Author: Chatinian Lara

T. SARGSYAN: "ONLY TOGETHER WE CAN SEE RESULTS OF PROJECTS"

Panorama.am
19:00 10/04/2008

Today, before starting the general session the president of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan presented the Government officials the new assigned
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and thanked everybody for the one year
long cooperation. The president particularly said:

"I would like to express my gratitude for the cooperation in the
government staff. It is already a year we work together and I think
that 2007 was successful for our economy. Together we managed to add
the revenues of our budget and by that we could solve some social
questions. I think that 2007 and the previous years either were some
kind of preparational period and now we should work on more serious
and powerful projects. On this respect I would like to present you
Tigran Sargsyan as the Prime Minister."

According to the public relations department of the Government Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan thanked for the trust and kind words and said,
"Every state official can but dream of serving his nation, that he
could receive the trust of his people. I am strongly conscious of
the responsible job I should carry out.

We have worked for ten year together and I have always felt the
respect and support of the president and the Government. I am quite
rude and serious manager and I will be such Prime Minister also,
but at the same time I am not against the team work and I hope that
we can continue it. For all the best done let God be with us."

The RA president also said that the planned projects should be carried
out in the scheduled time

TCK FULL OF ANTI-FREEDOM MINEFIELDS APART FROM 301

Today’s Zaman
April 10 2008
Turkey

Turkey is about to amend Article 301 of its penal code, seen as a
major obstacle to free speech, but dozens of similar articles that
constitute a potential threat to free expression and still others that
can easily be manipulated by overzealous judges to restrict freedoms
remain in the penal code, legal experts have emphasized.

Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), which criminalizes the
ambiguous concept of "Turkishness," has long been criticized by
domestic and international rights groups as well as the European
Union for stifling freedom of speech. The government has pledged
for more than a year to amend the controversial article, used by
nationalist-minded prosecutors to take hundreds of intellectuals
and journalists, including Nobel Literature Laureate Orhan Pamuk,
to court for insulting Turkishness.

Even if Article 301 was removed entirely, as many experts suggest would
be the only viable solution to the problems it creates, others would
fill its place. A key example of this is Article 216, which defines
"inciting people to hatred and hostility" as a crime. Erdal Doðan,
a lawyer for the late Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink —
who was shot dead by an ultra-nationalist teenager in 2007 after
a conviction under Article 301 — notes that this article, which,
in essence, is an anti-racism article, is frequently exploited by
prosecutors to stifle freedom of speech. In fact, there are already
many cases on 216-related charges; however, the article is in the
background since none of these have involved high-profile individuals
as in the 301 cases.

Similar to 216, Article 288 of the code, which criminalizes making
public declarations about an ongoing court case, is frequently abused
by ultra-nationalist prosecutors. .

"When Hrant was facing charges on 301, they filed against him under 288
for a comment he made about his own case," Doðan remembers emphasizing
at the time that an article initially intended to protect the defendant
had actually been used against him.

Article 288 could also be potentially harmful to judicial
transparency. Doðan points out, metaphorically speaking: "The judiciary
itself commits murders. This article prevents discussion on those."

The eighth paragraph of Article 220, which criminalizes "propagating
an outlawed organization," Diyarbakýr Bar Association head Sezgin
Tanrýkulu emphasizes, has frequently been used against declarations,
statements and remarks made by Kurdish politicians. He says Article
222 of the TCK, which criminalizes violating a 1925-dated law on the
Turkish alphabet, is simply grounds for prosecuting an individual
for using the letters "q," "x" and "w," which are not included in the
Turkish alphabet. Although these letters are frequently used in many
publications in Turkey printed in different languages such as English
or French, they have been known to cause their publishers trouble
if they are part of a text in Kurdish. Tanrýkulu said the seventh
article of Turkey’s Anti-Terrorism Law is also frequently abused by
prosecutors and used to prosecute people of Kurdish ethnicity. "At the
end of the day, it is a matter of mentality," Tanrýkulu said. "If the
prosecutors and judges are left the slightest power to take initiative,
the laws are almost always used against rights and freedoms."

