ARMENIE-GEORGIE
L’éléphant arménien Hrant va épouser la géorgienne Malka
Le 12 juin le zoo de Tbilissi (Géorgie), vit l’arrivée de l’éléphant
du nom de Hrant venu de Yerevan pour retrouver sa fiancée et promise,
Malka. Sur le site Facebook du zoo de Tbilissi, les responsables
affirmaient .
Krikor Amirzayan
samedi 14 juin 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan (c)armenews.com
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 June 12, 2014
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Feast of St. Hripsime
Detail of a painting found in Holy Etchmiadzin depicting
St. Hripsime’s moral victory over King Drtad.
** Feasts of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, and St. Gregory
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Next week the Armenian Church honors three saints: St. Hripsime,
St. Gayane, and St. Gregory the Illuminator. The stories of these
saints are intertwined, each telling a part of the larger tale about
Armenia’s conversion to Christianity.
Their stories remind us of the darkness that lives in the un-repentant
human heart, but they also show us the way God can take human tragedy
and death, and transform these into victory and life.
Hripsime and Gayane were nuns, who with their holy sisters had
dedicated their lives to Christ. For this they were persecuted in the
Roman Empire, and sought refuge in the kingdom of Armenia’s pagan King
Drtad, where they also faced torture, and later death.
In this storm of destruction, Drtad became something less than
human. The historian Agathangelos tells us he became a wild beast, and
no physician or pagan priest could heal the wretched king. It was only
the Christian missionary St. Gregory-long imprisoned in a dungeon
cell-who could restore Drtad through the power of God, thus bringing
illumination to a king, his court, and an entire nation.
Accomplished in our Lord’s name, suffering is transformed into
sacrifice, death becomes martyrdom. Whatever our fates may be in this
life-loss, persecution, death-the final chapter is always written by
God. It is God who takes the sacrifice and martyrdom, and turns them
into something glorious, whether this means the conversion of an
entire nation, or the inspiration of a single soul.
Click here
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to read more about St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, and St. Gregory the
Illuminator.
Fatherhood
`Fatherhood’ by the Russian painter Viktor Vasnetsov (1848-1926).
** Fatherhood: Privilege, Duty, Blessing
————————————————————
Across the United States this Sunday, families will observe Father’s
Day: a chance to reflect, with gratitude, on the deeper meaning of
fatherhood. While the surrounding popular culture may sometimes fail
to treat fatherhood with due seriousness, the Armenian Church accords
great reverence and respect to fathers.
The greatest tribute we pay to fatherhood lies in the way we apply the
word `Father’ to God. Our ability to call upon Him as our Father is a
privilege and blessing-beautifully conveyed in a prayer from our
Divine Liturgy:
`God of truth and Father of mercy, we are grateful that you have
exalted us above even the [Old Testament] patriarchs. For you were
called ‘God’ to them; but you are pleased to be named ‘Father’ to us.’
The priest recites this prayer right before the congregation sings the
Hayr Mer-reminding us that it was Jesus, God’s only-begotten Son, who
taught us to call God `Our Father.’ And when we understand God in
terms of His Fatherhood, we also understand godliness to be the duty
to which all fathers are called.
This Sunday, thank the fathers who strive to provide such an example
in your own life, and remember those who have departed this world in
your prayers.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, Providence, RI
** Centennial Celebration in Providence
————————————————————
The centennial celebration at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI, will culminate this weekend with cultural events and
the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.
On Friday, June 13, Maestro Konstantine 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 Hope, RI, and will feature soloists from
Armenia, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York.
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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.
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On Sunday, June 15, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. A centennial khatchkar will be
dedicated after the badarak.
For information on these events, visit the parish website
or call the church at (401) 272-7712.
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** Scripture of the Week
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1 Kgs 18:29-46
2 Kgs 2:1-15
Jas 5:16-20
Lk 4:25-30
** Prayer of the Week
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All-caring Lord, place your holy fear before my eyes as a shield, that
they may no longer gaze with lust; before my ears, that they may not
enjoy hearing words of evil; before my mouth, that it may utter no
falsehood; before my heart, that it may think of no evil; before my
hands, that they may do no injustice; before my feet, that they may
not walk on the paths of iniquity. But so direct their movements, that
they may, at all times, be according to your commandments in all
things. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
————————————————————
15 June: Remembrance of the Prophet Elijah
16 June: St. Hripsime and her Companions
17 June: St. Gayane and her Companions
21 June: St. Gregory the Enlightener (Deliverance from the Pit)
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Prayer Service at St. Gayane Church, Armenia
Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit and Cardinal Theodore Mccarrick in prayer at
St. Gayane Church in Armenia.
** Holy Etchmiadzin Hosts Conference on Syria
————————————————————
Holy Etchmiadzin and the World Council of Churches have organized a
two-day conference titled `Crisis in Syria: Challenges for Faith
Communities.’ The conference opened yesterday at the Vatche and Tamar
Manougian Library on the grounds of the Holy See.
