Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIA: EXTENDED WINTER GOOD FOR GROWERS

Fresh Plaza

March 16 2012
Netherlands

The extension of winter this year, into the first weeks of spring, has
delayed the onset of the agricultural vegetation by 20 days, compared
to last year.

However, tis is being seen as a good thing Agrarian Peasant Union of
Armenia Chairman, Hrach Berberyan, stated during a press conference on
Wednesday.

“Since the winter is prolonging, we will not have frostbite (frost
damage) in April. We can evade the apricot frostbite,” Berberyan said.

According to him, this year apricots will be harvested at the end of
June, instead of the usual time of mid-June. Vegetables will be
gathered in around 20 days later than usual, seeing the potato harvest
taking place in June this year and not May.

He noted that the only problems he could foresee as a result of the
cold temperatures were in relation to spring sowing.

THE ASHTON-JUPPE GATE – WHY IS FRANCE OUT OF LINE?

Foreign Policy Blogs Network
March 15, 2012 Thursday 12:25 PM EST

These last several weeks Alain Juppe, French Foreign Minister, has
been outspoken against the incompetence of the EU High Representative
Catherine Ashton and the European External Action Service (EEAS). The
latest attack was a letter sent by Juppe to Ashton on March 9th,
wherein the French minister lectured Ashton on the shortfalls of the
EEAS. According to Juppe’s representatives, the letter was part of a
natural exercise of constructive criticism fostering debate between
the EEAS and the French ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Despite the fact that Ashton has not emerged as the most polish
diplomat, it is still quite inappropriate to see France attacking her
this way. Back in 2009 Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, made a
choice to assure the DG Internal Market of the European Commission to
Michel Barnier instead of seeking for the head of the EEAS. France is
far from being a model of EU guardianship when it comes to foreign
policy, as recently illustrated with the Arab Spring and the NATO
mission in Libya. In both cases, France tried to maximize its interests
at the expense of the EEAS and ultimately the Union.

Francois Guillot/AFP/Getty Images

Following the appointments of Ms. Ashton, Mr. Van Rompuy, and Mr.
Barnier, Nicolas Sarkozy declared that securing DG Internal Market
was a victory for France. Sarkozy was quoted by Le Monde claiming
that “the agreement on the role of Michel Barnier was sealed between
Barroso and I [Sarkozy] three days ago. It’s exceptional for France.

And the second victory is that our friends, the Romanians, have
agriculture.” Such statement was particularly inappropriate for
two reasons: first, in theory, a Commissioner is accountable to the
Union and not to his/her country; second, the statement was directly
addressed to the British. No statements were made about the importance
of the EEAS.

In recent years, Mr. Juppe has emerged as an vocal politician
considering his criticisms on several key decisions made by the ruling
party of

President Sarkozy. For example, he was critical of the bill
criminalizing the denial of the Armenian genocide considering the
consequence it could have on the relations with Turkey; second, he
took note of the election of Vladimir Putin last Sunday, and never
congratulated Putin; last, he now criticizes openly Ashton in his
letter of March 9th.

Despite the criticism, Juppe called for the EEAS to become a stronger
international actor as well as increase the coherence and efficiency
of the external actions of the EU. He also made several propositions:
first, the EEAS must be more proactive in advancing the questions of
human rights in countries like Syria and Iran; second, reinforcing
the EU capacities in sharing refueling airplanes as proven by the
shortfalls during the Libyan mission; third, the EEAS needs to
improve its competencies on core international questions such as
non-proliferation, fight against terrorism, coherence in international
fora.

Erkki Tuomioja, head of the Finish diplomacy, declared that Ashton
has been trying her best but remains dependent on the willingness of
the EU Member States, and especially the Big Three – Britain, France,
and Germany. Such statement is not surprising coming from a smaller EU
Member State as they have progressively become second-class citizens
on foreign policy questions. This gap between the Big Three and the
rest of the Union is increasingly hurting the unity of the Union on
key international questions.

