Author: Babajanian Karo

Azerbaijan is transforming into a mini-Russia
By Ronan Keenan
Feb. 26, 2015

The West’s renewed difficulties with Russia have once again
highlighted the importance of cutting resource-dependency on
antagonistic states. No one can disagree that Europe surely must find
alternative sources of natural gas. And it is vital that the US
establish strong links with former Soviet republics. Accordingly, the
US and Europe have turned to Azerbaijan as an ideal diversifier to
Russia. The young nation has abundant energy resources and a highly
strategic geographic location’wedged between Russia and Iran.

But it turns out there are plenty of reasons to be uneasy about the
West’s blossoming relationship with Azerbaijan. Political repression
and antagonism toward weaker neighbors make the nation seem like a
miniature Russia. Yet aside from empty rhetoric, there is little
evidence that the US or Europe will slow their courtship of president
Ilham Aliyev and his authoritarian regime.

Azerbaijan’s aspirations for global prominence are abundantly clear.
Three flame-shaped towers dominate the skyline of the capital, Baku,
each outfitted in sparkling orange-and-blue-tinted glass. On the
highway to the airport, foreign businessmen are transported by
black-cab taxis imported from London. The nation’s leadership want
Baku to be a magnet for global investment, and over its short history,
it has shown an ability to prosper in a world of decentralized global
order.

Yet, just a couple hundred miles west of the glittering capital,
things are not so glamorous. For nearly 30 years, the mountainous
terrain of the autonomous Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has been a scene
of dire hostility. Legally part of Azerbaijan, the territory has been
governed by ethnic Armenians since a war of secession, stoked by
neighboring Armenia, broke out in the late 1980s. While a 1994
ceasefire is technically still in place, skirmishes along the border
with Azerbaijan proper are common, and tensions between the two
nations have been steadily escalating of late. In July of 2014, border
violence reached an all-time high since 1994, leaving eight
Azerbaijani and two Armenian soldiers dead, according to Reuters; and
both nations pointing fingers as to who violated the ceasefire first.

In January, the mediating Organization for Security and Co-operation
in Europe, or Minsk Group, headed by France, Russia and the United
States, called for a bilateral de-escalation and ordered Azerbaijan to
honor its commitments to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Aliyev
bit back, demanding that `measures must be taken’ by the Minsk Group
to push Armenia out of the territory’saber rattling that no doubt
irritated the Russians, who maintain a mutual defense agreement with
the Armenians.

Nagorno-Karabakh has been just one of several cases in which an
increasingly assertive Azerbaijan has upset both its neighbors and the
West. The country’s burgeoning confidence and geopolitically strategic
importance means that such trends are likely to continue, with little
retort from the US or Europe.

Much of Azerbaijan’s ascendance’both in concrete and self-proclaimed
terms’can be attributed to an incredibly dynamic economy. Between 2006
and 2008, it was the fastest growing in the world, expanding at an
average annual rate of 28%’inspiring massive foreign investment,
capped off by the launch of a Condé Nast glossy. Expansion has since
remained relatively robust, helped by large oil and gas reserves in
the Caspian Sea. However, with about half of the economy reliant on
oil exports, the 50% fall in prices over the past seven months will
inflict a significant drag on growth. Estimates generally indicate
that the economy increased just 4% last year, and a similar figure is
expected for 2015.

Strengthening political and economic relations with China and
increased focus on gas should help boost revenue in future years, but
the near-term sharp deterioration in growth could could provoke
disquiet in a population defined by starkly contrasting levels of
income inequality.

But Aliyev has a number of tools at his disposal for effectively
neutralizing criticism. First, there’s the State Oil Fund of the
Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), which is a $40 billion
sovereign-wealth fund that the government has been using to fill gaps
in the annual budget, sometimes accounting for more than half of
government revenue. Such use of the fund should help ease the impact
of declining oil income over the short-term.

The second tool, which has been more frequently employed since
Aliyev’s reelection in 2013, involves summary crackdowns on all signs
of dissent. Azerbaijan’s growing middle class has become increasingly
attuned to the behavior of elected leadership, particularly signs of
corruption, and repression of political opposition. Aliyev’s response
to criticism has involved arresting investigative journalists and
civil-society activists, in addition to targeting NGOs that promote
democracy, including the US-funded International Research and
Exchanges Board (IREX). The most newsworthy recent instance was the
Dec. 26 raid on the local bureau of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
(RFE/RL), a US government-funded news service.

Aliyev showed little regard for ensuing international criticism. In
September, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning
human-rights offenses in the country. Azerbaijan responded that, `if
this attitude continues, Azerbaijan will be forced to once again
discuss cooperation with the European Parliament.’ Perhaps most
egregious, the raid on RFE/RL came several days after John Kerry spoke
with Aliyev by telephone, beseeching the leader to ease his
suppressive tactics. Clearly, Kerry’s words went unheeded.

In recent weeks, there have been more calls from within the EU and US
for sanctions against Aliyev and his regime. But the likelihood of any
actual reprisals is remote.

