Author: Babajanian Karo

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

** TOP STORY May 29, 2014
————————————————————
Ascension
James Tissot’s “The Ascension” (1886-1894).

** Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ
————————————————————
Today, May 29, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the
Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The day marks the ascent of our
Lord into heaven, on the 40th day after his resurrection.

In the Bible, the opening chapter of the Book of Acts presents the
classic account of Christ’s ascension, where Jesus preaches to the
disciples on the Mount of Olives, and then, `while they beheld, he was
taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight’ (Acts
1:9). Luke (who is also the author of Acts) in the closing verses of
his gospel reports that `while [Jesus] blessed them, he was parted
from them, and carried up into heaven’ (Lk 24:51). St. Paul gives us
the earliest reference to Christ’s presence in heaven, in his Epistle
to the Romans (Rom 10:5-7).

The Feast of the Ascension (`Hampartsoum’ in Armenian) has been
celebrated in the universal church since ancient times. Modern
scholarship traces its observance to the 4th century. The Nicene Creed
(A.D. 325), chanted in the Armenian Church during every Divine
Liturgy, asserts that Christ `ascended into heaven with the same body
and sat at the right hand of the Father.’

Today, a sanctuary on the Mount of Olives marks the place where the
Ascension of our Lord occurred; for centuries the Brotherhood of
St. James at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has held a vespers
service and vigil in the sanctuary on the eve of the Feast of the
Ascension.

Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to learn more about the feast day.

Holy Land

** Young Pilgrims to Depart for Holy Land
————————————————————
A group of 29 youth leaders from 27 parishes throughout the Eastern
Diocese will set out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Sunday, June
1.

The pilgrimage will be led by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian. The Primate will be assisted by the Rev. Fr. Hovsep
Karapetyan, pastor of St. Mary Church of Washington, DC; Maria
Derderian, youth minister at St. James Church of Watertown, MA, and
St. Nersess seminarian Arpi Nakashian.

The young pilgrims will visit the Church of the Nativity of Christ in
Bethlehem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and the
Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, among other great sites of
biblical history. They will learn about the Armenian presence in the
Holy Land, and explore ways to strengthen their leadership roles at
the parish and Diocesan levels. The trip will run through June 10.

Look for a daily account of the group’s experiences, with photos,
beginning Monday in the blog spot on the homepage of the Diocesan
website.

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

Acts 23:12-25
1 Jn 5:13-21
Jn 12:12-23

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

I glorify you, God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and give
thanks to him who has kept me in peace this night, to him who has led
me from darkness to light, from death to life, from ignorance to the
knowledge of his truth. Amen.

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

29 May: Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ

1 June: Second Palm Sunday

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
His Holiness Karekin II and His Holiness Aram I
His Holiness Aram I and His Holiness Karekin II place wreaths at the
Sardarabad monument in Armenia.

** Armenia Prepares to Observe Genocide Centennial
————————————————————
Preparations are underway in Armenia for the commemoration of the 100
years since the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

This week His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House
of Cilica, attended a meeting of the committee in Armenia coordinating
the commemoration events. Also in attendance at the meeting were
Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan, President of Nagorno-Karabagh Bako
Sahakyan, and His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX, Patriarch of the
Armenian Catholic Church.

`The centennial of the Armenian Genocide is an opportunity for us to
come together as a nation, to honor the heroic sacrifices of our
martyrs,’ His Holiness Karekin II said in his address to the
committee. `It is an occasion to celebrate our Armenian Christian
identity, to reaffirm our commitment to building up a strong and
independent Armenia, and to reinforce the bonds of brotherly love that
unite all of our communities across the world.’

Among the topics discussed at the meeting were the construction of a
new Komitas Museum in Yerevan, the renovation of the Dzidzernagapert
memorial, and the expansion of the Armenian Genocide Museum.

