Author: Ani Basmajian

Alleged scammer bilks $20M
Van Nuys man arrested on eight counts of fraud targeted at Armenian
residents.
By Tania Chatila (GLENDALE PRESS – Published: October 7, 2005)
PASADENA — A 43-year-old Van Nuys man was arrested Thursday on eight felony
counts of federal mail fraud in connection with an alleged investment scam
that bilked about $20 million from mostly Armenian-Americans, many of whom
were from Glendale and Burbank, said officials with the United States
Attorney’s Office.
Melkon Gharakhanian, whose alias was Mike Garian, allegedly used his
Glendale-based company, National Investment Enterprises Inc. to collect $20
million from 1999 to 2001 from investors who thought their money was going
toward the purchase of technological security systems, United States
Attorney’s Office spokesman Thom Mrozek said.
Many of those victims — 200 of them — were from the Glendale-Burbank area,
officials said.
“He had a storefront in Glendale and solicited a lot of business through
word of mouth in the community,” Mrozek said.
Gharakhanian, who was arrested at a Pasadena post office, allegedly used the
mail to send investors false monthly statements about the company and its
purchases of shares, he said.
“This is mail fraud, and it’s investment fraud, and that’s pretty serious,”
said Renee Focht, spokeswoman for the United States Postal Inspection
Service.
In 2001, after allegedly using investor funds for personal use and to pay
for the company’s operating expenses, National Investment Enterprises Inc.
flopped, Mrozek said.
“Basically the company collapsed, as ponzi schemes usually do when the
requests for withdrawals exceeds the amount of money [the company has],” he
said. “Basically he’s collecting money and he’s not making investments as
promised, but he’s telling people he’s making all this money for them.”
Investors lost about $5 million when the company collapsed, Mrozek said.
Gharakhanian could face up to 40 years in federal prison if convicted on all
eight counts, he said.
Gharakhanian will appear today in United States District Court in Los
Angeles.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VIOLATIONS DID IMPACT ELECTION
A1+
| 20:01:59 | 04-10-2005 | Politics |
“The elections to the community council proceed more tensed that
the elections of the community heads”, chairman of It’s Your Choice
public organization Harutyun Hambartsumyan stated during a recurrent
press conference
The observers of the organization watched the election held on October
2 in all the 53 polling stations of Nor Nork community. Despite the
fact that Vardan Parsamyan has recalled his candidature, violations
were still fixed.
The only violation the observers did not fix was the filling of the
ballot-boxes with forged leafs.
The discontent is aroused by the new form of the cabins, the seals
put after the voting and the privileges of the empowered persons.
To note, the observers say that the falsifications did not impact
the outcomes of the election.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 30 2005
ARMENIAN POLITICIANS ARE OF SAME OPINION ON TURKEY’S NOT BEING
DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 30, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The September
30 discussion with the participation of representative of different
political forces and organized by the National Press-Club was
dedicated to discussion of issues on Turkey’s membership to the
European Union, the current stage of mutual relations between Turkey
and Europe as well as possible perspectives of the Armenian-Turkish
relations. Representatives of the Republican, Democratic,
Christian-Democratic Parties of Armenia as well as of the ARF and
“Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) participated in the discussion.
The politicians were of the same opinion that Turkey isn’t a
democratic country yet.
According to Kiro Manoyan, the head of the Hai Dat (Armenian Cause)
ARF Bureau, the issue of Turkey’s membership to the EU should reach a
positive solution only after its recognition of the Armenian
Genocide: “Turkey should change itself, and here we see both its
recognition of its past and establishment of normal relations with
Armenia.” Manoyan pointed out the necessity of using all possible
levers of influence on Turkey with the goal of reaching those aims.
According to Aram Sargsian, the representative of the Democratic
Party of Armenia, surely, the issue of recognition of the Armenian
Genocide is the most important one and should always be on agenda, at
the same time, the Armenian-Turkish relations should be studied in a
wider context. So, it’s necessary to take into account that the
Armenian-Turkish relations are a component part of the national
security of Armenia: “Doesn’t the fact that Turkey doesn’t recognize
the Genocide and keep the border close prove that it is dangerous for
us just as it was before?” According to A.Sargsian, unsuccessfully,
the RA hasn’t worked out a conception of relations with Turkey by
now.”
“Germany’s recognition of the Holocaust was first necessary for the
German society but the Turkish public opinion isn’t ready for
recognition of the Armenian Genocide yet,” Khosrov Haroutiunian, the
Chairman of the Christian-Democratic party of Armenia stated.