This is because condemnation from the US and Europe carries little
weight in Baku. Azerbaijani leadership knows it has something
Europeans need. Gas imports from Azerbaijan took on new significance
in 2014 as Europe sought to dampen reliance on Russia. A $45 billion
Shah Deniz II gas field project will allow Azerbaijan to at least
double gas exports by 2020, and correspondingly increase its role in
European markets by a substantial margin. While Azerbaijani gas will
probably meet only 2% of European demand over the next several years,
a further deterioration in relations with the Kremlin could see a
swift escalation in dependence on Azerbaijan’s resources. Moreover,
the US will be reliant on Azerbaijan as a key transit point when it
transports troops out of Afghanistan.

Notably, Azerbaijan has been unafraid of rankling its more powerful
neighbors’Russia and Iran; a trend that has proven attractive to
Western interests for obvious reasons. The country has angered Iran by
allegedly allowing Israel access to bases near the Iranian border.
Additionally, along with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, it has been in
dispute with Russia and Iran for more than 20 years over maritime
boundaries in the Caspian Sea. And when it came to a 2012 United
Nations resolution condemning the actions of the Assad regime against
Syrian revolutionaries, Azerbaijan sided with the US, and against a
vocally pro-Assad Russia and Iran.

But a special affinity for taking jabs at Putin or the Ayatollah does
not make Azerbaijan an unquestioning doormat to Western interest. In a
short letter to The Wall Street Journal published in early January,
the Azerbaijani ambassador to the US, Elin Suleymanov, claimed that
criticism of the country’s handling of the RFE/RL case was an
`ideological misinformation campaign.’ He added that `financial
mismanagement’ spurred an investigation into RFE/RL, but did not say
why that somehow warranted a raid. The letter also denied that
world-renowned Azerbaijani human-rights activist, Leyla Yunus, was
suffering from ill health while governmental detention, and did not
explain why she was arrested in the first place.

Other methods to deflect negative attention have been more subtle, but
nonetheless disreputable. Last September, The New York Times revealed
that, in 2012, Azerbaijan’s government hired a Washington, DC-based
public relations and lobbying firm with the purpose of expanding its
relationships with US thinktanks’an effort to bolster public opinion
of the republic and highlight its important role as a security partner
in a notoriously fraught region. Former British prime minister Tony
Blair has led a highly criticized public-relations campaign on behalf
of the country.

Such audacity has so far been tacitly encouraged. On January 20,
Germany welcomed Aliyev for a two-day visit that concluded with a
meeting with chancellor Angela Merkel. Issues of human rights and
Nagorno-Karabakh were treated with benign, almost sympathetic
language, and the German leader instead focused on the practicalities
of energy security. Merkel noted the growing role that Azerbaijan
plays in Europe’s energy-sourcing, and added that Germany intends to
further develop relations between the two nations. Merkel cannot be
blamed for focusing on the German national interest. In a world where
Western influence is in decline, domestic issues take precedence.

Azerbaijan’s ability to profit from a growing uncertainty of global
order looks set to continue for now. However, relying
disproportionately on the energy sector for economic growth, stifling
the middle class, and behaving like an indiscriminate gadfly toward
large powers are not viable strategies for long-term stability. It
seems that Aliyev is modeling himself on Vladimir Putin, despite
frequently butting heads with the Russian leader. One would think
that, should it continue to mirror the repressive policies of its
bearish neighbor, Baku would be subject to the same level of
international pushback as Moscow. But, for the time being, Mr. Aliyev
will get away with what he can.

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

February 26, 2015

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:

NATIONAL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON

The national observance in the United States includes special events
that will take place over a three-day period (May 7, 8, 9) in
Washington, DC, that includes an ecumenical prayer service, a
Pontifical Divine Liturgy, a memorial concert, and an awards banquet
honoring those who helped the survivors. The Catholicoi, His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will be present to preside
over the events. Armenians from all over the United States are
expected to participate in solidarity and unity.

Learn more about the national observance in Washington at

().

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:

NEW YORK METRO AREA EVENTS

In New York, commemorative events are being organized by the Armenian
Genocide Centennial Committee of America, Eastern Region, for the
weekend of April 24 that will take place in New York City. On Friday
evening, April 24, services will take place at both St. Vartan
Cathedral and St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. A candlelight vigil will
follow at the United Nations. On Sunday, April 26, a united Divine
Liturgy, presided by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in New York
City, to be followed by a rally in Times Square that will include the
participation of national public figures and cultural
performances. The participation of all parish communities and
organizations in the Eastern Region is expected to bring together many
thousands of Armenian Americans to the =80=9Ccrossroads of the world.’

PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF 21 CHRISTIANS

By the directive of the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, Requiem Services
will be conducted in all parishes of the Eastern Prelacy this Sunday,
March 1, for the souls of the 21 Coptic Christians who were brutally
martyred last week by Islamist extremists in Libya. The Prelate has
also directed the parishes to conduct a special plate collection on
Sunday to assist the families of the 21 victims.

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent
letters of condolence to the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
and Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In his
letters, His Holiness wrote about the dangerous consequences of
extremism that could jeopardize the peaceful Christian-Muslim
coexistence in the region. He emphasized the urgency of combating
extremism in all its forms and expressions.

In his directive to the parishes, Archbishop Oshagan called for
prayers for worldwide peace, especially in the Middle East, and also
for the safety of 220 Christians, mostly Assyrian, who were kidnapped
this week by ISIS terrorists from various villages in the Hassakeh
province in northern Syria.

NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CONFERENCE RALLIES

AROUND GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL AND VISIT OF CATHOLICOS ARAM

The New England Regional Conference took place last Saturday, hosted
by Holy Trinity Church of Worcester, Massachusetts. Focal points of
discussion included the centennial observances in New York City and
Washington, DC, and
the upcoming pontifical visit by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.

Pastors, members of the boards of trustees, and delegates to the
National Representative Assembly attended the one-day seminar that
provided the opportunity to share ideas.

More photos and article by Tom Vartabedian here
().

Participants at the New England Regional Conference last Saturday in
Worcester. (Photo by Tom Vartabedian)

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, March 1, Third Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday
of the Prodigal Son are: Isaiah 54:11-55:13; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1;
Luke 15:1-32.

So he told them this parable: `Which one of you, having a hundred
sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the
wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When
he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he
comes home he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to
them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just
so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no
repentance.

`Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does
not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she
finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and
neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I
had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the
angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

Then Jesus said, `There was a man who had two sons. The younger of
them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of the property
that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them.
A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a
distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute
living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place
throughout the country, and he began to be in need. So he went and
hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him
to his fields to feed the pigs. He would have gladly filled himself
with the pods that the pigs were eating;
and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said,
`How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare,
but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and
I will say to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before
you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of
your hired hands.’ So he set off and went to his father. But while he
was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion;
he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said
to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no
longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his
slaves,
`Quickly, bring out a robe-the best one-and put it
on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the
fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of
mine was
dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began
to celebrate.’

`Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached
the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and
asked what was going on. He replied, `Your brother has come, and your
father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe
and sound.’ Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came
out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, `Listen!
For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I
have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a
young goat
so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours
came
back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the
fatted calf for him!’ Then the father said to him, `Son, you are
always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate
and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to
life; he was lost and has been found.” (Luke 15:1-32)

For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here
().

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM

This Saturday, February 28, we commemorate St. Cyril (315-386) of
Jerusalem, a doctor of the church. St. Cyril had a pleasant and
conciliatory disposition, but he lived at a time when bishops were
embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to condemn any
attempts at compromises, even calling such attempts as
treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as a bishop were spent
in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of the possessions
of the church to raise money for the poor starving people. He was
condemned for selling church property and was banished. His best known
work
that has survived, `The Catechetical Lectures,’ is believed to be one
of the earliest systematic accounts of Christian theology. The
lectures consist of an introductory lecture, followed by eighteen
lectures on the Christian faith that were used during Lent for those
preparing to be
baptized on Easter, and five lectures on the sacraments to be used
after Easter. The lectures have been translated into many languages,
including English and Armenian, and are noted for their presentation
of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a balance
between correct belief and holy action.

Thousands of pilgrimages would come to Jerusalem for Holy Week. Cyril
instituted the liturgical forms for that week as they were observed in
Jerusalem. A detailed account of Holy Week observances in Jerusalem in
the fourth century is available thanks to a woman named Egeria
(Etheria), believed to be a Spanish nun, who made a pilgrimage to
Jerusalem and kept a journal describing the liturgical practices at
the various holy sites.

SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 1, is the
Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the prodigal son shows
God’s fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who repent. (See
Bible reading above).

Light from light, generation and down, you came to seek out the
wondering sheep of our nature which you carried together with the
cross on your shoulder; purify us also from our sins.

Holiest of the holy, purifier of those who exist, you swept your
house, purified the world from sins and having found your image in it
you renewed it, renew us also from our ancient sins.

With the prodigal son we cry out to you, tender-hearted Father, we
have sinned against heaven and before you, the purifier from sins;
come out with love to meet us, embrace us with a kiss and purify us
from our sins.

Holy Mother of God, fountain of life which flowed from the heavenly
Eden, which watered the thirsting earth with the Spirit’s wisdom, pray
that we may be given a fountain of tears for the cleansing of our
sins.

(From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church for the Third
Sunday of
Lent, Sunday of the Prodigal Son.)

THE SUNRISE SERVICE (AREVAKAL)

Although there are references to a Sunrise Service in the Armenian
Church as early as the 7th century, the service as we know it today is
the work of
the 12th century Catholicos, St. Nerses Shnorhali (The Graceful) whose
music and prayers have greatly enriched the Armenian Church.

During Lent the Sunrise Service, which traditionally took place on
Wednesday and Friday mornings during Lent, takes place on Sundays
immediately following the closed-altar Divine Liturgy.

Although the Church takes on a mournful demeanor during Lent, the
Sunrise Service is quite joyous with its main theme being `light,’
representing our Lord. The word light (looys) appears more than any
other word throughout the service, whereas the word `darkness’
(khavar) is used just once.

The service consists of four parts, or sets. Each one follows the same
pattern starting with a hymn, followed by a litany by the deacon, and
a prayer
by the priest. Each set has a different theme. Readings are from the
book of Psalms.

The joyful music of the hymns and the stirring words make this one of
the most pleasant and spiritually uplifting services in the Armenian
Church.