Earlier in the week, His Holiness Karekin II welcomed His Holiness
Aram I to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where they led a prayer
service. On May 28, the 96th anniversary of the establishment of
Armenia’s first republic, they visited the Sardarabad monument, where
the Armenian forces stopped the advance of the Ottoman army in
1918. They were joined by Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX, President
Sargsyan, and President Sahakyan. A requiem service was held for those
who fell in the great battle.

Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view photos of this week’s events.

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Holy Etchmiadzin

** Catholicos Congratulates Primate
————————————————————
This week, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, sent a congratulatory letter to
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian on the occasion of the latter’s
re-election as Primate of the Eastern Diocese.

`We congratulate you and the Diocesan delegates, and approve your
election with our blessings,’ wrote His Holiness. `We are confident
that you will productively continue your important, dutiful mission,
for the glory of God and for the prosperity of your Diocese and our
holy Apostolic church.’

Catholicos Karekin concluded by exhorting continued support of the
Primate from `the dedicated clergy and faithful of the Eastern
Diocese.’

Archbishop Barsamian was re-elected to a seventh term of service as
Primate on May 2, during the annual Diocesan Assembly, which met this
year in New York City. His Holiness’ letter was the final element of
the election process: according to the Diocesan Bylaws, the candidate
chosen by the Diocesan Assembly becomes the duly constituted Primate
upon confirmation by the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Saro Kalayjian
Saro Kalayjian will graduate from St. Nersess Seminary on Friday.

** St. Nersess Seminary Graduation to be Held Friday
————————————————————
On Friday, May 30, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will celebrate the
graduation of sub-deacon Saro Kalayjian.

Sub-deacon Saro grew up attending St. Mary Church of Washington, DC,
where his father, the Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, served as a pastor
for many years. He entered St. Nersess Seminary in 2010 to pursue a
master of divinity degree and to prepare for the priesthood in the
Armenian Church.

The graduation ceremony will begin with a vespers service at 4 p.m. in
the seminary chapel. A reception will follow. The public is welcome to
attend. For information, call the seminary at (914) 636-2003.

Holy Cross Church in Van
Holy Cross Church, a precious jewel of Armenian architecture, on
Aghtamar island in Lake Van.

** 2014 Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
————————————————————
Registration is open for the Eastern Diocese’s pilgrimage to historic
Armenia, scheduled for September 3 to 15, 2014.

Participants will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on
the island of Aghtamar, and take part in prayer services at the
St. Giragos Armenian Church of Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church
in Kayseri.

The pilgrimage also includes visits to other cities of historic
Armenia=80’Kharpert, Malatya, and Sepastia, and other locales. The
journey will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
Armenian Patriarchate.

Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view a flyer for registration information. To view a short film
about the Diocese’s 2012 pilgrimage to historic Armenia, click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
.

Tatev monastery, Armenia
The monastery of Datev in Armenia.

** FAR Young Professionals Trip
————————————————————
The Fund for Armenian Relief’s project director Arto Vorperian
recently gave an interview about FAR’s upcoming Young Professionals
Trip. Mr. Vorperian, who has been leading the trip since its inception
19 years ago, discussed the mission and history of the program. Click
here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to read the interview on FAR’s blog.

The trip is 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 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.

For the first time in its history, the Fund for Armenian Relief’s
Young Professionals Trip is offering prospective travelers several
travel options to choose from. In addition to the basic tour of
Armenia, which runs from July 7 to 14, participants can extend their
trip by adding a week either in historic Armenia (July 14 to 19) or
Nagorno-Karabagh (July 15 to 19).

Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to learn more about this year’s program, or contact Arto Vorperian at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for information.

** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
Mesrob Mashdots Blvd in Providence
Fr. Shnork Souin and Mayor Angel Tavares hold up the new street sign.

** Providence Street Named After Mesrob Mashdots
————————————————————

On Sunday, May 4, Providence Mayor Angel Tavares visited the city’s
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church. Following the celebration of
the Divine Liturgy, the Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, parish pastor, blessed
Mayor Tavares and offered a prayer for the city of Providence and the
state of Rhode Island.

