Author: Kanayan Tamar

PRESS RELEASE
UCLA AEF Chair in Armenian History
Tel: 310-825-3375

THE RICHARD HOVANNISIAN ENDOWED CHAIR IN MODERN ARMENIAN HISTORY AT UCLA

Presents

Three Armenian Chroniclers as

Primary Sources for Armenian-Iranian Cross-Cultural Encounters in
Transcaucasia, 1724-1736

Dr. George Bournoutian

George A. Bournoutian is a Senior Professor of History at Iona College and
the author of over twenty-eight books, particularly focusing on Armenian
history. His fields of research are Armenia, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and
Georgia. He is fluent in at least eight languages including Arabic.

Building on his recent translations of important Armenian-language primary
sources for the early modern period, Dr. George Bournoutian will discuss the
nature of Armenian-Iranian cross-cultural encounters in Transcaucasia during
the turbulent period leading up to Nadir Shah assumption of the Iranian
throne in 1736. Bournoutian’s talk will focus on Armenian eye-witness
accounts of the Caucasus region, provided by Abraham of Yerevan,
EsayiHasan-Jalalean, and Abraham of Crete and will explore how the latter
sources contribute to historians’ understanding of this politically and
culturally volatile region at a time of crucial importance in the histories
of the post-Safavid, Ottoman, and Russian Empires and their multi-ethnic
populations.

Friday, February 21, 2014
3:00-4:30 PM
10383 Bunche Hall

CO-SPONSORED BY THE CENTER FOR NEAR EASTERN STUDIES

PROSPEROUS ARMENIA LEADER MADE SERIOUS POLITICAL STATEMENT – HERITAGE

February 17, 2014 | 12:41

YEREVAN. – The messages and statements of the Prosperous Armenia party
leader were clear enough, member of the opposition Heritage party said.

Armen Martirosyan’s comment came in response to the statements
of Gagik Tsarukyan made during the seventh congress of Prosperous
Armenia party on Saturday. Tsarukyan voiced harsh criticism against
the incumbent government, pledging to become “open for cooperation
with other political forces”.

Martirosyan believes he voiced the messages that had been raised by
the opposition.

“Secondly, Gagik Tsarukyan seemed to speak for the common agenda and
consolidation of all political forces outside the ruling coalition.

His words indicating intention to persuade Armenians living abroad to
come back to homeland are a serious political statement,” Martirosyan
told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Heriatge party member called “right” Tsarukyan’s remark saying it
is impossible to achieve success alone. Martirosyan believes the
parliamentary forces must form a common agenda and carry out crucial
reforms after change of power.

Asked whether Prosperous Armenia can act as a political force
uniting the parliamentary forces, Martirosyan said he does not see
consolidation around certain political party.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

EMERGENCY MINISTRY: SEISMIC NETWORK TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ARMENIA

15:10 17/02/2014 ” SOCIETY

Considerable investments are being made and international organizations
are being involved in the establishment of an international scientific
center on the basis of the international seismic station in Garni,
deputy head of Rescue Service of Armenian Emergency Ministry Major
General Nikolay Grigoryan told a press conference in Yerevan.

According to him, most of about 150 seismic stations operating in our
country need to be renovated and work is being done with international
organizations to establish a seismic network on the basis of modern
seismic stations.

Work is underway to establish volunteer rescue services in the country,
the emergency official said.

Regarding the seismic situation in Armenia, Grigoryan said that
recently, earthquakes occurred in our neighboring countries, but no
major tremor was recorded.

Source: Panorama.am

DES EMPLOYES DU METRO VIRES APRES LES MANIFESTATIONS

Economie

Trois employes du metro d’Erevan ont ete licencies vendredi, deux
jours après leur participation active a une manifestation contre
l’execution de la reforme controversee des retraites.

Andranik Gevorgian, Gagik Galstian et Sevak Hovannisian etaient parmi
plusieurs dizaines de travailleurs du metro qui se sont rassembles
devant les bureaux de l’entreprise geree par l’Etat mercredi pour
protester contre des deductions considerables de leurs salaires,
deja modestes.