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, is presiding. Participants include Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse
Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches; Armenia’s
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan; representatives of the Syrian
community in Armenia; as well as clergy representing churches in Syria
and other parts of the Middle East, Russia, Europe, and the United
States.
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Ecumenical Director of the Eastern Diocese
and a member of the WCC Executive Board, is also taking part in the
conference.
`The countries of the Near East have played an important role in our
history,’ His Holiness Karekin II said. `Syria in particular, during
the difficult years of the Armenian Genocide at the beginning of the
last century, opened its doors and welcomed the aspirations and
desires of our people to build a peaceful life.’
He went on to speak about the recent attacks on Christians in Middle
East, including the Armenian community of Kessab and the Armenian
communities of Aleppo and Damascus, and expressed hope that `the
continuous efforts of religious, public and political organizations’
would bring about justice and peace in the region.
Conference sessions focused on `Political Developments in Syria and
the Humanitarian Perspective,’ `Presence and Testimony of Christians
in the Nearest East as a Consequence of the Developments in the Arab
World,’ and `The Armenian Communities in the Nearest East and Syria:
Their Perspectives.’
Earlier today, the participants visited the Dzidzernagapert memorial
in Yerevan, where a requiem service was held for the martyrs of the
Armenian Genocide of 1915. Later His Holiness Karekin II led a prayer
for peace in Syria at St. Gayane Church in Vagharshapat.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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from the conference.
Fr. Abgar Hovakimian
Fr. Abgar Hovakimyan will lead the Armenian Diocese of Canada.
** Canadian Diocese Elects New Primate
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Last month the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada elected the
Very Rev. Fr. Abgar Hovakimyan as its new Primate. His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
confirmed the election and congratulated Fr. Hovakimyan.
Fr. Hovakimyan will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy in Canada at
St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral of Montreal on Sunday,
June 29. A reception will follow to welcome the new Primate and to
express appreciation to the Diocese’s outgoing Locum Tenens,
Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisian.
Most recently Fr. Hovakimyan served as the Locum Tenens of the
Armenian Diocese of Bulgaria.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Professor Marsoobian speaks at the Diocesan Center.
** The Story of an Islamized Armenian Family in Marzovan
————————————————————
On Thursday, May 29, Armen T. Marsoobian, chair of the philosophy
department at Southern Connecticut State University, gave a lecture on
a little-known chapter of Armenian life in the aftermath of the
Armenian Genocide. The lecture was hosted by the Diocese’s Krikor and
Clara Zohrab Information Center.
Professor Marsoobian described the experience of his own family
members who agreed to convert to Islam in 1915 to escape deportation,
but who continued to practice Armenian Christian traditions in the
secrecy of their home. The presentation was based on extensive family
memoirs, letters, oral testimony, and historic photographs.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view a video
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recording of the lecture.
Mesrob Mashots Institute
Students and staff of the Mesrob Mashdots Institute.
** Mesrob Mashdots Institute Concludes Spring Semester
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The Diocese’s Mesrob Mashdots Institute held its last session of the
spring semester on Wednesday, June 4. Students expressed appreciation
to their teachers for helping them learn the Armenian language through
an accessible and interactive program.
The Mesrob Mashdots Institute is an Armenian language course for
adults organized by the Armenian Studies program of the Diocese’s
Department of Youth and Education. Three classes are offered,
including two at beginner and intermediate levels, and a third class
titled `Eastern Armenian Appreciation.’ The curriculum includes study
of the alphabet, reading, grammar and syntax, and conversation. The
staff, under the direction of Armenian Studies director Gilda
Kupelian, is comprised of Shakeh Kadehjian, Ani Essayan, and Vartan
Garniki.
Classes will resume in the fall. For enrollment information, contact
Gilda Kupelian at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
Karen Durgarian
Karen Durgarian volunteers during a work weekend at the Ararat Center.
** Paint and Tile, Heart and Soul Keep Ararat Center Bright
————————————————————
The monthly Ararat Center board meeting on May 30 was the lead-in to
one of the center’s extended `work weekends,’ through which the
facility was spruced up for the upcoming summer season of St. Vartan
Camp.
During the recent work weekend, 11 volunteers from six parishes worked
on projects ranging from painting and tiling to electrical work,
masonry and gardening-as well as general cleaning and disposal. Paul
Ventura-Ararat Center’s new chef-concocted meals throughout the
weekend.
The Diocese’s 65-acre conference, camp, and retreat center, located in
upstate New York, has a full-time facility manager. But management of
the Ararat Center is the responsibility of its board of directors: 13
individuals from throughout the Diocese, who make operational
decisions to ensure that the center is in working order for its
May-through-October rental season.
The all-volunteer work weekends that have improved and expanded the
facility are organized by Karen Durgarian, who has served as project
manager since Ararat Center’s inception in 2004. Throughout the past
decade she has kept her energy boundless and ambitions high, lending
heart and soul to countless projects. Thanks to Karen and the many
volunteers from 2004 to 2014, the Ararat Center has been a pleasant,
clean, and modern home for the Diocese’s St. Vartan Camp.