According to him, in the case of relations established between the EU
and Turkey today, Armenia should attempt to use the European
political idea for its interests.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRIMATE OF ARMENIAN DIOCESE OF TEHRAN TO PARTICIPATE IN DAMASCUS IN
CELEBRATIONS DEDICATED TO 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASSYRIAN CHURCH
SUPERIOR’S ACCESSION

TEHRAN, SEPTEMBER 15, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Late on September
13, Archbishop Sepuh Sargsian, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of
Tehran left for Damascus, the capital of Syria to participate in
celebrations dedicated to the 25th anniversary of accession of Mar
Zakka I Iuazi, the spiritual superior of the Assyrian sister-church.
According to the “Alik” daily of Tehran, His Holiness Pimate will head
the delegation appointed by Aram I Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, members of which Archbishop Gegham Khacherian, the Primate of
the Armenian Diocese of Lebanon, Archimandrite Norayr Ashgian, Sumbul
Sumbulian and Nubar Melikian are.
His Holiness Sepuh with the delegation he heads will participate in
church events and celebrations and will made a speech in the name of
the Great House of Cilicia on that occasion.
His Holiness Primate will return Tehran on September 16.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azerbaijani minister says elections will be free despite rigging charges
By DAVID KOOP
.c The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) – Azerbaijan’s foreign minister said Thursday that his
nation has made major steps toward holding free elections, despite
opposition charges the Nov. 6 vote will be rigged and rising
anti-government protests in this former Soviet republic.
Elmar Mammadyarov also played down prospects that the oil-rich Caspian
nation could see a popular uprising similar to those that have taken
place in the former Soviet republics of Ukraine, Georgia and
Kyrgyzstan.
“The government, and president himself, are committed to conducting
free and fair elections,” Mammadyarov told The Associated Press in
New York, where he was attending a U.N. summit.
“We have taken strong steps to meet international standards. This
vote will be much fairer than what we have done before,” he said.
The opposition had demanded that Azerbaijani election commission
members be fired in the wake of the fraudulent October 2003
presidential vote and municipal elections the following year, but the
government has refused to budge.
On Saturday, more than 2,000 orange-clad opposition members rallied in
the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, demanding that President Ilhan Aliev
resign and that authorities ensure that parliamentary elections in
November are free. Protests have become almost weekly affairs.
Azerbaijan formally launched the election campaign Wednesday after
authorities registered more than 2,000 candidates running for 125
parliament seats in the vote.
But an uprising that topples the government is considered unlikely,
The United States considers the mostly Muslim country of 8.3 million,
which has troops in Iraq, an important ally. And the West, which at
least tacitly supported the uprisings that ousted leaders in Georgia,
Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, has sunk large investments into energy
projects here.
Mammadyarov said the situation was different in Azerbaijan, with his
country in the process of a “political maturation process” and
called for protests to be peaceful.
“Protesters shouldn’t beat police and police shouldn’t beat
protesters,” he said
He said the Islamic militancy shaking the region isn’t a threat to the
vote. “So far we can handle it,” he said.
The foreign minister also said Azerbaijan was willing to contribute to
the world’s oil security and stabilize gasoline prices with its
reserves.
In May, the presidents of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey opened the
$3.2 billion (euro2.62 billion) Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, sending the
first flow of Caspian Sea oil that is seen as key to reducing the
West’s reliance on Middle East oil.
The Caspian is thought to contain the world’s third-largest oil and
gas reserves, and Azerbaijan could be supplying up to 1.6 million
barrels a day by 2009-2010, he said.
With respect to Azerbaijan’s bitter dispute with Armenia over the
disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, Mammadyarov said a solution was
not near.
“I wish I could tell you that we are close to the breakthrough, but
in reality there are problems,” he said.
He said a recent meeting between the nations’ leaders created a
framework for negotiation. But he said the dispute needs leaders “who
think like statesman not politicians pursing national interests.”
Tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains high more than a decade
after a 1994 cease-fire ended a six-year war that left
Nagorno-Karabakh, a mainly ethnic Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, in
Armenian hands.
The 1988-1994 war killed some 30,000 people and drove 1 million others
from their homes. The unresolved conflict damages both nations’
economies and raises the threat of renewed war.
