Author: Kanayan Tamar

GENOCIDE ARMENIEN – TROUS NOIRS DE LA TURQUIE
Stephane

armenews.com
vendredi 18 novembre 2011

Sous la plume de la journaliste Regina Monch le journal allemand FAZ –
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung a denonce l’emprisonnement en Turquie
des intellectuels ” traitant ouvertement avec le genocide des Armeniens
” notant ” qu’en attendant, les scientifiques soulèvent la section
peu explore du genocide “.

Regina Monch introduit son article en indiquant que Ragip Zarakolu et
le Premier ministre turc Recep Erdogan auraient pû se rencontrer en
Allemagne. ” Tous deux etaient invites pour deux evenements absolument
differents. Mais l’intellectuel hautement respecte d’Istanbul
(..) n’a pas atteint son avion. Il a ete arrete. Zarakolu devait
etre a Berlin pour une conference a la Maison de Lepsius consacree a
la societe civile turque et son attitude a l’egard du genocide des
Armeniens ottomans en 1915. Contrairement au passe les miliatnts
ne sont plus persecutes comme Zarakolu pour insulte a la turcite,
mais selon les dispositions des lois anti-terroristes. La police a
saisi ses livres et manuscrits sur l’assassinat et la persecution
des Armeniens chretiens dans l’Empire ottoman. Dans une lettre a
la Conference de Potsdam Zarakolu a explique que son arrestation
s’inscrit dans le cadre d’une campagne d’intimidation contre les
intellectuels et les democrates en Turquie “.

” Rappellant que 48 intellectuels ont ete arretes et son fils, Deniz,
directeur general de la maison d’edition Belge Zarakolu ecrit que son
arrestation fait partie de la politique negationniste turc qui aurait
” envisager une action contre la menace de sa propre securite “. Il
devait faire un rapport a Potsdam sur ” l’industrie de la negation
du genocide ” et des pseudo-etudes scientifiques commandees par le
gouvernement et ” la Coordination contre les accusations infondees
de genocide “.

En l’absence de Ragip Zarakolu c’est Elke Hartmann, qui a parle des
differentes phases de la negation, de la periode immediate après
la Première Guerre mondiale jusqu’a aujourd’hui. Encore et encore,
mais le silence est rompu après la publication de ” Musa Dagh ” de
Franz Werfel ou en 1965, quand les Armeniens partout dans le monde
manifestent. Mais les protestations vont de nouveau etre stoppees.

Mais grâce au livre de Fethiye Cetin ” Ma grand-mère ” la parole s’est
liberee et a commence a fissurer le beton. Les decès qui sont enterres
trop profondement, dit un proverbe, reviennent comme des fantômes. La
femme turque Cetin avait decouvert que sa grand-mère etait armenienne.

Son livre est devenu un best-seller, et la politique a reagi avec des
campagnes de propagande et des mythes historiques. Mais la verite,
dit Hartmann, deplie ses propres forces. Soudain apparurent partout
en Turquie ” des grands-mères armeniennes ” et qu’elles peuplaient
le trou noir de la memoire.

L’historien Ayse Gul Altinay (Universite de Sabanci, Istanbul, Turquie)
a fait des recherches pendant des annees sur les femmes survivantes
du genocide de 1915 Leurs petits-enfants comme Cetin ont brise le
silence et mis en lumière ce groupe oublie : Beaucoup de femmes et
d’enfants ont ete violees après les massacres et les deportations,
comme femme de plaisir ou seconde femme dans des familles musulmanes
ou les orphelinats où ils etaient places pour etre reeduques en tant
que Turcs. La force ” assimilation ” etait accompagnee par le mariage
force – par la conversion qu’Altinay a considere comme un effacement
de cette tragedie.

La sociologue Necla Kelek a appelle les Turcs allemands a Potsdam,
ici, en toute securite et sans danger, a faire vivre la memoire
de cet assassinat de masse. ” Celui qui perd son passe, dit-elle,
citant Gyorgy Konrad, se perd “.

Rober Koptas, le jeune redacteur du magazine turco-armenien ” Agos
” a rappelle Hrant Dink le fondateur de son journal. Beaucoup ont
commence a reflechir et a explorer notre propre origine precisement
quant Hrant Dink a ete assassine parce que ce dernier a voulu se
rappeler de 1915 La Turquie a dit Koptas, a besoin d’un Willy Brandt
maintenant pour enfin se reconcilier avec elle-meme.

YEREVAN WANTS STRONGER CULTURAL COOPERATION WITH IRAN

Islamic Republic News Agency
Nov 18 2011

Moscow, Nov 18, IRNA — Armenian Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs
Hasmik Poghosyan says Iran and Armenia should tighten cultural.

Speaking to Iran’s Cultural Attache Mohammad-Reza Shakiban at the end
of his mission, Poghosyan in Yerevan on Friday highlighted areas of
mutual cooperation in building bridge of literature, publishing tens
of books in Armenian and Farsi languages, and holding scientific and
cultural meetings as well as arts and music festivals and culture
weeks, especially a border cultural festival.

