Author: Hakobian Adrine

ARMENIA: IS TURKISH DEAL RESHUFFLING ARMENIAN POLITICS?

EurasiaNet
Nov 19 2009
NY

Political observers in Yerevan are watching for signs of a political
deal between President Serge Sargsyan and his most vocal critic,
Levon Ter-Petrosian.

In surprise comments made on November 11, Ter-Petrosian said that the
Armenian-Turkish rapprochement agreement, signed in October, presented
Sargsyan as "a realistic and resolute statesman worthy of the 21st
century," Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Armenian service reported.

While taking issue with Sargsyan’s agreement that a group of historians
should investigate the 1915 slaughter of ethnic Armenians by Ottoman
Turks, Ter-Petrosian accused the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(ARF)-Dashnaktsutiun, a vocal critic of the Armenian-Turkish deal,
of throwing "non-existent sins" onto the tally of "numerous sins
committed by Sargsyan," RFERL reported.

In response, Kiro Manoian, an ARF spokesperson accused Ter-Petrosian
of trying to make backroom deals with Sargsyan while publically
maintaining his image as the administration’s sworn enemy, the Tert
news agency reported on November 18.

November 19, 2009

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

ANNUAL ARMENIA FUND THANKSGIVING TELETHON; SPECIAL PLATE COLLECTIONS
AT PRELACY CHURCHES
This Sunday, as last Sunday, all of the parishes under the
jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy will offer a special plate
collection specifically for the annual Armenia Fund Thanksgiving
Telethon.
For the first time the telethon will focus on one placethe legendary
city of Shushi. Remember how overjoyed we were with the military
successes in Shushi in the battle for the liberation of Karabakh?
Well, now we need to express that joy in dollars as Shushi, devastated
through the war, desperately needs help. This is another war. This war
is against the crumbling infrastructure of Shushi, against the rampant
unemployment,against widespread poverty, and against the hopelessness
that has gripped the valiant inhabitants of Shushi.
Besides participating in the plate collection, donations can be made
at anytime before, during and after the Thanksgiving Day Telethon.
For complete information about broadcast schedule go to Armenia Funds
web site, (
4882/goto:
).
PRELAT E AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES ARE ATTENDING MEETINGS
IN ANTELIAS
Archbishop Oshagan is in Antelias, Lebanon, attending a series of
meetings with His Holiness Aram I and the Central Executive Council
and representatives from the three North American Prelacies (Eastern,
Western, Canadian). The meetings began yesterday, and continue today
and tomorrow.
Archbishop Oshagan is leading the Eastern Prelacys delegation which
includes Father Aram Stepanian, Jack Mardoian, Noubar Megerian, and
Raffi Ourlian. Also attending from the United States is Dr. Dertad
Manguikian who is a member of the Central Executive Council.
The meetings were recommended by the World General Assembly last
December with the understanding that regular consultations should take
place between the members of the Central Religious and Executive
Councils, and the dioceses, under the Presidency of His Holiness Aram
I. It was believed that these meetings would strengthen cooperation
and deepen reflection on challenging issues.
Photo: Catholicos Aram I with the representatives of the Eastern
Prelacy. From left to right, Jack Mardoian, Noubar Megerian, Raffi
Ourlian, His Holiness, Archbishop Oshagan, and Father Aram Stepanian.
VICAR HAS BUSY AND PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND IN NORTH ANDOVER
Last weekend Bishop Anoushavan, the Vicar General of the Prelacy, was
in North Andover where he presided over a number of events with the
parish of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover,
Massachusetts.
On Friday evening the Vicar conducted a Bible Study on Bible,
Theology and Art in the Armenian Divine Liturgy. On Saturday he
officiated at a wedding ceremony. On Sunday he celebrated the Divine
Liturgy and delivered the Sermon and presided over the parishs 39th
anniversary banquet.
During the banquet, Bishop Anoushavan presented Certificates of Merit
to John and Violet Dagdigian for their devoted service to St. Gregory
Church.
The Vicar expressed his appreciation for the fervent spirit of the
North Andover community as well as the impressive number of school
children enrolled in both Armenian and Sunday schools. There is always
a warm spirit of fellowship here, he told the congregation. It may be
a small community but the mission is huge, especially in view of the
tragic loss of your beloved pastor.
Even as the parish continues to cope with the loss, the members of
the parish continue their devoted service with even greater zeal. The
recent renovation of the church hall and the installation of a new
courtyard are tangible expressions of that commitment.
The anniversary dinner, which attracted more than 100 guests, was
also a celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of Deacon and
Mrs. Ara and Ginny Shrestinian.
(Reported by Tom Vartabedian)
Bishop Anoushavan surrounded by the children of the parish following
