Author: Mamian George

KOSOVO PLAN CAN’T BE PRECEDENT FOR KARABAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
06.04.2007 14:16 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Director of the Strategic Researches Institute
of Russia, Evgeny Kojokin, said 5 April in Baku that the problems of
Kosovo, Transdnistria, Nagorno Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia
are similar only from the formal-legal point of view, but they are
quite various problems for their essence and the approaches to the
solution of each of these conflicts should be different.

The politician said that the plan of Kosovo conflict settlement can’t
be a precedent for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Kojokin
thinks that the delay of the conflict settlement is caused by the
existence of the interests of off-regional players and various
approaches to the conflict solution, Trend news agency reports.

ALAVERDI HAS ALL PRECONDITIONS FOR ECOMING TOURISM CENTER

Noyan Tapan
Apr 06 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, NOYAN TAPAN. 11 mln 175 thousand drams (about 30
thousand USD) was allocated from the 2006 RA state budget for drafting
the master plan of Tashir community (Lori marz), 10 mln 784 thousand
drams for the master plan of Akhtala community (Lori marz) and 15
mln 900 thousand drams – for the master plan of Alaverdi community
of the same marz.

The RA Minister of Urban Development Aram Harutyunian said at the
April 6 discussion that Armproject OJSC has done work on drafting
of Tashir and Akhtala communities’ master plans, while Scientific
Research Institute of Urban Development CJSC has drafted the master
plan of Alaverdi community.

Arsen Arustamian, author of the draft master plan of Alaverdi
community, noted that being located in one of Armenia’s picturesque
places and having a rich historic and cultural legacy, the city of
Alaverdi has all preconditions for becoming a center of tourism. With
this aim, in his words, it is envisaged to implement tree planting
and road construction work, build two funicular ropeways, as well as
to open a tourism center in the city.

In the draft master plans of Tashir and Akhtala communities, priority
is given to engineering, environmental protection measures, as well
as to work on reconstruction of water supply and sewerage systems.

RA DEFENCE MINISTER TO LEAVE FOR BRUSSELS ON APRIL 3

Noyan Tapan
Apr 02 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, NOYAN TAPAN. On April 3, the delegation led
by Secretary of National Security Council under RA President,
Acting Defence Minister Serge Sargsian will leave for Brussels on a
working visit to take part in the sitting of North-Atlantic Council
by 26+1 format. The progress of implementation of RA-NATO Individual
Partnership Actions Plan will be presented and the report on estimating
the latter will be discussed during the sitting. As Noyan Tapan
was informed from RA Defence Ministry, within the framework of the
visit Serge Sargsian will meet with NATO Secretary General Jaap de
Hoop Scheffer, Special Representative of NATO Secretary General to
South Caucasus Robert Simmons and European Commissioner for External
Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner. The
delegation will return to Yerevan on April 5.

HAMLET MURADOV: AZIZ TAMOYAN ISN’T THE LEADER OF WORLD YEZIDIS, HE IS FRAUD WHO WORKS FOR SERJ SARKISYAN

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
April 2 2007

Hamlet Muradov who contributed to the "Riya taza" newspaper published
in Yerevan and the radio broadcasted in Kurdish and lives now in
Stockholm said that they didn’t consider Aziz Tamoyan as the leader
of world Yezidis, APA reports quoting Armenian press.

Muradov said that Tashin bey was the leader of world Yezidi Kurds
and Aziz Tamoyan was fraud who worked at Armenian Defense Ministry.

"He derives benefit from the facts of insulting Kurds in Armenian
Army. He is misleading Kurds to serve to the Armenian adventure",
he said.

Charkaz Maroyan, chief of Kurdistan Committee in Armenia drawing
attention to the election of the "Nagorno Karabakh’s former defense
minister", now the head of "Dashnik" Party Samvel Babayan the honorary
member of "World Yezidis national unity stressed that Aziz Tamoyan’s
activity creates separation among Kurds.

Maroyan said that Tamoyan advised him not to spread information on
the hurting of Kurds in Armenian Army many times. He said that if
follows that, he will be under the protection of Sarkisyan.

