Author: Babajanian Karo

RETRAIT D’UNE LOI AU PARLEMENT SUR DES MESURES D’EXCEPTION
Laetitia

armenews.com
vendredi 24 fevrier 2012

Contre toute attente, le gouvernement armenian a retire de l’ordre du
jour du Parlement, le mercredi 22 fevrier, un amendement controverse
et vivement critique par l’opposition, selon laquelle le projet de
loi aurait permis aux autorites de recourir a l’armee pour disperser
les manifestations. Le premier ministre Tigrane Sarkissian a demande
au president du Parlement Samvel Nikoyan de retirer de l’agenda de
l’Assemblee nationale le projet de loi concernant la mise en place
de mesures d’exception, deux semaines seulement après son passage en
première lecture.

Le porte-parole de T.Sarkissian, Aram Ananian, a indique sur les
ondes du service armenien de RFE/RL que le texte serait modifie avant
d’etre renvoye au Parlement pour etre vote, sans preciser la teneur
de ces changements.

En l’etat, le texte stipule que le president de la Republique peut
decreter l’etat d’urgence en cas de ” danger immediat pour l’ordre
constitutionnel”, comme les tentatives de prendre le pouvoir par
la force, le terrorisme et les “desordres de masse”. Il autorise le
chef de l’Etat a en appeler aux forces armees pour qu’elles aident
la police et les autres forces de securite a faire respecter l’etat
d’urgence. En ce cas, les effectifs militaires seraient autorises a
faire usage des equipements anti-emeutes et d’armes a balles reelles
conformement a la legislation armenienne sur la police.

Les groupes d’opposition, et au premier chef le Parti Jarangutyun
(Heritage) avaient fait part de leurs preoccupations concernant
le projet de loi. Ils estimaient que les autorites cherchaient a
renforcer les assises legales d’un recours eventuellement mortel a
la force des armes contre l’opposition, a l’approche des elections
legislatives de mai prochain.

Les autorites ont promis que le scrutin serait exemplaire et,
contrairement a tous ceux qui l’ont precede, ne serait pas entache de
fraudes ou d’irregularites, mais elle s’emploient aussi a eviter la
repetition du scenario tragique qui avait coûte la vie a 11 personnes
le 1er mars 2008 a Erevan, au lendemain d’elections presidentielles
contestees dans la rue par l’opposition. S’il avait recuse les
critiques de l’opposition, selon laquelle le texte de loi permettrait
aux forces armees d’intervenir dans un processus politique dont elles
devraient au contraire etre tenues a l’ecart, le gouvernement et la
majorite qui le soutient au Parlement ont toutefois voulu dissiper
les craintes emises par l’opposition.

Armen Martirosian, un depute de Jarangutyun, a suggere deux raisons
au retrait par le gouvernement de l’amendement controverse : “Tout
d’abord, la question de l’intervention de l’armee a des resonnances qui
inquiètent meme les membres de la majorite, comme le depute du Parti
republicain au pouvoir [HHK], Rafik Petrosian, qui s’etait clairement
oppose a ce texte qui contredit sans ambiguïte notre Constitution”,
a indique le depute, en ajoutant que l’amendement avait ete pu passer
une première fois parce que plusieurs deputes du HHK avaient vote pour
leurs collègues absents des bancs de l’Assemblee, en violation de ses
statuts. Le gouvernement veut endiguer les critiques de l’opposition
qui mettent en cause la validite de l’adoption de l’amendement,
a explique le depute. Les unites de l’armee armenienne ont recu
l’ordre de se deployer au Coeur de Erevan a deux occasions par le
passe. La dernière en date, le 1er mars 2008, avait laisse un très
mauvais souvenir.

THESE ARE FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES ARCHIVES.

In some cases, after clicking on the links below, you will need
to click on “view full article”.

To those who say:

There was NO GENOCIDE of ARMENIANS!

The New York Times 1895 Lord Salisbury on Armenia

7C2A9639C94649ED7CF

The New York Times Oct 20th 1900 AWFUL ARMENIAN MASSACRES.; Mussulmans
Pillage, Outrage, and Murder Unchecked for Five Days — Eight Villages
Destroyed.

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The New York Times Aug 30th 1901 THE ARMENIAN MASSACRES.; Turkish
ex-Consul Asserts that the Porte Intends to Exterminate the Race by
a Regular System.