She hoped that the two neighbors will continue cooperation in the
culture domain.

A group of Iranian and Armenian cultural, scientific and literary
elites were present in the meeting.

The Armenian minister to the end of the meeting offered highest
cultural medal of Armenia to the Iranian diplomat, Shakiba.

SUSPECT’S FATHER REVEALS NEW INFO ON DINK MURDER
Vercihan Ziflioglu

Hurriyet Daily News
Nov 17 2011
Turkey

The father of one of the suspected conspirators in journalist Hrant
Dink’ murder, Bahattin Hayal says his son Yasin Hayal was used as
a pawn in the murder case. “The true criminals must be revealed,”
Hayal says.

Suspected instigator Yasin Hayal’s father, Bahattin Hayal says his
son was used by police informant Erhan Tuncel and others in planning
the murder of journalist Hrant Dink. DAILY NEWS photo, Emrah GUREL

The father of one of the suspected conspirators in the murder of
journalist Hrant Dink has released new information on his son’s
connections with police informants and said the real people behind
the assassination must be revealed.

“We learned that my son had gone off to Azerbaijan before the murder,
even though he had no passport or money,” suspected instigator Yasin
Hayal’s father, Bahattin Hayal, told the Hurriyet Daily News on Nov.
16.

The case will never be illuminated unless police informant Erhan
Tuncel’s connections are revealed in full first, he said, adding that
his son was used as a pawn.

“They stayed at a luxury hotel in Akcaabat [a district in the Black
Sea province of Trabzon]. My son was introduced to two persons in the
hotel. Erhan Tuncel had told [him] that one of these was the Chechen
chief of staff,” Bahattin Hayal said, adding that his son’s trip to
the Akcaabat with Tuncel constituted yet another point that needed
to be further investigated.

“I am deeply saddened by this murder. I have no courage to venture
near Rakel Dink [Hrant Dink’s widow]. This case will not come to light
unless Erhan Tuncel’s connections are found. The true criminals must
be revealed,” he added.

Bahattin Hayal said he attempted to meet with the Dink family’s lawyers
several times, and added that they had told him to convince his son to
reveal the truth. However, one of Dink family’s lawyers, Bahri Belen,
said he had not been previously aware of the father’s statements.

“I do not know how serious Tuncel’s statements are. I do not know
whether he was specifically selected to issue such statements either.

He gave us no information regarding Azerbaijan or Akcaabat,” Belen
told the Daily News.

“I am not bluffing; my son was used. He is being tried for life
imprisonment, while Erhan Tuncel may possibly be released. I damn
the day they met,” Bahattin Hayal said, adding that he had earlier
testified to the prosecutor’s office but later changed his testimony
due to the threats he received.

According to the father’s testimony, Yahya Ozturk, who was the chief
of police in Trabzon at the time of the incident, told Hayal that his
son was serving the country and that matters would be arranged so that
he would not have to serve a long sentence for any role in the murder.

Bahattin Hayal also said a high-ranking intelligence official from
the southeastern province of Mardin contacted him in 2007 to send a
message to him, and that he relayed this information to the prosecutor
on Nov. 14.

“‘I pay my respects to you. You have raised a patriotic son,’ was the
message he sent, but I find the praise of this murder disturbing,”
Bahattin Hayal added.

Dink, a journalist of Armenian origin, was the chief editor for
weekly Agos, a paper published in both Turkish and Armenian. He was
shot in front of his office on Jan. 19, 2007; triggerman Ogun Samast
was sentenced to 22 years in prison in July for the murder.

ARMENIA’S DIAMOND CUTTING INDUSTRY RECOVERING, MINISTER SAYS

Israel Diamond Portal

Nov 17 2011

Armenian Economy Minister Tigran Davtyan announced on Wednesday
that the country’s diamond cutting industry was emerging from the
economic crisis, which had caused “serious losses” for Armenian
diamond manufacturers.

By the end of the year, Davtyan said, he expected diamond exports to
reach pre-crisis levels. The National Statistical Service of Armenia
reports that from January-September 2011, Armenia’s diamond cutters
produced 51,500 carats, an 8.3% increase over the corresponding period
of 2010.

Davtyan spoke while visiting two diamond cutting companies in the
Kotayk province, both of which cut rough diamonds sourced from Alrosa.

American Horror Story: This Week’s Freakiest and Funniest Moments
Ethan Alter

Television Without Pity

Nov 17 2011

After a few weeks away, American Horror Story co-creator Brad Falchuk
returned to write the show’s seventh episode, “Open House,” which
we suspect is the main reason why this was the weakest outing
since the second hour, the last one penned by Falchuk and his
partner-in-supernatural-crime, Ryan Murphy. The Harmon clan played only
a minor role in “Open House” with the spotlight primarily shining on
Constance and Larry, The Burn Victim Guy instead. Turns out that these
two were once lovers and Larry even planned to leave his wife for the
not-so-good widow next door… that is, until she set their bedroom on
fire, killing herself and their two girls and giving her philandering
husband those hideous scars. (So much for the original story that
Larry had spun to Ben, which positioned him as the arsonist.)