LENTEN REFLECTIONS CONTINUE

The second of the Prelacy’s six-part Lenten Program took place last
night, Wednesday, February 25, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New
York City, with church service and reflections and meal fellowship,
presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. The program will
continue on
subsequent Wednesdays during Lent.

This year, instead of faith-based topics, the Lenten reflections are
focusing on diverse aspects of the Armenian Genocide, in commemoration
of the centennial anniversary. The reflections are presented by young
adults, three every Wednesday. Last night’s presentations were offered
by Sossi Essajanian, Melineh Mesrobian, and Arousiag Markarian.

Next Wednesday, March 4, reflections will be presented by Seta
Tavitian Megherian, Yeraz Markarian Meschian, Ph.D., and Tamar
Harutunian, Esq.

The Lenten Program is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy’s Ladies Guild (PLG), and the
Ladies’ Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.

The presenters last night were Sossi Essajanian, Melineh Mesrobian,
Arousiag Markarian.

Last week’s reflections by Lori Hatem Asquith, Esq., Ara Sarajian,
and Krikor Yeremian can be seen here
().

MUSICAL ARMENIA

The annual Musical Armenia concert series presented by the Eastern
Prelacy
of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Prelacy Ladies Guild, will
take place Friday, March 20, 2015 at 8 p.m. in Weill Recital Hall at
Carnegie Hall in New York City. The high standards of professionalism
as represented by
the roster of artists featured during the past years will continue
with this year’s thirty-second concert of the series. A duo of
exceptionally talented musicians, Patil Harboyan, pianist, and Heather
Tuach, cellist,
in a program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, will present the works of Armenian composers, including
Atamian, Babajanian, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and
Talalyan. A considerable part of
the program will be devoted to the work of the great Armenian composer
and
musicologist Komitas Vardapet, who was among the intellectuals and
leaders
arrested on April 24, 1915, at the onslaught of the Armenian
Genocide. Continue reading the entire press release here
().

SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER

The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.

Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your
pocketbooks.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.

THE NEED IS REAL.

THE NEED IS GREAT.

DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON
LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE
() AND SELECT SYRIAN
ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR
DONATION TO:

Armenian Prelacy

138 E. 39th Street

New York, NY 10016

Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief

Thank you for your help

UNITED ARMENIAN FUND SHIPS $17 MILLION OF AID

The United Armenian Fund delivered over $17 million of humanitarian
assistance to Armenia and Artsakh from October 1, 2013 to September
30, 2014, according to a recent audit of its financial statements. The
UAF spent only 2%
of its total revenues on administrative expenses, allocating the
remaining
98% to assisting the people of Armenia and Artsakh.

In the past 25 years, the UAF has delivered to Armenia and Artsakh a
grand
total of $697 million worth of relief supplies on board 158 airlifts
and 2,192 sea containers. The UAF is the collective efforts of the
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary Association of
America, Armenian Relief Society, Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.

THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY

Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

Armenia becomes a member of the United Nations (March 2, 1992)

The Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia declared the
independence of Armenia by 213 votes to 0 on September 23, after the
popular referendum of September 21 had answered with an overwhelming
`Yes’ to the question whether Armenians wanted independence.

The three Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) had been
incorporated into the United Nations in September 1991, and thus,
Lithuania recognized the independence of Armenia in November. However,
international recognition essentially started after December 10, 1991,
the date when the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
was officially dissolved. Ironically, Turkey was among the first
countries to recognize Armenian independence on December 24, 1991, one
day before the United States, but has refused to establish diplomatic
relations until the present.

The Republic of Armenia officially applied for membership in the
United Nations on January 23, 1992. Six days later, the U.N. Security
Council discussed the application of Armenia in its session 3035 and
advised the U.N. General Assembly to incorporate the newly independent
Republic as a member (resolution 735, January 29, 1992).

On March 2, 1992, Ambassador Samir S. Shihabi of Saudi Arabia opened
the meeting of the U.N. General Assembly as its president. Secretary
General Boutros Boutros-Ghali placed on the agenda the application of
nine countries, eight of them former Soviet republics (Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kirguizia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
and Uzbekistan), as well as San Marino, which previously had enjoyed
observer status. The Republic of Armenia was represented by Foreign
Minister Raffi Hovannisian; Armenian ambassador to the United Nations,
Alexander Arzumanian, and Armenian ambassador to the United Kingdom,
Armen Sargsyan. Some 30 representatives of the Armenian
American community were also attending, including Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church, of blessed memory.

A large crowd gathered on March 2, 1992, to witness the raising of the
tricolor of the Republic of Armenia in fron of the United Nations
headquarters
in New York City.

The need to find a solution to the ongoing crisis of Karabagh was
noted by
the representatives of the United States, the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Russian Federation, and
the European Community. Foreign Minister Hovannisian spoke and, after
greeting those present in Armenian, continued speaking in English and
declared that Armenia wanted a peaceful resolution of the issue.

The resolution 46/227 of the General Assembly was approved on the same
day. Due to the civil war, the membership of Georgia was to be
approved in July 1992.

The representatives of the invited countries, led by Boutros-Ghali,
were invited to the ceremony of the raising of the flags at 1:30
p.m. Thousands of Armenians had gathered outside the United Nations
headquarters and their overwhelming applause greeted Raffi Hovannisian
while he raised the Armenian flag. The tricolor floating in front of
the United Nations became a symbol of Armenia’s membership in the
international community.

