Author: Kanayan Tamar

GENOCIDE ARMENIEN
Fatih Akin affirme à l’ex-député turco-allemand Hakki Keskin qu’il
reconnait le génocide arménien de 1915

Fatih Akin le réalisateur turco-allemand du film > a répondu
vivement à l’ex-député allemand d’origine turque Hakki Keskin à propos
du génocide arménien. Selon le site turc Marksist.org, Fatih Akin a
demandé à l’ex-député et responsable de la communauté turque
d’Allemagne, Hakki Keskin, de ne plus lui envoyer de mails. mais vous n’avez pas lu mes déclarations
sur ce sujet auprès des médias. J’espère que vous prendrez
connaissance >> dit Fatih Akin en réponse à Hakki Keskin qui défend les
thèses officielles d’Ankara sur le génocide arménien et reproche au
réalisateur sa prise de position.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 20 décembre 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan (c)armenews.com

Zdzislaw Raczynski: Armenia should persuade Brussels that it’s a
reliable partner for EU

December 1, 2014 11:04
EXCLUSIVE

On November 30, Polish Ambassador Zdzislaw Raczynski completed his
mission in Armenia and left Yerevan. Before leaving, he gave an
interview to Mediamax.

– Mr. Ambassador, you have spent more than 4 years in Armenia. How
would you assess Yerevan-Warsaw political dialogue over the period?

– Armenia-Poland political relations are currently on a high level.
Since Armenia’s independence, it has been the most active period of
our bilateral relations. I often describe Armenia-Poland relations as
“mature partnership” based on mutual trust. As mature partners,
Armenia and Poland know what they expect from each other. Our
countries’ leaders cooperate in an atmosphere of mutual trust and
understanding. The Armenian and Polish peoples have similar historical
fate which is an extra impetus to our relations. They allow us to
perceive and understand each in a more accurate way. Poland is
currently one of the most active and devoted partners of Armenia
especially in terms of the political dialogue.

– And what about the economic ties?

– Over the past 5 years, the volume of trade turnover between our
countries has doubled. Of course, the volumes are not so large –
around EUR50mln yearly – but we shouldn’t expect big results taking
into account the distance between Armenia and Poland and other
circumstances.

I think we should work more not only on increasing export and import
volumes but boosting Armenian-Polish joint production. I take great
interest in following the operation of 2 major Polish companies in
Armenia. PWPW (Polish Security Printing Works) works out biometric
passports for Armenia.

The first Armenia-Poland joint venture for production of military
equipment – Lyubava Armenia – has opened recently. It produces
bulletproof vests, helmets and tents. If both companies manage to
succeed on the Armenian market, I think their practice will be a model
for others and will pique interest among Polish businessmen. Overall,
I leave Armenia being convinced that everything possible has been done
to strengthen Armenia-Poland economic and cultural cooperation.

Polish Ambassador Zdzislaw Raczynski
Photo:Mediamax

– Mr. Ambassador, much is spoken that Armenia’s decision to join
Eurasian Economic Union and not to sign EU Association Agreement as a
result was a surprise and disappointment for EU states. How was the
Armenian President’s 2013 September 3 decision assessed by Poland?

– First of all, let me say that Armenia is an important regional
partner for Poland and we were convinced Armenia’s signing of EU
Association Agreement would speed up reforms and economy modernization
in Armenia. I don’t share the opinion that September 3 decision was a
surprise or disappointment. Back in June 2013, the Armenian President
clearly accentuated some points on this issue during his visit to
Poland. After that, Poland didn’t doubt that Armenia wouldn’t join EU
Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area as Russia opposes to it.

We avoid assessing whether it’s right or wrong. It’s just a statement
of facts. Armenia is linked to Russia with history, security and
economy.

Russia is Armenia’s key partner and from the moment Russia started
perceiving EU Eastern Partnership program as a geopolitical game
everything became clear. Armenia and Russia are greatly interrelated
and obviously, Armenia couldn’t be against Moscow and lose its
support.

One should understand that EU Association Agreement doesn’t mark a
country’s membership to the EU. It marks the beginning of reforms and
transforms the country based on EU member states’ model. It happened
to Poland. Based on our example, we made sure that it’s a good way for
Poland but no one can impose its development model on another state.
Armenia has chosen a different path for itself and we quite understand
the choice.

– In your opinion, what changed in Armenia-EU relations after the decision?