The episode’s other main plotline involved an Armenian (not Persian!)
real estate developer, Joe Escandarian (Amir Arison), who expressed
interest in buying the Murder House and tearing it down to make room
for a luxury apartment building. While that sounds great to Viv and
Ben, the dynamic trio of Constance, Larry and Moira have other ideas.

It was all very uninteresting, although the Armenian dude did utter
some of the funniest dialogue since the pilot (see below). We’ve
already put “Open House” out of our heads and are eagerly looking
forward to next week’s pre-Thanksgiving episode that will supposedly
delve into the mystery of the so-called “Rubber Man.” (At least,
that’s what we presume, since “Rubber Man” is the title of the freakin’
episode.) Here’s hoping Falchuk and Murphy handed that plum assignment
off to another writer. Hey guys, Jessica Sharzer did an awesome job
with “Piggy Piggy”! Just sayin’…

Freaky: Stuck in the Attic With You Before half his face burned off
and he fell out of Constance’s affections, Larry was so deeply in
love with the honey-voiced temptress that he was literally willing to
commit murder on her behalf. Specifically, he’s supposed to kill Beau,
the deformed boy living in the Murder House attic. So Larry climbs
the attic latter under the pretense of playing the kid’s favorite
game — rolling a red ball back and forth — and then tucking him in
for the night, while quoting that famous Shakespeare line: “For in
that sleep of death, what dreams may come”? (Really, that should have
been Beau’s tip-off that something wasn’t quite right. Then again,
he doesn’t seem like the savviest chained prisoner around.) As Beau
drifts off, Larry grabs a pillow and covers the boy’s face, pressing
down with all his might.

Obviously he wasn’t strong enough though, since Constance pays a visit
to her “beautiful boy” in the attic at the episode’s end. Between that
and his messed-up face, it’s no wonder that Constance kicked Larry to
the curb. [Note: In Larry’s defense, it’s very possible that Constance
was visiting Beau’s ghost, especially since he hadn’t seemed to have
aged since the 1994 smothering incident. — Ethan]

Funny: Now That’s Giving Him The Hard Sell >>From the moment he enters
the Murder House, Joe’s eyes are only for its hot-as-hell maid, Moira
(as her young, attractive self, natch).

Their innuendo-laced conversation (“I like it deep,” indeed) during
the open house brings him back to give her a private tour… of his
pants. What really made this scene for us was the shot of Moira —
now in the form of Frances Conroy — exiting the room afterwards and
wiping her mouth with a handkerchief. Betcha never saw anything like
that on Six Feet Under.

Freaky: We Call Him Sonny Boy The episode’s one standout sequence
checked back in with crazy Dr.

Montgomery and his equally crazy wife, Nora. Apparently, Charles
didn’t stop tinkering around with their son’s butchered corpse,
eventually stitching the baby back together and powering him up with
the “beating heart of one of our girls.” Nora was so touched by the
gesture that she fired a bullet into his skull and then stuck the gun
in her own mouth. Okay, show of hands: who thinks that this creature
and Beau are one and the same?

Funny: Dr. Tate, Armchair Psychiatrist After Tate butters up his
girlfriend’s dad by lying to him about what a big help he’s been,
Ben goes and proves how ill-suited he actually is for his profession
by asking his patient for advice on how to talk to his daughter. Tate
responds by bullshitting something about how “Violet isn’t a little
girl anymore” and how he wishes Ben had been his father, all the
while sporting a grin on his face that basically says “I got your
number, pal.”

Freaky: Say Goodbye To Your Little Friend Tempting Joe into coming
back for another “meal,” Young Moira leads him down to the basement
and shows him who’s boss by separating him from his member. While
he’s screaming in understandable agony, Larry slips up behind him
and wraps a plastic bag around his head. Finally, Constance appears
and orders him to finish the job somewhere off the property so that
Joe’s ghost won’t bother them again. Smart move.

After all, who would want to spend eternity with that asshole?

Funny: Dialogue Like This “Fags have such a great eye for detail,
don’t they?”

“There are a lot of minority men in this city who would like nothing
more than to ravage me on this countertop.”

“Is there a third option? ‘Cause both of you kind of make me want to
kill myself.”

“I’ve always heard Persians have big, thick cocks. Something a girl
can gnaw on.” “Yeah, no teeth though. And I’m not Persian, by the way.

I’m Armenian.”

“No matter how gruesome or horrible the murder, you can always find
somebody out there who’ll buy the house.”

“I love you.” “Ecchhh.”

“There are three reasons I deal with women: sex, money or making me
sandwiches. And unless you’re planning on going into my kitchen and
slapping some ham between two slices of bread, this conversation
is over.”

