Author: Emil Lazarian

Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern US
80 Bigelow Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel. (617) 923-1933
Fax (617) 924-1933
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release ~ August 17, 2006
(617) 923-1933
AYF Junior Athletic Games Travel to New Jersey
WATERTOWN, Mass. – The Central Junior Council (CJC) of the AYF-YOARF
Eastern Region recently announced plans for the annual AYF-YOARF
Junior Athletic Games (JAG) to be held September 29- to October 1.
Similar to the annual Senior Olympic Games, JAG brings together
juniors from the Mid-Atlantic and New England chapters for friendly
competition, fraternalism and enjoying the AYF spirit. Traditionally
held at Camp Haiastan, this year’s event, now in its 6th year, will
be held in New Jersey and hosted by the New Jersey Arsen chapter.
Emulating the feel that that Mid-West games have, the CJC and Central
Executive hope to draw in larger crowds of parents and supporters
and create a strong family atmosphere.
The official headquarters will be the Marriot in Saddle Brook, N.J.,
with games taking place in Bergen County. The weekend’s activities will
include a Friday evening welcoming social, followed by the swimming and
track and field games on Saturday. The New Jersey Arsen Seniors will be
sponsoring the Fall Ball featuring the Aravod Ensemble on September 30.
AYF juniors, family members, and supporters are strongly encouraged
to attend this event as it promises to add new feel and dimension to
the event. “The AYF is about the families, the people, the generations
of Armenians that have lived and are living in the Diaspora and how
we can continue to grow and remain united. With this event, we hope
not only for the juniors to have fun, but for the families to also
share in these memorable moments,” said CJC chairperson Angela Deese.
The Saddle Brook Marriott is located at 138 Pehle Ave, Saddle Brook,
N.J. 07663. Reservations should be made by attendees by directly
calling Marriott reservations at (800) 832-6254 or (201) 843-9500.
When registering, mention the room block for the Armenian Youth
Federation. The room rate for the group is $109 per night and rooms
have been blocked on September 29 and September 30.
Individuals are also encouraged to contact CJC at [email protected] ,
or by calling the AYF Eastern Region Office at (617) 923-1933.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

August 25, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER SERVICES AT
ST. GARABED CHURCH
On Sunday, August 27, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
will preside over Holy Mass at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood,
and deliver his sermon.
We would also like to announce that H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, and H.E. Archbishop Suren Kataroyan,
former Prelate of the Diocese of Aleppo, are briefly visiting our
Prelacy. Upon the invitation of the Prelate, Archbishop Choloyan will
preside over Mass at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino and deliver his
sermon, while Archbishop Kataroyan will preside over services and
deliver his sermon at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
PRELATE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEET WITH PARISH PASTORS AND BOARD OF
TRUSTEES
The Prelate and the Executive Council continue their meetings with
the Pastors and Board of Trustees of our parishes.
On Tuesday, August 15, the Prelate and Executive Council
members met with the Pastor and Board of Trustees of Holy Martyrs
Church in Encino, and on Tuesday, August 22nd with the Pastor and
Board of Trustees of St. Garabed Church in Hollywood.
HOLY MASS AND OFFERING OF BLESSINGS IN FRESNO
COMMEMORATING THE 91ST ANNIVERSARY OF
THE HEROIC BATTLE OF MOUSA DAGH
On Sunday, September 3rd, the Mousa Dagh Compatriotic Union will
commemorate the 91st anniversary of the heroic battle of Mousa Dagh
in Fresno with Holy Mass, offering of the blessings (madaghorhnek),
and festivities.
The Prelate delegated Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian to
conduct Holy Mass, deliver his sermon, and preside over the blessing
of madagh.
PRELACY ESTABLISHES ECUMENICAL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
On the evening of Thursday, August 24, under the auspices of the
Prelate, the Prelacy Ecumenical Activities Committee convened its
first meeting. In attendance were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Ms.
Vanna Kitsinian, Ms. Palig Babian, Mr. Raffi Kurkjian, Mr. Shahe
Keshishian, and Mr. Ara Der Haroutounian.
The Prelate commenced the meeting, detailing the mission
and responsibilities of the committee and stating that the committee
will function as a part of the Ecumenical activities of the Holy See
of Cilicia. The committee elected Vanna Kitsinian as Chairperson,
after which it decided that each member should contact local
non-Armenian sister churches, inquire about similar committees they
might have, and establish ties that will be conducive to future
collaboration.