– On the whole, nothing has changed. Armenia continues to be EU’s
Eastern partner. The quality of relations hasn’t changed – only the
circumstances have altered. After Russian aggression against Ukraine,
the field of countries’ maneuvers striving for balanced and
complementary policy with EU has become very limited. We can say it is
fully lacking and the factor can’t be positive for Armenia-EU
cooperation. Our greatest concern is that now when Georgia embarked on
a European integration path and Armenia is moving forward to Eurasian
Economic Union, the differences between the two neighbors are
deepening which can become an invisible obstacle. This is the threat
we want to avoid. Want it or not, it’s a fact that the EU which faces
various challenges will pay more attention to the Eastern partners
which are guided by ”more for more” principle. Armenia-EU relations
haven’t changed for the past 2 years – only the situation has.

Polish Ambassador Zdzislaw Raczynski
Photo:Mediamax

– Armenia is willing to start visa-free regime talks with EU. Given
the situation you described, how possible is it?

– Poland has always wanted liberalization of visa regime with Georgia
to be simultaneous with that of Armenia. This is our position. But
Armenia’s some actions don’t facilitate our work and it sometimes
finds itself in ”proud solitude”. I mean, for instance, the
consideration of Crimea annexation as exercise of people’s
self-determination right. Such practices exert a negative impact
against the background of relations with EU states. I think Armenia
should persuade its partners in Brussels and new leadership of
European Commission that Armenia is the EU’s reliable partner in this
important region.

– You are leaving Armenia in a period when the situation in NK
conflict zone is rather tense. Since ceasefire regime, this year’s
escalations were unprecedented. EU is often accused of ignoring
Azerbaijan’s arming and bellicose rhetoric. What can you say in this
regard?

– Arms race in this region is really dangerous as a purchased weapon
will one day shoot. It jeopardizes the countries’ economies which
become dependent on those supplying arms. We are well aware who sells
arms to the both sides of NK conflict and what goals are pursued. It’s
justified by the fact that the supplier allegedly tries to maintain
the balance of forces but it can indeed be done on smaller scales.
They don’t need to sell, for instance, 500 tanks to the sides- they
can only sell 50. The escalation of situation in the conflict zone and
restart of military actions can stem from border shootings which may
seem minor at a first glance. Of course, the EU is concerned about all
this but frankly speaking, the EU is faced with more important
challenges now that’s why arms race in South Caucasus is of secondary
significance. However, South Caucasus resembles a “powder keg”.

Yekaterina Poghosyan talked to Zdzislaw Raczynski

– See more at:

PRESS RELEASE
Glendale Public Library
222 East Harvard Street
Glendale CA 91205
Contact: [email protected]
Tel: 818-548-2030
FB:
TW:
Web:

Domestic Violence

>From Historical, Cultural and Legal Perspectives

The public is invited on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at 7pm to a free
informative discussion on Domestic Violence from Historical, Cultural
and Legal Perspectives by Rita Avedissian, LMFT, and attorney Natalie
Samarjian, in English and Armenian at the Glendale Central Library
Auditorium.

Rita Avedissian received her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
from California State University, Los Angeles. She teaches Counseling
& Education at California State University, Los Angeles. She has
worked as a school therapist at Pacific Clinics and Glendale Unified
School District. She will discuss demographic and historical aspects
of Domestic Violence, and the underlying psychological aspects of
Domestic Violence and the role of culture, alcohol, and substance
abuse. Finally, the psychological repercussions of domestic violence
on child development will be presented and discussed.

Natalie Samarjian received her Juris Doctor Degree from UCLA School of
Law, where she served on the Diversity Action Committee and as the
co-editor in chief of the Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern
Law. Upon graduation from law school, Natalie worked for Rutan &
Tucker LLP in their Labor and Employment Law practice group. Natalie
is currently a fellow of the Dickran Tevrizian Fellowship, and an
attorney at the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
where she provides legal advocacy to survivors of domestic
violence. She will discuss the following legal aspects: Civil law
pertaining to victims and survivors of Domestic Violence; Family law
pursuant to Domestic Violence; Domestic Violence and Restraining
order; Legal rights of Immigrants who are victims of domestic
violence.

The program is sponsored by Glendale Library, Arts & Culture
Department and Armenian American Mental Health Association.

For more information please check the attachments. Thanks. Hope To See
You all Next Year.

PRESS RELEASE
THE ARMENIAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Varoujan Der Simonian, Executive Director
Armenian Technology Group, Inc.
550 East Shaw Ave., Suite 240
P.O.Box 5969
Fresno CA 93755-5969 US
Tel: 559-224-1000
Fax: 559-224-1002
Email: [email protected]

** From Seeds of Hope, to Seeds of Prosperity
————————————————————
Gagik Lazarian the ATG’s long time in-country director continues to
have his impact in the grain industry in Armenia. Recently he was
invited to attend the latest conference organized by the Ministry of
Agriculture on the weekend of December 5, 2014 in Dilijan,
Armenia. The conference studied the agricultural regulations and laws
that apply to the grain industry in Armenia, and their impact on the
farm level.