The claim that the EEAS has turned out as a disappointment is quite
valid considering its large budget and staff. The EU could have
been much more active in the Arab Spring – Tunisia and Egypt – and
failed to do so. Libya was really the opportunity to redeem the EEAS
and launched a CSDP mission. Ashton failed to assure a role to the
EU. Now with Syria, one could expect nothing coming from the EEAS
beside words. Despite the recent failures of the EEAS, for Juppe to
lecture Ashton on her missteps, mistakes, and the EEAS shortcomings is
an absolute aberration. France should take a clear look at its latest
foreign policy decisions and see how many times since 2009 and before
it has tried to empower the EEAS instead of France’s interests.

Nicolas Sarkozy has proven to be a strategic world leader positioning
France as a world power at the expense of the EU, as proven by the
Georgia and Libyan crises among others. Ultimately, EU Member States
get what they choose for. Maybe it should be time to substitute the
traditional question of, how much has the EEAS done for France?,
by another one, how much has France done for the EEAS?

DIASPORA MINISTRY’S MUCH HERALDED “VIRTUAL MUSEUM” IS A “VIRTUAL EMBARRASSMENT”
Hrant Gadarigian

12:24, March 15, 2012

I read somewhere that the 2012 budget for the RA Ministry of the
Diaspora is 712 million AMD. That’s around $1.9 million, give or
take. God knows what they do with the money…

I can tell you one thing for sure – they didn’t spend a dime on
the newly released Virtual Museum of the Armenian Diaspora! The
website is an embarrassment and should have never been launched in
its present state.

I skipped through the English version – atrocious is the first
adjective that popped into my disbelieving head. Grammatical mistakes,
incorrect place names, poor syntax….where does one begin?

Who conducted the research? Who edited the text? The best one can
say is that, in places, the Virtual Museum resembles an adequate copy
and past job.

As to factual inaccuracies, well, the list is endless. Here’s a section
on the Armenian community in the United States. Read and weep…

* The Armenians who left for the U.S. settled in almost all states
and there were nearly 20,000 Armenians living in the U.S. in 1900.

* Among active dioceses are the U.S. Eastern (Prelacy is the St.

Varian Church in New York, Prelate, Archbishop Khazhak Parsamian) *
The first Holy Savior Armenian Apostolic Church in the U.S. was built
in 1891 in Ustr and currently, there are nearly 90 churches…

I read that Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan noted the following
to the press when the Virtual Museum was launched recently:

…creating such a museum requires serious professional work, and
the Ministry of Diaspora did its utmost for the website to contain
accurate information. More information will be added to the website
in the course of time…

If we are to believe her words, then the Minister needs a serious
wake-up call.

The Virtual Museum resembles a hastily concocted high school homework
project rather than something emanating from a government ministry.

Minister Hakobyan also said that 6 million AMD ($16,000) was spent
of the project.

The least they could have done was to hire a semi-decent
translator/editor and a fact-checker.

Then again, there’s nothing “virtual” about the Virtual Museum. I mean,
you can’t walk around in it.

I guess the million dollar question to be asked is – What was the
ministry thinking in the first place?

Who came up with this idea and why?

Minister Hakobyan, during her press conference for the much ballyhooed
museum, stated:

… The project is an attempt to integrate the Armenian Diaspora’s
values with community and national values.

Could someone please translate this into English for me?

Someone has to be held accountable for this travesty. Such haphazard
and unprofessional work cannot be tolerated.

The ministry seems incapable, or unwilling, to take itself seriously
and this project merely underlines the point.

They should have used the $16,000 to compile a reading list of
materials for those interested in learning about the “diaspora”;
its origins, history, present situation, et al.

This is a line from Minister Hakobyan’s introduction when you enter
the Virtual Museum:

Fortune disposed us, Armenians, to lose our Homeland and become
refugees, to spread all over the world, to find a shelter in different
corners of the world.

FORTUNE???

Please, go back to the drawing board and try again.

FORMER ARMENIAN POLICE OFFICIAL ACCEPTS CHARGES AGAINST HIM

news.am
March 15, 2012 | 17:21

YEREVAN. – Former Chief of the Police Force Criminal Investigation
Department, Police Major General Hovhannes Tamamyan, pleaded guilty
for the charges that were laid against him.

