Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

ANCA Invites Romney to Share Views on Armenian American Issues

by Armenian Weekly

August 17, 2012

Calls on Governor to Meet with Community’s Broad-based Leadership

WASHINGTON – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today
continued its outreach to the Romney-Ryan presidential campaign by
calling upon Governor Romney to spell out his views on Armenian
American issues and to meet personally with the broad-based leadership
of the Armenian American community.

Romney
Earlier this week, the ANCA issued a similar call to President Obama
to meet with community leaders and personally explain his
Administration’s policies on issues of special concern to Armenian
American voters. As governor of Massachusetts, from 2003 to 2007,
Romney represented one of the nation’s largest and most vibrant
Armenian communities.

The full text of the ANCA letter to Governor Romney, signed by
Chairman Ken Hachikian, is provided below.

To view the 2012 ANCA Presidential Candidate Questionnaire, visit:

***

August 17, 2012

The Honorable Mitt Romney
Romney for President
PO Box 149756
Boston, MA 02114-9756

Dear Governor Romney,

I am writing to ask you to publicly outline the policies and
priorities that you would pursue as President on issues of special
concern to voters of Armenian heritage and other friends of Armenia
from across the United States, and also to invite you to hold a
meeting with the broad-based leadership of our community to discuss
Armenian American participation in this year’s elections.

A personal meeting, with a representative group of national community
leaders, would offer you the opportunity to share your vision, explain
your record, clarify your priorities, and explore, with us, ways in
which we can work together in the months and years to come. By
outlining your views, in the attached questionnaire, you can help
empower Armenian Americans to go to the polls this November fully
informed about your stated stands on specific issues that hold great
meaning to their families and communities.

Please accept our thanks for your consideration of our request that
you meet with our community leadership and publicly outline your views
on Armenian American issues.

Sincerely,

[signed]

Kenneth V. Hachikian

Chairman

From: Baghdasarian

Armenia successfully produces ecologically pure flax oil

18:25, 18 August, 2012

Yerevan, August 18, ARMENPRESS: The works on the production of flax
oil in the Hartaghyugh community of Region Lori are implemented in
their natural process.

As `Armenpress’ was informed by the Armenian Ministry of Agriculture,
Armenian Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan was in flax oil
workshop within the framework of working visit. Farmer Group Chief
Minister introduced the minister with the process of getting oil in a
cold compressing technology. It was mentioned that in the result of
the first year activities 7 tons of flax seeds were received from the
sowing in the 7 hectares. 1550 liters high quality and ecologically
pure oil was sold in Yerevan, Vanadzor and Spitak. The production
organizers estimate this branch of economy as useful and perspective.

From: Baghdasarian

Sayid Chenitoghlu released a new article on Armenian evacuation in Turkey

14:29, 18 August, 2012

YEREVAN, AUGUST 18, ARMENPRESS: Turkish historian and investigator
Sayid Chenitoghlu, who has carried out numerous studies and published
many books in favor of Armenians , dwelled on Anatolian Armenians
evacuations in his article published in `New Marmara’ newspaper.
Chenitoghlu stated the way country treated the evacuated people and
stepped up efforts to block the way back; reportedly the obstacles
were unconquerable, Armenpress reports citing Asbarez .Surely there
were people amongst the evacuated ones who managed to survive. I
think it is natural that those people wanted to return to their
homeland. Everybody knows how much Armenians are attached to their
land and water’ Chenitoghlu wrote.
The author also told that Turkish government has signed a decree
consisting of eleven points. According to the decree the Armenian’s
entry to their homeland has remained on the conscience of the Turkish
officials.

From: Baghdasarian

French FM touches upon Armenian Genocide issue in Turkey

tert.am
15:53 – 18.08.12

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius visiting Turkey referred to the
deteriorated Turkish-French relations because of Armenian Genocide
issue.

`This issue caused deterioration of relations between our two
countries I am sure we can find certain solution if restraining from
unnecessary passions,’ the French minister said.

Laurent Fabius met with his Turkish counterpart to discuss the
deepening crisis in Syria.

French Foreign Minister also visited Turkey’s largest refugee camp
near the border.