Gagik Lazarian (third from the left) during the conference in
Dilijan, Armenia

When the founding fathers of ATG had established this organization in
1989, their goals never included short term solutions or
handouts. Their primary goal was to give the impoverished people of
rural Armenia the freedom and power that come with self-sustaining
independent work. The wheat seed is only one of the programs that the
group has carried out with pride and honor while serving the people of
Armenia for the past 25 years.

It all started with our experts from the United States introducing and
planting a number of wheat and alfalfa seeds varieties on trial plots
in 1992 in Spitak, Armenia. Using the applied science methodology, our
scientists, former UC extension agents, have selected the most
suitable seed verities for each of the seven growing zones in
Armenia. Over the years we continued the research in this field and
supplied the farmers with the highest quality seed varieties, and have
provided them the proper knowledge and training, which not only help
feed the people of Armenia but also aided Armenia’s rural economic
development.

Mkhitar Grigoryan, ATG Chief Agronomist with Gagik Lazarian and
Garnik Petrosyan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Along with seed
growing farmers.

Earlier this year the farmers were invited to the annual pre harvest
field demonstration that ATG foundation has been holding for the past
20 years. The seminar provides the opportunity to the grain growers to
learn about the latest seed available to plant for each specific
region of Armenia. The guests included one of ATG’s long time
cooperating farmers Vachik Adamyan from Artsakh. The purpose of his
visit, as in the past, was to select new seed varieties for his
fields.

Garnik Petrosyan, Gagik Lazarian | Mkhitar Grigoryan, Gagik
Lazarian, and Garnik Petrosyan

Throughout the years, the Armenian Technology Group continued to
introduce the latest and most innovative agricultural methodology and
machinery. The group introduced and manufactured two generations of
lends levelers in Armenia in 1990’s and the No-Till farming technology
in 2007, which significantly increased the yield volume, while
decreasing the farmers’ production costs by 65%. ATG has been active
in every region of Armenia, where they have organized over 380
seminars and field demonstrations. The ATG offices in Armenia provide
educational materials about the correct seed types and use of farm
inputs, along with safety procedures that have to be followed during
application.
“We are pleased that Gagik and his team have been able to administer
our operations in Armenia effectively,” said Varoujan Der Simonian,
Executive Director of ATG. “The Board of Directors are pleased that
their objective of transferring the management of our activities to a
local team has been realized.”
The ATG continues to provide its services to the wheat growing
farmers, by cleaning and processing their harvest. This service
insures that we continue to segregate specific seed varieties from
each other, and maintain the highest quality standard of each seed
growing generation.
The seed multiplication program started with the financial support of
US Government and the Armenian-American communities. Through the
support of private sectors’ contributions, ATG is also involved in
other agricultural development projects to help the people of Armenia.
ATG is a 501 (c)3 charitable organization. Your voluntary
contributions are highly appreciated. You can mail your
tax-deductible donations to ATG at P. O. Box 5969 Fresno CA 93755.

===========================================================
Copyright © 2013 Armenian Technology Group Inc., All rights reserved.

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION DOES NOT SEND INVITATION TO ARMENIA

December 19, 2014 14:07

John Heffern

Yerevan /Mediamax/. The Board of Millennium Challenge Corporation has
not sent Armenia an invitation to submit a project proposal this year.

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern said it to journalists at the
farewell press conference, answering the question as to whether rumors
regarding the U.S. Corporation’s rejection of Armenia’s request are
true or not.

The U.S. Ambassador noted that getting support from Millennium
Challenge Corporation is a multi-step process, the first step of
which presumes monitoring of country indices.

“If the presented indices of a country do not comply with the set
norms, then the latter cannot submit a proposal. Over the past two
years, Armenia’s indices used to comply with the requirements, yet,
they were barely crossing the minimum threshold, especially in terms
of the anti-corruption index”, he noted adding that in general, out
of 23 countries meeting the indices two or three get an invitation
to submit a project proposal.

– See more at:

JOHN HEFFERN: AGREEMENT ON VOROTAN CASCADE OF HPPS TO BE SIGNED SHORTLY

by Marianna Lazarian

Friday, December 19, 13:29

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern said in a press conference,
Friday, Armenia and U.S. will sign an agreement on the Vorotan Cascade
of HPPs shortly.

The ambassador called it a very important investment project for both
Armenia and the United States. Furthermore, he said, it will be the
biggest investment project of the U.S. in Armenia. Ambassador Heffern
said it is a big project cost 250 million dollars, which is several
times as big as the United States’ previous investments in Armenia.

