Federation Council Approves Russian-Armenian Agreement For Shipments

FEDERATION COUNCIL APPROVES RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN AGREEMENT FOR SHIPMENTS OF GAS, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS

Interfax, Russia
June 25 2014

MOSCOW. June 25

Russia’s Federation Council has passed a law to ratify an agreement
between Russia and Armenia for cooperation in shipments of natural gas,
petroleum products and rough diamonds to Armenia.

The agreement was signed on December 2, 2013 in Yerevan and foresees
Russia organizing duty-free shipments of petroleum products, natural
gas and rough diamonds prior to Armenia accession to the Eurasian
integrated space.

The competent authorities of both countries are agreeing on volumes
and nomenclature of the republic’s domestic consumption of petroleum
products and natural gas for the coming calendar year. The two are
also confirming indicative balances.

Between economic entities of the Russian Federation and Armenia in
order to determine the order and shipment quantities diamond mining
companies in Russia rough diamond lapidary enterprises of the republic
are contracts.

Agreements are being signed between Russian and Armenian economic
entities to determine the procedures and volumes of rough diamonds that
Russian diamond producers will ship to Armenia’s lapidary enterprises.

Russia does not charge export duties on petroleum products and natural
gas for domestic consumption volumes approved as part of the indicative
balances, as well as for diamonds shipped to Armenia.

Goods shipped from Russia duty-free are prohibited from being
re-exported to third party countries.

Russia’s falling budget revenues from duty-free shipments of gas
will total roughly $180 million in 2014, while those from petroleum
products will be $150 million and from diamonds – $500,000, according
to a feasibility study for the document.

Marseille : Un Buste Du Resistant Missak Manouchian Tague D’une Croi

MARSEILLE : UN BUSTE DU RESISTANT MISSAK MANOUCHIAN TAGUE D’UNE CROIX GAMMEE

RTL, France
27 juin 2014

Le buste du resistant communiste Missak Manouchian a ete tague d’une
croix gammee a Marseille, provoquant l’indignation de la communaute
armenienne.

La communaute armenienne de Marseille a vivement condamne la
profanation du buste du resistant communiste Missak Manouchian installe
sur une place de la cite, qui a ete tague d’une croix gammee dans la
nuit du 25 au 26 juin, a-t-on appris ce vendredi auprès du Conseil
de coordination des organisations armeniennes de France region sud.

Indignation

“Cette croix gammee dessinee sur le buste de Missak Manouchian est
un rappel des atrocites generees par l’intolerance, la haine et le
racisme”, indique le CCAF sud dans un communique, rappelant que le
reseau Manouchian etait compose de “chretiens, juifs athees, venus
de Pologne, d’Espagne, de Bulgarie, d’Italie d’Armenie (qui) ont
sacrifie leur vie pour un monde de liberte, de paix et de fraternite”.

“Le CCAF Sud condamne fermement cette profanation qui est une atteinte
a tous ceux qui sont epris de justice et de liberte et demande aux
autorites publiques de tout mettre en oeuvre pour que les auteurs de
cet acte odieux soient recherches et condamnes”, ajoute ce texte. Le
president du CCAF Sud, Jacques Donabedian, a indique a l’AFP qu’ils
envisageait de deposer plainte dans les prochains jours.

http://www.rtl.fr/actu/societe-faits-divers/marseille-un-buste-du-resistant-missak-manouchian-tague-d-une-croix-gammee-7772885459

Hostile Relations Between PM And Bankers

HOSTILE RELATIONS BETWEEN PM AND BANKERS

16:20 / 26.06.2014

Hostile relations are being established between Hovik Abrahamyan and
bankers and banking system officials.

Former PM Tigran Sargsyan has created such a chain of advantages for
banks and financial structures during the years that no matter how
budget empties, the banks are becoming richer.

During these period people have become slaves of banks. But when the
government becomes the slave of banks it cannot be tolerated. While
PM Hovik Abrahamyan has started breaking this mechanism. The first
steps are already being done. The bankers are in panic and soon they
will be deprived of ‘privileges’ of eating money. So, they already
started response actions against the premier.

Our source says that materials are being ordered against the PM.

http://nyut.am/archives/206930?lang=en

We Must Never Forget We Have Unique Culture, Says Armenian Jazz Sing

WE MUST NEVER FORGET WE HAVE UNIQUE CULTURE, SAYS ARMENIAN JAZZ SINGER

15:54 * 26.06.14

US-based popular jazz singer Tatevik Hovhannisyan, who is now
in Armenia for a concert tour, considers the Armenian culture and
language too unique to be replaced for European values.

“It is not absolutely important for us to be a European city. We must
never forget that we have a unique culture and language, so we don’t
have to be too Europeanized,” she said at a news conference in Yerevan.

The singer is going to give concerts in Armenia and the
Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic. For the first time ever,
she will appear on stage in the country’s capital, Stepanakert,
Armenpress reports.

“The performance in Artsakh is the AZD Production’s initiative. I
first thought it would be hard after a six-hour trip, but I feel
enthusiastic now,” said the singer.

Hovhannisyan, who is known as the Soviet Queen of Jazz, added that she
didn’t aspire for a star’s title when leaving for the United States.

“You learn something from everyone; growth is important for me. I
departed from here as a legendary [singer]. And I started everything
from a scratch in the US; I laid the stones again. Anyone experiences
a shock when leaving a [home] country. We all have roots, so it isn’t
easy to eradicate all that,” she noted.

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2014/06/26/tatevikhovhannisyan/

eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese – 06/26/2014

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 June 26, 2014
————————————————————
St. Nersess the Great
An icon depicting Catholicos Nersess the Great.

** Armenia’s Saint of Compassion
————————————————————
As the great-grandson of St. Gregory the Illuminator, he was heir to
Armenia’s most exalted lineage, and possessed all the qualities of a
great spiritual leader. Yet he resisted becoming a priest, and by some
accounts only accepted ordination and advancement at the insistence of
Armenia’s king.

The king may have had cause to regret it. For when the new Catholicos
Nersess ascended to the Throne of St. Gregory, he turned away from
matters of the royal court. To Nersess, the church was first and
foremost the servant and defender of the people: he strove to make
Armenia a more hospitable place for the weak and dispossessed, and for
the cultivation of the wholesome virtues of common family life.

He built schools and orphanages; hospitals and shelters for the poor;
monasteries and convents. At the bishops’ council of Ashdishad, which
Nersess convened in A.D. 364, he instituted reforms in the church
canons that placed Christian charity, moral cleanliness, sincere
worship, marriage and childrearing at the heart of religious
observance.

Nersess was also outspoken in defiance of Armenia’s impious
leaders-and his unwavering moral integrity came at great cost. He was
deposed from office; exiled from his homeland; eventually poisoned at
the order of a depraved king. Nevertheless, his example of holiness
and virtue left a lasting impression on the Armenian Church and
people, who saw fit to canonize the reluctant catholicos, and name him
`Nersess the Great.’

On Saturday, the Armenian Church will again remember this remarkable
4th-century figure during the Feast of St. Nersess the Great. Honor
the day by performing an act of kindness for another living soul. And
click here
()
to read more about his life and ministry.

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

Is 1:1-15
Rom 6:12-23
Mt 12:1-8

** 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
————————————————————

28 June: Catholicos St. Nersess the Great

1 July: Sts. Constantine the Emperor and his Mother Helen

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
Return Churches
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian (center) with clergy and community members
in Washington, DC.

** Seeking the Return of Stolen Churches
————————————————————
Diocesan Ecumenical Director Archbishop Vicken Aykazian was on Capitol
Hill in Washington, DC, this morning, to witness the passage of a
religious freedom resolution calling for thousands of Christian holy
sites in Turkey to be returned to their rightful owners.

The sites in question include Armenian, Greek, Assyrian and other
churches that were stolen, and often desecrated, by Turkish
authorities in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide and the
expulsion of historic Christian communities from Anatolia.

The `Turkey Christian Churches Accountability Act’ (H.R. 4347), passed
today by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of
Representatives, will require the U.S. Secretary of State to report to
Congress every year on the U.S. government’s efforts to secure the
return, protection, and restoration of these Christian properties in
the Republic of Turkey and in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus.

Attending the congressional session, Archbishop Aykazian led a
delegation of Diocesan clergymen including Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian and
Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan of Washington, Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan of Richmond,
VA, and Fr. Hagop Gevorgyan of Cheltenham, PA. House Committee chair
Ed Royce (R-CA) and ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-NY), who had
introduced the bill, acknowledged Archbishop Aykazian’s presence
during the session. A number of congressmen made strong statements
advocating for the preservation of Christian heritage sites in Turkey,
and connecting this effort to the overall question of human rights.

Archbishop Aykazian called the bill’s passage `a very important
development, which acknowledges the difficulties we and other
Christians have in Turkey.’ He noted that `out of 2,600 churches and
monasteries, only two have been re-opened by the Turkish authorities,
and one of those has been re-opened as a museum, not a religious
sanctuary.’

Click here
()
to read the text of the `Turkey Christian Churches Accountability
Act.’

Patriarch Manougian at Holy Etchmiadzin
Archbishop Nourhan Manougian and His Holiness Karekin II with members
of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

** Patriarch of Jerusalem Visits Holy Etchmiadzin
————————————————————
On Saturday, June 21, His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the
Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Holy Etchmiadzin. He was
welcomed with a
hrashapar service and later met with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

His Holiness and Archbishop Manougian discussed the recent projects of
the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the life of the clergy in the
Holy Land, as well as the activities of the Armenian community there.

On the Feast of the Catholic Church of Holy Etchmiadzin, Archbishop
Manougian joined the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin
for a service at the cathedral.

On Monday, June 23, Archbishop Manougian chaired the Supreme Spiritual
Council meeting held at Holy Etchmiadzin. Participants reviewed plans
for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, the process of canonization of the martyrs of 1915, and the
Blessing of Muron ceremony scheduled for the fall of 2015.

Holy Etchmiadzin Brotherhood meeting
His Holiness Karekin II addresses members of the Brotherhood of Holy
Etchmiadzin.

** Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin Meets
————————————————————
The biennial meeting of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin convened
from June 16 to 23 in Armenia, with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presiding. Four clergy of
the Eastern Diocese took part in the meeting: Very Rev. Fr. Simeon
Odabashian, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan
Gulgulian, and Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian.

The sessions focused on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
of 1915. Lectures were presented on such topics as `The Question of
the Canonization of the Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide,’ =80=9CThe
Question of the Expulsion from the Homeland and the Legal Basis for
Reparations,’ and “The Armenian Church and Cultural Losses During the
Genocide.” Requiem services were held at the cemetery of the
Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin and at the Dzidzernagapert memorial in
Yerevan.

Brotherhood members participated in the festal processions and
services on the feasts of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, St. Gregory the
Illuminator, and the Feast of the Catholic Church of Holy
Etchmiadzin. Fr. Odabashian and Fr. Findikyan delivered sermons on the
feasts of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, respectively. At midnight on
the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin, the clergy took part in a special
Divine Liturgy celebrated on the Altar of Descent, where they renewed
their vow of loyalty to the Mother See, and their loving respect
toward the Catholicos of All Armenians.

A group of seven clergy, including the four priests from the Eastern
Diocese, also visited the soldiers stationed on the Armenia-
Nakhichevan border. The clergy prayed with the young men, learned
about their daily life, and expressed their support for Armenia’s
armed forces and their mission of protecting the homeland.

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Amp. Markarian
Ambassador Tatoul Markarian delivers remarks at the farewell event
held in his honor.

** Community Honors Ambassador Markarian
————————————————————
On Tuesday evening, June 24, diplomats, organization representatives,
leaders in the arts and professions, and friends paid tribute to
Ambassador Tatoul Markarian, Armenia’s long-serving ambassador to the
United States who is departing his post to take up another position
for the Republic of Armenia.

Ambassador Markarian has represented Armenia in Washington, DC, for
nine years. During this period, the Armenian diplomat also served as
Armenia’s representative in the Organization of the American
States. The farewell event took place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian
Auditorium of the Diocesan Center.

Click on the following links to read more
()
and to view photos
()
.

Liturgycal

** Society of Oriental Liturgy Visits Diocesan Center
————————————————————
The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan was elected as vice president of
the international Society of Oriental Liturgy on Saturday, June
14. The election came as part of the academic society’s biennial
congress, which convened primarily at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox
Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY, during the week of June 8.

On Friday, June 13, at the invitation of Diocesan Primate Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, the congress delegates visited St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral, where they joined in a special prayer service. At a
luncheon held later that afternoon at the Diocesan Center,
Fr. Findikyan delivered an address titled, `The Origins of the Feast
of the Ark of the Covenant: Echoes from Armenia.’ Fr. Daniel related
that the Armenians remain the only Christians to have preserved this
feast, which they celebrate every year on the Saturday before the
Feast of Christ’s Transfiguration.

The Society of Oriental Liturgy is a prestigious, world-wide
association of scholars, historians and theologians specializing in
the study of the liturgical traditions of the ancient eastern
churches-including the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Click here
()
to read more.

Fr. Garabed
Fr. Garabed Kochakian spoke at the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church about the importance of recognizing the Armenian
Genocide.

** Presbyterian Church Adopts Genocide Resolution
————————————————————
At the request of Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical
Director, the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of St. John Church of
Southfield, MI, represented the Armenian Church at the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA in Detroit on Monday, June 16.

Fr. Kochakian spoke in support of a proposal to amend the Presbyterian
Church USA’s annual calendar to designate April 24 as a day of
remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

`Though the actual survivors are now few in number, there is still no
Armenian whose family has not been wounded by the sword of the Ottoman
Turks and this tragedy in our history as a God-fearing people,’
Fr. Kochakian said. `We appeal to the Presbyterian Church, our
Christian brothers and sisters, to lift up your voices in support of
the truth, standing with us as we remember the departed whose lives
were stolen from our nation.’

The proposal was passed, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church plans to call on the U.S. Congress to recognize the Armenian
Genocide.

Vartivarian
Journalist and activist Hagop Vartivarian was honored in New Jersey
last weekend.

** Armenian Journalist Honored for 45 Years of Service
————————————————————
Representatives of various Armenian organizations, community leaders,
and friends gathered on Saturday, June 21, to honor journalist and
activist Hagop Vartivarian on the 45th anniversary of his dedicated
service to the Armenian cause.

Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian delivered the opening prayer at the event
held in Tenafly, NJ. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
spoke about Mr. Vartivarian’s contributions to the Armenian Church and
presented him with the `Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal’ and Pontifical
Encyclical, bestowed by His Holiness Karekin II.

`Hagop is man of many activities, whose influence is felt throughout
our community,’ Archbishop Barsamian said. `We honor him tonight for
his contributions to the Armenian literary arts-and in that role,
Hagop is part of a very great, very ancient legacy among our people.’

Also that evening, Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanian, Armenia’s Permanent
Representative to the UN, presented Mr. Vartivarian with the `Movses
Khorenatsi Medal’ bestowed by Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan.

Click here
()
to view photos.

FAR
Participants in the Information and Communication Technology forum
held in Yerevan last spring.

** GTech Student Receives Award in Yerevan
————————————————————
A student in the Fund for Armenian Relief’s GTech program won a prize
at an Information and Communication Technology forum in Yerevan,
Armenia, last April.

Lusine Khachatryan is a second-year Mobile Department student at
GTech. She won first place at the forum, which was held at the
American University of Armenia in Yerevan. The event aims to encourage
young women to participate in the digital economy as partners in the
building and shaping of the digital world.

GTech was established in 2005 by FAR, in partnership with U.S. and
Armenian technology companies, and with strong support from FAR’s
Young Professional
()
alumni community. The goal of the center is to strengthen the
information technology skills of young Armenians and to expand
employment and business opportunities in the region for young
professionals. GTech also helps to bolster development by incubating
new start-up IT businesses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
Deacons Ordained in White Plains
>From left: Gregory Guroian, Peter Derderian, and Michael Givelekian
kneel on the altar during the ordination service.

** Young Deacons Ordained in White Plains
————————————————————

Three young men at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains,
NY, began a new journey in their service to the Armenian Church when
they were ordained to the diaconate on Sunday, June 22.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, visited St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
performed the ordination service. The Primate was assisted by the
Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, the longtime pastor of the White Plains
parish.

Following services, the Women’s Guild hosted a brunch in the church’s
Tutak Hall. The entire parish gathered to congratulate Peter
Derderian, Michael Givelekian, and Gregory Guroian on their
accomplishment.

Click on the following links to read more
()
and to view photos
()
.

Holy Martyrs Church, Bayside, NY
The Holy Martyrs Church sanctuary receives a fresh coat of paint.

** Bayside Parish Renovates Sanctuary
————————————————————

Thanks to a generous donation, parishioners at Holy Martyrs Church of
Bayside, NY, were able to repaint and renovate the sanctuary earlier
this month.

The work went forward under the leadership of the Rev. Fr. Abraham
Malkhasyan, parish pastor; members of the parish council, and the
facilities committee. Fr. Malkhasyan celebrated the first Divine
Liturgy in the renovated sanctuary on Sunday, June 15.

Click here
()
to view photos.

Armenian School in Providence, RI
Children sing a song at the Holy Translators Armenian School hantes.

** Armenian School Hantes in Providence
————————————————————

The Holy Translators Armenian School of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church
of Providence, RI, presented a hantes in celebration of the 100th
anniversary of the church this month.

Students recited the Lord’ Prayer, sang spiritual songs, danced, and
recited poetry. At the conclusion of the program, an elder of the
community handed a lighted candle to the youngest Armenian School
student, Armina Ayriyan.

The hantes also celebrated the accomplishments of Maria Kasparian and
Anna Robinson, two adult students who have earned certificates of
achievement from the school. They read personal essays in Armenian
explaining what inspired them to learn the Armenian language.

Click here
()
to view photos.

Fr. Arakel Aljalian with Sunday School graduates. (Click here
()
to enlarge the photo.)

** Watertown Celebrates 2014 Sunday School Class
————————————————————

On Sunday, June 1, St. James Church of Watertown, MA, celebrated the
graduation of 15 Sunday School students. Following the Divine Liturgy,
the graduates received diplomas from the Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian,
parish pastor, and Marsha Alabachian, school superintendent.

The graduating class, taught by Julie Cristello, focused on the
importance of service. Students spent the year organizing service
projects in the Boston area, including `Holiday Mail for Heroes’
through the American Red Cross and a volleyball game fundraiser to
benefit a homeless shelter; they also volunteered to serve brunch at
various shelters.

`This past year of Sunday School has changed my outlook: I want to be
a better person, for myself, for society, and in the eyes of our
church,’ said valedictorian Emma Kaloostian. `I hope we all never
forget that we are capable of making a difference, even if it is one
small act at a time.’

Ms. Cristello told the students to `make sure that as you all head out
into the real world, you speak up about things that matter. And
remember, when the world gets overwhelming or you feel like you’ve
lost God too, you can always return home to St. James.’

Click here
()
to view a video highlighting the parish’s 2013-14 academic year.

Concert at St. Sahag Church
Katya Grineva in concert at St. Sahag Church.

** A Concert at St. Sahag Church
————————————————————

On Thursday, June 19, St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, MN, hosted a
classical concert featuring the critically-acclaimed pianist Katya
Grineva and the Exultate Chamber Orchestra.

Ms. Grineva, who resides in New York, was visiting the Twin Cities for
other concerts, and graciously volunteered her time to perform at
St. Sahag Church. Thanks to her donation, proceeds from the event will
benefit the church’s `children’s fund,’ which supports summer camp
programs.

Marriage Renewal in New Britain
Married couples renewed their vows on Pentecost Sunday.

** Couples Renew Vows in New Britain
————————————————————

On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, the Rev. Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian, pastor
of Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain, CT, renewed the vows of
six couples.

Following services, the entire parish gathered to congratulate the
couples and to wish them many more happy years together.

Click here
()
to view photos.

Upcoming events

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

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

Enjoy lamb, chicken, and shish kebob; khorovadz, and other Armenian
favorites. The event will be held on church grounds (12600 South
Ridgeland Avenue in Palos Heights). For information, call the church
at (708) 388-4940.

** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
Choir Workshop
Youth choir directors at a winter workshop at St. Nersess Seminary.

** Registration Open for Youth Choir Program
————————————————————

The Boyajian Youth Choir Directors Program will be held at St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary from August 18 to 24.

Young musicians interested in leading their parish choirs are
encouraged to take part. Organized by the Diocese’s Sacred Music
Council, the program helps familiarize participants with the music of
the Divine Liturgy.

Click here
()
to download an application packet.

Holy Land Pilgrimage 2014
Pilgrims take part in a Bible study session at the Pater Noster
Church.

** Young Pilgrims Imbibe Armenian Spirit of the Holy Land
————————————————————

In early June, a group of young adults from parishes across the
Eastern Diocese came together to journey halfway across the world, to
a place they had only heard about.

Ten days later, the 29 young pilgrims returned as a family, changed by
their experiences and brought together by their spiritual journey in
the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The fourth annual Youth Leadership Pilgrimage to the Holy Land was led
by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. The Primate was
assisted by the Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, pastor of St. Mary Church
of Washington, DC; Maria Derderian, youth minister at St. James Church
of Watertown, MA; and Arpi Nakashian, a student at St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary.

The pilgrims visited the Church of the Nativity of Christ in
Bethlehem, the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the Jordan River, Sea of
Galilee, and other holy sites. They also toured the Armenian
Patriarchate of Jerusalem and learned about the Armenian presence in
the Holy Land.

Click on the following links to read about their journey
()
and to view photos
()
.

http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
http://bit.ly/1lSRzCb?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=8bcfc720bc-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3f0172fcf2-8bcfc720bc-159688434
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Crossroads E-Newsletter – June 26, 2014

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

June 26, 2014

PONTIFICAL BLESSINGS
THIS SUNDAY FOR
CATHOLICOS ARAM

By order of the Prelate, parishes of the Eastern Prelacy will offer
Pontifical Prayers and Blessings this Sunday, June 29, on the occasion
of the 19th anniversary of the election and consecration of His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.

His Holiness was consecrated Catholicos on July 1, 1995, after serving
as Prelate of the Armenian Orthodox community in Lebanon for fifteen
years.

Catholicos Aram was ordained a celibate priest in 1968 and earned the
title `Vartabed’ (Doctor of the Armenian Church) in 1970. He received
his Episcopal ordination in 1980. Born in Beirut in 1947, His Holiness
studied at the Holy See’s Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon,
and the Near East School of Theology before attending the American
University of Beirut. He pursued his graduate education at the
Ecumenical Institute of Bossey, Oxford University, and Fordham
University, earning two Master’s degrees and a Doctor of Philosophy
(Ph.D).

During the past 19 years, His Holiness has enriched the legacy of the
Holy
See especially through its Seminary which has produced outstanding
clerical and lay leaders for the Armenian Church, and the ecumenical
encounters that have elevated the Armenian Church presence in the
greater Christian family. During Catholicos Aram’s pontificate the
Catholicosate’s prolific printing press has produced an impressive
list of books on theology, history, biography, music, and literature.

We wish His Holiness good health and many more years of his devoted
leadership.

RETURN OF CHURCHES PASSES CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE

The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a religious freedom measure
early this morning holding Turkey accountable for the return of
thousands of stolen Christian holy sites and urging the immediate
opening of the Halki Theological Seminary. The Seminary, which was
founded in 1844, was the main school of theology of the Eastern
Orthodox Church’s Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The
Turkish government forced its closure in 1971 with a law banning
private higher education institutions.

Committee chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and ranking Democrat Eliot Engel
(D-NY)
led the effort that received broad bipartisan support despite a last
minute campaign led by pro-Turkey lobbyists. An amended version of
H.R. 4347 was
adopted by voice vote.

Introduced in March by Royce and Engel, H.R. 4347 requires that the
U.S. Department of State formally report to Congress on an annual
basis about the
status of Turkey’s return of stolen Christian churches and properties
in Turkey and occupied Cyprus.

Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, was in Washington for the vote and
he extended thanks on behalf of the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan to the
committee members and praised the grassroots movement that generated
strong support of the resolution. He praised the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA) for the exceptional effort it made to
garner the support of Armenian Americans and various Hellenic American
groups.

Bishop Anoushavan greets Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and
Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY).

Bishop Anoushavan thanks Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), chairman of the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, who along with Congressman Engel led
the effort to pass H.R. 4347.

TRUSTEES OF PASHALIAN FUND MEET

The annual meeting of the trustees of the Pashalian Family Education
Fund took place this week at the Prelacy offices in New York. The
trustees, who oversee the fund which is part of the Prelacy’s
Endowment Fund, meet annually to discuss the Fund’s future growth and
to discuss the candidates for the annual grants. The 2014 grants will
be announced in September.

The Pashalian Fund was established in the early 1990s, through the
foresight and benevolence of Mr. and Mrs. Levon Pashalian, devoted
parishioners of
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. Mr. Pashalian was born in the historic
Armenian village of Palou-Havav. He survived the Genocide, immigrated
to the United States, and like many of his fellow villagers opened a
small grocery store on the east side of Manhattan. He and his wife
worked long hours
and raised a family, a son John Levon, and a daughter, Siroon. The
family faced a tremendous tragedy when son John was killed in an
accident in 1973.
Some years later the Pashalian Family established the Fund with an
initial
contribution of $138,000 with the stipulation that the earned proceeds
from the investments be used to promote and support Armenian language
schools and students in the United States.

Current trustees of the Fund are: Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate
and
President, Dr. George Dermksian, Mr. Michael Derian, and Ms. Sossi
Essajanian. A founding trustee, Ms. Gloria Tarsy, died two years ago.

`The Pashalian Family Education Fund is a model example of the good
that can be accomplished by foresighted individuals,’ said Archbishop
Oshagan. `The Pashalian family has left a lasting impact on Armenian
education in the United States while perpetuating the memory of their
family.’

For information about the Prelacy’s Endowment Fund and how you can
establish a Fund contact the Prelacy office by email
([email protected]) or by telephone at 212-689-7810.

ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE
SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS SUNDAY

Forty-one students (ages 13-18) and 17 clergymen and lay leaders will
gather at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania,
from June 29-July 6, 2014, for a week of fellowship, prayer, and
instruction in the elements of our Christian faith and traditions,
under the auspices
of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy
of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.

Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC), the Summer Program offers a unique opportunity for our
teenagers to learn some of the basic elements of the Christian faith
in general and how that faith is expressed in the Armenian Apostolic
Church in particular.

Each day, the program begins with a Morning Service at 7:15 am;
classes are held from 8:30am to 12:30pm. In the afternoons, the
students enjoy recreational activities, such as volleyball, soccer,
basketball, and swimming. Classes resume in the evening form
7:00-9:00pm, and the day comes to a close with the Compline Service
(Husgoom) at 9:45 pm.

The weeklong program this year will be directed by Rev. Fr. Antranig
Baljian, pastor of St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown,
Massachusetts.

For information about the St. Gregory of Datev Institute, please visit
the
Prelacy website at
()

Local Datevatsies came to the Prelacy yesterday to assemble program
materials for the participants of the Datev Summer Program that will
begin this Sunday.

Archbishop Oshagan with Ambassador
Zohrab Mnatsakanyan.

PRELATE AND VICAR WELCOME ARMENIA’S REPRESENTATIVE

Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan visited and welcomed
Armenia’s new Permanent Representative to the United Nations,
Mr. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan at the Mission’s headquarters in Manhattan, on
Monday, June 23.

Mr. Mnatsakanyan, an experienced diplomat, has the diplomatic rank of
=80=9CAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.’ His Excellency
most recently was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Negotiator
for the EU-Armenia Association Agreement, and Ambassador of the
Republic of Armenia to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg France. He
was decorated with
the Medal of Mkhitar Gosh of Armenia in 2011 for distinguished service
in diplomacy.

FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR AMBASSADOR MARKARIAN

Archbishop Oshagan attended a farewell reception for Ambassador and
Mrs. Tatoul Markarian, on June 24. Mr. Markarian has served as the
ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States for the
past nine years. The reception took place in Kavookjian Hall of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church, under the sponsorship of the Armenia
Fund USA.

The Ambassador served with distinction and earned the respect of the
Armenian American community. He is an experienced diplomat with
advanced degrees
(Masters and PhD) from the School of Advanced International Studies at
the
Johns Hopkins University, and the London School of Economics and
Political
Science.

Archbishop Oshagan and Ambassador Tatoulian at the reception with,
left to
right, Mrs. Anahid Grigorian, Mrs. Lalig Vartanian, Archbishop
Oshagan, Ambassador Markarian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, and Richard
Sarajian, Esq.

INDUCTION SERVICE AT CATHEDRAL

Induction service for the recently elected Board of Trustees of
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, took place last Sunday
during the
Divine Liturgy under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan and with the
participation of Bishop Anoushavan.

Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor, described the ceremony as being a
=80=9Cvery special and a unique opportunity to recognize our
volunteers and express our gratitude for their dedication and
compassion on behalf of our Mayr Yegeghetsi.’

Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and Der Mesrob with the members
of the Board of Trustees, from left to right, Antranig Vartanian,
alternate, Alex Alahverdian, advisor, Michael Yetemian, secretary,
Lalig Vartanian, advisor, Antranig (Tony) Vartanian, vice-chairman,
Viken Najarian, chairman, Yervant Kasparian, treasurer, and Dr. Artur
Martirosyan, advisor.

RETREAT IN MICHIGAN

Seventeen Sunday school students, grades 7 through 10, from St. Sarkis
Church in Dearborn, Michigan, attended the second overnight religious
retreat at Colombiere Retreat Center in Clarkston, Michigan. The
two-day retreat took place June 16 and 17 under the general theme of
`DO SOMETHING.’ Lecturers included Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor,
Roupina Carman, Michael Crane, Sebouh Sarkisian, and Diane
Changelian. Activities and games were organized by Marina Pilibosian
and Karoun Tcholakian. The students were engaged and enthusiastic
participants in all of the activities.

Services were an important part of the two-day retreat.

The participants in the Retreat with Der Hayr, lecturers and leaders.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IN DEARBORN

St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, is sponsoring a Vacation Bible
Camp
this week with the theme of `Faith and Family.’ Thirty students are
participating in the program that consists of biblical message of
the day, followed with singing, dancing, activities, arts and crafts,
and games.

Thirty students are enjoying the various activities of Vacation Bible
Camp
at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn.

Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian leads the students in the `Bible message of
the day.’

DEDICATION AND APPRECIATION AT CATHEDRAL

A special Dedication Service took place following the Divine Liturgy
last Sunday at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City. The service
was on the occasion of the generous donation made by Mr. and
Mrs. Armen and Mary Boyajian of three stained glass windows for the
Cathedral’s sanctuary in memory of their parents and in honor of their
children and grandchildren. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian expressed his
heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for their dedication to the
Cathedral and their ongoing support.

Archbishop Oshagan also thanked the Boyajian family and recalled how
many years ago when he was a student in the United States, he knew
Armen and Mary as faithful parishioners along with their young
children who now are grown with families of their own. `It is
heartwarming to see all of you
today in our beloved Cathedral that you have faithfully cherished
through the years,’ he said.

Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, and Der Mesrob with the
Boyajian Family.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, June 29, Third Sunday after Pentecost, Eve
of the Fast of our Holy Father St. Gregory the Illuminator, are:
Isaiah 1:2-15;
Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 12:1-8.

At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; his
disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to
eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, `Look, your
disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.’ He said
to them, =80=9CHave you not read what David did when he and his
companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread
of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to
eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on
the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are
guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But
if you had known what this means, `I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’
you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord
of the Sabbath.’ (Matthew 12:1-8)

For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here
().

ST. NERSES THE GREAT AND BISHOP KHAT

This Saturday, June 28, the Armenian Church commemorates Catholicos
Nerses
the Great and Khat the Bishop. Nerses the Great was the father of
Catholicos Sahak I. He succeeded two catholicoi whose reigns were
unexceptional, and the people were eager to return to the line of
their beloved Gregory the Illuminator. Nerses was a student of
St. Basil of Caesarea, one of three great Cappadocian Fathers. Nerses’
pontificate was the beginning of a
new era. He brought the church closer in service to the people, rather
than to royals and nobles. He convened the Council of Ashtishat that
resulted in numerous laws on issues related to marriage, worship, and
customs. He built many schools, hospitals, and monasteries. He sent
monks to preach the Gospel throughout the country. His bold actions
resulted in great displeasure by the royal family and in 373 he was
reportedly poisoned by the king. His accomplishments for the spiritual
and social well-being of the common people earned him the gratitude of
the entire nation and the honorific =80=9CGreat.’

Khat the Bishop worked closely with St. Nerses the Great. Like Nerses
he had great passion for social issues, especially helping the
poor. Nerses entrusted most of the benevolent work of the church to
Khat. He is so closely associated with St. Nerses that the church
honors them on the same day.

By the light of unspeakable grace of your divine knowledge you arose
on the land of Armenia, merciful heavenly Father; have compassion on
us who have
sinned. Saint Nerses, pure in soul, from birth you were chosen to
inherit the paternal lot of shepherding righteously and lawfully. You
adorned the Church with the laws of truth and established good order
within it; through his prayers have mercy on us, O Christ.
(Canon to the Holy Patriarch Nerses the Great from the Liturgical
Canons of the Armenian Church)

CONSTANTINE AND HIS MOTHER HELENA

This Tuesday, July 1, the Armenian Church remembers Constantine the
Great and his mother, Helena. Constantine was the first Christian
emperor of Rome. In 330 he founded Constantinople as a `second Rome,’
and considered himself to be a servant of God. He was buried amid the
apostles in the basilica he founded in their honor in
Constantinople. Helena followed her son in becoming a Christian and
devoted her life to charitable work. She built many churches and
monasteries and is believed to have played an important role in the
recovery of the true cross in Golgotha. She is also believed to have
helped find Christ’s exact place of burial where later the Church of
the Holy Sepulcher was built.

SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crises in Syria, including the recent upheaval in Kessab, require
our financial assistance. Please keep this community in your prayers,
your hearts, and your pocketbooks.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE
ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY
MORE DIFFICULT.

THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.

DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE
() AND SELECT SYRIAN
ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR
DONATION TO:
Armenian Prelacy
138 E. 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief

Thank you for your help

THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])

Fall of Hromkla (June 28, 1292)

Hromkla means `Roman Castle’ (Qal’at al-Rum in Arabic, Rumkale in
Turkish ). It was the Armenian name of a fortress built on the right
bank of the Euphrates River, on the place of its confluence with the
Parzman (Merzumen) Creek, 50 kilometers west of Urfa (Edesa).

A strategic border crossing during Byzantine domination of the area,
Hromkla was surrounded by water on three sides and by inaccessible
rocks on the remaining, with a four-layer wall.

Around 1080-1086 the fortress was occupied by the short-lived Armenian
princedom of Philartos (Filaret) Varajnuni, and afterwards by the
Armenian prince Kogh Vasil. After the death of the latter (1112), the
dux Baldwin II of
Edessa seized the fortress from his son, also called Vasil, and
offered it
to his relative, Joscelin I de Courtenay, who would succeed him as
Count of Edessa (1119-1131).

The Seljuk invasions had forced to move the Holy See of the Armenian
Apostolic Church outside Armenia in the middle of the eleventh
century. After various moves, Catholicos Grigor III Pahlavuni
(1113-1166) settled in Hromkla
in 1149 and two years later bought the fortress from Beatrice, wife of
count Joscelin II de Courtenay, who had been imprisoned in 1150 after
the fall
of Edessa in 1144.

Catholicos Grigor III rebuilt the fortifications of Hromkla and
founded two magnificent churches, St. Gregory the Illuminator and
St. Mary. The church of St. Savior was built at a later time. Hromkla
became a cultural center
during the tenure of Grigor III’s successor, the famous Catholicos
St. Nerses IV Shnorhali (1166-1173). Many old manuscripts were
collected and illustrated, and new ones were copied and
written. Hromkla was famous for its school of miniatures. Two councils
held there in 1178 and 1179, with the participation of almost all
Armenian archbishops and bishops, studied and rejected the proposal to
join the Greek Orthodox, and recognized the authority of the
Catholicosate over all Armenians.

Hromkla was a domain of the Catholicos until the beginning of the
thirteenth century, when King Levon I of Cilicia (1198-1219) turned
the fortress into part of the court domains.

In May 1292 the Mamluk Sultan of Egypt, Melik-al-Ashraf, besieged the
fortress. After a heroic resistance of 33 days by the population and
the Armenian troops, the superior number of the attackers and the
impossibility to obtain outside help forced the defenders to surrender
on June 28. The guardians were killed, the fortress was ransacked, and
most of the population, including Catholicos Stepanos IV, was taken
prisoner. The fall of Hromkla was considered by contemporary
historians as a catastrophe. The seat of the Catholicosate was moved
to Sis, in Cilicia proper where it would remain until 1920.

The church of St. Mary was turned into a mosque after the sixteenth
century, during Ottoman dominion, and the other churches were ruined
(the remains of the Catholicoi Grigor III and Nerses IV were buried at
the church
of St. Gregory the Illuminator). The bombing by Ibrahim Pasha of
Egypt, in
1839, destroyed Hromkla for good. Until the beginning of the twentieth
century, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church was a sanctuary for
Armenians and Yezdies (who called it Der Nerses).

Previous entries in `This Week in Armenian History’ are on
the Prelacy’s web site (
())

FROM THE BOOKSTORE

100th Anniversary of Genocide at the Bookstore

The Prelacy’s Bookstore has an extensive collection of books in
Armenian and English about the Genocide including histories,
historical novels, memoirs, eye witness testimonies, essays, and
poetry. Through next April
we will feature one or two books each week from the Bookstore’s
collection.

LETTERS FROM SYRIA 1921-1923
A Response to the Armenian Tragedy
By Nellie Miller-Mann

Nellie Miller-Mann was one of thirty Mennonites who volunteered to
serve under the Near East Relief organization between 1919 and 1923,
ministering to the needs of the orphans and refugees. As a gifted
writer and photographer, she chronicled the drama of the tragedy of
the genocide and the attempt t9o help the survivors. The book includes
her stories of people she encountered and places she visited.

Softcover, $16.00, plus shipping & handling

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To order these or other books, contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email
at [email protected] or telephone, 212-689-7810.

15TH ANNIVERSARY OF PASSING OF CATHOLICOS KAREKIN I

This Sunday is the 15th anniversary of the passing of His Holiness
Karekin
I, Catholicos of All Armenians. His Holiness died on June 29, 1999, in
Etchmiadzin after a long and debilitating illness, just four years
after he was elected Catholicos of All Armenians.

With an outpouring of tributes, he was mourned not only by Armenians
worldwide but all of Christendom. A prominent theologian said,
`Catholicos Karekin was a great priest and distinguished leader of the
Universal Church. He was in the forefront of the ecumenical movement
and a loving pastor
and father to his people. I feel privileged to have enjoyed his
friendship. His loss is mourned not only by the Armenian Apostolic
Church but by the Church Universal.’

We remember and honor the memory of his distinguished service to Our
Lord,
and to the Armenian Church and people.

May the memory of the righteous we forever blessed and never
forgotten.

`Let us water the tree of faith. The tree of faith is the Church and
the water is our sweat, the sweat of honest labor shed for rebuilding
and revitalizing our Church. Without light the world is merely a blind
existence; in like manner, without spiritual and intellectual light,
our souls become blind entities.’ (From a message delivered in 1997)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 28-St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain, Connecticut, Ladies Guild
Cooking Class, `Short Cuts to Armenian Cooking,’
11 am, Mock Manti. $15 for each class; $40 for three classes.

June 29 – July 6, 2014: St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program
for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC). For information, contact the AREC office at
212.689.7810
or at [email protected].

June 29-St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, Annual Armenian Picnic
and `Madagh’ blessing at 11 am, by Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian, pastor of
St. Hagop Church, at Johnson Park, 6200 Northwestern Avenue. Shish
kebab and chicken dinners, sarma, penelee, khurabia, and more. Live
Armenian music; children’s activities, raffle drawing. For
information: Zohrab at [email protected].

July 14-39th Annual St. Sarkis Golf & Tennis Classic, Meadowbrook
Country Club, Northville, Michigan. $250 donation for golf breakfast,
lunch, and banquet. $125 donation banquet only. Reservations:
313-336-6200.

July 19-`A Hye Summer A Night IX,’ sponsored by the Ladies Guild of
Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, and Armenian Relief Society Ani
Chapter, 7 pm to 12 midnight. Dinner Dance at Alpine Country Club,
Pippen Orchard Drive, Cranston, Rhode Island, featuring Hachig
Kazarian,
John Berberian, Ken Kalajian, and Jason Naroian. Dinner-Dance, $50;
dance only after 8:30 pm, $35 (with student ID $25). RSVP before June
30. Call Joyce Yeremian, 401-354-8770, [email protected] or Joyce
Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467, sweetano6aol.com.

July 26-St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain, Connecticut, Ladies Guild
Cooking Class, `Short Cuts to Armenian Cooking,’
11 am, Boereg. $15 for each class; $40 for three classes.

August 4-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual
Golf Tournament.

August 17-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual
Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes.

August 17-St. Sarkis Church (Dearborn) Grape Blessing Family Fun
Picnic at Kensington Park, Kensington, Michigan. Good food, music,
biking, soccer, dancing, magician, swimming, playscape, kids games,
door prizes, face painting, tavloo tournament and more.

August 17-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual
Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes, 1-5 pm at Saddle River County Park,
Wild Duck Pond area. Music, delicious Armenian food and desserts, arts
and
crafts, and playground for children, cards, and tavloo, and more.

September 18-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 12th
Annual Golf Classic, River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New
Jersey. Rain or Shine. 11 am registration and Grilled Lunch Buffet; 1
pm Tee Off. Format: Shotgun Scramble (All player levels welcome). Golf
Outing Reservation: $195; limited to first 128 paid golf
reservations. Reservation includes: Grilled lunch buffet, dinner
banquet, golf, cart, and range balls. Contests and
Prizes. Sponsorships available. For information: 201-943-2950.

October 3-St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday
School Dinner Dance Gala.

October 19-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, His
Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will ordain sub-deacon Ara Stepanian
during the Divine Liturgy and preside over the parish’s 57th Annual
Banquet.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add
[email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
http://www.armenianprelacy.org/arec/datev
https://t.e2ma.net/click/cucze/4f4cee/k4lrhb
https://t.e2ma.net/click/cucze/4f4cee/0wmrhb
https://t.e2ma.net/click/cucze/4f4cee/gpnrhb
https://t.e2ma.net/click/cucze/4f4cee/whorhb
www.armenianprelacy.org

Karabakh President Visits Frontline Military Units

KARABAKH PRESIDENT VISITS FRONTLINE MILITARY UNITS

21:33 * 26.06.14

The the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic’s president on Thursday
conducted a visit to the country’s eastern and southern border
military units.

In his speech at the meetings with servicemen and the military
commands, Bako Sahakyan promised the state’s best effort to continue
keeping the borders’ inviolability under the permanent spotlight.

According to a press release by the NKR Presidential Office, Vice
Prime Minister Artur Aghabekyan, Minister of Defense Movses Hakobyan
and other government officials accompanied the president.

Armenian News – Tert.am

First Ombudsman: Tense Situation At Line Of Contact Is Result Of Pas

FIRST OMBUDSMAN: TENSE SITUATION AT LINE OF CONTACT IS RESULT OF PASSIVE POSITION OF ARMENIA’S DIPLOMACY

June 26, 2014 | 16:54

YEREVAN. – Tense situation at the line of contact between
Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan during the recent days is a result
of passive position of Armenia’s diplomacy, former Ombudsman Larisa
Alaverdyan said during a press conference on Thursday.

According to her, if further action is not taken from Yerevan, Baku
would continue to stick to their line that will further aggravate
the situation.

“We keep waiting for a goal scored to our gates, and only then we
begin to move,” she said, adding that wait-and-see position is not
the best action in this conflict.

Instead, according to the first Ombudsman, the Armenian diplomacy
should take necessary steps in order to demonstrate that implementation
of Baku’s requirements will not lead to peace and stability in
the region.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Russia Promises Adequate Response To Georgia And Ukraine European In

RUSSIA PROMISES ADEQUATE RESPONSE TO GEORGIA AND UKRAINE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

June 26, 2014 | 09:29

Russia stands ready to start consultations on the CIS countries’
European Union (EU) association. But if these agreements were to have
a negative impact on CIS free trade zone, Moscow will take official
steps consistent with the World Trade Organization rules, Russia FM
Sergei Lavrov stated.

According to him, official Moscow’s main objective is to find out what
repercussions await Russian trade once the EU and the CIS countries
sign the association agreements.

Lavrov recalled that Russia has a CIS free trade zone agreement with
Moldova and Ukraine, whereas Georgia, despite not being in the CIS,
participates in several trade and economic agreements.

The three association agreements are slated for signing on Friday,
and they will enter into force after ratification.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

PACE Adopts Statement On Human Rights Violations In Azerbaijan

PACE ADOPTS STATEMENT ON HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN AZERBAIJAN

16:20 / 25.06.2014

The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has adopted a
statement, expressing serious concern over the human rights situation
in Azerbaijan.

It has pointed to the country’s persistent failure to honor its
obligations and commitments and urged the country to show respect
for the fundamental right to freedom of speech.

The full statement is below: “The undersigned members express their
serious concern over Azerbaijan’s persistent failure to honour
itsobligations and commitments.

“Worrying reports of further deterioration of the situation with
regards to the freedom of expression and assembly, continuous
harassment, arbitrary detention and imprisonment routinely used by
Azerbaijan authorities to silence the opposition and independent media,
further restrictions on the work of NGOs and the severe crackdown
on the civil society, demand the Parliamentary Assembly’s immediate
action, using all available tools.

“The Assembly has already called on the Azerbaijan authorities to
honour its commitments and to respect the fundamental values of the
Council of Europe. It is deplorable that no real progress has been
made. Moreover, before and during the country’s Chairmanship of the
Committee of Ministers, the situation has even deteriorated.

“Therefore, we urge Azerbaijan to respect the freedom of the press
and media, as well as the freedom of expression, to align relevant
legislation, particularly the laws on defamation, on NGOs and on
the freedom of assembly, with the Council of Europe standards and
with the Court’s case law, in full co-operation with and taking into
account the opinions of the Venice Commission and to act upon the
recommendations made in the report on Azerbaijan by the Council of
Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights.”

Nyut.am