Huyser Music Ensemble
Huyser members Diran Jebejian and Maria Barsoumian perform on the
cathedral plaza.
** An Evening of Music at St. Vartan Cathedral
————————————————————
The outdoor plaza of the Diocesan Center in New York was alive with
music on Friday evening, June 6, as the Huyser Music Ensemble took to
the stage before an enthusiastic audience of more than 230.
The performance was hosted by the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and
the cathedral dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, and was
called Project CLASH, denoting the differing musical talents and
genres of different cultures and instruments.
Huyser (Armenian for `Hopes’) was founded in 2010 by Harout
Barsoumian. Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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.
FAR
An elderly man at a FAR soup kitchen in Yerevan.
** California Parish Supports “Ayo!” Campaign
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Each winter the St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa, CA
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, hosts a Super Bowl fundraiser for the Fund for Armenian Relief’s
soup kitchens in Armenia. Now in its eight year, the `Soup-er Bowl
Sunday’ tradition brings together parishioners in Costa Mesa for
fellowship while giving them the opportunity to help the citizens of
Armenia.
This year’s contribution helped purchase kitchenware for FAR’s soup
kitchens in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Berd, and a new oven for the soup
kitchen in Berd. The project was carried out by FAR’s new crowdfunding
platform `Ayo!’ Click here
()
to learn more about `Ayo!’ and its projects.
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
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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
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to view a flyer for registration information. To view a short film
about the Diocese’s 2012 pilgrimage to historic Armenia, click here
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.
** PARISH NEWS
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Let’s Speak Armenian
** Learning Western Armenian at Hye Pointe
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The Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalian, pastor of the Armenian Church at Hye
Pointe in Haverhill, MA, launched a Western Armenian language class at
the church this spring.
Meeting on Thursday evenings, parishioners studied the alphabet,
learned vocabulary words commonly used in the hymns and prayers of the
Divine Liturgy, reviewed the Lord’s Prayer, and practiced
conversational phrases.
`The past few months have been so enriching as we absorbed this
beautiful language,’ said parishioner Noelle Giragosian. `I want to
encourage anyone who has a passion for learning Armenian to take this
class. You will meet new friends, share many laughs, and hear
interesting stories.’
Fr. Gyozalian plans to resume instruction in the fall. For
information, call the church at (978) 372-9227.
St. John Church Women’s Guild, Detroit, MI
Women’s Guild members Araxie Choukourian and Arlene Baylerian were
honored for 40 years of service at the recent `Membership Dinner.’
** Detroit Women’s Guild Welcomes New Members
————————————————————
The Women’s Guild of St. John Church of Southfield, MI, hosted its
76th annual `Membership Dinner’ on Wednesday, June 4, in the church
hall.
Membership chair Terry Palaian presented 14 new Women’s Guild members,
who were initiated by the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, parish
pastor. Women’s Guild chair Linda Stamboulian welcomed the new members
and extended her appreciation to the entire organization for its
service to the church.
Also during the celebratory evening, the Women’s Guild honored
longtime members Araxie Choukourian and Arlene Baylerian, and
congratulated Anne Derderian, Anne Soultanian, and Jean Sarkisian, all
three of whom recently turned 90 years old.
The dinner was chaired by Anna Baylerian. Click here
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to view photos.
AAHPO
Medical specialists from AAHPO with Fr. Arakel Vardazaryan at St. Mary
Church.
** Livingston Hosts Medical Forum with AAHPO
————————————————————
On Sunday, June 8, St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, hosted a Medical
Forum led by members of the Armenian-American Health Professional
Organization (AAHPO).
Medical specialists gave presentations and answered questions about
various health topics, such as lung cancer and dental health.
`We truly enjoyed and appreciated this educational afternoon,’ said
the Rev. Fr. Arakel Vardazaryan, parish pastor, `and I would encourage
other parishes to consider inviting members of AAHPO to their
communities for similar presentations.’
Armenian Church of Jacksonville
Children in Jacksonville say a prayer during their religious education
class last weekend.
** Parishioner Milestones Celebrated in Jacksonville
————————————————————
The Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, director of the Diocese’s Mission Parish
program, visited the community of Jacksonville, FL, last weekend.
On Saturday afternoon, Fr. Abdalian participated in a children’s
religious education class taught by two young adults, Erik Mirzoyan
and Alex Shafiyev. Later that day, he conducted a Bible study session
for adults focusing on the feasts of Ascension and Pentecost.
On Sunday, Fr. Abdalian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. A dinner
followed, during which the parish congratulated recent high school
graduate Nicholas Yeddgarov, honored Mr. and Mrs. Nourhan and Doris
Manukian on their 50th wedding anniversary, and wished a happy
birthday to all parishioners celebrating such milestones in
June. Before departing, Fr. Abdalian performed a Home Blessing service
at the new home of parish council member Tatyana Yeremyants.
Click here
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to view photos.
Upcoming events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will sponsor its annual Gregory
Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, June 16. The tournament
will be held at Marlborough Country Club in Marlborough
MA. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a day of golf followed by
dinner and a social evening.
