Author: Hambardsumian Paul

                                        Tuesday, 
Azerbaijan Accused Of Blocking More Truce Monitors In Karabakh
        • Sargis Harutyunyan
Armenia - OSCE observers escorted by Armenian army officers monitor the 
ceasefire regime in Tavush province bordering Azerbaijan, 16Feb, 2017
Armenia accused Azerbaijan on Tuesday of refusing to honor a recent 
Armenian-Azerbaijani agreement to expand an international mission monitoring 
the ceasefire regime in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.
According to the U.S., Russian and French mediators co-heading the OSCE Minsk 
Group, the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers reached the agreement “in 
principle” at their January 18 meeting in Krakow, Poland.
The Russian co-chair, Igor Popov, specified later in January that the deal 
would allow the OSCE to hire seven more members for its small truce-monitoring 
team. He said the conflicting parties and the mediators still need to work out 
“some technical details” of this arrangement.
“We agreed to the co-chairs’ proposal to enhance the capacity of the team of 
the personal representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office, and that was 
announced by the co-chair countries and Armenia,” Foreign Minister Edward 
Nalbandian said on Tuesday. “Azerbaijan is still refusing to make any reference 
to that agreement and to honor that agreement.”
The presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijani already agreed to the expansion of 
the OSCE team when they met in Vienna in May 2016. The team led by Andzrej 
Kasprzyk consists of a small number of officials who regularly travel to 
Karabakh and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border to briefly monitor the parties’ 
compliance with truce agreements reached in 1994 and 1995.
Azerbaijan officially stated in March 2017 that it will not allow the OSCE to 
deploy monitors on the Karabakh frontline “in the absence of withdrawal of the 
Armenian troops from the occupied territories.” Baku has been just as reluctant 
to allow international investigations of truce violations there, which were 
also agreed upon in May 2016.
Presidents Serzh Sarkisian and Ilham Aliyev pledged to intensify the peace 
process and bolster the ceasefire at their most recent meeting held in Geneva 
in October 2017. Their foreign ministers held follow-up negotiations in 
December and January.
The U.S., Russian and French mediators visited Baku, Yerevan and Stepanakert in 
early February. They said in a joint statement that the warring sides pledged 
to “continue intensive negotiations.”
Aliyev is seeking a fourth term in office in a snap presidential election 
slated for April 11. The ballot will be held two days after Sarkisian completes 
his second and final presidential term. Sarkisian is tipped to become prime 
minister immediately after Armenia is transformed into a parliamentary republic 
later in April.
Sarkisian’s Continued Rule Legitimate, Says Ally
        • Karlen Aslanian
Armenia - President Serzh Sarkisian visits a bookstore in Yerevan,19Feb,2018
President Serzh Sarkisian never promised that he will not become Armenia’s 
prime minister after serving out his final presidential term next month, 
according to a parliament deputy representing his Republican Party (HHK).
Samvel Farmanian said Sarkisian only stated in 2014 that he will “not aspire” 
to the post of prime minister if the country switches to a parliamentary system 
of government. That did not constitute a pledge to quit power on April 9, said 
Farmanian.
Sarkisian downplayed his 2014 statement as he gave last week the strongest 
indication yet that he will take over as prime minister later in April. He said 
his political opponents are taking that statement “out of context.”
“I still do not aspire to the post of prime minister,” the outgoing president 
claimed on March 19.He added, though, that he may well remain in power due to 
grave security challenges facing Armenia.
The remarks only fueled more opposition claims that Sarkisian is not keeping 
his word. Farmanian sought to disprove them, saying the president had never 
explicitly said that he will not serve as prime minister.
“For example, I can assure you that I myself had not aspired to be a National 
Assembly deputy but I became one as a result of circumstances and decisions 
stemming from the reality,” the pro-government lawmaker told RFE/RL’s Armenian 
service (Azatutyun.am).
Farmanian also insisted that the ruling HHK has a legal and moral right to 
install its top leader as prime minister because it won Armenia’s last 
parliamentary elections held in April 2017. “We have a parliamentary majority 
and that majority has the constitutional prerogative to nominate a prime 
minister,” he said.