09/15/05 20:52 EDT
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA FM TO MEET PACE SECRETARY GENERAL IN STRASBOURG
Pan Armenian News
12.09.2005 07:39
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ September 13 Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian will depart to Strasbourg on a 2-day visit to meet with PACE
Secretary General Bruno Haller and Ago Group members, RA MFA press
center reported.
September 14 he will leave for New York to participate in some
high-level meetings within the framework of the 60-th session of the
UN General Assembly. He is expected to take part in the discussions
of the UN GA to be held September 16-18 and deliver a speech on
September 18. Vartan Oskanian is also scheduled to hold a number of
bilateral meetings.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
09/07/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) EU Envoys Wrangle over Response to Turkey on Cyprus 2) Vandals Target Istanbul Pogrom Photo Exhibit 3) A Day for Darfur: Stop the Genocide, Protect the People 4) Armenian Church Seeks to Sanctify Armenian Genocide Victims 5) Czech Republic beats Armenia in WC Qualifier 1) EU Envoys Wrangle over Response to Turkey on Cyprus BRUSSELS (Reuters)--European Union envoys quarreled on Wednesday over a response to Turkey's refusal to recognize Cyprus or admit Cypriot ships and aircraft, as a Europe-wide poll showed a drop in public support for Ankara's bid. The Cyprus issue is one of the final hurdles to Turkey opening membership talks with the 25-nation bloc on October 3. Countries such as France and Austria, facing strong public pressure to oppose Turkish entry, have rallied behind Nicosia. A pan-European opinion survey conducted in early June and released on Wednesday showed support for Turkish membership had fallen since last year in EU countries and Turkey itself. The study for the German Marshall Fund of the USA showed only 22 percent of voters in nine EU countries believed Turkey's entry would be a good thing, 29 percent said it would be a bad thing--up 9 percent--and 42 percent neither good nor bad. A draft declaration circulated by EU president Britain said Turkey must apply its customs union without discriminating among EU member states and Brussels would review Ankara's implementation of its obligations next year. Cyprus and its supporters were pressing for tougher wording making clear that, if Turkey did not end its blockade of Cypriot shipping and flights by the review date, the EU would suspend or restrict the accession talks, diplomats said. But the main dispute was over when and how the EU should expect Turkey to recognize Cyprus, with Nicosia pressing for it to be linked to the EU accession process rather than to UN efforts to seek a settlement to the division of the island. The draft statement omitted any wording on the issue as British diplomats held private meetings with the Cypriots and others to seek an acceptable formula. Diplomats said it was not clear whether a deal could be reached on Wednesday. Turkish leaders warned last week they would make no more concessions to secure the opening of talks, having met the two conditions EU leaders set last December by bringing key legal reforms into effect and signing a protocol extending their customs union to new EU member states, including Cyprus. Diplomats said the European Union would issue a unilateral declaration in response to Turkey's July 29 statement on Cyprus attached to its signature of the protocol. The EU must still agree unanimously on a negotiating mandate for the talks, giving Cyprus another chance to raise its demands and Turkey's critics an opportunity to insist the EU's ability to absorb such a big candidate country must be a key factor. 2) Vandals Target Istanbul Pogrom Photo Exhibit ISTANBUL (Combined Sources)--A photography exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of anti-Greek riots in Istanbul was taken down on Tuesday, after being vandalized. A group of men calling themselves the 'Alliance for Turkish Struggle' threw eggs and shouted insults the night before, protesting the 50th anniversary commemoration of the pogroms against Turkey's Greek community. The Istanbul Pogrom, also known as the Istanbul Riots, was directed at Istanbul's 80,000-strong Greek minority on September 6-7, 1955. It was orchestrated by the Demokrat Parti-government of Turkish Prime Minister Adnan Menderes. Over a period of nine hours, Istanbul's Greek community came under sustained assault at the hands of an overwhelming Turkish mob, the most significant portion of which was trucked into the city for the event. Between 13 and 16 Greeks and at least one Armenian (including two Orthodox clerics) died during or after the pogrom as a result of beatings and arson attacks. Thirty-two Greeks were severely wounded. In addition, dozens of Greek men and women were raped, and a number of men were forcibly circumcised by the mob. The physical and material damage was considerable and over 4,348 Greek-owned businesses, 110 hotels, 27 pharmacies, 23 schools, 21 factories, and 73 churches, and over a thousand Greek-owned homes were badly damaged or destroyed. Estimates on the economic cost of the damage vary from the 69.5 million Turkish lira quoted by the Turkish government, to the 150 million USD estimated by the World Council of Churches, and to the 500 million USD estimated by the Greek government. The disturbances accelerated a process of emigration that was to lead to the virtual extinction of the Greek minority in Turkey. Numbering 200,000 in 1924, in 2005 the Greek community of Istanbul is estimated to number a mere 1,500 persons. 