Author: Badalian Vardan

“ARMENIA MODEL EUROPEAN UNION CONFERENCE 2012” TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN

21:33, 9 November, 2012

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS: “Forum of European Students in
Yerevan” and the delegation of EU will launch “Armenia Model European
Union Conference 2012” conference.

As Armenpress was informed from the “Forum of European Students
in Yerevan” this new interactive youth program is a simulation of
the activities of the European Union (EU) bodies. The project in
autumn of 2012 will bring together 120 Armenian students from all
regions of our country, as well as international participants and
will give a unique possibility to get acquainted in details, with
the activities and structure of the European Union. For three weeks,
starting from October 20, 2012 the selected participants will have a
unique opportunity to learn about the activities of the EU, about its
policies namely, the policy in the field of European integration and
enlargement as well as the development and history of the political
parties represented at the European Parliament. The topic of the
Conference is “”EU Policy towards the Eastern Partnership Countries:
Advantages and Challenges”.

The main purpose of the conference is the simulation of the EU’s
decision-making process and imitation of the activities of the EU
institutions, particularly European Parliament.

100 participants were selected from 250 applicants from Armenia,
Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia
and Luxemburg.

NORTHERN CYPRUS ILLEGALLY LEASES HISTORIC ARMENIAN CHURCH

Thursday, November 8th, 2012

The Sourp Asdvadzadin Church in occupied Cyrus

UNDP and USAID Express Dismay, Threaten to Cut Restoration Funding

NICOSIA (Cyprus Mail)-An Organization for religious foundations in the
north has leased an historic and beautifully restored Armenian site
through an unfair and opaque tender procedure, the United Nations
Development Program-Action for Cooperation and Trust (UNDP-ACT)
program have said.

EVKAF, that oversees religious foundations in the north, leased in
August the 14th century Armenian Church of Sourp Asdvadzadzin and
Monastery complex in the Arabahmet area of northern Nicosia that was
renovated with UNDP-ACT funds as part of reconciliation efforts.

Press reports from occupied Cypriot named the Near East University
as the winner of a ten-year tender to turn the monastery into a
cultural center.

According to Vartkes Mahdessian, the Armenian representative in
parliament, such a move goes against the project’s original intention.

“The objective was to have a multi-communal area where communities
could come together and for the church to be used as a place of
worship by the Armenian community,” he said yesterday.

UNDP-ACT echoed Mahdessian’s concerns in a news release yesterday.

Stakeholders worked “to restore the site to international standards
so that it could encourage peace and reconciliation between all of
the communities in Cyprus,” said the statement from UNDP-ACT and the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Although UNDP-ACT and USAID did not name the tender winner, they
recently said that they learned that “the site had been leased by
EVKAF through a tender process that was neither fair nor transparent.”

“We have expressed our serious concerns to EVKAF about this
unacceptable result,” the news release said.

The Cyprus Mail was unable to speak to the UNDP-ACT to clarify the
news release.

USAID and UNDP-ACT put 3.5 million euros into what they have called
a “visionary endeavour” and a “unique confidence building measure”
referring to efforts to build trust among the island’s communities.

“UNDP and USAID look forward to a speedy resolution of this issue so
that we can continue to support all communities in Cyprus on cultural
heritage initiatives,” the news release said.

Mahdessian said that the news release “enforces our efforts” adding
that they have been meeting with diplomats and representations “and
we are waiting for an outcome whereby justice will be restored”.

As a first step, the tender procedure must be annulled, Mahdessian
said.

According to the UNDP and USAID, the Turkish Cypriot leadership agreed
to investigate the outcome and take action “as appropriate”.

The Sourp Asdvadzasin Church complex includes historic buildings
partially surrounded by a tall masonry wall and including a Gothic
masonry church and part of a monastery complex. It was in poor
condition when the decision to fix it was taken.

Mahdessian on Tuesday praised the restoration work, now completed.

