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01/18/2005
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1) ANCA Criticizes State Department Statement Describing The Mountainous
Karabagh Republic as ‘Criminal Secessionists’
2) Twenty-two Novices Refresh Ranks of ARF
3) Armenia Kicks off Iraq Mission
4) Agricultural Concerns Addressed at Meeting with Kocharian
5) Prelacy Projects and Schools Receive Major Boost during Prelate’s Christmas
Dinner

1) ANCA Criticizes State Department Statement Describing The Mountainous
Karabagh Republic as ‘Criminal Secessionists’

Incendiary Remarks by Assistant Secretary of State Jones Undermine the
Karabagh
Peace Process

WASHINGTON, DC–The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) condemned
highly incendiary statements by US Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth
Jones
referring to Mountainous Karabagh’s leaders as “criminal secessionists” and
calling for their removal from power. The statement came as part of a January
13 digital video-conference with journalists in US Embassies in Moscow, Rome,
and Bratislava.
“Assistant Secretary Jones’s comments seriously weaken the foundation of our
role–as Americans–as impartial mediators of the Mountainous Karabagh
conflict,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. “Her remarks unfairly attack the
right of the people of Mountainous Karabagh to express themselves
democratically through elections. They also prejudice the outcome of the OSCE
negotiations, materially compromising the search for peace, and–very
significantly–embolden the growing chorus in the Azerbaijan government
that is
calling for renewed aggression against Mountainous Karabagh.”
Expressing the Armenian American community’s shock and outrage at Assistant
Secretary Jones’ remarks, the ANCA condemned her statements “as counter to the
long-standing US policy of helping the parties reach a negotiated settlement.”
The ANCA also called on the Administration to begin repairing this damage by
immediately and clearly renouncing the unfair and inaccurate remarks.
During the video conference, Jones, in discussing US bi-lateral relations
with
Russia, called for increased engagement in resolving regional conflicts in the
former Soviet Union, stating:
“It is in Russia’s interest for these areas–for Transnistria, Abkhazia,
South
Ossetia, Mountainous Karabagh–to be stable, for corruption to end there, for
the criminal secessionists who rule there to be removed. It is not appropriate
for this kind of instability and criminality to exist right in the middle of
Europe.”
When asked to clarify her reference to “criminal secessionists” in the
region,
Jones stated: “The areas that are right around Russia’s borders where there
are, as I said, secessionists who are criminals seem to us to undercut
Russia’s
security by allowing and not really addressing in a concrete way the fact that
there are two secessionist areas remaining in Georgia and one in Moldova.
There
are still outstanding questions with Mountainous Karabagh. Russia can play a
very positive leadership role in addressing these questions. It cannot be in
Russia’s interest to allow this kind of criminal activity to take place so
close to its borders. This is where there can be a breeding ground for
terrorists. That is not in Russia’s interests. It is not in Russia’s interest,
or in the interests of the United States or Europe for these areas to be free
for weapons transportation, for narcotics transportation and trafficking.”
The complete transcript from the video conference may be obtained on the US
Embassy-Moscow, Russia website:
<;www.mo
scow.usembassy.gov/embassy/transcript.php?record_id=99

2) Twenty-two Novices Refresh Ranks of ARF

ENCINO–Twenty-two members joined the ranks of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) Western Region during a swearing in ceremony on January 15.
ARF Western Region Central Committee (CC) member Khajag Dikranian served as
the
godfather for the 8 female and 14 male novices to the ARF ranks.
On behalf of ARF CC’s educational committee, Marzbed Margossian introduced
the
new members, affirming their competence to enter the ranks of the ARF, and
capability to assume responsibility. He urged the new members to immediately
take on tasks entrusted to them.
Addressing the novices, Khajag Dikranian said, “For our organization, this
moment is one of renewal; this pledge and the legacy of struggle have been
transferred from generation to generation to finally reach us.”
He reminded the audience that the novices must be nurtured, as each has
volunteered to join the ARF; their individual paths of continuous struggle
within the organization will be long and tireless.
He conveyed that the ARF is an organization that undergoes constant renewal.
Recalling the words of Nigol Aghbalian, he said that whoever leads the
organization, whatever form the methodology or direction, the ideal and vision
remain the same.
ARF CC Representative Hovig Saliba pointed to two distinct moments in the
life
of an ARF member–the oath of the Tashnagtsagan and the burial of a fellow ARF
member. In both cases, those assembled together renew their oath–united in
their emotion and conviction.
ARF Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian welcomed the novices into the great
family of the ARF, saying that we are born into families, but we join the
family of the Tashnagtsoutiun by choice. He expressed hope that the new
members
continue working within the ranks of the ARF with their current level of
eagerness and resoluteness–even in moments of doubt–and remain worthy of
being a member of the ARF by being exemplary and committed members of the
organization.
Following the swearing in of the new members, more than 600–mostly
youth–celebrated the evening’s dinner dance organized by the Papken Suni ARF
chapter, featuring singers Karnig Sarkissian and Hovhannes Shahbazian.

