Author: Boshkezenian Garik

GERMANY HAS ALWAYS ASSISTED ARMENIA FOR INTEGRATION INTO EUROPEAN STRUCTURES

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.06.2007 15:43 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Germany has always assisted Armenia for integration
into European structures. It concerns both the European Neighborhood
Policy and the Armenia-NATO IPAP, German Ambassador to Armenia Heike
Renate Peitsch said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net.

"As you remember the Armenia-EU Action plan was signed in
November 2006. We render assistance to all of three South Caucasus
states. Germany is interested in Armenia, which has chosen the
right way towards formation of democratic society and human rights
protection. Observance of these principles is included in the list
of commitments Armenia undertook to the Council of Europe. We watch
the process of fulfillment of commitments, which determines further
cooperation of your country with European structures," she said.

"The parliamentary elections have demonstrated progress and largely
met the OSCE and CoE standards.

There were also violations but we are hopeful they will not be repeated
during the presidential election in 2008. Armenia needs fair elections
and the republic should get prepared," she said.

SERZH SARGSYAN: ARMENIA INTERESTED IN NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.06.2007 15:14 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Government of Armenia is interested in construction
of a new nuclear power plant, Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan
stated on June 26. He said, currently this issue is in the situation
of its first stages, since financial sources and technologies of this
project are unknown.

About $240 million will be necessary to fully decommission the
acting Armenian (Metsamor) Nuclear Power Plant by the method of
"green lawn". According to technical requirements it expires in 2016,
but after signing the Action Plan of the European Neighborhood Program
Armenia undertook the obligation to close the above-mentioned acting
nuclear plant as soon as possible.

Answering the question posed by head of "Orinats Yerkir" opposition
faction Arthur Baghdasaryan if the newly built Iran-Armenia gas
pipeline will be used as transit one, Serzh Sargsyan stated that the
major goal of building the second line of the Iran-Armenia gas-main is
to increase its capacity. He said, it does not mean that the pipeline
will be autonomous or will become a transit line or provide transit
opportunities. "However, in case of such proposals we are ready to
study them," Serzh Sargsyan stated, adding that it is connected with
various problems "and first of all financial". Among problematic
aspects the Premier underlined those, such as "who will agree to
invest money and what guarantees will be proposed", IA Regnum reports.

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC RACE DAY HELD IN ARMENIA ON JUNE 23

Noyan Tapan
Jun 26 2007

YEREVAN. JUNE 26, NOYAN TAPAN. Over 1500 racing amateurs of
different sexes and ages took part in the ceremony dedicated to the
International Olympic Race Day held on June 23 under the patronage of
the International Olympic Committee. This time the Armenian National
Olympic Committee enlarged the program, including also highway cycling,
wheelchair races, and sailing.

Armen Grigorian, the RA Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, welcomed
the participants of the ceremony in Republic square in Yerevan. The
message of the Belgian Jack Rogan, the Chairman of the International
Olympic Committee, was read.

The race started on Amirian street to Mashtots avenue and the bridge
of Victory and ended in the Hrazdan sports ground. Cyclers, racers,
and those in wheelchairs successively took part in the competition.

The prize winners were awarded diplomas and cash prizes of the
Armenian National Olympic Committee, and all the prticipants were
given certificates and sports shirts of the International Olympic
Committee. 71 year-old Jemma Galstian and 87 year-old Vahe Danielian
received the prizes determined for the oldest participant.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I AWARDS THE CILICIAN KNIGHT ORDER TO THE VARTANIAN
BROTHERS

His Holiness Aram I honored brothers Haroutioun and Souren Vartanian from
Der-Zor during a special event held in the Hall of the Catholicosate
following the Holy Mass in the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in
Antelias on June 24. Members of the Cilician Brotherhood, representatives
from national political and cultural organizations, the former Ambassador of
Armenia to Syria Levon Sarkissian, philanthropist Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel
Chemberdjian as well as Armenians from Lebanon and Syria attended the event.

In addition to financing the construction and furnishing of apartments
specially designed for students of the parish priest program in the
Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, the Vartanian brothers have, over
decades, supported the Catholicosate’s mission on several occasions.

Praising the Vartanian family members who arrived in Antelias from
Der-Zor, the Catholicos highlighted their contributions to the life of the
Armenian nation and the Armenian community of Syria in particular. His
Holiness also pointed out that the Armenian Genocide Victims’ Chapel and
Monument in Der-Zor, a pilgrimage area for Armenians worldwide, is also
taken care of by the Vartanian brothers. Finally, he commended their
initiative to fund the construction of the new Department in Antelias.