Maroyan stated that they will never forget the continuous deceptive
thoughts of Sakisyan, Babayan about Kurds.

"The Kurd’s intellectual level is low and therefore, they are used
in relevant positions in the Army like in civil life", Armenian
Defense Minister Sarkisyan said at the event dedicated to the 15th
anniversary of Armenian Army on March 28. And Kurds expressed their
dissatisfaction with this statement.

Armenia’s top leaders could be interested in premier’s death – Azeri website

Day.az website, Baku
27 Mar 07

Text of report by Xabar analytical group on Azerbaijani website Day.az
on 27 March headlined "The secret of Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Margaryan’s untimely death"

The sudden death of Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan not
only became a tragedy for his family and relatives, but also shocked
his numerous supporters and comrades in the Republican Party of
Armenia (RPA) he led.

Meanwhile, this tragedy gave rise to many questions, including the
opinion that the death of one of the most significant figures in
Armenian politics was not a natural one. It looks like there are
enough reasons to back such opinions when one tries to find out who
would benefit from the sudden death of the prime minister.

According to the close circle of the prime minister, Margaryan and his
family members received threatening phone calls recently demanding
that he resign and voluntarily leave the RPA he led. Many in Armenia
linked this to the election campaign and the plans of the forces close
to [Armenian President] Robert Kocharyan to neutralize Margaryan, who
until recently, enjoyed one of the highest ratings among the
politicians seeking high offices in the country.

In addition, it is reported that in his capacity of prime minister,
Margaryan possessed compromising documents about corruption in the
country’s armed forces, illegal property deals involving the top
military leadership of Armenia, as well as facts of illegal waste of
budget money envisaged for military purposes, and that he planned to
make those facts public before the parliamentary election set for 12
May 2007.

According to experts, who checked up Margaryan, the cardiac arrest was
provoked by an external factor that put enormous psychological
pressure on him and by nervousness not usual for the prime
minister. His relatives also seem to be suspicious about the late
arrival of ambulances during the cardiac arrest.

The analysis of the political developments in Armenia in the past
years, rich in facts of removal (including physically) of many of the
current regime’s opponents, indicates that only one force could be
very interested in the death of Margaryan, and that is the "Karabakh
clan" headed by President Robert Kocharyan and the mighty defence
minister, Serzh Sargsyan.

According to some information, the resignation of Andranik Margaryan
from the post of prime minister was mulled as early as in 2001 in the
corridors of power. President Kocharyan considered Margaryan’s
candidacy as a "transitional figure" and was planning to sack him
after strengthening his grip on power.

There were several reasons for that. First, the leaders of the
"Karabakh clan" did not trust a Yerevan native, who was trying to play
his own game. Second, the prime minister maintained close ties with
the opposition, and in particular, the Republic Party, which united
many comrades of Margaryan.

Margaryan’s resignation, however, could have serious negative
consequences for the president and his circle. Taking into account
that the issue of Kocharyan’s power being illegitimate is hot, should
the chairman of the RPA that has the majority in parliament switch to
the opposition, this could result in initiating an impeachment of
Kocharyan backed by other anti-Kocharyan factions. Because of these
reasons, Kocharyan had to tolerate the unwanted premiership of
Margaryan until the confrontation between the head of the cabinet and
the representatives of the "Karabakh clan" reached its peak. The
forthcoming parliamentary election was the reason for this. The thing
is that the RPA has great chances to lead a majority in the National
Assembly [parliament] as was the case with the past two elections.
However, the prospect of Serzh Sargsyan, who was included in the RPA
last year, with a further nomination for prime minister, escalated the
confrontation between the Margaryan supporters and the "Karabakh
clan". Apparently, Andranik Margaryan too, who, in the past years,
managed to take control practically of all the regions and local
governments, was not very enthusiastic about such a prospect. He was
prepared to become a "used material" in the hands of scriptwriter
Kocharyan.

