Author: Hovhannisian John

THE VISITS DONE. WAITING FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS
R. Hayrapetian

AZG Armenian Daily
26/06/2008

Armenia-Russia

A reviewer can hardly find a more boring business that examining the
first visit of Armenian President Serge Sarkisian to Russia. The
comments in the Russian press are overwhelmingly positive and the
Armenian-Russian relations seem so friendly and fair that there
remains no place for alternative points of view.

Both the presidents looked extremely happy during the meeting. And
there is really something to be happy with: growing investments,
enhancement of military partnership, absolute coincidence of positions
in international affairs, etc, etc. The Russian newspapers, stressing
the secrecy of the endorsed between Presidents Medvedyev and Sarkisian,
were content with officious phrasings as "strategic partnership"
and full with quotes from the Presidents’ optimistic statements.

It feels like there is no problem at all. Nevertheless President
Sarkisian’s visit was preceded by a number of rather serious
publications criticizing Russia’s pragmatic policy with its most
important strategic allies. It was stated for several times that in
case Russia leaves Armenia, it will never return to South Caucasus and
therefore Russia should never neglect Armenia’s interests. The USA and
the EU are actively working on enhancing their influence in Armenia,
and a new generation of Armenian youth is growing, which does not
perceive the Armenian-Russian alliance as something unbreakable.

The press also drew attention to the anti-Russian attitudes of the
Armenian political opposition and the "pro-European" orientation of
the "heroes" of March events in Yerevan. It was also perceived that
over two million Armenians reside in Russia.

And of course, our brotherly Azerbaijani political reviewers proved
unable to avoid the temptation of publishing their reflections
on Armenia in the Russian press. According to political scientist
Rasim Musabekov, Serge Sarkisian’s visit to Moscow is a preface to
Medvedyev’s visit to Baku. Musabekov pointed out that Russia wants
to purchase gas from Azerbaijan in order to transit it to Europe and
perfectly realizes that it cannot succeed in this business without
making certain propositions on Karabakh issue. "Having invited Serge
Sarkisian, the ex-Defense Minister and now President of Armenia, to
Moscow, the Russians want to study thoroughly the situation and not
to leave to Baku with bare hands. As the Armenians supported for the
most part Ivanov in the presidential elections, Medvedyev will hardly
be sentimental about Armenia-Russia relations," suggests Musabekov.

Finally, remaining faithful to the Azerbaijani national habit of
blackmailing, Musabekov warns that in case the "occupation of the
Azerbaijani territories by Armenia" remains in place, Azerbaijan
will join Georgia in questions referring to NATO’s expansion to
South Caucasus.

RUSSIA PLANS TO INVEST MORE IN ARMENIAN ECONOMY – MEDVEDEV

Interfax News Agency
June 24 2008
Russia

Russia will strengthen its positions as chief investor in the Armenian
economy, President Dmitry Medvedev said."Russia is the main investor
in the Armenian economy. The accumulated capital investments have
topped $1.2 billion already," Medvedev said at a news conference in the
Kremlin on Tuesday after talks with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

Medvedev announced that he had negotiated with his Armenian counterpart
"additional steps to promote major projects being implemented in
Armenia by Russian companies."

Such majors as Gazprom, RUSAL, VimpelCom and VTB Bank are operating
in Armenia, he said.

Medvedev spoke in favor of strengthening "positive trends in investment
cooperation between the two countries in recent years, further
encouraging investment and broadening production and technological
cooperation."

RA MFA: ANY ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE KARABAKH CONFLICT BY USE OF FORCE CAN HAVE UNPREDICTABLE CONSEQUENCES FOR ENTIRE REGION

PanARMENIAN.Net
23.06.2008 17:48 GMT+04:00

Just and peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict remains
a priority of Armenia’s foreign policy, the Armenian Foreign Minister
said.

"The recognition and exercise of the right of the people of Nagorno
Karabakh for self-determination is in the core of the conflict. Armenia
believes that the resolution of Nagorno Karabagh conflict should be
based on the following principles: Nagorno Karabakh cannot be under
the authority of Azerbaijan; Nagorno Karabakh must have a permanent
land link to Armenia, which should be under the jurisdiction of
Armenian side; security of the Nagorno Karabakh population must be
guaranteed; acceptance of these principles and their assertion in an
agreement will allow to surmount the consequences of the conflict,
the agreement in this regard should, naturally, be approved by the
Karabakh side," Edward Nalbandian said.

"Armenia remains committed to the resolution of the conflict only
through peaceful means and believes that the creation of a confidence
environment is essential for the continuation of negotiations in
a constructive manner. The sides should refrain from steps, which
might generate additional tension and create obstacles on the way
of the peace process," he went on. "The militaristic propaganda
and threats of a possible military solution voiced at the highest
level in Azerbaijan contradict the UN Charter and the OSCE Founding
Document, the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, as well as the main principles
of international law. Any attempt of a military solution can have
unpredictable consequences not only for the parties themselves but
for the entire region."

"Negotiations on the resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict are held
within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group – between the Presidents
and Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia values the
mediation of Minsk Group Co-chairs as an effective framework for the
process of negotiations.

While being engaged in the negotiations process within the OSCE Minsk
Group, Azerbaijan, at the same time, is making attempts to transfer the
resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict to other international fora,
continues to distort the essence of the conflict, and carries on the
anti-Armenian propaganda at various international organizations. This
has seriously impeded the resolution of the conflict and continues
to impede.

Armenia is determined to continue negotiations in the framework
of OSCE Minsk Group in order to achieve a final resolution of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict," the Minister said, the RA MFA press
office reported.

ARMENIAN OFFICIALS NOT TO BE ESCORTED BY TRAFFIC POLICE ANYMORE

June 24
ARKA

Armenian officials and politicians will not be escorted by the traffic
police, the Chief of Armenian Police Alik Sargsian said.

Escorting creates problems and annoys the population, he told
journalists.

>From now on the traffic police will be escorting only the top officials
of the country, he said.

The Chief of the Police also said that the activities of the traffic
police will be improved on the whole and traffic rule-breakers will
be punished irrespective of their position and social status. Cases
of violation of the traffic rules "by famous people" have already
been recorded, Sargsian said.

He also pointed out that the traffic police will pay particular
attention to drivers of cars with prestigious so called "gold numbers".

Problems connected with public transport stops and parking at sidewalks
are also to be solved soon, the Chief of Armenian Police said.

COOPERATION AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN RA LORI REGION AND PROVENCE-ALPES-COTES D’AZUR REGION OF FRANCE

Noyan Tapan

Ju ne 23, 2008

YEREVAN, JUNE 23, NOYAN TAPAN. A bilateral Cooperation Agreement, as
well as a Cooperation Activities Contract between Provence-Alpes-Cotes
d’Azur and Lori regions, which have been friends since 1997, were
signed by Michel Vauzelle, the Chairman of the Regional Council,
and Aram Kocharian, the Regional Governor of Lori, under solemn
conditions in the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Cotes d’Azur
(Marseilles) on June 19. With the agreements it is envisaged to deepen
the cooperation at a decentralized level in the spheres of health,
education and culture, as well as in the joint implementation of a
number of other programs.

In honour of the signing of the cooperation agreement, as well as
the French Armenians of Provence-Alpes-Cotes region, Michel Vauzelle
organized a solemn evening on the same day, which was attended by Mher
Shahgeldian, the RA Minister of Emergency Situations, Aram Kocharian,
the Regional Governor of Lori, Hamlet Gasparian, the Charge d’Affaires
of Armenia to France, Lieutenant-General Edik Barseghian, the Head of
the Rescue Service of Armenia, NA deputies of France, representatives
of Marseilles, Nice and representatives of the authorities of
other neighbouring cities, Armenian spiritual leaders, heads of
French-Armenian organizations and hundreds of French Armenians.

According to the information provided to Noyan Tapan by the Press
and Information Department of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
during the evening the Armenian khachkar (commemorative cross-stone),
which was presented to Provence-Alpes-Cotes d’Azur region by Karekin
II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, last October during the visit
of Michel Vauzelle to Armenia, was solemnly opened in the large hall
of the Regional Council.

SAME DISCUSSIONS, ALLEGATIONS PRECEDE MILITARY MEETING
By Mazhar Baa~^Li

Today’s Zaman
June 20 2008
Turkey

In the last few years discussions have been held and allegations have
been brought up on the private lives of some military bureaucrats at
the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in the months of June and July.

Every single detail of these bureaucrats, including their DNA and
family history, is discussed; however, nothing changes in connection
with these discussions. Some even assert that the discussions
seek to manipulate some facts. In other words, these reports and
rumors are part of a campaign to create public opinion supportive
of predetermined results and outcomes. I have no information as to
why this is the case or who is staging these allegations. It is also
impossible to believe that such a strong institution, known for its
ability to collect intelligence, is actually weak on this matter.