PRELATE EXPRESSES HIS CONDOLENCES
TO THE FAMILY OF KEVORK KANDAHARIAN
On Thursday, August 17, the Armenian community mourned the loss of
long-time educator Kevork Kandaharian, which occurred in Beirut,
Lebanon. On behalf of the Prelacy Religious and Executive Councils,
the Prelate expressed his condolences to the family.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GEORGIAN PRIME MINISTER VISITS JAVAKHK
AKHALKALAK, AUGUST 24, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Georgian
Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli on August 24 arrived in Javakhk with
a short working visit.
According to the A-Info news agency, while in Ninotsminda and
Akhalkalak, the Georgian prime minister familiarized himself with the
construction work being done there with state budget resources. He
visited the youth sport centers of Akhalkalak and Ninotsminda currently
under construction, as well as school No. 2 (where the instruction
is in Russian) of Akhalkalak.
Z. Noghaideli became acquainted with the process of constructing
Aspindza-Akhalkalak Road and expressed a hope that this work will be
completed by October.
During the prime minister’s visit, deputy of the Georgian parliament
Hamlet Movsisian proposed providing assistance to Javakhk’s farmers
who suffered from this year’s drought. In his words, Z. Noghaideli
promised to be useful not only in this issue but also to assist the
most vulnerable families and the disabled with fuel this winter.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Library & Museum of America, Inc.
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-926-2562 ext. 3
Fax: 617-926-0175
Website:
Contact: Mariam Stepanyan
+++++++++++++++++++++++
August 24, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Contact Person: Mariam Stepanyan
Phone: 617.926.2562  ext. 3
Fax:  617.926.0175
Email: [email protected]
Armenian Library and Museum of America
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Website:
ALMA PLANNING TRAVELING EXHIBIT ON WWI ARMENIAN LEGIONAIRES
October 2006 marks the 90th anniversary of the formation of the
Armenian Legion during World War I.  In celebration of this event,
the Armenian Library and Museum of America is preparing a traveling
exhibit, recognizing the volunteers of this unit.  The idea for the
traveling exhibit, which is scheduled to be completed next spring,
stems from the enthusiastic reception of an ALMA exhibit from the
fall of 2001, entitled, Forgotten Heroes: The Armenian Legion and the
Great War.
Recruitment In The Armenian Legion
  The Eastern/Armenian Legion (Legion d’Orient) was formed on
October 27, 1916, two years after the beginning of World War I,
through an agreement between Boghos Nubar Pasha, president of the
Armenian National Delegation, and the governments of England and
France.  Under the agreement, Armenian and Syrian volunteers were
recruited to fight alongside Allied forces.  At the same time, France
and Great Britain promised autonomy for the Armenians in central and
southern Turkey.  This area had been allocated to France according to
the secret agreements concluded among Allies to partition the Ottoman
Empire after the conclusion of the war.
  Armenian men from around the world, including 1,200 from the
United States, responded enthusiastically to the call for volunteers.
The most valuable contribution of the Armenian Legion during World
War I was its victory over German and Turkish forces at the Battle of
Arara on September 19, 1918.  This victory contributed to the success
of British General Edmund Allenby and the Allied Forces in Palestine.
  A traveling committee has been assembled to prepare this
exhibit, which will be available for display in Armenian and
non-Armenian venues. Those who have an interest in this exhibit or in
the Armenian Legion are encouraged to contact the Armenian Library
and Museum of America, 65 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472; 617-926-ALMA
(2562), [email protected].
–Boundary_(ID_2x69u/206OP/cSF1 Ck3llw)–

PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN CONVEYS CONDOLENCE ON THE OCCASION OF POETESS SILVA KAPUTIKYAN’S DEATH
ArmRadio.am
25.08.2006 15:45
President Robert Kocharyan conveyed condolence on the occasion of
the death of famous poetess Silva Kaputikyan.
The message says, “It was with great sorrow that I learned about the
death of outstanding poetess Silva Kaputijyan.
Silva Kaputijyan is one of the most prominent representatives of
contemporary Armenian literature, whose works guided the Armenian and
foreign readers throughout decades. As an intellectual concerned with
the fate of her country and people, she enjoys great popularity both
in motherland and Diaspora.