3) A Day for Darfur: Stop the Genocide, Protect the People Help end the Cycle of Genocide that began in 1915 by calling for decisive US action to stop the genocide that is taking place today in the Darfur region of Sudan. When: 12:00 noon, September 8, 2005 Where: Lafayette Park, in front of the White House near the intersection of H & 16th Sts., NW, Washington DC The ANCA has joined with Africa Action, NAACP, National Council of Churches, American Jewish World Service, STAND, Sudan Peace Advocates, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Save Darfur, Sojourners, STAND, Sudan Peace Advocates, TransAfrica Forum, United Methodist Church, and many others in organizing this demonstration on the one year anniversary of the Administration's determination that the state-sponsored crimes in Darfur meet the legal definition of genocide. The purpose of this protest is to voice our disappointment over the lack of decisive U.S. action during the past twelve months and to call upon the President to take every step necessary to ensure an urgent multinational intervention to provide security to the people of Darfur. Questions: Call ANCA (202) 775-1918 or email [email protected] Call Africa Action (202) 546-7861 or visit <; 4) Armenian Church Seeks to Sanctify Armenian Genocide Victims ETCHMIADZIN (Armenpress)--The Armenian Church said it is reviewing canonizing the more than 1.5 millions Armenians who fell victims to a genocide carried out by Turkey at the turn of the twentieth century. A committee tasked with exploring the procedural process met for the first time September 3-6 in Etchmiadzin, Armenia. Their first working session will convene November 8-12, again in Etchmiadzin. 5) Czeck Republic beats Armenia in WC Qualifier OLOMOUC--Jan Polak scored twice to lead the Czech Republic to a 4-1 win over Armenia in their World Cup Group One qualifier. Polak shot the ball from 18 meters, taking a deflection off Armenia defender Sargis Hovsepyan before finding the net. Polak struck five minutes later when his 25-meter drive hit midfielder Choren Dochoyan before scoring. Aston Villa striker Milan Baros made it 3-0 when he swept home Jan Koller's rebound in the 58th minute before Polak notched his second with 14 minutes left. Arat Hakobian pulled a goal back for Armenia in the 85th minute. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS – September 1, 2005
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN APPEALS FOR HELP
FOR GULF COAST VICTIMS OF HURRICANE
Archbishop Oshagan issued an appeal today on behalf of the victims of
Hurricane Katrina. In his message to the press and to all parishes under the
jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy, the Prelate wrote, in part:
“The impact of hurricane Katrina to large areas of the Gulf Coast
affecting the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, is enormous.
The city of New Orleans is particularly hard hit. Immediate aid to thousands
and thousands of people who have lost their homes and all of their
possessions is imperative. Emergency workers who are in the devastated areas
use the words “massive,” “horrendous,” and “unprecedented.” The needs of the
elderly and the very young are especially urgent.
“The American public has an impressive history of responding to the
charitable needs of their fellow human beings, wherever the need might be. I
am urging all Armenian Americans to join in this relief operation, which is
expected to be one of the largest in U.S. history. The best, quickest, and
most efficient way to help is through monetary donations. This will permit
the experienced relief organizations to utilize the money for what is needed
the most.
“I am instructing all of our parishes to offer special prayers for the
victims and survivors and to have an offering specifically for Gulf Coast
relief on the next two Sundays, September 4 and September 11. The sermons on
these days should reflect on the recent tragedy. On Sunday, September 11,
prayers should remember the victims of the terrorist attacks four years ago
in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania..
“May our Lord bring solace and comfort to thousands of our fellow
Americans who are suffering in the aftermath of this great disaster.”
Crossroad readers who wish to help may send their donation to their
local parish or directly to the Eastern Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New
York, NY 10016. Checks should be payable to “Armenian Apostolic Church of
America.” Indicate for “Gulf Relief” in the memo area.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL ATTEND AYF OLYMPICS
THIS WEEKEND IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Continuing a long tradition, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to
Washington, D.C., this weekend, where the Armenian Youth Federation is
hosting its 72nd annual Olympic Games.