Therefore, Andranik Margaryan became a touchstone for the plan of
Kocharyan and the corrupt defence minister, Serzh Sargsyan, to protect
the political and economic longevity of the "Karabakh clan" in
Armenia. And in the fight for survival, that stone had to be either
buried to blown up. No other way is acceptable to these people as life
shows.

80 countries sign U.N. convention protecting rights of the world’s disabled

By Edith M. Lederer
ASSOCIATED PRESS

12:15 a.m. March 31, 2007

UNITED NATIONS – In what the U.N. human rights chief called an
unprecedented show of support to empower the physically and mentally
impaired, 80 countries signed a U.N. convention enshrining the rights
of the world’s 650 million disabled.

The United Nations held a ceremony Friday on the first day the
convention opened for signatures and not only did 80 countries and a
representative ofthe European Union sign it but Jamaica announced that
it had also ratified the convention. That means only 19 more
ratifications are needed before the convention comes into force, and
speaker after speaker urged speedy approval.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour announced the
huge level of support at a news conference afterward.

`It’s certainly unprecedented in terms of support for a human rights
instrument, but it’s apparently setting records for the signature of
any convention in the United Nations,’ she said.

The convention is a blueprint to end discrimination and exclusion of
the physically and mentally disabled in education, jobs, and everyday
life. It requires countries to guarantee freedom from exploitation and
abuse for the disabled, while protecting rights they already have –
such as voting rights for the blind and wheelchair-accessible
buildings.

The convention guarantees that the disabled have the inherent right to
life on an equal basis with the able-bodied and requires countries to
prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantee equal
legal protection.

Countries must also ensure the equal right of the disabled to own and
inherit property, to control their financial affairs, and to privacy
over their personal lives.

The U.N. General Assembly adopted the 32-page convention by consensus
in December, culminating a campaign spearheaded by disability rights
activistsand the governments of New Zealand, Ecuador and Mexico.

`We would not be here today without the sustained efforts of the
disability community,’ Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said
at Friday’s ceremony.

`In three short years, the convention went from dream to reality,’ she
said.

`On its adoption by the General Assembly late last year, it becamethe
first human rights treaty of the 21st century, and the fastest
negotiated international human rights instrument in history.’

Arbour said `it’s very appropriate’ that the first treaty of the new
century `targets a community that has been so marginalized for so
long=80=9D and that it focuses on rights – not just social welfare
and programs to meet the needs of the disabled.

She called the convention `a first step’ in empowering the disabled,
stressing that once it comes into force governments will have to enact
legislation and change practices to ensure the rights of the disabled.

Yannis Vardakastanis, representing the International Disability Caucus
which was in the forefront of the campaign for the convention,
congratulated the 80 countries that signed `this unprecedented
convention.’

He said it represents `a very drastic’ shift in the way the
international community looks at disabilities.

`The 650 million persons with disabilities around the world expect and
anticipate that this convention will change the real living
conditions, that this convention will take away the discrimination,
the exclusion, and all the obstacles that people with disabilities are
faced with in their daily lives,’ Vardakastanis said.

According to the latest U.N. figures, about 10 percent of the world’s
population, or 650 million people, live with a disability and the
number is increasing with population growth. The disabled constitute
the world’s largest minority, and 80 percent live in developing
countries, many in poverty.

The convention advocates keeping the disabled in their communities
rather than removing them and educating them separately as many
countries do.

Find this article at:
331-0015-un-disabledrights.html

AHARON ADIBEKIAN: SPEAKING ABOUT REAL RATINGS OF POLITICAL FORCES BEFORE APRIL 20-25 IS SENSELESS

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. Speaking about the real rating of
this or that political force in May 12 elections before April 20-25
is senseless.

Aharon Adibekian, Head of Sociometer Center, expressed such opinion
on March 30 at the Forum press club. At the same time, he said that
according to preliminary surveys of Sociometer, 30% respondents are
not going to take part in the elections, 35% have already made up their
mind in this connection, and 1/3 have not decided yet whether to take
part in the elections or not and whom to elect. In A. Adibekian’s
words, there has never been such situation before elections in Armenia.