Silva Kaputikyan’s death is a great loss in our literary and social
life. I express my sincere compassion to relatives and the numerous
admirers of her art.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NEW CD OF HASMIK PAPIAN DEDICATED TO KOMITAS RELEASED
ARMENPRESS
Aug 25 2006
YEREVAN, AUGUST 25, ARMENPRESS: The new CD of world-famous soprano
Hasmik Papian dedicated to Komitas has been released. Hasmik Papian
told Armenpress that the CD includes 35 Lieder of Komitas nine of
which are Lieder to texts by German poets including Goethe, Lenau
and Uhland set by Komitas during his period of study in Berlin. The
booklet includes the complete Lied texts, printed in Armenian, German,
English and French, as well as a detailed text on the life and work
of Komitas. The world famous soprano sings to the accompaniment of
young Armenian pianist Vardan Mamikonian.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A MILLION RAMSEYS: GROUPS ON MISSION TO STOP GENOCIDE
By Ben Ready
Longmont Daily Times-Call, CO
Aug. 24, 2006
Armenians’ journey reaches Longmont
LONGMONT – Imagine JonBenet Ramsey had a sister and both were murdered
10 years ago. Would the international media and billions of people
worldwide care twice as much with two victims instead of one?
And imagine that the killers were thousands armed to the teeth and
committed to killing all little white girls in America. Might you
see this on the front page for a few weeks?
So why is it that when you hear about not one or two but thousands
of murder victims in Darfur today, so few seem to care?
Two groups committed to stopping genocide asked these questions in
Longmont on Wednesday.
“One death is a tragedy; a million is a statistic,” said Kim
Christianian, chairwoman of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration
Committee.
Six Armenian students left Los Angeles on foot June 27 and arrived
in Longmont on Wednesday during their Journey for Humanity genocide
awareness and prevention campaign.
For the students’ stops in Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, Fort
Collins and Greeley, they were joined by the Colorado Coalition for
Genocide Awareness and Action.
Together the groups hope to remind Americans of the slaughter of
millions of human beings – each as unique and precious as JonBenet
Ramsey, the loss of each individual worthy of the same public outrage
shown after the loss of Ramsey’s life, the group said.
A photo exhibit of starved bodies, rape victims and mass graves
along Main Street in front of Longmont Free University said it with
numbers too:
1895-1923 – 1.5 million Armenians massacred
1932-1933 – 7 million Ukrainians killed from manmade famine
1938-1945 – 11 million massacred in the Nazi Holocaust
1970-1980 – 3.3 million Cambodians massacred
1994 – 1 million Rwandans massacred
2003-present – 400,000 and counting killed and 2.5 million displaced
in Darfur.
“This is the thing we have on our hearts. We are survivors,” said
Levon Sayadyan, whose Armenian great-grandparents were forced
to watch Turkish soldiers behead their daughter. “We cannot be
bystanders. … We need to take action.”
Sayadyan and 12 others joined for a discussion after their walk from
Boulder. The students will walk to Loveland today, Fort Collins on
Friday and Greeley on Saturday. Their 3,200-mile Journey for Life
will end in Washington, D.C., before November.
Not only do the students in “Stop Genocide Now” T-shirts want to
remind people along their path of past atrocities, but they also hope
their discussion circles will reduce American complacency about the
killings in Darfur today. Seeing U.S. humanitarian efforts following
9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Indonesia, students said
they have no doubt Americans are generous.
But after being ignored or rebuffed by throngs of reporters in Boulder
on Tuesday, who were gathered under a tent and doing little but waiting
for a breaking bit of information in the Ramsey murder case saga,
the students said, walker Edward S. Majian wondered how the press and
public could be so indifferent to the genocide of an African people.
“When we have a genocide, political actors and their allies become
complicit for tolerating it. We ignore certain things because it’s
not politically comfortable to talk about,” Majian said.
According to the groups, understanding genocide – defined as “the
systematic destruction by a government of a racial, religious or
ethnic group” – is the first step in fighting it.
When people then familiarize themselves with the world’s recent
history of genocides and grasp the combination of social complacency
and hatred that fuels them, taking action to stop today’s genocide
is the easy part, said Hasmig Tatiossian.
“You donate time, talk to friends, donate money to coalitions, contact
the media, call your congressmen, talk to your kids, encourage your
teachers to teach students about this,” she said. “You don’t have
to be Armenian or Jewish to take action. … Just realize that we’re
all human and all interconnected.”
For more information about stopping genocides, go to
, www .journeyforhumanity.com or

CELEBRATE WITH LOCAL ARMENIAN DANCE COMPANY
Belmont Citizen-Herald, MA
Aug. 24, 2006
The 20th anniversary celebration of the Sayat Nova Dance Company
of Greater Boston is in full swing, with plans for an elegant gala,
in addition to two special performances at Boston’s Majestic Theater.
Belmont resident Apo Ashjian, the founder, choreographer and artistic
director of the dance company, said he is both amazed and humbled by
this milestone.
“When we first started, I didn’t think we would last at all. We
were an independent group, when that was rare among Armenian
organizations. People felt funny. Now we’re celebrating our 20th
year and holding up our heads,” Ashjian said of the Watertown-based
dance troupe. “We never, ever thought we would reach this far. And
this success is all thanks to the community and the intense support
we got from them.”