Gevorgian a rejoint la protestation meme s’il n’etait pas couvert par
la mesure a cause de son âge. Il a personnellement remis une petition
signee par ses collègues pour les cadres superieurs. S’adressant aux
journalistes, Gevorgian ainsi que Galstian ont critique le gouvernement
armenien sur leur attitude pour faire passer cette reforme.

Un porte-parole du metro d’Erevan, Ninel Vartanian, a affirme que
les trois hommes n’ont pas ete congedies pour avoir participe a la
manifestation. ” C’est une pure coïncidence >>.

” Le superieur immediat de ces employes etait mecontent de leur
travail “, a declare Vartanian. Elle a juste ajoute qu’ils avaient
ete a plusieurs reprises mis en garde par la direction pour “corriger
leurs erreurs.”

Les employes licencies ont insiste, cependant, pour dire qu’ils n’ont
jamais ete formellement reprimande au cours de leur plus de 10 ans de
travail. Ils ont egalement dit qu’ils n’ont pas recu des explications
ecrites de leur licenciement.

Naira Zohrabian, depute du BHK, a condamne ces licenciements visant a
decourager les autres travailleurs de protester contre la reforme. ”
C’est une forme de pression et d’intimidation dans un pays où le
chômage est très eleve et les gens ayant des emplois doivent s’y
accrocher “.

Le BHK ainsi que trois principaux partis de l’opposition de l’Armenie
representes au Parlement sont contre la reforme, disant qu’elle est
inconstitutionnelne. Ils ont fait appel a la Cour constitutionnelle
en decembre après avoir echoue a saborder le passage d’un projet de
loi correspondant. L’audience au tribunal est prevu le 28 mars.

Dans un communique conjoint publie vendredi, les quatre partis ont
exhorte les Armeniens a maintenir et a elargir leurs manifestations
contre la mesure. Ils se sont felicites des manifestations organisees
par les employes du metro, les entreprises de chemin de fer et
d’electricite ainsi que l’Opera National de Theâtre de ballet. C’est
une ” manifestation de nos citoyens montrant leur volonte de defendre
leurs interets. ”

lundi 17 fevrier 2014, Claire (c)armenews.com

PRESSE AZERBAIDJANAISE : REVUE DU 1 AU 7 FEVRIER 2014

Publie le : 17-02-2014

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
presente cette Revue de Presse parue sur le site de l’Ambassade de
France en Azerbaïdjan le 12 fevrier 2014.

Ambassade de France en Azerbaïdjan

Revue de la presse azerbaïdjanaise du 1 au 7 fevrier 2014

Politique interieure

La presse officielle et independante couvre l’intervention du
president Aliyev lors de la conference consacree a la mise en oeuvre
du programme gouvernemental sur le developpement socio-economique
des regions d’Azerbaïdjan. 6.02.2014

L’ensemble de la presse couvre la commemoration des 130 ans de la
naissance de Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, fondateur de la Republique
Democratique d’Azerbaïdjan. > couvre la ceremonie de
commemoration organisee par les partis d’opposition dans le village
de Novkhani.

Ramiz Mekhtiyev, chef de l’administration presidentielle a rejoint
le reseau social Facebook, informent les journaux d’opposition.

La presse d’opposition du 7 fevrier couvre la suite des audiences dans
le procès des jeunes activistes de l’organisation de jeunesse Nida.

Les journaux continuent a suivre l’enrôlement de combattants
azerbaïdjanais en Syrie.

Relations internationales

Le president Aliyev a recu une delegation dirigee par le Ministre
des Affaires etrangères des Pays-Bas.

La presse fait etat du deplacement du Chef de l’Etat, Ilham Aliyev,
a Sotchi ainsi que ses entretiens.

Relations armeno – azerbaïdjanaises

Le President Ilham Aliyev a recu les co-presidents du groupe de Minsk
de l’OSCE, Igor Popov (Russie), James Warlick (Etats-Unis), Jacques
Faure (France) et le representant de la Presidence en exercice de
l’OSCE, Andrzej Kasprzyk.