the Divine Liturgy.
The Vicar and John Kulungian, board chairman, with honorees John and
Violet Dagdigian.
Ara and Ginny Shrestinian with family and friends celebrate their 50th
wedding anniversary.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM BEGINS
THIS MONDAY AT CATHEDRAL
The first of a new six-part Christian Education program begins this
Monday, November 23. Explore the basic elements of what Armenian
Christians believe through this program on The Creed
(Havadamk). Chanted or recited by countless Christians every Sunday
during the Soorp Badarak (Divine Liturgy), the Creed represents a
concise summary of biblical faith, formulated by the Church fathers of
the first two Ecumenical CouncilsNicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople
(381 AD)and endorsed by all the ancient churches.
The classes will take place at St. Illuminators Armenian Apostolic
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, twice a month, on the
2nd and 4th Mondays: November 23, December 14, 28, January 11, 25,
February 8. The program will begin at 7:15 pm with a presentation
(about 45 minutes) followed by QA and discussion (45 minutes).
The event is sponsored by the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC) and St. Illuminators Cathedral. The sessions will be
conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, AREC Director.
The program is open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For
registration and information: [email protected]
(mailto:arec@armenianprel acy.org) or 212-689-7810;
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or
212-689-5880.
ANEC DIRECTOR CONDUCTS SEMINAR
AT STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH IN RHODE ISLAND
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC), conducted a three-hour seminar on the Divine Liturgy
(Soorp Badarak) last Sunday for the Sunday School teachers and staff
members of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Providence, Rhode
Island.
Dn. Shant first provided some biblical background for understanding
worship, its basic elements, contents, vocabulary, images and symbolic
language. He then discussed the origin and history, as well as the
overall conventional structure of the Divine Liturgy. He then walked
the participants through the Liturgy, step-by-step, explaining its
prayers and hymns, along with its basic liturgical movements and
symbols. Resources were provided to the participants including a
detailed outline of the Liturgy cross-referenced to the Prelacys new
Divine Liturgy book and how to get more out of the Liturgy.
Communities wishing to sponsor similar seminars are encouraged to
contact the AREC office at the Prelacy (212-689-7810 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])).
Dn. Shant delivers Sermon during the Divine Liturgy.
A scene from the seminar.
BISHOP NAREG REPRESENTS CILICIAN SEE
AT MEETING IN LONDON
Bishop Nareg Alemezian, the Ecumenical Officer of the Holy See of
Cilicia, attended the meeting of the Secretaries of Christian World
Communions (CWC) in Canterbury, London. The meeting was attended by
about 30 representatives of major Christian families.
In his report to the meeting, Bishop Nareg informed the participants
of the ecumenical endeavors of the Catholicosate, and the theological
dialogue between the three Oriental churches under the auspices of the
Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
While in Canterbury, Bishop Nareg met with the Archbishop of
Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, to whom he transmitted the greetings
of His Holiness Aram I. Bishop Nareg also met with Rev. Alyson Barrett
Cowan, Director of Ecumenical Relations of the Anglican Consultative
Council.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, November 19, are: Colossians
3:15-4:4; Luke 11:49-54.
Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, I will send them prophets and
apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute, that the blood of
all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be
required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of
Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I
tell you, it shall be required of this generation. Woe to you lawyers!
For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter
yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.
As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to
press him hard, and to provoke him to speak of many things, laying in
wait for him, to reach at something he might say. (Luke 11:49-54)
For listing of this weeks Bible readings click here (
4882/goto: elacy/PDF/dbr2009-11.pdf
).
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 22, is the first Sunday of Advent (from the
Latin adventus, meaning coming). Advent is a season of waiting for the
coming of Christ, which gives us reason to live in hope regardless of
the many challenges and vicissitudes facing us on many fronts. John
the Baptist is the greatest Advent figure (read Matthew, Chapter 3,
and Luke, Chapter 3).
Advent is a solemn season for preparation for the mystery of the
Incarnation. Please remember that this time of the year, although