Doðan agrees; he notes that even if all these problematic articles
were removed, the record of the Turkish judiciary in respecting
freedom of expression as a basic right would not significantly
improve. "The judiciary needs a radical shakeup," he said. Stating
that the primary instinct of the judiciary in Turkey is to protect
the state, Doðan noted, "The one single ideology, the basis and
the aim of Turkish prosecutors and particularly judges should be
the universal principles of law." To make his point about how well,
or how poorly, Turkey is doing in terms of international laws and
standards, Doðan notes that the highest number of cases Turkey was
convicted on in the European Court of Human Rights were on charges
of violating article six of the European Convention on Human Rights,
which covers the right to fair trial.

Another major obstacle to freedom of speech is Article 318, the crime
of "discouraging the public from serving in the army." Umit Kardaþ,
a retired military judge, notes that there are a significant number
of court cases against individuals under 318, which came under the
spotlight only when singer Bulent Ersoy got in trouble with it for
stating her belief that a military operation against the separatist
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq was not working to
resolve the issue and that Turkish troops were dying in vain. "You
could be charged for defending conscientious objectors," Kardaþ said.

The phrase is so vague that any anti-military remark could be deemed
an attempt to discourage the people from military service, he noted.

Ambiguity, self-censorship and social reflection

Most of the time, the ambiguity of the penal code article is the
problem. Professor Vahit Býcak, who teaches criminal law, says: "The
penal code has to be absolutely clear. It is wrong to put in unclear
clauses and thereby put the ball in the court of the prosecutor or
the judge."

Lack of clarity itself is a threat to democracy, Býcak, who recently
provided the only translation of the TCK in the English language,
warns emphatically. "Ambiguity in the penal code forces a person to
impose self-censorship, which keeps free opinions from emerging. In
a democracy, those who think differently should be encouraged. In a
society which limits its expression, the possibility of creating ideas
that would help the society move forward is rather weak," he noted.

But it is likely that Article 305 would be the one receiving the most
discussion if 301 didn’t exist. The article criminalizes "engaging
in deeds against fundamental national benefits." Similarly ambiguous
is Article 304, which criminalizes "provoking foreign officials to
declare war against the Republic of Turkey or insult it." Doðan says
if there was no 301, 305 could easily be used to cover most of the
hundreds of individuals who have been tried under 301.

Part of the problem lies in the Turkish public, which is inclined to
blow things out of proportion, including opinions that normally are
not insidious or even insulting. According to Býcak, we as a nation
are simply "offended too easily." He notes that this is not very
helpful in fostering a democratic environment. "Opinions that one
does not agree with should be talked about freely," he notes.

Kardaþ agrees that some of the fault ties with our inferiority complex,
both as a nation and as individuals. Most of the 301-related cases
were based on remarks that it would have been better to simply let go,
he says. "None of these needed to be turned into such huge issues. The
country is losing so much energy with these cases; we are draining
the energy from our authors and intellectuals," he says.

Penal code is only one-third of it

Býcak, who had previously made a list of all articles open to arbitrary
interpretation, says in addition to the articles mentioned earlier,
Article 300, which criminalizes "denigrating symbols of the sovereignty
of the state," is a potential mine that could be detonated by a
prosecutor or a judge who is excessively enthusiastic about their
patriotism. And such cases are abundant, Býcak notes. In a court
ruling, the crescent and the star drawn on train carriages was taken
as an item symbolizing the sovereignty of the state. In another case,
a newlywed couple got in trouble when a Turkish flag on their car
fell off the bride’s car as they drove.

Other articles of the TCK whose wording is open to manipulation,
twisting and using for purposes that had not been intended by
the lawmaker are Article 309, which criminalizes "attempting to
overthrow the regime set forth by the Republic of Turkey," Article
311 under which "attempting to overthrow by violence the Parliament
of the Republic of Turkey" is defined as a crime, Article 299, which
criminalizes "uttering insults against the president," Article 323
against "printing false news stories" — one that can be exploited
against the freedom of the press at any time — Article 341 against
"denigrating the flag of a foreign state," Article 115 that prevents
"declaration of religious, social political and philosophical beliefs,
Article 263 against "education in violation of the law," Article 125
which regulates "crimes against dignity," and Article 217 against
"provoking people to disobey the law."

Býcak is quick to note that only one-third of the crimes defined under
Turkish law are cited in the TCK. "There are many other codes and
they all define hundreds of acts as crimes. Two-thirds of the crimes
defined in the law are not found in the penal code," Býcak stated.