3) Armenia Kicks off Iraq Mission

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–After more than a year of preparations, a small
contingent of
Armenian non-combat troops set out for Iraq Tuesday on a mission that will
cement Armenia’s basic security ties with the United States.
Forty-six Armenian servicemen, among them medics, sappers, and truck drivers,
flew to Kuwait on board a US military transport plane after an official
ceremony attended by Defense Minister Serge Sarkisian and senior army
officers.
The unit is due to undergo final preparations in the Gulf state and proceed to
Iraq within two weeks.
“Our mission in Iraq is strictly humanitarian,” Sarkisian told the troops
lined up on the tarmac of Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport.
“We have chosen the most necessary ways of helping the Iraqi people: medical
treatment, demining, and cargo shipments that pursue the noble task of saving
human lives,” Sarkisian said. “The Armenian people have repeatedly seen
assistance from the international community in critical times. Today is our
turn to stretch a helpful hand to the Iraqi people caught in a destructive
whirlwind of war.”
The US ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, was also in attendance. “We applaud
the decision of the government of Armenia to deploy this contingent to Iraq,”
Evans told reporters.
“Armenian-American relations are in very good shape,” he said. “They are
improving day by day. In particular, our security relationship is growing in a
very positive way. So I think this deployment can only help to strengthen that
relationship.”
Armenian military presence in Iraq will give a largely symbolic boost to the
international legitimacy of the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein. The
administration of President George W. Bush has used the participation of over
30 other nations in America’s “coalition of the willing” to argue that its
military action in Iraq has not been unilateral.
However, some of those nations, notably Poland, are now considering recalling
their troops in the course of this year due to the deteriorating security
situation there. Incidentally, the Armenian contingent will be part of a
Polish-led multinational division deployed in south-central Iraq.
Both Sarkisian and Evans admitted that the decision to join the US-led
occupation force has caused controversy in Armenia. Critics of the deployment
have warned of possible terrorist attacks on thousands of ethnic Armenians
living in Iraq. Iraqi Armenian leaders have themselves pleaded with Yerevan
not
to send any military personnel.
In his speech, Sarkisian argued that peace and stability in Iraq is important
for Armenia. “Our efforts to fully integrate into the international community
create moral responsibilities to make our contribution to the resolution of
problems facing that community,” he said.
“We understand that the decision to send this contingent to Iraq was not an
easy one,” Evans said for his part. “But it is very important for the world
and
this region in particular that democracy and stability should come to Iraq,
the
people of which have suffered so much.”
“We have great confidence in the contingent. They are well trained, they are
well prepared, they have a good spirit,” the US envoy added.
The mood among the Armenian servicemen bound for Iraq appeared remarkably
festive. Some of them played folk music and danced to its tunes as they waited
for the arrival of the US C-130 Hercules plane.
Their family members, allowed to attend the ceremony, also sounded
optimistic.
But tears in some of the relatives’ eyes betrayed deep anxiety for the safety
of their loved ones. “We are wishing them a nice trip,” said one woman. “Let
Armenia’s army help other countries in trouble.”
The troops are to serve in Iraq for six months and be replaced by another
Armenian contingent. Each serviceman will get at least $1,000 for every month
spent there, a princely sum by Armenian standards.

4) Agricultural Concerns Addressed at Meeting with Kocharian

YEREVAN (Yerkir)–On Tuesday, President Robert Kocharian met with Agricultural
Minister Tavit Lokian to discuss the various technological and economic issues
that impact Armenia’s farming communities.
Prompted by the president, Lokian spoke about a number of advancements to be
introduced in 2005 that seek to boost crop yield through improvements in
irrigation technology and fertilizer quality.
President Kocharian reiterated his administration’s concern about the growing
burden farmers face as a result of high interest rates on government issued
loans–an issue brought to the ministry’s attention last year. Lokian assured
Kocharian that the ministry is attempting to ease such problems, and that it
will implement a 3 point cut in interest rates during the upcoming year.
The two men also discussed government efforts to repopulate the country’s
forests, which were devastated during the years following Armenia’s
independence. On the ministry’s agenda currently, is a proposal to reforest
approximately 5000 hectares of land, 200 of which runs adjacent to Yerevan.