The court hearing of Tamamyan and two other defendants-Armen Poghosyan
and Vahan Khanzadyan-finally got underway, on Thursday, at capital
Yerevan’s Kentron and Nork Marash General Jurisdiction Court. The
defendants are charged with abuse of power, which has caused serious
consequences.

At the start of the hearing, Poghosyan and Khanzadyan accepted the
charges that were made against them and asked the Court for a speedy
trial. Hovhannes Tamamyan’s attorney, on the other hand, asked for a
ten-minute recess to consult with his client, and subsequently Tamamyan
likewise accepted the charges against him and asked for a speedy trial.

Next, the prosecutor asked for two working days to prepare the
accusation report. So, the presiding judge complied with the
prosecution’s request and adjourned the Court until March 20.

To note, Hovhannes Tamamyan is under custody since March 24, 2011.

ARMENIA AT A CROSS ROADS

The Messenger
March 15 2012
Georgia

Armenian political party New Times will not participate in the
forthcoming parliamentary elections, according to party chair, Aram
Karapetyan, because the party does not believe that it is possible
to change Armenia through elections.

Karapetyan says there is only one way to change anything in the
country, and that is through street protests.

In contrast, Republican Party MP Manvel Badeyan believes that it is
unacceptable to lead the country into revolution. He said “responsible”
Armenians should not follow in the footsteps of their Arab peers.

ARF DISCUSSES ITS PROPORTIONAL LIST

ARMENPRESS
MARCH 15, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Revolutionary Federation
is launching today discussion of proportional list and majority
system candidates, member of the ARF Supreme Body Spartak Seyranyan
told Armenpress. He said after clarifications the list and names of
candidates will be known to the public. The ARF member said there is
no clear timeframe for discussions, they may last for hours or days.

No party has yet officially publicized the proportional list but non
official discussions over them continue. The RPA though has officially
publicized the names of candidates in majority system.

ERIC BOGOSIAN DISCUSSES CAREER, TEHLIRIAN PROJECT

ARMENPRESS
MARCH 15, 2012
YEREVAN

NEW YORK, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS: Eric Bogosian, the star of “Law &
Order-Criminal Intent” and the now cult-classic “Talk Radio,” spoke to
an audience of about 100 people on February 2 at the Cornell Club in
New York about his artistic career, his Armenian background, and his
research project on Soghomon Tehlirian, the assassin of Talaat Pasha,
the mastermind of the Armenian Genocide, reports Armenpress citing
Asbarez.The event, “Searching for Tehlirian,” was organized by the
New York Chapter of the Hamazkayin Armenian Education and Cultural
Society, and was the inaugural lecture of the Hamazkayin Arts &
Letters Series. Bogosian started by talking about growing up in
Watertown, Mass. “My grandfather used to say that the whole world is
Armenian because we all are descended from Noah,” he said to general
laughter. Bogosian’s initial intent was to fictionalize Tehlirian’s
assassination of Talaat in Berlin on March 15, 1921.

As he delved deeper into the topic, in the process amassing a library
of more than 1,000 volumes on Armenian history and related issues,
Bogosian discovered new angles to the genocide plan and the plot to
kill the masterminds of the genocide-plans that remain relatively
unknown. He saw the Armenian drama in a geopolitical context that
involved Germany, Great Britain, and the race to control Caspian and
Middle East oil, including Calouste Gulbenkian’s role.

These and other new findings nudged Bogosian towards turning his
project into a non-fiction book, which will likely come out later this
year or in early 2013 as he continues his research and field studies.