ARMENIA’S MINISTERS: THE RICH AND NOT SO RICH
Grisha Balasanyan

12:28, November 7, 2012

In Hetq’s continuing series highlighting the financial status of
various Armenian government big-wigs, we now turn our attention on
the country’s government ministers. (Please note-the below figures
are culled from their official financial disclosures. We leave the
rest to your imagination)

Armen Asatryan (Minister of Labor and Social Affairs)

2011 Revenues – 4,469,000 AMD (all salary)

2011 Bank Deposits – 3 million AMD (end of year)

Armen Ashotyan (Minister of Education and Science)

2011 Revenues – 24,147,981 AMD, $20,000 (of which 20 million AMD and
$20,000 were loans. The rest was salary)

2011 Bank Deposits – 3 million AMD

Gagik Beglaryan (Minister of Transport and Communications)

2011 Revenues – 2,166,300 stock dividends as of March 1, 2012

2011 Bank deposits – 12 million AMD, $30,000

Tigran Davtyan (Minister of the Economy)

2011 Revenues – 3,225,000 in salary

2011 Bank Deposits – 3.9 million AMD

Vache Gabrielyan (Minister of Finances)

2011 Revenues – 26,233,000 (from various salaries

2011 Bank Deposits – 5 million AMD, $15,000

Armen Gevorgyan (Minister of Territorial Administration and Vice
Prime Minister

2011 Revenue – 3,211,887 AMD (all salary)

2011 Bank Deposits – $30,000 and 1.2 million AMD

Hranoush Hakobyan (Minister of Diaspora Affairs)

2011 Revenues – 14,412,595 AMD (of which 7 million was inheritance)

2011 Bank Deposits – 21.3 million AMD, $39,500, 12,700 Euros, 82,881
Soviet Roubles

Aram Haroutyunyan (Minister of the Environment)

2011 Revenues – 102,102,823 AMD (of which 2.848 million in salary);
15.7 million AMD in rental income; 21 million AMD stock dividend;
18.5 million AMD interest income

2011 Bank Deposits – 65.4 million AMD, $641,226, 11,309 Euros

Sergo Karapetyan (Minister of Agriculture)

2011 Revenues – Salary of 3,052,468 AMD

2011 Bank Deposits – 168.7 million AMD, $85,600, 78,500 Euros

Armen Movsisyan (Minister of Energy and Natural Resources)

2011 Revenues – 3,646,192 in salary

2011 Bank Deposits – $15,000

Edvard Nalbandyan (Minister of Foreign Affairs)

2011 Revenues – 6,344,280 AMD (all salary); 54 million AMD property
inheritance)

2011 Bank Deposits – 49,800 Euros (end of year)

Seyran Ohanyan (Minister of Defense)

2011 Revenues – 7.166 million AMD (2.967 million in salary, 4.199
million in pension)

2011 Bank Deposits – 11.5 million AMD

Hasmik Poghosyan (Minister of Culture)

2011 Revenues – 3.1 million AMD (She declared no other financial
assets)

Hrachya Rostomyan (Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs)

2011 Revenues – 42.8 million AMD (2.6 million in salary, 19 million
stock dividends, 21 million commercial profits)

2011 Bank Deposits – 37,000 English Pounds, 42 million AMD, $68,000

Samvel Tadevosyan (Minister of Urban Construction)

2011 Revenues – 27.2 million AMD (5.2 million salary from Control
Chamber and 22 million from sale of agricultural produce)

2011 Bank Deposits – 20 million AMD, $20,000, 6,000 Euros

Hrayr Tovmasyan (Minister of Justice)

2011 Revenues – 7,491,866 AMD

2011 Bank Deposits – $70,000 and 6,750 Euros (end of year)

Armen Yeritsyan (Minister of Emergency Affairs)

2011 Revenues – 7,248,954 AMD (of which 3.4 million from pension)

2011 Bank deposits – 34 million AMD

Home page

See also

Former Police Chief Alik Sargsyan: 120 Million AMD & $70,000 in Bank
Central Bank Prez Millions – Talk About Armenia’s Growing Income
Disparity!

Ministers’ Wives Have the Big Bank Accounts Armenia’s Provincial
Governors Get Rich Quick Newly Elected Prosperous Armenia MP’s Have
Deep Pockets MP Melikyan: A Businessman Big Enough for the Republican
Party Vanadzor Mayoral Race – Financials of the 5 Candidates Who’s
Fooling Who? Top Officials vs the Top Officials’ “Ethics Committee”
Ashot Arsenyan: This MP is More Businessman than Legislator Tsarukyan
Shares His Billions With Wife Javahir MP Grigoryan: 1 Billion AMD in
Cash and Counting…