5) Prelacy Projects and Schools Receive Major Boost during Prelate’s Christmas
Dinner

LA CRESCENTA–The Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s New Year
and Christmas dinner fundraiser on January 6, 2005 was a resounding success
for
Prelacy projects and schools.
The evening’s supporters included numerous dignitaries and representatives of
Armenian organizations, Prelacy benefactors, Representative Assembly members,
church boards of trustees, and associated church and school committee members.
Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian, Central Executive
Council member Khajag Dikijian, ARF Bureau member Viken Hovsepian, ARF Central
Committee representative Hovig Saliba, Regional Executive members from ARS,
Homenentmen, and Hamazkayin were among the many supporters who gathered at the
Montebello Baghramian Hall. Longtime Prelacy benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. John
and
Asdghig Bedrossian hosted the dinner.
Organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary, the evening began with the
religious procession followed by welcoming remarks by Mrs. Mariam
Karapetian of
the Ladies’ Auxiliary. In a special taping, His Holiness Aram I stressed the
importance of expressing love towards the church, the Armenian people, and the
homeland.
Among the performers who entertained the crowd was soloist Rima Garabedian of
the Glendale St. Mary church, Hovig Shahbazian, and the young dancers from the
Djanbazian Dance Academy.
In his message, Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian reminded everyone of
the tsunami tragedy in Asia and said that special prayers were said at Prelacy
Churches for the victims. He also thanked the evening’s sponsors for their
continued support, while declaring 2005 as the “Year of the School.’
Recent accomplishments for various Prelacy schools were highlighted. The
Encino preschool was renamed “The Holy Martyrs ARS Ashken Pilavjian Preschool”
to commemorate Mrs. Pilavjian’s pledge of $200,000. Mrs. Pilavjian is also the
sponsor of the new chapel being built at the Prelacy and dedicated to St.
Dertades and St. Ashkhen. The chapel is expected to be completed by October
2005, in time for a Pontifical Visit by His Holiness, which will coincide with
the 25th anniversary of the See of Cilicia Catholicosate’s seminary.
Charles Keyan added $50,000 to his original donation to establish a
scholarship fund for Mesrobian High School. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian
donated a
property located adjacent to the Tufenkian Pre-School, to be used for parking.
Tony and Eileen Keusseyan donated 10 copies of the “Partzerpert” Bible to each
of the Prelacy school libraries, so the students can see and touch one of the
treasures of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Mrs. Rose Kasimian donated $150,000
in memory of her late husband, Kegham Kasimian, towards Prelacy Media
Department and equipments, a “khachkar” and religious publications. The
Compatriotic Union of Ourfa donated $50,000 in memory of the Ourfa martyrs by
sponsoring the Western Memorial Wall of the Prelacy Building, as well as a
khachkar and a fountain. The Carolan family continued their support of the
Christmas Fund with a $25,000 donation, in memory of Richard Carolan.
The Prelate also announced the establishment of a Mortgage Burning Fund to
pay
off the loan on the Prelacy building. Mr. and Mrs. John and Asdghig
Bedrossian,
one of the major donors of the new building, made the first major donation to
the fund.
Based on the recommendations of the Representative Assembly, the Prelate also
reported that youth groups have been established under the auspices of Prelacy
churches to help guide teenagers and young people with Christian values and
Armenian traditions in an atmosphere conducive to providing young souls the
spiritual guidance they need.
In concluding his message, Prelate Mardirossian wished for “the year 2005 to
be the year for great accomplishments for our organizations and churches,
individually and collectively, in the spirit for peace brought to us by the
Son
of God’s Birth. May our good intentions enrich our lives; may we find peace
and
love to brighten our spirits; and may our steps be led by the example of the
humble and modest shepherds. Let Christmas renew ourselves and help us lead
our
lives in peace and love, accepting God’s offer for knowledge and accepting Him
as our savior. And let us join our voices to the singing angels to praise the
Lord, to wish for peace and good will towards men, and say: Happy New Year.
Christ was born and revealed.”