Primate of the Diocese of Aleppo, Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, then read out
the Pontifical Encyclical, following which His Holiness awarded the
"Cilician Knight" orders to Haroutioun and Souren Vartanian.

It is worth noting that a special prayer was held the same day in the
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, praying to God for the
good health of the Armenian Pontiff.

##
View the photos here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

KAZIMIROV: PEOPLE LACKING SENSE OF HUMOR CAN COMMENT SERIOUSLY ON MATT BRYZA’S STATEMENTS

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.06.2007 13:53 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Despite my great respect for the OSCE MG mediators,
including U.S. previous Co-Chairs, I should say that making serious
comments on Matthew Bryza’s statements is an occupation for people
lacking sense of humor," OSCE MG former Co-chair, Ambassador Vladimir
Kazimirov told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter when commenting on Mr
Bryza’s statement that "the parties to the Nagorno Karabakh conflicts
are close to an agreement and negotiations may resume in autumn."

Indefatigable talkativeness and simulated optimist devaluated
the utterance of the U.S. Co-chair, according to Kazimirov. "These
statements time and again put him in an awkward position and all who
watch the process do remember such professional curious incidents. I
think American businessmen are practicing the saying "less talk,
more action," the Russian diplomat said.

WHY ARE THE PEOPLE OF KARABAKH RELUCTANT TO SOLVE THE DESTINY OF
THEIR OWN COUNTRY?

lragir.am
21-06-2007

IGOR MURADYAN

In a lot of publications the authors try to interpret the outcome
of the Armenian parliamentary election. Most of them who have been
hoping for so many years despite the abundant material for the "free
expression of will" of people, are asking questions after the past
election which the wise men of the ancient world would not ask – "may
people sell themselves out?" or "is it fair to accuse people?" Answering
these questions would be as idiotic a business as to hope for an
adequate behavior of the population which is usually referred to as
public. At the same time, I maintain that in any country of Eastern
Europe, which has stepped into a period of "formal democracy" like
Armenia, a similar behavior of voters is observed as in Armenia. In
these countries which hardly differ from the Armenian people by social
parameters there is a layer of population which sell themselves out, as
they put it. But these layers count very few, they are underprivileged
people who are involved in the capacity of an "optional electoral
program". In Armenia, hundreds of thousands, to be more honest, millions
sell themselves out. This type of democracy is a convenient facility for
the infinitely commercialized elite. Even the Western community, getting
convinced that there can be no other results in Armenia, saves its
previous financial, humanitarian and political investments in Armenia,
and decided to give up and build up its geopolitical objectives together
with this elite. In other words, ours cornered the West. The judgments
that Armenians used to be different are bullshit. The Armenians are what
they always were and what they are everywhere, in all social formations
and under any regime. Another question that arises is whether it could
have been different. The question arouses doubt but leaves space for
hope. Armenians transform very quickly, it takes them a wink to
transform public priorities and interests if a clear, justified,
conscious and meaningful but absolutely irrational idea is set before
them. The current type of Armenian politicians is unable to offer such
an idea. It is necessary to put up a politician whose psychological and
physical character would be that of a pragmatic idealist. The current
modern politicians able to achieve success in most earthly problems are
definitely of this type. It is a prescription for politicians of both
great powers and minor states. The given judgments, even though they
seem deviated, are essential to a realistic perception of the means of
solution of definite problems. In addition, realistic expectations are
highly doubtful; the Armenian nation will hardly be able to solve the
problem of the political elite, the political leader and the choice of
priorities, but it is worthwhile to make a try. At any rate, some
problems were solved, but there was a complete dissipation of national
forces, separate groups of people were highly active and their activity
is fruitful. The political and administrative resource was not
sufficient to complete the first stage of state building. The country’s
leaders displayed personal intellectual and moral problems, became
engaged in economic activity, which after an obvious and interesting
dynamics led to economic stagnation and a social deadlock.

A clear political crime – the society which had the minimal
ability to political motivations and behavior was intentionally led into
political dystrophy. There is only one universal means to change this
miserable state – to offer an idea to people. The political parties and
leaders consciously took the track for eliminating ideology from the
political sphere for they bewared and did not need an ideology, relying
on the priority of the "daily bread". The daily bread is also happiness
when it lacks, but when it becomes morality, justification, argument and
a "historical goal", the ideologists of the lack of ideology end up in
the rubbish bin. The society has been made to face to a "choice without
an alternative", by its own bourgeois or others. What ideology can there
be? The liberal ideology has already become a historical damnation for
the peoples which are used as raw materials in the triune scheme of
globalization leaders-partners-raw material. The non-ordinary ideas
overwhelming the Armenian society became funny and any mentioning or
discussion of them becomes a sign of almost marginality and
unimportance.