6E9C946097D6CF

The New York Times Sept 14th 1901 ARMENIAN MASSACRES FEARED.; Report
of American Board Says Repetition of Slaughter of 1894 Is Likely.

D946097D6CF

Papers Past Sept 20th 1901 FURTHER ARMENIAN MASSACRES.

Papers Past Jan. 19th 1903 The Armenian Massacres

The Montreal Gazette Jan. 30th 1904
Terrible Atrocities Committed by Turkish Soldiers
,
6267708&dq=armenian+massacres&hl=en

Paper Past June 24th 1904 THE ARMENIAN MASSACRES.

Papers Past June 25th 1905 Shocking Massacres < a target="_blank" href="">
rspast?a=d&d=FS19050621.2.10

Paper Past Nov. 20th 1907 Armenian Massacres

Papers Past Apr 24th 1909 THOUSANDS OF ARMENIANS MASSACRED.

The Sydney Morning Herald Apr 26th 1909 Armenian Massacres

;pg=5968,1591873&dq=armenian+massacres&hl=en < br>The New York
Times May 10th 1909 The Kaiser Held in Part responsible for Them

639C946897D6CF

The New York Times May 10th 1909 ARMENIAN MASSACRES.; Work of
Mohammedan Mogolians.

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< span style="font-family: 'sans-serif'; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The New York
Times June 14th 1909 ADANA OFFICIALS TO BE TRIED.; Charged with
Complicity in Armenian Massacres Last April.

C946897D6CF

The New York Times Nov 4th 1909 More Armenian Massacres.

D946897D6CF The New York Times

Nov 7th, 1912

TURKS KILLING ARMENIANS.; Massacres in Asiatic Turkey — Russian
Troops May Be Sent.

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New York Times April 26th 1915 Kurds Massacre more Armenians

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The New York Times May 24th 1915 Allies To Punish Turks who Murdered

639C946496D6CF New Zealand Paperspast May 1915 Armenian Massacres

Papars Past Aug. 3rd 1915 Armenian Massacres

The New York Times Aug. 4th 1915 REPORT TURKS SHOT WOMEN AND CHILDREN;
Nine Thousand Armenians Massacred and Thrown Into Tigris, Socialist
Committee Hears.

C946496D6CF

The Pittsburgh Press October 5th 1915 US
Urges Turkey to put an End to the Armenian Massacres
,
1381292&dq=armenian+massacres&hl=en

Reading Eagle Oct. 5th 1915 Our
Government aroused by the Armenian Massacres
,
596940&dq=armenian+massacres&hl=en The New York Times

Dec 23rd, 1915

GERMANY PROTESTED

ARMENIAN MASSACRES

649D946496D6CF

Chicago Tribute Jan. 15th 1916 1.500
FAMISHED ARMENIANS MASSACRED BY MOSLEMS

372:761752372&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Jan+15,+1916&author=&
pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=1.500+FAMISHED+ARMENIANS+MASSACRED+BY+MOSLEMS&pqatl
=google

The New York Times Aug. 23rd 1916 Washington Sends Word to
Constantinople to Prevent Repetition of Horrors.

6E9C946796D6CF

The New York Times March 4th 1918 Thousands of Armenians
Massacred at Samsun; German Socialists Urged to Curb the Turks

659C946996D6CF

Papers Past Apr. 10th 1918 PREPARING PUBLIC FOR ARMENIAN MASSACRE.

New York Times April 14 1919
Turks hang Kemal Bey for Armenian Massacres

668382609EDE

The Montreal Gazette Oct. 14th 1919 Nor Will
They (Turkey) Oppose Grant of Territory to Armenia
,
656118&dq=armenian+massacres&hl=en

ARMENIANS AND JEWS FEAR FALL OF ASSAD

news.am
February 23, 2012 | 23:38

Armenian News-NEWS.am presents the article of Peter Mullen which had
been published in the Daily Telegraph:

The current head of al-Qaeda al-Zawahiri announced that his terrorist
organization will support the uprising in Syria. How encouraging to
see that the UK FM William Heig and al-Qaeda share the same opinions.

The West though that the fall of Saddam will turn Iraq into paradise.

But after 9 years during which several thousand people were killed
Iraq turned to something worse than hell. The non-fly zone of the West
established to help the revolution in Lebanon was a military success.

However, as it came out the revolutionists were not the democrats of
Twitter who created a utopia with their cell phones but they were as
cruel as the previous regime.

