Saturday, October 5
ACYOA Seniors New England Retreat, Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, MA.
The retreat will explore how the message of the Gospels can be applied
to daily life.

Friday, October 11 to Monday, October 14
ACYOA Juniors Fall Sports Weekend, St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church,
Wynnewood, PA.
A weekend of fellowship, sports, and other activities open to ACYOA
Juniors ages 13-18.

Saturday, October 26
ACYOA Juniors Chapter Development Retreat, St. James Church, Evanston,
IL.
Jennifer Morris, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, will
lead an overnight lock-in for ACYOA Juniors. The program will focus on
the `Five Circles of the Cross’: Worship, Witness, Education, Service,
and Fellowship.

Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10
ACYOA Leadership Conference, Don Bosco Retreat Center, Stony Point,
NY.
This year’s retreat will focus on the Diocesan theme, `Living the
Gospel of Christ,’ and explore the ways in which communication helps
enhance leadership. Young adults 18 and over are invited to attend;
conference costs (with the exception of travel) are covered by the
ACYOA Central Council.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
September 30, 2013

ARMENIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION
Contact: Ara Ghazarians, Curator
441 Mystic Street
Arlington, MA 02474-1108
Tel. (781)-646-3090

ACF Unveils the History of the Armenian Orphan Rug

Arlington, MA – “The beautiful rug woven by the [Armenian] children in the
[Ghazir] orphanage in the Lebanons has been received. This, their expression
of gratitude for what we have been able to do in this country for their aid,
is accepted by me as a token of their goodwill to the people of the United
States. . . The rug has a place of honor in the White House, where it will
be a daily symbol of good-will on earth.” These words of President Calvin
Coolidge on December 4, 1925, were made in response to Dr. John H. Finley,
Vice-Chairman of the Near East Relief Executive Committee, who presented the
rug for the Armenian orphans who “have tied into it the gratitude of tens of
thousands of children to you and to America. And what they have tied into it
will never be untied. . . It is sent to adorn the dearest of our temples,
the White House of our President.”

On Sunday, October 20 at 3:00 p.m. the Armenian Cultural Foundation will
have a reception and presentation of Dr. Hagop Martin Deranian’s work
President Calvin Coolidge and the Armenian Orphan Rug. A labor of love it is
dedicated to the memory of the Armenian orphan rug weavers of the Near East
Relief orphanage in Ghazir, Syria (presently Lebanon). Successor to the
American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief, the Near East Relief was
established in 1915 in response to urgent pleas from Henry Morgenthau, the
American Ambassador to Turkey, and through the efforts of industrialist and
philanthropist Cleveland Dodge and the support of President Woodrow Wilson.
As such Near East Relief embarked on a herculean task of saving the lives of
over 1,000,000 refugees, including over 100,000 Armenian orphans scattered
throughout the Middle East and the Caucasus in the aftermath of the Armenian
Genocide. Over $100,000,000, an astronomical figure at the time, was raised
between 1915 and 1930 and an army of 1,000 American physicians, nurses,
civil servants, and volunteers labored to save countless lives.

The result of over three decades of research and investigation, Dr.
Deranian’s work traces the history of the rug and the Armenian orphans:
their transportation from Urfa to safety to the present day Lebanon by the
great Swiss humanitarian and physician Jakob Kunzler, known as the “Father
of the Armenian orphans.” He details its journey to the United States,
presentation to President Calvin Coolidge in the White House, several
decades in the possession of the Coolidges and its return again to the White
House in the mid-1980s, where it is stored to this day.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1922, Dr. Hagop Martin Deranian
was born to genocide survivors the town of Hussenig, Kharpert Province,
Ottoman Empire. He is named Hagop in honor of Hagop Bogigian, his mother’s
uncle, who was a pioneer rug merchant in America and benefactor of education
for Armenian young women. His mother, born Varter Bogigian, who died in
1929, was a survivor of the genocide, having lost six children, her first
husband, and parents. His father, Marderos, who died in 1957, arrived in
America in 1900 and operated a grocery store in Worcester. His father
raised him from the age of seven.

Dr. Deranian, a graduate of Clark University and the University of
Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, served as Lieutenant (junior grade)
in the United States Navy (1951-53) and has been engaged in the private
practice of dentistry while at the same time serving on the faculty of the
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

His translation of his father’s memoir, Hussenig, The Origin,
History and Destruction of an Armenian Town, was published in 1996; an
earlier bilingual edition appeared in 1981. His second book, Worcester Is
America, the Story of Worcester’s Armenians, appeared in 1995 followed by
Miracle Man of the Western Front: Dr. Varaztad H. Kazanjian, Pioneer Plastic
Surgeon, which was published in 2007.

The event, open to the public, is co-sponsored by the National Association
for Armenian Studies and Research and the Amaras Art Alliance, and will be
held on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow the
presentation. For more information, please contact the Armenian Cultural
Foundation during office hours (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) or check your local
Armenian news outlets.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTS AMNESTY PROPOSAL

13:39 ~U 03.10.13

Armenia’s National Assembly unanimously approved the president-proposed
amnesty bill at its Thursday session.

The measure was passed with 102 votes in favor; none of the parliament
members voted ‘against’.

The proposal will enter into force within 24 hours after being signed
by NA President Hovik Abrahamyan. It will have a direct effect on all
the convicts who do not fall under restrictions. Minister of Justice
Hrayr Tovmasyan had earlier said that some 400-500 individuals are
expected to be freed from jail under the measure.

The proposal, dedicated to the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s
independence was submitted to parliament by President Serzh Sargsyan
last Monday.

The process of releasing convicts is expected to last until December
25.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN MINISTRY OF HEALTH TAKING MEASURES TO PREVENT INFILTRATION OF CHOLERA FROM IRAN

YEREVAN, October 3. /ARKA/. Armenian ministry of health is carrying
out preventive measures at the border crossing point in Meghri and
in Zvartnots airport in relation to numerous cholera cases diagnosed
in neighboring Iran, the press office of the ministry reported.

So far no cholera cases have been found in Armenia, according to
the report.

According to Iranian ministry of health and medical education, 179
cases of cholera were diagnosed in 10 provinces of Iran, 5 of them
with lethal outcome, 149 diseased were citizens of Afghanistan.

“Some 910 passengers who arrived to Armenia from Iran have been already
examined. Of them 740 arrived through Meghri border crossing point
(Siunik region in the south of Armenia) and 170 used Tehran-Yerevan
flight. No one had cholera-like symptoms. Apart from that, consulting
was provided to some 435 Armenian citizens leaving for Iran”, says
the report.

Borderguards are advised to use gloves while checking passports
and etc. and are provided with information leaflets about cholera
symptoms and prevention measures. Remote thermometers are installed
at borderline check-points and enhanced control is maintained over
water basins.

For preventing spread of disease through foodstuffs, import of
non-packaged food to Armenia has been banned.

Staffs of Armenia’s State hygienic and anti-epidemic inspectorate
and the Center of prevention of extremely dangerous infections are
sent to the Meghri border crossing point. Respective seminars and
discussions are held with medical staffs of Siunik region.

Sanitary and quarantine points are provided with
diagnostic equipment and other stuff, individual protection
tools, sampling and first aid items.-0- – See more at:

From: A. Papazian