The diplomat is sure that the given agreement will enable Armenia
diversify its energy sector. He is sure that the agreement will be
of big importance for both the states.

Earlier, ArmInfo reported that on January 29, ContourGlobal and the
Government of Armenia announced that they have signed an agreement for
ContourGlobal to purchase and modernize the Vorotan Hydro Cascade,
a series of three hydroelectric power plants totaling 405 MW on the
Vorotan River in southern Armenia, for a purchase price of $180 million
USD. ContourGlobal pledges to invest $70 million over the next six
years in a refurbishment program to modernize the plants and improve
their operational performance, safety, reliability, and efficiency. The
Public Services Regulatory Commission has already approved the tariff
plan for the consistent exploitation of the Vorotan Cascade for the
coming 25 years by Contour Global Hydro Cascade.

Vorotan Cascade of HPPs consists of three hydro-power plants with a
total capacity of 404MW. The Cascade operates year-round thanks to
its two reservoirs and helps regulating the frequencies of power
exchange from Iran to Armenia and the vice versa. The designed
capacity of the Cascade is 1.16 bln kWh electricity annually. Vorotan
Cascade of HPPs CJSC was 100% state company under jurisdiction of
the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Armenia before the
latest deal. The Vorotan Hydro Cascade is one of the largest and most
flexible power generating facilities in Armenia and the Caucasus. It
needs modernization and this acquisition represents the largest single
U.S. private investment in Armenia’s history and the first U.S.

investment in Armenia’s energy sector. ContourGlobal is a New York
based international power-generation company with approximately 3,500
MW in operations or under construction in 17 countries and on four
continents. ContourGlobal’s 1,650 employees manage, own and operate
a portfolio of 33 power plants utilizing a wide range of fuel types
and technologies including renewable energy production based upon
Hydro, wind, solar and biomass, as well as an extensive fleet of
conventionally powered thermal power plants. In the wider Eastern
Europe area, ContourGlobal currently owns and operates approximately
1100 MW of power generation businesses in Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania,
and Poland.

Meanwhile, this deal has been criticized in the political circles
in Armenia. It is widely rumored that the deal is shady and the
ex-minister of energy Armen Movsisyan will have illegal incomes from
it. In the political circles they explain Movsisyan’s resignation
with that deal. There are even rumors that Movsisyan may be brought
responsible. The Armenian party has frozen the deal for several months.

LES AGRESSIONS DONT SONT VICTIMES DES REPRESENTANTS DE L’OPPOSITION SE POURSUIVENT

ARMENIE

Haykakan Jamanak, Jamanak, Hraparak et Joghovourd consacrent leur > a l’agression du vice-president du parti d’opposition Congrès
national armenien, Aram Manoukian, le 11 decembre tard dans la soiree,
a l’entree de son domicile. Un inconnu l’a attaque en le blessant
au visage. La police mène une enquete. Cette agression fait suite a
celles de trois veterans de la guerre du HK, le 8 et le 10 decembre,
dont deux auraient ete agresses par les gardes du corps du chef
adjoint de la police, Lyova Yeranossian, celui-ci n’ayant pas dementi
son implication (cf. revue du 11.12). Dans un entretien avec RFE/RL,
Levon Zourabian, membre du CNA, s’est dit convaincu que les quatre
agressions etaient liees et que l’on avait affaire a une campagne
d’intimidation. M. Zourabian a indique qu’une camera installee a
l’entree de l’immeuble avait filme l’incident et que son elucidation
devrait prendre quelques minutes a la police : entre celui-ci et le Premier Ministre, M.

Gasparian n’ayant pas hesite a exprimer son objection a la creation
d’un Ministère de l’Interieur, idee defendue par le PM et n’exclut
pas que le PM aurait interet a se debarrasser du chef de la police.

Joghovourd, quant a lui, relève qu’>. Pour ce quotidien, si la police ne reussit pas
a elucider ces agressions, l’on conclura qu’une >
sevit dans le pays avec le feu vert des organes judiciaires.

Extrait de la revue de presse de l’Ambassade de France en Armenie en
date du 12 decembre 2014

vendredi 19 decembre 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

** TOP STORY December 18, 2014
————————————————————
St. David
Michelangelo’s `David’-a man of twists and turns who knew both the
exhilaration of victory and the desolation of personal loss.

** Re-Introductions are in Order
————————————————————
One of the wonderful things about the Christmas season is the way it
re-introduces us to such interesting people. And it’s not limited to
friends and family: some of the most memorable re-introductions come
from the surrounding culture. Who can suppress a warm smile at their
first yearly sighting of Santa, Rudolph, and the elves? Or at the
Grinch, and the whole Peanuts gang?