–Boundary_(ID_9YnNbWzQa6OLCvujXggsbw)–

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO MEMORY OF FREEDOM FIGHTERS

ARKA
April 9, 2008

YEREVAN, April 9. /ARKA/. Armenia’s newly elected President Serge
Sargsian visited today the Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan
to pay tribute to the memory of Armenian freedom fighters, the RA
President’s Press Service reports.

Yerablur has become the home of the Armenian soldiers who died for
their country during the Karabakh war.

Serge Sargsian took lead in the February 19 presidential election in
Armenia and was inaugurated today at the Freedom Square.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT NAMES C.BANK CHIEF AS NEW PM

Reuters
April 9 2008

More Business & Investing News… Featured Broker sponsored link
$0 stock trades. 10 free per month. YEREVAN, April 9 (Reuters) –
Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan named central bank chief Tigran
Sarksyan as the country’s prime minister on Wednesday, according to
a presidential decree.

Serzh Sarksyan previously held the prime minister’s job but vacated
the role on Wednesday when he was sworn in as president. The two men
are not related.

NEW US AMBASSADOR TO COME?
Zhanna Zhukova

Neweurasia.net
http://kazakhstan.neweuras ia.net/2008/04/07/new-us-ambasador-to-come/
April 7 2008
Europe

KZBlog reports that Richard Hoagland has been nominated by President
Bush to replace John Ordway as Ambassador to Kazakhstan. Hoagland
is currently serving in the U.S. Embassy to Turkmenistan and was
Ambassador to Tajikistan.

Hoagland was nominated as Ambassador to Armenia last year but
his nomination was withdrawn in relation to questions of the US
acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide. The then-Ambassador to
Armenia was withdrawn when he gave a speech regarding the genocide
and Hoagland’s nomination was stalled and then withdrawn while the
Senate debated whether to publically acknowledge the genocide or not.

Ordway has been Ambassador since 2004.

VILLAGERS PREFER NOT TO "CONSOLIDATE"

KarabakhOpen
07-04-2008 16:18:42

Last fall the government declared an effort of consolidation of farms.

According to the NKR minister of agriculture Armo Tsatryan, so far they
have received no proposals from farmers, although the representatives
of the ministry convey the convenience of consolidation of farms
to farmers.

The minister explains the reluctance of farmers to join in collectives
by the fear of returning to "kolkhozes where everyone worked but
few benefited. The issue is still on the agenda but it is up to
the farmers.

They prefer to work separately," the minister said.

There was a collective farm in the village of Sos, Martuni region,
which has been eliminated recently.

Interfax News Agency, Russia
April 4 2008

Leader of Armenian party joining ruling coalition vows comprehensive
reform

YEREVAN April 4

Artur Bagdasarian, the leader of the Orinats Yerkir (the Country of
Law) party, which recently joined the ruling coalition in the
Armenian parliament, has a positive view of the situation in the
country and promises large-scale reform.

"A lot depends on political forces, but the situation is far from
being explosive at the present time," Bagdasarian said at a press
conference on Friday.

"After the new president takes office, we will start large-scale and
substantive reforms in both the political and social fields. We will
tackle the problems facing the country," Bagdasarian said.

Bagdasarian came in third in the presidential elections on February
19, 2008.

DENNIS SUMMUT: "IT IS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE MINSK PROCESS"

Today.az
olitics/44025.html
April 4 2008
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with Dennis Summut, chief executive of the British
NGO Links.

-How, do you think, will the resolution on the situation in the
occupied territories of Azerbaijan, recently adopted by the UN,
influence the negotiations on Nagorno Karabakh?

-I think Azerbaijan should use peaceful means for the resolution of
Nagorno Karabakh conflict. In this sense the UN resolution is one of
such means. I can not criticize Azerbaijan for using its diplomatic
potential to defend its position. That is a matter of tactics.

-Don’t you think that the failure of the co-chairing countries to
vote against this resolution damage the image of these countries as
mediators in the Karabakh conflict settlement?

-I was surprised that the co-chairing countries voted that way. I
confess that I did not expect such a decision from them. But as I
understand on the whole, the co-chairs did not spoke against this
resolution, they showed resentment over its overall initiation. I
think such voting should be assessed not as a voting of the co-chairing
countries, but merely three countries -the United States, Russia and
France. Anyway, the result should be taken into account.

-Then, are the appeals, voiced in Baku, regarding the need to change
the co-chairing countries, justified?