Click here
()
to download a brochure and registration form. For information, contact
the Holy Trinity Church office at (617) 354-0632, or via e-mail at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Hye Pointe Church | Haverhill, MA
The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe of Haverhill, MA, will host =80=9CAn
Afternoon of Armenian Music’ on Sunday, June 22, beginning at 1
p.m. Vocalists Janette Khalarian and Margar Yeghiazaryan will
perform. Click here
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to view a flyer for information.
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will welcome
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, on Sunday, June
22. Archbishop Barsamian will ordain parishioners Peter Derderian,
Michael Givelekian, and Gregory Guroian to the diaconate. A brunch
will follow services. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
** YOUTH NEWS
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Holy Land Pilgrimage
Pilgrims at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
** Young Leaders Return from Inspiring Journey
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After a 10-day journey to the Holy Land, a group of 29 young adult
leaders returned to the U.S. this week. Representing 27 parishes from
throughout the Eastern Diocese, the group traced the footsteps of
Christ, deepened their understanding of biblical history, and learned
about the Armenian presence in the Holy Land.
Led by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, with the
assistance of the Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan and Maria Derderian, the
pilgrims visited the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem, with its
centuries-old Armenian Patriarchate, and such sites as the Church of
the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in
Jerusalem, the Jordan River, Mount of Temptation, and Mount of Olives.
Click here
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to read daily blog posts from the pilgrims, and check the Diocesan
website next week for an article and photo gallery from the trip.
St. Mary Church, Livingston, NJ
Honorees Jacqueline Jae (left) and Daniella Badishkanian with
Fr. Arakel Vardazaryan.
** ACYOA Central Council Recognizes Livingston Parishioners
————————————————————
At the annual ACYOA General Assembly last month, the ACYOA Central
Council announced that it selected two ACYOA Juniors members from
St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, as this year’s recipients of the
=80=9CArchbishop Tiran Nersoyan Service Award’ and the `Archbishop
Tiran Nersoyan Leadership Award.’
On Sunday, June 8, the awards were presented to the young honorees in
the St. Mary Church sanctuary. Daniella Badishkanian received the
=80=9CService Award,’ and Jacqueline Jae received the `Leadership
Award.’ The Rev. Fr. Arakel Vardazaryan, parish pastor, led the
congregation in congratulating Daniella and Jacqueline, and
encouraging them to continue their service to the Armenian Church.
EDUCATION AND RELIGION: CHURCH HISTORY SUBJECT DRAWS MORE CRITICISM OVER TEXTBOOK, TEACHING METHODS FLAWS
EDUCATION | 13.06.14 | 11:06
By SARA KHOJOYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter
RELATED NEWS
Minister denies plans to withdraw church history from school curricula
Although by the Constitution education in Armenia is supposed to be
secular, the Church History subject and methods of its teaching are
being viewed as a major problem by some experts who say they have
arrived at the conclusion after closely examining the textbooks and
the teaching process.
Enlarge Photo Satenik Lazarian Enlarge Photo Armine Davtyan
Nevertheless, authors of the textbooks insist that the best specialists
have been involved in preparing the materials and that they have
received no complaints about the course during the 12 years of its
application.
The awakening of religious feelings that began in Armenia still in
the last years of Soviet rule and continued after Armenia gained
independence in 1991 are being used for propaganda of religion at
schools by means of the Armenian Church History subject, Satenik
Lazarian, a junior researcher at the Institute of Archeology and
Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, argued
during a related discussion on Wednesday.
“We should not turn schools into an instrument of presenting subjective
religious approaches as knowledge. One should realize that it is
a more serious problem and solutions need to be sought for that,”
the scholar explained her position, emphasizing that religion should
rather be presented to children at schools as part of sciences.
Most of the participants in the discussion focusing on cooperation
between the State and the Church in educational institutions expressed
their concern over the issue raised by Lazarian, since they insisted
that the examination of textbooks and other research had shown that
the subject is not as much about religion studies as the propaganda
of the Armenian Apostolic Church and its rites.
Experts noted that the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church begins
in the third year of teaching, i.e. in the 7th grade, before that it
is mainly the Bible, the Armenian Church’s rites and traditions that
are presented.
Teacher Armine Davtyan together with two other specialists studied
all textbooks, arriving at the conclusion that during the course the
study of the history and rites of one religion [Armenian Apostolic]
is imposed on all children without taking into account the opinion
of their parents.
“Meanwhile, under Armenia’s legislation, it is the parents that decide
their children’s creed,” she said.
And Lazarian added that as a result of the introduction of the Church
History subject a contradiction had emerged between the theory of
creation and natural sciences.
“In Grades 5-6 pupils study the theory of creation. But there is also
an answer to the question of where the human race had come from in
the textbooks on biology and world history, but these questions are
studied by those textbooks at a later age.”