In remembrance of this historic date, the government of the Republic
of Armenia issued a resolution on March 23, 2012, which established
March 2 as the day of the diplomat of the Republic of Armenia.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE

100th ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE AT THE BOOKSTORE. . .

The Prelacy’s Bookstore has an extensive collection of books (in
Armenian and English) about the Genocide including histories, novels,
memoirs, eyewitness testimonies, poetry, and essays. We continue to
feature two titles from the Bookstore’s collection.

British Reports on Ethnic Cleansing in Anatolia, 1919-1922

Compiled by Vartkes Yeghiayan

These British reports shed new documentary light on the ethnic
cleansing that was carried out in Anatolia in the post World War I
period, from 1919-1922, and became part of the so-called Turkish `war
of independence’ that ended with the disappearance of Greeks and
Armenians from their historical lands and the foundation of the
Republic of Turkey.

Softcover, $20.00, plus shipping & handling

British Diplomacy and the Armenian Question, from the 1830s to 1914

By Arman J. Kirakossian

This volume traces the development of British foreign policy regarding
the
Ottoman Empire, its Armenian population, and other ethnic elements. It
explores British diplomatic activities and the British government’s
role at various stages of the Armenian Question.

Softcover, $32.00, plus shipping and handling

To order these or other books, contact the Prelacy Bookstore by
telephone (212-689-7810) or by email ([email protected]).

ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER

Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

If Something Is Scarce, Then It is Expensive

The name of the toothed cutting tool that we today call saw has
evolved over time. It was sawe in Middle English and sagu in Old
English. The name has a common origin with all Germanic languages, and
the common root is Proto-Germanic

sago, a word that meant `a cutting tool’ and came from an
Indo-European root meaning `to cut.’

This looks very straightforward, and it is interesting to see how the
same
concept varies from language to language. The word saw in Armenian is
sughots (Õ½Õ²Õ¸Ö=81), a composite term which comes from the root soogh
(Õ½Õ¸Ö=82Õ²) and the suffix -ots (Õ¸Ö=81). The origin of soogh,
however, is unknown.

What does this root mean? It has nothing to do, in appearance, with
cutting. Soogh means `scarce, brief, short.’ (The word sughakrutiun
(Õ½Õ²Õ¡Õ£Ö=80Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶, =80=9Cshort-writing’), for instance, is
the Armenian term for =80=9Cshorthand.’) Thus, sughots literally means
`that makes small.’ When you use a saw, you cut something into pieces
and make it smaller than the original.

Everything is good so far. But some readers are probably aware of the
word
soogh `expensive’ and the noun sughootioon (Õ½Õ²Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶
`expensiveness’). This meaning only exists in Western Armenian,
including several of its dialects; if Eastern Armenian speakers hear
these words, they understand soogh as =80=9Cscarce’ and sughootioon as
`scarcity.’ For them, `expensive’ is tang (Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯) and
=80=9Cexpensiveness’ is tangootioon
(Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯Õ¸Ö=82Õ©Õ«Ö=82Õ¶). However, it is intriguing that speakers of
both branches share the composite adjective tangakeen
(Õ©Õ¡Õ¶Õ¯Õ¡Õ£Õ«Õ¶, `valuable’).

But how come soogh means both `scarce’ and expensive’? The explanation
is very simple: the economic principle of demand and supply. Something
abundant has a cheap value, but if that same item is scarce, then it
becomes expensive. Thus, the origin of the meaning `expensive’ for the
word soogh.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST WITH FR. NAREG TERTERIAN

(Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York)

Episode 26: Interview with Professor Mark Movsesian, `Christians in
the Middle East from the Armenian Genocide to ISIS.’ Click to
listen. ()

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 28-March 1-Armenian Relief Society Youth Connect Program,
at New York University, `Looking Beyond the Centennial.’ Featuring:
Khatchig Mouradian, ARS Youth Connect Program Director; Speakers,
Scout Tufankjian, Photojournalist and Eric Nazarian, Filmmaker. For
Armenian college students, 18-25 years old. Deadline for registration
(required) January 30. Space is limited. $25 registration fee includes
meals and the evening dinner. Overnight accommodation available for
out-of-town students. For more information: [email protected] or
617-926-3801.

March 1-One Nation, One Culture: A Cultural Evening of Song & Dance
dedicated to the Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary, Felician
College, 262 South Main Street, Lodi, New Jersey at 4 pm. Organized by
the New Jersey
chapter of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, with
co-sponsorship of AGBU Ararat NY, Homenetmen Regional Executive,
Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, and Tekeyan Cultural
Association of Greater New York.

March 5-Official opening of Exhibit on Armenian textiles, `Stitching
to Survive: Handwork of Armenian Women,’ 6-8 pm, at the United
Nations, New York. Reception to follow. Organized by the Armenian
Relief Society, Inc., and the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN.

March 5-27-Solo Exhibition of art by Seeroon Yeretzian,
N.A.W.A. Gallery, 80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1405, New York City, Tuesday
to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. Opening reception on March 5, 5 pm to 8
pm. For information: 212-675-1616.

