Author: Kanayan Tamar

LOS ANGELES—Prelacy Schools reopened their doors to welcome students to the 2019 – 2020 academic year on Tuesday. On behalf of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, local parish pastors participated in back-to-school ceremonies, offered prayers and read the Prelate’s message.

Prelate Mardirossian presided over the back-to-school ceremony of Rose and Alex Pilibos School, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. He was accompanied by St. Garabed Church Parish Pastor Archpriest Vicken Vassilian.

In attendance were ARF Central Committee representative Garo Ispenjian, Board of Regents member Sarkis Ourfalian, representatives of St. Garabed Church Board of Trustees and of community organizations, school administrators, faculty, parents, and students.

The program began with the invocation by Fr. Vicken. Student Council members led the pledge of allegiance and national anthems. English teacher Patil DerHovagimian delivered welcoming remarks as the day’s MC. Representatives of Congressman Adam Schiff, State Senator Anthony Portantino, and L.A. City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell were in attendance, and delivered congratulatory remarks. Armenian teacher Sona Madarian delivered her message and well wishes for a bright new school year. Students delivered remarks and presented cultural performances.

Principal Dr. Alina Dorian delivered her message, reflecting on the School’s 50 year legacy of excellence, integrity, heritage, community, and unity, adding that the school has, for half a century, not just educated students, but elevated their minds, spirits, faith, and heritage. She thanked all past and present teachers, faculty, and staff for their hard work, and, addressing the students, urged them to continue to strive for excellence, to set their minds to great heights, and to always remain true to the core values of our faith and nation.

The Prelate began his message by greeting Principal Dorian, Assistant Principal Maral Tavitian, and the entire school family as they embark on their golden anniversary year and move forward to greater heights with the legacy of a rich past, strong present, and hopeful future. He blessed and commended all the teachers who serve with heart and soul, and the parents for their love, sacrifice, and devotion. He wished for the new academic year to abound with the Lord’s blessings and to be successful and fruitful.

In his message to the students, the Prelate urged them to always remember and appreciate the privilege of attending an Armenian school, which is not an ordinary place of learning but a distinctive institution where students grow and develop in their identity as Armenians. “Take advantage of the unique instruction you are fortunate to be offered; learn our uplifting prayers and our language, learn about our rich history and heritage, our ancient faith and homeland, and think of how you can contribute to the advancement of our nation,” stressed Prelate Mardirossian. He concluded by, once again, blessing and commending all those who play a part in the continued success of our schools, the members of the Board of Regents, local school boards, principals, directors, faculty, and volunteers.

The program concluded with the benediction and singing of the Lord’s Prayer.

Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States Varuzhan Nersesyan on Wednesday met with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee at its headquarters in Glendale.

During the meeting, which lasted more than the an hour, the sides discussed issues of concern to Armenia’s foreign policy priorities, as well as the role the Western U.S. community can play in advancing those concerns.

At the onset of the meeting, Nersesyan expressed his deep gratitude and respect to the ARF and the important role it plays in advancement of Armenia.

Nersesyan shared with the ARF leaders his efforts in Washington to strengthen U.S. Armenia relations and briefed them about the recent visits by Foreign Minister Zorhab Mnatsakanyan and Parliament Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan to Washington. He explained that Mnatsakanyan’s participation in the State Department’s Second Annual Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom was greatly important in strengthening and forging relations with other colleagues. Nersesyan added that during Mirzoyan’s meetings with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell the issue of strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations were discussed.

Nersesyan also applauded community’s role in the recent pro-Armenia and pro-Artsakh legislation that passed the House, among them Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s amendment to include an additional $40 million to Armenia; Rep. Brad Sherman’s measure to block the transfer of U.S. defense articles to Baku that could potentially be used by the Azerbaijani government to act upon its threat to shoot down civilian aircraft operating out of Artsakh’s Stepanakert Airport; and Rep. Judy Chu’s initiative to strengthen the Artsakh Ceasefire by deploying gunfire locators, add observers, and withdraw snipers, heavy arms, and new weaponry from the Artsakh line-of-contact.

The meeting also focused on the recent developments in the Karabakh peace process.

Nersesyan was accompanied by Armenia’s Consul General to Los Angeles Ambassador Armen Baibourtian and Counselor Varazdat Pahlavuni.

ARF Central Committee co-chairs Avedik Izmirlian and Dr. Carmen Ohanian were joined by fellow CC members Levon Kirakosian and Melkon Melkonian, as well as Asbarez English Editor Ara Khachatourian.

A gathering of foreign ministers from around the world in Washington this week is a great opportunity to collectively identify effective ways and partnerships for better protection and promotion of the freedom of religion or belief, according to Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan who is attending what is known as the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom organized by the In Defense of Christians.

During the conference, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke on behalf of the United States, and Vice President Mike Pence delivered a keynote address on Thursday.

Mnatsakanyan explained that Armenia has twice participated in the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom hosted by the U.S. Department of State. He said that as a strong proponent of universal human rights, Armenia promotes adherence to international human rights conventions and strong commitments to ensuring freedom of religion within the framework of the overall democratization of the society.

The non-violent Velvet revolution that took place in Armenia in last year once again demonstrated the power of tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for human rights and their importance in the Armenian society.

“Religion represents an institution of identity and the protection of the identity. Our history is a telling story about that. Tolerance and respect for all religions is based on our national experience, Christian heritage and long history of living together and sharing with other faiths. Freedom of religion and belief is an absolute human right which cannot be abolished or curtailed under any circumstances including in conflict situations. Protecting religious minorities played a crucial role in establishing modern systems of human rights which clearly established that grave and massive violations of human rights cannot be considered as a domestic affair but should be of legitimate concern of all members of the international community,” said Mnatsakanyan.

He added that protection of religious groups has been well-defined in international agreements such as the Universal Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

“Preventing mass atrocities against members of religious groups is an absolute priority for Armenia. We know what it means to be a persecuted religious group within the oppressive framework. It is a duty for us to pledge support to all those who are persecuted, including on the basis of their religion and belief today,” said Mnatsakanyan.

“Armenia became a safe haven for a number of vulnerable religious minorities particularly Yezidis and Assyrians. Today Yezidis are the strongest minority group in Armenia, and we are very proud that the biggest temple of this ancient people very soon will open in their Armenian homeland. Together with the most ancient Christian churches of the world and magnificent Blue Mosque of Yerevan it will symbolize beauty of faith and tolerance,” explained Armenia’s Foreign Minister.

“Unfortunately, we have been witnessing recurrence of mass atrocities including acts of genocide against Yezidis and Christians in the Middle East. These persecutions occur in the name of religion, as religion is often misused and abused by those who perpetrate violence or justify it,” added Mnatsakanyan.

Armenia’s top diplomat explained that attempts to equate victims and perpetrators by referring to their religious differences is misleading for a simple reason: perpetrators unlike the victims do not represent any religion and attempts to justify grave crimes including genocide by summoning religious solidarity or hiding behind religion is an insult to any religion.

“The rehabilitation of persecuted communities, the return and restitution of the places of worship, educational and other property are essential components of protection of the freedom of religion. Today we have received more than 20 thousand refugees from the Middle East and provided assistance to them on the ground,” said Mnatsakanyan.

“Armenia stands ready to cooperate with all interested parties to recover ancestral presence of Christians in the Middle East by rebuilding their lives, communities and churches. The Armenian people historically have been significant contributors to diversity, harmony and prosperity of the countries and societies of the Middle East.  This conference provides an excellent platform to initiate partnerships to this end,” added the minister.