The specialist told of a case when a biology teacher tried to
compare the biological approach with the theory of creation. “When
the children confronted her, she tried to make a compromise by saying
that the body is physical, that is, it can be examined by biologists,
while the spirit is for God’s judgment,” said Lazarian.
Meanwhile, co-author of the textbook, deputy director of the National
Institute of Education Vardan Ghandilyan stated at the discussion
that during the past 12 years they have not received a single written
complaint from any citizen or teacher regarding the contents of the
textbooks or methods of teaching.
“The course was developed by representatives of all educational
institutions on Armenian studies – the Yerevan State University,
Matenadaran, the Gevorgian Seminary, the National Institute of
Education,” said Ghandilyan, adding that over the course of years
numerous teachers teaching the subject have been retrained.
Church History textbooks have been in circulation since 2002, first
at selected schools, then gradually, beginning in 2006, they became
compulsory in all schools.
RAISE OF ELECTRICITY TARIFF IMMORAL
17:40 / 12.06.2014
The possibility of the raise of electricity tariffs by 10% has raised
a wave of complaint among the public.
The Public Services Regulatory Commission has intended to make the
decision on raising the tariff in late June. If the decision is
adopted the new tariff will enter into force from August 1.
Judging from the created situation it is necessary to create new
civic initiative “Let’s Prevent Electricity Tariff Hike” otherwise the
additional social burden will be rather serious, moreover the economy
will be deprived of development opportunity and being competitive in
the Eurasian Economic zone.
If to believe to the explanation of the Commission, it is necessary to
raise the tariff due to the 20 billion AMD crack in the energy system.
Even if so, and the presented amount is not exaggerated this gap
should not be filled on the account of the people. It is immorality
and raises the despair of the people moving the people to leave the
country or commit crimes.
Nyut.am
AZERBAIJAN THREATENS ARMENIA WITH “SMERCH” IN NAKHCHIVAN
Today – 10:28
13/6/14
Armenian defense minister has repeatedly made threatening speeches on
Azerbaijan. His opinions should be considered a statement addressed
to the internal audience and the Armenian community. Spokesman for
Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, Lieutenant-Colonel Vagif Dargahli told
about this Azerbaijani Press Agency while commenting on the speech
made by Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan at the parliament.
According to the source, Dargahli said that “the Azerbaijani Armed
Forces have been supplied with modern weapons with high accuracy
and destroying capacity, combat and transport helicopters, modern
air-defense equipment, armored vehicles, tanks and artillery units. It
is enough only to note that “Smerch” missile volley-fire systems
in Nakhchivan are capable of destroying any target on the territory
of Armenia”.
HOVHANNISYAN SET TO RETURN ON FNF
ESPN
June 11 2014
June, 11, 2014
By Dan Rafael | ESPN.com
In February 2013, lightweight Art Hovhannisyan suffered his first loss,
a 10-round decision to Alejandro Perez.
But Hovhannisyan has won two fights since and will look to extend it
to three when he meets Jonathan Maicelo in the main event of “Friday
Night Fights” (ESPN2, 9 ET) on July 11 at Little Creek Casino Resort
in Shelton, Washington, promoter Gary Shaw announced on Tuesday.
In the co-feature, middleweight Tureano Johnson (14-1, 10 KOs) will
face Mike Gavronski (14-0-1, 10 KOs). Both bouts are scheduled for
10 rounds.
“As a fighter, I’ve come to realize you learn most about yourself after
a defeat,” said Hovhannisiyan (17-1-2, 9 KOs), an Armenian living in
Glendale, California. “I’ve rededicated myself to training smarter,
and my drive to be a world champion is greater than ever.
Shaw knows I’m hungry to get back on top. Maicelo will have his hands
full when we step in the ring.”
Maicelo (20-1, 12 KOs), who is from Peru but living in New Jersey,
is coming off a three-round no contest with Jorge Luis Rodriguez in a
fight that ended prematurely because of an accidental head clash. Two
fights before that, Maicelo got knocked out in the eighth round by
Rustam Nugaev.
“I feel like my back is against the wall,” Maicelo said. “I’m coming
to make a statement, and I’ll be going for the knockout. Hovhannisyan
is a good boxer, but he’s not better than me. I know I can win this
fight and continue marching toward a world title. The fans can expect
to see me bring the fight to Hovhannisyan.”
Johnson (14-1, 10 KOs), of the Bahamas, got stopped by Curtis Stevens
in his last fight in April, but it was a tremendous fight and highly
competitive before a stoppage many believed was premature.
“In my last bout, the referee stopped the bout early, and I suffered
my first loss,” Johnson said. “It was a very disappointing moment
in my career, but I’m ready to move on and show the world I’m one of
the best fighters in the middleweight division.
“I’m coming back stronger than ever, and I can’t wait to mix it up
with Gavronski. Nothing is going to stop me from getting this victory.”
Gavronski, who is from Tacoma, Washington, and will have the crowd
on his side, will be fighting in his first 10-rounder and stepping
up his level of opposition.