March 6-Conference, `Rebuilding a Nation: The Armenian Woman’s Century
of Resistance and Empowerment,’ 10 am-4 pm, at
Salvation Army Auditorium, 221 East 52nd Street, New York
City. Organized by the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the
Armenian Relief Society, Inc.

March 6-8-National Athletic Tournament, hosted by the North Andover
(Massachusetts) `Sassoun’ AYF Chapter; accommodations, Andover Wyndham
Hotel, 978-975-3600, book under `AYF’ for special rate ($109); March
6, Characters Sports Club, 7 pm-midnight for those over 21; March 7,
basketball & volleyball, Lawrence High School field house, 70-71 North
Parish Road, Lawrence; 8 am-6 pm, mini-bus transportation
available. Saturday night dance at hotel, 8:30 pm with Kevork Artinian
& Friends. For tickets: Rich Minasian [email protected] or
201-218-7126. Contact Mgo Kassabian for flight information,
[email protected].

March 7-Cultural program in commemoration of the 100th anniversary
of the Armenian genocide, sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society of
Eastern USA, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate. At 7 pm at
Waterside Restaurant & Catering, 7800 River Road, North Bergen, New
Jersey. Donation: $100. For information: Knar Kiledjian 201-233-1566;
Lena Orangian 516-724-3005 or by email to [email protected].

March 7-The 2015 Kyrkostas Concert, sponsored by the Anthropology
Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Museum at Queens
College will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide by celebrating the accomplishments of the musicians, dancers,
and artists of the survivors. At 7 pm at Kaloustian Hall, at the
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, 209-15 Horace Harding Boulevard,
Bayside, New York. Reception will follow the program. Donation $15 per
person (2 for $25), children 12 and under $5. For information,
directions and reservations: 718-428-5650.

March 8-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, Ladies Guild Lenten Luncheon, following the Divine
Liturgy. For
information: 201-943-2950.

March 13-15-`Responsibility 2015,’ International conference for
Armenian Genocide’s centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,
featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and
artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under
the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America,
Eastern Region. for information.

March 15-Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, Annual Membership Meeting following the Divine
Liturgy. For information: 201-943-2950.

March 20-Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy
Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New York
City. Featured artists Patil Harboyan, piano and Heather Tuach, cello,
will present a
program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
that will include works of Armenian composers Atamian, Babajanian,
Gomidas, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and Talalyan. Tickets
are $25 and will be on sale after December 20th at the box office and
the Prelacy, 212-689-7810.

March 13-15-International conference, `Responsibility 2015′ marking
the Armenian Genocide’s centennial, at Marriott Marquis Hotel, New
York City. Organized by the ARF Eastern United States Centennial
Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial
Committee of America, Eastern Region. For information visit the web
site ().

March 21-`Renewal and Remembrance,’ Centennial Commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide presented by Hamazkayin of Philadelphia, at Founders
Hall, 7:30 pm, celebrating three generations of the Armenian singer in
the Diaspora, featuring Maroush Paneyan-Nigon (soprano), Barig
Naltantian (soprano), Vartan Gabrielian (baritone), and Gary Gress
(piano) performing works by European, American and Armenian
composers. Tickets: $35. Anny Aghajanian 215-699-9296; Elizabeth
Dramgotchian 215-920-6054; Kari Ghezarian 484-919-0203.

March 28-Eastern Prelacy’s Mid Atlantic Regional Conference for
pastors, trustees, and delegates, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 10 am to 4 pm.

April 23-Canonization of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 in Holy
Etchmiadzin, Armenia.

April 25-Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the
Connecticut State Capitol. Keynote speaker: Noted author Chris
Bohjalian.

April 26-Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine
Liturgy in New York City (site to be announced), presided by
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be
followed by Times Square gathering `100 Years to Remember.’

May 7, 8, 9-National Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration in
Washington, DC, organized under the patronage of the Diocese and the
Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Presided by His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of
Cilicia. May 7, Ecumenical Service at the National Cathedral, 7 pm;
May 8, A Journey Through Armenian Music at the Music Center at
Strathmore, 7:30 pm; May 8 & 9, Exhibits, Films, and Events at various
venues; May 9, Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Immaculate Conception, 10 am; May 9, A Time to Give Thanks,
banquet, 6 pm, Marriott Marquis.

May 10 to June 4-Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the
Eastern Prelacy.

June 3-6-National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen’s
Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.

July 18-Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I, at
the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias,
Lebanon. For details click here.

October 5-9-Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian
Prelacies.

November 15-90th Anniversary Banquet, St. Stephen’s Church, 167
Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Watch for details.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

LA CHAMBRE DU DAKOTA DU SUD RECONNAIT LE GENOCIDE ARMENIEN

USA

La Maison des Representants du Dakota du Sud a adopte jeudi par un vote
de 51 contre a 17 une resolution reconnaissant le genocide armenien,
devenant ainsi le 43e Etat a appeler a la justice pour le genocide.

Avec 28 co-sponsors, la resolution appelle a une

STEPANAKERT EXCLUT LE TRANSFERT A BAKOU DES DEUX RESSORTISSANTS AZERBAIDJANAIS CONDAMNES AU HK EN DEPIT DES APPELS DE LA SOUS-SECRETAIRE D’ETAT AMERICAINE

ARMENIE

Alors que Mme Nuland a appele a Bakou, puis a Erevan, > a faire un geste humanitaire et a transferer les deux
Azerbaïdjanais detenus au HK a Bakou, le >
du HK a declare, lors d’une conference de presse, que cette question
ne saurait faire l’objet d’une discussion. Selon lui, Stepanakert a
pris note des propos de la sous-secretaire d’Etat et rien de plus. De
meme, le porte-parole du >, David Babayan, a
rappele que la culpabilite des deux > azerbaïdjanais
avait ete prouvee et que ceux-ci avaient plaide coupables. Selon lui,
Stepanakert a deja fait un geste humanitaire, en tenant un procès
transparent et en les jugeant en vertu des lois. M. Babayan a demande
avec ironie comment Washington reagirait aux demandes de liberer les
terroristes emprisonnes aux Etats-Unis.

Extrait de la revue de presse de l’Ambassade de France en Armenie en
date du 20 fevrier 2015

vendredi 27 fevrier 2015, Stephane (c)armenews.com

NEW REFORMS IN EFFECT TO RULE OUT FAKE SCIENTIFIC TITLES – EDUCATION OFFICIAL

15:31 * 27.02.15

The head of the Armenian Education Ministry’s Supreme Qualification
Commission on Friday unveiled new reforms aimed at eradicating the
practice of issuing fake scientific titles.

Lilit Arzumanyan said that they have introduced changes to the
Commission’s basic document, toughening and in the meantime
facilitating certain procedures.

“The chart is not only a tool in our hands but also a document which
regulates the system of [scientific] degree promotion in Armenia,”
she said, noting that the document, drafted in 1993-95, was finally
approved by a Government decision in 1997.

He said the changes over the past years necessitated certain revisions
and amendments. “Admission exams for post-graduate education were the
same minimum requirement tests. They have been eliminated to enable
[post-graduate students] to devote more time to their research,”
Arzumanyan noted.

The requirements for scientific supervisors have been toughened too,
she said, adding that they from now on will be required to have
publications twice exceeding the volume of previous works.

“Only the PhD candidates who are active in science should supervise
dissertations. If there are dissatisfactions with the dissertations’
quality today, that’s also due to the non-contentiousness of heads
of expert councils,” she said, noting that a PhD candidate will be
required to have 30 published scientific articles to qualify for the
requirements for a scientific supervisor.

Arzumanyan said that the Commission last year rejected and returned
128 papers, which were either reproductions from an original source
or did not appropriately cover the topic.

“The situation this year is very deplorablem as 26 papers were returned
in two months alone. I don’t know where we will get with such paces,”
she said.

Arzumanyan added that their main difficulties are with expert councils
rather than the candidates themselves.

“Anyone can want a lot of things, including research work, but it
is for the expert councils to evaluate science. If the commission
returns a paper, that’s a sign that the expert councils failed to
properly work. That’s the shortcoming in our system today,” she added.

Nonetheless the commission’s president said she doesn’t lose
hope either about the potentials of science in Armenia or the
competitiveness of Armenian scientists abroad.

L’UE REITERE SA VOLONTE DE COOPERER AVEC L’ARMENIE

ARMENIE

En depit de la decision prise par l’Armenie en septembre 2013 de ne pas
signer l’Accord d’association et celui de libre-echange avec l’UE, au
profit d’un ralliement avec l’Union economique eurasienne, l’UE reitère
son engagement a resserrer ses liens avec l’Armenie, et a renforcer
la cooperation bilaterale dans le cadre du Partenariat oriental, dans
tous les domaines compatibles avec les recentes orientations politiques
de l’Armenie”, a declare le chef de la Delegation de l’UE en Armenie
Traian Hristea mercredi 25 fevrier lors d’une conference sur le thème,
“UE-Armenie Cooperation et perspective dans le contexte politique
actuel”. “Actuellement, nous reflechissons avec nos homologues
armeniens a l’avenir des relations entre l’UE et l’Armenie.

Après la declaration commune publiee au sommet du Partenariat oriental
de Vilnius en novembre 2013, les deux parties ont engage une reflexion
commune sur la facon de restructurer une base legale pour leurs
relations”, a explique le responsable europeen. “L’UE et l’Armenie
ont lance a Bruxelles un exercice d’inspection du future cadre legal
et politique des relations entre l’UE et l’Armenie, en fonction des
engagements contractes par l’Armenie auprès de l’Union eurasienne et
de leurs possibles incidences sur les relations futures avec l’UE.

Les deux parties ont convenu de preserver l’accord d’association, qui
avait ete negocie, mais non signe, et de l’utiliser comme reference
dans cet objectif”, a ajoute M. Hristea. “Dans la mesure où la bonne
gouvernance, la reforme de l’appareil judiciaire, l’Etat de droit, les
droits de l’homme, ne sont pas concernes par le processus d’integration
official a l’Union eurasienne, l’UE a largement de quoi faire avec l’
Armenie, et l’Armenie de son côte a toute latitude pour prouver sa
volonte de reforme.

Le budget qui doit etre alloue au secteur des droits de l’homme est
a cet egard salue comme une bonne initiative – mais c’est aussi un
test >>, de la capacite de l’Armenie a perseverer sur cette voie, a
indique M.Hristea, qui a souligne la necessite de faire le meilleur
usage possible de l’aide europeenne de 140-170 million d’euros pour
la periode 2014-2017, destinee en priorite au developpement du secteur
prive, et a la reforme de l’administration publique et de la justice.

Le delegue europeen a poursuivi : “l’UE se montre très preoccupee par
la situation de la securite dans la region, plus particulièrement
après le regain sans precedent de tension sur la ligne de contact
du Haut-Karabagh. “Le conflit du Haut-Karabagh n’a pas de solution
militaire et le statu quo est intolerable. Bien qu’elle ne soit pas
partie prenante du processus de negociations du Groupe de Minsk de
l’OSCE, l’UE entend renforcer son soutien aux efforts vers la paix”.

“L’UE continue aussi a apporter son soutien aux efforts de
normalisation des relations armeno-turques et encourage les deux
parties a poursuivre ce processus de normalisation sans conditions
prealables, en depit du retrait des protocoles signe en 2009 de
l’agenda des parlements des deux pays. Nous considerons aussi la
commemoration cette annee du centenaire des atrocites commises par
l’Empire ottoman comme un test pour les relations armeno-turques”,
a conclu le delegue europeen.

vendredi 27 fevrier 2015, Gari (c)armenews.com

PURSUING JUSTICE THROUGH ART: 2015

Save the Dates!

A Multi-Cultural Genocide Exhibition and Symposium

Hope Ricciardi Diaspora collage and oil on three fir panels 24 x 24 in.

Save the Dates!

Pursuing Justice Through Art: 2015 A Multi-Cultural Genocide Exhibition
and Symposium

Exhibit Runs March 18 – April 25, 2015 Reception: Saturday, March 21,
2-4 pm Symposium: Saturday, April 18, 1-4 pm

This exhibition brings attention to genocide, the fragmented history
of various cultural groups, and art as a means of educating us
about humankind’s inhumanity. The year 2015 is significant. It
is the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the 70th
Anniversary of the end of the Jewish Holocaust, and the 40th
Anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide. Details on the symposium
and related events will be listed here as they are added:

Exhibitiing artists of Armenian descent include: Aroutiunian, Gagik
Avakian, John Babaian, Ani DerMarderosian, Adrienne Dulgarian, Stepan
Janjigian, JoAnn Kasbarian, Lucine Megherian, Talin Odabashian, Marsha
Nouritza Ricciardi, Hope Sperandio, Jessica Thank you to our sponsors:

Stay Connected

RAFFI HOVHANNISIAN MEETS EU AMBASSADORS

Lragir.am
Country – 27 February 2015, 17:08

Raffi K. Hovannisian, Heritage Party chairman and founding director of
the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS),
attended today a meeting organized by Ambassador Traian Hristea,
European Union mission chief in Armenia. The ambassadors of EU
member-states accredited in Armenia, together with Heritage MP Zaruhi
Postanjyan, also were invited to the meeting.

During the discussion, Hovannisian and the EU ambassadors discussed
the importance of EU-Armenia relations in all areas of collaboration
and confidence-building. They exchanged perspectives on issues of
efficiency and EU efforts to promote reforms in Armenia, as well as on
recent political and public currents in the Republic. The participants
agreed that the strategic partnership with the European Union bears
great potential for the future development of Armenia.

Heritage Party Press Service

ACTIVIST FACES INDICTMENT IN GYUMRI, ARMENIA

by Ashot Safaryan

Friday, February 27, 11:09

Activist Anushavan Haroutiuyan has become the second participant in the
protest actions over the family murder in Gyumri to face indictment.

The indictment says Haroutiunyan in a company of other persons
violated the public order in Garegin Nzhdeh Street in Gyumri on Jan
15 2015. Particularly, they demonstrated disrespect for the public,
used violence to a person, showed resistance to the police.

The activist – who does not plead guilty – was released on recognizance
not to leave.

On Jan 12, 6 members of the Avetisyans’ family were murdered in
Gyumri. The only survivor of the Jan 12 tragedy, 6- month-old Seryozha
Avetisyan, died of stab wounds on Jan 19. Though a month has passed
since the day of the murder, the investigation – either Russian or
Armenia is not clear – has not yet reasonably explained the reasons
why Valery Permyakov could commit that horrible crime. At the moment,
the criminal is staying in the territory of the Russian 102nd military
base and the residents of Gyumri still demand transferring Permyakov
to Armenian law- enforcers. Some protesters and the police clashed
near the Russian Consulate in Gyumri.

HRAPARAK: VARTAN OSKANIAN TO WITHDRAW FROM PROSPEROUS ARMENIA

10:11 27/02/2015 >> DAILY PRESS

Mass withdrawals from Prosperous Armenia Party are gaining a new
momentum. According to Hraparak newspaper, MPs Rustam Gasparyan, Martun
Grigoryan and Arshak Mkhitaryan will leave the party’s faction soon.

Former Foreign Minister, MP Vartan Oskanian has told his inner circle
that he plans to renounce his mandate and quit Prosperous Armenia,
the daily adds.