In his opinion, this is conditioned by a number of circumstances,
in particular, by appearance of "two new players" in the political
field – People’s Party headed by Tigran Karapetian and Bargavach
Hayastan Party headed by Gagik Tsarukian. In A. Adibekian’s words,
Bargavach Hayastan actively entering the political field a year ago
currently enjoys sympathy of part of opposition or not pro-governmental
electorate, the evidence of which, according to the data of preliminary
sociological surveys, is the Party’s highest rating.

As the sociologist affirmed, during the preelection campaign the
opposition "will get back part of its electorate" and Bargavach
Hayastan’s real rating will be specified then. In difference to the
latter, RPA’s rating is stable: according to the last four surveys,
its rating is 17-18%. A. Adibekian also said that it is not clear
for the present what impact RPA leader Andranik Margarian’s death
will have on the Party’s rating.

In the words of Sociometer’s head, on the basis of preliminary surveys
conducted by now it can be stated that besides the above mentioned
two parties, ARFD and National Unity also have chances to pass. And
Orinats Yerkir, Zharangutiun and People’s Party have some problems,
in case of solving which they will succeed.

By the way, touching upon estimations given to him lately by some
politicians, A. Adibekian stated: "I show the temperature like a
thermometer, therefore they do not like me."

OPPOSITION NEEDS FIRST OF ALL POLITICAL WILL FOR JOINT STRUGGLE AGAINST ELECTORAL RIGGINGS, REPRESENTATIVE OF "HERITAGE" PARTY SAYS

Noyan Tapan
Mar 30 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, NOYAN TAPAN. For the first time in the last
1.5 years, leader of the "Zharangutyun" ("Heritage") Party Raffi
Hovannisian received an opportunity to speak on television. During
a talk with reporters on March 30, spokesman for the party Hovsep
Khurshudian expressed a hope that these are "the first swallows"
to open the opportunity for the party to speak on TV. He said that
during the electoral campaign, "Heritage" will use paid TV time (in
addition to free TV time) within the limits of expenses envisaged
for propaganda.

It was noted that immediately after the start of the propaganda
campaign, "Heritage" will pay visits to various regions of Armenia. It
is not ruled out that joint visits with other opposition parties will
be organized in order to make meetings with voters most efficient.

According to H. Khurshudian, although it is for the first time that
"Heritage" is participating in parliamentary elections, it already
has experience of cooperation with other opposition forces in terms
of observation of both parliamentary and presidential elections, as
well as fight against electoral riggings. In his opinion, political
will rather than creation of special structures and mechanisms is
important for such cooperation. "If there is a desire to cooperate,
no formal institutions are needed, while in case of necessity they
will be formed easily," he noted.

"BANK ANELIK", CONVERSEBANK, ARMECONOMBANK, UNIBANK, ARDSHININVESTBANK, BANK VTB (ARMENIA) LEADERS BY END OF 2006 IN PRESS RATINGS OF ARKA

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
March 30 2007

YEREVAN, March 29. /ARKA/. ARKA information agency published the press
ratings of Armenia’s banks as of the end of 2006. The following banks
are in the list of the leaders: 1. "Bank Anelik", 2. Conversebank,
3. Armeconombank, 4. Unibank, 5. Ardshininvestbank and 6. Bank VTB
(Armenia).

According to the analysis of press signals, the information activity
of Armenia’s commercial banks increased in the period under review,
but the informational saturation of the signals decreased a little.

A 1.2% increase in number of press signals was recorded in the period
as compared with 2005, with the grand total index being reduced by
10.1% down to 5133. The share of negative press signals increased
from 2.4% to 3.1% in the period.

The analysis of press signals showed that the 1st quarter of 2006 was
the most intense one accounting for by 38.9% of annual press signals,
whereas the 3rd quarter was the most passive one (16.7%). The 2nd and
4th quarters were accounted for by 26.7% and 17.7% of the informational
signal flow respectively.

The share of signals under the "general" topic increased from 40.2%
to 50.6% in the flow in 2006.