“I’m happy to be fighting at home in front of all my family and
friends,” Gavronski said. “Johnson is a very tough fighter coming off
a tough loss to Stevens, so he’s going to bring it when we step in
the ring. I look forward to the challenge, and I’m confident I can
defeat him.”
ISIS EXPANDS CONTROL, BEGINS PERSECUTING CHRISTIANS IN MOSUL
Assyrian International News Agency AINA
June 12 2014
Posted 2014-06-12 06:13 GMT
An ISIS flag hangs from a bridge in Mosul. On the left it says
“Nineveh Governorate welcomes you” and on the right it says “There
is no God but Allah.”(AINA) — The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
(ISIS, also known as Da’ash and ISIL) yesterday took control of Mosul,
Iraq’s second largest city. Various agencies are reporting that
between 150,000 to 500,000 residents have fled Mosul. Two divisions
of the the Iraqi army which were stationed in Mosul abandoned their
posts and fled, offering no resistance to the invasion. According to
reports, the army personnel donned civilian clothing and left Mosul
by blending in with the fleeing residents. Some reports say the Iraqi
commanders in Mosul said they were given orders not to fight but to
flee, but this has not been confirmed.
AINA contacted a former member of the Iraqi Parliament, whose identity
cannot be revealed for his safety, who said “The Mosul provincial
government was in collusion with ISIS. The innocent citizens of
Mosul are paying the price of the manipulations of Atheel and Osama
al-Nujaifi.”
Atheel al-Nujaifi is the current governor of the Nineveh Governorate
and is a hard-line Sunni. It is reported that he fled Mosul ahead of
the ISIS attack.
Today the city of Tikrit, a Sunni stronghold, also fell to ISIS. A
source from Tikrit, which AINA contacted via email, said “We are now
calling on all international organizations for help because we are
terrified by what we are hearing from the street. I wish you could
convey our voices to those who can help to end the farce. The people
are currently in the hands of a conspiracy between the government and
the militias.” She added “In Tikrit today, the prisons were opened
and looting and pillaging began.”
Unconfirmed photo of a church in Mosul set on fire by ISIS.
According to reports from Mosul, ISIS has gone on a rampage, looting
and burning government buildings, raising its black flag throughout
the city and burning churches. According to an AFP report, it stormed
the Turkish consulate yesterday and kidnapped 48 people including
the head of the diplomatic mission.
World Watch Monitor reported that ISIS have moved into Christian areas
near Mosul, and have occupied the Assyrian (also known as Chaldean
and Syriac) village of Qaraqosh and entered the St. Behnam Monastery.
ISIS has warned the Christian residents of Mosul, specifically women,
to wear the Islamic veil. The warnings have come at checkpoints setup
throughout the city by ISIS. The husband of an Assyrian woman was
abducted at a checkpoint and threatened with death if his wife did
not don the Islamic veil.
ISIS members bombed an Armenian church which was under construction
in the Left Bank neighborhood, near al-Salaam hospital.
The Church of the Holy Spirit was looted by ISIS members, who removed
most of its electrical equipment.
Patriarch Sako of the Chaldean Church issued a statement to Fides,
saying “We believe that the best solution to all these problems is
the creation of a government of national unity in order to strengthen
the control of the State and the rule of law in order to protect the
Country, its citizens and their property and preserve national unity.”
HELSINKI COMMISSION CALLED ON BAKU TO FULFILL ITS OBLIGATIONS IN HUMAN RIGHTS’ SPHERE, INSTEAD OF SLIPPING INTO AUTHORITARIANISM
23:30 12/06/2014 >> LAW
The US Congressional Commission on Security and Cooperation in
Europe, known as the Helsinki Commission, June 11, strongly urged the
Azerbaijani government to fulfill its obligations on human rights and
greater democracy, instead of heading further towards authoritarianism,
the Azerbaijani news agency Turan reports.
Senator Benjamin Cardin, a Maryland Democrat and chairman of the
Helsinki Commission, stated Washington has significant concerns
regarding Azerbaijan’s domestic political situation, which, as Senator
Cardin put it, “is troubling because Azerbaijan is moving in the wrong
direction.” According to the Senator along with the consistently seen
problems with freedom of the media and association, last two years
have marked a high number of arrests and convictions of activists that
had all been the hallmark signs of politically motivated prosecutions.
“Our concern is that rather than working to live up to its commitments
in the OSCE and the CoE, Azerbaijan is instead heading towards greater
authoritarianism,” Benjamin Cardin stated and added that the U.S.
wants to see a stable and prosperous Azerbaijan. But absent real
democratic progress, there will not be seen true stability and
development there.
Speaking in front of the commission Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
Thomas Melia, who has been refused to enter Azerbaijan last September,
underlined the importance of the democracy in dialogues between the
two countries, saying that he “would like to visit Azerbaijan again
soon to continue these dialogues”
According to Melia the situation of civil liberties in Azerbaijan
has steadily worsened over the past five years and continues to
deteriorate. In 2009, it was already difficult for advocates of
democratic reform – especially opposition political parties – to
participate in the political life of the country, but it was still
possible for NGOs and independent activists to operate.