-The Minsk process has several components. This is, primarily, the
OSCE itself. The second is the Minsk Group, the third are the Minsk
group co-chairs in the person of the mediating countries and the
fourth is the community, representing these countries.

I do not quite understand what this protest is against and what is
the object of criticism: whether it is the OSCE, or the Minsk Group,
or the co-chairmen or their separate representatives.

I have always said that the Minsk process should be flexible. The
situation around Nagorno Karabakh has changed and it should be
confessed that there is a need for improvement of the Minsk process.

This process is not something sacred or untouchable. This is just an
instrument, owing to which the world society offered its assistance
to Azerbaijan and Armenia in the resolution of Nagorno Karabakh
problem 10 years ago and which should be changed depending on the
current situation.

-How can Serzh Sarkissyan’s presidency influence the negotiation
process on Nagorno Karabakh problem?

-I was in Armenia last week and met with different state officials.

They assured me at each meeting that great changes are expected in
Armenia. There will be new ideas and new policy. This implies not
only Nagorno Karabakh but also the overall policy. Anyway, this will
also be connected with the Karabakh problem.

I think we are on the important stage when the mechanisms of talks
should be intensified. And I do hope that Azerbaijan and Armenia will
use it in the coming months.

PARADE IN LIBERTY SQUARE TO BE HELD ON DAY OF NEW PRESIDENT’S INAUGURATION IN ARMENIA

arminfo
2008-04-03 15:44:00

ArmInfo. A parade in Liberty Square will be held on the day of new
president of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan’s inauguration.

Press Secretary of Armenian Defense Minister Colonel Seyran
Shakhsouvaryan told ArmInfo it will not be a military parade. ‘It
will be just an element of the inauguration ceremony. A not large
parade will be held wherein by one platoon of all the types of the
country’s troops will be presented. No equipment, especially aircrafts,
will be involved’, he said.

The inauguration is scheduled for April 9 at the extraordinary sitting
of the Armenian Parliament that will be held at the State Academic
Theatre of Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiarov. After swearing in,
Serzh Sargsyan as President and Supreme Army Commander will welcome
the army representatives.

The parade will follow the presidential speech.

Untitled DocumentPress 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
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER

APRIL 3, 2008

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION OF ARCHPRIEST ARSHAG DAGHLIAN
A beautiful and fitting tribute took place last weekend for Archpriest Fr.
Arshag Daghlian in celebration of the 40th anniversary of his ordination.
More than two hundred family members, friends, clergy, and parishioners
attended the testimonial to honor the revered clergyman. The event, which
was under the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, took place at St.
Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, last Saturday evening.
Archbishop Oshagan described him as a faithful servant saying, "Wherever he
has gone, he has brought the vision of Christ with him."
Photo: Archpriest Fr. Arshag and
Yn. Lucy Daghlian.
To read the press release about the event and view more photographs click

VICA R IN TORONTO
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, returned from Toronto, Canada,
where he participated, on behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, in a joint
meeting of the World Council of Churches Relations Committee (WCCR) and the
United States Conference for the World Council of Churches Board of
Directors. The meetings took place Tuesday and Wednesday, April 1 and 2.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN BLESSES NEW PLAYGROUND
AT ST. STEPHEN’S ARMENIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Archbishop Oshagan blessed the new nursery school playground at St. Stephen’s
Armenian Elementary School, Watertown, Massachusetts, on March 16. Present
at the blessing and ribbon cutting were Mr. & Mrs. Noubar and Anna Afeyan,
the sponsors of the new playground, which they dedicated to the memory of
their parents, Badrig and Anais Afeyan. The School’s principal, Houry
Boyamian, and assistant principal, Heather Krafian, were joined by school
board members, parents, staff members, and parishioners to witness the
blessing. The playground, which adjoins the nursery school building,
contains an innovative play structure as well as swings.
Photo: Ribbon cutting ceremony, left to right, Archbishop Oshagan, Noubar,
Anna, Lena, Alexander, Taline and Armine Afeyan, and Archpriest Fr. Antranig
Baljian.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN’S BOOK TO BE PRESENTED
Archbishop Oshagan is hosting a book presentation and celebration of the
recently published "Archbishop Nerses Labronaci: Commentary on the Wisdom of
Solomon," by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, on Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m., at
St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. Bishop Anoushavan received his
PhD from Columbia University in 2003 after successfully defending his
doctoral dissertation. This newly published book is the text of that
dissertation.