But the church, too, is actively bringing some memorable people to our
attention in the run-up to Christmas. It shares these vivid
personalities with us through the feast days that occupy the weeks in
the latter half of Advent.

We’ll meet King David: poet and warrior, fugitive and conqueror; a man
of twists and turns who knew both the exhilaration of victory and the
desolation of personal loss.

We’ll meet James: the apostle called the `Brother of the Lord,’ who
after Christ’s ascension led the church in its turbulent dawning days,
and became the first bishop of Jerusalem.

We’ll meet Stephen: that fiery speaker who preached the gospel in the
public square; who is remembered as the first deacon of the
church=80’and its first martyr.

We’ll meet Peter and Paul: the `odd couple’ of the Apostolic Age;
rivals in so many matters of practice and policy, yet united in a
friendship of the spirit that drew both to the heart of the Roman
Empire, to preach and suffer in their Master’s name.

Finally, we’ll meet the brothers James and John: two of the most
intimate confidants of our Lord. John in particular left us some of
the deepest, most introspective writing in the Bible. Yet to Jesus, he
and James were known as the `Thunder Boys’-a name evoking vigor and
action (which would also make a great title for next summer’s
superhero blockbuster).

These are the stories the church re-introduces to us through the
feasts of the next two weeks (on December 23, 25, 27, and 29). In the
days to come-especially in that quiet period between the two blessed
celebrations of Christ’s nativity, on December 25 and January
6=80’devote some time to reading and thinking about them. Somehow,
getting to know these figures prepares us for that greatest
re-introduction of all, when we will once more welcome the infant
Jesus into our hearts and lives.

Armenian Genocide Cintennial

** The Armenian Genocide: 100th Year of Remembrance
————————————————————
The coming year will mark 100 years since the start of the Armenian
Genocide of 1915. At the time, it was the greatest calamity to ever
befall our nation. But the subsequent century also tells an
extraordinary tale of our people`s resilience, strength, and faith.

Armenian-Americans will commemorate this milestone year with a
national observance in Washington, D.C. in May 2015. Special events
are scheduled for May 7 to 9. The weekend will include an ecumenical
prayer service at the National Cathedral, a Pontifical Divine Liturgy,
a memorial concert, and an awards banquet honoring organizations and
individuals who helped the survivors. His Holiness Karekin II, the
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness
Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will both
journey to the United States to lead the Washington
commemoration. They will be joined by Armenians from across the U.S.,
under the auspices of the Eastern and Western Dioceses, and the
Eastern and Western Prelacies. Click here
()
to learn more about the May events in the nation’s capital.

The Eastern Diocese’s Annual Diocesan Assembly and Clergy Conference
will convene in Washington that same week; details on the 2015
Assembly will be forthcoming.

People should also reserve the dates of April 24, 25, and 26 for
commemoration events in New York. These will include liturgical
celebrations and the annual Times Square program sponsored by the
Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan.

We encourage our parishes to let us know as early as possible about
their local observances. Resources are available on the Diocesan
website to assist parishes in raising awareness in their surrounding
communities. Click here
()
to access these materials.

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

Is 40:18-31
Heb 4:16-5:10
Lk 18:9-14

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

Dear Lord, you parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River as your people
journeyed to the Promised Land. Lift away those things that keep us
from you today as we continue the journey. We ask this in your name,
and with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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

23 December: St. David the Prophet-King and the Holy Apostle James,
Brother of the Lord

25 December: St. Stephen the Protodeacon and First Martyr

27 December: Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

29 December: Holy Apostles James and John, “Sons of Thunder”

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian
Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian is the new Primate of France.

** Diocese of France Welcomes New Primate
————————————————————
Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, the newly elected Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of France, celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at
the Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist in Paris on Sunday,
December 7.

In his sermon, Bishop Hovhanessian spoke about the importance of
attending church on Sundays, and playing an active part in carrying
forward its mission. He called on all community members to work
together as they embark on this new chapter in the history of the
Armenian Church of France. A celebratory banquet followed
services. Click here
()
to view a video of this month’s badarak.

Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian most recently served as the Primate of the
Armenian Diocese of Great Britain. He was elected to lead the Diocese
of France in November. Prior to Bishop Hovhanessian’s work in Europe,
he served with distinction for many years in the Eastern Diocese.

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Armenian Christmas Schedule at St. Vartan Cathedral

** Christmas Services at St. Vartan Cathedral
————————————————————
The Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed
at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Monday and Tuesday,
January 5 and 6, 2015. Click here
()
to view the special liturgical schedule for these “Armenian Christmas”
services.