The Revolution that moved to Egypt for defeating Mubarak managed to
leave the corrupted generals on their posts.

The minorities in Syria (Christians, Kurds, Jews, Armenians) are in
great fear connected with the fall of Assad. If Assad were to fall,
Israel will host the Christian refuges who will run from the Islamists.

AZERBAIJANI MPS CONSIDER ZHIRINOVSKY’S STATEMENTS NOT SERIOUS AND ELECTION-RELATED

Trend
Feb 23 2012
Azerbaijan

Zhirinovsky’s statements are designed, first and foremost, to obtain
a large number of votes in the elections, MP Fazail Agamali told Trend.

“Zhirinovsky’s statements are mainly aimed at obtaining a large
number of votes, but on the other hand – they come from his political
principles. He is one of the politicians who have always has anti-Turk
and anti-Azerbaijani position,” Agamali said.

The head of the Liberal Democratic Party Vladimir Zhirinovsky,
a candidate for president of Russia, once again defended Armenia
noting that if Armenia requests Russia it will blow up everything to
the Persian Gulf.

We can’t expect other statement from Zhirinovsky, Agamali said.

Other applications can be expected from Zhirinovsky, said Azerbaijani
MP. “He protects Armenia at all levels. Armenia, being under the wing
of such Russian “politicians” as Zhirinovsky continues the policy of
aggression against Azerbaijan,” Agamali said.

It isn’t worth to pay attention to the words of Zhirinovsky MP Aydin
Mirzazade told Trend.

“Zhirinovsky is one of the few politicians whose words are not taken
seriously. He is notorious not only in Russia but also abroad,”
Mirzazade said.

500 ARMENIAN PROVINCIAL SCHOOLS TO HOST OPEN LESSONS ON INTERNET SAFETY

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 24, 2012 – 13:43 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – On February 7, Media Education Center NGO launched
Safe Internet Armenia 2012 project through support of Orange Armenia.

300 high school teachers have already been trained in the framework
of this project, with over 6000 schoolchildren having participated
in open lessons.

Since the launch of the project, website has had more than
7000 visits, the safe internet on-line game has been played over 5700
times, and the educational and parental materials have been downloaded
more than 3800 times.

The success of the project has led to the involvement of new partners,
namely National Center of Educational Technologies, the cooperation
contributing to the project extension especially in the provinces of
Armenia. Over 500 schools will host open lessons on internet safety,
involving more than 10,000 schoolchildren in Aragatsotn, Tavush,
Lori, Syunik and other provinces.

All those concerned over the nature and safety of the Internet
content can visit the website which provides all necessary
information on safe internet surfing in the Armenian language.

On January 19, 2012, through the initiative of the European Union, 25
companies representing the information and communications technology
sector signed a declaration on Safer Internet for Children expressing
their dedication to ensuring safe online environment, especially for
children. Along with France Telecom Orange, the declaration has been
signed by such companies as Google, Facebook, Deutsche Telekom, RIM,
Nokia, Telecom Italia, Vodafone and others.

GERMANY SHOULD BE THE FIRST TO RECOGNIZE THE BELATED CORRECTION OF HISTORICAL INJUSTICES:RAFFI K. HOVANNISIAN

2012-02-22
22 February 2012

Mr. Volker Kauder

Parliamentary Leader

CDU/CSU

The Bundestag, Berlin

FederalRepublic of Germany

Dear Colleague:

It has come to my attention that your parliamentary group-a partner
of ours in the European People’s Party-might shortly be releasing,
or at least considering, a draft resolution about Mountainous Karabagh.

The freedom of your political expression is of utmost importance,
but the truth is paramount.

The Republic of Mountainous Karabagh (Artsakh in Armenian)
was constituted lawfully in 1991 in full compliance with Soviet
legislation, controlling at the time, and the fundamental precepts of
international law as codified by the Montevideo Convention relating
to the formation and recognition of sovereign states.

None of us, neither your country nor ours, has any basis to curtail
the basic right to liberty and self-determination of any other, old or
new. This holds especially true for Mountainous Karabagh whose people,
in parallel with the demolition of the Great Wall which divided your
capital for too long, reversed the Stalinist legacy of “divide and
rule,” waged a constitutional and ultimately successful quest for
freedom and independence, and defended their patrimony against the
failed aggression of Soviet and then Azerbaijani forces.