VICAR IN NEW JERSEY THIS SUNDAY
Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz
Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, this Sunday, April 6. Following the
Liturgy he will attend an event organized by the ARF honoring Mrs. Rachel
Dink, the widow of the late Hrant Dink. Later the same day he will attend
an event at the Armenian Iranian Society center in Great Neck, New York, "An
Evening in Concert."

MAJOR RENOVATION OF ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL BEGINS
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has begun.
Starting this Sunday, April 6, until further notice, the Divine Liturgy will
be offered on Sundays at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th
Street, Woodside, New York. For information contact the church office at
212-689-5880.

PHOTO ART EXHIBIT ON APRIL 11
A Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian will take place at
the Prelacy on April 11, 12, and 13. Jointly sponsored by the Prelacy and
the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society, the proceeds will
benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The opening reception will take place
Friday, April 11 from 7 to 11 pm. The exhibition will also be open to the
public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13 from 1 pm to 5 pm.

CATHOLICOS ARAM HOSTS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION BETWEEN
UNITED NATIONS DELEGATION AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, hosted a
roundtable discussion last week. The event was attended by a United Nations
delegation headed by Ms. Consuelo Vidal, UN Resident Coordinator and UN
Development Program Resident Representative in Armenia, and 50
representatives of Lebanese-Armenian community organizations.
The purpose of the roundtable was to share information and exchange ideas
regarding the UN’s development and reform activities in Armenia, and to
unveil and discuss the UNDP’s "Global Armenia" initiative. "Global Armenia"
seeks to establish a multi-faceted partnership between the UNDP and the
Diaspora, with the goal of fostering democracy and prosperity in the
Homeland.

CATHOLICOS ARAM DISCUSSES ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT
IN INTERVIEW WITH GERMAN MAGAZINE
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I discussed interchurch and interfaith issues
during an interview with the German magazine Schneller. In the interview the
Pontiff stressed that churches should start viewing the ecumenical movement
>From a different perspective. The world is witnessing new developments, the
Catholicos said, and the role of religion is becoming more emphasized in
people’s lives. The church cannot remain indifferent towards these trends,
the Catholicos maintained, adding that the ecumenical movement was in need
of a fresh self-recognition, novel approaches towards the current world’s
challenges and a new agenda.

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly will be hosted by St.
Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, May 8-10. Information for
delegates, including hotel reservations, meal plans, and airport shuttle
service are on the Prelacy web page. Additional information will be posted
on a regular basis, so check the site often. In addition to the NRA, the
National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) will be meeting and celebrating
its 25th anniversary; and a conference of Yeretzgeens will take place. To
get to the NRA site click here.
PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL
16. DELEGATES HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THEIR INFORMATION PACKETS; PLEASE MAKE
YOUR RESERVATIONS BEFORE APRIL 16 IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE SPECIAL RATE.
INFORMATION IS ALSO ON THE PRELACY WEB SITE.

YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated the year 2008 as the "Year of Christian Education."
To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click
tifical%20Messages/messages58.htm.
To read His Holiness’ message in English click
.

2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Plans are underway for the 22nd annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer
Program, for youth ages 13-18. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC), the program will take place at St. Mary of Providence Center
in Elverson, Pennsylvania, June 29 to July 6, 2008. By popular demand, this
year the Institute will extend the Summer Program by a weekend retreat
(optional) June 27-29. For details click

BLESSI NG OF MURON
The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) on June 7, 2008.
The Holy Muron, symbol of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally
blessed every seven years. Only the Catholicos can consecrate the oil which
is then distributed to the various dioceses for distribution to the
parishes. The oil consists of 48 different herbs, flowers, and oils which
are combined in a special vessel and mixed with some of the old Muron, thus
creating an unbroken chain with the past. The preparation of the Holy Muron
is a long process and each stage is accompanied with special prayers. Prior
to its blessing, the Muron remains for forty days on the altar of the
Cathedral. The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of
pilgrims from various parts of the world.
During this same period the World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of
the Great House of Cilicia will convene in Antelias beginning on June 3
through to June 5.
The Prelacy is organizing a pilgrimage to Antelias for the Muron blessing.
For details click

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING
An international gathering of youth is being organized by the Holy See of
Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and older, to
attend this gathering from August 13 to 20, 2008, coinciding with the annual
pilgrimage during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.
Plans are underway for the Catholicosate, the Prelacy, and our Parishes to
facilitate the travel of the young adults to the gathering by assisting with
a portion of the travel expenses. For information contact your local parish.