Image de la France

> rapporte qu’Eldar Namazov, Chef du mouvement > s’est entretenu avec Jacques Faure, copresident francais du
groupe de Minsk de l’OSCE. L’Ambassadeur de France en Azerbaïdjan,
Pascal Meunier et son adjointe ont participe a cet entretien.

Natiq Javadli, journaliste de > publie cette semaine
de nombreux grands articles positifs sur la France, a la suite de
son deplacement en France, dans le cadre du programme du Ministère
francais des Affaires Etrangères. Dans ses articles et reportages,
Javadli parle du mode de vie des Francais, decrit ses visites aux
grandes societes francaises. Il publie egalement une interview avec
Johann Birr, le responsable Europe de Reporters sans Frontières.

> ecrit un article titre : >

> en date du 1er fevrier rend compte des propos
de Francois Carmantrand, directeur adjoint de la direction du
Developpement International de Suez environnement ainsi que les
projets proposes par Suez Environnement a Azersu ASC.

> du 7 fevrier rapporte que les Etats Unis sont mecontents
de la visite d’une delegation du Medef en Iran.

publie le 12 fevrier 2014

Retour a la rubrique

Source/Lien : Ambassade de France en Azerbaïdjan

REVUE DE PRESSE N1 – 17/02/14 – COLLECTIF VAN

Publie le : 17-02-2014

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN [Vigilance
Armenienne contre le Negationnisme] vous propose une revue de presse
des informations parues dans la presse francophone, sur les thèmes
concernant la Turquie, le genocide armenien, la Shoah, le genocide
des Tutsi, le Darfour, le negationnisme, l’Union europeenne, Chypre,
etc… Nous vous suggerons egalement de prendre le temps de lire ou
de relire les informations et traductions mises en ligne dans notre
rubrique Par
ailleurs, certains articles en anglais, allemand, turc, etc, ne sont
disponibles que dans la newsletter Word que nous generons chaque jour.

Pour la recevoir, abonnez-vous a la Veille-Media : c’est gratuit !

Vous recevrez le document du lundi au vendredi dans votre boîte email.

Bonne lecture.

De Dieudonne a la resurgence de l’extreme droite Info Collectif VAN –
– “Dans le contexte actuel, loin de lutter pour
les libertes (la liberte d’expression qu’il pretend defendre n’est
en realite que des coups de boutoir contre des >, c’est-a-dire antiracistes et contre l’antisemitisme telles que
les denoncent depuis quarante ans le FN et les autres organisations
d’extreme droite), Dieudonne ne fait que contribuer au grand courant
de desobeissance civile…” Le Collectif VAN vous invite a lire ce
Communique de presse publie sur le site de la Ligue des droits de
l’Homme le 10 fevrier 2014.

Darfour : un groupe d’experts reconduit pour 13 mois Info Collectif
VAN – – “Le Conseil de securite des Nations Unies
a adopte jeudi une resolution reconduisant pour treize mois le mandat
du groupe d’experts charge de surveiller l’application des sanctions
imposees, dans la region du Darfour, au Soudan, sur les armes, les
deplacements et les avoirs financiers”. Le Collectif VAN vous invite a
lire cette information publiee sur le site de l’ONU le 13 fevrier 2014.

Presse azerbaïdjanaise : Revue du 1 au 7 fevrier 2014 Info Collectif
VAN – – “La presse officielle et independante
couvre l’intervention du president Aliyev lors de la conference
consacree a la mise en oeuvre du programme gouvernemental sur le
developpement socio-economique des regions d’Azerbaïdjan… Les
journaux continuent a suivre l’enrôlement de combattants azerbaïdjanais
en Syrie.” Le Collectif VAN vous presente cette Revue de Presse parue
sur le site de l’Ambassade de France en Azerbaïdjan le 12 fevrier 2014.