From: Baghdasarian

Arsen Julfalakyan: `I hope next time I will be able to bring gold’.

armradio.am
18.08.2012 14:05

Armenian wrestlerArsen Julfalakyan said he felt the joy of having won
Olympic silver only after the competition.
`I am truly happy to have won silver. It is also a great award,’ the
wrestler said, adding that he trained hard to win a medal at London
2012 Olympics.
`I showed nice performance, beating all my rivals in two rounds before
reaching the final. However, I was unable to win the Olympic final,’
Julfalakyan said.
The wrestler will start training for the upcoming championships and
international tournaments in a few weeks of rest.

From: Baghdasarian

Azeri athletes get special awards if defeating Armenians

tert.am
13:04 – 18.08.12

Olympic silver medalist Arsen Julfalakyan, speaking about his fight
with Azerbaijani wrestler, said the nationality of athlete does not
matter for him while in Azerbaijan the athletes who win Armenians get
special awards, even if they do not win any medals.

`If you come to the floor you should win, but in case of Azerbaijani
athletes the sense of responsibility rises tenfold,’ he said.

Earlier Julfalakyan said during his fight with Azerbiajni athlete
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who was in the hall, asked
whether the Armenian wrestler was strong enough to win the Azerbaijani
one, getting positive answer he left the hall.

Julfalakyan said unlike Armenian athletes the Azerbaijani ones more
highlight the fight with Armenians.

From: Baghdasarian

My responsibility was ten times greater in match against Azerbaijani –
Armenia’s Olympic silver medalist wrestler

news.am
August 18

YEREVAN. – `It doesn’t matter for me as to who my opponent is,’
Armenia’s London 2012 silver medal-winning Greco-Roman wrestler Arsen
Julfalakyan (74 kg) said during a press conference on Saturday.

`We had won different medals in the Olympics. Winning a gold medal was
important for us. We were in excellent condition. I held flawless
matches until the final. [But] I made a mistake in the last bout.

My consolation is that we had not won a silver medal [in the Olympics]
for a long time.
When I defeated Azerbaijani Ahmadov, [Azerbaijan’s president] Heydar
Aliyev was at the sports complex. [And] Seeing the result, he left the
hall.

It doesn’t matter for me as to who my opponent is. I certainly know
that the Azerbaijanis are tenser when competing against us
[Armenians]. I underestimate no one. I simply knew that my
responsibility was ten times greater. He wasn’t a weak opponent. He
competed [in the Olympics] for the first time and won a bronze medal,’
noted Arsen Julfalakyan.

From: Baghdasarian

Azerbaijan and Iran: Quakes Widening Rift?- Eurasianet

tert.am
14:14 – 16.08.12

The recent earthquakes in Iran are creating a fresh diplomatic
challenge for Azerbaijani-Iranian relations, eurasianet.org.

`Some in Baku are complaining about the Iranian governmental response
to the disaster, which occurred in northwestern Iran, an area with a
large concentration of ethnic Azeris,’ the article says.

Two quakes on August 11 left more than 300 dead. The epicenter was
about 37 miles southwest of Tabriz, Iran’s fifth largest city and the
capital of the country’s East Azerbaijan Province. Iranian authorities
initially seemed ambivalent about accepting foreign assistance, but
announced a more open stance on August 14.

“Azerbaijani-Iranian relations have been marked by rising tension in
recent months. But on August 12, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
sent condolences to his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The
next day, Azerbaijan dispatched a truck convoy carrying emergency aid
items, including tents and blankets,” the article continues.

“Such gestures initially offered hope of a diplomatic thaw. But it’s
becoming increasingly clear that Azerbaijan’s patience with Tehran is
wearing thin. In the most obvious sign of displeasure, a crowd
gathered outside the Iranian Embassy in Baku to protest what they
asserted was the Ahmadinejad administration’s lackluster response to
quake victims, who are mostly ethnic Azeris. So instead of helping to
bring the feuding nations together, it appears the quakes are fueling
bilateral rancor,” Eurasianet concluded.