Former Talin Mayor Turned MP Has Cash Holdings of 75 Million AMD MP
Hakob Hakobyan Has Vast Business Interests Financial Riddle? RA Justice
Minister Reports 3 Million AMD as “Other Income” Newly Appointed
RA Minister Likes British Pounds General Manvel Grigoryan Declares
147.9 Million AMD in Revenues Vahe Hakobyan – 2nd Richest Armenian
MP after Gagik Tsarukyan MP Davit Haroutyunyan: 8 Million AMD Worth
of Old Coins and Paintings Does Armenia’s Parliament Speaker Have
a Green Thumb? Abrahamyan & Wife Make Millions Selling Farm Produce
Armenia’s Minister of Environment is Cleaning-Up Financially

400 HOMELESS FAMILIES DID NOT RECEIVE APARTMENTS BECAUSE OF THE GOVERNMENT DECISION

Wed, 11/07/2012 – 12:57

‘Being registered on the list does not yet mean that homeless
families benefited from the program. They are registered on the list
by the head of community, but it is the commission that declares
them as beneficiaries’ noted the press secretary of the Minister
of Urban Development Lusine Margaryan during the conversation with
‘Pastinfo.am’. Let us recall that ‘Shirak Center’ spread information
that around 400 homeless families registered in the homeless families’
list of Gyumri within the process of apartment distribution in
the disaster zone during the last 3 years by the Ministry of Urban
Development were deprived of the right to receive an apartment.

Homeless families may not become beneficiaries of the program for
various reasons.

‘If one of the family members is not an RA citizen, it can be a reason
or if the conditions of the apartment of the family were improved
during the last years. Another reason can be the fact of death of
the main beneficiary.

During 24 years that passed since the earthquake different changes
took place in the families. For instance, the husband was the main
beneficiary and was not passed to other family members after his death’
the President of ‘Shirak Center’ Vahan Tumanyan mentioned during the
interview with ‘Pastinfo.am’ reporter.

According to him 400 homeless families were deprived of the right to
receive apartments as a result of a relevant government decision. ‘The
Government decision is very strict. If receiving apartment was
postponed by the fault of the state then the state should be soft
in its decisions. People live in hard social conditions; most of the
people live in trailer-houses. They lost their apartments, for some
reasons they do not correspond to the requirements of the government
decision and are rejected’ noted Vahan Tumanyan concluding that
‘if the decisions prevent people of getting apartments, then the
decisions should be changed’.

Factinfo.am.

ARMENIA AND IRAN PLAN TO START CONSTRUCTION OF OIL PIPELINE IN NEAR FUTURE: MINISTER

MEGHRI, November 8. / ARKA /. Armenia and Iran plan to get down to
construction of an oil pipeline in the near future, Armenian energy
and natural resources minister Armen Movsisyan said today during a
ground breaking ceremony launching the construction of a hydraulic
power plant in the southern Meghri on the Iranian border.

The ceremony was attended by President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and
Iranian Energy Minister Majid Namjou.

Movsisyan said the construction of the oil pipeline is part of a
strategy to boost bilateral economic ties. According to him, he and
his Iranian counterpart will be consistent in pressing for the launch
of this project as soon as possible.

The construction of Iran-Armenia oil pipeline was planned to begin in
2011 and be completed in 2014. It will bring to Armenia gasoline and
diesel not only from Iranian refineries, but also from the Persian
Gulf. The oil products will be shipped to Iranian Tabriz and from
there to Armenian town of Yeraskh, where a terminal will be built.

This will allow the Armenian side to buy oil products at much lower
prices from the Persian Gulf market than in Europe, as well as
significantly reduce transportation costs. -0-

UTAIR AVIATION TO LAUNCH SOCHI-YEREVAN FLIGHTS

arminfo
Thursday, November 8, 18:10

On December 25 2012 UTair Aviation OJSC will launch Sochi-Yerevan
flights.

The press service of the company reports that the flights will be
made by a Boeing 737-500 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 0:20
am from Sochi and at 2:40 am from Yerevan. Both economy and business
class air tickets will be available.

TURKS, AZERIS TO PROTEST ARMENIAN PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO FRANCE

November 8, 2012 – 18:28 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Diaspora organizations of Azerbaijan and Turkey
will stage a joint protest action outside the Armenian embassy in
France on November 12.

The action aims to protest Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s upcoming
visit to France, Trend reported.

HYDROPOWER PLANT CONSTRUCTION KICKS OFF IN ARMENIA’S MEGHRI

November 8, 2012 – 16:09 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Today, November 8, laying of the foundation stone of
Armenian-Iranian Meghri hydropower plant took place Armenia’s Syunik
province with President Serzh Sargsyan and head of Armenian-Iranian
intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, Iran’s Minister
of Energy Majid Namjoo present.