FRENCH PROFESSOR WAS ADVISED NOT TO USE WORDS “ARMENIA” AND “KURD” IN TURKEY

Times.am
Nov 17 2011
Armenia

French Embassy in Armenia with cooperation of German Embassy in Armenia
and Yerevan State University will present professor of Paris political
researches Alfred Grosser in Yerevan on November 18.

French Ambassador to Armenia Henri Rene announced about this during
the press-conference. The professor will deliver an open lecture on
theme “Tragedian past and constructive memory: French-German example
may become general”. According to the Ambassador the entrance of the
lecture will be free.

Professor also presented at the press-conference and announced that
not only French-German relations, but also about Armenian-Turkish
relations.

Professor said that he was acquainted with the documents of Armenian
Genocide. Professor also knows the xenophobia which rules in Turkey
now.

He remembered that he was advised not to use words “Armenian” and
“Kurd” while he was in Turkey. “But I think that if Turkey wants to
be a part of European family, it must accept its past and express
tolerance”, professor noted.

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 November
17, 2011

Holy Mother of God, Asdvadzadzin
A detail of a painting depicting St. Mary from Holy Etchmiadzin.

_Presentation of the Mother-of-God to the Temple_

On Monday, November 21, the worldwide Armenian Church will celebrate the
Feast of the Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple.

Shortly after Mary was born, her parents Joachim and Anna took their
daughter to the Temple of Jerusalem to be consecrated to God in thanksgiving
for the gift of their child. According to tradition, Mary remained there for
a time and was given over to the care of pious widows and maidens who lived
at the temple. Later, as a young woman, Mary became betrothed to Joseph the
carpenter.
[4]
Click here to learn more about Mary’s life.
Links:
4.

Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cheltenham, PA

_Primate to Visit Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA_

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will visit Holy Trinity
Church of Cheltenham, PA, on Sunday, November 20, as the community gathers
to mark the 45th anniversary of the church’s consecration.

Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and ordain five
acolytes and five sub-deacons. Later in the afternoon, a banquet will be
held featuring performances by local artists. Several parishioners will be
recognized for their years of service with the `St. Vartan Award.’
[5]
Click here to visit the parish website.
Links:
5.

Scripture of the Week

Is 29:11-20
Phil 4:8-24
Lk 11:1-13

Prayer of the Week

Let us hold the holy Mother-of-God and all the saints as intercessors with
the Father in Heaven, that He may be pleased to have mercy and compassion on
us, His creatures, and save us. Almighty Lord, our God, save us and have
mercy on us. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

_19 November: _Feast of All Saints, Old and New, Known and Unknown

_20 November:_ Barekendan of the Fast of Advent

_21 November:_ Presentation of the Holy Mother-of-God to the Temple

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Soorp Asdvzdzadzin Church in Odzun village
Sourp Mariam Asdvadzadzin Church in Odzun, Armenia.

_Restoration of 6th-Century Church to Begin in Armenia _

Armenia’s Ministry of Culture and the Hovhannes Imastaser Catholicos
Odznetsi charitable foundation recently announced that they will work
together to restore the historic Sourp Mariam Asdvadzadzin Church in
Armenia’s northern village of Odzun.

Established in the 6th century, the church underwent its first major
reconstruction in the 8th century under the leadership of the Catholicos
Hovhannes Imastaser Odznetsi. During the Soviet period, the church fell into
ruin. Plans were made to renovate the structure in the early 1990s, but the
project stalled as the young Armenian nation faced the challenges of its
early years.

The current project will restore the Sourp Mariam Asdvadzadzin Church to its
former glory. Experts estimate that it will take three years to complete the
construction work. [6]

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

DIOCESAN NEWS

President of Nagorno Karabagh visit St. Vartan Cathedral
(foreground, left to right) Archbishop Barkev Martirossian, President Bako
Sahakyan, and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian at St. Vartan Cathedral on
Thursday.

_Nagorno-Karabagh Delegation Visits Diocese_

On Thursday, November 17, a delegation from the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh
visited the Diocesan Center in New York, where they met with Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate; the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian,
Diocesan Vicar; Garnik Nanagoulian, executive director of the Fund for
Armenian Relief; Oscar Tatosian, chair of the Diocesan Council; and Dr.
Raffy Hovanessian, Diocesan Council member.

The delegation was led by Archbishop Barkev Martirossian, Primate of the
Artsakh Diocese, and Nagorno-Karabagh President Bako Sahakyan.

The visit began at St. Vartan Cathedral, where Archbishop Barsamian greeted
Archbishop Martirossian, President Sahakyan, and other guests-including
David Babayan, assistant to the NKR president; Ambassador Tatoul Markarian,
Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States; Ambassador Garen Nazarian, the
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations;
Robert Avetisyan, NKR representative to the U.S; Khoren Bandazian, chair of
All Armenia Fund USA; and Irina Lazarian, executive director of ArmeniaFund
USA-and gave them a brief tour of the Eastern Diocese’s spiritual center.