Le Parlement turc adopte une loi reformant la justice Les deputes
turcs ont adopte samedi un projet de loi qui accroît le contrôle
de l’Etat sur la nomination des juges et des procureurs, au terme
d’une nuit houleuse au Parlement, où un depute a ete blesse et a dû
etre hospitalise.

L’info vue par la TRT (1) Le Collectif VAN vous propose cet article
publie sur la TRT (Television & Radio de Turquie). Les articles de
ce site ne sont pas commentes de notre part. Ils peuvent contenir
des propos negationnistes envers le genocide armenien ou d’autres
informations a prendre sous toute reserve. “En visite en Turquie pour
assister a la conference Turquie-Pays-Bas organisee a Ankara, le chef
de la diplomatie neerlandaise Frans Timmermans a soutenu l’adhesion
de la Turquie a l’Union europeenne, notant que le processus difficile
mene avec l’UE meritait de se finaliser avec une pleine adhesion de
la Turquie”.

Le ” retour ” des enfants d’immigres en Turquie 50 ans après la
première vague d’immigration turque en Belgique, des Belgo-turcs issus
de la 2e ou 3e generation font le voyage inverse de leurs parents ou
de leurs grands-parents. Ils partent vivre en Turquie. La migration de
>, si l’on peut parler de >, est un phenomène
difficile a quantifier mais des chercheurs en Belgique, en Allemagne
ou aux Pays-Bas s’accordent a dire qu’il prend de l’ampleur, meme
s’il reste limite.

Contre la censure des medias en Turquie Ce dimanche a Istanbul, ils
etaient environ 200 a se rassembler a Babiali, le quartier historique
de la presse, sous l’oeil vigilant des forces de l’ordre. Des
journalistes turcs qui manifestaient contre la censure et les
pressions du gouvernement sur les medias. Sur 180 pays, Reporters
sans frontières a classe la Turquie 154e concernant la liberte de la
presse, avec 153 journalistes blesses et 39 emprisonnes.

Corruption en Turquie: la valse des gouverneurs En Turquie, deux mois
après la revelation d’un vaste scandale de corruption eclaboussant
plusieurs ministres, le chef du gouvernement Recep Tayyip Erdogan
est toujours a la poursuite de ceux qu’il estime faire partie d’un > et qui comploteraient contre lui.

Turquie : Erdogan fait passer sa reforme judiciaire, haro de
l’opposition Une image forte qui resume ce qui se passe en Turquie,
celle d’un elu de l’opposition, le nez casse, le visage en sang. C’est
le resultat de debats parlementaires houleux qui ont finalement donne
lieu a l’adoption d’une reforme judiciaire presentee par le parti du
Premier ministre Erdogan.

Turquie: Fethullah Gulen, l’imam qui fait trembler Erdogan Après onze
ans au pouvoir, l’islam turc se dechire. Entre le theoricien de la
plus grande confrerie musulmane, Fethullah Gulen, et l’autoritaire
Premier ministre, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, la guerre est declaree. Mais
quel est ce mouvement très puissant dont la campagne anticorruption
menace l’homme fort d’Ankara?

Retour a la rubrique

COMMISSION SUR LE DIALOGUE THEOLOGIQUE ENTRE LES EGLISES CATHOLIQUES ET ORTHODOXES ORIENTALES

INDE

Le 28 Janvier , la onzième reunion de la Commission mixte
internationale pour le dialogue theologique entre l’Eglise catholique
et les Eglises orthodoxes orientales a ete convoquee a Kerala ,
en Inde.

Le Representent de l’Eglise apostolique armenienne du Saint Siège a ete
Sa Grâce Mgr Hovakim Manoukian , Primat du diocèse d’Artik , Directeur
du Departement des relations inter-eglises du Saint Etchmiadzine et le
Père Shahe Ananyan , Directeur du Departement des Publications et de
la presse officielle au Saint Siège. Son Eminence l’Archeveque Narek
Alamezyan representait le Catholicos de la Grande Maison de Cilicie .

Au cours de la reunion de la commission sur cinq jours , les questions
relatives a la tradition des services et des pèlerinages de l’Eglise
primitive ont ete discutees .

Le 28 Janvier , les membres de la commission ont tenu une reunion
distincte et ont discute de questions generales . Mgr Hovakim a
presente les manifestations organisees pour le 100e anniversaire du
genocide en Armenie au Saint Siège.

Son Eminence l’Archeveque Narek Alemezyan et le cardinal Kurt Koch
, president du Conseil pontifical pour la promotion de l’unite des
chretiens , a preside une seance plenière , où le Père Shahe Ananyan
a presente le travail > .

lundi 17 fevrier 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

Already fourth Karabakh war veteran chooses self-immolation as a way
to reach to Azerbaijani authorities

17:04 15/02/2014 >> SOCIETY

Today, one more Karabakh war veteran made an attempt of
self-immolation in Azerbaijan, as it is reported by the Azerbaijani
news portal Haqqin.az. According to the information, disabled of first
group, Malik Mejidov made an attempt of self-immolation by dousing
himself with gasoline in front of the building of the executive power
of Sumgait.

The chairman of the Sumgait branch of public association “Karabakh
invalids” Elshan Mustafaev told the portal that the passers-by didn’t
let him do that.

“He doused himself with gasoline which poisoned his body. Currently he
is placed to hospital of Sumgait and his condition is assessed as
normal,” Elshan Mustafaev said.

He as well noted that the disabled wanted to burn himself because of
his problems with housing.

Note that this is already the 7th case of demonstrative
self-immolation in Azerbaijan over a month, four of whom were Karabakh
war veterans.
On December 25 of 2013, Karabakh war 2nd group disabled Zaur Hasanov
committed a self-immolation in Baku as an act of protest against the
violation of his civil rights by Settar Mehbaliev the chairman of
Azerbaijan confederation of trade unions. The disabled argued that the
official seized his territory, where he ran a small café.

On January 27 a resident of Yevlakh district of Baku, Karabakh war
disabled Nizami Kerimov committed an act of self-immolation in front
of the building of the district department of Social Protection Fund.
He did that because of the corrupt officials.

On January 29 a resident of Alpoud village of Barda region of
Azerbaijan, Maarif Veliyev, Karabakh war 2nd group disabled, committed
a self-immolation in front of the Barda town’s office of the
executive. Veliyev for many times had come to the office of the
executive of Barda region and asked them to give him a land at least
of 3-5 acres but everything was in vain.

Source: Panorama.am

Turkey ruling party MP and mayoral candidate visit Armenian church

February 15, 2014 | 00:36

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) MP Orhan Karasar,
the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Iskenderun, Seyfi
Dingil, and several other officials paid a visit to the Forty Martyrs
Armenian Church of Iskenderun.

In the run-up to the forthcoming local government elections, Dingil is
actively visiting various social, political, and religious
organizations in the city, reports Iskenderunhaber website of Turkey.

The guests were welcomed by Church pastor, Fr. Avedis Tabasyan,
chairman Garbis Kisadur of the Church Fund, and vice-chairman Mikael
Tabas.

At the meeting, the guests were informed about the needs of the local
Armenian community.

Seyfi Dingil promised that, if elected, he will do good things for
Iskenderun and the local Armenian community.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

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

** TOP STORY February 13, 2014
————————————————————
Presentation of the Lord
The Presentation at the Temple from The Gospel of Khizan (1499).

** Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple
————————————————————

On Friday, February 14, the Armenian Church will observe the Feast of
the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple, a beautiful story from the
infancy of Jesus, in which he is confirmed as the Holy Messiah or
Christ-the world’s long-awaited savior. In Armenian, it is known as
Dyarnuntarach, or “the bringing forward of the Lord.’

Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph brought their baby to
the temple, as was the pious custom at the time. There they
encountered Simeon, an elderly and devout man who had prayed to God to
keep him alive until he could see the savior promised to mankind.

When Simeon saw Mary and her baby, he sensed God’s presence, and said:
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy
word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared
in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the
Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).

Click here
()
to read more, and to find activities and resources for children and
adults.

St. Sarkis Church

** Primate to Visit Charlotte on Feast of St. Sarkis
————————————————————

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, is scheduled to visit
St. Sarkis Church of Charlotte, NC, this weekend on the occasion of
the Feast of St. Sarkis the Warrior, which will be observed in the
Armenian Church on February 15.

Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday and
take part in a luncheon following services. A program of musical and
dance performances is planned.

On Saturday, the Primate will meet with parish leaders.

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

Is 63:7-8
2 Tim 3:1-12
Jn 6:22-38

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

Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, great in mercy and abounding in the
gifts of your beneficence, you, who of your own will did endure the
sufferings of the cross and of death on account of our sins, and did
abundantly bestow the gifts of your Holy Spirit on the blessed
apostles; make us also, Lord, we beseech you, sharers in your divine
gifts, in the forgiveness of sins, and in the reception of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.

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

13 February: Remembrance of the Prophet Jonah

14 February: Presentation of the Lord to the Temple

15 February: St. Sarkis the Warrior

16 February: Sunday of Catechumens

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
Aram Khachatourian
Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978).

** UNESCO to Help Preserve Khachaturian’s Legacy
————————————————————

Officials in Armenia announced this week that a collection of Aram
Khachaturian’s original sheet music-including music for `Masquerade
Suite’ and the ballets `Gayane’ and =80=9CSpartacus’-will be included
in UNESCO’s =80=9CMemory of the World Register,’ a program that will
help preserve the archival material.

The collection also includes recordings of music Khachaturian composed
for ArmenFilm and MosFilm productions. Among these is the film score
for the beloved Armenian movie `Pepo.’

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register program facilitates the
preservation of historic materials by providing training and securing
sponsors for select projects. The program also seeks to raise
awareness of archival materials through community and media outreach
efforts.

The Armenian composer was previously honored by UNESCO in 2003, when
the organization declared it the `Year of Aram Khachaturian.’

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————

** Tribute to a Patriarch, Primate, and Poet
————————————————————
Sunday, February 9 was a day of remembrance and celebration at the
Diocesan Center in New York, as the life and legacy of His Beatitude
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late Patriarch of Jerusalem and
Primate of the Eastern Diocese, was honored. A special requiem service
in St. Vartan Cathedral preceded a luncheon and program in Haik and
Alice Kavookjian Auditorium.

In a homily, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian called the
occasion “a day to reflect on a single man’s life, spent in humble,
devoted service to our church and our people; to Armenia, America, and
Jerusalem; and to our risen Lord.”

The tribute program led by Dr. Tavit Najarian included vocal musical
selections and recitations of Archbishop Torkom’s poetry, as well as a
video tribute to the late patriarch.

Click on the following links to read more
()
and to view photos
()
from Sunday’s event. And click here
()
to view the video of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian’s life and ministry.

GTS
Patriarch Nourhan Manougian was honored at General Theological
Seminary last week.

** Patriarch of Jerusalem Honored at Alma Mater
————————————————————
New York’s General Theological Seminary conferred an honorary Doctor
of Divinity degree on His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the
Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, last Thursday, February 6.

The ceremony was held at the seminary chapel, and was attended by
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate; Archbishop Vicken
Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director; St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary dean the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian; other Diocesan clergy and
St. Nersess seminarians.

Archbishop Manougian, who is a graduate of General Theological
Seminary, presented the Very Rev. Kurt H. Dunkle, dean and president
of GTS, with a pectoral cross. A reception followed the service. Click
here
()
to view a gallery by photographer Michael Ovanes.

GTS is one of the Episcopal Church’s leading educational institutions,
and has a long history of friendship with the Armenian Church, having
conferred graduate degrees on many Armenian clergymen. Patriarch
Nourhan joins a small group of high-ranking Armenian figures who have
received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the
seminary. These include the Primate, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian;
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late 96th Patriarch of Jerusalem; and
His Holiness Karekin I, the late 131st Catholicos of All Armenians.

Secretary Kerry speaks with religious leaders. (U.S. State Department
photo; click on the image to enlarge it.)

** Ecumenical Director Attends State Department Meeting
————————————————————
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, took
part in an interfaith luncheon with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, January 28.

The group of 50 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religious leaders heard
Secretary Kerry speak about the Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, and
had an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns.

During the meeting, Archbishop Aykazian stressed the importance of
including Christian leaders of the Middle East in the dialogue
surrounding Israel and Palestine.

FAR
Hovakim Zaqaryan is a recipient of the `2013 Best Research Project’
award.

** ANSEF Researchers Recognized in Armenia
————————————————————
The Fund for Armenian Relief has announced that two ANSEF scientists
are among the winners of the `2013 Best Research Project’ award from
Armenia’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the National
Academy of Sciences.

Aram Zeytunyan, 28, and Hovakim Zaqaryan, 27, were recognized for
their projects in the natural sciences.

Zeytunyan is a senior researcher in the Optics Department at Yerevan
State University (YSU). In 2013, he received an ANSEF grant for his
research on optical pulse compression.

Zaqaryan works at the Molecular Biology Institute at the National
Academy of Sciences. His ANSEF research focuses on the pathogenesis of
the African swine fever virus.

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

Oshavank, Historic Armenia
Oshvank monastery near Erzurum.

** 2014 Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia
————————————————————

The Eastern Diocese will sponsor a pilgrimage to historic Armenia,
from 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
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, among 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
————————————————————
St. James ACYO Outreach Project, Evanston, IL
St. James ACYOA Juniors members volunteer at a local charity.

** Evanston Youth Prepare Food for Kids in Need
————————————————————

On Saturday, February 1, members of the newly formed ACYOA Juniors of
St. James Church of Evanston, IL, along with their parents and pastor,
the Rev. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, conducted their first outreach
project.

The group volunteered at Feed My Starving Children-a Christian charity
that addresses childhood malnutrition-where they helped package meals
that will be shipped to the organization’s distribution centers around
the world.

Click here
()
to view photos.

St. Mary ACYOA, Livingston, NJ
An ACYOA member of the Livingston, NJ, parish serves choreg at the
Armenian Nursing Center in Emerson.

** Livingston ACYOA Juniors Spend Day with Elderly
————————————————————

On Saturday, February 8, the ACYOA Juniors of St. Mary Church of
Livingston, NJ, visited the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
in Emerson, NJ. They were accompanied by parish pastor the
Rev. Fr. Arakel Vardazaryan and Yn. Anush Vardazaryan.

The young people gave a musical performance. They also served choreg
they had prepared for the occasion and joined the center’s residents
for a game of bingo.

Click here
()
to view photos.

Camp Sunday in NJ
Sunday School students in Worcester listen to a presentation about
St. Vartan Camp.

** Worcester Parish Looks Ahead to Summer Camp
————————————————————

On Sunday, February 2, the Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA,
held `Camp Day’ during which the community had an opportunity to learn
more about the Diocese’s summer camp programs.

Parish pastor the Rev. Fr. Aved Terzian, parish council chair Edward
Atamian, and Ararat Center vice chair Jay Kapur made a presentation
about St. Vartan Camp. Sunday School students and parents heard about
camp activities and asked questions about enrolling in its 2014
sessions.

The parish also announced that, thanks to the Asbed and Margaret
Zakarian Endowment Fund, children of dues-paying members who plan to
attend St. Vartan Camp or the St. Nersess Summer Conferences are
eligible for scholarships covering 70 percent of the programs’
tuition.

Fr. Vartan Megherian
A bust of the late Fr. Vartan Megherian sculpted by Yn. Yefkin
Megherian.

** Former Pastor Remembered in Bayside
————————————————————

Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, remembered its former pastor, the
Rev. Fr. Vartan Megherian, on the 30th anniversary of his passing last
month.

On Sunday, January 19, a memorial luncheon was held, during which
community members shared memories of their late spiritual
leader. Yn. Yefkin Megherian, an accomplished sculptor, exhibited
busts of her late husband and their son Narrek.

She also gave to the church a chalice that had been given to
Fr. Vartan in 1964 by Haig Sarkissian and family. The Rev. Fr. Abraham
Malkhasyan, parish pastor, began using the chalice at Holy Martyrs
Church earlier this month.

Click here
()
to view photos.

Upcoming events

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

Armenian Church of Southwest Florida | Naples, FL
On Sunday, February 16, the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy at the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida. The
service will begin at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (3901
Davis Blvd. in Naples). Fr. Jebejian will bless a newly purchased
chalice dedicated in memory of Harry Torosian, one of the founders of
the mission parish. The parish’s annual bake sale featuring Armenian
breads and pastries will follow services.

St. Vartan Cathedral | New York, NY
A memorial service for the Armenian victims of Azerbaijan will be held
at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral on Sunday, February 16. A program
will follow services. For information, call (212) 686-0710.

Sts. Vartanantz Church | Chelmsford, MA
The Men’s Club of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, will host
a dinner and meeting on Wednesday, February 19, beginning at 7
p.m. Guest speaker Joe Almasian, a member of the 1994 Armenian Olympic
bobsled team, will recount his experience competing in
Lillehammer. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information. For reservations, call Ara
Jeknavorian at (617) 803-2612, or e-mail [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .

St. David Church | Boca Raton, FL
St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL, will hold its annual Armenian Food
Festival on Saturday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday,
February 23, from 12 to 6 p.m. Enjoy Armenian foods and pastries, a
country store, attic sale, children’s festival, and live music (on
Saturday evening). For information, call the church office at (561)
994-2335, or e-mail [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
.

** EVENTS
————————————————————
Key

** Zohrab Center Lecture Postponed to Feb. 19
————————————————————

Due to inclement weather, tonight’s lecture at the Diocese’s Krikor
and Clara Zohrab Information Center has been rescheduled for
Wednesday, February 19.

The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan’s lecture, `Hidden Meanings: The
Armenian Church’s Feasts and Fasts,’ will focus on the meaning of some
of the lesser-known feasts and commemorations in the Armenian Church’s
calendar, and how these traditions can help Armenians to live the
Gospel of Christ in today’s world.

The lecture will be held at the Zohrab Center. It is free and open to
the public. Click here
()
for information.
Sts. Vartanantz Day

** Vartanantz Day Program at St. Vartan Cathedral
————————————————————

Sts. Vartanantz Day will be observed at New York’s St. Vartan
Cathedral on Thursday, February 27.

The Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, pastor of Holy Martyrs Church of
Bayside, NY, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy beginning at 6 p.m. A
dinner and program will follow services.

The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, director of the Diocese’s Krikor
and Clara Zohrab Information Center, will be the evening’s keynote
speaker. The program also will include a performance by the Shnorhali
Choir.

The Vartanantz Day commemoration is organized by the Eastern Diocese
with the participation of the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of
Vartan. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
ACYOA retreats
Retreat participants enjoy the wintry weather in Michigan.

** ACYOA Juniors Retreat Season Opens in Michigan
————————————————————

The first of eight planned ACYOA Juniors retreats took place at
St. John Church of Southfield, MI, last weekend. Participants included
young people from St. John Church and St. Gregory of Narek Church of
Richmond Heights, OH.

Titled `#MadeInHisImage,’ the retreat focused on the Diocesan theme
`Living the Gospel of Christ.’ Presentations were made by the
Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of St. John Church; the
Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, pastor of St. Gregory of Narek Church; and
Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s director of Youth and Young Adult
Ministries.

On Sunday, Fr. Sargsyan was the guest celebrant at St. John
Church. Following the Divine Liturgy, the ACYOA Juniors hosted a
presentation on the Diocesan summer camp programs and celebrated the
50th anniversary of Hye Camp. Click here
()
to view photos.

The next overnight retreat will be held for the ACYOA Juniors of the
New York, New Jersey, and Mid-Atlantic regions at Holy Trinity Church
in Cheltenham, PA, from February 22 to 23. For information, contact
Jennifer Morris at (248) 648-0702, or via e-mail at .