More importantly, why are there frequent and heated discussions on
changes in the command posts of the military bureaucracy whose rules
and standards have been well grounded and identified beforehand? On
what criteria is a plan or decision made to specify who will assume
military office? What separates arbitration from the rule of law? Do
the said discussions make any contribution to these appointments? If
the rules and laws are all set and if all are doing their jobs, why
are some other factors involved in the process? It is possible to offer
many other questions; what is apparent is that the military bureaucracy
does not consider itself equal to other types of bureaucracy. I should
also note that the military bureaucracy should come to the awareness
that nowhere in the world do the self-considerations of the military
suffice to determine its place on the political stage. Civilian
legislation and a set of regulations are strongly needed to govern the
military bureaucracy simply because the rationality that the military
bureaucracy relies on and the rationale of the civilian sphere and
social structure are distinct.

Military bureaucracy, society and history

It is not possible to design the civilian sphere using military
rationality; however, it is possible to design the military bureaucracy
with civilian rationality. It should also be noted that the military
sphere should be designed by civilian rationality because the overall
experience so far requires this. But why has this not been the case
in Turkey? Why does the General Staff assume the responsibility and
duty in every political case to respond and take action in an attempt
to deal with the incident? Why does it issue statements against
administrations in power and even against opposition parties? Turkey
is a country that experiences the same problems encountered all over
the world. However, the way these problems are brought to the political
agenda restricts their discussion to a metaphoric sphere and rhetoric,
blocking the domination of civilian rationality.

In order to emphasize a certain ideology, clichés are used, clichés
such as: the society actually has no problems, the problems are
created by external actors; we have enemies that seek to curb our
economic growth; the entire world envies us; we are surrounded by
enemies; the public suffers from unawareness so much so that it
votes for those who scratch their bellies; Turks have no friends
other than Turks; and the EU seeks to partition our country. However,
this refers to a sociologically unethical situation. The only way to
reinforce or strengthen societies, states and even individuals is to
make sure that they are open to criticism. The logic of this is pretty
simple. Institutions that can be criticized are able to become aware
of their shortcomings more easily and take more effective actions
to correct them. Those who cannot stand criticism do not want to
strengthen criticized institutions.

If even families’ sacrificing their sons for the sake of this
country’s survival cannot prove their loyalty, what is there that
will? If there is a crisis of confidence, citizens should not be
the ones to blame. What created this crisis are a series of shady,
non-transparent incidents wherein justice has yet to be applied such as
the Å~^emdinli case, a November 2005 bombing in Å~^emdinli in which two
noncommissioned officers were caught red-handed bombing a bookstore
owned by a former member of the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party
(PKK); developments behind the Hrant Dink incident in which a prominent
journalist of Armenian origin was murdered; operations by the military
to create special files or a black list on individuals’ patriotism;
friendship and close relations with supreme judiciary actors; and the
Ergenekon case, a shady gang whose members allegedly perpetrated a
number of attacks and bombings to create chaos that would eventually
lead to the overthrowing of the Justice and Development Party (AK
Party) government. It is only natural that there are individuals with
bad faith in every institution. What is not normal or ethical is any
allegation that a society or institution is bad in its entirety. In
short, making generalizations on history and society is appealing
to people. However, it is ontologically contradictory to reality
and ethics because attempting to read history and society based on
prejudices and judgments is an ideological stance. Even though it
is impossible to discuss or inquire free of judgments and values,
deliberately acting judgmentally includes unethical references.

Currently, the impact of the said prejudices and stereotypes on
the assessment and evaluation of social events is a heated matter of
discussion. In other words, social scientists are focusing on research
methods to get rid of judgments and values inclusive of cliché
statements and accusations. The success of this inquiry is debatable,
but it is obvious that in the present world, thinking in reference
to a narrow set of prescriptions, seeking to understand the values
of other groups through our values and failing to evaluate social
events as multi-factorial facts is not sociologically adequate. In
the final analysis, what we call a society is a text that can be
reconstructed in every separate reading and everyone has a different
method of reading. However, Turkey has a structure that remains highly
principled on this matter.

*Professor Mazhar Baglı is an instructor at Dicle University.