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IRNA, Iran
January 16, 2005 Sunday 8:10 AM EST

Iran ready to boost academic cooperation with Armenia

Tehran

Minister of Sciences, Research and Technology Ja`far Towfiqi said
here Sunday that Iran was ready to bolster academic cooperation with
Armenia in the framework of signed agreements.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of
Sciences, Research and Technology, Towfiqi made the remarks in a
meeting with his Armenian counterpart Sergo Yeritsen.

He called for further scientific relations including exchange of
students and professors as well as holding joint seminars.

Towfiqi said that the number of universities and research centers in
Iran has been increased, adding the country attaches great importance
to scientific and research works.

The Armenian minister, for his part, outlined his country`s
activities, particularly in the fields of Iranology and Persian
language, calling on Iran to bolster higher education relations.

The Armenian delegation headed by Yeritsen arrived in Tehran on
January 15 at the invitation of Towfiqi.

TRADITIONAL NEW YEAR SHOW FOR CHILDREN NEEDING SPECIAL CARE TAKES
PLACE IN CHILDREN’S CENTER OF MALATIA-SEBASTIA

YEREVAN, January 14 (Noyan Tapan). On January 13, a New Year show with
participation of children needing special care took place in the
children’s center of Malatia-Sebastia of the World Vision Armenia
organization. The traditional event headed under the title “Let’s Help
Each Other, My Friend” began with the exhibition of works made by the
children needing special care. Then a festive concert was held with
the participation of the very children. The New Year show was
organized by the Vahan, Paros, Tatev and Jah NGOs attending to the
issues of the disabled with the assistance of the Programs on
Children’s Protection of the World Vision Armenia organization. The
Programs on Children’s Protection of the World Vision Armenia
organization are aimed at raising the public awareness concerning the
rights of children needing special care, as well children who appeared
in complicated situations, creation of active mechanisms for
protection of their rights, ensurance of their possibility of getting
the corresponding education, assistance to their full involvement into
the society. At present the programs are being implemented in Yerevan
and Sunik, Shirak, Tavush regions.

ArmenPress, Armenia
Jan 13 2005

NATURAL GAS OPERATOR SUSPENDS SUPPLIES TO 3,000 APARTMENTS

YEREVAN, JANUARY 14, ARMENPRESS: Hayrusgazard specialists together
with representatives of local authorities across Armenia have
revealed 6,065 instances of violation of natural gas use safety rules
after examining around 22,000 homes between December 23 and January
10.
he extensive campaign was prompted by an unprecedented wave of
carbon monoxide poisoning cases resulting from gas leaks by home made
heaters. The authorities ordered to suspend gas supplies to more than
3,000 apartments and mansions.
The majority of violation cases were revealed in Shirak
province-1,380 instances. Inspection of 260 apartments in a newly
built quarter, Ani, revealed that virtually all residents there
ignored safety rules.
Hayrusgazard, the sole natural gas operator, said it will continue
inspections until the end of winter heating season.

PanArmenian News
Jan 11 2005

SIGNING OF AGREEMENT ON DECIDING KARABAKH STATUS VIA REFERENDUM NOT
RULED OUT

11.01.2005 15:50

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “According to the data the Azg newspaper possesses,
it is not ruled out that Armenia and Azerbaijan may sign a
transitional agreement over Nagorno Karabakh, in compliance with
which the Karabakh forces will be withdrawn from some territories
under their control, while in exchange Nagorno Karabakh will be
conveyed for temporary governance of Armenia under the condition that
in 5 or 10 years a referendum on the Nagorno Karabakh status is
held,” Tatul Hakobian writes in the Azg newspaper first issue this
year. It should be reminded that a meeting of Armenian and Azeri
Foreign Ministers will take place in Prague today. Before leaving for
Prague yesterday Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian stated
that “this year’s talks will qualitatively differ from the first
phase of the Prague meetings. We will discuss some details now.”
“Azg” also reminds of the December article in Le Figaro, which
suggested approximately the same settlement option signed by the NATO
Parliamentary Assembly Chairman. The newspaper also takes note of the
lately observed trend of resolution of conflict issues via referendums.
Thereupon the Azg article author reminds of the agreement over
resolution of the conflict in Sudan, as well as in Cyprus and the
possible repetition of the referendum scenario in Kosovo.

Jewsweek
Jan 10 2005

Shmuley on ‘Hotel Rwanda’
Bill Clinton’s infamy with regards to Rwanda will tarnish his
presidency forever

by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

Two things were on my mind as I watched Hotel Rwanda, the stunning
depiction of the 1994 Rwandan Tutsi extermination that was the
fastest genocide in the history of the world.