The Blessing of Water service will follow the Divine Liturgy on
January 6. Dr. Vicken Pamoukian will serve as “godfather” of the
Blessing of Water service.

A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will be held in Haik
and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium following services on January 6. The
Akh’tamar Armenian Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Sylva
Assadourian, will perform during the reception, which is open to all.

Most local parishes will celebrate Christmas on January 6, but the
Primate has also directed that they may observe the occasion on
Sunday, January 11. For information on services in your area, contact
your local parish
()
to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas celebration.

Click on the following links to read the Primate’s Christmas message
in English
()
and Armenian
()
, and to view a brief video
()
about Christmas in the Armenian Church.

When I was Baptised
An illustration by Anush Movsesian Avejic from When I Was Baptized.

** New Children’s Book on Baptism
————————————————————
The Diocese’s Department of Christian Education is proud to announce
the publication of a new children’s book on the sacrament of baptism.
When I Was Baptized features 16 pages of beautiful illustrations by
Anush Movsesian Avejic and bi-lingual text. It describes in a few
words what children experience when they are baptized: from the joy
they bring to their families simply by being born to being immersed in
water and blessed with holy oil; from receiving holy communion to the
celebration afterwards.

The book-sized for a child’s small hands and made of thick, coated
cardboard-makes an ideal baptismal gift, and is also perfect for
church pews, Sunday School classrooms, name days, birthdays, and
Christmas.

When I Was Baptized is available from the St. Vartan Bookstore. Click
here
()
to view a flyer for information on how to order.

Zulal Concert
Members of the Zulal a cappella folk trio at the Diocesan Center.

** Zulal Transports Audience to a Bygone Time
————————————————————
Some 300 people gathered at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Sunday,
December 14, for a concert by the
a cappella folk trio Zulal.

Following the Divine Liturgy, guests headed to the Haik and Alice
Kavookjian Auditorium for a program of Armenian village folk melodies
cleverly arranged and performed by Zulal members Teni Apelian, Yeraz
Markarian, and Anaïs Tekerian. Click here
()
to view photos.

The concert was generously sponsored by Sandra Shahinian Leitner, so
that all proceeds would benefit the ministries of the Eastern Diocese.

FAR
Attendees who successfully completed the courses were awarded
certificates by Rutgers University.

** Training Courses for Armenia’s Engineers
————————————————————
A new partnership between Rutgers University and the National
University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia (NUACA)
recently offered training courses to engineering students in
Armenia. The Rutgers-NUACA partnership was forged by the Fund for
Armenian Relief, with generous support from the SJS Foundation.

Some 50 students and several university professors attended the
courses in engineering and construction project management and quality
control, which were held at NUACA in Yerevan in November. Taught by
Dr. Vahan Tanal and Dr. David Mikaelian of the United States (both
also represent the Armenian Engineers and Scientists Association of
America), the courses were designed to introduce the attendees to the
best practices in the United States, while also giving them an
opportunity to further pursue a degree program.

Attendees who successfully completed the courses were awarded
certificates by Rutgers University. Click here
()
to read more on FAR’s blog.

advent

** Read our Advent Blog
————————————————————
Throughout the Advent season, Eric Vozzy of the Diocese’s Department
of Christian Education has been posting weekly Advent reflections on
the Diocese’s blog. Click here
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to visit our blog for this week’s entry.

Advent is a season of preparation for one of the greatest feasts of
the church, the Nativity of Jesus Christ. In the Armenian Church,
Advent is a period of 50 days called Heesnag (from the Armenian word
for 50, heesoon). It is a time for prayer, reflection, devotion to
Scripture, fasting, and service.
Annual Appeal

** Support the Diocese’s 2014 Annual Appeal
————————————————————
With only weeks remaining, the Eastern Diocese is making an urgent
plea for support of the 2014 Annual Appeal. Follow this link to donate
now
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to the 2014 Annual Appeal-the only Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted
each year to help the Diocese undertake the many ministries, programs,
and resources that enrich life in our parishes.

Your thoughtful gift brings light to our local churches. It supports
Christian education, Armenian language instruction, summer camps,
youth programs, mission parish outreach, and the use of new
communication technologies.

To our past and prospective donors, we are deeply grateful for your
support of the creative, educational, and inspirational programs that
lift up Armenian communities throughout the Eastern Diocese.

Please accept this invitation to strengthen our efforts. Your generous
contribution to the 2014 Annual Appeal will help spread the good work
of the Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
generations.

Follow this link to donate now
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to the 2014 Annual Appeal.