These assurances are unlikely to convince the Armenian opposition and other 
critics of the Sarkisian administration. Some opposition groups have announced 
plans to stage next month street protests against Sarkisian’s continued rule.
Press Review
“Zhamanak” laments the abrupt end of the “intrigue” that surrounded President 
Serzh Sarkisian’s political future until his comments on Armenia’s next prime 
minister made last week. “There has objectively emerged a situation in Armenia 
where there are no alternative agendas or resources for forming resistance 
centers inside and outside the government,” writes the paper. “On the one hand, 
this keeps Armenia away from upheavals. On the other, it condemns Armenia’s 
political system to stagnation.”
“Hraparak” looks at the political “vacuum” expected during the period between 
the April 9 end of Sarkisian’s presidency and his widely anticipated 
appointment as prime minister slated for April 17. The paper is skeptical about 
some opposition forces’ hopes to take advantage of that situation. It argues 
that Armenia will have a new president and a functioning parliament, both of 
them loyal to Sarkisian, in that period. “After all, [political] processes have 
never followed a legal pattern and governance has never been formal in 
Armenia,” it goes on. “Instead, unwritten laws have taken precedence.”
“Zhoghovurd” says that Serzh Sarkisian’s decade-long rule has been bad for 
Armenia’s economy and living standards. The paper cites official statistics 
showing that Armenia’s Gross Domestic Product was last year worth less in 
dollar terms than in 2008. It also argues that the country’s population has 
shrunk by over 257,000 in the past ten years.
(Lilit Harutiunian)
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2018 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
www.rferl.org

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: www.westernprelacy.org
NAME-DAY OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR CHURCH TO BE CELEBRATED WITH
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF MADAGH
        On Saturday, , the Armenian Church will observe the
feast of the St. Gregory the Illuminator's Descent into the Pit, which marks
the name-day of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of San Francisco.
        On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church on Sunday, March 18, and following the service will
conduct the blessing of madagh.
***
VICAR GENERAL LECTURES ON "THE ARMENIAN CHURCH: PAST AND PRESENT"
        On Thursday, , a lecture titled "The Armenian Church:
Past and Present" was presented by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar
General, at the Western Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
The event was part of a series of lecture and literary evenings held under
the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and
organized by the Western Prelacy Cultural-Educational Committee. The Prelate
was joined by clergy and Executive Council members.
        Following welcoming remarks by organizing committee Chair Mr. Herair
Jermakian, the program officially began with the Lord's Prayer.
        Given that the Prelate was to attend a reception in honor of H.E.
Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, Primate of Artsakh, ahead of the 30th
anniversary celebration of the Artsakh liberation movement, he delivered his
message at the start of the program. His Eminence commended Fr. Torkom,
organizers, program participants, and guests, and stressed the importance of
regularly holding such spiritually and culturally enriching events.
Referencing the evening's topic, the Prelate stated that the Armenian Church
has always been a champion of the people and of the survival and defense of
our national identity, while the Armenian clergyman has been a staunch
advocate of our religious and national values."
        Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, who served as the evening's MC, greeted
the guests and subsequently invited the next two performers, Mrs. Suzy
Mazmanian, who sang a hymn, and Mesrobian School student Alice Khachigian
who recited poetry by Vahan Tekeyan. Fr. Ghevont next introduced Fr. Torkom
and invited him to present his lecture.
        Fr. Torkom presented the general history of the Armenian Church from
its founding in the 4th century to the present day, highlighting notable
eras and figures, interesting tidbits, its multi-faceted mission, unique
national characteristic, and more, and concluded by stating that what the
Church needs most in the present day is the engagement of the people,
especially of the youth, and collectivism. 
        At the conclusion of the lecture, Fr. Ghevont invited Mrs. Mazmanian
and Ferrahian School student Araz Arabian respectively, each of whom sang a
hymn.
        Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Religious Council, delivered the
closing message commending Fr. Torkom for his informative and interesting
lecture, as well as the organizers, program participants, and guests, and
urged all to do their part to keep our Church strong.
        The evening concluded with prayer and Cilicia. 
***
PRELATE WELCOMES NEW GLENDALE CITY MANAGER
        On the afternoon of Thursday, , H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of the newly appointed
City Manager of Glendale, Mrs. Yasmin Beers, who was accompanied by Mr. John
Takhtalian, Deputy City Manager, and Mr. Tom Lorenz, Director of
Communications and Community Relations.
        Following introductions, the Prelate congratulated Mrs. Beers on her
appointment and expressed confidence that she will thrive in her new duties
based on her extensive experience within the city over the past three
decades.
        The conversation turned to matters of interest to the
Armenian-American community, among them the establishment of the Armenian
American Museum in Glendale. The Prelate expressed appreciation for the
city's support of the project. In a fitting coincidence, the project's stage
one plans were submitted to the city earlier in the day. His Eminence wished
the new City Manager success in her new post and Mrs. Beers expressed her
thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and well wishes. 
        
***
CHAMLIAN 8TH GRADE CLASS VISITS THE PRELACY PRIOR TO PILGRIMAGE TO ARMENIA
        On Thursday, , the 8th grade class of Vahan and Anoush
Chamlian School visited the Prelacy to receive the blessings of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, prior to embarking on their
pilgrimage to Armenia. The sixty-two students were accompanied by Dr. Talin
Kargodorian, Principal, Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, Vice-Principal, Armenian
teachers and a group of parents. 
        The visit began with prayer at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen"
Chapel conducted by the Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom
Donoyan, Vicar General, and Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, and continued
at "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
        Two students, Eric Tovmassian and Nayiri Kalindjian, who served as
the MC's, thanked the Prelate for the warm welcome and introduced the
program. Following a group recitation, Natalie Harutunian explained the
purpose of their visit and expressed how fortunate the class feels to be
going on a pilgrimage to Armenia on the 100th anniversary of the First
Republic, the 30th anniversary of the Artsakh liberation movement, and the
2800th anniversary of Yerevan. On behalf of her peers, she promised that
they would take in all the history Armenia has to offer, visit important
pilgrimage sites, and always remain faithful to our language, traditions,
and heritage. Musical and dance performances followed, and four students
shared their expectations regarding their upcoming trip, anticipating a mix
of emotions and returning strengthened in their national identity. 
        The Prelate commended the students' patriotic sentiments and their
enthusiasm at visiting our ancestral lands. His Eminence reminded them of
the Primate of Artsakh's invitation for them to visit Artsakh, and hoped
that they will have the chance to see Artsakh as well, if not during this
trip then in the future. Referencing the hymn titled "Light" that was sung
in the Chapel earlier, the Prelate wished that the hearts and minds of the
students be illuminated with God's Light in Armenia and enlightened with our
rich history and heritage. He invited them to pray while in Armenia for God
to increase their faith, wisdom, and nationalism. Noting that the feast of
St. Gregory the Illuminator's descent into the pit was forthcoming, the
Prelate told the students to remember when they visit Khor Virab how St.
Gregory survived in the pit for thirteen years by trusting in God and
seeking His Light, and later spread His Light throughout Armenia. He
concluded by wishing them a meaningful and enriching pilgrimage, and blessed
them and principal, administration, faculty.  The program came to a close
with Cilicia and the Armenian national anthem. 
***
INTERSCHOOL RECITATION CONTEST AWARDS CEREMONY HELD AT THE PRELACY
        On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, the awards ceremony for the fifth
Interschool Recitation Contest was held at the Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie
Der Ghazarian" Hall presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate. The contest was held on Saturday, February 24, with the
participation of over sixty students from eight Armenian schools. Attending
the awards ceremony were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg
Pehlivanian, Executive Council members Mr. Antranik Kasbarian, Dr. Kaloust
Agopian, and Mr. Alec Baghdasaryan, Board of Regents Chair Mrs. Lisa
Gaboudian and members, judging panel, principals, teachers, judging panel,
the fourteen winnings students and their families.  
        The program began with the Lord's Prayer. In her welcoming remarks,
Mrs. Gaboudian spoke of the recitation contest as a way to highlight the
unique mission of Armenian Schools and stated that witnessing the
performances fills our collective hearts and souls with pride and joy.  As
this year's contest was dedicated to the centennial of the first Republic of
Armenia, Mrs. Gaboudian noted that the students' performances were a
powerful testament to the fact that Armenia lives inside their hearts, and
thanked the parents and teachers for the instruction they are providing to
our youth.
        Mrs. Lena Kortoshian, Board of Regents member and MC, thanked the
members of the judging panel, Grigor Ogaryan, Takouhi Arzoumanian, Sayat
Baboumian, Kevork Bedikian, and Maral Varjabedian for their input, as well
as Mr. Mihran Toumajan for his hard work. Next, the winners were invited to
the stage group by group to receive their awards and mementos, while the
first place winners also recited their winning piece. The winners were: In
the elementary division, Lorig Artinian (Mesrobian School) won 1st place,
Lim Kalemkerian (Sahag-Mesrob) and Hrag Khacherian (Chamlian) won 2nd place,
and Katherine Bosnoian (Pilibos), Emily Arabian (Sahag-Mesrob), Sophie
Hagopian (Pilibos), and Arpi Aivazian (Ari Guiragos Minassian) were in 3rd
place. In the junior high division, Alik Artinian (Mesrobian) won 1st place,
Erik Markarian (Chamlian) 2nd place, and Diana Navasartian (Pilibos) and
Karni Balian (Ferrahian) 3rd place. And in the high school division, Areni
Chalekian (Pilibos) placed 1st, Sarine Sarjian (Mesrobian) 2nd, and Alex
Kassamanian (Ferrahian) 3rd. 
        Judging panel members Mr. Kevork Bedikian and Mrs. Takouhi
Arzoumanian delivered their message highlighting the importance of this
contest as a way of familiarizing our youth with the treasures of Armenian
literature and bonding them with our heritage. They stated that though there
are 14 winners, the judging panels deems all of the participants as winners,
and thanked the Prelate, Executive Council, teachers, and parents for their
collective care and instruction of our youth. Mr. Toumajan also thanked all
those who make this annual contest possible and gave information on the
pan-Armenian poetry festival held in Shushi each summer for the past seven
years by the initiative of Mr. Alec Baghdasaryan, in which the Prelacy has
participated the past five years, urging the students to participate. 
        Prior to inviting the Prelate for his message, Mrs. Gaboudian
thanked Board of Regents staff members Khajag Jamgotchian and Alina
Sarkissian for their contributions to the event's success. 
        His Eminence expressed pride and joy that the event not only
continues but grows year after year, and commended Mr. Baghdasaryan, the
Board of Regents, judging panel, teachers, parents, and participants for
their hard work, efforts, and sacrifices. Addressing the students, he urged
them to uphold and promote our language and cultural treasures and also
invited them to participate in the Shushi festival where last year a student
from our Prelacy Schools, Varant Chalekian, placed an impressive second. The
Prelate noted that earlier in the day, he and the Primate of Artsakh had
visited Chamlian School where award winner Eric Markarian had recited poetry
and the Primate had invited the students to visit Artsakh. His Eminence
concluded by blessing the students, stating that the souls of our immortal
poets are no doubt beaming with joy at their performances dedicated to the
100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia. 
        The program concluded with the benediction by the Prelate followed
by Cilicia and the Armenian national anthem, after which guests enjoyed a
reception hosted by the Board of Regents. 
***
PRIMATE OF ARTSAKH AND PRELATE VISIT CHAMLIAN AND TUFENKIAN SCHOOLS
        On Tuesday, March 13, and Wednesday, March 14, 2018 respectively,
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and H.E. Archbishop Barkev
Martirosyan, Primate of Artsakh, paid a visit to Vahan and Anoush Chamlian
and Richard Tufenkian Schools, joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar
General, and an accompanying delegation.
        At Chamlian School, the delegation was greeted by Principal Dr.
Talin Kargodorian, Vice-Principal Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, and teachers, and
led to "Hacop and Hilda Baghdassarian" Gym where 7th and 8th grade students
had gathered. Armenian language teacher Mr. Vahan Mehrabian welcomed the
delegation, briefly went over the school's national endeavors, and
introduced the Primate to the students, who then presented a program of
recitations.
        Dr. Kargodorian in her remarks stressed that Artsakh has and always
will be an inseparable part of Armenia. The Prelate and Primate spoke on
this year's milestone anniversaries. On the 100th anniversary of the first
Republic of Armenia, the Prelate urged the students to live and serve in the
spirit of our forefathers so that we can one day attain our ultimate goals.
The Primate stated that Artsakh is undergoing advancements and become
stronger year by year, and stressed that the people remain hopeful and
continue to fight for their rights even in difficult circumstances, and
concluded by expressing his wish for the 8th grade students to visit Artsakh
this year when they are in Armenia.
        On Wednesday, the Prelate and Primate, joined by Archpriest Fr.
Vazken Atmajian and accompanying delegation visited Richard Tufenkian
Pre-School, where they were greeted by Director Mrs. Arsine Aghazarian,
benefactor Mrs. Savey Tufenkian, and teachers. A brief program took place,
during which Mrs. Aghazarian delivered welcoming remarks and the students
sang nationalistic songs. The Prelate stated to the students that the
Primate had come from beautiful Artsakh to convey the greetings of their
fellow students to them, while the Primate blessed the students and hoped
that the spirit of the Artsakh liberation movement endure in their hearts
and souls. 
***
PRIMATE OF ARTSAKH VISITS WESTERN PRELACY AHEAD OF ARTSAKH LIBERATION
MOVEMENT 30TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION
        On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy H.E. Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, Primate
of Artsakh, who was in town to participate in the 30th anniversary
commemoration of the Artsakh liberation movement. The Primate was
accompanied by members of the 30th anniversary committee, while the Prelate
was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, Archpriest Fr.
Nareg Pehlivanian, Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, and members of the Prelacy
Ladies Auxiliary.
        The visit began with prayer at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen"
Chapel, and followed at the "Sulahian" reception room. The Prelate welcomed
the Primate and thanked God for the opportunity to collectively mark the
30th anniversary of the Artsakh liberation movement, a movement which he
stated was the continuation and renewal of our centuries-long struggle and
demand for our rights, and in which the Primate was an important figure from
the onset. The Prelate expressed contentment that the Primate will have the
opportunity to visit Prelacy Schools during his stay, and will be the
featured speaker at the 30th anniversary commemoration, and in conclusion
thanked the organizing committee for their efforts.
        The Primate expressed thanks for the warm welcome and for the
opportunity to meet with his fellow clergymen and lay representatives at the
Prelacy, which he regarded as home. He spoke of the long history of the
Artsakh liberation movement, a struggle for justice and national rights
which began sometime in the 18th century. "It is a long and hard struggle,
but we will continue boldly and we will achieve our goals through united
efforts," stressed the Primate, who also spoke of the importance of having
the youth involved in such commemorations, instructing them with our
national values and continually reminding them of our struggle for they are
our future. In conclusion, the Primate thanked the Armenian community of
California and the organizers who have created a little Armenia in the
Diaspora.
        During the ensuing discussion, the Primate gave further information
about ongoing irrigation projects in Artsakh while organizing committee
member Mr. Harout Manoukian announced that a fundraising initiative will be
held on this occasion to provide thirty greenhouses to the families of
martyrs and injured soldiers. 
*** 
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF MADAGH ON THE NAME-DAY OF FORTY
MARTYRS CHURCH OF ORANGE COUNTY
        On Sunday, March 11, 2018, the Feast of the Forty Martyrs and the
name-day of Forty Martyrs Church of Orange County was celebrated with
Episcopal Divine Liturgy and the blessing of madagh by H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Parish Pastor,
assisted at the altar.
          In the first portion of his sermon, the Prelate highlighted the
extraordinary faith, courage, conviction, and ultimate martyrdom of the
forty martyrs, how they managed to stay strong and unshaken in their faith
and prayers from the battlefields to their imprisonment, torture, and until
the moment of their death in the freezing lake. His Eminence stressed that
the young soldiers were first and foremost soldiers of God who placed their
fate and faith in the hands of God and trusted in His will and promise of
everlasting life, and expressed hope that we all become strengthened in our
faith by their example.
        Next, the Prelate turned to the analogous message of the fifth
Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of the Unjust Judge, which also highlights
the power of faith and prayer through the Parable of the Persistent Widow.
His Eminence emphasized the importance of faith and prayer for the mind,
body, and soul, stating, "if we are to learn anything from today's
commemoration of the forty martyrs and from the day's Gospel reading, it is
that we must not become despondent no matter what the circumstances; rather,
we must persevere in our faith and prayers; in the words of the Apostle Paul
we must "pray without ceasing," trusting that the Lord will provide
according to His will and in His timing." 
        The Prelate congratulated the parish on its name-day celebration and
encouraged the leadership and members to carry on their service for the
glory of God and for the advancement of the parish community with faith,
prayer, brotherly love, goodwill, and humility.
        During the service, Fr. Karekin expressed gratitude to the Prelate
on behalf of the parish family and thanked all those who contributed to the
day's commemoration.
        At the conclusion of requiem service, the Prelate was led in a
procession to "Gugasian" Hall to bless the madagh, which this year was
sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Bedig and Maro Fermanian. The madagh blessing
ceremony concluded with Cilicia and the Armenian national anthem.
        Afterward, the parish family enjoyed a luncheon together. Fr.
Karekin once again thanked the Prelate for conducting and presiding over the
day's special services, and thanked the members of the Ladies Guild and
altar servers for their devoted service. On this occasion, the Pastor and
Board of Trustees had appealed to the Prelate to honor three long-serving
deacons, Vartkes Dishoian, Zareh Sarkissian, and Avedis Dishoian. His
Eminence, joined by Fr. Karekin and Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Herair
Jermakian, presented plaques of commendation to the three honorees,
commending their many years of devoted service to the Armenian Apostolic
Church and in particular to Forty Martyrs Church, and commended also all of
the volunteers who serve in different capacities for the advancement of the
parish community.
***
PILIBOS SCHOOL CELEBRATES 48TH ANNIVERSARY
        On Friday, March 9, 2018, Rose and Alex Pilibos School celebrated
its 48th anniversary with a banquet held at Vertigo Event Venue in Glendale.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and conveyed his
congratulatory message. He was accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Vicken
Vassilian and Executive Council member Mr. Antranik Kasbarian. In attendance
were Congressman Adam Schiff, Board of Regents and School Board members,
benefactors, sponsors, members and supporters of the school.
        The program featured remarks by Mr. Raffi Hamparian, who served as
the Master of Ceremonies, Mrs. Shogher Chorbajian on behalf of the
organizing committee, Congressman Adam Schiff, and Dr. Alina Dorian,
Principal, as well as a documentary on the school's history.
        The Prelate focused his message on the evening's theme of "Leading
Together," stating that the united efforts and support of sponsors and
friends has led the school to new heights and the resolve and dedication of
the administration and faculty has led the school to a new level.
Referencing the quote that "Education is beautification of the inner world
and the outer world," the Prelate commended the school family for
beautifying the minds, hearts, and souls of our youth, which in turn will
beautify our society and nation. 
***
LENTEN VIGIL SERVICE AT THE ARMENIAN ECCLESIASTICAL BROTHERHOOD
        On Friday, March 9, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General,
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian, and Rev.
Fr. Movses Shannakian, visited the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood
center where he conducted Great Lent vigil service and conveyed his
blessings to the members.
        Prior to the service, requiem prayers were offered for all departed
Brotherhood members, and in particular for Kevork Megerdichian on the
one-year anniversary of his passing. The vigil service followed. Brotherhood
members participated in the service and recited the prayer "I confess with
faith."