The mayor renamed Jefferson Street-the home of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church-Mesrob Mashdots Boulevard. A new sign was dedicated on this
occasion, and Mayor Tavares spoke about the contributions of the
Armenian community.

The mayor’s visit was one of a series of events the parish has planned
to observe its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration will
culminate in June with a weekend of services and events (see the
events section below).

St. Stepanos Church, Elberon, NJ
Fr. Daniel Karadjian congratulates Aida Kado, recipient of the
parish’s “Mother and Woman of the Year Award.”

** Mother’s Day Dinner in Elberon
————————————————————

On Saturday, May 14, St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, hosted a
Mother’s Day dinner and presented its `Mother and Woman of the Year
Award’ to parish council chair Aida Kado.

Master of ceremonies Krikor Toufayan welcomed parishioners and guests
to the dinner. Students of the parish Armenian School gave several
performances. Altar server Maurice Lahham surprised the audience with
a piano recital and sang a song accompanied by his piano teacher.

Roberta Ervine, professor of Armenian Studies at St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, gave a presentation titled `Armenian
Mothers of Faith.’ She spoke about the ancient Armenian city of Ani,
the role of women during that period, and the significance of
motherhood in Armenian culture.

Fr. Daniel Karadjian, parish pastor, spoke about the honoree’s
devotion to the church. Letters of congratulations were read from
clergy and guests who could not be present at the May 14
event. Mrs. Kado’s children spoke with love and respect about their
mother, and several parishioners reflected on her many contributions
to St. Stepanos Church.

The event was chaired by Yn. Mariam Karadjian, and sponsored by the
Lahham family. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view photos.

Upcoming events

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

St. Mary Church | Livingston, NJ
St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, will host pianist Karine Poghosyan
in concert on Saturday, May 31. The concert will be held in the
church’s Toufayan Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.

St. Mary Church will host a golf outing on Thursday, June 5, at the
Rock Spring Club in West Orange, NJ. The day begins at 11:30 a.m. and
concludes with a reception and dinner scheduled for 5:30
p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to download a flyer and registration form.

St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host its annual picnic on
Sunday, June 1, from 12 to 5 p.m., on church grounds. In the spirit of
the traditional Armenian tashtahantes (open-country feast), the menu
will include chicken, lamb or luleh kebab with salad, boureg, and
pilaf. The Michael Gostanian ensemble will perform. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view a flyer for information, or call the church office at (201)
791-2862.

St. Leon Church will host an evening with young Armenian filmmakers
from Columbia University on Thursday, June 12 at 7 p.m. View
screenings of five short films and hear from the directors. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.

St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will host its
annual picnic on Sunday, June 8, from 12 to 6 p.m. Enjoy music by the
John Vartan Ensemble, homemade Armenian mezze and pastries, luleh and
chicken kebab, raffles, and other activities. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view a flyer for information, or call (914) 428-2595.

St. James Church | Watertown, MA
St. James Church of Watertown, MA, will host its annual picnic and
Armenian Festival on Sunday, June 8, on church grounds. Enjoy Armenian
food, live music, activities for children, and more. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.

St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY
St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will host its annual Armenian
Festival on June 7 and 8, on church grounds. Enjoy kebob meals, music
by the John Berberian Ensemble, cooking demonstrations, church tours,
carnival games for children, and more during this weekend-long
event. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to visit the parish website for information, or call the church office
at (518) 274-3673.

Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church | Providence, RI
The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence,
RI, will host its annual Children’s Talent Show on Saturday, May 31,
at 7 p.m. in the church’s Egavian Cultural Center. Enjoy performances
by the Nazeli Dance Group, art exhibitions of student work, and
more. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view a flyer for information.

The centennial celebration at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church will
culminate the weekend of June 13. On Friday, June 13, Maestro
Konstantin Petrossian will lead the Armenian chorales and orchestra of
Rhode Island and Greater Worcester in a concert celebrating a century
of faith, hope, and light. The concert will be held in Cranston, RI,
and will feature soloists from Armenia, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
and New York. Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
for information.

On Saturday, June 14, the parish will host a gala banquet at the
Marriott Hotel in Providence. The mistress of ceremonies will be Rhode
Island State Representative Katherine Kazarian. The Rev. Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, will give the keynote
address. On Sunday, June 15, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan
Primate, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. A centennial khatchar will
be dedicated after the service.

** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
ACYOA Assembly and Sports Weekend
ACYOA Central Council members with Archbishop Barsamian at the General
Assembly.

** ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend
————————————————————
Youth and clergy from across the Eastern Diocese gathered in New York
City last weekend for the 68th annual ACYOA General Assembly.

The two-day meeting, held May 22-23 at the Diocesan Center in
Manhattan, and the annual Sports Weekend activities that followed,
were hosted by the ACYOA chapter of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside,
NY. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided over the
General Assembly and delivered a message to delegates on Friday
morning.

More than 500 people took part in Sports Weekend activities, which
included a cruise on the Hudson River and the annual awards
banquet. On Sunday, May 25, the Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan celebrated
the Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs Church in Bayside, NY. Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian blessed the new ACYOA Central Council during an
installation service following the Divine Liturgy.

Click on the following links to read more
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
and to view photos
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
.

ACYOA Hye Mrtsoom
ACYOA Juniors make sandwiches for a local shelter during last
weekend’s Hye M’rtsoom program.

** St. James Church Hosts Hye M’rtsoom
————————————————————
ACYOA Juniors gathered over Memorial Day weekend at St. James Church
of Watertown, MA, for the 39th annual Hye M’rtsoom program. The parish
hosted a record-breaking 248 participants from 16 parishes across the
Diocese.

The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, pastor of St. James Church; Yn. Natasha
Aljalian; and St. James youth minister Maria Derderian worked
alongside dedicated community members to ensure the success of the
weekend.

All events were held at the St. James Church’s Charles Mosesian
Cultural and Youth Center, and participants were housed with local
families. Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s director of Youth and Young
Adult Ministries, was present throughout the weekend, and delivered
the =80=9CInsights’ message at the conclusion of the morning service
on Saturday. The service was led by the Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian,
pastor of Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA.

On Sunday, May 25, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan
Vicar, celebrated the Divine Liturgy. His sermon focused on the
weekend’s theme of `Find Your Greatness.’ On Sunday evening,
participants gathered for a banquet and dance.

Click on the following links for a complete list of sports winners
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
and to view photos
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
from Hye M’rtsoom.

** EVENTS
————————————————————
Clash

** Summer Concert on the Cathedral Plaza
————————————————————

St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will host `A Night Under the Stars’
featuring the Huyser Music Ensemble on Friday, June 6, on the
cathedral plaza. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

The evening’s program-`Project 2 Clash’=80’will feature a `clash’ of
different musical instruments, talents, and genres. It will include
Armenian pop and folk music, contemporary jazz, and Spanish guitar
music.

Click here
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)
to view a flyer for ticket information, or visit
(‘9d393691-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-949d393691-159688434)

NAZARBAYEV OFFERS ARMENIA TO JOIN EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION WITHOUT KARABAKH

May 29, 2014 | 16:08

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev pointed at a political
“incident” with Armenia’s accession to Customs Union,Izvestiyanewspaper
reported.

“There is an unpleasant topic. Not to instigate a person in Azerbaijan
[Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev – Izvestiya], you joined the WTO
this way, and you need to join the Eurasian Union within the borders
recognized by the UN, with the reservation [without Nagorno-Karabakh
and several other areas of the former Azerbaijan SSR – Izvestiya],”
Nzarbayev said.

The treaty on establishment of Eurasian Economic Union was signed by
the leaders of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan in Astana on Thursday.

President Serzh Sargsyan participated in the meeting of Supreme
Eurasian Economic Council and offered to sign a treaty on Armenia’s
accession till June 15, 2014.