VATICAN COURTYARD DEDICATED TO ST. GREGORY
A press release from the Vatican describes the recent naming of the St.
Gregory the Illuminator Courtyard on the north side of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The formal ceremony was presided by Pope Benedict XVI. The press release
states: "St. Gregory is no stranger to the courtyard now named after him. In
January 2005, Pope John Paul II presided over the unveiling of a statue of
the bearded and mitered saint in a niche of the basilica facing the
courtyard.. The Pope told the group, "More than 17 centuries ago, this great
saint made the Armenians a Christian people, the first nation to declare
itself officially Christian. By calling the saint the Illuminator, Armenians
recognize that he led the people from darkness to the light of Christ, but
also that through his teaching and preaching he shed light on the truth
about human life.

IMMIGRATION HERITAGE WEEK IN NEW YORK
The Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Cultural
Education Resource Center Gallery, will be celebrating Immigration Heritage
Week, April 14 to April 20. Joining them in the celebration is the Holy
Martyrs Armenian Day School in Bayside, New York. A number of exhibits and
events are planned at the Museum which is located at 64-19 Kissena
Boulevard, Kissena Hall at Queens College, Flushing, New York. The Museum
will be open from 1 to 5 pm during the week-long celebration. For
information: 718-428-5650.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, April 3 are: Luke 5:12-16; Acts 8:3-13;
James 5:1-11; John 1:35-42; Matthew 5:17-48; Mark 1:35-45.
In the morning, when it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a
deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for
him. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."
He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim
the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went
throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting
out demons. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him,
"If you choose, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out
his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I do choose. Be made clean!"
Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly
warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, "See that you say
nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your
cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them." But he went out
and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could
no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people
came to him from every quarter. (Mark 1:35-45)
For listing of the week’s Bible readings click

GR EEN SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 6, is the third Sunday of Easter, known as Green Sunday
(Ganach Giragee) and Sunday of the World Church (Ashkharhamadoor). The
concept of "Green Sunday" most probably comes from an ancient folk holiday
celebrating spring. Our forefathers, seeing mother earth bloom after long
winter months, glorified the Creator with an act of thanksgiving and
celebrated by decorating the Church and themselves with greenery. Green is
the color of life, freshness and promise. After a barren winter we are
filled with hope, life and love. This Sunday is also known as "World Church
Sunday" in the sense of the church belonging to the whole world beginning
with Christ and the Apostles who met regularly to pray and partake of the
Holy Sacrament of Communion. Perhaps it is an appropriate time for us to
remember our obligations to be good stewards of the earth and the gifts that
have been given to us by God.

ANNUNCIATION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY
This Monday, April 7, is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary,
which comes nine months before Christmas on the seventh of April in the
Armenian Liturgical calendar. It is the celebration of the announcing of the
forthcoming birth of Christ to the Virgin Mary as recorded in the Gospel of
Luke. Normally this feast falls during the Lenten season, but because of the
early Easter date this year, it comes after Easter. One of the Gospel
readings on this day (Luke 1:26-38) demonstrates Mary’s faithful response
and willingness to say yes to God and fulfill all prophecies by bearing the
Son of God. Mary is greeted with an exalted salutation by the angel Gabriel
because, in her destiny to be the mother of Christ, she is the most blessed
woman of all time. This episode is recorded only in Luke’s account of the
birth of Jesus.

>From THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK.
This year is the Centennial of the birth of William Saroyan. He was born on
August 31, 1908. Saroyan, who dropped out of school before he finished the
eighth grade, was a complex individual, but his stories were always filled
with optimism even in the worst of times like the 1930s Depression. He knew
he wanted to be a writer at an early age and that is what he did. His
education came from his voracious appetite for reading, contemporary writers
and especially the great classic writers. Many of his early stories appeared
in the English language Hairenik; he continued a lifelong relationship with
the Hairenik and that publication’s "two Jimmys"-James Mandalian and James
Tashjian.
His play The Time of Your Life won both the Pulitzer Prize and the Drama
Critics Award in 1939. He refused the Pulitzer Prize, including the monetary
award, because he said, "commerce should not judge the arts." Saroyan died
in Fresno, California (a place where many of his stories were set) on May
18, 1981. In his last article for the International Herald Tribune he wrote,
"I know everyone has to die, but I thought there would be an exception for
me."
The Bookstore has a number of books by Saroyan and about Saroyan. It is
worthwhile to get to know this writer a little more intimately.