In view of its own unique track record in facing, atoning for, and
surmounting the crimes against humanity committed by a predecessor
regime-and with the resultant credentials of global leadership in terms
of restoration of rights, democracy, and peace and security-postwar
Germany should be the first to recognize the legitimate creation
and territorial integrity of emerging state actors and the belated
correction of historical injustices. Both domestically and in
international relations, the rule of law-or rather the supremacy of
rights-militates against artificial and partisan applications of the
archaic assertion of sui generis.

What is more, Germany’s previous complicity in the Genocide of
the Armenian Nation and the Dispossession of its Homeland, as duly
evidenced in your own diplomatic and military archives, might and
military archives, shoulds,s should best comprehend this imperative
of mind, conscience, and public policy.ose, to restogive you further
cause officially to acknowledge that unprecedented precursor to the
Holocaust and to undertake meaningful measures, in conjunction with the
Republic of Turkey, to bring this shameful era of denialism to a close,
to address the occupation of the western half of the Armenian Plateau,
and to restitute the rightful connection between the Armenian people
and their homeland.

Real, not window-dressing normalization of relations with Turkey
and Azerbaijan is crucial for Armenia, but never at the expense of
historical memory, contemporary rights, and human dignity. Il faut
assumer l’histoire.

Of all states and all parties, yours should best comprehend this
imperative of values, conscience, and public policy.

Respectfully yours,

Raffi K. Hovannisian

Chairman and ..

HARUT SASSOUNIAN TO KEYNOTE SAN FRANCISCO ‘HYE TAD EVENING’

ASBAREZ
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO-The Armenian National Committee – San Francisco Bay
Area (ANC-SF) is pleased to announce that TV commentator, columnist,
and publisher of the California Courier Harut Sassounian will be the
keynote speaker at the 2012 Hye Tad Evening.

Sassounian is the publisher of the The California Courier newspaper.

His weekly political commentaries, translated into half a dozen
languages, are reprinted in publications around the world and posted on
countless websites, including the Huffington Post. As President of the
United Armenian Fund, a coalition of the six largest Armenian-American
organizations, he managed the procurement and delivery of over $600
million of humanitarian aid to Armenia during the past 22 years.

As Senior Vice President of Kirk Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation,
Sassounian administered $240 million for infrastructure projects in
Armenia. From 1978 to 1988, he served as a human rights delegate at
the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland and played a leading role
in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.N. Sub-Commission
on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities in 1985.

Sassounian has authored several volumes in English and Arabic regarding
genocide and international affairs. He is decorated by the President
and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the heads of the
Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches, and is the recipient of
the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

“It is an honor to welcome Harut Sassounian as our keynote speaker this
year,” stated Armen Carapetian, Chairman of ANC-SF. “We look forward to
hearing Harut’s insights on the recent developments in France and other
aspects of the fight for Armenian Genocide recognition and justice.”

A landmark event for the San Francisco Armenian-American community,
the annual Hye Tad Evening brings together hundreds of individuals
who support the ANC’s efforts to advance the concerns of the
Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues. Past keynote
speakers have included former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans,
former Foreign Minister of Armenia Raffi Hovanissian, U.S. Senator
Barbara Boxer, U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Hrant Dink, and
Regip Zarakolu.

This year’s Hye Tad Evening will take place on Saturday, March 3,
2012 at 6:30 pm at Saroyan Hall, 825 Brotherhood Way in San Francisco.

Tickets are $125 for adults and $75 for students. Interested parties
may purchase tickets by emailing [email protected] or calling (415)
387-3433.

FOR MIDDLE EASTERN FOODIES, AN ARMENIAN FOOD FEST THIS WEEKEND

Sun-Sentinel
,0,5622065.story
Feb 22 2012
Florida

Marci Shatzman [email protected]

The women of St. David Armenian Church are working in shifts to get
ready for their annual food festival this weekend.

The prep cooks are under the direction of Silva Tikiryan, in charge
of cooking at the festival, and chief baker Alice Tutunjian, veterans
of Armenian food fests at their churches up north. “These women really
know what they’re doing,” said Carol Norigian, festival chairwoman.

The church needs their expertise. Last year, nearly 2,000 people turned
out to sample the Armenian version of lamb shish kebab, steak tartar
[kheyma], spinach pie [borek], pizza [lahmajoun]. And that’s just
a sampling.