From: Baghdasarian

Asbarez Turns 104 Today

asbarez
Tuesday, August 14th, 2012

by Ara Khachatourian

The first issue of Asbarez published on Aug. 14, 1908 in Fresno

Asbarez newspaper marked its 104th anniversary on Tuesday. We wish our
readers a happy anniversary, as without you our newspaper would not
have survived for more than a century. Pictured is the front page of
our first edition published on Aug. 14, 1908 in Fresno

>From our Archives
Read a first-person account of how Asbarez was founded (Published,
August 14, 2008)

Read a retrospective of the newspaper by Paul Chaderjian (Published
August, 2003)

From: Baghdasarian

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

TOP STORY
August 16, 2012

Primate to Visit to Racine

Primate to Ordain Deacons in Racine, WI

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will visit St. Mesrob
Church of Racine, WI, this weekend, where he will ordain two
parishioners to the diaconate.

On Saturday, August 18, Archbishop Barsamian will preside over a
Vespers service. A fellowship hour will follow. On Sunday, August 19,
he will ordain Joseph Sarkis Gabrielian and Stan Sheridan as deacons.
Both are active members of the Racine parish. Mr. Gabrielian has served
as a Parish Council chair for six years; Mr. Sheridan is the longtime
advisor of the ACYOA Juniors. The two have been trained by Dn. Charles
Hardy, and have received theological lessons from the Rev. Fr. Yeprem
Kelegian, parish pastor.

A dinner and program will follow services on Sunday. Diocesan Council
chair Oscar Tatosian will be among the guest speakers. Violinist
Lillian Proctor will perform musical selections.

[4]Click here to visit the parish website.
Links:
4.

Scripture of the Week

Prv 11:30-12:4
Zec 2:10-13
2 Cor 6:16-7:1
Lk 1:39-56

Prayer of the Week

You created the visible light, separated the day and night, shed forth
on us, O Lord, by night the rays of spiritual light. Give us at all
times the shadow of your protecting hand, that by day and by night we
may give you glory incessantly. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

21 August: Sts. Joachim and Anna, parents of the Holy Mother-of-God

23 August: St. Jeremiah the Prophet

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Armenian Church in Romania
His Holiness Karekin II blesses pilgrims gathered for the
re-consecration of Hagigadar Monastery in Romania.

Armenian Monastery in Romania Marks 500 Years

Last weekend, the Armenian community of Romania celebrated the 500th
anniversary of the Hagigadar Monastery in Suceava. His Holiness Karekin
II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided
over the occasion. Pilgrims from Europe and the diaspora traveled to
Suceava to take part in the celebration. Also present were local
government officials.

On Sunday, August 12-the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy
Mother-of-God-His Holiness performed a re-consecration of the
monastery, and then celebrated the Divine Liturgy and presided over the
Blessing of the Grapes service. Following local tradition, many of the
pilgrims made their way to the monastery on their knees, braving the
rainy weather and cool temperatures.

After services, His Holiness blessed Hagop and Ica Kouyoumdjian of New
York, the Romanian-born benefactors through whose generosity the
Hagigadar Monastery has been completely restored. His Holiness also
blessed a new khatchkar erected in the monastery’s courtyard to mark
its 500th anniversary.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, was among
the clergy accompanying His Holiness Karekin II on this pontifical
visit, which included stops in Bucharest and Chernovtsy, Ukraine.
Before departing from Romania, the Catholicos met with the country’s
acting President Crin Antonescu.

Suceava was the capital of Moldavia until 1564: a trading center with a
large Armenian population and home to as many as seven Armenian
churches. Hagigadar Monastery, built in 1512, is known for its
miraculous power of granting wishes to believers, and remains a popular
pilgrimage destination. Romania has issued a limited-edition postal
stamp to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the monastery.

Click to [5]read more and to [6]view photos.
Links:
5.
6.

Abuna Paulos
Patriarch Abune Paulos (1935-2012).

In Memoriam: Patriarch Abune Paulos (1935-2012)

With great sorrow, the Eastern Diocese learned of the passing of His
Holiness Abune Paulos, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church,
who passed away on Thursday, August 16, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He
was 76.

Patriarch Paulos became head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
in 1992. He had also served as president of the World Council of
Churches, where he was known for his work to combat AIDS, promote
interfaith dialogue, and advocate on behalf of refugees worldwide. In
2000 he was awarded the Nansen Medal for Africa by the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees.

The Ethiopian Orthodox are among the sister communions of the Armenian
Church in the Oriental Orthodox family of churches. We extend our
condolences to our brothers and sisters in the Ethiopian Orthodox
Church.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Diocesan Summer Interns
During a farewell at the Diocese, interns Maral Firkatian Wozniak
(left) and Kiersten Johnston (middle) cut a cake with Nancy Basmajian.

Diocese Bids Farewell to Summer Interns

On Friday, August 10, two college students who have been interning at
the Diocesan Center this summer completed their eight-week program and
returned to their home parishes. Kiersten Johnston and Maral Firkatian
Wozniak have been assisting with projects in various Diocesan
departments and the Fund for Armenian Relief. In addition, the interns
took part in weekly meetings with area clergy, attended Bible study
sessions, and had an opportunity to learn Armenian.

On Thursday, August 9, Diocesan clergy and staff bid farewell to
Kiersten and Maral, wishing them well in their future endeavors.
Diocesan Vicar the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian thanked the young
women for their contributions, and encouraged them to remain active in
the life of the Armenian Church.

Nancy Basmajian, executive secretary of the ACYOA, oversaw the summer
program, which the Diocese offers annually in partnership with the
Armenian General Benevolent Union. Diocesan interns live in student
housing at New York University, along with interns participating in the
AGBU summer internship program. They join the AGBU interns for
educational, cultural, and social activities throughout the summer.

[7]Click here to read the interns’ reflections on our blog.
Links:
7.

St. Nersess Seminary

St. Nersess Concludes Summer Conference Season

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will close its 2012 summer conference
season on Friday, August 17, when the Post High School Conference
concludes. The summer conferences have given teens and young adults the
opportunity to explore their faith, learn about the traditions of the
Armenian Church, and take part in discussions about issues important to
young people.

During the Post High School Conference earlier this week, Nancy
Basmajian, executive secretary of the ACYOA, made a presentation on the
importance of personal prayer. She stressed that prayer is a way to
encounter God, to establish fellowship with Him, and to be transformed
by that experience. Participants discussed ways they can set aside more
time for prayer in their daily lives.

FAR
Marine Hoveyan (right) with a colleague at a clinic in Ashtarak,
Armenia.

FAR Scholarship Recipient Gives Back to Community

Marine Hoveyan of Ashtarak, Armenia, a recipient of the Fund for
Armenian Relief’s [8]Anoosh Mathevosian Scholarship, is now working as
an ear-nose-throat doctor at a local clinic in her hometown. With the
help of the scholarship, she recently completed a three-year residency
program at Yerevan State Medical University, and is now giving back to
her community.
Links:
8.

`I overcame the biggest financial hurdles with the assistance of the
scholarship,’ she said. `It supported me throughout the three-year
qualification period.’
Dr. Hoveyan says she plans to remain in Armenia, where she hopes to
contribute to the strengthening of healthcare services. `I’d like to
see the day when everybody comes back to their homeland instead of
moving abroad in search of better professional opportunities and a
better life,’ she said.

FAR’s Mathevosian Scholarship Program provides much-needed assistance
to students from poor families. Through tuition coverage and a stipend,
Mathevosian scholars have the opportunity to study at leading
institutions in Armenia.

[9]Click here to visit FAR’s blog and to read more.
Links:
9.

PARISH NEWS

Blessing of Grapes at St. Vartan Cathedral
Fr. Mardiros Chevian (left) and Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian conduct
the Blessing of Grapes service on the cathedral plaza.

Assumption Celebrated at St. Vartan Cathedral

On Sunday, August 12, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy
Mother-of-God, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian celebrated the Divine
Liturgy at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York. In his sermon,
Archbishop Gizirian spoke about the significance of the feast day,
which commemorates how St. Mary was taken up in body and soul, or
`assumed,’ into heaven.

Following badarak, Archbishop Gizirian and the Rev. Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, conducted the Blessing of Grapes
service on the cathedral plaza. The warm, sunny afternoon drew a crowd
of some 200 people, who tarried on the plaza before making their way to
fellowship hour in the cathedral complex.

[10]Click here to view the day’s photos.
Links:
10.

Diocesan Vicar Visit Holy Martyrs Church, Bayside, NY
Fr. Simeon Odabashian celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs
Church last Sunday.

Diocesan Vicar Visits Bayside, NY, Parish

On Sunday, August 12, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy
Mother-of-God, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar,
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and conducted the Blessing of Grapes
service at the Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY.

Following services, Fr. Odabashian joined the local community for a
picnic sponsored by the parish’s Shnorhali Choir.

Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, PA
Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian blesses Mr. and Mrs. Melcon and Mary Arabatlian,
who donated the church’s new carillon system.

New Carillon System Dedicated in Wynnewood, PA

St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, celebrated the Feast
of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God with services and the
dedication of the church’s new carillon system. The Very Rev. Fr.
Oshagan Gulgulian, parish pastor, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
conducted the Blessing of Grapes service. Fr. Gulgulian also
congratulated women whose name day was celebrated last Sunday.

Following services, Fr. Gulgulian dedicated the new carillon system and
expressed his gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Melcon and Mary Arabatlian for
their generous donation. Laraine Ballard, the parish organist,
performed two hymns on the beautifully resonant chimes.

Later in the afternoon, the Women’s Guild hosted a fellowship hour,
which was organized by Julyet Degirmenci.

Church of Our Savior,Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA, Parish Hosts Day for the College-Bound

College-bound students took part in a special going-away event at the
Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA, on Sunday, August 12.

The Rev. Fr. Aved Terzian, parish pastor, invited the young people to
attend the Divine Liturgy with their parents and to receive Holy
Communion before heading off to their college campuses. He blessed each
of the 20 students gathered in the sanctuary, and encouraged them to
live their faith and to maintain their connection to the Armenian
Church.

On the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God, Fr. Terzian
also conducted the Blessing of Grapes service.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Parish Events

Church of the Holy Resurrection | New Britain, CT
The Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT, will host an
Armenian festival on Sunday, August 19, from noon to 6 p.m. The
festival will be held on the church grounds (1910 Stanley Street in New
Britain).

Enjoy Armenian food, a car show, live music by the Harry Bedrossian
Ensemble, and a performance by the parish’s youth dance ensemble.
Admission is free. For information, contact Gary Hovhanessian at (860)
690-5959, or via e-mail at [11][email protected].
Links:
11. mailto:[email protected]

Church of the Holy Ascension | Trumbull, CT
The Church of the Holy Ascension of Trumbull, CT, will hold its annual
golf tournament on Monday, August 20, at the Brownson Country Club in
Huntington, CT.

An individual golfer fee of $160 includes lunch, a scramble format golf
tournament, and entrance to the awards banquet. For information and
registration forms, call Richard Noreiks at (203) 377-7917.

Armenian Church at Hye Pointe | Haverhill, MA
The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe will host an Armenian food festival
on Sunday, August 26, from 12 to 5 p.m. The event will be preceded by
services at 11 a.m.

Enjoy live Armenian music by the Jason Naroian Ensemble, Armenian food,
cash prizes, and more. The picnic will be held at the American Legion
Farm (1314 Main St., Haverhill, MA). [12]Click here to view a flyer for
information.
Links:
12.

St. James Church | Evanston, IL
St. James Church of Evanston, IL, will host its annual “Taste of
Armenia” festival on Sunday, August 26, from 12 to 6:30 p.m. The event
will take place on Clark Street, between Benson and Sherman avenues in
downtown Evanston.

The festival offers a leisurely afternoon of delicious Armenian
cooking, music, and great company. For more information, [13]click
here.
Links:
13.

YOUTH NEWS

Khrimian Lyceum
An illustration of Khrimian Hayrig by Khrimian Lyceum students.

Khrimian Lyceum to Begin Classes Next Month

The Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum, a language and cultural program for
Armenian teens ages 12-18, will begin its academic year on Saturday,
September 29, at the Diocesan Center.

Developed by the Department of Youth and Education Armenian Studies
section, the Khrimian Lyceum helps young people enhance their knowledge
of their Armenian heritage through linguistic and cultural study. The
curriculum includes units on creative writing, music, singing, theatre,
dance, art, as well as educational excursions and guest lectures.

Students also complete an internship, which allows them to serve their
parish churches and encourages them to read the Scriptures during
Christmas and Easter Eve services.

A similar program is in place in Houston, TX.

[14]Click here to download a brochure and a registration form. The
registration deadline for the New York program is Monday, August 20.
For more information, contact Gilda Buchakjian, the Diocese’s Armenian
Studies coordinator, at
(212) 686-0710, ext. 148.
Links:
14.

From: Baghdasarian