The volume of information on "Clients and Service" remained unchanged
against 2005 and made 1.6% of the total volume. Reduction was recorded
in informational activity on other topics – "Bank Development Policy"
(from 24.4% down to 20.6%), "Digitized Illustration of Banking
Activity" (from 26.7% to 21.7%) and "Staff’s views and forecasts on
economy" (from 5.9% to 5.7%).

According to the press ratings of ARKA for 2006, Armeconombank became
the leader under the "General" heading and in the "Bank Development
Policy" section. Conversebank demonstrated the highest activity in
"Digitized Illustration of Banking Activity". "Bank Anelik" became
the leader of "Clients and Service" and "Staff views and forecasts
on economy".

The following banks were leading in the press ratings in 2005:
1. Armeconombank, 2. Ardshininvestbank, 3. Conversebank, 4. ACBA
Credit Agricole Bank and 5. HSBC Bank Armenia.

The press ratings of ARKA are calculated based not on the financial
and economic indicators, but on the facts of banking activities
communicated to the public through mass media. The higher is
the awareness of a bank’s activities, the more efficient is its
communication policy. Advertising information was not considered in
the analysis. See the details in the bulletin "Press ratings of banks"
#01 (32) for 2006.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

March 29, 2007

THE PASSING OF ARMENIA’S PRIME MINISTER

The Prelacy received the sad news of the sudden death of Andranik
Margaryan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, early Sunday morning,
March 25. He was 56 years old. The Prelate, who was in Lebanon attending
meetings in Antelias was contacted by the Vicar. The Prelate instructed the
Vicar to immediately contact all Prelacy parishes with the sad news and to
instruct them to hold a requiem services for the repose of the soul of Mr.
Margaryan.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
immediately sent a message to Robert Kocharian, the President of the
Republic of Armenia. His Holiness said: "We have come to know closely Prime
Minister Margaryan, his work and his commitment to our country and nation.
In the last few years and particularly after his appointment as Prime
Minister, we followed his work both in the local and international arenas,
through which we saw reflections of such high values as patriotism,
efficiency and dedication. His death is a great loss both for the Armenian
nation and the Republic of Armenia. On behalf of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, we offer our condolences to Your Excellency, to the government and
the National Assembly. On this sad occasion, we express our deep condolences
to the late Prime Minister’s widow and his family. We pray to God to rest
his soul in peace and give you strength in consolation."
Mr. Margaryan became prime minister in May 2000 and was also the
chairman of the governing Republic party. Born in Yerevan in 1951, he
studied cybernetics and graduated as a computer engineer. An Armenian
nationalist and critic of the Soviet system, he was jailed for two years in
1974.
Yesterday, March 28, was declared a day of national mourning in Armenia.

PRELACY LENTEN MEDITATIONS CONCLUDES
The final Prelacy Lenten meditation took place yesterday evening,
Wednesday, March 28. The 2007 Lenten series focused on the seven vices and
seven virtues. Last evening, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of
the Prelacy, concluded the series with his comments on "Gluttony and Self
Restraint" and "Lust and Chastity." His Grace filled in for Rev. Fr. Nareg
Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, who could
not attend because of a funeral in his parish.
The annual Lenten series is sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, the
St. Illuminator’s Ladies Guild, and the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC). All of the programs took place at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, with the following general
schedule: Lenten Service at 7:30 pm; Lecture at 8 pm, followed by a light
Lenten meal and fellowship.
This year’s series was very successful with thoughtful and well-received
presentations and very good attendance each week. Special recognition must
be given to the Cathedral’s Ladies Guild and the Prelacy Ladies Guild for
their sponsorship and preparation of delicious Lenten foods each week.

MEETINGS AT THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA
The challenge to discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian
Church and nation from the perspective of the 21st century brought together
the Cilician Brotherhood members of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in
Antelias, Lebanon. On the occasion of "Pilgrimage Day," His Holiness invited
the Brotherhood members and in particular the prelates, who also met
separately with the Pontiff and the Central Executive Council.
Archbishop Oshagan has been in Lebanon since last week. He is expected
to return to New York tomorrow.

MUSICAL ARMENIA
The 24th Musical Armenia concert took place last Sunday, March 25. The
featured artists, bass Serge Barseghyan (accompanied by Evan Solomon) and
the Ararat Trio, comprised of Patil Harboyan, piano; Van Armenian, violin;
and Hrant Parsamian, cello, captured the attention and gratitude of the
audience at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. A reception took place at
the Prelacy following the concert for the performers, their family and
friends, and sponsors.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, hosted the reception in the
Prelate’s absence. He expressed thanks to the performers and supporters of
Musical Armenia for making this series possible. He also thanked the members
of the committee for their organizational skills and dedication to the arts.

2007 DATEV INSTITUTE SUMMER PROGRAM
The 21st annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Christian summer studies
program will take place July 1 to 8 in Elverson, Pennsylvania. For details
click

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDINATION OF
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN CHOLOYAN
The 40th anniversary of the ordination of our Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, will take place in three different regions as follows:
On Saturday, May 5, the first of the three celebrations will take place
at The Marriott in Providence, Rhode Island, with the participation of all
of the parishes in New England, Connecticut, and Troy, New York.
On Saturday, May 12, the second celebration will take place at the The
Marriott at Glenpointe, in Teaneck, New Jersey, with the participation of
all of the parishes in the Mid Atlantic, which includes New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.
The final celebration will take place during the National Representative
Assembly (NRA) which is being hosted by St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn,
Michigan. This will take place on Friday, May 18, at Double Tree Hotel in
Dearborn, with the participation of the parishes in the Mid-West, as well as
the NRA delegates and guests.

AREC DIRECTOR LEADS SEMINAR IN NEW JERSEY
On Sunday, March 25, 2007, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council, conducted a seminar for the Sunday School
teachers of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The
interactive seminar focused on the notion of faith as trust in God as
expressed in the Christian scriptures; faithfulness to God expressed in a
life of obedience; and faith as belief-the doctrinal content of what the
church believes.
After luncheon, the Sunday school director Maggie Kouyoumdjian welcomed
everyone, and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, the pastor, stressed the importance
of Christian education for the life of the church community in his
introductory remarks. The luncheon was provided by the Sunday School PTA
chairladies, Mrs. Linda Popovic and Mrs. Tamar Karajelian. Sts. Vartanants
Sunday School has 147 students and 20 teachers, assistant and substitute
teachers.

RAISING OF LAZARUS
This Saturday, March 31, the Armenian Church remembers the raising of
Lazarus as told in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. The brother of Mary and
Martha, Lazarus and his sisters were good friends of Jesus. Their home in
Bethany, near Jerusalem, was Jesus’s home whenever he was in Jerusalem.
Lazarus’s sudden death threw his sisters into deep mourning. Jesus Himself
wept for His friend. John’s gospel account emphasizes the fact that Lazarus
was actually dead by pointing out that his body was in the tomb. Jesus’s
raising of Lazarus convinced many of Jesus’s unique powers, and according to
John the authorities took steps to silence Him.
Lazarus personifies the whole of humankind and Bethany represents the
whole world. Lazarus Saturday is the real beginning of the Cross, as the
supreme sacrifice of love, and the Resurrection, as the ultimate triumph of
love. A hymn traditionally sung on Saturday evening (eve of Palm Sunday)
says: "With the raising of Lazarus by which the dead were given hope, the
descendents of Adam were also raised.." Thus, as the Lenten period comes to
an end, we are greeted by the hope of Christ’s promise of the resurrection
of humankind.

PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK
In a few days we will enter the most solemn period of Christendom-Holy
Week-leading us to Christianity’s most joyous period, Easter and the
celebration of the Resurrection. The week before Easter marks a series of
events in the life of Jesus that were ordained or prophesied. These events
include the resurrection of Lazarus (as described above) and the triumphal
entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday
(Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, as described centuries
earlier by the prophet Zechariah. A large enthusiastic crowd greeted him
with olive and palm branches, and with the words, "Hosanna! Blessed is he
that comes in the name of the Lord." (John 12:13)
On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of
Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The
traditional procession of young boys and girls carrying decorated candles is
an impressive sight as the long procession of happy children in their best
clothing parade around the church.
On the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door for the
Service of the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek), symbolizing the opening of
the doors to the kingdom of God. The priest kneels before the doors and
says, "Open to us Lord, the door of mercy." In most diasporan communities
this service is held immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday,
rather than in the evening.
Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates
the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins
(Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of
Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from the command of
Christ that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the
Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) ceremony takes place in remembrance of the
events of the Last Supper. In late evening the betrayal and torment of
Christ, Tenebrae (Khavaroom), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one
large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are read
from the Gospel, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal
of Judas, and denial by Peter. Interspersed with the readings, hymns
composed by Nerses Shnorhali are sung. After each reading a candle from each
side is extinguished in the darkened sanctuary.
Good Friday commemorates the death and burial of Jesus and is the most
solemn and sacred day in the Christian calendar. In the Armenian Church
tradition, during evening Vespers a tomb is prepared and decorated with
flowers and candles. The faithful bring flowers and decorate the tomb
throughout the service.

PRELATE’S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Stephen’s Church
in Watertown, Massachussetts.
On Tuesday the Prelate and Vicar will visit the residents of the
Armenian Home in Flushing, New York. The next day, Wednesday, they will
visit the residents at the Armenian Home in Emerson, New Jersey.
On Thursday, the Prelate will travel to Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda,
Maryland, for Maundy Thursday services.
On Friday, he will be at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Good Friday services.
On Saturday, His Eminence will be at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, for Easter Eve services.
On Easter Sunday, he will officiate over the Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
"It is needless to say what place and significance this Patristic
literature had in the thought and life of the early Church. Its whole
intellectual and spiritual vitality and richness were poured into the
Armenian Church through the intensive activity of translation during the
fifth century, which, in its turn, gave a creative impulse to the thought
and life of the newly Christianized people of Armenia. The following
selective list of Church Fathers whose works were partly or integrally
translated into Armenian speaks of itself eloquently and has no need for
comment, since it may give you, in this bare form, an idea of the extent of
the literary achievements of this century in the field of translations:
Ignatius of Antioch, Aristides the Apologist, Irenaeus of Lyons, Hippolytus
of Rome, Dionysius of Alexandria, Gregory Thaumaturgus, Eusebius of
Caesarea, Athanasius of Alexandria, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa,
Basil the Great, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, Epiphanius of Salamis,
Evaagrius Ponticus, Aphraates, Ephraim Syrus, Cyril of Alexandria.
"Besides these Church Fathers there were others also whose works were
translated into Armenian, particularly some works of Origen, others ascribed
to Apolinarius and also works of Diodore of Tarsus and Theodore of
Mopsuestia. But during the later controversies many of these translations
were either destroyed or discarded after being suspected of heresy or
condemned as such. That is the reason why we know of them only through
references in other authors or through partly survived scanty fragments."
A Brief Introduction to Armenian Christian Literature
By Very Rev. Fr. Karekin Sarkissian, Faith Press, London, 1960

The Pontifical Message issued by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia, proclaiming 2007 as the Year of the Armenian
Language is on the Prelacy’s web page. To read the message in Armenian click
. To read the message in
English click

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, March 29, are Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 Timothy
3:14-16.
"I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you
so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the
household of God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Great indeed, we
confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations,
believed on in the world, taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:14-16
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click

OPEN ING OF RENOVATED HOLY CROSS CHURCH OF AGHTAMAR TAKES PLACE TODAY;
CATHOLICOS ARAM I DECLINES
The Turkish government has reportedly spent $1.5 million dollars on the
renovation of the historic Holy Cross Church on the island of Aghtamar in
Lake Van. More than 3,000 guests were invited to attend the opening ceremony
which took place today. The renovated church is now going to be called "The
Monumental Museum of Aghtamar Church." The cross on the dome has not been
replaced, supposedly for fear of lightening strikes.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, announced
last week that he would not send representatives from the Holy See of
Cilicia, "given Turkey’s ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide."

PBS’S FRONTLINE AIRS PROGRAM ABOUT WORLDWIDE
DANGERS FOR JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS
This week’s Frontline, which aired on Tuesday in the New York area, was
about dangers to journalists around the world. Part of the program was
devoted to Turkey and the assassination of Hrant Dink.
Titled "Requiem," the program said: "The recent murder of Turkish
Armenian journalist Hrant Dink shocked many in Turkey and sent a chilling
message to the country’s writers and academics. In an atmosphere of growing
nationalism, Dink had received a number of death threats and, in 2005, was
prosecuted for ‘insulting Turkish identity.’ Dink broke the Turkish taboo
against writing about or discussing the deaths of hundreds of thousands of
Armenians in Turkey between 1915 and 1917, during the waning days of the
Ottoman Empire. Armenians and many historians consider this to be the first
genocide of the 20th century. The Turkish government denies the charge,
saying the killings were part of a civil war. The dispute continues to stir
ethnic tensions."
To read more about this program click
/req_turkey.html.

THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK
The Armenian Church’s hymns of Holy Week, from Christ’s triumphant entry
into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and
resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever
created.
Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after the Lenten period, and
the hymn "Rejoice, O Holy Church" (Oorakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm
Sunday. "Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten,
rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are You, You who came, King
of the universe."
During the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek) ceremony, the beautiful hymn
"Open for us, Lord" (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or in
front of the closed altar. "We beseech You, O Lord, open for us, open for
us, Lord, the gate of Your mercy, we beseech You imploringly, O Lord."
During the vigil on Maundy Thursday some of the most melodious and
memorable hymns are sung including, "My Heart Trembles" (Sird im Sasani);
"Seized by the Love of Money" (Ardsatsirootyampun Molyal), and the
heartbreaking "Where Are You, O Mother?" (Oor Es Mayr Im). "Where are you,
most sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled
with bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my
mother?"
The Resurrection is musically proclaimed with, "Praise the Lord, O
Jerusalem!" (Kovya Yeroosaghem Uzder). "Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Christ
is risen from the dead, alleluia! Come, O you people, sing unto the Lord,
alleluia! To Him who is risen from the dead, alleluia! To Him that
enlightened the world, alleluia!"

PRELATE’S EASTER MESSAGE: "MY LORD AND MY GOD"
Archbishop Oshagan’s 2007 Easter Message, "My Lord and My God," is on
the Prelacy’s web page.
To read the message in Armenian click
rmenian.pdf.
To read the message in English click

CALE NDAR OF EVENTS

April 1-Ladies Guild Annual Palm Sunday Bake Sale, St. Stephen’s Church,
Watertown, Massachusetts.

April 14-Ladies Guild Comedy Night featuring Mel Simons, Meze and dessert
will be served, St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. For
information, 617-924-7562.

May 5-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in the
New England area will take place in Providence, Rhode Island.

May 6-30th anniversary of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School, Terrace on
the Park, Corona, New York, at 5 pm.

May 7-Prelacy Ladies Guild Mothers’ Day Luncheon, St. Regis Hotel, New York
City.

May 12-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in Mid
Atlantic area will take place at the Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New
Jersey.

May 12-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, 50th anniversary concert
featuring Onnik Dinkjian and John Berberian.

May 12-Armenian Dance party, St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard,
Massachusetts.

May 18-40th anniversary of ordination of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan in
Midwest will take place at the National Representative Assembly.

May 20-"Hello Ellis Island" and Reception, St. Stephen’s Church Hall,
Watertown, Massachusetts. $20 per person. Information, 617-924-7562.

July 1-8-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, 21st annual summer Christian
studies program for junior and senior high school students, at St. Mary of
Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania.

July 21-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island, and
ARS Ani Chapter present "A Hye Summer Night 2." For information
401-286-8107.

August 7-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual golf
tournament at Blackstone Country Club.

August 19-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church picnic.

September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley.

December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar.

December 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.

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