His Eminence will greet the young athletes and thousands of participants
and officially open the competitive games on Sunday, September 4.
INTER-DIOCESE YOUTH MEETING IN BIKFAYA
The inter-diocese youth meeting of the Catholicate of Cilicia took place
last week in St. Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya, Lebanon, the
Catholicate’s summer residence and home of the Seminary. The meeting brought
together about thirty young men and women from the worldwide dioceses under
the jurisdiction of Cilicia.
His Holiness Aram I welcomed the participants and talked about the
challenges today’s youth face. His Holiness said he considers church-youth
mutual relationships to be one of these challenges. He talked about the
difficulties this relationship faces and meaning it should be given in today’s
world. The Catholicos said:
“The church should attract its youth and delegate important tasks and
responsibilities to them. The youth succeeds when it discusses tomorrow’s
agenda today.. The youth should not assume the role of observers. They
should play the role of participants. They should not be passive players;
they should be leaders.. The youth should avoid the tendency to preserve
what is old, but also from the recklessness of destroying what’s at hand.
What we have today in our lives might be old and worn out, but it has been
built up by the hard work, sweat and blood of many long years. What we have
today includes our nation’s collective experience and memory and thus cannot
be destroyed by one strike. On the other hand, we should not keep them as
they are. Rather, we should renew them; make them fit today’s challenges.
Destroying is easy; but building is very difficult.”
THE VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE EASTERN PRELACY
October 19-November 1, 2005
The visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the
establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, will extend
from October 19 to November 1. His Holiness will visit New York, New Jersey,
Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago. The steering committee has released the
following schedule of public events:
Wednesday, October 19-Arrival, New York.
Thursday, October 20-Hrashapar Service and Achahampooyr at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, 7:30 pm.
Friday, October 21-Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Seminary at
Antelias, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, 7:30 pm. Reception will follow the commemorative program.
Saturday, October 22-“Challenges Facing the Ecumenical Movement in the 21st
Century,” a symposium sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy in conjunction with
the United States Conference of the World Council of Churches. World Council
of Churches Center, New York City. 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Sunday, October 23-Pontifical Divine Liturgy, St. Bartholomew’s Church, Park
Avenue (between 50th and 51st Streets), New York City, 1:30 pm.
Banquet in honor of His Holiness and the 75th anniversary of the Seminary,
The Pierre, Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, New York City, 5:00 pm.
Tuesday, October 25-Hrashapar Service, 75th anniversary celebration and
Achahampooyr, Soorp Khatch Armenian Church, 4906 Flint Drive, Bethesda,
Maryland, 7:30 pm.
Thursday, October 27-Hrashapar Service, 75th anniversary celebration and
Achahampooyr, St. Stephen Armenian Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown,
Massachusetts, 7:30 pm.
Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29-International Conference dedicated to the
1600th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Alphabet. Sponsored by
the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University. His Holiness will open and
address the Conference Friday evening.
Saturday, October 29-75th anniversary commemoration and Achahampooyr, All
Saints Armenian Church, 1701 North Greenwood, Glenview, Illinois, 7:00 pm.
Sunday, October 30-Pontifical Divine Liturgy, All Saints Armenian Church,
Glenview, Illinois. Banquet, 4 pm at Fountain Blue, Des Plaines, Illinois.
COUNCIL OF NICAEA REMEMBERED THIS SATURDAY
This Saturday, September 3, the Armenian Church remembers the Council of
Nicaea (325 A.D.) and the 318 Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. The
Armenian Church had a direct and distinct part in the Council. Armenia’s
participation is chronicled by Moses of Khoren, the Father of Armenian
historiography. He writes, “In that time a letter of invitation arrived from
Constantinople to our King Tiridates, asking him to proceed to the Council
together with Gregory.” Tiridates and Gregory did not attend (for various
reasons), but sent Aristakes (Gregory’s son) as their representative. Moses
of Khoren writes that Aristakes began his journey together with the
Patriarchs John of Ctesiphon, James of Nisibis and Euphtaly of Edessa and
the four of them met Archbishop Leontius at Caesarea and together they
proceeded to Nicaea. The Nicene Creed originated at this Council.
FAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, September 4, begins the Fast leading to the Feast of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachveratz), which is next Sunday, September
11. Because this is a Great or Tabernacle Feast, it is preceded by a week of
fasting.
BIRTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Next Thursday, September 8, the Church commemorates the birth of the
Blessed Virgin Mary. The Armenian Church has celebrated this feast since the
13th century. Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were of an advanced age and
childless. In response to their prayers, their only child, Mary, was born.