The political elite has shaken off the ideology of political
nationalism – the only opportunity for the Armenians, no matter where
they live. This nation, which has been waiting for so many years in
every election, like a prostitute, political nationalism and a
nationalist president. Not only the determined people will follow a
nationalist president but also those people who are far from the public
pathos. Robert Kocharyan had everything to fulfill this goal but he
focused too much on momentary issues, classifying politics among
"ideas". Robert Kocharyan could use the remaining time of presidential
office not for solving private problems but for making for the gaps in
politics. Now nobody expects any solutions in economy and the social
sphere from him, he could do something about foreign policies, which is
usually referred to as "foiling" the plans of opponents and partners,
which would help establish new principles in considering the Karabakh
issue and other priorities. The current situation, and the current elite
aspiring to absolute power will not let him do it, and the failure of
the Bargavach Hayastan project is evidence to this. The so-called ruling
Republican Party is a conglomerate of several groups which view a number
of foreign political issues differently. Even the Americans preferred in
this absurd situation remembering the dissident origin of this party. At
any rate, without a critical dose of political nationalism and a
principled leader this organization will dissolve. Too much burden has
been assumed to be able to stay at least visually within the frame of a
desirable image. Now the party is exposed to a major threat, and most
members are unlikely to assume too much. For instance, the Republican
Party is responsible why in the period of the parliamentary election
there was no discussion on the Karabakh issue. If there is a wish, this
topic may easily become a topic for discussion in the visible
perspective. The return of a square meter of territory of the Lowlands
of Karabakh will become the beginning of the agony of the Republican
Party, despite skeptics who think that someone will avoid
responsibility. A dictatorship has emerged in Armenia, and this
dictatorship is acknowledged as legitimate by the society and the
external partners, but the dictatorship is not hanging in the air and is
also exposed to internal and external threats and may not meet external
challenges.

Getting finally lost in this absurdity and defeatism, 117 thousand
Armenians voted for the ARF Dashnaktsutyun in the past election, making
the last desperate move, which gave a surprise to the confused and
demoralized leadership of this party. Not only the Republican Party’s
and Bargavach Hayastan’s functionaries but also a Republican member of
parliament voted for the ARF Dashnaktsutyun. What a fun! For
Dashnaktsutyun, obeying and going on in the cartridge of the government
is the same as death. The leaders of the party, despite being high, are
able to evaluate the result of the election objectively, perceive the
real situation and the state their party is in, which has been in a
state of collapse and crisis for a long time. One more step towards
conformism, and subordination will turn the party into a service
personnel which count many in Armenia. Therefore, it would be
meaningless, for the Dashnaks offered services to the government of NKR
and would lead to divide of the party, which is already becoming
outlined. It is not accidental that the Dashnaks in different countries
do not accept cooperation of the party with governments in the
executive.

There are a number of peoples and countries in the world which
have resigned themselves to their historical and political fate, and
everywhere the political ideology, the idea is being reanimated. It may
be thanks to the improvement of nourishment all over the world, but it
is also possible that the political elite are interested in it. In
ruined Serbia and the well-off countries of Western Europe the social
ideology, that is the ideology of the "daily bread", has been
definitively discarded, and nationalistic, obviously rightist ideologies
are emerging with the synthesis of rightists and collectivist values,
otherwise they will not survive. The political parties of the West and
the East have no perspective without clear ideologization of political
programs. Despite skeptics, the ideological differences are becoming
deeper in the United States, and a polarization of political forces is
underway. In Europe a process of formation of new or modified
ideological values is underway. Turkey and Iran became the centers of
spreading new ideologies, therefore what we observed in our election in
Armenia is impossible in both the countries we had arrogantly considered
as backward.

In our parliamentary and presidential elections in Armenia only
one thing is discussed – the possible expenses and the amount of ballot
stuffing. Neither our allies nor our foes heard an objective discussion
of the relation of Armenia with the great powers, NATO and the EU, our
role and importance in the world. These are highly dangerous and uneasy
topics for the Armenian politicians, especially that none of the
Armenian politicians has any idea of the essence of these problems.

In this miserable state, desperate minor functionaries are
preparing for another Sabbath in Karabakh, who introduce themselves as
the only lords of this country. A replication, projection of the events
in Yerevan is being prepared. The social problems are a great topic. Who
stole and misappropriated and how much is a special topic the revelation
of which will take too much time and will hardly be effective. Although
the society in Karabakh is mostly interested in this topic, for the time
being I am interested in foreign policy and security.

The Karabakh movement began when the USSR existed, when there was
a different perception of the geopolitical perspective. At the same
time, the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region was never a state, and it
is unacceptable to judge or discuss any solutions on the basis of that
false political reality. The statements that the return of the Lowlands
of Karabakh as a stipulation in the so-called settlement will help
sustain peace and strengthen the eastern border of Armenia are bullshit,
and if the Armenian government believes this, here is actually a moment
of truth. The government is trying either to distract people from this
problem or to scare with war. Both are but ways of holding on to power.
NKR President Arkady Ghukasyan offered as an argument the fact that "no
political party in Armenia considers keeping these territories." One
more argument is offered: "The mediators would not listen to anything
about the region of Shahumyan and the other lost territories." First of
all, the political parties of Armenia had better mind their own business
and care for their own asses. Second, our government has never discussed
the problem of Shahumyan and the other territories with the mediators
during the talks. These are absolutely invented arguments and cannot be
taken seriously. The actual borders is not a caprice and ambitions but
essential conditions to the existence of the Armenians of Karabakh. As a
defense minister, secretary of the Council of Security and prime
minister, Serge Sargsyan has stated for a number of times the expediency
of returning the Lowlands of Karabakh, citing the argument that the
people of Karabakh wanted to unite with Armenia, not to occupy these
territories. Now only God knows what the people of Karabakh wanted at
that time. And thanks God the people of Karabakh have forgotten what
they wanted at that time. (Otherwise they would remember God knows
what.) As to those who had initiated the movement never imagined
Karabakh without its Northern part and unification with Armenia via the
well-known territories. Those who hoped for a party and Soviet career
now have difficulty to understand this. Generally, most people would
like to delete the past and start the present with their triumphs. Many
judge as if we all are already dead. It is not true, not everyone is
dead. There is considerable information on the essence of the talks,
even when it is impossible to find out all the nuances at once, it will
be possible later; in addition, some circumstances are found out which
never become known to the Armenian officious, including some behavioral
episodes of separate diplomats. Frankly speaking, there are not many
claims. It is not definitely true that the talks are not professional,
but professionalism is not enough. The problem of Karabakh defies only
the tricks of reaction to the challenges that come in. The Armenian
leadership publicly announces quite appropriate theses on the principles
of settlement, but often on the next day it starts discussing with the
foe and the mediators absolutely useless conditions, which has been the
case over the past years. President Kocharyan has not got reliable
information on the real values of the stakeholders for a lasting period,
for which the ministry of foreign affairs is to blame, which would not
lift the responsibility from the president.

Now the reader needs to be highly attentive. A friend of mine from
Baku says: "It’s not for mediocrities." "Our man" in Yerevan, who
aspires to be president of the Republic of Armenia, states the
territories of the Lowlands of Karabakh need to be returned to the enemy
"in return for peace". In NKR, another "our man" co-opts for presidency,
in the capacity of a friend and man of "our man’s" in Yerevan. Besides
them, there is another man who is in the capacity of an unrecognized
president in no one’s territory, much more unrecognized than
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic itself. This man is eager to remain in
"foreign policy" after leaving the post of president unrecognized in
Yerevan even, in other words, to remain where he has never been. Now in
an effort to present me as an irresponsible, destructive and maybe an
offended person who blackens noble Karabakh people, he forgets (or on
the contrary, remembers with pity) that over the past few years I have
been trying to make him interested in foreign policy. He talked to me
for 8 or 10 hours during every meeting, and my impression was that he is
ready to make every effort not to deal with foreign policies. And nobody
disturbs to think why the NKR president was barred from foreign
policies. I dare state that over the past 10 years no one from the
Armenian reality, our and your reality, has had such broad and various
foreign political contacts as I have had. I cannot state that as a
result of this exploration everything became clear but the budgets of
the programs I have participated were ten times more than the budget of
not only the NKR foreign ministry but also the receipts of the NKR
budget. At any rate, there was something to share with the Karabakh
leadership, possibly even to refill the budget of the NKR foreign
ministry. There were also opportunities to buy apartments for the
Karabakh officials in Yerevan. But those were not bought.

In the modern world the states lose their sovereignty quickly, and
even the major and powerful states have to reestablish their
sovereignty. However, this tendency enables introducing virtual bodies
of power first, then informal government in the face of well-organized
public groups. In this very Armenian reality there were a number of
people who realized this reality a long time ago and implemented some,
though limited, objectives for conducting a foreign policy of
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. A lot has been done, this project may
develop, set up new obliging contacts, reach new arrangements. The
international community gets information on the situation in the South
Caucasus from corporations of young people in a number of countries,
which got excellent education and were brought up in patriotic (in a
number of cases also traditionally Dashnak families). This information
and not the demonstrative talks of the NKR president underlies the
important government papers.