–Boundary_(ID_Be3IIFOW2tqP5TBeOWAQkg )–

IRANIAN LIFTER WINS BRONZE

Tehran Times
June 21 2008
Iran

CALI, Colombia — Iran’s 85 kg category Saeid Shahedi snatched a bronze
medal in the Junior World Weightlifting Championships on Thursday.

He lifted 151 kg in snatch and 186 kg in clean and jerk. He came in
third place with a total of 337 kg.

Russian Alexander Ivanov crowned the championship with a total of
365 kg as Armenian Aram Andrekian seized the silver with 341 kg.

Iran’s Sohrab Moradi had already won the bronze in the 77 kg category.

The tournament has started on June 12 and will be finished by June 21.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 689-7810
Fax: (212) 689-7168
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER

JUNE 19, 2008

PRAYERS FOR MIDWEST FLOODING VICTIMS
Archbishop Oshagan has asked all parishes within the Eastern Prelacy to
offer special prayers this Sunday, June 22, for the widespread flooding that
has devastated large parts of the Midwest and southern plains, causing great
losses, including the homes and possessions of thousands of people. The
extraordinary flooding has also threatened the nation’s food supply. Tens of
thousands of acres of farmland are in jeopardy; many farms have already been
devastated, and in most cases the land cannot be replanted again this
season.
"Let us pray first and foremost for the physical safety of the people in
the areas affected, and help those who have lost their homes and
livelihood," said the Prelate.

PRELATE WILL PRESIDE OVER SERVICES AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the
sermon at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, this Sunday, June 22.
He will preside over the luncheon following church services where a special
anniversary program will be presented and the Ladies Guild will be honored.
The traveling exhibit prepared by the Prelacy in celebration of the 110th
anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Prelacy in America and the
50th anniversary of the Prelacy’s affiliation with the Holy See of Cilicia
will be on display. For information, 718-224-2275.

VICAR WILL ATTEND GRADUATION AT HOVNANIAN SCHOOL
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will attend
the eighth grade graduation at the Hovnanian School, New Milford, New
Jersey, this Sunday, June 22.

SEMINAR FOR YOUTH IN SEPTEMBER
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the
jurisdiction of the Holy See of Cilicia, a youth seminar/retreat will take
place September 26-28, 2008. The retreat, open to anyone ages 18 to 35, will
take place at the St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in Charlton,
Massachusetts. The event is being planned and prepared for youth by youth,
in collaboration with the Prelate, the Vicar General, and the Prelacy
Executive Council. The agenda will feature a variety of excellent speakers
and two workshops on the Badarak, all aimed to educate and enrich the youth
of the Armenian Church. Complete details, as well as agenda, registration
form, etc., will be available on the Prelacy website. In the meantime if you
have any questions regarding this event send an email to
[email protected].

MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York.

2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
We are nearing the final countdown to the 2008 St. Gregory of Datev
Institute’s Summer Program. Datevatzis have been volunteering at the Prelacy
office, helping Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), copy and collate classroom materials for the
various levels of study. For details about the program click here.

ST. ILLUMINATOR’S DAY SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM
St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School has organized a summer program for
children ages 3 to 10. The summer program will take place at the school,
69-23 47th Ave., Woodside, NY, under the auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. The summer school will
begin on Monday, July 14, and continue through to Friday, August 1, Monday
to Friday, 9 am to 2 pm. The program includes instruction in Armenian
language and history, Bible readings, arts and crafts, sports, and more.
For information and/or registration contact the school office 718-478-4073
or the Cathedral office 212-689-5880.

PAN-DIASPORA YOUTH CONFERENCE
A pan-Diaspora youth conference will take place in Antelias, Lebanon, on
August 14-16. Under the theme, "The Armenian youth face the challenges of
the 21st century," the conference will feature lectures, and round table and
group discussions. More than 100 youth from the various dioceses within the
Catholicosate of Cilicia will participate. Travel subsidies are available.
For information contact your local parish or the Prelacy office,
212-689-7810.