Representatives then met at the Diocesan Complex to discuss recent
developments in Nagorno-Karabagh, the diaspora’s contributions to
Karabagh’s growth, and the annual international Armenia Fund Telethon, which
will raise money for projects to bring clean drinking water to
Nagorno-Karabagh and rural areas throughout Armenia. The delegation is
visiting Armenian communities across the U.S. to encourage participation in
the telethon, which is scheduled to be broadcast live on Thanksgiving Day,
Thursday, November 24.

President Sahakyan and Archbishop Martirossian thanked the Eastern Diocese
and the Fund for Armenian Relief for their continued support of projects in
Nagorno-Karabagh. The Eastern Diocese and FAR have shared a warm
relationship with the Artsakh Diocese and the local government since the
region’s independence movement in the late 1980s.

President Sahakyan also presented Archbishop Barsamian with a medal in
recognition of his contributions to Nagorno-Karabagh, as well as on the
occasion of the 40th anniversary of Archbishop Barsamian’s ordination into
the holy priesthood and his 20th anniversary as Primate of the Eastern
Diocese.

[7]Click here to view photos.
Links:
7.

Diocesan Council meeting at the Diocesan Center on November 15, 2011
Members of the Diocesan Council met on Wednesday.

_Diocesan Council Reviews Progress of Annual Appeal_

Meeting at the Diocesan Center on Wednesday, November 16, members of the
Diocesan Council heard from Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
about the recent pilgrimage he led to Diarbekir for the re-consecration of
St. Giragos Armenian Church, and the events in Armenia celebrating the 12th
anniversary of the consecration and enthronement of His Holiness Karekin II
and his 60th birthday.

Council members also heard reports from the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian,
Diocesan Vicar; Michael Guglielmo, executive director; and the development
and finance departments. The council reviewed in detail the progress to date
of the [8]2011 Annual Appeal, and was heartened by the news that almost 100
new first-time donors have contributed to the Appeal so far.
Links:
8.

Mr. Guglielmo described the recent ACYOA Leadership Conference, noting the
impressive level of engagement and energy shown by this group of young
leaders. Council members also made plans for the next council meeting, which
is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, in Cambridge, MA. It will be held in
conjunction with the Boston area Annual Appeal reception that evening.

Fr. Aren Jebejian speaks at the Midwest clergy conference in November
Jennifer Morris and Fr. Aren Jebejian at this week’s clergy meeting in Palos
Heights, IL.

_Midwest Clergy Discuss Lay Ministry Initiatives_

On Monday, November 14, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
presided over a meeting of clergy in the Midwest region. The meeting was
held at Sts. Joachim and Anne Church in Palos Heights, IL.

Michael Guglielmo, the Diocese’s executive director, and Jennifer Morris,
youth coordinator, led a discussion on the possibility of expanding
participation in the Hye Camp program. Also during the meeting, clergy
shared recent accomplishments in their ministries and spoke about the
implementation of this year’s Diocesan theme: `The Call to Serve: Ministry
of the Faithful.’

The meeting concluded with Archbishop Barsamian reflecting on the recent
pilgrimage he led to Diarbekir for the re-consecration of St. Giragos
Armenian Church and his trip to Holy Etchmiadzin for events surrounding the
12th anniversary of the consecration and enthronement of His Holiness
Karekin II, and his 60th birthday.

The Midwest clergy will meet again on the occasion of the feast of Sts.
Ghevontiantz in February 2012.

Annual Appeal at Naha Restaurant in Chicago, November 2011
Diocesan leaders gathered at Naha Restaurant in Chicago for an Annual Appeal
reception last Sunday.

_Annual Appeal Reception Held in Chicago_

On Sunday evening, November 13, Chicago’s Naha Restaurant hosted a reception
for the 2011 Annual Appeal. Diocesan leaders gathered to support the
initiative, which honors the 40th anniversary of Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian’s ordination into the holy priesthood of the Armenian Church.

The Annual Appeal is the only Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted each year
to help the Diocese undertake the many ministries, programs, and resources
that enrich life in our local parishes. The first $700,000 raised in the
appeal will fund the Diocese’s operating budget; but all funds raised beyond
that amount will be used to establish a special endowment in our Primate’s
honor.

The new “Archbishop Khajag Barsamian Endowment” will nourish vibrant
existing programs, and allow the Diocese to expand into dynamic new
ministries-such as support for lay ministry.
[9]
Click here to donate to the appeal. Additional receptions are planned for
regions across the Diocese in the coming weeks.
Links:
9.

Dr. Nishan Parlakian
Deacon Rubik Mailian led choir workshops for churches in the Midwest last
weekend.

_Sacred Music Council Holds Midwest Choir Workshops _

Choir members of Midwest churches came together last weekend to study voice
techniques and Christmas music in preparation for Armenian Christmas on
January 6.