As Melia notes, the situation has worsened significantly since then
while the suppression of peaceful dissent increased in 2011, with
the arrests of young Azerbaijani activists who sought to organize
peaceful pro-democracy rallies in Baku. Since early 2013, the space
for peaceful dissents has narrowed more dramatically, and the exercise
of fundamental freedoms has become still more tenuous. A number of
leading peaceful democracy advocates, civil society activists, and
journalists have been incarcerated.
“Restrictions on the ability of selected Azerbaijani activists to
travel outside of the country are also a problem, calling into question
the extent of the government’s commitment to freedom of movement, a
founding tenet of the OSCE,” Melia said, reminding, that since 2006,
the government has prevented the foreign travel of Popular Front
Party Chairman Ali Karimli by refusing to renew his passport.
“Today in Bern, the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human
Rights is discussing the important role of human rights defenders in
OSCE participating States. Unfortunately, one of Azerbaijan’s leading
human rights defenders, Leyla Yunus, was unable to attend the event,
because Azerbaijan’s authorities confiscated her passport – as well
as her husband’s – in April. On April 19 well-known journalist Rauf
Mirkadirov was arrested. All three have been strong proponents of
people-to-people diplomacy, which helps build ties between Azerbaijanis
and Armenians and is crucial to the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict,” Melia noted.
In his speech Eric Rubin, deputy assistant secretary of state in the
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, underscored Azerbaijan’s
positive security and energy cooperation with the west, adding, that
U.S.’s strongest relationships across the globe are with democracies
and the human rights of their citizens.
Dr. Miriam Lanskoy, director for Russia and Eurasia, National Endowment
for Democracy, emphasized that the oil-reach country leadership
“changes the subject” of human rights to divert attention away,
“no follow through” on commitments to OSCE.
Nevertheless Azerbaijan is about to host the OSCE PA at the end of
the month. Despite participation in these international forums, over
the last decade freedoms in Azerbaijan have declined substantially.
Overall, the country has gone from semi-free to state of consolidated
authoritarianism.
According to her recent events in Ukraine have major implications for
Azerbaijan, and are seen as part of the reason that the crackdown on
government critics has continued. The climate has also become much
more difficult for the NGOs.
Azerbaijan should be bringing its legislation in compliance with
ECHR and Venice Commission opinions rather than imposing even greater
burdens on NGOs, believes the representative of NED.
Agency notes that the Azerbaijani Ambassador to the US refused to
attend the hearing, bringing a reason that he had other meetings on
the security front.
Eric Rubin, deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of
European and Eurasian Affairs touched upon the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement in his speech.
As it is noted on the official site of Helsinki Commission Eric Rubin
said the United States is working diligently to facilitate a peaceful
settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
“We are focusing on pragmatic steps to bring the sides into
negotiations on a peace agreement based on the core principles of
the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. We hope the presidents
of Armenia and Azerbaijan will agree to meet in the near future
to continue the constructive dialogue begun at their summit last
November. It also is important that both governments support Track
II efforts to build people to people contacts between Azerbaijanis
and Armenians. These kinds of confidence building measures can help
to prepare citizens of both countries for peace,” Rubin said.
He also noted that the U.S. is troubled by the recent 3 arrest of
well-known journalist Rauf Mirkadirov, the subsequent investigation of
Leyla Yunus and her husband Arif Yunusov. All three have been strong
proponents of the Track II process and the Azerbaijani government’s
actions will have a chilling effect on any contact between Azerbaijanis
and Armenians.
Source: Panorama.am
CHAIRMAN ROYCE SCHEDULES COMMITTEE VOTE ON ‘RETURN OF CHURCHES’ BILL
Thursday, June 12th, 2014
‘Return our Churches’
Turkish Government Attacks Religious Freedom Measure
WASHINGTON–The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, under the
leadership of Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), is set to consider H.R. 4347,
the Turkey Christian Churches Accountability Act, on Wednesday,
June 18th at 10 am Eastern Time. Capitol Hill sources report that
the Turkish Government is actively seeking to block adoption of this
bipartisan religious freedom measure.
Introduced this March of this year by Chairman Royce along with the
panel’s Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-NY), H.R. 4347 would require
that the U.S. Department of State formally report to Congress on an
annual basis about the status of Turkey’s return of stolen Christian
churches and properties in Turkey and occupied Cyprus. H.R. 4347
builds on a measure (H.Res.306), spearheaded by Chairman Royce and then
House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Democrat Howard Berman (D-CA),
which was overwhelmingly adopted by the House of Representatives on
December 13, 2011. That resolution set the groundwork for H.R.4347
by calling upon the government of Turkey to honor its international
obligations to return confiscated Christian church properties and to
fully respect the rights of Christians to practice their faiths.
“We want to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for advancing
this religious freedom legislation and look forward to the Committee’s
consideration of a principled and practical American stand in support
of the rights of Christians in present-day Turkey and occupied
Cyprus to practice their faith in their own houses of worship,”
said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. “We are pleased to join with all
believers in religious freedom – including of course our Cypriot,
Greek, Pontian and Syriac brothers and sisters – in supporting this
measure, and encourage all our friends to urge their legislators to
support its timely passage by the Foreign Affairs Committee and the
full House of Representatives.”