        Brotherhood Chairman Avo Kabakjouzian delivered welcoming remarks
and thanked the Prelate for his years of support and care. Fr. Movses
Shannakian delivered the spiritual meditation on Great Lent, stating that
all faithful must be aware that if even if we are living as the prodigal
son, the Lord, as our loving and merciful Lord, is waiting for us to repent
and to welcome us back home with open arms. And when we are faced with
temptation and hardship, let us use our struggles to become stronger in our
faith and draw closer to God. 
        The Prelate blessed and commended the Brotherhood members for their
God-pleasing service and their allegiance to the Armenian Church, and urged
all to make use of Great Lent as a time for spiritual renewal,
self-examination and self-correction, and prayer ahead of the glorious
Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
        Afterward, the clergy were hosted to a Lenten dinner, during which
words of appreciation and commendation were expressed. 
***
PROF. RICHARD HOVANNISIAN'S ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ORAL HISTORY COLLECTION
INTEGRATED IN USC SHOAH FOUNDATION ARCHIVES
        On Friday, March 9, 2018, a special ceremony was held at USC during
which Prof. Richard Hovannisian's Armenian Genocide oral history collection
became a part of the Shoah Foundation's visual history archive. It is the
first audio collection and the largest collection of Armenian Genocide
survivor testimony to be integrated for research and education worldwide.
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and
conveyed his blessings and congratulations to Prof. Hovannisian.
***

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Saturday
Sargsyan: Armenia is interested in deepening of cooperation with USA
Yerevan February 10
Marianna Mkrtchyan. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting
with Bridget Brink, US Deputy Secretary of State for European and
Eurasian Affairs, who arrived in Armenia within the framework of the
regional visit.
According to the press service of Armenian President, Sargsyan
stressed the importance of mutual visits and similar meetings, which
contribute to strengthening bilateral interstate relations. The
President stressed that Armenia is interested in deepening cooperation
with the United States and in developing bilateral relations in all
spheres.
At the same time, he spoke with satisfaction of developing countries
in increasing Armenian-American relations, expressing gratitude for
the assistance provided to Armenia in such areas as politics, economy,
etc.
The President stressed that the United States is making an important
contribution to the preservation of the fragile peace that exists in
the region and, within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, together
with other co-chair countries, Russia and France, are making efforts
towards a peaceful settlement of the problem.
Sargsyan expressed hope that the visit of the US Deputy Secretary of
State will have a positive impact on the further strengthening of the
Armenian-American relations.
In turn, Brink also highly appreciated the ongoing work towards the
development of the Armenian- American partnership, emphasizing the
particularly effective cooperation with Armenia in the fight against
terrorism and actions to establish peace in Afghanistan and Kosovo, as
well as effective cooperation with Armenia in the framework of
international peacekeeping missions.
At the meeting, the sides stressed that parallel to the development of
economic cooperation, in which progress has been registered for the
last period, it is also important to intensify the political dialogue
between Armenia and the United States, including through the active
work of the Armenian-American intergovernmental commission and the
Armenian-American Trade Council and investments.
The interlocutors exchanged views on regional problems and challenges,
the negotiation process for the peaceful settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
 Thursday
Baroness Caroline Cox addresses video message praising Armen
Sargsyan's nomination for president
YEREVAN, JANUARY 25, ARMENPRESS. Baroness Caroline Cox, member of the
UK’s House of Lords, has addressed a video message welcoming the
nomination of Armenia’s Ambassador to the UK Armen Sargsyan as the
presidential candidate by the Republican Party.
In the message, she said she will be delighted to see Armen Sargsyan
in the post of president of Armenia.
"I just heard the excellent news that the present Ambassador of
Armenia to UK Armen Sargsyan has been invited to stand for the
presidency of the Republic of Armenia. I am absolutely delighted, I've
known Mr. Sargsyan for many many years, since he was Prime Minister of
Armenia, he has been three times the Ambassador of Armenia in the
United Kingdom. So he brings wonderful knowledge and experience to
offer, in terms of his diplomatic skills and his many many other areas
of expertise and relationships", she said.