Did it occur to these unconscious elements in Stepanakert that
they have the prerogative to represent the interests of Karabakh? Let
nobody forget that NKR is an unrecognized state, which means that this
state can be represented by those who have proved to their external
partners their right, actuality and ability. International politics has
many facets, besides the public politics there is also a non-public
politics, and though the essence is in details, the details are not for
everyone. A friend of mine from Baku says: "It is not for mediocrities."

It is possible to guarantee the success of the NKR election. Each
candidate for president will have to explain in detail their attitude
towards the factual borders of NKR. By the way, the problem of
settlement does not need to be explained, it is pointless. But they will
have to explain the problem of factual borders. We will try to prompt an
idea to our compatriots, a great and indisputable idea which
distinguishes great nations. This is the strongest idea in the human
society. Today these people accept sops and sell not only their vote but
also the future of their children, and tomorrow they do a revolution of
world importance. It is important to understand what we want in reality,
in this definite situation, without fools, but it is also possible with
fools. I guess Albert Camus said: "Diagnosis is above everything except
honor."

21-05-2007 17:09:21

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

June 21, 2007

CATHOLICOS ARAM I ISSUES
TENTH DIALOGUE WITH THE YOUTH
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
issued the tenth in a series of dialogues with the youth. Entitled, "On the
Renewal of the Armenian Church," His Holiness describes the church as a
community of faith built on Jesus Christ. "The church is not a reality out
there, it does not exist outside of our lives, our thoughts and our
concerns. We are the church, the people of God united in Christ and joined
together with the bond of love and sustained by a common hope and vision."
After speaking and elucidating on a number of important aspects in the
renewal of the Armenian Church in a new world context, His Holiness says,
"Our Church is one of the ancient churches of world Christendom. It must
know how to remain young; it must not become a petrified institution but a
church for the 21st century. Our Church must be in tune with its time. Its
theology must become more intelligible, its liturgy more attractive, its
clergy more educated, its mission more evangelistic, its education more
spiritual, its service more effective and its message more prophetic. It
must reach the unreached and even the unreachable. This is not being a
progressive or modern church, but a responsive church."
To read the entire message, as well as other dialogues click

RE LIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS
WILL MEET TOMORROW AND SATURDAY
The Religious and Executive Councils will meet tomorrow, Friday, June 22
and Saturday, June 23, at the Prelacy offices in Manhattan.

2007 DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM
The 21st annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Christian summer studies
program, which will take place July 1 to 8 in Elverson, Pennsylvania.
Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council, the St.
Gregory of Datev Institute is under the directorship of Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Vicar General. The program offers an intensive seven-day
religious educational program for youth ages 13 and older. The units of
study include: Introduction to the Old and New Testaments, Armenian Church
History and Theology, Divine Liturgy and the other Sacraments, Services and
Hymns, Saints and Feasts, Contemporary Ethical issues, Armenian history and
language. For details click

SEMINAR ON BOOK OF REVELATIONS DURING DATEV
A three-hour seminar on the Orthodox understanding of the Book of
Revelations will be presented by Father Paul Tarazi, Professor of Old
Testament at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, on Saturday, July
7, during the Datev program at St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson,
Pennsylvania. Father Tarazi is a member of the faculty of the Datev
Institute. This seminar is open to all and is sponsored by the Prelacy’s
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Christian Education
Committee of St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia.
Father Tarazi, a specialist in Scriptural studies in Old and New
Testament and Biblical Hebrew, is noted for his dynamic speaking style and
his ability to hold an audience’s interest while explaining complex issues.
He has written several commentaries on the Bible including one on the Book
of Revelations.
Registration is required. Fees are nominal. For details click

PREL ATE WILL ORDAIN ACOLYTES AT
ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL ON SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will ordain four acolytes on Sunday, June 24, at St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, will
present the following candidates for ordination: Zohrab (Mardo) Piranian,
Mgo Piranian, Garen Vartanian, and Aram Hovsepian.
On the same day the Cathedral Ladies Guild is hosting a luncheon and
program dedicated to Father’s Day. The event, which is under the auspices of
Archbishop Oshagan, will honor Dr. Roubik Melik Vartanian, Hagop Kazanjian,
Stepan Bakalian, and Henry Gabrielian as Fathers of the Year.

SIAMANTO ACADEMY GRADUATION
The 2007 Siamanto Academy graduation ceremony took place last Saturday,
June 16, at the Armenian Center in Woodside. Bishop Anoushavan congratulated
the four graduates, their parents, and the Academy’s principal and staff on
behalf of Archbishop Oshagan, who was unable to attend. The keynote speaker,
Hrayr Berberian J.D., a former graduate of Siamanto Academy, and director of
education and youth development of Graham Windham agency, recalled his own
experiences at Siamanto. He referred to the education provided at the
Academy as an investment for college years. The 2007 graduates are Antranig
Hayotzyan, Arshak Hayotzyan, Harout Kaprielian, and Mgo Piranian.

PRELATE AND VICAR WILL ATTEND HOVNANIAN SCHOOL
EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATION CEREMONY ON SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will attend the eighth grade
graduation ceremony at the Hovnanian School this Sunday, June 24, at 4 pm.
Fourteen students are in the graduating class of 2007 of the Hovnanian
School which was founded in 1976. Professor Hratch Zadoian, vice president
emeritus of Queens College will deliver the keynote address.

VICAR AND REV. FR. MESROB LAKISSIAN
WILL ATTEND SEMINAR ON COURT SYSTEM
Bishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral, will attend a day-long seminar of the "Manhattan
Religious Communities and the New York State Court System," next Thursday,
June 28 at the New York County Supreme Court. The seminar will examine New
York State’s justice system including an introduction to the courts,
overview of legal issues impacting communities and discussion of religious
leaders’ interaction with the court system.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS OF ARMENIA FUND
Directors of the Armenia Fund met in Armenia on June 18 and 19.
Archbishop Sebouh represented His Holiness Aram I. Mr. Vahe Aghabekian is
the new director of the Fund, which this year is celebrating its 15th
anniversary. Mr. Aghabekian was previously consultant to the Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Armenia. The Fund was created after Armenia’s independence and
"mandated with the vital task of uniting all Armenians around the world in
their efforts toward development and revival of the nation."

CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES
IN ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE IN AMMAN
The International Ecumenical Conference dedicated to the peace process
in the Middle East was officially inaugurated in Amman, Jordan, on June 18.
One hundred fifty representatives from churches around the world
participated in the conference organized by the World Council of Churches
(WCC). Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate, and
Dr. Nora Bairakdarian-Kabakian, chair of the Ecumenical Committee,
represented the Catholicosate. Dr. Bairakdarian-Kabakian made a presentation
about the Armenian Genocide, viewing it in light of the issues on the
conference’s agenda. The organizers of the conference closely consulted with
His Holiness Aram I during the past months and the Pontiff stressed the
importance of justice and peace in legal, theological, political and social
contexts. The conference began on June 18 and will end today, June 21.

CATHOLICOSATE PARTICIPATES IN SOCIAL SERVICES SEMINAR
The Catholicosate of Cilicia participated in a seminary on "Helping
Lebanon," organized by the Presbyterian Church USA. The seminar took place
in the Presbyterian Church’s social service center in North Carolina.
Asdghig Djamboulian, from the Armenian Church University Students’
Association, represented the Armenian Church.

A NEW PLAY ABOUT THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Shotgun Productions and Resistance Theatre is presenting a staged
reading of a new play about the Armenian Genocide, "Red Dog Howls," by
Alexander Dinelaris. The reading will take place Monday, June 25, at 7 pm at
New World Stages (Stage 2), 340 W. 50th Street (between 8th and 9th
Avenues), New York City. Admission is free, but seating is limited. For
reservations and information, 718-291-1086.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click
.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of this
year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit about the
Armenian language and literature:
Serpouhi Dussap (1841-1901) is considered to be the first Armenian
feminist writer. Dussap (nee Vahanian) was born in Constantinople.
She attended a French school in the suburbs of Constantinople and showed an
aptitude for the arts, especially literature. She was also home-schooled by
her brother. She wanted to master both classical and modern Armenian and
began taking private lessons from Mkrtich Beshiktashlian, a respected
writer. In 1871 she married a French musician who encouraged her to pursue
her interests. In 1883 she published her first novel, Mayta, followed by two
others, Siranush, and Araxia kam varzhuhin (Araxia or the teacher). Most
intellectuals and community leaders were against her and condemned her
views. Today she is recognized as a forerunner of the feminist movement who
made a great impact on the social and intellectual development of many
generations of women.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, June 21, are: Wisdom 6:11-21; 2 Corinthians
6:1-10; John 16:1-5.
I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will
put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill
you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they
will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said
these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I
told you about them. I did not say these things to you from the beginning,
because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of
you asks me, "Where are you doing?" John 16:1-5.
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click
.