The first was Hollywood and how I owed it an apology for the many
times I railed against its degeneracy. A film this powerful shames
the world out of its indifference to the slaughter of helpless humans
and demonstrates the potential of movies to reach the places that
photos and words cannot.

The second was Bill Clinton, the great ’60s liberal romantic who
dreamed of becoming president in order to make the world a better
place. How would he deal with his shame, for the movie is more
damaging to his reputation than if Monica Lewinsky had handycamed the
leader of the free world inserting foreign objects into her privates.

Though Clinton is never mentioned in the movie explicitly, he is the
ghost that haunts the entire story — the most powerful man on earth
— who not only refused to intervene to save 800,000 people from
being hacked to death, but declined to even convene his Cabinet to
discuss the crisis.

How would the great liberal hope now face his Nobel Prize-winning
friend Toni Morrison who called him “America’s first black
president”? Would he still be invited by Oprah Winfrey to talk about
his $12 million autobiography once she focused on the fact that
Clinton had even refused to provide jamming aircraft to block Hutu
Power radio transmissions that orchestrated the massacres? The
$8,500-per-hour cost to the United States was determined by the
president’s administration be too exorbitant, even though, since
10,000 Rwandans were being killed each day, the cost came to $20 per
life.

And would Bill Clinton still be a hero to a new generation of
American youth once they found out that eight African nations, fed up
with American inaction to stop the butchery, agreed to send in their
own intervention force. All they asked from the United States was the
use of 50 armored personnel carriers, but the Clinton administration
refused to loan them and instead demanded $15 million, leaving the
carriers on a runway in Germany while the United Nations scrambled to
find the money. And while all this happened, an average of 334 poor
black Africans were dying every hour.

The Rwandan genocide was unique in the annals of modern genocide
insofar as the world has absolutely no excuse not to intervene. The
Ottoman Turks’ slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians took place during
the fog of the World War I. The same was true of the holocaust of 6
million European Jews, which gave Franklin Roosevelt the excuse that
defeating the Germans was the best way to stop the carnage.

The Khmer Rouge’s extermination of one third of Cambodia’s 7 million
citizens was done in a country that was utterly sealed off from the
rest of the world, thus granting the Western powers plausible denial
as to its occurrence. But with the Rwandan Genocide, the U.N.
commander, Gen. Romeo Dallaire of Canada, one of the few true heroes
of this otherwise cowardly tale, informed the world of both the Hutu
preparations for mass-murder as well as every development once the
genocide was in full swing.

The Clinton administration’s response constitutes one of the greatest
abominations of American history. Not only did the United States
refuse to intervene, but, to quote the New York Times, “it also used
its considerable power to discourage other Western powers from
intervening.”

The Clinton administration robbed Dallaire of any ability to protect
the unarmed men, women and children by demanding a total withdrawal
of all 2,500 U.N. peacekeepers, only later allowing a skeletal force
of 270 because of the strong pressure of African nations. The
administration adamancy that the United Nations be withdrawn was
taken as a clear signal by the Hutu Power militias that the West
cared nothing for poor African lives.

>From that time on, the fate of the Tutsis was sealed and the bodies
of hundreds of thousands of children with their parents littered the
country’s rivers and hills. The Clinton administration’s repellant
response only got worse with the State Department then prohibiting
the use of the word “genocide,” because that would have obligated the
United States to intervene.

To be fair, I should add the addendum that Clinton did go to Rwanda
in 1998 to apologize, albeit for three-and-a-half hours, his plane
not even shutting down its engines while he spoke. True to form, he
at least felt their pain.

Dec. 9, 2004, was the 56th anniversary of the approval of the
Genocide Convention by the United Nations General Assembly. But with
another genocide taking place in Sudan, and the United States
refusing to even pass a resolution condemning it, it is clear that
the world is still not ready to prevent entire groups being
exterminated.

It is also clear that no country, not even the United States, can be
trusted to prevent genocide. Even President Bush, the greatest
champion of democracy since Winston Churchill, has thusfar done too
little to help the wretched people of Darfur, where about 100,000
have already died.

Which leaves just you and me.

I believe that rather than merely blaming the amoral Bill Clintons of
the world for being indifferent to genocide, decent people everywhere
must take it upon themselves to coerce their governments into action
whenever a genocide occurs. A mass movement of participants should go
on strike for two days of every month — and carry out acts of civil
disobedience — until the great democracies take action to stop whole
groups from being exterminated.