ARMENIAN CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN ECUMENICAL GATHERING
TO ASSESS DIALOGUE WITH ISLAM
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, convened an ecumenical
gathering in June to discuss the letter, "A Common Word between Us and You,"
which was signed last October by 138 Muslim scholars from different branches
of Islam. Many Christian leaders and academic institutions viewed the letter
as an invitation to deepen Christian-Muslim relations. His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilciia, responded with a reflection on the
long history of Armenian coexistence with Islam, and he made some concrete
recommendations.
The purpose of the June gathering at the Church House in Westminister,
was to discuss the current state of dialogue. Forty individuals from
different continents, churches and academic institutions participated.
Archbishop Avak Asadourian from the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, and Mrs. Teny
Pirri-Simonian, Vice President of the Ecumenical Committee of the Holy See
of Cilicia, represented the Armenian Church. The meeting reflected different
attitudes and experiences with Islam. The differences seemed to depend on
whether Christians are a majority or minority in the countries where they
live with Muslims. It also demonstrated different perspectives of expressing
the Christian faith in pluralistic societies. The participants acknowledged
that some churches and institutions are doing significant work in dialogue
and peace building.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, June 19, are: 2 Kings 13:14-21; 1
Corinthians 2:6-10; Luke 4:25-30.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of
this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we
speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages
understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of
glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the
human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him"-these
things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches
everything, even the depths of God. (1 Corinthians 2:6-10)

TWELVE APOSTLES OF CHRIST AND
SAINT PAUL, THE THIRTEENTH APOSTLE
This Saturday, June 21, the Armenian Church remembers the twelve
apostles of Christ and Saint Paul, who is considered to be the thirteenth
apostle.
Christ selected twelve apostles to carry on His work and sent them to
preach and to baptize converts all over the world (Mt. 28:19-20). Christ
himself gave the title "Apostle" to the twelve (Luke 6:13; Mark 3:14). The
word apostle derives from the Greek word apostellein, meaning "to send,"
(Arakyal in Armenian).The apostles dedicated their lives to spread the Word
and fulfill the sacred mission entrusted to them. Their mission was not just
to transmit the message, but to put it into practice.
Paul, the "thirteenth apostle," was initially a great enemy of
Christians, but he had a vision on the road to Damascus and became a fervent
Christian and was subsequently responsible in large measure for the rapid
spread of the new religion. Most of the New Testmament (aside from the four
Gospels) is from the writings of Paul.

BAREKENTAN OF THE FAST OF TRANSFIGURATION
This Sunday, June 22, the sixth Sunday after Pentecost, is the
barekentan of the Fast of the Transfiguration-the five-day period of fasting
prior to the Feast of the Transfiguration which is next Sunday.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK..
This week we offer two books describing the work accomplished by two
very different men, but both completely dedicated to their mission at hand,
to the detriment of their personal lives and health.

Vahan Cardashian: Advocate Extraordinaire for the Armenian Cause, compiled
by Vartkes Yeghiyan.
Softcover, 353 pages, $25.00, plus shipping and handling.
Vahan Cardashian single-handedly ran the American Committee for the
Independence of Armenia and the Armenian Press Bureau. For more than twenty
years Cardashian pursued the Armenian Cause with the top leaders of the
United States. He managed to get the attention of leading senators,
representatives, cabinet members, and even the president. He was relentless
in his pursuit of justice for the Armenian Cause. He died in 1934 at age 51.
He is buried in Long Island’s Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Raphael Lemkin’s Dossier on the Armenian Genocide, with a Foreword by
Professor Michael J. Bazyler. Softcover,145 pages, $20.00, plus shipping and
handling.
This book includes Lemkin’s papers on the Armenian Genocide from the Raphael
Lemkin Collection at the American Jewish Historical Society. Lemkin coined
the word "genocide" in 1944. He was also an outspoken advocate for the
adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment
of the Crime of Genocide. His determination to give a name to the crime of
mass killing of a people began with his horror at the massacres of the
Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. He died on August 28, 1959, in New York.
He was 59 years old and penniless. Seven people attended his funeral.

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

TOMORROW IS FIRST DAY OF SUMMER
Summer arrives officially tomorrow evening, June 20. Enjoy.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES
This year we are marking the dual anniversaries of the 110th anniversary of
the establishment of the Armenian Prelacy of America by Catholicos Mgrditch
(Khrimian Hairig), and the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy
See of Cilicia. We continue to seek any type of memorabilia and photographs.
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or by telephone
212-689-7810, Extension 23. We thank many of you who have already responded.

This week’s photo was taken in 1957 when Archbishop Khoren Paroyan came to
the United States as a special emissary of Catholicos Zareh I. This photo
was taken during a visit to Providence,
Rhode Island. Archbishop Paroyan (right) is being welcomed by the Mayor of
Providence, Walter A. Reynolds. The two clergymen in the center are Rev. Fr.
Nishan Papazian (on the left) and Rev. Fr. Khachadour Giragosian.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 21-Armenian Food Fair sponsored by the Ladies Guild of St. Gregory
Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall from 11 a.m. to 7 pm.