filled with great joy, can be lonely and sad for many people. Reach
out with a visit, a note, or a telephone call to an elderly person
living alone, someone who is ill, or someone who recently lost a loved
one. Thats what Christmas is all about!
HAMAZKAYIN OF NEW YORK PRESENTS
TRIBUTE TO HOLY TRANSLATORS TOMORROW
The Literary Committee of Hamazkayin of New York will present an
evening devoted to the Holy Translators, tomorrow, Friday, November
20, at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, New York.
Speakers include Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York, who will speak about the Sacraments of
the Feast of the Holy Translators, and Aris Sevag, noted editor,
translator, and writer, who will speak about The Present State of
Translation Activity.
The event will also include biographical readings, as well as
recitations by the students of St. Illuminators and Holy Martyrs
Armenian Day Schools. For information: (
4882/goto:
).
CAFESJIAN ART CENTER FEATURED IN
NEW YORK TIMES TODAY
The new Cafesjian Center for the Arts which recently opened in
Yerevan, is the front-page feature story in the Arts section of todays
New York Times.
Housed in the soviet-era building known as the Cascade, built in a
steep hillside with outdoor steps linking gardens and galleries, and a
man-made waterfall, the Cascade was renovated by 84-year old Armenian
American, Gerald L. Cafejian.
If you would like to read the entire article, which is both
fascinating and sad, click here (
4882/goto: esign/19abroad.html
).
THIS WEEK AT THE BOOKSTORE
TWO COOKBOOKS BY ONE AUTHOR:
SIMPLY QUINCE
By Barbara Ghazarian
Who would have thought? A whole cookbook on the Quince! This newest
cookbook offering by Barbara Ghazarian is a winner. The Quince is
native to southwest Asia and especially the Caucasus region. A very
aromatic fruit, many cooks keep a bowl full in the kitchen just for
that reason. But, this cookbook with its 70 recipes shows that the
Quince is much more than a good aroma. Looking through the recipes
brought back childhood memories of a delicious lamb stew with
chickpeas and quince.
209 pages, soft cover, $21.95, plus shipping and handling.
An earlier book by the same author:
SIMPLY ARMENIAN: NATURALLY HEALTHY ETHNIC COOKING MADE EASY
By Barbara Ghazarian
This award-winning cookbook contains more than 150 recipes; many are
classic favorites but some are innovative, such as Green Onion and
Pine Nut Pizza. Critics describe this as a joy to read, and easy to
follow.
293 pages, soft cover, $17.95, plus shipping and handling.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE OR OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE
PRELACYS WEB SITE, OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY
EMAIL AT [email protected] OR BY TELEPHONE 212-689-7810.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 20-21Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Fest 2009, Friday,
November 20, 5 pm to 8 pm; Saturday, November 21, 10 am to 5
pm. Armenian delicacies and dinners. For information 508-852-2414.
November 20, 21, 22Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey)
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. Saturday night dancing with Onnik
Dinkjian; Sunday traditional kavourma dinner.
November 22St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, Thanksgiving
Luncheon and Cultural Program, presented by the Cathedrals Ladies
Guild. $25 adults; $10 children. For reservations:
212-689-5880. Parking for $7.00 available at Kips Bay 27, 240 East
27th Street (between 2nd and 3rd avenues).
November 22Holiday Fair Luncheon, Chinese Auction and Bake Sale
presented by the Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th
Street, Douglaston, New York, at 1 pm. Adults $10; children under 12
$5.00. For information 718-224-2275.
December 4Special benefit concert for St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn,
Michigan, featuring Isabel Bayrakdarian at the Dearborn Performing
Arts Center.
December 5Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
annual bazaar. Come one, come all.
December 5Saint Gregory (North Andover, Massachusetts) Ladies Guild
Christmas Luncheon and Yankee Swap at the Phoenician at Michaels
Function Hall, Route 110 in Haverhill.
December 5Annual Christmas Bake Sale and Lunch at Cafe St. Paul,
St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois, 9 am to 3 pm.
December 12Second Armenian Holiday Food Fair, St. Hagop Church, 4100
Newman Road, Racine, Wisconsin, noon to 5 pm. For information:
262-632-2033.
December 20St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia. Sunday School Christmas
Pageant.
December 31St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Seroonian Community
Center New Years Eve celebration.
December 31Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey), New Years
Eve Dinner-Dance. Details to follow.
July 17A Hye Summer Night V, dance hosted by Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode
Island. Watch for details.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacys web
site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to
your address book.
Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

AN EVENT ON INCREASING THE AWARENESS OF NKR TAKEN PLACE IN THE USA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
2009-11-19 12:49

The organization Americans for Artsakh held, at the Armenian Embassy
to Washington, an event on increasing the awareness of the events in
Armenia and Artsakh.

NKR Permanent Representative to the USA Robert Avetisian introduced
the history of the Karabakh conflict and the current situation in
the Republic.

It was noted at the event that the Caucasus occupies a significant
place in the international political life and it is extremely important
to thoroughly inform the public about Artsakh in order to help it
maintain its power and identity.

Executive Director of the Americans for Artsakh Sara Ludwig
informed the attendants about the organization’s projects, noting,
in particular, that corresponding trainings were planned in NKR for
governmental structures’ employees, young leaders, and other groups.

WHY SERGE SARGSYAN IS SILENT

Lragir.am
19/11/09

On November 19, the representative of the Armenian National Congress
Aram Manukyan was asked the reason why Serge Sargsyan still keeps
silent and is not answering Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s speech.

Aram Manukyan noted Serge Sargsyan has two reasons not to response.

The first is that he must take to an end his arrangements related to
regional processes for the implementation of which he is an invention
for superpowers. Aram Manukyan dwelt on yielding of Zangelan and Fisuli
which according to him is a part of the arrangements with superpowers.

The second reason is that the criminal will not let Serge Sargsyan
resign since the criminal was Serge Sargsyan’s rear with the help of
which he became the president and consequently is in debt with it.

ROTATION INSTITUTE IN ARMENIAN CUSTOMS SERVICE

ArmInfo
2009-11-18 15:21:00

ArmInfo. Today Armenian parliament in the second and final reading
made alterations and amendments to the law ‘On Customs service’

As deputy chairman of Armenian State Income Committee Armen Alaverdyan
said, this draft law resolves three key problems. In particular, the
point is about putting in order of the merit rating processes of the
employees of the customs service, their rotation and appeal. Thus,
it will be fixed that appealing of decisions of the commission will
be investigated during 30 days since the day of application. The
process of merit rating will be implemented by the commission that
consists of 6 members and one chairman of the commission. If a customs
service employee breaks the norms of ethics, he may be brought to
administrative responsibility.

"THE LIONS" ARMENIAN CHAMPIONS OF GOALBALL

Aysor
Nov 17 2009
Armenia

Today in the "Dinamo" stadium finished the first Armenian Goalball
championship which was organized by the Armenian National Invalid’s
Sports Federation. In the final round the team of Abovyan got advantage
over Yerevan "Nika" team and became the winner of the Goalball first
championship.

In the third place were "Kaytsak" who won the "Eagles" with 17:10
points. The "Storm" got the 5th place and took victory over Gyumri
"Shirak" team with 15:7 points.

ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER JOINS RULING PARTY

APA
Nov 17 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku – APA. Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan joined the ruling
Republican Party, APA reports quoting News Armenia.

The party’s executive committee positively responded to his application
about membership at its meeting on November 16.

The Republican Party of Armenia was established early 1990s.

Then-prime minister and incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan was
elected the party chairman. Most of the government ministers and
speaker of the Armenian parliament Ovik Abrabyan are also members of
the Republican Party.

The party established parliament coalition with the parties of
Prosperous Armenia and Country of Legality.

TURKISH FM CRITICIZED THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT FOR KEEPING THE REGION UNDER CONSTANT TENSION

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2009 18:07 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu criticized the
Israeli government for keeping the region under constant tension
with the use or threat of military force and said Tel Aviv’s current
policies are apparently in conflict with Turkey’s vision of peace
for the region. "Unfortunately the Gaza onslaught by Israeli defense
forces against Palestinian civilians had halted all ongoing peace
processes, including the Turkish mediated Syrian-Israeli indirect
talks," he lamented.

He warned that the continuing expansion of Israeli settlements in
Palestinian territories has been a source of tension between Turkey
and Israel for many years. Settlement is also a major concern for many
world powers including the US, the European Union, and Russia, all
of which have called for an immediate halt to all illegal settlement
expansion by the Israeli government.