“We have the same menu every year and the food is typical of Armenian
cuisine,” said Judy Khachadorian, one of the volunteers.

A greeter will have a menu explaining the food they’ll be serving
and selling, Norigian said.

The food will be cooked on site and served hot from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday in the church at 2300 Yamato Road
between Military Trail and Jog Road in Boca Raton. Admission is free.

The festival is indoors with seating in the air-conditioned church
hall, and includes a marketplace, Armenian grocery store, cafe and
even a fortuneteller who goes by the name of Zeppy. Products made
by artisans in Armenia, including clothes, baskets, toys, jewelry
and religious objects will be sold by Made in Armenia Direct for the
first year, Norigian said.

For newcomers to Armenian food, Norigian describes it as “Middle
Eastern, but not quite as oily as Greek food.”

The spices are allspice, cumin, fenugreek, black pepper and paprika.

Mahlab, the powdered pit of the black cherry, is used in baking.

They’re also big on vegetables, which appeals to vegetarians, they
said. Tikiryan is partial to a string bean dish cooked with olive oil,
onions and tomato sauce. Bulgur wheat or rice is used in a pilaf as
another side dish.

Last week, Tutunjian supervised a crew preparing trays of kadaif,
a dessert made of shredded filo dough layered over a cream filling
with cinnamon. They sell it by the tray with cooking instructions,
and ready to eat at the festival. “I have a special tool that measures
54 squares,” she said.

This festival is all about the food; there’s no Armenian music or
other activities. “People come to eat and socialize,” said Alice
Bogdasarian, a volunteer. “The majority of Armenians swells in the
winter season here.

“This church is thriving. If it wasn’t for the snowbirds, they couldn’t
do this.”

The food festival is one of two major fundraisers for St. David. The
other is a golf tournament at Via Mizner Country Club in Boca Del
Mar on March 26. For tickets, visit stdavidfl.com/golf-tournaments
or call the church at 561-994-2335.

ARMENIA TO HOST EXERCISE OF CSTO FORCE – BORDYUZHA

Interfax
Feb 21 2012
Russia

The Collective Operational Reaction Force (CORF) of the Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will hold an exercise in Armenia in
autumn 2012, CSTO General Secretary Nikolai Bordyuzha said on Tuesday.

“The concept of this exercise has been agreed. On February 27 there
will be staff negotiations in Armenia, where all the details of the
exercise are to be agreed,” Bordyuzha told reporters.

Until now, the CORF has held exercises in Russia, Uzbekistan and
Kazakhstan, he said.

“The way I see this, all the states that have signed the agreement
on the CORF will take part in that exercise in various forms – either
via their troops or via operational groups,” Bordyuzha said.

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 February
23, 2012

Great Lent in the Armenian Church
The closed altar curtain denotes the start of Lent in the Armenian
Church.

New Lenten Video Series

Monday, February 20, marked the first day of Great Lent: the season
when Christians consciously turn away from worldly matters and make the
effort-through prayer, fasting, study, and introspectionâ=80’to prepare for
the spiritual drama of Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

The Scriptural basis for Lent resides in the 40-day period Christ spent
in the wilderness following his baptism. In the words of St. Matthewâ’s
Gospel (4:1-2): “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the
wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and
forty nights, and afterward he was hungry.”

During Lent we are called to follow the Holy Spirit to confront our own
`inner wildernessâ’-the realm of spiritual emptiness engendered by sin,
laziness, and vanity. Through prayer, fasting, Bible-reading, and
self-examination, we are given an opportunity to renew our commitment
to God, and gain the strength to work at being more loving, humble, and
gentle. [4]Click here to learn more about the Armenian Church
traditions concerning Great Lent.
Links:
4.

This year, the Diocese is offering a video series on Great Lent.
[5]Click here to view the first video, in which the Very Rev. Fr.
Simeon Odabashian discusses the tradition of fasting in the Armenian
Church.
Links:
5.

Scripture of the Week

Is 33:2-22
Rom 12:1-13:10
Mt 5:17-48

Prayer of the Week

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

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

25 February: St. Theodore the Warrior

26 February: Sunday of the Expulsion

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

St. Mary Armenian Church in Vaghuhas village
A weathered sign points to Vaghuhas, Nagorno-Karabagh, where a church
was consecrated last Sunday.
(photo by Marut Vanyan)

Newly-Built Church Consecrated in Nagorno-Karabagh

On Sunday, February 19, a new church was consecrated in the village of
Vaghuhas, in Nagorno-Karabagh’s Martakert region. Archbishop Barkev
Martirossian, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, consecrated the house of
worship, which was given the name St. Mary Armenian Church.

The celebration of the first Divine Liturgy followed the consecration
service. In his sermon, Archbishop Martirossian encouraged the faithful
to renew their faith by becoming active in the life of St. Mary Church.
The blessing of madagh and a cultural program concluded Sunday’s
celebration.

Construction of St. Mary Church began in 2007 and was sponsored by
Krikor Hayrapetyan, a native of Vaghuhas who resides in Russia.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Diocesan Council met at the Diocesan center on February 23, 2012
The Diocesan Council met on Thursday, February 23, at the Diocesan
Center in New York.

Diocesan Council Prepares for Spring Events

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, opened today’s Diocesan
Council meeting with a Bible study focusing on today’s Scripture
reading (Romans 6:3-14). Council members had an opportunity to reflect
on the passage and to speak about the significance of the Lenten period
for their spiritual renewal.

The day’s agenda included finalizing plans for a special meeting of
Diocesan organizations and departments scheduled for Saturday, March
24. The daylong event will bring together Diocesan leaders to discuss
the mission of the Eastern Diocese and to strategize about the future
of the Armenian Church in America.

The council is making preparations for the 110th Diocesan Assembly,
which will be hosted by St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, from May
3-5. The assembly will continue to focus on the Diocesan theme
`Vocations-The Call to Serve: Ministry of the Faithful,â’ and to explore
ways to enrich lay ministry initiatives across the Diocese. Also in
May, council members will attend the ACYOA General Assembly and Sports
Weekend in Chicago, IL.

Turning to fundraising efforts, council members reviewed the results of
the successful 2011 Annual Appeal and discussed the 2012 budget.

Clergy workshop at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
Clergy and recent seminary graduates gathered at St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary earlier this week for a continuing education program focusing
on parish leadership.

Clergy Meet for Continuing Education Workshop

Clergy and recent seminary graduates met at St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary earlier this week for a continuing education program focusing
on parish leadership. The program was coordinated by the Very Rev. Fr.
Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Diocesan Primate, presided over the 3-day meeting.

The sessions were designed for the younger clergy of the Diocese,
including those who have come from Armenia to serve in the Eastern
Diocese in recent years, as well as recent graduates of St. Nersess
Seminary. Topics included building a sense of community in the church,
fostering team-building at the parish level, developing strategic
plans, and deploying effective communication tools.

Presentations were made by Archbishop Barsamian, Fr. Odabashian, the
Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, the Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, the
Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian, Dr. Carnegie Calian, Sandra Shahinian Leitner,
George Marootian, Dr. Sam Mikaelian, and the staff of the Dioceseâ=80=99s
Communications Department.

Participants also had an opportunity to come together for Bible study
and prayer in the seminary chapel.

Vartanants Day obsrvance at the Diocesan Center
Fr. Arakel Vardazarian celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan
Cathedral on Sts. Vartanantz Day.

Feast of Sts. Vartanantz Celebrated in New York

At New York’s Sts. Vartanantz Day observance, young people read
excerpts from St. Vartan’s stirring speech to his soldiers, recited
poetry, and reflected on the legacy of the 5th-century Treaty of
Navarsag, which allowed the Armenians to freely practice their
Christian faith in the Persian Empire.

The commemoration at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Thursday evening,
February 16, went forward under the auspices of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern), with the participation of the
Mid-Atlantic Region of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan.

The evening began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, with
Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presiding. Celebrating the
badarak was the Rev. Fr. Arakel Vardazarian, who is serving as an
intern priest at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains,
NY.

A program and dinner in the Diocesan Center’s Haik and Alice Kavookjian
Auditorium followed services. Three students of the Diocese’s Khrimian
Lyceum-Chris Artun, Varujan Belekdanian, and Tamar Tokmanâ=80’made a
presentation about the Battle of Avarayr. The Shnorhali Choir of Holy
Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, offered a fine performance of vocal
selections. Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan Dr. Dennis
Papazian offered remarks, and Archbishop Barsamian delivered a message
to the large crowd.

Click to [6]read more and to [7]view photos.
Links:
6.
7.

Christian Churches Together meeting
Fr. Aren Jebejian (second from left) during a prayer service at this
month’s “Christian Churches Together” meeting.

“Christian Churches Together” Meets in Memphis

The Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Chicago, IL, represented Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the
Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, at the annual meeting of the ecumenical
group “Christian Churches Together” in Memphis, TN, earlier this month.

The February 14-17 meeting focused on the history of the civil rights
movement, and included visits to the National Civil Rights Museum, the
Slave Haven Museum, and the historic Mason Temple where Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I’ve Been To The Mountaintopâ’ address.

Participants issued a statement at the conclusion of the meeting: â=80=9CIn
gathering together we experience Christ tearing down the walls that
otherwise divide usâ=80¦. Our common humanity and our witness to the Christ
of all peoples summons our churches to act for the wellbeing of all, to
advocate for equity for the poor, to pursue justice, and to practice
the love and nonviolence that Jesus teaches.â’

Fund for Armenian Relief

FAR Announces 17th Annual Young Professionals Trip

This year the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Young Professionals Trip will
again include a tour of historic Armenian lands in eastern Turkey.
Participants will be able to visit incredible historic sites like
Armenia’s magnificent former capital of Ani, the holy island of
Aghtamar, as well as Kars and Van. The two-week trip, now in its 17th
year, will also include an extensive and enriching tour around Armenia.

The trip provides an ideal opportunity for young professionals between
the ages of 23 and 40 to travel to Armenia as a group, and to go beyond
a tourist’s itinerary to learn firsthand about Armenia’s place in the
world. Participants will visit FAR’s projects, engage in dialogue with
religious and government leaders, and gain an understanding of how
Armenia’s future is being shaped with the support of the diaspora.

The trip is scheduled for June 17-30. [8]Click here to learn more
about this year’s program.
Links:
8.

St. Nersess Seminary online lectures

CORRECTION: St. Nersess Seminary Online Course

Last week’s announcement about an online class offered by St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary misstated the class time. It is held on Wednesdays
from 7 to 8 p.m.

The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean and professor of liturgical
studies at St. Nersess Seminary, is teaching the course titled
“Patristic Commentaries on the Armenian Divine Liturgy.” The course
explores how the fathers of the Armenian Church interpreted the Divine
Liturgy.

The weekly course is accessible via the seminary’s Global Classroom.
[9]Click here for more information.
Links:
9.

Diocesan Center News

Diocese Seeking Development Director

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is currently
seeking candidates for the position of Director of Development.

The Development Director will report to the Diocese’s Executive
Director. He or she will be responsible for planning and implementing
all fundraising strategies for the Eastern Diocese. Responsibilities
include the areas of donor research, cultivation, and solicitation;
leadership identification and planning; reporting to donors and the
public; among other areas.

Qualified applicants should have a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree
preferred) and a significant record of success in fundraising. Please
consult the job description and list of qualifications posted on the
[10]Eastern Diocese’s website.
Links:
10.

Send résumé and cover letter via e-mail to
[11][email protected]. Only those applicants meeting
the requirements for the position will be interviewed. The review of
applications will begin immediately.
Links:
11. mailto:[email protected]

PARISH NEWS

Primate visits Atlanta mission parish
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Atlanta, GA, last
Sunday.

Leadership Workshop Held in Atlanta

A weekend-long leadership workshop was held at the Armenian Church of
Atlanta mission parish in Roswell, GA, on February 17-19. Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided over the workshop
sessions, which focused on the structure of the Armenian Church, parish
administration, fundraising and membership, and Diocesan resources,
among other topics.

In addition to the Primate, presentations were made by the Rev. Fr.
Tateos Abdalian, the Diocese’s director of Mission Parishes; Dr. Raffy
Hovanessian, Diocesan Council member; and Dr. Sam Mikaelian, the
Diocese’s Development coordinator. The Diocese’s Music Ministry
director, Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, led workshops for choir members
and altar servers.

The sessions concluded with the formulation of a parish strategic plan
for the coming months. It calls for the establishment of a school to
teach the faith and cultural traditions to young parishioners, choir
development opportunities and meetings with the Diocesan Scared Music
Council, the creation of a schedule of monthly home visits, and the
establishment of a Bible study and ACYOA Seniors groups.

On Sunday, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with
some 125 parishioners taking part. A Great Barekendan luncheon followed
services.

[12]Click here to view photos.
Links:
12.

Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan
Fr. Daniel Findikyan will give a series of sermons at St. Sahag Church
in St. Paul, MN, beginning on Sunday, February 26.