Fuller Center for Housing Armenia
96 Sarmen st. Yerevan 0019
Tel: (+374 10) 52 47 12
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Rouzanne Sakanyan

Republic of Artsakh and Fuller Center for Housing Armenia Partnership
Official Launch

May 28, 2014, Berdzor, Republic of Artsakh: The Fuller Center for
Housing Armenia(FCHA) team with the Prime Minister of the Republic of
Artsakh, Ara Harutyunyan marked the official launch of the Artsakh
project. The launch of the program in the Republic of Artsakh coincided
with the day of the Declaration of Independence of Armenia as well as
the launch of the FCHA’s 300th house construction.

`It is symbolic that we launch such a wonderful project on this day, which
shows the development of liberated Berdzor. Thanks to the Fuller project
and its donors for this chance. I’m looking forward to seeing quick
expansion of this program in Artsakh, with the support of the government,’
said Ara Harutyunyan.

`’May is a month of victories for our nation; may the symbolism have its
impact on the project too and may it be a prosperous and contagious one
with more families assisted,” in his opening remarks said Ashot
Yeghiazaryan, FCHA president.

The May 28th launch of the program started with the construction of the
symbolic 300th home. The partners joined the Khachatryan family of three
helping them build their home.

Lyudvig and his parents lost their home during the Nagorno-Karabagh
conflict when their village – Maragha – was invaded by Azeri and up to now
it remains under their control. Ludvig has met his future wife in Berdzor,
the latter had moved to Berdzor from the city of Masis, Ararat region,
Republic of Armenia . The family had to earn their living and build a home
at the same time. The Khachatryans managed to build two small rooms during
the first 4 years, lived there for a while but soon they sold it and left
for earning their living abroad. Later in 2010 the couple returned to
their homeland. They managed to buy a half constructed house with only the
walls built and the roof installed. They renovated the roof with the
support of the municipality. Since then the family has been trying to
complete the construction of the half-built house and finally have simple
housing conditions.

`The launch of this program is encouraging. Each resident of our town came
here with an only dream to build and strengthen our land and we all still
believe in it; your support will make us stronger in our dreams and we will
continue working hard to create a better future for the coming generation’
– said Lyudvig, the family father.

Thanks to this collaboration, the Khachatryans will have finally completed
the construction of their dream home by the end of year. The Khachatryan
family house is sponsored by Minakian and Candan families.

Up to now enough funds have been raised from individual donors to sponsor
three families to be assisted in the frames of this project.

All Armenians and interested sponsors are encouraged to participate in the
Artsakh Project. The completion of a half-built home is $10,500 and a
renovation project is $2,900. To join this new movement, please send your
donation to: The Fuller Center for Housing, Inc., PO Box 523, Americus,
Georgia 31709, USA. Be sure to add `Armenia-Artsakh’ in the memo line.
Online donations can be made by going to:

. All donations from
USA are tax-deductible.

The Fuller Center for Housing Armenia is a non-governmental, charitable
organization that supports community development in the Republics of
Armenia and Artsakh by assisting in building and renovating simple, decent
and affordable homes, as well as advocating the right to a decent shelter
as a matter of conscience and action. FCHA provides long-term,
interest-free loans to low-income families. The monthly repayments flow
into a Revolving Fund, which is used to help more families, thereby
providing a financial foundation for sustainable community development. Up
to now the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia has assisted 300 families. For
more information, please visit
or email us at
[email protected]

###

KHRISTENKO SAYS JUNE IS REAL DEADLINE FOR ARMENIA TO JOIN EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION

YEREVAN, May 29. / ARKA /. Head of the Eurasian Economic Commission
Viktor Khristenko said today that June was a real deadline for Armenia
to sign the agreement on joining the Eurasian Economic Union. He said
there remained still a few unresolved issues, according to Russian
RIA Novosti news agency.

Earlier today Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan called for signing
the treaty on the country’s joining the Eurasian Economic Union till
June 15.

A draft document has been prepared, Sargsyan said at a session of the
Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on Thursday in Astana, Kazakhstan.