Prior to consideration of H.R. 4347, the Committee will be holding
a hearing on “Protecting Christian Heritage in Turkey,” which will
include testimony from Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou, Visiting Associate
Professor of Conflict Resolution at the Tufts University Fletcher
School of Law and Diplomacy; and Mr. Khatchig Mouradian, Coordinator
of Armenian Genocide Program at the Rutgers University Center for
Genocide and Human Rights.
Both the hearing and consideration of H.R. 4347 will be webcast LIVE
on the House Foreign Affairs Committeewebsite.
In a statement he issued upon the introduction of this religious
freedom measure, Chairman Royce outlined the need for passage
of H.R.4347: “This legislation holds Turkey accountable for its
international obligations to protect and promote human rights, and it
calls attention to Turkish leaders’ broken promises to return church
properties to their rightful owners. Over decades, Christian church
properties, particularly those belonging to the Armenian, Syriac,
and Greek Orthodox communities have been either violently overtaken
or illegally confiscated by Turkish authorities under various excuses.
These churches under Turkish control have been looted, converted
to mosques, storehouses, casinos, vandalized and often irreparably
damaged,” stated Chairman Royce. “Vulnerable religious minorities
deserve more than just piecemeal returns of their stolen religious
properties. It is important that the United States continue to
encourage Turkish leaders to uphold their commitments and return
all remaining properties without further delay. This bill will make
promoting religious freedom and tolerance in Turkey a U.S. diplomatic
priority.”
Ranking Democrat Engel concurred, noting, “The Republic of Turkey,
and indeed all nations, have a responsibility to protect, restore,
and return religious properties which have been unlawfully seized from
their communities and rightful owners by state authorities. Armenian,
Syriac, and Greek Orthodox communities in Turkey have for many years
been seeking the return of their confiscated properties. The claims of
these communities must be respected and addressed in a comprehensive
and timely manner. This legislation calls on the Republic of Turkey
to meet its international obligations, and urges the United States
to prioritize the return of unlawfully seized religious properties in
order to begin to resolve the legitimate claims of these communities.”
H.R.4347 specifically requires the Secretary of State to “submit to the
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report on the status
and return of stolen, confiscated, or otherwise unreturned Christian
churches, places of worship, and other properties in or from the
Republic of Turkey and in the areas of northern Cyprus occupied by
the Turkish military that shall contain the following:
(1) A comprehensive listing of all the Christian churches, places of
worship, and other properties, such as monasteries, schools, hospitals,
monuments, relics, holy sites, and other religious properties,
including movable properties, such as artwork, manuscripts, vestments,
vessels, and other artifacts, in or from Turkey and in the territories
of the Republic of Cyprus under military occupation by Turkey that
are claimed as stolen, confiscated, or otherwise wrongfully removed
from the ownership of their rightful Christian church owners.
(2) Description of all engagement over the previous year on this issue
by officials of the Department of State with representatives of the
Republic of Turkey regarding the return to their rightful owners of
all Christian churches, places of worship, and other properties, such
as monasteries, schools, hospitals, monuments, relics, holy sites,
and other religious properties, including movable properties, such
as artwork, manuscripts, vestments, vessels, and other artifacts,
both those located within Turkey’s borders and those under control
of Turkish military forces in the occupied northern areas of Cyprus.”
The resolution goes on to urge that a summary of the report be
included in the annual U.S. State Department Human Rights Report and
International Religious Freedom Report.
An ANCA Call Alert in support of H.R.4347 is available here.
FREEDOM HOUSE: ARMENIA LISTED AMONG STATES WITH SEMI-CONSOLIDATED AUTHORITARIAN REGIME
June 12, 2014 | 18:21
Armenia continues to be listed among semi-consolidated authoritarian
regimes in the Freedom House report titled “Nations in Transit 2014.”
Armenia has scored 5.36 points and has low rating in the survey’s
civil society category.
As to the neighboring countries, Georgia is listed among the states
with transitional government or hybrid regime, while Azerbaijan is
named a country with consolidated authoritarian regime. The report
indicates crackdown on civil society activists, political opponents,
and the media following presidential elections in Azerbaijan last
October.
“After six consecutive years of decline, the largest and wealthiest
country in the Caucasus–and the newest chair of the Committee of
Ministers for the Council of Europe–now has the democracy rating of
a deeply entrenched Central Asian dictatorship, with less freedom of
assembly or expression than Tajikistan and more flagrant corruption
than Kazakhstan,” the report reads.
Besides, the report indicates Russia’s key role in decline of democracy
in post-Soviet area.
“Even in states where government and law enforcement already
surpass their Russian counterparts in institutionalized brutality and
intolerance, the Kremlin’s legislation has served as an inspiration,”
the experts say.
News from Armenia – NEWS.am