Author: Hambardsumian Paul

August 28, 2009

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 DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. GARABED CHURCH IN HOLLYWOOD

On Sunday, August 30th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Church in
Hollywood.
On Sunday, September 6th, the Eve of the Fast of the Exaltation of
the Holy Cross, the Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s
Church in Glendale.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT THE PRELACY

On Sunday, September 6th, registration for our Sunday Schools
begins, which will start the new school year on September 13th.
In preparation for the school year, by the initiative of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the Sunday Schools Central
Directorate has organized a one-day seminar for Sunday School directors and
teachers to take place on Saturday, September 5th, at the Prelacy "Dikran
and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
At 6:00 p.m., Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the "St. Dertad
and St. Ashkhen" Chapel. The community is invited to participate in the
Liturgy, which will be celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian.

PRELATE PRESIDES OVER BACK TO SCHOOL CEREMONY OF
KROUZIAN-ZEKARIAN-VASBOURAGAN SCHOOL

On Thursday, September 3rd, 2009, Prelacy Schools will commence the
2009-2010 academic year with opening ceremonies and prayer led by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and clergy members.
On Wednesday, August 26th, the Prelate departed for San Francisco to
preside over the opening ceremony of Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan School,
which commenced the new school year on Thursday, August 27th.
At the opening ceremony, the Prelate was accompanied by Very Rev.
Fr. Vaghinag Meloian and Rev. Fr. Avedis Torossian, and St. Gregory Church
Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Varant Kasbarian.
During the ceremony parents and students had the opportunity to
become acquainted with the new principal Mrs. Grace Andonian and the new
director of the pre-school Mrs. Roubina Kasparian.
The Prelate welcomed the administration and students back to school
and conveyed his blessings and well wishes for a successful school year.
Remarks were also offered by Mr. Jirair Sarkissian on behalf of the School
Board.
The students also received Holy Communion, after which the Prelate
visited classrooms and introduced the students to Fr. Vaghinag who will be
their new religion instructor.

PRELATE TO ATTEND RECEPTION ORGANIZED BY HAMAZKAYIN REGIONAL EXECUTIVE

On the evening of Friday, August 28th, 2009, a reception organized
by the Hamazkayin Regional Executive will take place at the residence of Mr.
and Mrs. Sarkis Berberian.
The reception is being held to honor the tenure of previous
principal of Pilibos School Dr. Viken Yacoubian, and to welcome new
principal Mr. Nazo Apanian.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, will attend the reception and convey his
blessings and well wishes.

PRESENTATION OF ARCHPRIEST FR. KHOREN HABESHIAN’S BOOK KEER GYANKI AT THE
PRELACY HALL

On the evening of Thursday, August 27th, 2009, the presentation of
Archpriest Fr. Khoren Habeshian’s new book Keer Gyanki took place at the
Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
The event was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and was organized by the Mousa Dagh Compatriotic
Union.
The Master of Ceremonies was Prof. Vahram Shemmassian
The book was presented by Mr. Sarkis Mahserejian, who noted that the
book is not only a compilation of the author’s thoughts and reflections, but
also covers issues that have affected mankind in the past and which are
still of concern today.
Excerpts from the book were read by Deacon Sevag Kendirjian, and
members of the Element band performed a number of songs.
The author was then invited to offer his remarks. Fr. Khoren first
and foremost conveyed his thanks to the Prelate and to the organizing
committee for putting together the event. He then reflected on the
inspiration for writing the book and shared a few of his thoughts with the
audience.
In his remarks, the Prelate reflected on the introspective nature of
the book, and on specific segments of the book concerning freedom, faith,
and issues of special concern to Armenians. The Prelate concluded by
conveying his blessings and well-wishes to the author.

THE FLAG OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA FLIES HIGH ABOVE THE "ARMENIA" SHIP

On Monday, August 24th, 2009, hundreds of community members gathered
at San Pedro port to welcome the arrival of the "Armenia" Ship, which is
currently on a journey around the world. One of the most memorable moments
was when the leader of the crew Zori Balayan was handed the flag of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia which now waves high above the ship.
The "Armenia" Ship docked in San Pedro at 5:30 p.m. where the crew
was greeted by Consul General of Armenia the Honorable Grigor Hovhannisyan,
clergy members, representatives of community organizations, and Homenetmen
scouts. Representing H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, was
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian who was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Hrant Yeretzian
and Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian.
Speaking on behalf of the Prelate and the Western Prelacy, Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian exalted the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia and noted
that with its flag waving above the ship, the Catholicosate of Cilicia was
now a fixture not just on the "Armenia" Ship but in its worldwide mission.
He concluded by wishing the crew a safe journey as they make their way to
their final stop in Beirut.
An artistic program consisting of Armenian songs and dances also
took place, as well as reception.
Around the time of the ship’s arrival, Mr. Zori Balayan visited the
Western Prelacy where he met with the Prelate, who presented him with a
memento. On the evening of Friday, August 28th, the Prelate, accompanied by
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, will attend a reception organized by the
Regional Executive of the Armenian Relief Society in honor of the crew.

ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES WITH LOST CREDIBILITY OFTEN ACT AS BRAVE SOLDIERS: AZERBAIJANI MP

Today.Az
84.html
Aug 28 2009
Azerbaijan

"Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s statement is meant for a domestic
market rather than to influence negotiations," Azerbaijani parliament’s
security and defense committee deputy chair Aydin Mirzazade said
commenting Armenian president’s statement about Armenian army’s
increased military efficiency and constant improvements in country’s
armed forces.

During a working meeting in the Defense Ministry, Armenian president
said "Armenia’s political leadership has a confident and dignified
position in the negotiating process, as such opportunities are
provided by country’s army, established structure of Armenia",
PanARMENIAN.Net reported.

"Serzh Sargsyan is well aware of the state of the Armenian army. He
knows that the morale of the army is very low. Corruption, military
hazing is rife in the army. The equipment is old, combat readiness
is low and there are no any new weapons or NATO standards. Armenian
soldiers’ crossing border to Azerbaijan in large numbers shows
lamentable condition of the Armenian army," Mirzazade said.

"The talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia are about withdrawal of
Armenian forces from occupied Azerbaijani territories, Armenia’s
recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, and I think we
will witness precisely this result," he said.

"With regard to Armenia’s new Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian, I think
he can only attack unarmed people, destroy women, elderly people and
children as he did as a head of the 366th regiment which attacked
Khojaly on February 25 to 26, 1992. I think Ohanian’s shoulder straps
figure not stars, but blood of Azerbaijani civilians with which he
stained himself," Mirzazade said.

In an interview with Armenian Public Television, country’s Defense
Minister Seyran Ohanian stated that "the Armenian army is ready to
confront any aggression."

The minister also said Armenia is ready to not only defend, but
if necessary, to carry out various preventive measures. Asked to
clarify whether it is offensive the defense minister said: "Why not –
offensive, counteroffensive. In order to protect civilians from the
cruelty of war, Armenia has no alternative," ArmToday Info reported.

Mirzazade said Armenian army’s battle readiness is out of question.

"Azerbaijan is not a supporter of bloodshed. We support resolving
the conflict peacefully. But if hostilities between Azerbaijan and
Armenia erupt, Ohanian will be able to feel power of the Azerbaijani
army for a short time frame," he noted.

"I think that this kind of populist speeches has recently become very
frequent by Armenian officials. Losing credibility in Armenia, barely
clinging to power, with no accomplishments, no economic or political,
they often act as a brave soldier. I think that not only Azerbaijan,
but also entire international community knows in what a lamentable
state Armenian authorities are," he said.

VEILED IN MYSTERY OF ARMENIA-TURKEY NORMALIZATION

Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am, Armenia
Aug 26 2009

12:48 / 08/26/2009"We support Armenia-Turkey normalization without
preconditions, but unfortunately the incumbent [Armenian] authorities
hold different views though stating the contrary," Coordinator of the
Armenian National Congress Levon Zurabyan told journalists in Gyumri
(Armenia), NEWS.am reports.

According to him, the incumbent authorities consented for a document to
set up Armenian-Turkish joint commission of historians to study "Was
there a Genocide?" issue. "For us it is tantamount to renunciation of
Genocide. It will have a negative impact over international recognition
of Armenian Genocide, as contests the very fact," Zurabyan declared.