Fr. Findikyan to Give Three Sermons in St. Paul, MN

The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary, will give a series of sermons at St. Sahag Church in St.
Paul, MN, beginning on Sunday, February 26. The sermons will be
followed by a question and answer session at the conclusion of the
Divine Liturgy. For more information, call the church at (651)
603-1940.

February 26: “The Armenian Way of Worship”
Prayer and worship in the Armenian Church are quite different from what
one finds in many Christian denominations. Stylized rituals, opulent
vestments and furnishings, as well as elaborate hymns and prayers can
make the experience of worship overwhelming and even burdensome. Why
all the fuss? What lies beneath layers of lavish liturgy?

March 4: “The Badarak: From the Upper Room to Minnesota”
In our Divine Liturgy we do exactly what Jesus commanded of his
disciples and church at the Last Supper: To receive him in Holy
Communion, and to remember him. Why did the Armenian badarak develop as
it did? What are some distinctive features of the Armenian Divine
Liturgy, and what is their importance for Armenian people of faith
today?

March 11: “Finding My Way and My Place in the Badarak”
For anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the badarak or who wishes
to engage in the service in a deeper, more meaningful and satisfying
way, Fr. Findikyan will offer a practical approach to the badarak. Be
inspired and grow in Christian faith, hope and love.

St. David Armenian Church
Fr. Nareg Berberian with executive members of the parish’s Mr. & Mrs.
Club.

Pre-Lenten Social Gathering Held in Boca Raton, FL

The Mr. & Mrs. Club of St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL, hosted a
`Yerevan Nightâ’ dance on Saturday, February 18. More than 150 people
attended the social event.

The event was organized by the following committee members: Marieta
Agopyan, Vartuhi Malkhasian, Anahit Sarkisyan, Karine Markaryan,
Arusiak Stambolyan, Dr. Nona Kalfayan, Araksia Manvelyan, Sona
Khachatrian, Armine Mnatsakanian, Armenui Grigoryan, Ashken Azatyan,
Liliya Boghossian, Hasmig Davtyan, and Alla Gularyan.

Committee members donated the food and covered other event-related
expenses. Mr. and Mrs. Hratch Boghossian sponsored the evening’s music
and entertainment for children. The Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian,
parish pastor, thanked the community for supporting the event and
encouraged parishioners to continue to be involved in the life of the
church.

Upcoming Parish Events

St. David Church | Boca Raton, FL
St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL, will host an `Armenian Food Festâ’
on Saturday, February 25 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and Sunday, February 26
(12 to 6 p.m.).

Enjoy Armenian dishes, browse vendor booths, and more. For information,
call the church at (561) 994-2335.

Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Armenian Church of
Southwest Florida mission parish on Sunday, February 26, at 1 p.m.
Services are held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs, FL.
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, will be
the celebrant. A Lenten luncheon will follow in the Parish Life Center.

For more information, contact Parish Council chair Carole Meghreblian
at
(239) 348-3804, or via e-mail at [13][email protected].
Links:
13. mailto:[email protected]

St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host a “Bridal and All-Occasion
Showcase” on Thursday, March 1, beginning at 7 p.m. The event will be
held in the ballroom at St. Leon Church (12-61 Saddle River Road in
Fair Lawn).

It will feature a bridal, prom, and sweet 16 fashion show, as well as
exhibitions with photographers, florists, chefs, and makeup artists.
The evening will also include a honeymoon giveaway and other gifts.
Admission is free.
For more information, call (201) 681-7671.

EVENTS

Events

Learn to Cook a Lenten Meal

On Tuesday, March 13, the Diocese will host a food preparation
demonstration with Sahan Arzruni. Mr. Arzruni, who has an extensive
knowledge of Armenian cuisine, will guide participants in the
preparation of a Lenten meal.

The program is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in Vartan Hall of the
Diocesan Center (630 Second Avenue, New York City). It will be followed
by a rest service at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.

The event is free and open to the public.

YOUTH NEWS

ACYOA Sports Weekend

ACYOA Assembly/Sports Weekend to be Held in Chicago

This year’s ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend will be hosted by
the ACYOA Seniors of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL,
from May 24-28.

Participants will stay in Chicago, and enjoy spiritual, social, and
athletic activities throughout the weekend. Save the date, and look for
updates in our newsletter and on Facebook.