June 22-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Anniversary
Celebration, under auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Special program
and exhibit dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy’s affiliation
with the Holy See of Cilicia. Also honored will be the Ladies Guild of St.
Sarkis Church. For reservations contact the church office, 718-224-2275.

June 22-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, Divine Liturgy, Luncheon
and Program dedicated to Father’s Day. Organized by the Cathedral’s Ladies
Guild. Mardo Anastasian will be honored as Father of the Year. Information
and reservations: 212-689-5880.

June 24-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, 5th annual Golf Outing,
Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. For information
508-852-2414.

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

June 29-St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, celebrate summer at Seroonian
Community Center, "Vartavar Family Picnic," at 1 pm.

June 29-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 70th year of "Madagh" and
parish picnic, 10:30 am to 7 pm at Johnson Park, Racine. Madagh will be
blessed at 11 am and served at 12 noon. Armenian food and desserts available
for purchase. Music and children’s entertainment beginning 2 pm; raffle
drawing at 7 pm.

July 7 to July 18-Summer Camp at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New
York. For children age 5 to 12. 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, lunch and
snack included. Minimum donation is $150. Summer camp is sponsored by Mr. &
Mrs. Antranig and Marion Boudakian. For information contact the church
office, 718-224-2275.

July 14 to August 1-St. Illuminator’s Day School Summer Program, July 14
through August 1, for children ages 3 to 10, Monday through Friday, 9 am to
2 pm. Armenian language, history, Bible readings, arts and crafts, sports
and much more. For information and registration contact the school office
718-478-4073 or the Cathedral office 212-689-5880.

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

August 5-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 9th annual
golf outing at Blackstone National Golf Club, Summon, Massachusetts.
Information: 508-234-3261.

August 17-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, picnic and
blessing of the grapes, officiated by Archbishop Oshagan and New England
area clergy. On church grounds, beginning at 12 noon. For information:
508-234-3677 or

August 17-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, Feast of the Assumption of the Holy
Mother of God and Blessing of the Grapes, and picnic, at the Armenian
Center, Woodside, NY. For information 212-689-5880.

September 7-Annual picnic Festival of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, at American Legion Grounds, Haverhill, Massachusetts,
beginning at 12 noon.

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

August 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.

August 17-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, annual church
picnic and blessing of the grapes at Dunkerhook Park, Pavilion D, Paramus,
NJ. For information 201-943-2950.

September 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Celebration of
the Holy Cross and Madagh. For information 201-943-2950.

September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to follow.

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

September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

October 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.

October 21, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.

November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.

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

November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
[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]

SELF-ARSON TRY AT GOVERNMENTAL BUILDINGS
A1+

19 June, 2008

Today farmer of the Dalma Gardens Samvel Manukian made a self-arson
attempt in front of the RA Government House. He had poured petrol on
himself and was about to light a fire when the police stopped him.

They carried Samvel Manukian into the police car to take him to the
police station but people prevented them.

~SThe President did not keep his promise. Neither did the Town
Hall. But I kept my word,~T Samvel Manukian complained.

It is noteworthy that Samvel Manukian has participated in the protest
actions organized at the Governmental Buildings every Thursday and
had often announced that he would burn himself if the problem of his
parcel of land was not solved.

He had written an open letter to Serzh Sargssian.

Together with his three brothers Samvel Manukian possesses 2900m2
of land, which they have been cultivating for 19 years but now the
Government is taking it away.

Manukian demanded adequate compensation for his parcel of land
otherwise, he said, he was not responsible for his actions.

HAROUTIUN MERDINIAN WINS CUP TOURNAMENT OF THREE TIMES OLYMPIC CHAMPION ALBERT AZARIAN

Noyan Tapan

Ju ne 16, 2008

YEREVAN, JUNE 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The International Tournament of
the best sportsman of the 20th century in Armenia, Albert Azarian,
finished on June 15 in Yerevan. Representatives of Armenia, Georgia,
Iran, and Syria took part in it.

Haroutiun Merdinian became the winner in multiathlon. Hovhannes
Davtian and Artyom Avetian (all of them from Armenia) took the second
and third places.

The gymnasts from Armenia, Haroutiun Merdinian and Artyom Avetian,
Vahagn Stepanian were also the best on individual intruments. Some
of the guests won the third prize on various instruments.