Armenia and Iran signed an agreement on hydropower plant construction
on River Arax in 2007, the document being ratified by both parliaments
in 2008. On December 23, 2011, presidents of both countries instructed
the ministers to launch implementation of strategic projects on
construction of oil pipeline, Iranian-Armenian railway, and hydro
station on River Arax.

Armenia and Iran have agreed to build the two most powerful hydropower
plants in the South Caucasus, with the HPPs to be located in Meghri
on the Armenian side and Karachilare – on the Iranian side.

Each of the plans will annually generate 793 mln kWh electricity,
with the Meghri station construction estimated at USD 323 mln.

After completion of the construction, Iranian Farat-Sepasat company
will assume the operation of the plant for 15 years, with the
electricity to be supplied to Iran to cover-up the investments of
the Iranian side. After the mentioned period, Armenia will take up
the operation of the plant.

IS THE FACT OF LEGAL OR ILLEGAL TREE-FELLING MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE NATURE?

Wednesday, 07 November 2012 10:46

The data published in the website of the NKR Police adjunct to
the government suppose that in October the Police concentrated its
attention on the illegal tree-felling cases, more precisely, the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources began to apply to
the Police more frequently.

The data concerning these cases were published in the webpage during
the last ten days of October. According to them during the month there
occurred about 10 illegal tree-felling cases mainly in Martakert and
Shahoumyan regions and one in Martouni.

The department of Environment and Natural Resources is likely to
have adopted a new policy of frequently announcing about the cases
of illegal tree-felling activities, another question is why the
department winks at some other cases.

Apart from the struggle against illegal tree-felling the department
recently initiated a fishing contest participated by the fishermen
and the responsible officials of the sphere of the NKR and the RA
regions of Syunik and Vayots Dzor. The winner of the contest was the
fisherman who caught the most of fish with a fishing rod. How many
fish were caught by the participants of the contest on that day was
not announced yet it was done with the permission of the department
as head of the department Vazgen Mikayelyan personally participated in
the event and later in his interview to the Artsakh Public Television
he announced that illegal fishing had become a frequent phenomenon
and they were going to control that in the right way.

The announcements of the department head and the other officials
imply that henceforth strict control will be defined in the sphere
of environment preservation and it remains to hope that the same
attitude will be displayed in the sphere of the exploitation of mines.

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web:
Email: [email protected]

November 8, 2012
————————————————————
Hurricane Relief

** Helping Hurricane Relief Efforts
————————————————————

Earlier this week, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian issued
a directive asking Diocesan parishes to conduct a special collection
on Sunday, November 11, for relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane
Sandy.

Individuals can also contribute through our Diocesan website,

()
, where you can click on the `Donate’ link
()
and make a credit-card donation on our secure server. (Please note: In
the lower part of the online information entry form, select the button
`In Memory of,’ and type `Hurricane Sandy Relief’ in the memo bar that
appears.)

All funds collected should be sent to the Diocesan Center (630 Second
Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016) no later than Wednesday, November
21. All the proceeds collected will go to the relief efforts, to be
distributed through the American Red Cross.

Above all, we ask everyone to pray for those affected by the storm,
and to pray that our Lord will guide the emergency crews carrying out
the relief work across the region.

His Holiness Karekin II
His Holiness Karekin II arrived in New York yesterday.

** His Holiness Karekin II Visiting New York
————————————————————

The Eastern Diocese is pleased to inform the public that His Holiness
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
arrived in the U.S. on Wednesday. During a brief stay in the New York
metro area, His Holiness plans to meet privately with community
leaders.

On Friday, November 16, His Holiness will preside over the blessing
ceremony of the newly-built Haroutune and Siranoush Toufayan Hall at
the St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ.

We wish our Catholicos a restful and productive stay in our country.

St. John Armenian Church, Detroit

** Primate to Ordain Deacons in Southfield, MI
————————————————————

On Sunday, November 11, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
will visit the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, where he will ordain
David Aprahamian and Aram Sarkisian to the diaconate.

Following services, the parish will host a banquet titled `A
Celebration of Service,’ to honor parishioners for their dedication to
the Armenian Church. Several members will be recognized with the
parish’s `St. John the Forerunner Award’ and the Diocese’s `St. Vartan
Award.’ Emma Tabibyan Sogoian will be presented with the `St. Gregory
Medal’ and Pontifical Encyclical.

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

Is 24:1-12
Eph 5:15-33
Lk 8:49-57

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

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

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

10 November: Holy Archangels Gabriel and Michael

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
Patriarch of Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Patriarch Maxim of Bulgaria (1914-2012).

** In Memoriam: Patriarch Maxim of Bulgaria (1914-2012)
————————————————————

With great sorrow, the Eastern Diocese learned of the passing of
Patriarch Maxim of Bulgaria, the leader of Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church,
who passed away on Tuesday, November 6, in Sofia, Bulgaria. He was 98.

Patriarch Maxim became the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in
1971. Following the collapse of Communism in Bulgaria in 1989, he led
efforts to revitalize and unite the church.

In response to the news of Patriarch Maxim’s passing, His Holiness
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
expressed his condolences in a letter to the Holy Synod of the
Bulgarian Church. Representatives of the Armenian Church in Bulgaria
are scheduled to attend the Patriarch’s funeral on November 9.

Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church
Bishop Tawadros will be consecrated as the 118th pope of the Coptic
Orthodox Church.

** Coptic Church Welcomes New Leader
————————————————————

On Sunday, November 4, Bishop Tawadros was chosen to lead the Coptic
Orthodox Church. He will be consecrated as Pope Tawadros II, the 118th
pope of the ancient Coptic Orthodox Church, on November 18.

Bishop Tawadros most recently served as the leader of Egypt’s northern
province of Beheira. He will succeed the long-serving Pope Shenouda
III, who passed away in March.

During a ceremony in Cairo last Sunday, a blindfolded boy drew Bishop
Tawadros’s name from a chalice containing the names of three
candidates-all of them put forth by an assembly of church leaders.

Supreme Spiritual Council Archbishop Mesrob Krikorian (left) and
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian at last month’s meeting.

** Supreme Spiritual Council Meets at Holy Etchmiadzin
————————————————————

Meeting at Holy Etchmiadzin on October 30 and 31, the Supreme
Spiritual Council heard reports on the Armenian Patriarchates of
Jerusalem and Constantinople. His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the meeting,
which opened with a prayer for the souls of Archbishop Torkom
Manoogian, the late Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Archbishop
Aghan Baliozian, the late Primate of the Diocese of Australia and New
Zealand.

Council members reviewed the agenda and materials which were later
presented at the Diocesan Representative Assembly (see the item
below).

Diocesan Representative Assembly
>From left: Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, Bishop Mikayel Ajapahian, and
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

** Fourth Diocesan Representative Assembly Held
————————————————————

The Diocesan Representative Assembly convened at Holy Etchmiadzin
under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, from November 1 to 3. Representing
the Eastern Diocese were Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and
Diocesan Council member Dr. Raffy Hovanessian.

On Friday, November 2, delegates heard from Armenia’s Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsyan, who also chairs the Diocesan Council of the Araratian
Diocese. On Saturday, November 3, Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan
addressed the assembly and answered questions from the delegates.

Matters discussed by the assembly included commemoration of the 100th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, guidelines for diocesan bylaws,
the draft Constitution of the Armenian Church, and relief efforts to
the Armenian community in war-torn Syria.

On Sunday, November 4, Diocesan representatives took part in the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy at Holy Etchmiadzin. A Pontifical
Blessing service was offered on the occasion of the 13th anniversary
of enthronement of His Holiness Karekin II.

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Annual Appeal

** Support the Diocese’s 2012 Annual Appeal
————————————————————

The Eastern Diocese has launched its 2012 Annual Appeal-and we need
your help to make it a success! The Appeal is the only Diocesan-wide
fundraiser conducted each year to help the Diocese undertake the many
ministries, programs, and resources that enrich life in our local
parishes.

We have set a target of $825,000 for the 2012 Annual Appeal. Funds
raised beyond that target will help to support one of the great
institutions of our community: the Armenian Church Youth Organization
of America (ACYOA). Please consider making a contribution to the 2012
Annual Appeal to help spread the good work of the Armenian Church
across our local communities=80’and across the generations.

Follow these links to donate now
()
, and to learn more
()
about the 2012 Annual Appeal.

Bishop Haigazoun Najarian
Bishop Haigazoun Najarian is visiting the Diocesan Center this month.