The regional workshops were organized by the area clergy and choirs, and
sponsored by the Sacred Music Council. They were led by Deacon Rubik
Mailian, chair of the Sacred Music Council and the music director at St.
John Church of Greater Detroit.

The workshops included a session for junior choir members in Waukegan, IL,
on Friday, November 11, and two sessions for choir members in Chicago, IL,
and Racine, WI, on Saturday, November 12. Topics included the meaning,
theological significance, and history of the hymns, as well as diction,
phrasing, and rhythmical articulation.

Click to[10] read more and to [11]view photos.
Links:
10.
11.

FAR
Aleksander Nefedov paints a landscape at the Kasakh River.

_FAR’s Fine Art Program Inspires Armenian Artists _

FAR’s Fine Art Painter’s Program recently organized a day trip to the Kasakh
River in Armenia’s western province of Aragatsotn.

Aleksander Nefedov, a former graduate of the FAR Gulamerian Vocational
Training Program and a master’s student at the Fine Art Academy in Yerevan,
was a member of the group. `Nowadays it’s not easy to go outside of the city
to work,’ he said. `I have always dreamed of being able to paint with my
senior colleagues and to learn from them.’

Now in its tenth year, FAR’s Fine Art Painter’s Program is run in
collaboration with the Artists Union of Armenia. It gives an opportunity to
Armenian painters to travel around the country to seek inspiration from the
beautiful nature of Armenia.
[12]
Click here to read more on FAR’s blog.
Links:
12.

Walk thru Bible
Children took part in the interactive “Walk Thru the Bible” seminar at the
Church of our Saviour in Worcester, MA, last Saturday.

_Walk Thru the Bible Seminar a Success in New England_

Some 120 parishioners from communities across the New England region
gathered on Saturday, November 12, for an interactive Scripture seminar at
the Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA.

Titled `Walk Thru the Bible: Old Testament,’ the daylong event was sponsored
by the Diocesan Department of Youth and Education and the New England Sunday
School Superintendents Association.

`One of the things all superintendents have come to realize is that unless
the entire community is modeling a powerful and authentic faith, then
whatever we offer our children and young people is futile,’ said Elise
Antreassian, the Diocese’s Christian Education coordinator. =80=9CThey learn from
believing adults who are faith models.’

Click to [13]read more about the seminar and to [14]view photos.
Links:
13.
14.

Advent

_Visit our Blog for Daily Advent Reflections_

Friday, November 18, marks the beginning of the Advent season. Advent means
`coming’-the coming of Christ; in Armenian it is called Hisnag, from the
word `fifty.’

It is the 50-day period during which we prepare to celebrate the Nativity
and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time to reflect on our
relationship with God and to rededicate ourselves to Christ through our
actions, thoughts, and prayers. Advent can also be an occasion to discover
God’s gifts all around us.

This year the Department of Youth and Education is offering daily Advent
reflections on our blog. [15]Click here to view the first reflection, and
come back each day to read and reflect on the posts.
Links:
15.

PARISH NEWS

Fr. Simeon Odabashian visits Palos Heights parish
Archbishop Barsamian distributes Holy Communion at Sts. Joachim and Anne
Church last Sunday.

_Palos Heights, IL, Parish Marks 53 Years_

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, visited Sts. Joachim and Anne
Church of Palos Heights, IL, last weekend, as the parish celebrated the 53rd
anniversary of the church’s consecration.

On Saturday, November 12, Archbishop Barsamian engaged in a discussion with
parishioners in the church hall. He answered questions on a range of topics,
including his personal journey to the priesthood, the ecumenical movement,
and the traditions and practices of the Armenian Church.

On Sunday, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and joined
the community for a celebratory dinner to mark the church’s anniversary. The
afternoon featured performances by parish children and the presentation of
the `Lay Minister of the Year’ awards to Robert Koshkarian and Pearl
Gopoian.

Click to [16]read more and to [17]view photos.
Links:
16.
17.

Fr. Simeon Odabashian visits Palos Heights parish
Fr. Simeon Odabashian with parishioners at Holy Resurrection Church in New
Britain, CT.

_Diocesan Vicar Visits Parish in New Britain, CT_

On Sunday, November 13, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar,
visited the Church of the Holy Resurrection in New Britain, CT, where he
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and met with the community.

In addition, Fr. Odabashian led a discussion with the Parish Council on this
year’s Diocesan theme: `The Call to Serve: Ministry of the Faithful.’ The
discussion focused on how each Parish Council member views his or her
service and commitment to the parish in the light of servant leadership as
exemplified by Christ.

Blessing service at Holy Resurrection Church
Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan and Fr. Paren Galstyan bless the new cultural hall
at Holy Resurrection Church in South Milwaukee, WI.

_New Cultural Hall Blessed in South Milwaukee, WI_

On Saturday, November 12, Holy Resurrection Church of South Milwaukee, WI,
celebrated the completion of the renovation of the church’s cultural hall.