THE ARARAT-ESKIJIAN MUSEUM
THE ARMENIAN SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES
THE ARMENIAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ARMENIAN STUDIES AND RESEARCH

present

FROM THE INDIAN OCEAN TO THE MEDITERRANEAN:
THE GLOBAL TRADE NETWORKS OF ARMENIAN MERCHANTS FROM NEW JULFA

A Lecture by
Dr. Sebouh Aslanian
Richard Hovannisian Term Chair of Modern Armenian History,
Established by the Armenian Educational Foundation,
University of California, Los Angeles

**Sunday, March 18, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.**
at The Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Main Hall

Drawing on a rich trove of documents, including correspondence not seen
for 300 years, Dr. Sebouh Aslanian’s groundbreaking study From
the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean (University of California Press)
explores the emergence and growth of a remarkable global trade network
operated by Armenian silk mer-chants from a small outpost in the Persian
Empire. Based in New Julfa, Isfahan, in what is now Iran, these
merchants operated a network of commercial settlements that stretched
from London and Amsterdam to Manila and Acapulco.

Aslanian brings to light the trans-imperial cosmopolitan world of the
New Julfans, the effects of long distance trade on the organization of
community life, the ethos of trust and cooperation that existed among
merchants, and the importance of information networks and communication
in the operation of early mod-ern mercantile communities.

Sebouh David Aslanian is the Richard Hovannisian Term Chair of Modern
Armenian History, estab-lished by the Armenian Educational Foundation,
at the department of history at UCLA. He has taught at the department of
history at CSU-Long Beach as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 2010
after serving a year at Cornell University as a Mellon Foundation
Postdoctoral fellow in world history. He received his Ph.D. (with
distinction) from Columbia University in 2007.

From the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean was selected by the
Committee of the `California World Histo-ry Library’ as the first book
to appear in their new series, `Author’s Imprint,’ that celebrates and
recogniz-es `exceptional scholarship by first-time authors.’ It
received the 2011 Houshang Pourshariati Book Award in Iranian Studies
and the PEN literary award for outstanding first book of the year from
UC Press.

117 S. Louise Street, Glendale, CA 91205

Free admission and open to the public. Your donations are appreciated.

>From the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean will be on sale and available
for signing by the author.

For more information about this free event contact the Ararat-Eskijian
Museum at 818-838-4862 or

[email protected]; the Armenian Educational Foundation
at 818-242-4154;

the Armenian Society of Los Angeles at 818-241-1073; or NAASR at
617-489-1610 or [email protected].

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

TOP STORY March
15, 2012

Sunday of the Judge
Parable of the Unjust Judge by John Everett Millais (1863).

Sunday of the Judge

A common image runs through the Gospel reading for Sunday, March 18=80’the
Sunday of the Judge, in Great Lent.

In one parable, our Lord tells the story of a widow who would not cease
calling on a judge for justice-and we are meant to think about our own
prayers to heaven. In a second parable, a Pharisee and a tax collector
pray in the Temple, displaying very different attitudes towards God.

Both of these stories are offered in the context of Jesus telling about
the end of the world, the coming of God’s kingdom, and the judgment of
all mankind.

Listening to these passages, we are forced to realize that as human
beings, every day, we stand before God. Indeed, one day, at the coming
of His kingdom, we will stand before Him as our judge. And so we must
ask ourselves: How should we stand before God? How should we prepare
to show ourselves to Him?
[4]
Click here to learn more about Lent in the Armenian Church.
Links:
4.

Ordination at St. Vartan Cathedral

Two Seminarians to be Ordained Acolytes on Sunday

On Sunday, March 18, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will
ordain two seminarians to the rank of acolyte at St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral.

Levon Asdourian and Arman Uzunyan, students of St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary, will be made `tbirs’ by the hand of the Primate, which
incorporates the four minor orders of porter, lector, exorcist, and
acolyte. These minor orders have, by and large, been abandoned by the
Western churches, but are still retained in the Armenian tradition.
Among the holders of the minor orders, only the acolytes may accompany
the priest and deacons onto the holy altar.

The ordination will be performed in the course of the Divine Liturgy,
which beings at 10:30 a.m. [5]Click here for information on the
cathedral’s service schedule and location.
Links:
5.