** Bishop Najarian to Celebrate Badarak at St. Vartan Cathedral
————————————————————

Bishop Haigazoun Najarian, the former Vicar of the Eastern Diocese who now serves as the Pontifical Legate for Central Europe and Sweden, is visiting the Diocesan Center this month. On Sunday, November 11, Bishop Najarian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy in New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

At a reception following services, the public will have an opportunity to speak with Bishop Najarian and to learn about the activities of the Armenian communities in central Europe. The reception is free and open to the public.

** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian celebrates Divine Liturgy
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Naples, FL, on Saturday.

** Florida Mission Parish Resumes Worship Schedule
————————————————————

After a hiatus for the summer months, the Armenian Church of Southwest
Florida mission parish began its worship schedule on Saturday,
November 3. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Hovnan
Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, FL. Dn. Allan
Tossoonian, also of St. Hagop Church, assisted Fr. Demerjian.

Some 50 parishioners gathered for services and enjoyed a luncheon
later in the afternoon. The next celebration of the Divine Liturgy is
planned for January (a date will be announced soon). For information,
contact Carole Meghreblian, Parish Council chair, at (239) 348-3804.

Deacons Training in Boca Raton, FL
Fr. Nareg Berberian with a group of young altar servers in Boca Raton, FL.

** Young Altar Servers Begin Training in Boca Raton, FL
————————————————————

The ranks of altar servers are growing at St. David Church of Boca
Raton, FL, where 11 young men recently enrolled in the training
program led by their pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian.

In addition to participating in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays, the
group meets on Monday evenings to learn about the history and
practices of the Armenian Church. Soon they will also learn to assist
at baptisms, weddings, and funeral services.

Fr. Berberian works closely with the young men and encourages them to
remain involved in the life of the Armenian Church. During his
pastorate at St. David Church, a total of 30 altar servers have been
ordained as acolytes, sub-deacons, and deacons.

Binghamton Church
Some 70 people enjoyed Armenian music at St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church’s fall dance in October.

** Binghamton, NY, Parish Hosts Fall Dance
————————————————————

On Saturday, October 27, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of
Binghamton, NY, held its 13th annual `Fall Armenian Dance.’ Some 70
people-including members of the wider Binghamton community-joined
parishioners of St. Gregory Church for an evening of Armenian food,
culture, and fellowship.

The program featured Armenian music by the Elias Sarkar Ensemble of
New Jersey, and food and pastries by Despina’s Mediterranean Taste and
Milena’s Place. The event was organized by Louise Kachadourian and
Despina Jevelekides.

Special guests included the Rev. Fr. John Zharsky of the Ukrainian
Orthodox Church and New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.

St. George Church Dancers Donning traditional Armenian costumes, the
Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy of Hartford performed at the
September banquet.

** Parishioners Celebrate 59th Anniversary in Hartford, CT
————————————————————

On Sunday, September 30, parishioners of St. George Church of
Hartford, CT, marked the 59th anniversary of the church’s
consecration. The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy
by the Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, parish pastor.

Following services, the community gathered for a banquet in Windsor,
CT. Parish Council chair Julie Tashjian and Fr. Zohrabian presented
service awards to Alan Mardirosian, Richard Mardirosian, Valery
Oganov, and Shant Ghokasiyan. Melanie Kevorkian Brown received the
`Parishioner of the Year’ award.

Anna Abalyan and Sara DerAprahamian made a presentation on the
Diocesan Summer Youth Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Later in the
afternoon, the Vanush Khanamiryan Dance Academy of Hartford, under the
direction of Tovmas Harutiunyan, performed traditional Armenian
dances. The parish’s Sunday and Armenian School students sang the
Armenian national anthem.

Fr. Zohrabian concluded the program with an inspiring message
encouraging the community to continue carrying forward the mission of
the Armenian Church.

Click on the following links to view photos
(!i=2203541256&k=Djjnscq)
and a brief video () from the September
banquet

Upcoming Events

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

St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral | New York, NY
The St. Vartan Cathedral Council is sponsoring a food drive to help
the homeless in New York. The council will collect non-perishable food
items until December 16. Items may be dropped off at 630 Second Avenue
in New York City. For information, call (212) 686-0710, ext. 141.