“It will take two or three days to find mutually advantageous decisions
on the remaining issues,” Sargsyan said, according to Itar-Tass.

“I confirm that the country is ready to take necessary measures in
order to submit the treaty to the parliament shortly and approve it,”
he said.

In a related development Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev said
at the meeting that Azerbaijan believes that Armenia can join the
Eurasian Economic Union within the boundaries, with which it had
joined the WTO in 2003.

“We have received a letter from the president of Azerbaijan that
Armenia joined the WTO with the proviso that the provisions of the
related agreement will apply to Armenia’s internationally recognized
borders, both by the UN and the WTO,’ he was quoted as saying by RIA
Novosti. -0-

– See more at:

ARMENIA AND WORLD BANK SIGN TWO LOAN AGREEMENTS WORTH $51.2 MILLION

YEREVAN, May 23. / ARKA /. Armenian Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan
and head of the World Bank Yerevan Office, Jean-Michel Happi, have
signed today two loan agreements worth a total of $51.2 million,
which will be used to finance educational and social programs.

The Ministry of Finance said under the Second Social Protection
Administration Project signed with the International Development Agency
(IDA), Armenia will receive a credit of $ 21.2 million (13.9 million
SDR). This program aims to improve social protection service delivery
and strengthen analytical and monitoring and evaluation functions of
the agencies delivering.

Under the Education Improvement Project in Armenia the country will
receive a loan of $30 million, half of which will be provided by the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and
the second half, an equivalent of 9 8 million SDR, will be provided
by the IDA.

This project will support the improvement of school readiness for
children entering primary education and the physical conditions in
upper-secondary schools. It will also promote greater links between
higher education institutions and labor market in Armenia.

Since joining the World Bank in 1992 and IDA in 1993, the commitments
to Armenia total approximately US$ 1.839.06 billion. -0-

– See more at:

NO GOVERNMENT WILL EVER GRANT SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS TO OPPOSITION – GAGIK JHANGIRYAN

16:09 * 28.05.14

In an interview with Tert.am Armenian National Congress (ANC)
parliamentary group member Gagik Jhangiryan said that no government
ever grant supervisory functions to opposition political forces.

“I do not believe that there will ever be a government that would grant
all or some of the supervisory functions to the opposition. It is
of the ‘good wishes’ genre. Of course, in some countries opposition
members hold the posts of Chairman of the Control Chamber or any
other supervisory body, according to the Constitution or laws. But
we have not had such traditions.”

Moreover, Armenia’s authorities are taking even more than they are
supposed to have.

“And now we want the authorities to hand the means of supervision
over to us. But it would be a fantastic performance. You need vivid
imagination to make such suppositions,” Jhangiryan said.

With respect to Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan’s statement
that he does not object to the opposition performing supervisory
functions, but it is not able to properly former them, Jhangiryan
said that the premier just avoided the question.

“I think the opposition will never be trusted because they are always
finding an excuse. But can the authorities be trusted?”

Armenian News – Tert.am

UK AMBASSADOR: FIRST REPUBLIC DAY IS SYMBOLIC MOMENT OF HISTORY FOR PROUD NATION

May 28, 2014 | 12:15

UK Ambassador Kathy Leach congratulated Armenia with the First
Republic Day.

“Warm congratulations to Armenia as it celebrates today the
establishment of its First Republic- an important, symbolic moment of
history for this proud nation,” says the message on embassy’s Facebook.

Armenia celebrates First Republic Day on May 28. The May 28
celebrations in Armenia are traditionally held at Sardarapat Memorial,
which eternalizes the memory of the Armenian heroes who prevented a
Turkish invasion of Armenia in 1918.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR: SALE OF TANKS TO AZERBAIJAN JUST BUSINESS, NOT POLITICS

May 28, 2014 | 11:25

YEREVAN. – Russian Ambassador to Armenia said the sale of tanks to
Azerbaijan is pure business, not politics.