Scripture of the Week

Mk 13:1-37
Is 65:8-25
Phil 3:1-4:9
Lk 17:20-18:14

Prayer of the Week

O Lord, send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them
bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the
altar of God, and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

17 March: Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

18 March: Sunday of the Steward

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Holy Etchmiadzin new library
An aerial photo of the new library and research center building (in the
foreground) at Holy Etchmiadzin.

Holy Etchmiadzin to Open Library and Research Center

A new building to house the library and manuscript collection of Holy
Etchmiadzin has been completed on the grounds of the Mother See. The
sponsors of the project are Vatche and Tamar Manoukian of London.

The temperature-controlled building will help preserve the more than
3,000 ancient volumes of the Armenian Church. It will also serve as a
center for Armenological and theological studies, and host exhibitions
open to the public.

The next phase of the project will include the installation of
furnishings and other equipment. The center is expected to open in the
fall of 2012.

[6]Click here to view a video about the project in Armenian.
Links:
6.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Diocesan Clery Retreat
Clergy who took part in this week’s Lenten retreat in Mundelein, IL.

Clergy Retreat Held in Illinois

Clergy from Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, and Texas
gathered this week for a three-day Lenten retreat at the Cardinal
Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein, IL. The program began on Monday,
March 12, with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
presiding.

Themed `Follow Me,’ the retreat explored Christ’s call through Bible
study and group discussions facilitated by the clergy, as well as
spiritual reflections offered at the various prayer services. A special
guest at the retreat was Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the
Diocese of Canada.

The retreat was organized by Diocesan Vicar, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon
Odabashian. Similar retreats are scheduled for the New England and
Mid-Atlantic regions.

Lenten video series continues

Lenten Video Series: On Temptation

On our website homepage and YouTube channel, the Eastern Diocese is
offering a series of brief online videos on Great Lent.

For this week’s edition, Diocesan communications director Christopher
Zakian speaks about the significance of the 40-day period Christ spent
in the wilderness following his baptism. Lent is typically thought of
as a time of quiet withdrawal and introspection; but as this week’s
video explains, the story behind it is something different: a story of
combat and resistance, which pits the Son of God against the great
Enemy of mankind.
[7]
Click here to view the latest Lent video. And refresh your memory of
the [8]first video in the series: a primer on Armenian Church fasting
traditions, with Fr. Simeon Odabashian.
Links:
7.
8.

Sahan Artsrouny
Sahan Arzruni gave a food preparation demonstration at the Diocese on
Tuesday.

Lenten Cuisine, Orchestrated by a Master Musician

On Tuesday evening, March 13, at the Diocesan Center in New York,
master pianist and ethnomusicologist Sahan Arzruni offered a unique,
creative presentation on Armenian Lenten cuisine.

The presentation featured a food preparation exhibition with a witty,
informative running narrative by Mr. Arzruni. He explained Armenian
traditions of Lent, and showed how he prepares various dishes using
contemporary ingredients.

The result was a full five-course dinner, which participants enjoyed as
Mr. Arzruni fielded questions on everything from the novel ingredients
(including Swiss chard and quinoa) to the similarities between Lenten
cooking and the modern “vegan” diet.

The evening came to a close with a Rest Service in the sanctuary of St.
Vartan Cathedral, led by the cathedral dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros
Chevian.

[9]Click here to read more.
Links:
9.

FAR trip to Armenia

FAR’s Young Professionals Trip Scheduled for June

This year the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Young Professionals Trip will
again include a tour of historic Armenian lands in eastern Turkey.
Participants will be able to visit incredible historic sites like
Armenia’s magnificent former capital of Ani, the holy island of
Aghtamar, as well as Kars and Van. The two-week trip, now in its 17th
year, will also include an extensive and enriching tour around Armenia.

The trip provides an ideal opportunity for young professionals between
the ages of 23 and 40 to travel to Armenia as a group, and to go beyond
a tourist’s itinerary to learn firsthand about Armenia’s place in the
world. Participants will visit FAR’s projects, engage in dialogue with
religious and government leaders, and gain an understanding of how
Armenia’s future is being shaped with the support of the diaspora.

The trip is scheduled for June 17-30. [10]Click here to learn more
about this year’s program.
Links:
10.