The Rev. Fr. Paren Galstyan, parish pastor, and the Rev. Fr. Hovhan
Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James Church of Evanston, IL, celebrated the
Divine Liturgy, and performed a requiem service for deceased members of the
community.

Following services, Fr. Galstyan and Fr. Khoja-Eynatyan blessed the church
hall, which is dedicated to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide who
settled in the South Milwaukee area. The renovation project was realized
through the support of the entire parish.

[18]Click here to view photos.
Links:
18.

Veteran’s day commemoration in Providence
Fr. Shnork Souin with veterans at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church.

_Veterans Day Commemorated in Providence, RI _

On Sunday, November 13, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
commemorated Veterans Day. The day began with the celebration of the Divine
Liturgy by parish pastor, the Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin.

The community honored its veterans following services in the sanctuary.
During fellowship hour later in the afternoon a special cake was presented
by the Women’s Guild.
[19]
Click here to visit the parish website and to view photos.
Links:
19.

_Upcoming Parish Events _

_Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL_
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, will host a Christmas Bazaar from
November 18 to 20. Enjoy Armenian food and pastries while browsing
handicrafts, stitchery, jewelry, and other items.

[20]Click here to view a flyer for information.
Links:
20.

_St. Mary Church | Washington, DC_
The Gift Store Committee of St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, will host a
dinner dance with singer Bartev on Saturday, November 19, beginning at 7:30
p.m.

The evening will feature a full-course dinner and a cash bar. It will be
held in the St. Mary Church hall. Tickets are $55 per person. [21]Click here
to view a flyer.
Links:
21.

To make reservations, contact Jermen Hallajian at (301) 294-0675; Rebecca
Petrosian at (301) 758-4834; or Takuhi Hallajian at (301) 219-4041; or
e-mail [22][email protected].
Links:
22. mailto:[email protected]

_Armenian Church at Hye Pointe | Haverhill, MA_
The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe of Haverhill, MA, will host a “Holiday
Kef” Dance on Saturday, November 19, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event will
be held at the UMass Lowell Conference Center (50 Warren Street in Lowell,
MA).

The evening will feature Richard Hagopian and his Kef Time ensemble: Mal
Barsamian, Jason Naroian, Bruce Girgajian, and Paul Mooradian. Maza will be
served.

Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for students. For information, call:
Richard Bazarian at (978) 374-0687, or Michael Naroian at (978) 682-3946.

_St. Mary Church | Hollywood, FL _
St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, will host an Argentinean BBQ & Tango Night
on Saturday, November 19.

The event will feature music by the Mediterranean Band, dinner, tango
performances, and tango lessons. All ages are welcome. For reservations,
contact the church office at (954) 450-5578, or e-mail [23][email protected].
Links:
23. mailto:[email protected]

_St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral | New York, NY _
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral of New York City will host a Thanksgiving
luncheon following services on Sunday, November 20.

The luncheon will take place in the Vartan Hall of the cathedral complex. It
is organized by the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, cathedral dean, and the St.
Vartan Cathedral Council. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Dn.
Sebuh Oscherician at (212) 686-0710, ext. 141.

The cathedral council is also sponsoring a food drive (non-perishable items
only) between November 10 and December 23. For more information, contact Dn.
Oscherician.

_Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA_
Holy Trinity Church of Greater Boston will host the Trinity Christmas Bazaar
on Friday, December 2 (3-9 p.m.), and Saturday, December 3 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.).

Enjoy kebab dinners (shish, losh, chicken, and combo) and kheyma (for
Saturday lunch only); an a la carte menu and take-out meals; and vendor
booths. [24]Click here to view a bazaar flyer. Children are invited to
Santa’s Playland. [25]Click here to view a flyer.
Links:
24.
25.

For information, call the church office at (617) 354-0632, or e-mail
[26][email protected].
Links:
26. mailto:[email protected]

_Church of Our Saviour | Worcester, MA_
The Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA, will host a Christmas Festival
on Friday, December 2 (5-9 p.m.), and Sunday, December 4 (12-5 p.m.), in the
church’s Cultural Center.

Enjoy delicious Armenian food and pastries from the country store=80’including
yalanchi, toorshi, Armenian cheese, and other delicacies-browse vendor
booths and take part in raffles. On Sunday, dance to the Eddie Melikian
Ensemble and stay for the arrival of Santa.

For information, e-mail [27][email protected], or call the church
office at (508)-756-2931.
Links:
27. mailto:[email protected]

_St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ _
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host a children’s show featuring
“Taline, Friends, and Santa” on Saturday, December 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. The
program will include a performance and lunch. Tickets are $28. [28]Click
here to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
28.

_St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY _
The Women’s Guild of St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will host a two-day
Holiday Bazaar on December 3 and 4 in the church’s Gdanian Auditorium.

The weekend event will feature a pantry sale of delicious gourmet items,
such as manti, kufte, choreg, boreg, string cheese, paklava, and more. The
festivities will also include vendors selling an array of items. [29]Click
here for more information.
Links:
29.

_St. Gregory the Enlightener Church | White Plains, NY_
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will celebrate the
40th anniversary of its Sunday and Armenian schools on Sunday, December 4.

The day will begin with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian and the ordination of three young men to the rank of
acolyte and sub-deacon. A banquet will follow in the church’s Tutak Hall.

EVENTS

Armenian Cross

_Oriental Orthodox Concelebration on Saturday_

The Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches will sponsor the
Oriental Orthodox Concelebration of the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, November
19, beginning at 9 a.m.

The service will take place at the Coptic Orthodox Church of Archangel
Michael and St. Mena in Staten Island, New York (4095 Amboy Road).

The Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches is comprised of the
Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, and Syrian Orthodox Churches. The public is
invited to participate in Saturday’s service.

The Aryan Myth: Htiler and Armenians

_Zohrab Center to Host Two Events in December_

The Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center will host two
events next month in the Guild Hall of the St. Vartan Cathedral Complex (630
Second Avenue in New York City).

Dr. Vartan Matiossian will give a talk titled `The Aryan Myth, Hitler, and
the Armenians’ on Thursday, December 1, beginning at 7 p.m. [30]Click here
to view a flyer for more information.
Links:
30.

The Center will screen `Aram Khachaturian: A Documentary’ on Thursday,
December 8, beginning at 7 p.m. An introduction to the 45-minute film will
be given by its producer, the master pianist Å=9Eahan Arzruni. [31]Click here
to view a flyer.
Links:
31.

YOUTH NEWS

2011 ACYOA Leadership Conference
Students of the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum.

_Khrimian Lyceum to Travel to Massachusetts_

The Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum will make an educational trip to the Greater
Boston area on November 19 and 20.

The program for students and parents will include visits to the Armenian
Library and Museum of America (ALMA), Project SAVE, and Armenian Heritage
Park. The group will also attend the 25th anniversary performance of the
Sayat Nova dance group in Waltham, MA.

On Sunday, November 20, the group will take part in the celebration of the
Divine Liturgy at St. James Church of Watertown, MA, and join local ACYOA
members for dinner.

The Khrimian Lyceum is a language and cultural program for Armenian
students ages 12-18. For more information about the lyceum, contact Gilda
Buchakjian, the Diocese’s Armenian Studies coordinator, at
(212) 686-0710, ext. 148.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS

The Diocese’s e-Newsletter will not be published on Thanksgiving Day,
Thursday, November 24. We look forward to resuming e-Newsletter publication
on Thursday, December 1.

To send a Thanksgiving e-card to your family and friends, visit our
[32]website.
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: [33]
Links:
32.
33.

PA MEMBER WARNS FORMER IJEVAN MAYOR AGAINST TALKING OF ELECTION BRIBERY

PanARMENIAN.Net
November 18, 2011 – 14:18 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Prosperous Armenia (PA) coalition party member Naira
Zohrabyan commented on former mayor of Ijevan Varuzhan Nersisyan’s
statement regarding use of election bribery by a PA candidate.

“I will give friendly advice to former mayor, it is absolutely not
in his interest to comment on bribery or any other illegal deeds,”
Zohrabyan said.

Dwelling on the detention of a Prosperous Armenia member for allegedly
giving election bribes, the PA member preferred not to answer.

Zohrabyan deemed strange PA member’s detention after its candidate’s
victory in Ijevan mayor race.

POLICE CHIEF RESHUFFLES PASSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADS

Tert.am
18.11.11

Chief of Armenian Police Vladimir Gasparyan has announced new
reshufflings in the system.

Tert.am learned from the Public Relations Department of the Police
that several heads of passport and visa department in capital Yerevan
have been replaced under a November 17decree.

Thus, the Passport Department chief of the Central Police Office will
now run the Passport Desk in Mashtots district. The former chief will
move to Malatia district.

Nor-Nork district’s passport desk chief will take a new office in
Kanaker Zeytun after being replaced by a counterpart from Arabkir
district.

The chief of Kanaker-Zeytun’s passport desk will move to the Central
Police Office.

The Passport Department of Erebuni district’s police will be headed by
the former chief of Shengavit department. The latter will be replaced
by the passport department chief of Malatia district.

A first class specialist from the same district’s Passport Department
will run the passport office of Arabkir police.

ZHOGHOVURD: INDIANS IN SEARCH IN ARMENIA’S NORTH-EAST?

Tert.am
18.11.11

The paper says it has learned from sources that a group of Indians are
searching gold in the vicinities of Noyemberyan town (Tavush province).

They have reportedly started exploring the mines in Chiblu and Voskepar
mountains, which are 35km and 25km off the north-eastern town.

According to the paper, cattle-breeders in Noyemberyan were told
that the Indians have already left the area, having excavated several
samples from the Earth’s crust.

The territories are said to be state land reserves. The paper claims
that mountains in Novemberyan are multi-metal mines, not gold reserves.

It further says that the Indians conducted geological explorations
in Voskepar mountain last summer.