“It is business. There is no policy, and one should not focus on such
issues,” Ivan Volynkin told reporters during his visit to Sardarapat
Memorial on the First Republic Day.

As reported earlier, Russia sold a ô-90 tanks to Azerbaijan.

He believes there is nothing terrible in this deal, adding that
military and technical relations with Armenia are developing.

“We also develop military-technical relations with Armenia, it is
trade, there is nothing special,” he emphasized.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
May 27 2014

US senators expected to stall Obama’s nomination for Turkey envoy

John Bass is widely expected to be the White House’s nominee to
replace outgoing Ambassador to Turkey Francis Ricciardone.(Photo:
Reuters)

May 27, 2014, Tuesday/ 18:22:24/ DENÄ°Z ARSLAN/ ANKARA

While current US Ambassador to Turkey Frank Ricciardone is getting
ready to leave his post this summer, two US senators are planning to
stall the White House’s nominee for Ricciardone’s replacement, widely
expected to be Executive Secretary of State and Ambassador John R.
Bass.

The aim would be to put pressure on US President Barack Obama over his
once-close relationship with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
ErdoÄ?an, Today’s Zaman has learned.

The White House has not yet officially announced its nominee for the
post. But Washington sources who wish to remain anonymous told Today’s
Zaman on Tuesday that the US government had officially notified Turkey
about the White House’s intention to nominate Bass.

On April 23 US-based think tank the Atlantic Council named current US
Ambassador to Turkey Ricciardone a vice president and director of its
Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, adding that Ricciardone will
join the council in September.

Bass, a special assistant to US Secretary of State John Kerry,
previously headed the Baghdad reconstruction team and served as
director of the US State Department Operations Center from 2005-08. He
also served as a special adviser to US Vice President Dick Cheney from
2004-05 on Europe and Eurasia.

If Bass gets the nod, his nomination first needs to be officially
announced by the White House. After that, ambassadorial nominations
must pass the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The committee’s
chairman, Robert Menendez, is a staunch supporter of Armenia; his
committee passed a resolution on April 10 recognizing the `Armenian
genocide.’ An expert closely following Turkish-American relations told
Today’s Zaman that it will be very difficult to get this nomination
past the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. First, Menendez needs to
put the nomination on the committee agenda.

Menendez for months delayed the confirmation hearing of a political
consultant President Obama tapped for a South American ambassadorship
last summer. Forty-four-year-old Noah Mamet, a Los Angeles consultant
who helped Obama raise millions for his re-election campaign, was
nominated in June 2013 to be the next ambassador to Argentina. Mamet
struggled until February of this year to get his hearing scheduled.
When he was finally called for a hearing, Mamet admitted to the
committee that he had never been to Argentina. Republican Senator
Marco Rubio from Florida has delayed Mamet’s confirmation, according
to a recent report in The Washington Post.

The expert told Today’s Zaman that even if a Bass nomination passes
the committee, it will be brought to the Senate floor for
confirmation. He said there is a talk in Washington that two US
senators are ready to stall the nomination, though he didn’t provide
any names. He pointed out that a hold on the nomination will not be
about Bass, but about creating an opportunity for senators to express
their uneasiness about recent developments in Turkey.

Obama has already taken criticism from the Senate over compliments he
paid ErdoÄ?an and his close relations with the Turkish prime minister,
especially after reports in the Western press claiming that
al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists were using Turkey’s southern border as
a transit point between Syria and Europe.

Among other issues that the two senators may bring up are the
government’s tight control over Turkish media; limitations on press
freedoms and freedom of expression; blocking social media; officials’
increasing use of anti-American, anti-Israeli rhetoric; and Turkey’s
close relations with Iran.
A comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s relations
with Armenia are also expected to be brought up for discussion on the
Senate floor as part of any confirmation hearings. On those two
foreign policy items, Cyprus and Armenia, Turkey seems to be pushing
for progress. Long-stalled negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus
resumed in early February this year. On the Armenian front, on the eve
of April 24 — which Armenians commemorate what they call `genocide’
— ErdoÄ?an made a surprise statement extending condolences to the
grandchildren of Armenians who were killed under Ottoman rule at the
end of World War ll.