** PARISH NEWS
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St. Mary Church, Hollywood, FL
Archbishop Barsamian presents the “St. Vartan Award” to Arbo and
Virginia Zakaryan.

** Two Parishioners Honored in Hollywood, FL
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Parishioners at St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, celebrated the 16th
consecration anniversary of their present church building on Sunday,
December 14, with services and a festive luncheon.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, visited the parish and
celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with the Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan,
parish pastor, assisting.

At a luncheon following services, the community honored longtime
parishioners Arbo and Virginia Zakaryan with a plaque in appreciation
of their service. On behalf of the Eastern Diocese, Archbishop
Barsamian presented them with the `St. Vartan Award.’ Parish youth
presented a program of poetry recitations and musical performances.

Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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St. Gregory the Enlighterner Church, White Plains, NY
Chris Bohjalian with parishioners at St. Gregory the Enlightener
Church.

** White Plains Welcomes Author Chris Bohjalian
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On Thursday, December 11, the Women’s Guild of St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, hosted an evening with author
Chris Bohjalian, who has written more than 15 best-selling novels,
including his book about the Armenian Genocide,
The Sandcastle Girls.

Mr. Bohjalian spoke about his family history and how it propelled him
to write about the Armenian Genocide. He also answered questions about
his writing process, travels to Armenia and the Middle East, and
efforts to bring The Sandcastle Girls to the silver screen.

Click here
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to view photos.

St. James Church, Watertown, MA
Fr. Arakel Aljalian with Ruth Harutunian and parish council chair Ed
Kazanjian.

** “Name Day” Celebration in Watertown
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On Sunday, December 14, St. James Church of Watertown, MA, observed
its 83nd anniversary with its annual `Name Day’ celebration (the
church is named for St. James, the Bishop of Nisibis, whose feast day
was observed on December 13).

The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and continued
with a banquet and program. Taking part in the day’s events were the
Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian; Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, parish
pastor; Rev. Fr. Arsen Barsamian; and Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian.

Longtime parishioner Ruth Harutunian was presented with the
“Parishioner of the Year” award. Ms. Harutunian’s nephew Mark Kavonian
offered warm memories of her influence on his life and her service to
St. James Church. Ms. Harutunian has taught Sunday School, supported
local sports teams, and served on the parish’s Scholarship
Committee. She has also been a member of the Women’s Guild for more
than 40 years, and most recently has been instrumental in organizing
and baking for the Women’s Guild pastry booth at the parish bazaar.

Two longtime choir members, Lucy Mardirosian and Bob Sanasarian,
received the `Parish Service Award’ for their decades of dedicated
service. Ms. Mardirosian has been a choir member for 60 years, while
Mr. Sanasarian has been singing for 70 years. Both have also helped
organize the Junior Choir at St. James Church.

Click here
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to view photos from Sunday’s celebration.

St. Gregory of Narek Church, Cleveland, OH
Parishioners at the Women’s Guild tea party in Cleveland.

** Reflections on Faith, Hope, and Love in Cleveland
————————————————————
On Saturday, December 6, the Women’s Guild of St. Gregory of Narek
Church of Cleveland, OH, hosted a “Holiday Celebration of Faith, Hope
and Love.’

Three women shared their personal experiences and reflections on these
topics. Yn. Naira Azatyan shared her thoughts on faith, Elza Ter
Arutyunov shared a reflection on hope, and Leslie Bagdasarian spoke on
love.

The Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, parish pastor, opened the evening with
prayers and a Bible reading. Women’s Guild chair Cheryl Arslanian made
welcoming remarks. The program also featured Dn. Ari Terjanian
performing on the piano and Maral Demirjian singing Christmas carols.

The celebration continued with a tea party in the cultural hall. All
proceeds from the event will benefit the Women’s Support Center in
Armenia, an organization that helps protect women’s rights and fight
domestic violence in Armenia.

Click here
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to view photos.

Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, Wynnewood, PA
Sunday School students sing Christmas carols to the elderly.

** Spreading Christmas Cheer in Philly
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On Sunday, December 14, the Sunday School students of St. Sahag and
St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, brought Christmas cheer to the
elderly at a local assisted living center.

The students had spent three weeks learning and rehearsing Christmas
carols in preparation for this month’s visit to `Sunrise of
Haverford.’ The children and teenagers, ranging in age from 2 to 17,
also distributed candy canes and spent time in fellowship with the
residents.

Later, they returned to church for a pizza lunch with parents and
teachers.

Brookly Mission Parish, NY
Fr. Hayrapetyan and Dn. Gyadayan perform a Home Blessing service at
the Brooklyn Armenian School.