As for the controversial status of Jerusalem, the Turkish foreign
minister said, "We do not recognize that Jerusalem is the capital
of Israel and believe that East Jerusalem is Palestinian territory,"
pointing out the fact that the Turkish Embassy is located in Tel Aviv,
which Turkey considers the official capital of the Jewish state.

Dismissing anti-Semitic accusations as baseless, Davutoglu stressed
that the Turkish government’s position is not directed against the
Israeli public or the Israeli state but rather aimed at the policies
adopted by the Israeli government. "We have no problem with the Israeli
state or the public," he remarked. The Turkish foreign minister pointed
out that despite recent tension with Israel, Turkey has not withdrawn
its ambassador from Tel Aviv.

Commenting on the exclusion of Israel from a NATO military exercise
Turkey hosted last month due to the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in
Gaza, Davutoglu said Ankara had waited until the last minute to make
the decision to bar Israel because Turkey was waiting on the result
of US President Barack Obama’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netenyahu. "If there was progress during that meeting, we
could have allowed Israel to participate in the military exercises,"
he said, Today’s Zaman reported.

THREE-YEAR PROJECT ON IMPROVEMENT OF PESTICIDE QUALITY CONTROL BEING IMPLEMENTED IN ARMENIA

NOYAN TAPAN
NOVEMBER 17, 2009
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations jointly with the RA Ministry
of Agriculture organized on November 17 a one-day conference for
representatives of society, the state and private sectors to discuss
the current state and the prospects of pesticide quality control and
pesticide residue monitoring, also the steps to solve the current
problems in the sector and FAO’s assistance in this respect.

According to the press service of the RA Ministry of Agriculture, the
conference was held within the framework of the project on pesticide
quality control and pesticide residue monitoring in Armenia. The
project was launched this year.

Its purpose is to help Armenia improve pesticide quality control
in line with international standards and implement programs on
monitoring of pesticide residue in order to increase food supply,
raise the quality of agricultural products and make use of the new
opportunities in food trade.

The cost of this three-year project is two million dollars. It is
being financed by the Greek government and implemented by FAO and
the RA Ministry of Agriculture. Greece is currently financing through
FAO two projects with the total budget of 3.6 million USD and another
three with the total budget of 1.4 million USD.

"The creation of laboratories equipped with modern equipment is quite
difficult in the local conditions and requires not only a sufficient
area and expensive equipment, but also a highly qualified staff and
the proper budget to ensure stability," FAO technical advisor Klaus
Ziller said.

NAGORNO KARABAKH IS ARMENIAN LAND, CLAIMS TURKISH JOURNALIST VISITING OCCUPIED AZERBAIJANI TERRITORIES

APA
Nov 16 2009
Azerbaijan

Yerevan – APA. Correspondent of the Aksam newspaper of Turkey Nagehan
Alci visited Nagorno Karabakh, the occupied territory of Azerbaijan,
APA reports.

Nagehan Alci, who visited Nagorno Karabakh through Armenia, claimed
that these territories are Armenian lands. Giving interview to
Armenia’s Public Television the journalist said: "We, people living in
Turkey, made a mistake. Karabakh is one hundred percent the Armenian
territory and we have understood that you are persistent enough in
not ceding these lands," he said.

The journalist said he intended to see Nagorno Karabakh his own eyes
and make a report about the life of "Karabakh people".

"I offered the editor-in-chief to send me to Karabakh and received a
positive reply. Turkey is also interested in the territorial dispute
around Nagorno Karabakh. What I saw here dispelled my doubts about
the past and future of Karabakh. Stepanakert made a great impression
on us and we intend to come here again," he said.

Commenting on Turkey-Armenia relations, Nagehan Alci said they want
the borders to open.

"But Nagorno Karabakh problem is one of the major obstacles for the
this process. Our government has stated that the borders will not be
opened, unless Karabakh conflict is solved. Time will show," he said.

Asked whether his visit to Nagorno Karabakh will cause dissatisfaction
in Azerbaijan, Nagehan Alci said he supposes so.

"We try to be unbiased, characterize the region and write about the
real situation. Maybe, we will be announced persona non grata, but
I do not want to hurt anybody in Azerbaijan. This is my work, I am
a journalist and my profession requires being everywhere," he said.

Nagehan Alci said he will also visit Shusha and make a report there.

Spokesman for Foreign Ministry Elkhan Polukhov told APA that
Azerbaijani embassy in Turkey is carrying out investigation concerning
the visit of the Aksam correspondent to the occupied territories.