Kicking off the 20th anniversary celebration is a gala banquet at
Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 16. The evening
will feature cocktails, dinner and dancing to the Melik Ohanian Band.
A guest speaker will also be featured, helping with the silent and
live auction.
The second phase of the celebration is two shows at the Cutler Majestic
Theater in Boston, on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m., and Sunday,
Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. The two performances, titled “Power in Rhythm,”
will stress cultural and ethnographic dances.
“We want to show non-Armenians the deep-rooted cultural heritage that
we have. We want to show our culture to everyone,” said Ashjian.
Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston has toured the U.S. and the world
since 1986. Most recently, in July the dance troupe had several
sold-out performances in Armenia.
About 80 crew members, dancers and choreographers make up the core of
Sayat Nova Dance Company. The nonprofit group relies on donations and
community support for maintaining its rigorous weekly dance sessions
and numerous performances annually.
Ashjian and his team of volunteers also regularly visit Armenia
to learn about traditional Armenian dances, costumes and music,
in order to better represent the art of Armenia to Diasporans and
non-Armenians alike.
Tickets for both shows at the Majestic are available by calling
617-901-2758, or calling Telecharge at 1-800-233-3123. Tickets may
also be purchased at
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“ZERKALO”: ARMENIA TROUBLES ITS NEIGHBORS
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
Aug. 24, 2006
Youths representing different world countries gradually join
discussion of Garabagh conflict. Yesterday “round table” was
organized on initiative of youth movement “Ireli” at international
press center. Representative of Georgia, Turkey, Macedonia, Czech
Republic, India, Saudi Arabia joined partook in the event. The issue
of frozen conflicts by the example of Garabagh problem was discussed.
Azerbaijani political scientists, Rasim Musabekov, briefly informed
participants about the problem. “As a result of military intervention
of Armenia 17% of Azerbaijani territories are occupied. Some sources
having overestimated the figure, inform that 20% of territories are
occupied. Following occupation policy 850,000 Azerbaijanis had to
leave their homes”.
R. Musabekov stressed that Armenia violates international laws,
ignores resolutions of UN Security Council concerning liberation of
Azerbaijani territories: “Armenia fails to understand that in five
years military budget of Azerbaijan will be three times as much, and
Azerbaijan may not accept today’s proposals on conflict regulation”.
As expert told about consequences of occupation of Azerbaijani
territories on the part of Armenia, and about main point of peace
talks within the frames of OSCE Minsk Group, interests of young people
concerning the issue in question increased. Peak of activity was
mainly observed when after brief essay R. Musabekov at last started
answering questions. Representative of Czech Republic was first to
ask. As it turned out, she failed to understand the fact of ignoring
of 4 resolutions of UN Security Council on liberation of Azerbaijani
territories on the part of Armenia. UN has to influence upon
aggressor-country, she applied to political scientists with surprise.
“What does UN need? To stop the war and bloodshed. And as both
countries neither fight, nor live in peace, apparently it is convenient
to this international organization. Perhaps war is necessary in order
that UN seriously tackle this matter?!, Musabekov answered.
Then, Gulshad from Turkey expressed her bewilderment. “Turkey and
Georgia also have problems with Armenia. Governments of three countries
can join in strengthening their activities to disclose hostile policy
of Armenia”, she said. While replying, political scientist wasn’t
completely agree with young Turkish lady.
Accordingly to him, Turkey actively cooperates with Azerbaijan and
Georgia. “Airport which in future will be used with military purposes
was built in Marneuli with the help of Turkey. It would be wrong to
underestimate importance of tripartite cooperation”.
Georgian representatives were the most active. Natia said
that Georgians face the problem of territorial claims on the
part of Armenia. “Armenians living in Samzkhe-Javakhetia demand
self-government”. Musabekov stressed that such provocations in South
Caucasus is backed by Russia.
–Boundary_(ID_/Q+EGeNk8XLMB4ME4OhbVA)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS TO CONSIDER AZERBAIJAN’S COMPLAINT ON ARMENIAN CRIMES
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Aug. 24, 2006
“European Court of Human Rights will consider Azerbaijan’s complaint
regarding the crimes committed by Armenia,” Chingiz Asgarov,
Azerbaijani representative at the European Court of Human Rights told
the APA.
He said the number of appeals to this court from Azerbaijan has
decreased recently due to the judicial reforms. Asgarov also said
most of the complaints were made by refugees.
“More than 800 appeals have been made by refugees. There are almost no
complaints on election irregularities,” the representative said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress