Author: Kajoyan Gevork

GLENDALE’S TRANSPORTATION CENTER RENAMED IN HONOR OF LARRY ZARIAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 27, 2011 – 12:44 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Glendale’s Transportation Center is getting a new,
but familiar, name.

The building at 400 Cerritos Avenue will be dubbed the Larry Zarian
Transportation Center in honor of the former mayor who died of cancer
earlier this month.

The City Council unanimously approved the name change.

“He’s just a wonderful man and I think it’s wonderful,” resident
Lenore Solis said at the meeting. “This is the least we can do.”

Zarian played a large part in bringing the Beeline bus system
to Glendale and was involved in several transportation agencies,
including the National Highway Safety Commission and the Los Angeles
County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board of directors.

Zarian was Glendale’s first Armenian-American mayor, serving on the
City Council from 1983 to 1999. He died at 73.

A new sign will be placed at the center in coming months. The city
plans to spend $18,500 from an undesignated parking fund to pay for the
tribute, which includes several signs, Glendale News-Press reported.

CATHOLICOS ARAM I RETURNS TO ANTELIAS

asbarez
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

The Catholicos at LAX before departing for Antelias

LOS ANGELES-Concluding his 20-day Pontifical Visit, His Holiness Aram
I left Los Angeles for Antelias Tuesday evening.

The Pontifical Visit of His Holiness officially concluded on Sunday,
October 23.

On Tuesday evening, Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Clergy, Central Executive and Executive Council members, and Pontifical
Committee members gathered at Los Angeles International Airport to
bid farewell to the Catholicos.

The 20-day Pontifical Visit entitled “With Faith We Build,” will be
recorded in the annals of Prelacy history as historic and memorable.

The main themes of the Pontifical Visit were spiritual rebirth,
furthering anchoring and continued progress of Armenian Schools, and
reassertion of our spirit of national aspirations. The parishioners
in the Los Angeles area, Fresno, Las Vegas, and San Francisco were
inspired and encouraged by the message of His Holiness on these themes.

Catholicos with Seminary Alumni Committee

Meeting with Seminary Alumni Committee Prior to his departure,
on Monday, Catholicos Aram I met with members of the Catholicosate
Seminary Alumni Committee. Archbishop Mardirossian, joined His Holiness
at the meeting.

On the Feast of the Holy Translators which was celebrated two weeks
prior, the Seminary Alumni Committee had organized a banquet in
honor of His Holiness and dedicated to the Seminary, which brought
in $350,000 for the Seminary.

His Holiness commended the Committee, which was established by the
initiative of the Prelate, and noted that the work of the Committee
should be a reflection of the mission of the Seminary and should
more closely familiarize our faithful with the Seminary. To further
this endeavor, His Holiness suggested that the Committee organize
educational, social, and community events between alumni and also for
the community. “We must take the Seminary to the people and let them
know that the Seminary does not only prepare clergymen, it educates
teachers, intellectuals, and community leaders”.

A discussion followed during which information and ideas were
exchanged. Means were discussed of informing the public of the
educational curriculum and endeavors of the Seminary, so that they
our people is well aware of the invaluable mission of the Seminary.

LET SERZH SARGSYAN NOT WRITE A LETTER
HAKOB BADALYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 11:22:10 – 27/10/2011

Apparently, the Russian prime minister Putin and the president
of Kazakhstan Nazarbayev are involved in a very subtle and deep
race regarding the Eurasian Union. Several weeks ago when Putin’s
decision to run in the presidential elections became known, Vladimir
Vladimirovich published an article setting forth the idea of setting
up a European Union.

Recently the president of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has published
a similar article. Earlier, information came that the ex-prime minister
of the United Kingdom Tony Blair is adviser to him.

It was interesting because an ex-prime minister of the UK would hardly
be the adviser to president just to earn a living.

And now, Nazabayev’s article published after the news about Blair
taking on the job of adviser comes under an interesting light. He
states actually that he is the author of the idea of the European
Union, not Putin, and he had announced about this idea 17 years ago,
hinting that Putin then was not the same as he is now.

It is not ruled out that Putin wiretapped Nazarbayev at that time,
because 17 years ago he worked for the Russian special services. But
it does not matter already. What matters is that Kazakhstan is actually
bidding for a race with Russia, and agreeing with Putin at first sight,
he tries to convey to them that he will not allow dictating the rules
of the Eurasian Union.

Nazarbayev even announces that Astana rightly deserves to be the
capital of that union.

The race between Putin and Nazarbayev can have an interesting turn. It
is not ruled out that the two presidents (Putin is already de facto
president) will try to form blocs with other post-Soviet leaders,
expecting their support for their stance.

In this respect, an attempt will be made to involve the president of
Armenia as well. It is not ruled out that if the competition deepens,
Nazarbayev, or at a greater extent Putin, will advise or urge or ask
Serzh Sargsyan to publish an article and support Putin’s approach.

Serzh Sargsyan needn’t write an article. Not because he may not
succeed but because Armenia does not need to enter in the argument
between Russia and Kazakhstan, especially for the Eurasian Union.

This project does not seem to be related to Armenia’s vital interests,
economic and political interests, security needs. The necessary
fields to support them are sufficient to enable Armenia to ensure
the desired result.

Therefore, official Yerevan needs to follow the developments concerning
the Eurasian Union and take its time to respond to it publicly. Perhaps
it is worthwhile to respond at an expert level which may boost the
value of silence of official Yerevan. But responses the content
thereof has not been outlined and provided by the president office.

ARMENIAN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER ON CHAIN OF ARMY CRIMES

Tert.am
27.10.11

The Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) is supposed to defend people’s
rights and prevent government bodies and officials from violating
them, Armenian Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan said in an interview with
Armenian Public TV.

His statement was a response to certain officials’ desire “to see
the Human Rights Defender more passive.”

Addressing his participation in disabled people’s march just a few
hours before, Andrasyan said that Yerevan is not convenient for people
with disabilities.

As regards murders suicides and violence in Armenia’s army, Andreasyan
believes that far fewer incidents would happen if judicial proceedings
were properly held. “I have spoken of the numerous problems arising
during investigation and trials. If the investigator, prosecutor,
expert and judge work as they should according to law, we will have
fewer death and violence cases in our army,” Andreasyan said. This
is the reason why the Ombudsman’s office, together with the killed
servicemen’s parents, is trying to review the cases investigated
ten and more years ago to find out if the parents’ complaints are
well-grounded.

As regards the NGOs addressing the death cases in Armenia’ army,
Andreasyan said that some of them are really concerned over the
situation, while others are only slandering. Still others are actually
political structures claiming to be NGOs. The public and journalists
must be able to differentiate them.

The Ombudsman pointed out the problem of proper organization. “TV
series and the family are the first parts of this chain, with
corruption and bad commanders being the last ones. Solutions lie in
a number of areas,” Andreasyan said.

The Ombusdman’s office, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense,
is drafting amendments to relevant laws. In this context, Andreasyan
pointed out the need for stricter discipline, consistent public
supervision and proper judicial investigation into all the cases.

Abovian Armenian Cultural Association
Address: Weesperstraat 91
2574 VS The Hague, The Netherlands
Telephone: +31704490209
Website:
Email: [email protected]
Contact: M. Hakhverdian

PRESS RELEASE

Fridtjof Nansen and the Armenians

Conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Nansen¹s birth

The Hague, 27 October 2011 – The Abovian Armenian Cultural Association in
the Netherlands has organised a conference to mark the 150th anniversary of
the great Norwegian humanist, scientist, North Pole explorer, the first High
Commissioner for Refugees and winner of Nobel Prize for Peace Fridtjof
Nansen. In his role as Commissioner for Refugees at the League of Nations,
Nansen was engaged primarily in helping Russian, Armenian and Greek
refugees. For this work he received the 1922 Nobel Peace Prize. In July 1922
the League of Nations, on a proposal by Nansen, introduced a so-called
Nansen pasport for Russian and Armenian refugees. From 1925 onwards Nansen
committed himself mainly to the fate of the Armenian refugees fled from West
Armenia and Turkey as victims of the Armenian Genocide during the World War
I and Turkish ill-treatment thereafter. In June 1925 Nansen travelled with a
group of experts to Armenia and made research to settle some 50,000 refugees
in a region west of Yerevan. In 1927 Nansen published the book “Armenia and
the Near East”, an account of his travels in the Armenian countryside.

This conference will take place on Sunday, 6 November 2011 at 3 p.m. at
Abovian Cultural Centre in The Hague, the Netherlands. H.E. Ms. Dziunik
Aghajanian, the ambassador of Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of the
Netherlands, as well as H.E. Ms. Anniken Ramberg Krutnes, the ambassador of
Norway to the Kingdom of the Netherlands will also be present at this event
and will address the audience. The guest speaker at this conferencee is
philosopher-journalist Heiko Yessayan, whose family came to the Netherlands
in 1956 with Nansen passports. Heiko was born in the Netherlands as the son
and grandson of stateless refugees, who had fled from Turkey because of the
Armenian Genocide. Based on documents, letters, newspaper clippings and
pictures, Heiko will speak about his family and about the activities of his
father Nubar Yessayan (1920-2009) in the city of Amersfoort. Nubar directed
his efforts toward relieving the plight of refugees and immigrants of
different nationalities, who came to the Netherlands since 1960.

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:

October 27, 2011

CATHOLICOS CONCLUDES VISIT TO WESTERN PRELACY

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
concluded his three-week visit to the Western Prelacy. Thousands
greeted His Holiness with joy and love throughout his visit which
included a variety of public events, religious ceremonies, private
meetings, and meetings with California state dignitaries.

Throughout the visit His Holiness focused on three main areas of
concern, namely, Renewal of Spiritual Life; Armenian Education; and
the Armenian Cause.

His Holiness delivered a lecture at UCLA on The Future of Christianity
in the Middle East. To access a podcast of this lecture click here (

).

VICAR JOINS PARISHIONERS FROM ST. SARKIS IN TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA

Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar, joined the seniors of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, and their pastor Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, in a
trip to the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann, in
Philadelphia. The shrine is located in the lower church of St. Peter
the Apostle Church, which was built in 1843. St. John Neumann was the
fourth Bishop of Philadelphia, and the first American male to be
canonized. He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977. The Shrine is a
popular pilgrimage site, especially this year which is the 200th
anniversary of the saints birth.

The pilgrims then visited St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in
Philadelphia, where they were welcomed by Archpriest Fr. Nerses
Manoogian and some parishioners. The visitors enjoyed a delicious
meal, compliments of Mrs. Asdghig Kazanjian, before returning to New
York.

Parishioners of St. Sarkis Church with Bishop Anoushavan and
Rev. Fr. Nareg at the Shrine in Philadelphia.

The day included a visit to St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia where
the group was welcomed by Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian.

HONORED IN CONNECTICUT

Last Sunday, Bishop Anoushavan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at
St. Stephens Church in New Britain, Connecticut, and presided over the
churchs anniversary banquet. During the anniversary banquet two
parishioners, Andrew Winters and Edward Varjabedian, were honored with
Certificates of Merit.

Bishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Krikoris Keshishian with honoree
Edward Varjabedian.

Bishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Krikoris Keshishian with honoree
Andrew Winters and Richard Hamasian, treasurer of the Board of
Trustees.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, October 30, Eighth Sunday of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross, are: Isaiah 22:15-25; Ephesians 1:1-14; Luke
8:17-21.

Paul, and apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints
who are in Ephesus and are faithful to Christ Jesus. Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose
us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and
blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his
children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his
will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on
us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known
to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he
set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up
all things in him!
, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also
obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose
of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,
so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live
for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the
word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him,
were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the
pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as Gods own people, to the
praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:1-14)

For a listing of the coming weeks Bible readings click here (

).

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

This Saturday, October 29, the Armenian Church commemorates and
remembers St. John Chrysostom (Hovhan Voskeperan), a notable Christian
bishop and preacher in Syria and Constantinople. He is famous for his
eloquenceChrysostom means golden mouth. The Orthodox Church honors
him as a saint and one of the three holy hierarchs (along with Basil
the Great and Gregory the Theologian). He is also recognized and
honored by the Catholic Church and the Church of England.

John converted to Christianity in 368 when he was barely 21 years
old. He renounced a large inheritance and promising legal career and
went to live in a mountain cave where he studied the Bible. He was
later ordained a priest and soon his sermons were attracting huge
audiences. He challenged wealthy Christians, whose generosity was
confined to donating precious objects for display in churches. The
gift of a chalice may be extravagant in its generosity, he said, but a
gift to the poor is an expression of love.

His outspoken criticism was not appreciated by the hierarchy and he
was sent into exile at various times. He had a profound influence on
the doctrines and theology of the Armenian Church because he spent the
final years of his exile in Armenia. Some of his important works have
survived only in Armenian manuscripts.

Muse of the deep and ineffable Divine Mysteries.
Wise Prefect and Great Doctor of the world,
Like the rock of the Church, you were faithful to the key to heaven.
>From the beloved disciple, you received the gospel.
>From the Holy Virgin Birthgiver you received your symbol of authority.
O Patriarch John, by the grace of the Holy Spirit you received wisdom.
(An Armenian Church ode dedicated to St. John Chrysostom)

(

)

CHRISTIAN WORLD COMMUNIONS MEET IN MARYLAND

The annual meeting of the Secretaries of the Christian World
Communions took place last week in Silver Spring, Maryland. Archbishop
Nareg Alemezian, the Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, and the Dean of the Seminary, attended on behalf of the Holy
See of Cilicia.

The agenda of the meetings included ecumenical concerns particularly
related to the growing number of free churches and their impact on
local churches in different regions; religious freedom, and other
global concerns and challenges to ecumenical relations. They also
visited Washington, DC, and met with representatives from the White
House and the State Department. Archbishop Nareg had the opportunity
to speak about the situation in the Middle East, and about the
Armenian Genocide.

On behalf of His Holiness, Aram I, Archbishop Nareg invited the
Secretaries to meet in Antelias in October 2012.

CIVIL WAR ARMENIAN SOLDIER

The recent re-dedication of the gravesite of Khachadour Paul
Garabedian, the Civil War veteran, received a lot of press
coverage. If you would like to see a video of the ceremony that took
place on October 1 click here (

).

MT. RUSHMORE MEMORIAL IS 70

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota is marking its
70th birthday. The sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount
Rushmore, was completed on October 31, 1941. It took fourteen years to
complete by sculptor Gutzon Borghum, who died about seven months
before it was fully completed. His son, Lincoln Borghum, completed the
project. More than 400 workers participated. The memorial features
60-foot sculptures of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson,
Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The U.S. National Park
Service took control of the ambitious project in 1933, six years after
its start, and continues to manage the memorial. More than 2 million
people visit annually.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE

>From the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean:
The Global Trade Networks of Armenian Merchants from New Julfa

By SEBOUH DAVID ASLANIAN

The story of the Armenian silk merchants in New Julfa, Isfahan, whose
influence went far beyond their small corner of the world, has not
been fully explored with all of its ramifications. This book is a
welcome addition to this fascinating period of Armenian history and
the life of the Armenians in New Julfa.

363 pages, hardcover, $49.95 plus shipping and handling.

To order this book or for information contact the bookstore by e-mail
at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or by
telephone 212-689-7810.

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)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

October 27A Journey to Historic Armenia: An Illustrated Talk, by
Edward and Mary Ann Kazanjian, at the Memorial Hall Library, 2 North
Main Street, Andover, Massachusetts, at 6:30 pm. Sponsored by the
Knights of Vartan. Admission free.

October 27Video of the month presented by Anthropology/Armenian
Museum, Queens College, Flushing, New York, 1:30 pm, The Color of
Pomegranates (1969, directed by Sergei Parandjanov. Life of Armenian
poet, Sayat Nova, Russian with English titles. Admission is free. For
information: 718-428-5650.

October 30Lecture Hagop Janbazian on 96th Anniversary of the Heroic
Self-Defense of Musa Dagh, at St. Illuminators Cathedral, 221 E. 27th
Street, New York City, at 1:30 pm. Organized by Hamazkayin New York
Chapter. A traditional meal of Harissa will be served. Donation:
$15.00.

November 4The Holy Seraphim Choir is hosting a Trivia Contest night at
St. Gregory Armenian Community Center, 3501 Century Drive, Granite
City, Illinois. Tax deductible donation/entry fee is $120 per team,
with up to eight players per team. Doors open 6 pm, Trivia begins at 7
pm. Cash prizes, Silent Auction, 50/50 raffle, and Mulligans for
sale. Cash bar. To register call Andy Asadorian (618) 920-9862.

November 4-5Ladies Guild Annual Bazaar, St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For information: 215-482-9200.

November 4-5St. Stephens Church, Watertown, 55th Annual Bazaar at the
Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown,
Massachusetts. Delicious gourmet meals and pastries, auction
(jewelry, rugs, art, sports), arts & crafts, and more! Free
admission. For information: 617-924-7562 or on Facebook
( (

)).

November 5All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois, 68th anniversary
celebration, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan. Invest in the Future Fundraising Kick-off.

November 6St. Gregory Church Fellowship Club presents Chamber
Ensemble performance with members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
(Community Partnership Program), 2 pm, at St. Gregory Church, 1014
W. Pontoon Road, Granite City, Illinois. Included on the program will
be classical works for string quartet and the partial premiere of a
string quartet composed by the churchs pastor, Rev. Fr. Stephan
Baljian. Doors open at 1:30 pm.

November 12-13Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
Armenian Fest 2011 at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Broad Street, Cranston,
Rhode Island. Largest indoor festival in RI. Delicious kebabs, kufte
dinners, and Armenian pastries. Live dance music. The Mourad Armenian
School Dance Group will perform Saturday and Sunday at 5 pm. Raffles,
silent auction, country store, childrens corner, gift baskets, arts
and crafts. Fun for all. For information church office, 401-831-6399.

November 12-13Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 47th
anniversary celebration under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan. Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy on
Sunday, November 13.

November 13ARS Mayr Chapter, Elegant Holiday Luncheon, 2 pm at Sevan
Armenian Restaurant, 216-07 Horace Harding Boulevard, Bayside, New
York. For information/reservations: 718-392-6982 (Anais); 718-263-9325
(Anahid).

November 17Video of the month presented by Anthropology/Armenian
Museum, Queens College, Flushing, New York, 1:30 pm, A Requiem,
(1994), directed by Sergei Paradjanov. Admission is free. For
information: 718-428-5650.

December 3Christmas Bazaar hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin Church,
Whitinsville, Massachusetts, at the Northbridge Middle School, 171
Linwood Ave. Baked goods, gourmet meals, pastries, silent auction,
childrens activities, and much more. Plenty of parking. For
information: 508-234-3677.

December 4Ordination of Krikor Esayan to the Diaconate at
St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City.

December 8Video of the month by Anthropology/Armenian Museum, Queens
College, Flushing, New York, 1:30 pm, Ashik Kerib, (1988), directed by
Sergei Paradjanov. Admission is free. For information: 718-428-5650.

November 18-20Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Live entertainment Friday and
Saturday. Children’s activities, vendors, homemade Manti, Kufte, Sou
Buereg, Choreg and more. Traditional Kavourma dinner on
Sunday. Extensive mezze and dessert menu for your Thanksgiving table
available for take-out.

November 20St. Illuminators Cathedral, New York City, Thanksgiving
Dinner in Pashalian Hall, presented by the Ladies Guild, 1 pm, under
auspices of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor. Delicious traditional
meal, music, dance, raffle and more. For information: 212-689-5880.

November 26Men’s Club Steak Dinner, St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. For information: 215-482-9200.

December 10Armenian Holiday Food Fair, St. Hagop Church Auxiliary,
Racine, Wisconsin, 11 am to 4 pm at Hilda Soultanian Hall, 4100
N. Newmann Road, Racine.

December 18Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For information: 215-482-9200.

December 31New Years Gala, St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley,
North Andover, Massachusetts, Wyndham Hotel, Andover, 8:30 pm. $75 per
person includes mezze and the famous Midnight Soujouk & Eggs Full
Breakfast Buffet and Desserts. Music by Richard Berberian, Mal
Barsamian, Bruce Girgarjian, and Ron Tutunjian. For
information/reservations contact church office, 978-685-5038.

January 14Huyser Musical Ensemble of St. Illuminators Cathedral, New
York, presents Heartbeat of our Land, under auspices of
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan, 7:30 pm at Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th
Street (between Madison and Park Avenues), New York City. Special
appearance by AGBU Antranig Armenian Dance Ensemble. For
information/tickets contact the Cathedrals office,
212-689-5880. Tickets also available on line at (

).

May 9-12, 2012National Representative Assembly of Eastern Prelacy,
hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island. Clergy
conference on May 9; full delegation May 10 to 12. Accommodations at
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island. Details will be forthcoming
to parishes and delegates.

May 11-12National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), 30th
anniversary celebration and annual conference in conjunction with the
National Representative Assembly, Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode
Island. For information: Mary Derderian 781-762-4253.

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])

SENIOR ARMENIAN ARMY OFFICER DIES AS RESULT OF TANK FLIPPING OVER

epress.am
10.26.2011

An armored military vehicle, returning to the military base from
training camp along the Kapan-Goris road, slid off the main road,
flipped over on its right side and tumbled toward the road below
at around 5 pm yesterday, said Meri Sargsyan, a representative of
the Armenian defense ministry’s investigative service, speaking
to Epress.am.

Senior armored military vehicle driver, senior lieutenant Aramayis
Sargsyan was injured in the accident and died while on route to the
nearest hospital in Goris.

The other three conscripts in the military vehicle having bodily
injuries of varying degrees were taken to the RA Ministry of Defense’s
Central Clinical Military Hospital.

According to the military hospital, the draftees’ lives are not
in danger.

The RA Ministry of Defense investigative service has launched
proceedings under charges of RA Criminal Code Article 377 Section 2
(“Breach of rules for driving or operating vehicles which negligently
caused human death”).

ARMENIA CRUSHES GEORGIA 4:0 AT U-16 WORLD CHESS OLYMPIAD

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 26, 2011 – 16:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian team faced off against Georgia in the 4th
round of U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad in Izmit, Turkey.

Hovhannes Gabuzyan and Tigran Harutyunyan were the first to finish
their games beating Shalva Nadirashvili and Guga Burduli respectively.

Zohrak Apresyan and Karen Grigoryan scored wins over Nino Khomeriki
and Irakli Beradze to crush Georgia 4:0.

Armenia keeps the lead with 14,5 points.

SARGSYAN V REPUBLICAN BETRAYAL
HAKOB BADALYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 13:23:56 – 26/10/2011

Serzh Sargsyan’s intention to try having on the Republican ticket
for upcoming parliamentary elections so-called “legionnaires” is
outlined better. They are clearly visible – Khosrov Haurytunyan,
Artashes Geghamyan, Paruyr Hayrikyan. Probably, in the nearest future,
new names will also appear.

The situation is clear. Serzh Sargsyan needs to ensure the victory
at the next elections with “less blood” possible. In other words,
he will be trying to do everything to change radically the Republican
ticket pulling out or reducing those with nicknames and the ridiculous
Nzhdeh conformists.

But Serzh Sargsyan will hardly manage to receive more votes thanks to
Artashes Geghamyan or Khosrov Harutyunyan than with Galust Sahakyan
and Gagik Melikyan, or with those nicknamed and half-literate, but
the general aura can change.

There are two aspects of this issue which are worth attention.

Actually, the circle involved in the Republican ticket undergoes the
regular phase of filtration. In other words, the control shot is used
against these figures, after which they will finally complete their
political existence in Armenia and the new parliament will become
for them a “political mausoleum” because if by now, certain public
circles could think that these people were sincere when opposing
to the 2008 national movement, then after being enlisted into the
Republican ticket, this topic will be closed once and forever.

In this sense, Serzh Sargsyan’s step can be welcomed. He should gather
as many as possible similar figures and clear the political view.

There will be necessity to carry out a similar process in the
oppositional field, but this is another topic.

The next particularity of the current internal governmental process is
perhaps the fact that Serzh Sargsyan tries to ensure himself through
“legionnaires” from a possible Republican betrayal. Months ago, Robert
Kocharyan stated that he formed the tangible part of the Republican
rows asking many officials to enter and strengthen the Party before
the 2007 elections. This means that there is the risk of the opposite
process: these people, or the tangible part of them, can go against
Serzh Sargsyan when necessary again by the order of Kocharyan.

This can be the reason why Serzh Sargsyan is trying to decrease the
risk of betrayal increasing the number of his own people.

Though, on the other hand, these people, with their political
biography do not give any optimistic hopes to Serzh Sargsyan. Merely,
the calculation is perhaps the following: by the time these people
will come out of the euphoria of gratefulness, Serzh Sargsyan will be
have already undertaken fundamental actions to eliminate the betrayal.

Only time is necessary, for which the circles of “legionnaires”
will serve.

THE AGREEMENT OF GULISTAN
Igor Muradyan

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 13:59:30 – 26/10/2011

Some representatives of the “Armenian community” in Moscow are likely
to mark the 200th anniversary of the agreement of Gulistan. How
relevant is it in terms of history and logic?

The agreement of Gulistan is not a fact of the Armenian history, and
if the political logic is followed, the jubilee of this data should be
marked by Russia, or at least it should come up with this initiative.

Analogically, Armenia must celebrate the agreement of Moscow signed
on March 16, 1921, the day when Armenia was divided.

The motivation of the behavior of the Armenian Diaspora organizations
in Russia is quite clear -political favors to the Russian government
in return for the subsequent acquisition of the right to run
businesses. This is a common practice in the Armenian environment.

Besides, it is a shame for the historical homeland that these
initiatives will not lead anywhere. The Russians behave as if they
are the lords of Armenia.

Not a long time ago, different experts from Russia and Armenia hanged
out in Yerevan. The Russians literally insulted the Armenians and
the Armenians did not even stir a finger to wipe off the saliva from
their faces. This is the result of the activity of the government of
Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora organizations.

A new person has emerged now who tries, in the context of other
attempts, to offer his service to the Russian authorities, to set
for himself the topic and direction of activities. In addition, the
tactics has been chosen, it is suggested to extend this issue for three
years. This event will be marked in Armenia, with the participation
of the government, most probably the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the
Academy of Sciences will deal with it too, other official organizations
may also participate. The co-participation of a physical person in
this initiative in the capacity of a sponsor is also possible. The
organization of some “amateur events” involving experts and different
activists would be doubtful though possible.

It should be noted that currently the relations between Iran and Russia
are deteriorating which is already reflected in the organization of
events dedicated to events of the historical past. In 2010, a big
and well-organized event dedicated to the agreements of Gulistan and
Turkmenchay and incorporation of Russia in West Transcaucasia was
held in Tehran.

The Iranians are trying from time to time to remind about the rights
of Iran to the lands of South Caucasus, including the aspirations of
Russia’s “invasive policy”. Therefore, the initiative regarding the
jubilee of the agreement of Gulistan may be viewed as a special project
of the Russian government, as a counterbalance to the Iranian efforts.

It is just a version, although the initiative comes immediately from
the Armenian side. This event may undergo strong criticism, even
from the government. It is possible that some people usually with an
unprincipled stance and always ready to take up these “orders” for the
sake of honorarium. Some figures are always ready to make money on it,
oust opponents from the “money zone” and take the lead of the events.

At the same time, publications on the goals and objectives of the
initiators will appear in the press, the spheres and character of their
businesses will be dug out. The scientific circles will thoroughly lay
down the circumstances and consequences of the agreement of Gulistan,
including the “land reform” which the Russian government later carried
out to please the Muslim landlords in Karabakh.

Most shameful of all would be if the Karabakh government will allow
the organizers to take the lead. In other words, the claim that the
agreement of Gulistan was essential to the liberation of Armenians may
be questioned not only by the Azerbaijanis but also by the Armenians.

The most unpleasant of all will be the fact that the village of
Gulistan is currently in the territory of Azeris, and was handed over
to them in June 1992, with an active participation of the Russian
troops. Karabakh has not forgotten 1000 Armenians slaughtered and 40
villages destroyed by the Russian troops, first of all in Shahumyan
region, including the village of Gulistan.

It should be noted that the current situation in which the Armenian
government feels deep distrust for the policy of Russia which is
trying to conduct a parity policy in the South Caucasus which means
a pro-Azerbaijani position in practice. The supply of modern arms
to Azerbaijan by Russia became the last point of lasting reflection,
disappointment and loss of hope. Every action of plainly pro-Russian
character causes suspiciousness, irony and hostile attitude of
patriots, including the defenders of the homeland.

Still it is not clear what relations UNESCO has to this kind of
events. The most important circumstance is the succession of this
event. Some members of the organization committee will not suffer
morally if this job fails, and the initiators lose interest in this
or just face money shortage. Therefore, not many people will agree
to participate in this initiative, and some precious people may have
doubts about it. It is necessary to understand that every public
activist who participates in the events of such nature risks appearing
on the list of the venal. One would wish all these aspects, in one
form or another, to be clarified to the main initiator of this event.

This event may nevertheless have significant political importance if
it is held ensuring openness and pluralism, diversity of evaluations
and publications. This iteration should be proposed during the event.

This event may become an arena for a large-scale discussion of the
Armenian and Russian relations, problems regarding the policy of
Russia in the South Caucasus, involvement of viable discussion among
a number of interested politicians and political scientists of Russia,
establishment of a principally new discourse.