Diocesan Center News

Diocese Seeking Development Director

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is currently
seeking candidates for the position of Director of Development.

The Development Director will report to the Diocese’s Executive
Director. He or she will be responsible for planning and implementing
all fundraising strategies for the Eastern Diocese. Responsibilities
include the areas of donor research, cultivation, and solicitation;
leadership identification and planning; reporting to donors and the
public; among other areas.

Qualified applicants should have a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree
preferred) and a significant record of success in fundraising. Please
consult the job description and list of qualifications posted on the
[11]Eastern Diocese’s website.
Links:
11.

Send résumé and cover letter via e-mail to
[12][email protected]. Only those applicants meeting
the requirements for the position will be interviewed. The review of
applications will begin immediately.
Links:
12. mailto:[email protected]

PARISH NEWS

St. James Church, Evanston, IL
Archbishop Barsamian presided over the celebration of the Divine
Liturgy at St. James Church on Sunday.

St. James Church of Evanston, IL, Welcomes Primate

On Sunday, March 11, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
visited St. James Church of Evanston, IL, where he presided over the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy and delivered the day’s sermon. The
Rev. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James Church, celebrated
the Divine Liturgy.

In his sermon, Archbishop Barsamian reflected on Jesus’ parable about
an unjust steward and spoke about its significance to today’s faithful.
`God has entrusted man with Creation, and mankind has to preserve and
protect, and ultimately pass on, what he has been entrusted with,’
Archbishop Barsamian said. `This kind of stewardship is the job of
every member of our church.”

Following services, the parish Women’s Guild hosted a mid-Lenten
luncheon in the church’s Nishan Hall. The St. James Bell Choir
performed a selection of melodies.

Divine Liturgy celebrated in Southwest Florida

Winter Season Concludes in Southwest Florida

The Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Chicago, IL, visited the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
mission parish on Sunday, March 11, where he celebrated the Divine
Liturgy with assistance from Dn. Allan Tossoonian of St. Hagop Church
of Pinellas Park, FL. Organist Pierre Abadjian and 14 choir members
sang the hymns of the Badarak.

More than 120 people took part in the service, including the Rev. Fr.
Nersess and Yn. Aurora Jebejian, parents of Fr. Aren Jebejian. A light
luncheon and the parish’s annual bake sale followed services.

The day concluded the winter season at the Armenian Church of Southwest
Florida, which runs from November to early spring. To join the parish’s
mailing list for updates on future programs, contact Parish Council
chair Carole Meghreblian at [13][email protected].
Links:
13. mailto:[email protected]

Celebrating Armenian Armed Forces
Ambassador Tatoul Markarian (second from left) and Fr. Hovsep
Karapetyan with representatives of the Armenian armed forces at St.
Mary Church.

St. Mary Church Salutes Armenia’s Armed Forces

On Sunday, February 26, St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, celebrated
the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s armed forces. The day began with a
celebration of the Divine Liturgy and a Requiem Service for fallen
Armenian soldiers and the victims of pogroms in Azerbaijan in the late
1980s and early 1990s.

Following services, more than 120 parishioners gathered for a luncheon
and program organized by the Parish Council. Among the special guests
were His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the
United States; Colonel Mesrop Nazarian, Armenia’s Defense Attaché in
Washington; other representatives from the embassies of Armenia and
Nagorno-Karabagh; and officers of the Armenian military who are
currently studying in the United States.

The Rev. Fr. Vertaness Kalayjian opened the program with a prayer.
Students of St. Mary’s Shnorhali School presented a cultural program of
songs and poems. Mr. Markarian spoke about the role of the armed forces
in the life of independent Armenia. Colonel Nazarian highlighted the
army’s achievements.

Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, parish pastor, noted that during our history
battles were always fought for the peace, justice, and religious
identity of the Armenian nation. He presented Colonel Nazarian with a
plaque bearing the Lord’s Prayer. Gregory Manougian served as the
master of ceremonies.

[14]Click here to view photos.
Links:
14.

EVENTS

Prof. Abraham Terian
Professor Abraham Terian will give a lecture at St. Nersess Seminary on
March 22.

Lecture on Armenian Mosaics at St. Nersess Seminary

On Thursday, March 22, Professor Abraham Terian, Professor Emeritus of
Armenian Theology and Patristics at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, will
give a lecture on a recently-discovered Armenian mosaic in Jerusalem.
The lecture will be held at St. Nersess Seminary in New Rochelle, NY,
beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The mosaic sheds light on the role of Armenians in ancient Jerusalem.
It was excavated during the past decade, and the findings were
published in the December 2011 issue of the Israel Exploration Journal.

The lecture is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.
[15]Click here for more information.
Links:
15.

Sacred Music at St. Vartan Cathedral

Sacred Music at the Cathedral

`An Evening of Worship, Scripture, and Sacred Music’ will be held at
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Saturday, March 24, beginning with a
Vespers Service at 7 p.m.

The program will include hymns from the Sunrise, Peace, and Rest
services of the Armenian Church. The hymns will be sung by the St.
Vartan Cathedral Choir under the direction of Maestro Khoren
Mekanejian.

[16]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
16.

Art at the Cathedral

Easter Art Exhibit at the Diocese

New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is pleased to announce that a
special art exhibit will be on display in the Diocesan Complex as part
of the upcoming observance of Easter Eve and Easter Sunday on April 7
and 8, 2012.

Behold, All Things Have Become New: Armenian Artists Celebrate Easter
is an exhibition of works by prominent Yerevan-based painters as well
as by prolific Armenian artists based in America. Curator for the
exhibit is Vasken Kalayjian, renowned graphic designer and artist.

Behold, All Things Have Become New will be on display in Guild Hall and
Yerevan Hall of the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral complex (630 Second
Avenue, New York City).

[17]Click here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
17.

YOUTH NEWS

Camp deadline approaches

Last Day to Receive St. Vatan Camp Early-Bird Discount

Today, March 15, is the last day to receive the early-bird discount for
St. Vartan Camp. [18]Click here to register online.
Links:
18.

St. Vartan Camp CIT applications are also due today; staff and
volunteer applications are due on March 30. [19]Click here to download
the applications.
Links:
19.

Applications for Hye Camp will be available online by March 30.

St. Vartan Camp, housed at the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY
Staff Training: Wednesday, June 27 – Saturday, June 30
Session A: Sunday, July 1 – Saturday, July 14
Session B: Sunday, July 15 – Saturday, July 28
Session C: Sunday, July 29 – Saturday, August 11

Hye Camp, housed at Camp Hickory in Ingleside, IL
Staff Training: Wednesday, July 25 – Saturday, July 28
Camp Session: Saturday, July 28 – Saturday, August 4

For more information about St. Vartan Camp or Hye Camp, contact
Jennifer Morris, Youth Outreach coordinator, at (248) 648-0702, or via
e-mail at [20][email protected].
Links:
20. mailto:[email protected]

ASYOA Central Council met at the Diocesan Center
ACYOA Central Council members reviewed plans for upcoming programs
during last week’s meeting.

ACYOA Central Council Meets at Diocesan Center

The ACYOA Central Council met on Saturday, March 10, at the Diocesan
Center in New York to review plans for upcoming programs. Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate; the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon
Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar; and Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA executive
secretary, were present for the meeting.

The meeting began with a Bible study led by Nancy Basmajian on Christ’s
commission to his disciples. Council members then discussed goals they
have set for the year, including efforts to strengthen local chapters,
engage more alumni in the organization, and expand faith-based
programming and service projects.

Council members also spoke about the recent Lenten retreat held at Holy
Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, and looked forward to another retreat
planned for April 14 at St. James Church of Evanston, IL. They also
reviewed plans for the General Assembly and Sports Weekend, scheduled
for May 24-28 in Chicago, IL; the summer internship program at the FAR
Children’s Center (May 29-August 8); and the 2012 Armenia Service
Program (June 29-July 19).

For more information about the ACYOA, visit [21]
Links:
21.

ACYOA Juniors retreats continue
Fr. Yeprem Kelegian speaks with young people at the ACYOA Juniors
retreat in Illinois.

ACYOA Juniors Retreats Underway

The third ACYOA Juniors retreat of the season took place last weekend,
with close to 20 young people from five parishes in Wisconsin and
Illinois taking part in the program at Camp Hickory in Ingleside, IL,
the home of Hye Camp.

The retreat sessions focused on this year’s Diocesan theme of
`Vocations: The Call to Serve-Ministry of the Faithful,’ and
participants were encouraged to explore how each of them can share his
or her God-given talents for the benefit of others.

Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s Youth Outreach coordinator, led the
retreat. The Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian served as the retreat chaplain
and led two of the sessions on Saturday. Other clergy who led morning
or evening services include the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, the
Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, the Rev. Fr. Paren Galstyan, and the Rev.
Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan.

In addition to Bible studies and educational sessions, participants
enjoyed time for outdoor games and activities in the sunny, warm
weather. On Sunday morning, participants took part in the celebration
of the Divine Liturgy at St. George Church of Waukegan, IL, and joined
the local parish for a Lenten lunch.

[22]Click here to view photos from the Wisconsin/Illinois ACYOA Juniors
Retreat.
Links:
22.

Below is a schedule of upcoming retreats. To register, contact your
parish pastor or youth minister, or e-mail Jennifer Morris at
[23][email protected].
Links:
23. mailto:[email protected]

March 17-18 Florida (St. Petersburg, FL)
April 13-15 New York, New Jersey, and the Mid-Atlantic (Stony Point,
NY)
April 21-22 Texas (Dallas, TX)

PARIS ” CONTINUE A PARLER ” AVEC ANKARA, ASSURE ALAIN JUPPE
Ara

armenews.com
vendredi 16 mars 2012

PARIS, 15 mars 2012 (AFP) – Alain Juppe a affirme jeudi que la France
“continuait a parler” avec la Turquie, en depit du differend avec ce
pays sur un texte de loi visant a sanctionner la negation du genocide
armenien, finalement annule par le Conseil constitutionnel. “Nos
relations avec la Turquie ne sont pas rompues, bien au-dela. Nos
relations economiques restent extremement fortes (…), nos liens
culturels restent entiers et nous continuons a parler avec la
Turquie”, a declare le ministre des Affaires etrangères sur France
Culture Partisan d’un rapprochement avec la Turquie aujourd’hui acteur
incontournable dans la gestion de la crise syrienne, M. Juppe a evoque
ses divergences avec le president Nicolas Sarkozy sur le bien fonde
de cette loi.

“Nous avons eu des difficultes avec la Turquie pour une question qui
a ete le seul point de desaccord que j’ai eu avec Nicolas Sarkozy,
la penalisation de la mise en cause du genocide armenien”, a-t-il dit.

Interroge le 2 fevrier sur ce sujet, M. Juppe avait declare qu’il n’y
avait “pas de divergences au sein du gouvernement puisque, de toute
facon, quand il y a des divergences, c’est le president qui preside
et le Premier ministre qui decide”.

“Un ministre, ca ferme sa gueule ou ca s’en va. Donc je suis dans une
situation où je ferme ma gueule… sur ce point très particulier que
vous avez evoque”, avait-il dit.

La Turquie avait gele fin decembre ses relations politiques et
militaires avec la France après l’adoption par les deputes francais
d’un texte condamnant la negation du genocide de 1915. La loi,
votee ensuite au Senat, a finalement ete annulee par le Conseil
constitutionnel mais le president Sarkozy a reaffirme depuis sa
determination a faire adopter un tel texte.

Le chef de la diplomatie turque, Ahmet Davutoglu, a mis en garde la
France contre toute nouvelle tentative de legiferer sur ce sujet. Mais
malgre ces tensions diplomatiques, le president turc Abdullah Gul,
en visite en Tunisie la semaine dernière, a implicitement confirme
la presence de la France lors de la prochaine reunion a Istanbul des
Amis du peuple syrien.