DISCOVERY OF RELICS OF ST. GREGORY
This Saturday, June 23, the Armenian Church commemorates one of the
three feast days dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator: The Discovery of
His Remains. The other two commemorative days are his Entrance in the Pit,
and his Deliverance from the Pit.
St. Gregory is the greatest figure in the Armenian Church, and is
considered to be the "Apostle of Armenia." After years of evangelizing, St.
Gregory sought solitude and an ascetic life. He eventually chose a cave on
Mount Sepouh as his permanent living place. It was here that Gregory died
alone. Some shepherds found his body, and without realizing who he was,
buried him under a pile of stones. Later a hermit, Garnik of Pasen, who had
been a disciple of St. Gregory, saw a vision in his dream and went to Mount
Sepouh where he found the site of Gregory’s burial. He took the remains to
the village of Tordan for burial, where King Trtad was buried. Relics of St.
Gregory were retained and sent to different locations as was the custom of
the time. Relics from the right hand of St. Gregory are at the Holy See of
Etchmiadzin and the Holy See of Cilicia. The Catholicoi mix the new muron
(chrism) with the old muron with the Right Hand containing the relics.

GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME..
Summer started officially today at 2:06 pm, in this part of the world.

In summer, when the days were long,
We walked together in the wood:
Our heart was light, our step was strong,
Sweet flutterings were there in our blood,
In summer, when the days were long.

>From "Summer Days" by an anonymous author

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 24-Ordination of acolytes by Archbishop Oshagan at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Celebrant and sponsoring
priest, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. Father’s Day luncheon hosted by Ladies
Guild immediately following the Divine Liturgy and Ordinations. For
information: 212-689-5880.

June 24-Town Hall informational meeting for members, St. Gregory Church of
Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, to discuss the proposed
details of approved church stewardship program.

June 24-Annual Madagh of St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin. Live Armenian
music, food, raffle, and children’s activities. 10 a.m. to Dusk. For
information 262-632-2033.

July 1-8-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, 21st annual summer Christian
studies program for junior and senior high school students, at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For information click

July 7-St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, gathering at the
home of the parish priest, Rev. Father Bedros Shetilian.

July 9 to July 20-St. Sarkis Church Summer Camp, Douglaston, New York, for
ages 5 to 12. Prayers and hymns, Armenian classes, introduction to the
bible, arts and crafts, sports, and much more. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to
3:00 pm. Lunch and snack will be served. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. and
Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. Enrollment limited to 30 students.
Registration deadline June 5. Minimum donation $75. For information,
718-224-2275.

July 21-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island, and
ARS Ani Chapter present "A Hye Summer Night 2." For information
401-286-8107.

August 7-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual golf
tournament at Blackstone Country Club. For information
or 508-234-3677.

August 12-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual church
picnic at Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts. For information
401-831-6399.

August 19-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church picnic. For information or 508-234-3677.

September 9-Annual picnic of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley at
American Legion Grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

September 25-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 4th annual golf outing at Juniper Hill Golf Course,
Northboro, Massachusetts. Registration at 8 am. Tee off at 9 am. $125
includes golf cart, dinner and prizes. For information 508-852-2414.

September 27-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 5th Annual Golf
Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. Registration
begins at 11 a.m. and tee time at 1 p.m. For information, 201-943-2950.

September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley. For information
or 508-234-3677.

October 21-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, celebrating the
20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, under the
auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. For information
or 215-482-9200.

November 4-37th anniversary of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley and
ordination of Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte and stole bearer.
Presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the
Prelacy.

November 10-11-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual
"Armenian Fest," at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. For
information 401-831-6399.

December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information or 508-234-3677.

December 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.

Visit our website at

DISCUSSIONS ON KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS

ArmInfo
2007-06-20 17:46:00

Karabakh peace process has practically run its course and the threat
of resumption of military actions in the conflict zone has sharply
increased, David Shahnazaryan, the former minister of national
security, said in the course of discussions on Karabakh conflict.

He conditionally divided the settlement process into two stages: before
and after 1998. Shahnazaryan said, before 1998, the international
community considered Azerbaijan an aggressor, Nagorny Karabakh was a
negotiating party and Armenia’s international authority was much higher
than that of Azerbaijan. The so- called staged settlement-scheme was
on the negotiating table, which became a reason for the change of
power in the country and Robert Kocharyan’s coming to power. Since
1998 Armenia has been considered an aggressor and Karabakh no longer
participates in the negotiations.

Official Yerevan "somehow forgot" about the necessity of lifting
Armenia’s blockade by Azerbaijan. The latter efficiently uses the oil
factor. Now, transfering of all the 7 territories and Nagorny Karabakh
to Azerbaijan is in question. "Unless Nagorny Karabakh declares that
Robert Kocharyan neglects its interests during the negotiations, all
the strong statements by Stepanakert are useless. OSCE Minsk Group
has taken a cloudy position and the threat of war has increased. It is
not ruled out that the new war will meet Russia’s interests as Moscow
likes ‘banging the door’ when leaving a region," D. Shahnazaryan said.

Leader of the National-Democratic Union Vazgen Manukyan categorically
disagreed with him. He is sure that negotiations are senseless if
Karabakh’s independence is not discussed and Azerbaijan expects to
get Nagorny Karabakh by other means. In such situation, Armenia needs
development of democracy and mobilization of Armenians worldwide.

Vazgen Manukyan asked David Sahnazaryan as a representative of the
former ruling party Armenian National Movement, "not to blame Robert
Kocharyan’s administration for everything, as it was the former
leadership of the country that invited R. Kocharyan from Nagorny
Karabakh. However, after the change of power in 1998, the party
tailed away." In response, D. Shahnazaryan said: "The country lacks
opposition. You never protest against the actions of the presidential
administration. Moreover, in 1998, you called his coming to power as
a victory of democracy in Armenia."

OSCE MG DOES BEST FOR NAGORNO-KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
June 18 2007

YEREVAN, June 18. /ARKA/. The OSCE Minsk Group has done its best for
the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, the Vice-Speaker of the RA Parliament,
ARF member Vahan Hovhannisyan told reporters.

According to him, the OSCE MG Co-Chairs have really carried out serious
work, and no international structure – the Council of Europe, UN,
or CIS – has a similar task group for the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement.

Hovhannisyan pointed out that OSCE MG has not yet exhausted its
potential, considering the fact that the Co-Chairs have achieved
certain results.

"Under the circumstances the Co-Chairs have do their best, and,
despite their frequently contradictory statements made in Armenia and
Azerbaijan, the mediators have carried very serious work and created a
document which can at least serve as a basis for the Nagorno-Karabakh
settlement," Hovhannisyan said.

He pointed out that Armenia is satisfied with the group’s work,
"as we see the development and more profound perception of the issue,
especially because the document reflects this perception."

Speaking of Azerbaijan’s attempts to state that this format is
inefficient and the Nagorno-Karabakh problem must be considered by
other structures, for instance the UN, Hovhannisyan pointed out that
similar attempts have repeatedly been made.

He pointed out that official Baku has tried to change the format at
various level, particularly get it included on the CE agenda.

"Azerbaijan is well aware that the larger is the structure and
the better are their chances, as numerous Muslim countries are
represented in the UN and they are absolutely unaware of the essence
of the conflict. However, showing purely religious solidarity they
will vote for Azerbaijan’s document, which is frequently the case,"
Hovhannisyan said.

The negotiations for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have been held
within the OSCE Minsk Group since 1992. The OSCE MG is co-chaired by
the USA, Russia and France.

It is Early to Speak about Construction of Nuclear Reactor in Georgia-
Nogaideli

arminfo
2007-06-16 15:07:00

Prime-Minister of Georgia Zurab Nogaideli considers that it is early to
speak about the theme
of the nuclear reactor construction in Georgia. Today comment on this
theme is absolutely contrproductive. Talks are held for a long time,
but the final decision has not been formulated", the Prime-Minister of
Georgia stated to journalists on Friday in Tbilisi.

According to him, "this issue depends not much on us, but on Armenia".
"As it is known an old reactor is in Armenia and the question is about
replacement of the old reactor by the new one. That’s why it is early
to tell today that the new reactor will be built in Georgia or Armenia,
the old reactor will be replaced by the new one or the issue will be
resolved in another way", Zurab Nogaideli stressed.

On the eve Ambassador of Georgia to France Mamuka Kudava stated that
within few months the government of Georgia starts consultations with
French company "Areva" on possibility of the nuclear power plant
construction in the country. Mamuka Kudava noted that the sphere of
nuclear energy was within interests of both countries and it was
confirmed at the meeting of Presidents of Georgia and France Mikheil
Saakashvili and Nikolas Sarcozy. At the same time the ambassador noted
that the question was not about a concrete project so far.
Representatives of the company will come to Georgia first to study
local conditions and together with Georgian colleagues they will
elaborate recommendations. According to Mamuka Kudava, consultations on
this issue are held with countries-partners Georgia cooperates in the
sphere of energy with.

Chairperson of the parliament of Georgia Nino Burjanadze, who visits
Paris, confirmed the fact that talks were held with French party on
possible construction of the nuclear power station in Georgia, though
she stressed that there was no concrete projects in that sphere".
According to her, the issue was discussed at the meeting of Mikheil
Saakashvili with Nikolas Sarcozy. "In any case cooperation with this
company is of great importance for Georgia. Here the question is not
about creation and use of nuclear weapon, cooperation is with peaceful
aims", Nino Burjanadze stressed.