"As a result the process of Genocide international recognition is
suspended, as the international community is eager to see to what
extent Armenia-Turkey relations will converge." The expert also
mentioned the so-called "roadmap" – a document agreed upon by Armenia,
Turkey and Switzerland on April 22, 2009, that is however kept secret.

"Indeed, in order to reach an agreement, the negotiation process
should not be publicized, but if there is an agreed document infolded
in mystery, there can be only one explanation to it – they beware
of public opinion. For the first time in the history of independent
Armenia concealment of agreed document is practiced. If Armenia-Turkey
normalization developed under these conditions, noone can guarantee
that there is no similar document on Nagorno-Karabakh issue, also
veiled in mystery" he concluded.

STADIUM X – LIVE ART PROJECTS

ahos||society&pid=14980
13:19:16 – 25/08/2009

AICA Armenia invites you to presentation by curator Joanna Warsza
(Laura Palmer Foundation, Warsaw: )

The 10th-Anniversary Stadium in Warsaw was built in 1955 from the
rubble of a war-devastated capital, and was to preserve Communisms
good name for forty years. In the early 1990s it fell into ruin,
being revived by Vietnamese and Russian traders, pioneers of
capitalism. Since then the Stadium and the open-air market surrounding
it have become an Asian town, a primeval garden, a realm of discount
shopping, a storehouse of biographies and urban legends, a spontaneous
piece of Land-Art, or a work camp for archaeologists and botanists. The
heterotopic logic of the place and its long-standing (non-)presence
in the middle of Warsaw, inspired Joanna Warszas curated series of
live art projects The Finissage of Stadium X and the related reader,
Stadium X A Place That Never Was (published by Ha!art and Bec Zmiana
Foundation).

A Trip to Asia: An Acoustic Walk Around the Vietnamese Sector of
the 10 th-Anniversary Stadium by Anna Gajewska, Joanna Warsza and
Ngo Van Tuong (2006); Boniek!, a one-man re-enactment of the 1982
Poland-Belgium football match by Massimo Furlan, with commentary by
Tomasz Zimoch (2007); or Radio Stadion Broadcasts by Radio Simulator
and backyardradio (2008) were subjective excursions undertaken by
artists into the reality of a Stadium no longer extant. The projects,
of a participative and semi-documentary nature, touched upon issues
of memory, deterioration, or the problematic exoticism of the place.

The Art School of Mekhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex 27 th of
August, at 7pm

ARMENIA TO ATTRACT EURASEC FUNDS

Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am
Aug 24 2009

Armenia intends to attract the capital from EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Funds
to finance industry, infrastructures and information technologies
fields, Banks.am reports referring to the RA Deputy Finance Minister
Vardan Aramyan, that head the workgroup at RA Government for attraction
of funds from EurAsEC Anti-Crisis fund.

Aramyan said the workgroup cooperates with the departments and
ministries to elaborate a program that would be presented to
anti-crisis fund in fall this year. EurAsEC funds will total about
U.S. $10bln.

However, the Deputy Minister did not specify the amount Armenia
would procure.

Mental Health Weekly Digest
August 10, 2009

ALCOHOLISM;
New alcoholism study findings have been reported by scientists at
Yerevan State University

According to recent research published in the journal Alcoholism –
Clinical and Experimental Research, "Chronic alcoholism leads to
elevated plasma and brain homocysteine (Hcy) levels, as demonstrated
by clinical investigations and animal experiments. It has been posited
that elevated levels of Hcy mediate DNA damage, brain atrophy, and
excitotoxicity."

"The current study sought to elucidate the effect of vitamin E on
ethanol-induced hyperhomocysteinemia, DNA damage, and atrophy in the
developing hippocampus and cerebellum of rats. Pregnant Wistar rats
received ethanol with or without vitamin E from gestation day 7
throughout lactation. Weight changes in the brain, hippocampus and
cerebellum, DNA damage, and Hcy levels in the plasma, hippocampus, and
cerebellum of male offspring were measured at the end of
lactation. The results revealed that along with a significant decrease
in brain, cerebellum, and hippocampus weights in animals that received
alcohol, the levels of DNA damage and Hcy significantly
increased. Significant amelioration of brain atrophy and DNA damage as
well as restoration of the elevated level of Hcy to that of controls
were found in vitamin E-treated rats," wrote A. Shirpoor and
colleagues, Yerevan State University (see also Alcoholism).

The researchers concluded: "These findings strongly support the idea
that ethanol intake by dams during pregnancy and lactation induces
Hcy-mediated oxidative stress in the developing hippocampus and
cerebellum of offspring rats, and that these effects can be alleviated
by vitamin E as an antioxidant."

Shirpoor and colleagues published their study in Alcoholism – Clinical
and Experimental Research (Protective Effect of Vitamin E Against
Ethanol-Induced Hyperhomocysteinemia, DNA Damage, and Atrophy in the
Developing Male Rat Brain. Alcoholism – Clinical and Experimental
Research, 2009;33(7):1181-1186).

For additional information, contact A. Shirpoor, Yerevan State
University, Dept. of Physiol, Faculty Biology, Yerevan 0025, Armenia.

EX-MP LAHOUD VOWS TO RESORT TO JUDICIARY OVER CHARGES
By Mohammed Zaatari

Daily Star
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Lebanon

BEIRUT: Former MP Emile Lahoud threatened he would resort to the
judicial authorities to respond to accusations against him in the
issue of the illegal Internet company in the Barouk region with links
to Israel. He described as an "orchestrated campaign" allegations by
Future Movement MP Ammar Houry. Lahoud said the aim behind filing
a lawsuit was to "show the public who collaborated and is still
collaborating with the Israeli enemy at the expense of the homeland,
the people, the military and the resistance." Houry had questioned over
the weekend Telecommunications Minister Jebran Bas sil’s involvement
in the Barouk issue. Houry alleged that the Internet company was
established with the protection of President Emile Lahoud and ended
up under Bassil’s shelter. In remarks published Monday by the daily
Al-Liwaa, Houry said the political team under Lahoud’s era "benefited
financially from this network; and today Minister Jebran Bassil is
profiting." Houry claimed that the director of the imaginary company
benefiting from the illegal network belongs to the Armenian Tashnag
party, claiming that senior opposition figures are involved in this
case. Jisr stressed that Article 53 of the Constitution "places the
formation of the Cabinet in the hands of both the president and the
premier-designate who have the right of evaluating and deciding."In
reference to the demands of Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel
Aoun, Jisr reiterated "every political party has the right to place
demands, but that does not imply their demands have to be accepted
by the president and the premier-designate." – Naharnet

Polish Army chief regrets decision to quit UNIFIL SIDON: Polish Army
Chief of Staff Mihai Wiski said Sunday he regretted his government’s
political decision to withdraw Polish troops from the United Nations
Interim Force in Lebanon later this year. Polish troops have served
in South Lebanon for more than 13 years and are currently based in
the southern town of Tebnin. Wiski said he was "grateful for the warm
welcome the Polish contingent received from the town’s people."

ARMENIA TO GET OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH MILITARY STATIONS IN RUSSIA

armradio.am
18.08.2009 16:41

Armenia may get opportunity to establish two military stations on the
territory of Russia to provide transit. According to the sources it is
quite possible, in particular within the frameworks of agreement on
establishing rapid reaction forces in CSTO. The same source informed
that the matter is now being discussed by the military circles of
the two states.

MORE AZERI CHILDREN COMMIT SUICIDES

News.am
11:46 / 08/17/2009

Twenty Azeri children (ten girls and ten boys) committed suicides in
2008, Azerbaijani Trend Life agency reports.

Five people hanged themselves, including a ten-year-old boy in Lankaran
since the beginning of 2009.

The causes of suicides are domestic conflicts, drug addiction,
social-economic problems and mental diseases.

Armenia has no market creating information security guarantees
15.08.2009 17:59 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia has no market creating information security
guarantees, Helix Consulting company’s director Aram Mkhitaryan and
Smart Tech company’s Deputy Director on Information Security Issues
Ruben Muradyan told today a press conference devoted to situation with
Armenian Web sites in view of incessant hacker attacks.
Particularly, it was noted that Armenia viewed information security as
a product vs. a process. Information security is not something to be
achieved at once. It should be supported by relevant specialists and
constantly upgraded programs.
Experts also drew public attention to the fact that state is not
obliged to engage itself in the protection of commercial Web
sites. That’s something to be dealt with by their owners, they
stressed.