The William Saroyan Reader, a comprehensive anthology of the major writings
of William Saroyan, including the story that first made him internationally
famous, "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze." Soft cover, $15.95
plus shipping and handling.

Boys and Girls Together, a novel by William Saroyan. Saroyan’s characters
were flawed, but he always managed to make them likeable to the reader. This
story which appears to be about one specific family is actually a universal
story of human nature. Soft cover, $10.00 plus shipping and handling.

Here Comes, There Goes, You Know Who, an autobiography by William Saroyan.
This is his story, told in the distinctive Saroyan-style. It is not an
autobiography in the true sense of the word. Each chapter stands alone as a
story, but when you finish this book you understand much about Saroyan and
his world. Soft cover, $14.95, plus shipping and handling.

Willie and Varaz: Memories of My Friend William Saroyan, by Varaz Samuelian.
The well-known artist, Varaz, was a lifelong friend of William Saroyan. This
short book provides the reader with insight into Saroyan’s personality and
what it meant to be his friend. Hard cover, $30.00, plus shipping and
handling.

A Daring Young Man: A Biography of William Saroyan, by John Leggett. This is
the definitive biography of William Saroyan, from his birth, the early death
of his father, his mother’s struggle to survive, the years he spent in an
orphanage, to the time he became an international sensation, his two
marriages to the same woman, his extravagance and addiction to gambling, his
estrangement from his son and daughter, and his death from cancer at age 72.
Hardcover, $30.00, plus shipping and handling.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACY’S WEB SITE () OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL ([email protected]) OR BY TELEPHONE (212-689-7810).

PLEASE CHECK YOUR ATTICS AND BASEMENTS..
This year, as many of you know, we are marking a dual anniversary: the 110th
anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in America by
Catholicos Mgrditch (Khrimian Hairig), and the 50th anniversary of the
Prelacy under the Holy See of Cilicia. We are seeking any type of
memorabila, especially photographs, covering the tenures of Archbishop Hrant
Khatchadourian (1958-1973) and Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian (1973-1977).
Anything you have will be returned to you safe and sound after we scan them
for use in a forthcoming book. Please contact us by email at
[email protected] or by telephone 212-689-7810, Extension 23.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 11-Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian. Opening
reception, 7 to 11 pm, at the Prelacy offices, New York City. Jointly
sponsored by the Prelacy and the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian
Relief Society. Proceeds will benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The
exhibition will also be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12
and 13, from 1 pm to 5 pm.

April 20-Third lecture of a series presented by St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian,
PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: church office 718-224-2275 or Dr.
Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842.

April 27-Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square, New York City, 2
pm. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. Co-sponsored by the
AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, ANCA, ADL-RAG and S.D. Hunchagians. With
the participation of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Prelacy of the
Armenian Church, AMAA, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical
Church and Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, and Armenian youth
organizations. Free bus transportation from Armenian churches in New York
and New Jersey; Baruyr’s, 40th & Queens Boulevard, and Hovnanian School, New
Milford, New Jersey. For information: Sam: 516-352-2587; Leo: 201-746-0409;
Ara: 973-759-7518; John: 718-631-2247.

May 2-Presentation of the recent publication of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian’s
Archbishop Nerses Lambronaci: Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon, 7 pm, at
St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th St., Douglaston, New York.

May 5-Mothers’ Day Luncheon, sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, St.
Regis, New York City. Reception at 11:30 followed by luncheon.

May 8-10-National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by
St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.

May 8 and 9-National Association of Ladies Guild (NALG) conference in
conjunction with the National Representative Assembly, celebrating the 25th
anniversary of the NALG, will take place at St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.

June 3-5-World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of
Cilicia will convene in Antelias, Lebanon.

June 7-Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon.

June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council.

July 19-"A Hye Summer Night 3," dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts.
Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details
401-434-4467.

August 3-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the
Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or
shine.

August 15-17-International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor,
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.

September 25-Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office
201-943-2950.

October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Details to follow.