St. George Church | Hartford, CT The dance ensemble of St. George
Church of Hartford, CT, will join other young dancers of the Vanush
Khanamiryan Dance Academy to perform at the Inga and Anush Arshakians
concert on Saturday, November 10. The concert will be held at Felician
College in Lodi, NJ. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

Armenian Church at Hye Pointe | Haverhill, MA
The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe in Haverhill, MA , will host
`Autumnfest 2012′ on Friday, November 9 (12 to 8 p.m.), and Saturday,
November 10 (12 to 7 p.m.).

Enjoy lamb, losh, and chicken kebab; kheyma dinners; Armenian pastries; and more. Browse items in the Country Store and enter a raffle for a chance to win gift certificates and other prizes. Click here () to view a flyer or visit the parish website () for information.

Sts. Joachim and Anne Church | Palos Heights, IL
Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of Palos Heights, IL, will host a seminar titled `The History and Richness of the Armenian Culture’ on Saturday November 10, from 2 to 7:30 p.m.

Gilda Kupelian, the Diocese’s coordinator of Armenian Studies, will make a series of presentations on the Armenian language, literature and culture, pre-Christian Armenia, the medieval city of Ani, and other topics. The registration deadline is November 9. For information, e-mail [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call
(708) 388-4940.

Holy Trinity Church | Cheltenham, PA
On Tuesday, November 13, Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, will
host a `Meet & Greet’ with two artists from Armenia: composer and
songwriter Martin Aharonyan and film producer Aleksandr
Mirzakhanyan. The evening, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., will include
a performance by Mr. Aharonyan and the screening of a video produced
by Mr. Mirzakhanyan. For information, contact the church office at
(215) 663-1600.

St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will host an Armenian Food
Festival on Saturday, November 17 (1 to 6 p.m.), and Sunday, November
18 (12 to 4 p.m.).

Enjoy Armenian food and sweets, and browse the `Holiday Vendor Fair.’
The festival is sponsored by the Women’s Guild of St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church. The church is located at 1131 North Street in
White Plains. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, will host a `Food Fest and
Bazaar’ on Saturday, November 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy
Armenian food and pastries, listen to Armenian music, and browse
vendor booths. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

Holy Cross Church | New York, NY
Holy Cross Church in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood will
host a food festival on Sunday, November 18, from 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy
Armenian food, music, and a tavloo tournament.

The church is also looking for volunteer carolers to join its chorale
for an English-language Christmas concert on Sunday, December 23. The
program will be the Christmas story as told in Scripture and through
traditional Christmas carols. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

** EVENTS
————————————————————
Concert at St. Vartan Cathedral

** Classical Concert Postponed to December 8
————————————————————

Due to power outages caused by last week’s hurricane in New York, the
classical concert scheduled to take place at the Diocesan Center on
November 3 was postponed. The concert has been rescheduled for
Saturday, December 9, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Sopranos Anoosh Barclay, Hasmik Meikhanedjian, Narine Ojakhyan, and
Anahit Zakaryan-accompanied by pianist Garen Hagopian-will perform the
works of Pergolesi, Donizetti, Verdi, Rossini, Bizet, Dvorak, Komitas,
Tigranian, Melikian, and Abrahamian. The concert will go forward under
the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian.

The concert will be held in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of
the Diocesan Center (630 Second Avenue, New York City). Call the
Diocese at (212) 686-0710 for information.

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian will speak in Charlotte, NC, next month.

** Archbishop Aykazian to Speak in Charlotte, NC
————————————————————

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, will
give a talk on the challenges facing Christians in the Middle East on
Saturday, December 8, at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in
Charlotte, NC. The event will begin at 7 p.m.

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian will discuss Christian communities in the
Middle East and offer ways Christians in the U.S. can help influence
peace building efforts. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
ACYOA Leadership Conference

** ACYOA Members to Gather for Leadership Conference
————————————————————

Some 50 young adults from 16 parishes across the Diocese, as well as
several representatives from the Coptic Orthodox Church, will take
part in the ACYOA Leadership Conference at the Don Bosco Retreat
Center in Stony Point, NY, this weekend.

Titled “Faith Literacy for Young Leaders,” the program will offer
sessions on comparative Christian traditions, Scripture, liturgy, and
sacraments. Speakers include St. Nersess Seminary graduate Ryan
Tellalian, and current seminarians Saro Kalayjian and Eric Vozzy. The
Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan will serve as the conference chaplain.

The annual event, now in its 12th year, is sponsored by the ACYOA
Central Council. Visit to learn more about the ACYOA.