** Home Blessing at Brooklyn Armenian School
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On Sunday December 7, Dn. Ivan Gyadayan of St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary visited the Armenian School of Brooklyn, NY. The school is in
session every Sunday, offering local Armenian students classes in
Armenian language, Christian education, singing, and dancing.

A special guest on that day was the Very Rev. Fr. Kevork Hayrapetyan,
a priest from Jerusalem, who spoke about the Armenian presence in the
Holy Land and the importance of Christian education. Fr. Hayrapetyan
and Dn. Gyadayan performed a Home Blessing service.

Upcoming events

** Upcoming Parish Events
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Hye Pointe Church | Haverhill, MA
The ACYOA of Hye Pointe Church of Haverhill, MA, will host a
`Chocolate and Cookie Christmas Social’ on Saturday, December
27. Enjoy an interactive chocolate and cookie decorating demo with
guest chef and ACYOA member Nathan Kibarian. Gift baskets and packaged
sweets will be available for sale after the program. Click here
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to view a flyer for ticket information.

St. Garabed Church | Baton Rouge, LA
St. Garabed Church of Baton Rouge, LA, will host a `New Year Holiday
Dance Party’ on Saturday, December 27. The evening will feature live
music by Kevork Artinian and George Tebrejian. The event will be held
at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. Click here
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to view a flyer for ticket information.

St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host a New Year’s eve
celebration on Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. Enjoy music
by DJ Alan, a full-course dinner, champagne, and special activities
for children. Click here
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to view a flyer for reservation information, or contact the church at
(201) 567-5446.

Armenian Church of Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL
The Armenian Church of Jacksonville will host a New Year’s eve
gathering on Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 10 p.m. Enjoy
dinner, music, dancing, and raffles. Reservations must be made in
advance. Click here
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to view a flyer for information.

St. James Church | Watertown, MA
St. James Church of Watertown, MA, will host a New Year’s eve
celebration on Wednesday, December 31. The evening will feature
entertainment by Jaq Hagopian and band, family-style mezze, a dessert
buffet, and more. For additional information, or to purchase tickets,
click here
()
, or contact Aaron Derderian at (781) 264-8680 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

** YOUTH NEWS
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New Website

** Summer Camp Registration Opening Soon
————————————————————
Before the end of the year, the new Diocesan Summer Camps website will
be launched. The new site will offer online registration and credit
card payment options for both Hye Camp and St. Vartan Camp,
simplifying the registration process for families across the
Diocese. In addition, all CIT, staff, and volunteer applications will
be available for download.

Click here
()
for this year’s summer camps flyer. To be added to the camp e-mail
list, send your contact information to Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

ACYOA Chapter Workshop

** Register for ACYOA Chapter Workshop
————————————————————
The ACYOA Central Council is looking forward to the annual ACYOA
Seniors Chapter Workshop at the St. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, FL,
from January 9 to 11, 2015.

All young adults 18 and older are invited to gather for a weekend
filled with learning through interactive discussions, Bible study, and
worship. In addition, participants will take part in a `Faith in
Action’ service project to benefit a local Florida charity. The plans
for the weekend express the spirit of the ACYOA through worship,
witness, service, education, and fellowship.

The Chapter Workshop is organized by the ACYOA Central Council and
hosted by the parish community of St. Hagop Church.

STEPANAKERT REPUBLICAN LIBRARY CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY

15:36, 18 Dec 2014

On 18 December Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan partook in
capital Stepanakert at a solemn event dedicated to the 90th anniversary
of the Republican Library after Mesrop Mashtots.

The President congratulated the staff of the library, expressed
gratitude for their careful work, noting the significance of the
library science from the viewpoints of developing culture and educating
the younger generation, NKR President’s Press Office reported.

Stepanakert Republican Library celebrates 90th anniversary

MILLIONS OF EXPLOSIVES TO BE IMPORTED TO ARMENIA TO EXPLODE SOIL IN ARMENIA

13:43 December 17, 2014

EcoLur

The Armenian Government will allow “Aparazh” LLC to import explosives
to explode the Armenian mountains. The agenda of the executive for
18 December includes the draft decision submitted by Energy and
Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisyan, which will allow the
company to import explosives and exploding materials into Armenia
for soil management purposes. Under this decision, the following
will be imported: Exel non-electrical capsules LP- 2,000,000 pieces
Exel non-electrical capsules MS- 200,000 pieces Exel non-electrical
capsules Connectadet- 200,000 pieces Shock tube (Yellow)-7,500,000
meters Shock tube (Green)-3,000,000 meters.

Over 670 mines are currently recorded in Armenia, including 30
metallic ones, out of which around 400 mines are developed, including
22 metallic ones.