If Bass’ nomination gets stalled on the Senate floor, the identities
of the senators behind the hold don’t necessarily have to be revealed.
According to the expert, the senators may reject the nomination
without even providing a reason.

A deal between Senate majority leader Harry Reid and minority leader
Mitch McConnell in 2010 means that Obama cannot appoint any nominees
while the Senate is in recess either. While the Senate is in recess
the president can usually make recess appointments to fill vacant
positions. Recess appointments still need to be approved by the Senate
by the end of the next session of Congress, however.

Turkey, the expert said, may remain without a US ambassador in Ankara
for a long time.

Khaleej Times, UAE
May 27 2014

UAE geared up to take on Armenia in friendly

27 May 2014

Emirati national team play first warmup on Euro Tour today

The UAE senior national team take on Armenia in the first friendly
during the current European tour at the stade de la fontenette carouge
in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday. The match is set to kickoff at 9pm
(UAE time) and will be streamlined live by the Abu Dhabi Sports
Channels.

The UAE lads are preparing to defend their Gulf Cup title in the 22nd
edition of the regional tournament (Khaliji 22) in Saudi Arabia from
November 13 to 26, 2014 and the Australia 2015 AFC Asian Cup scheduled
from January 9 to 31, 2015.

The confrontation is the first outing for the Whites since March when
they held hosts Uzbekistan to a 1-1 draw in the final round of the
2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Tashkent. It’s also the opener of the
nine friendlies which have been planned by the UAE head coach and his
assistants to fine-tune the squad for the challenges ahead. The second
match will be against Georgia on June 3, followed by Norway on August
27, Belgium September 4 and Morocco four days later. The boys in white
will play two friendlies in the month of October starting with
Australia on October 10 and Uzbekistan on October 14 in the UAE. In
the final training camp for Khaliji 22, UAE will play two games to be
determined later before they face Jordan on September 31 and Kuwait on
January 4 in Australia.

In the meantime, the UAE lads have completed their preparations for
the first test with a final workout under the supervision of the head
coach Mahdi Ali. All the players took part and showed great
determination and enthusiasm to have strong start to the tour.

Al Ain international defender Muhanad Salem Al Enazi said they are
well satisfied with the arrangements during the current tour and all
means of comfort have been provided by the management. “The programme
is also convincing and suited the players. There’s nothing missing and
the players are in their best form though it’s the first gathering
after a long and tough season,” he said.

Regarding their first confrontation against Armenia, Al Enazi said:
“We are looking forward to make it a winning start by implementing the
tactics and strategies of the coach to continue our positive run and
build on this for the future challenges,” he said.

Al Enazi is one of the best players in the local season and won with
his club Al Ain the Arabian Gulf League title last season but he
skipped the final of the President Cup which Al Ain has won due to
suspension. He has also contributed to the success of the national
team in Khaliji 21 in Manama, Bahrain.

The 29-year-old right full back and libro played 2437 minutes in 27
starts with his club and scored five goals.

The FA official partners Abdu Dhabi Sports Channels will streamline
the football match between UAE and Armenia live at 9pm on Tuesday. The
special studio will also provide good coverage for the national team’s
preparations and engagements.

According to Khalil Al Saffar, director of the operations and
production sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Channels commented: “All
arrangements have been completed to ensure the live streamlining of
the match in coordination with the hosts company. UAE clash against
Georgia on June 3 will be also on air.”

Armenian delegation arrives

The delegation of the Armenian national team has arrived in Geneva on
Saturday. All the shortlisted 22 players have reached with delegation
including the professionals who play outside the country in the
European clubs.

They have started their preparations behind closed doors before they
face Algeria and Germany in two friendlies on May 31 and June 6. The
Armenians will face the challenge of Group-9 alongside Albania,
Denmark, Portugal and Serbia.