She is prominent in the New Testament stories of the birth of Jesus Christ
and thereafter is in the background until the Crucifixion when she is at the
foot of the cross (John 19:25) and in the Upper Room at Jerusalem (Acts
1:14).
WORLD WAR II BEGAN 66 YEARS AGO
There has been a lot of talk about the end of World War II. Let us take
a moment and remember that World War II began 66 years today when Nazi
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. The United States did not
officially enter the war until December 7, 1941, when the Japanese bombed
Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, effectively destroying the U.S. naval fleet.
MONDAY IS LABOR DAY
Yes, believe it or not, we have come to the “unofficial” end of summer.
Monday, September 5, is Labor Day, celebrated in the United States and
Canada. Always the first Monday in September, Labor Day was created by the
labor movement more than 120 years ago. Theoretically it is dedicated to the
social and economic achievements of workers and their contributions to the
strength, prosperity, and well being of their country. Through the years it
has become the “end marker” of summer (with Memorial Day as the beginning
marker) and punctuated with family gatherings, picnics, and a final long
weekend before the start of school and normal routine. And, of course,
shopping at the malls!
So many of you have asked about the state of our garden (not good!). We
will give an update next week with the varied and numerous events. As we
told one of our readers, “We keep wondering when the locusts are coming.”
FINALLY..
President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a stunned nation on December
8, 1941, with hard facts, but with hope:
“It will not only be a long war, it will be a hard war. That is the
basis on which we now lay all our plans. This is the yardstick by which we
measure what we shall need and demand: money, materials, doubled and
quadrupled production-ever increasing. The production must be not only for
our own Army and Navy and air forces. It must reinforce the other armies and
navies and air forces fighting the Nazis and the warlords of Japan
throughout the Americas and the world.. We are going to win the war and we
are going to win the peace that follows.”
Calendar of Events
September 18-Banquet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the consecration
of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
honor the Church Godfathers. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will deliver
the keynote address. For more information, 508-852-2414.
September 25-35th anniversary of St. Gregory Armenian Church of North
Andover, Massachusetts, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
For more information, 978-685-5038.
September 26-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, will host its second annual golf tournament at the Raceway
Golf Club in Thompson, Connecticut, to benefit the church’s Capital Fund.
For information: 508-872-9629.
October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon.
October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
November 6-St. Stephen Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain,
Connecticut, will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan will be the keynote speaker. The program will include a slide show
presentation two non-Armenian Peace Corps volunteers who recently returned
from serving in Armenia.
November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes.
March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers’ Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Visit our website at
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Nuclear Power Plant to be halted for repairs in Oct
YEREVAN, Aug 23 (Prime-Tass) — The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant will
be halted for repairs and refueling on October 1, the plant’s General
Director Gagik Markosyan told Prime-Tass Tuesday.
The repairs involve maintenance works at the reactor unit and the
high-speed generator, Markosyan said.
The last time when the nuclear plant was stopped for an overhaul and
fuel refill was July 29, 2004, Markosyan said. The plant’s fuel
reserves were replenished for USD 12 million, he said.
The nuclear plant is currently in talks on nuclear fuel deliveries
from Russia, he said. Russian fuel producers are considering
increasing the fuel price by 20%, Markosyan said.
The Russian companies had planned to raise the fuel price in 2004,
but during the negotiations decided to maintain the price, Markosyan
said.
The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant was opened in 1980, closed due to
public pressure in 1989, and resumed operation in 1995. According to
analyst forecasts the plant is able to function until 2018.
Inter RAO UES, Russian power grid monpoly UES’ subsidiary, controls a
60% stake in the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, while Russian state
nuclear power holding Rosenergoatom holds 40%. End
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Just-style.com, UK
Aug 15 2005
TURKEY: Akdas Group Eyes US, China Markets
15 Aug 2005
Turkish men’s suit maker Akdas Group is eyeing expansion to the US
and China as part of an international growth plan.
The company has set a target of 2010 for its launch onto the US and
Chinese markets.
The expansion strategy also involves boosting stores in Turkey to 50
by the end of this year and to 70 by 2007, with an eventual total of
250 stores internationally planned.
The company recently opened a new factory in Istanbul, Turkey, which
will be a base for overseas growth.
Akdas owns the Crispino brand, one of the biggest clothing names
in Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress