Author: Kalantarian Kevo

TURKISH LEADER UNLIKELY TO ACCEPT INVITATION TO VISIT ARMENIA: EXPERT

19:12 07.07.2014

Artak Barseghyan
Public Radio of Armenia

The Turkish Taraf daily reported a few days ago that Prime Minister
Recep Tayyop Erdogan had given official instructions to get through
with preparations to open Alijan checkpoint on the Armenian border.

Although the Turkish Foreign Ministry dismissed the reports, expert of
Turkish studies Artak Shakaryan sees theoretic grounds to trust Taraf.

“It was Taraf that revealed the details of the famous Ergenekon case.

It has good relations with the authorities and sometimes specially
leaks information to test the public opinion,” he said.

At the same time, Shakaryan doubts that the border will be opened
in September. He links this publication to the 100th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide to be marked next year. “The opening of the
Armenian-Turkish border months before the genocide centennial will
be a nice gesture to show the world that it has no hostile feelings
towards the Republic of Armenia,” he noted.

The expert said that the opening of the border is easier for Ankara
than the ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols, because the
Justice and Development Party does not have the necessary number of
Deputies at the Grand National Assembly to ratify the protocols.”

Meanwhile, the opening of the border is easier, as it can be closed
again under some pretext after the 100th anniversary.

Speaking about Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s invitation to the
Turkish leader to visit Yerevan on April 24, 2015, Shakaryan said it
would be turned down. “The best cause for this is the 100th anniversary
of Turks in Battle of Gallipoli to be marked on April 25,” he said.

“Even if the Turkish President (most likely Erdogan) accepts the
invitation to visit Yerevan, he may come forth with statements
unacceptable to the Armenian side,” Shakaryan said. He believes that
as President Erdogan will try to strengthen his positions, but one
should not expect great concessions from him.

Post-Periodical, W. San Fernando Valley
July 6 2014

Armenian-American Festival Begins Today at Birmingham

By Post-Periodical on July 2, 2014.

The 39th Homenetmen Navasartian Games & Festival begins today at
Birmingham Community Charter High School in Lake Balboa.

Approximately 3,200 Armenian-American athletes from 18 chapters of the
Homenetmen Western U.S. Region participated in an eight-week
Olympics-style tournament which culminates with this week’s final
events and festival. The festival was launched in East Los Angeles in
1975 and has become one of the largest community events for
Armenian-Americans.

During the day, athletes will compete in a variety of sports,
including basketball, soccer, volleyball, table tennis, track and
field and swimming.

The festival includes live entertainment Wednesday through Friday from
7 p.m. until midnight. There will be a carnival with games and rides
for kids from 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at 2:30 to 7:30
p.m. on Saturday.

Closing ceremonies will take place Saturday afternoon and evening with
a parade of athletes and scouts, the distribution of championship
trophies and a fireworks show.

Regular admission tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for children. A
$2 discount is available for purchasing online.

Bako Sahakyan partook in a ceremony of founding a new park after
philanthropist Andrey Rappoport

17:35 06.07.2014

Artsakh Republic-Stepanakert

Today, Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan partook in a ceremony
of founding a new park named after philanthropist Andrey Rappoport to
be laid out in capital Stepanakert by charitable means, Central
Information Department of the Office of NKR President informed.

The Head of the State considered demanded having such a park,
emphasizing its aesthetic and practical significance for the residents
and guests of the capital.

The President highlighted the input of the philanthropist who was
present at the event in the development of Artsakh, noting its
importance both from the economic and moral perspectives.

National Assembly speaker Ashot Ghoulyan, deputy premier Arthur
Aghabekyan, other officials and foreign guests partook in the
ceremony.

Chorrord Ishkhanutyun: Armenia electricity price hike’s real reason

July 05, 2014

YEREVAN. – Reflecting on the recent decision on increasing the price
of electricity in Armenia, prominent sociologist Aharon Adibekyan
stated that this is a good lesson for the market so that the country’s
residents may become rational, a bit more like the Germans, and save
every penny, Chorrord Ishkhanutyun newspaper reported.

“In actual fact, they have increased [the price of] our electricity
for educational and disciplinary considerations. And the objective was
quite honest: to craft rational creatures out of the Armenian nation.

“But the educational and disciplinary method, which Mr. Adibekyan has
indicated, has a drawback. If as a result ‘we [the residents of
Armenia] become a bit like the Germans,’ the foundations of the
[Armenian] statehood will shatter.

“In any case, the Germans definitely would not have tolerated such
authorities. And then, Germans do not rig elections. So, the
authorities will hardly like this method,” Chorrord Ishkhanutyun
wrote.

The Public Services Regulatory Commission on Tuesday unanimously
decided to increase the electricity price in Armenia by 3.85 drams
(approx. $0.01), or by about 10 percent, as of August 1. Accordingly,
the daytime rate will increase from 38 drams (approx. $0.09) to 41.85
drams (approx. $0.10), and the nighttime rate will rise from 28 drams
(approx. $0.07) to 31.85 drams (approx. $0.08), per kilowatt hour, for
the households in Armenia.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Key Summit On Armenia’s Eurasian Union Bid Cancelled

By MassisPost
Updated: July 4, 2014

YEREVAN — Raising more questions about Armenia’s accession to the
Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Prime Minister Hovik
Abrahamian has announced the cancellation of a summit of ex-Soviet
states which was due to discuss Yerevan’s membership bid.

“There was an agreement that the presidents will meet on July 3. But
the meeting will not take place,” Abrahamian told reporters late on
Thursday.

He did not clarify whether the meeting was due to involve the
presidents of only Armenia and Russia or also the EEU’s two other
member states: Belarus and Kazakhstan. The EEU’s most recent summit
took place on May 29 and the leaders of three ex-Soviet states
announced no plans to meet again this summer.

Abrahamian stressed the importance of the July 3 meeting last week
when he commented on an increasingly obvious delay in Armenia’s
accession process which President Serzh Sarkisian had hoped to
complete this spring. “Things will be clear after the July 3 meeting,”
the premier said on June 26.

“We don’t know the reasons [for the delay] but … we have fulfilled all
of our obligations,” Abrahamian told reporters on Thursday. At the
same time he expressed confidence that Armenia will join the EEU
“before the end of this year.” “I see no political problems,” he said
in reference to mounting speculation that Moscow is currently not
interested in the quick signing of an accession treaty with Yerevan
despite having forced the latter to abandon an Association Agreement
with the European Union last year.

Abrahamian further announced that he will meet with Russian Prime
Minister Dmitry Medvedev on July 11 to discuss this and other issues
of mutual interest. “We will have an answer on my return,” he said. “I
also know that the presidents of Armenia and Russia will meet in the
future.”

Politicians and experts point to a number of possible reasons for the
difficulties on the way of Armenia’s Eurasian integration. For
instance, Prosperous Armenia Party MP Mikael Melkumyan mentions
failure to agree on the issue of customs exemptions on 900 basic types
of commodities. Duties on these goods were to rise after Armenia’s
entry into the Russian-led trade bloc, which would have caused a
socio-economic collapse in the country.

Others point to Russia’s failed plan for a simultaneous integration of
Armenia and Azerbaijan into the Eurasian Union. For example, member of
the opposition Heritage party Stepan Safaryan links Armenia’s
“insurmountable difficulties” with Eurasian integration to the
Karabakh problem. Experts say that Russia intended to introduce
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeeping forces
into Karabakh and, by dividing Karabakh, attract Armenia and
Azerbaijan to the Union.

Armenia’s neighbor Georgia also showed a tough stance. It is through
this country that Armenia has the only path towards Russia. Despite
the June visit by President Serzh Sargsyan and the warm welcome that
he got in Tbilisi, Georgia categorically refused to authorize a
customs duty-free transit of goods to Russia from Armenia and back.
This means that attempts to secure a land link between Armenia and the
EaEU have also failed.

EDITORIAL
Haut-Karabagh et Nakhitchevan : l’étau pan turc se resserre, par Ara Toranian

Le 5 juin dernier, deux soldats arméniens ont été assassinés par un
sniper de l’armée azerbaïdjanaise sur la frontière sud-ouest de
l’Arménie avec le Nakhitchévan. L’événement est passé presque inaperçu
sur la scène politico-médiatique, malgré quelques dépêches d’agences
de presse, dont une de l’AFP. Cette agression contre l’Arménie, sans
aucun lien avec la question du Haut Karabagh, constitue pourtant une
initiative criminelle particulièrement grave. Non seulement, dans ses
conséquences humaines, puisqu’elle s’est soldée par le meurtre de deux
jeunes gens, Antranig Yehoyan (25 ans) et de Boris Kasparian (22 ans).
Mais aussi sur le plan du droit international où elle est assimilable
à un casus belli.

Se situant totalement en dehors du thétre des opérations du Haut
Karabagh, cette action se distingue en effet des multiples violations
du cessez-le-feu (plus de 2000 pour le seul mois de mai), qui
déstabilisent de plus en plus la ligne de contact. Elle se différencie
également des tirs récurrents contre les villages du Tavush, au
nord-est du pays, limitrophes de l’Azerbaïdjan. Prenant l’Arménie à
rebours, sur sa frontière sud-est, cette agression s’apparente plutôt
à l’ouverture d’un nouveau front, qui ciblerait au sud le couloir du
Zanguezour, et qui viserait à établir cette fameuse continuité
territoriale entre la Turquie, le Nakhitchevan et l’Azerbaïdjan, qui
constitue l’un des fondements du panturquisme et l’un des mobiles du
génocide des Arméniens.

Se trouve-t-on donc face aux prémices de cette guerre totale que nous
avait promises Zakir Hasanov, ministre de la Défense azerbaïdjanais,
en déclarant le 26 juin : > ? En tout état de cause, cette provocation donne une dimension
particulière à la logorrhée d’Ilham Aliev qui depuis plus d’un an
répète à l’envi que l’Arménie s’est construite sur des terres qui
appartiennent à l’Azerbaïdjan. Une rhétorique qui peut être non
seulement considérée comme l’expression de revendications
territoriales à l’égard de l’État arménien, mais également comme une
remise en cause de son droit à l’existence. S’inscrivant de surcroît
dans le prolongement de l’explosion du budget militaire de
l’Azerbaïdjan, ces événements devraient mobiliser les communautés
arméniennes, stimuler la vigilance internationale et pour le moins
permettre de dénoncer les conséquences criminelles des ventes d’armes
à Bakou.

C’est dans cet esprit que Nouvelles d’Arménie a demandé le 2 juillet
au porte-parole du Quai d’Orsay quelles initiatives comptaient prendre
la France pour prévenir les risques liés à cette escalade ? Sa réponse
s’est révélée en l’occurrence en deçà du niveau de réaction
qu’imposent en principe de telles exactions. Pour mémoire, le
ministère des Affaires étrangères avait clairement condamné le meurtre
d’un soldat israélien tué le 16 décembre 2013 par un tir venant du
Liban. Pourquoi dans le cas du Nakhitchevan un simple appel à la
retenue alors que, mutatis mutandis, les circonstances sont
comparables ? Cette modération, qui se veut peut-être opportune pour
un pays médiateur dans le conflit, ne risque-t-elle pas d’être
interprétée par les agresseurs comme un signe d’apathie, voire
d’indifférence ?

La diaspora qui s’était mobilisée à juste titre pour dénoncer
l’occupation de Kessab en Syrie par les djihadistes devrait quant à
elle se maintenir en état d’alerte par rapport à cette nouvelle
menace. Qu’y a-t-il en effet à attendre, sinon de la haine et des
actions criminelles, de cette république autonome d’Azerbaïdjan, fief
du clan Aliev, qui s’était tristement distinguée en procédant en
décembre 2005 à la profanation du cimetière arménien de Julfa ,
laquelle s’était soldée par la destruction de milliers de Khatchkars
(grandes croix de pierre), datant des XVe et XVIe siècles qui
représentaient un des trésors de la culture arménienne. On se souvient
qu’en 1914, cette région (historiquement un canton de la province
arménienne du Vaspourakan), hébergeait 81 300 Azéris et 53 700
Arméniens. En 2009, elle ne recensait plus aucun Arménien et comptait
400 000 Azéris.

Ce double mouvement de développement démographique pour les uns et
d’éradication totale pour les autres donne la mesure de l’espérance de
vie à laquelle nous vouent le clan Aliev. Le risque que fait peser
l’axe Ankara-Bakou sur le destin de l’Arménie est certes réduit du
fait de l’alliance stratégique qui lie Erevan à Moscou jusqu’en 2044.
Mais il demeure néanmoins réel pour la République du Haut-Karabagh,
dont l’absence de statut diplomatique fragilise la sécurité.

Alors que le monde s’apprête à commémorer les cent ans du génocide, un
parfum de précarité continue donc de flotter autour des Arméniens de
la région. Comme si aucune leçon n’avait été tirée des tragédies du
passé, comme si le devoir de mémoire n’induisait pas naturellement une
exigence de prévention. Incorrigible, le pouvoir en place à Bakou, qui
s’avère autant totalitaire à l’intérieur qu’il est belliqueux à
l’extérieur, n’a jamais été aussi éloigné des valeurs démocratiques
que depuis qu’il a pris au mois de mai la présidence tournante du
Conseil de l’Europe. Une fonction dont on aurait pu espérer qu’elle
l’amènerait à faire preuve de plus de sens des responsabilités, mais
dont, en bon tyran, Alyev a visiblement cru qu’elle lui conférait plus
de droits et de pouvoir. Il y a donc urgence à lui apporter un démenti
en ce domaine. Et à le faire redescendre sur terre.

Ara Toranian

samedi 5 juillet 2014,
Ara (c)armenews.com

Armenia Needs Open Border with Nakhijevan, Not Turkey

Naira Hayrumyan, Political Commentator
Comments – Saturday, 05 July 2014, 13:23

The Turkish Taraf reported that the Turkish prime minister running for
president has ordered to open the Armenian-Turkish border in
September. Later, the information was refuted. It is not known yet
what this trick was meant for.

Earlier in spring Erdogan was rumored to open the border as part of
his electoral campaign. Turkish analysts said the Armenian issue is a
bone stuck in Erdogan’s throat, and he knows that sooner or later he
will have to resolve this issue, especially ahead of the 100th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. However, he must do it in a way
to get the utmost of it in terms of political dividends.

Turkish presidential elections will be held in August. Erdogan is
“threatened” by establishment of a Sunni Caliphate and Kurdistan at
the Turkish borders. These two formations may extend into the Turkish
territory. Erdogan is currently trying to do everything to preserve
Turkey’s ethnic identity because Turkey’s fragmentation will indicate
the end of his career.

But it will not be so easy to do. If the borders in the Near East are
revised, the Treaty of Lausanne which had replaced the Treaty of
Sevres will end. Although there is an opinion that an experiment is
performed in the Near East which consists in creating supranational
formations which have no state borders. If Kurdish autonomies are
created in Syria, Iraq and Turkey, they may afterwards unite in a
confederation, without demarcation of borders.

One way or another, Erdogan will become the president of a state with
borders disputed from every side. Armenia which did not get anything
from the division of the Ottoman Empire by the Treaty of Lausanne has
the strongest rights. Erdogan will try to prevent claims from Armenia,
or more exactly, the Armenian Diaspora.

What will Turkey’s “favor” bring to Armenia? It is no good because
there everything will be controlled by the Russian-Turkish alliance,
and it may be blocked any time. Moscow is patiently waiting for the
opening of the border. The head of Russian Railways Yakunin visiting
Armenia announced that Kars-Gyumri railway is ready for operation.

Now Yerevan should focus on routes via Iran and Nakhijevan rather than
the Turkish border. If the Turkish border is opened, it will
facilitate “closure” of Armenia. Nakhijevan National Political
Initiative has released a research on the existing situation in
Nakhijevan where Iran’s influence is strengthening while the link with
“mainland” Azerbaijan is almost intangible. Notably, escalation on the
Armenian-Azerbaijani border followed a proposal by Iranian officials
to set up a free trade zone in Nakhijevan. The proposal did not come
to the liking of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Russia which will thus lose
their monopoly of regional routes. In this situation, Armenia should
reject opening of the Turkish border because it will not bring us
anything.

– See more at:

PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA CENTER in YEREVAN
30 Saryan str.
Tel: +37460 505 898
+37499 755 898
Email: [email protected]
Web:

Electricity Price Rise: Expert Overview

On July 7, at 15Ö=8900, the Institute for War and Peace Reporting will
hold a panel discussion on the government’s decision to raise
electricity prices from August 1 in cooperation with the Media
Center. The discussion will take place at the IWPR office located on
30 Saryan Str., 2-nd floor.

Vahagn Khachatryan, economist and member of the Armenian National
Congress, Gagik Makaryan, Chairman of the Repblican Union of Employers
of Armenia, Ashot Yeghiazaryan, economic expert and Mane Tandilyan,
activist of Dem.am civic initiative, will be the panelists.

The Commission for the Regulation of Public Services (CRPS) has raised
electricity prices by more than 10 percent, with officials saying they
needed to close a gap of 20 billion drams to save the power network
from bankruptcy.

The decision will come into effect on August 1, and although the
government claims this is a temporary arrangement, it has sparked
public disgruntlement in Yerevan. The Commission for the Regulation of
Public Services raised the electricity tariff by 10 percent, from 38
drams to 42 drams. The given increase followed the gas and electricity
tariffs increase which took place exactly a year ago.

This discussion event is part of IWPR’s Building Bridges/Building
Capacity project, supported by the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Norway. The event is organized in cooperation with Public
Journalism Club’s Media Center project.

COURT REJECTS REQUEST TO RETURN ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE BUILDING

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
July 4 2014

Turkey’s Armenian Patriarchate has lost its legal battle to reclaim
the Sansaryan Han building, which was confiscated by the state about
seven decades ago.

The court rejection came in spite of a recent government plan to
return seized properties to minority groups.

The historic building, built in 1895 and commissioned by Mıgırdic
Aga Sanasaryan, was designed by architect Hovsep Aznavour. It was
seized by the Turkish state in the early years of the republic. The
Armenian Patriarchate has been fighting a legal battle for its return
since 2011.

The Ä°stanbul 13th Court of First Instance rejected the patriarchate’s
request for the return of Sansaryan Han in the last session on
Friday, attended by lawyers representing both the Patriarchate and
the Treasury.

A contractor leased the building on June 18 from Turkey’s Directorate
General for Foundations (VGM). The lease agreement was executed
before the conclusion of the lawsuit and prompted speculation that
the building will be turned into a hotel.

Ali Eyuboglu, an attorney for the Armenian Patriarchate, said
the court’s reasons for not returning the building are not clear
as all the documents and expert reports indicate that the building
rightfully belongs to the patriarchate. Eyuboglu said they will appeal
the decision once the court issues its reasoned opinion regarding
the verdict.

In a related development, Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy
Chairman Sezgin Tanrıkulu submitted a parliamentary motion addressed
to Minister of Culture and Tourism Omer Celik inquiring whether the
speculation that the Sansaryan Han will be turned into a hotel is true.

Minority foundations, seeking the return of properties that were
seized by the Turkish state in the first decade of the Turkish
Republic, have long been saying that they have experienced a number of
challenges. Despite a 2011 law passed to ensure confiscated property
be returned to its rightful owners, the foundations indicate that
reclaiming the properties is not going to be easy.

In August 2011, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government
adopted legislation to return all confiscated immovable property
belonging to minority foundations in Turkey, a long-overdue step
towards expanding the rights of minorities in the country. The decree
allows foundations to reclaim real property declared in 1936, when all
the foundations were asked by the government to present lists of their
property assets. Applications for at least 88 items have been rejected.

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-686-0710
Fax: 212–779-3558
Email: [email protected]
Web:

** TOP STORY July 3, 2014
————————————————————
Independence Day

** Happy Independence Day
————————————————————
On behalf of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the entire Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, we wish all of our readers
a happy Independence Day.

For well over a century now, Armenians have been blessed to merge our
way of life with the bounty and liberty of this great nation of
America. On these shores our people found a refuge from persecution,
but also a land that would sustain and strengthen us as we sought to
honor our heritage, and worship our Lord.

This Independence Day, we renew our prayers, asking God to bless this
land and her people, so that she may continue to be the great beacon
of hope to our world, and a nurturing friend to our young homeland.

St. Vartan Camp
Campers enjoy the new pool at the Ararat Center, home of St. Vartan
Camp.

** Summer Camp Season Begins
————————————————————
St. Vartan Camp-which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this
year-has opened for the summer season in upstate New York.

Session `A’ began on Sunday, June 29, and campers have been busy with
classes, sports, and other activities. The Rev. Fr. Khatchatur
Kesablyan, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, and the
director of Session `A,’ is leading prayer services and joining
campers for various sessions throughout the day.

This year Session `A’ has a higher camper and CIT enrollment than in
previous years, with participants from more than 20 parishes across
the Diocese. Limited space is still available for Sessions =80=9CB’
and `C.’ For registration information, call the St. Vartan Camp office
at (518) 966-8380.

Prior to the camp season, staff gathered at the Ararat Youth and
Conference Center for intensive training. The program was designed and
led by Jennifer Morris, director of the Diocese’s Department of Youth
and Young Ministries. Bible studies were led by all three camp
directors: Fr. Kesablyan; Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, pastor of the
Armenian Church at Hye Pointe of Haverhill, MA; and Rev. Fr. Vasken
Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA. Additional
staff sessions were led by Lorie Odabashian, Youth and Young Adult
Ministries coordinator, and Maria Derderian, youth minister at
St. James Church of Watertown, MA.

For the latest from St. Vartan Camp, click on the following links to
visit the camp blog
()
and to view photos
()
.

** Scripture of the Week
————————————————————

Is 1:21-31
Rom 7:25-8:11
Mt 12:38-45

** Prayer of the Week
————————————————————

My soul is always in your hands and I place my hope in your Holy
Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on
my behalf. You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who
trusts in you, but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy
Cross. Amen.

** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
————————————————————

5 July: St. Gregory the Enlightener (Discovery of his Relics)

8 July: St. Daniel the Prophet and Companions Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
St. Catherine Armenian Church, St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Catherine Armenian Church is centrally located on Nevsky Prospect
in St. Petersburg, Russia.

** Renovating One of Russia’s Historic Armenian Churches
————————————————————
The Armenian Diocese of Russia is renovating St. Catherine Armenian
Church in St. Petersburg, Russia. The project began earlier this year
under the direction of Archbishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of New Nakhichevan and Russia.

Restoration experts have worked to clean the church interior and
restore its sculpted reliefs and paintings. They expect to complete
the project in the fall of this year.

Armenians began to settle in Russia in the second half of the 14th
century, and by the time Peter the Great set out to build
St. Petersburg at the start of the 18th century, an Armenian community
had begun to plant roots in the area.

Especially influential was the Lazarian (Lazarev) family-merchants,
manufacturers, and miners who had come to Russia from Isfahan
(Iran). In 1771, when Russia was ruled by Catherine the Great, Ovanes
Lazarian decided to build an Armenian Church in St. Petersburg. Today,
more than 30,000 Armenians live in the city.

Click here
()
to view a video about the church restoration project.

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Diocesan Council Meets in New York City
Council members Antranig Garibian (left) and Paul Mardoian.

** Diocesan Council Reviews Feedback from Assembly
————————————————————
Meeting at the Diocesan Center on Friday, June 27, members of the
Diocesan Council received and discussed reports pertaining to
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, the ACYOA, and the Women’s Guild
Central Council. The council also discussed the National
Representative Assembly which will convene at Holy Etchmiadzin later
this year.

Turning to the 2014 Diocesan Assembly, council members reviewed the
requests, recommendations, and decisions made at the assembly sessions
and parish council chairs’ breakfast. In addition, they heard reports
from the Primate, Vicar, Treasurer, and the Diocese’s Development
Department.

The council plans to issue quarterly informational updates to keep
clergy, delegates, and parish council chairs abreast of council
meetings and activities.

Andrea Halejian
Andrea Halejian.

** In Memoriam: Andrea Halejian
————————————————————
The Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of Andrea Lynn Halejian, a
lifelong member of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, and a great
supporter of many Armenian causes. She passed away on June 28 at the
age of 61.

In her home parish, Mrs. Halejian taught Sunday School, took an active
part in the local Women’s Guild, and dedicated countless hours to
planning and organizing church fundraising events and social
activities. She launched a blood drive initiative, and personally
called parishioners to encourage wide participation in this lifesaving
effort.

She was also a supporter of AGBU Camp Nubar, as well as other programs
for young people both in the Armenian community and beyond. In New
York City, she was a familiar presence at the Diocesan Center, where
she helped carry out various projects. Most recently, she dedicated
her time to organizing the celebration honoring the legacy of His
Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late Armenian Patriarch of
Jerusalem.

She is survived by her devoted husband Dr. Barry Halejian, and her
children Alexis, Eric, and Sarah; and many friends and loved ones.

In a eulogy delivered during the funeral at the Fair Lawn parish on
July 3, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian said: `Andrea
carried on the legacy of her parents: Andrew and Dovie Tilbian. She
grew up in a loving Armenian family, where she learned the importance
of caring for others.’

`At the center of her life was a deep and abiding faith in the
goodness of God, and in the hope offered to all mankind through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ,’ Archbishop Barsamian went on. `In
everything she did, Andrea truly embodied the Christian values of
humility and service.’

In-lieu-of-flowers donations may be directed to AGBU Camp Nubar (55
East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022) or St. Leon Armenian Church
(12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410).

Deacons Training in Jerusalem
Deacons Training Program participants with local seminarians in prayer
at Sts. James Armenian Cathedral.

** Training for the Diaconate in the Holy Land
————————————————————
A group of 13 young altar servers from 10 parishes across the Eastern
Diocese are taking part in a Deacons Training Program at the Armenian
Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The two-week session, which began on June
25, is part of the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary summer program. It is
led by the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan and the Rev. Fr. Daniel
Karadjian.

Participants are living in the Armenian monastery of Jerusalem, and
taking part in services at various holy sites, including the Church of
the Nativity of Christ, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the
Church of the Tomb of the Blessed Virgin. They also visited Sts. James
Armenian Cathedral, and earlier this week they were welcomed by His
Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Armenian Patriarch of
Jerusalem, who spoke to them about the importance of preserving the
ancient Armenian presence in the Holy Land.

The program was made possible thanks to a generous grant from Dr. and
Mrs. Garo and Cece Garibian in memory of His Beatitude Archbishop
Torkom Manoogian, the late Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem.

FAR
Preparations are underway for the installation of new greenhouses in
Tavush, Armenia.

** New Greenhouses for Farmers in Tavush
————————————————————
Five families in Armenia’s Tavush region will soon own new
greenhouses, thanks to the Fund for Armenian Relief’s `Breaking the
Cycle of Poverty Program.’

The families have already participated in a training session on how to
best utilize the greenhouses. The initiative will allow the farmers to
control the growing environment of plants and increase fruit and
vegetable production.

`Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program’ was established by the
Mardigian Family Foundation through the largest-ever contribution made
to FAR. The five-year project addresses malnutrition, unemployment,
poverty, and infrastructure weaknesses in Armenia’s northeastern
province.

Click here
()
to read more on FAR’s blog.

Holy Cross Church in Van
Holy Cross Church, a precious jewel of Armenian architecture, on
Aghtamar island in Lake Van.

** The Clock is Ticking
————————————————————
There is still time to register for the Eastern Diocese’s pilgrimage
to historic Armenia, scheduled for September 3 to 15, 2014.

Participants will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on
the island of Aghtamar, and take part in prayer services at the
St. Giragos Armenian Church of Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church
in Kayseri.

The pilgrimage also includes visits to other cities of historic
Armenia=80’Kharpert, Malatya, and Sepastia, and other locales. The
journey will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
Armenian Patriarchate.

Click here
()
to view a flyer for registration information. To view a short film
about the Diocese’s 2012 pilgrimage to historic Armenia, click here
()
.

** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
Holy Trinity Church honors parishioners
>From left: Dn. Albert Keshgegian, Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, and Gloria
Basmajian.

** Cheltenham Community Honors Two Parishioners
————————————————————

During Sunday fellowship on June 29, the Holy Trinity Church of
Cheltenham, PA, honored two parishioners on the occasion of their
retirement. Gloria Basmajian and Dn. Albert Keshgegian were presented
with a celebratory cake, and the entire parish congratulated them on
this special milestone. The Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor,
said a prayer for Gloria and Dn. Albert, and wished them an enjoyable
and fulfilling retirement.

Gloria served for many years as the administrative manager of the
English Department at Temple University in Philadelphia. At Holy
Trinity Church, she has served on the parish council, been a longtime
manager of the parish bookstore, and is currently the church school
registrar.

Dn. Albert dedicated more than 30 years to the field of medical
pathology. He worked as an assistant professor, then as medical
director of clinical laboratories and as system chairman of pathology
at Philadelphia area hospitals. He is the longest serving deacon at
the parish and the author of a number of resources published by the
Diocese.

Father’s Day at St. Stepanos Church, Elberon, NJ
Richard McOmber with his grandchildren at St. Stepanos Church.

** Elberon Names “Father of the Year”
————————————————————

On Sunday, June 22, St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, honored
parishioner Richard D. McOmber as `Man and Father of the Year.’ The
presentation of the award was made at the conclusion of the Divine
Liturgy in the church sanctuary, in the presence of Mr. McOmber’s
family and the parish community.

He has been an active member of St. Stepanos Church for many years,
serving as chair of the annual parish assembly, singing in the choir,
leading the stewardship campaign, and assisting in other
capacities. He is currently working with the Rev. Fr. Daniel
Karadjian, parish pastor, on implementing a new Bible study class.

Later on the afternoon of June 22, the parish gathered for its annual
picnic. Also in attendance was U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone.

St. James Picnic
Kids enjoyed face painting and other activities at the June 8
celebration.

** Armenian Festival in Watertown
————————————————————

On Sunday, June 8, St. James Church of Watertown, MA, hosted its
annual Armenian Festival.

Hundreds gathered on church grounds and enjoyed Armenian food,
dancing, and music provided by Jay Baronian, Leon Janikian, Ken
Kalajian, and Bob Raphalian. Children’s games and activities included
a moon bounce, caricature artist, and relay games.

The festival was co-chaired by Emily Bedrosian and Mark Yacubian
Torre. Click here
()
to view photos.

Choir training at St. Vartan Cathedral
Maestro Khoren Mekanejian with Salpi Katanjian (left) and Rita
Katanjian.

** Dallas Parishioners Study Hymns of the Badarak
————————————————————

Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese’s coordinator of music
ministry, recently trained two choir members of St. Sarkis Church of
Dallas, TX, at the Diocesan Center in New York City. Rita Katanjian,
17, and her mother Salpi traveled to New York on June 15, where they
spent a week studying the hymns of the Divine Liturgy and learning how
to conduct their church choir.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Rita was invited to sing with the
St. Vartan Cathedral Choir. In addition to strengthening the choir in
Dallas, she said she hopes to inspire young people in her home parish
to learn the sacred music of the Armenian Church.

Upcoming events

** Upcoming Parish Events
————————————————————

Sts. Joachim and Anne Church | Palos Heights, IL
Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of Palos Heights, IL, will host its
annual church picnic on Sunday, July 13, from 12 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy lamb, chicken, and shish kebob; khorovadz, and other Armenian
favorites. The event will be held on church grounds (12600 South
Ridgeland Avenue in Palos Heights). Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
ACYOA Central Council Meeting

** ACYOA Central Council Meets with Primate
————————————————————

On Saturday, June 21, the ACYOA Central Council held its first meeting
since the organization’s General Assembly in May. Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided. Also attending were Jennifer
Morris and Lorie Odabashian of the Department of Youth and Young Adult
Ministries.

The council extended its gratitude to outgoing member Armen
Terjimanian for his hard work over the past three years. Currently
serving on the council are: Ani Grigorian (chair), Jonathan Pelaez
(vice chair), Chelsea Kress (secretary), Shant Paklaian (treasurer),
Sarine Atamian (public relations coordinator), Adrienne Ashbahian
(programming coordinator), and Daniel Zalinov (chapter relations
coordinator).

The members focused on strategic planning and goal setting. ACYOA
programming, chapter relations, public relations, and fundraising are
at the forefront of the agenda for the coming year. They also reviewed
the successful 2014 General Assembly and Sports Weekend, which was
hosted by Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, and drew more than 500
participants.

ASP 2014
ASP participants await their flight at JFK Airport in New York City.

** Armenia Service Program Arrives in Yerevan
————————————————————

Participants in this year’s ACYOA Armenia Service Program arrived in
Armenia this week.

The program of travel and service gives young adults a unique
opportunity to discover their homeland and to serve its people in a
meaningful way. Through a partnership with the Fund for Armenian
Relief, participants will volunteer at a summer camp and the Vanadzor
Old Age Home.

This year’s trip is led by the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, pastor of
St. Gregory of Narek Church of Richmond Heights, OH. The program runs
through July 20.