I lament that I lack the global reach and influence to orchestrate
this movement and coordinate its activities. But surely if enough
people begin to adopt this measure, say on the 1st and 15th of every
month, someone with global influence will emerge to inspire and
orchestrate the campaign and we can shut down whole countries for two
days out of every month until those governments act. We must send a
clear message that there will be no business as usual while people
are slaughtered en masse. Radical situations call for radical
responses.

I recognize that controversy will ensue as to what constitutes a
genocide. But rather than tangle over the definition, let’s begin
with the Sudan, which the United States and other responsible
governments have already labeled a genocide. Let us go on strike for
two days out of every month until the Western democracies send troops
into the Sudan to kill the Janjaweed militias, or carry out air
strikes against the Sudanese government who are arming them.

I write these lines not from altruistic, but selfish motivation. I
simply do not wish to ever experience the kind of shame that Bill
Clinton is surely experiencing right now.

;enPage=BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=object&enVersion=0&enZone=Opinions

Associated Press Worldstream
January 6, 2005 Thursday 11:01 AM Eastern Time

Head of Armenian church leads nation in Christmas worship

YEREVAN, Armenia

Armenians lit candles and attended services to mark their Christmas
holiday Thursday as the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church urged
believers to resist violence, terrorism and the threat of war.

Catholicos Karekin II led Christmas services at the Echmiadzin
Cathedral outside the capital, Yerevan. President Robert Kocharian
and other top government officials attended.

Karekin told worshippers “to banish hate from the heart” and “to
resist violence and terrorism and the threat of war.”

Later Thursday, after the Christmas liturgy, priests were to conduct
a rite known as the Blessing of the Water, which symbolizes the
baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan.

“Only the Armenian Church has maintained the ancient tradition of
celebrating the birth of Christ and the Epiphany on one day,” a
statement from the church said.

The Armenian Church celebrates Christmas on Jan. 6, the date
originally used by all Christians. In the fourth century, Christians
in the Roman Empire began celebrating on Dec. 25 to override a pagan
winter solstice festival on the same day, but the Armenian church
left Christmas where it was.

Four years ago, Armenia celebrated its 1,700th anniversary as a
Christian country. In 301, it became the first state to make
Christianity the official religion.

Worldwide there are about 10 million Armenians. Slightly fewer than
half live in Armenia itself.

Eventrate.com, UK
Jan 5 2005

Raid Karen Aventure 2005

After a tremendous response from two previous editions, the third
edition of the Raid Karen Adventure will take place this July.

The race is organised by “Armenie Sport Nature”, and is unique in
that it combines both adventure racing and tourism in Armenia,
beginning at Hagartzine and finishing in Garni.

Teams of three or individuals may compete in the race, and will be
required to complete the following disciplines:

-Montain bike (with deepest of the forests of the Caucasus).
-Trekking on foot in mountains including a climb of Ajdahak (3,580 m)
.
-Canoe (on one of largest and the most beautiful Eurasia Lakes).
-Trekking with orientering.

-Cultural test (in a medieval site).
-Traditional Armenian Games .
-Abseiling (close to rupestral monasteries).

The raid has a field limit of 45 people or 15 teams.
Check the website for further info.

ArmenPress
Jan 4 2005

ARMENIA TO OPEN THREE OVERSEAS OFFICES TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC POLICY

YEREVAN, JANUARY 4, ARMENPRESS: Armenian trade and economic
development minister Karen Chshmaritian said December 30 the
government has earmarked money for opening three offices in Brussels,
Washington and World Trade Organization ‘to promote Armenia’s
economic policy and advertise investments in its economy and defend
also the interests of Armenian companies which deal with overseas
partners, should they have problems.”
The minister said also another priority next year will be
establishment of free trade zone with Lebanon. A relevant agreement
is supposed to be signed next year. Chshmaritian said Armenia signed
such agreements with 9 CIS member countries, except Georgia and
Uzbekistan. Talks are also underway with Iran to sign a free trade
zone agreement.

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

CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER – January 5, 2005
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION

PRELACY PARISHES RESPOND TO
APPEAL BY PRELATE FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF
Prelacy parishes responded to the appeal made last week by His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and began collecting funds for the victims of
the earthquake in the Indian Ocean which resulted in the tsunamis that
devastated parts of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Last Sunday, January 2, parishes asked their Faithful for donations
during a special plate collection specifically for this purpose. Many
parishes have indicated that they will continue to seek donations.
In his appeal, His Eminence said: It is critical that help reach these
areas as soon as possible, otherwise the death toll through disease and
malnutrition can easily double.. Armenians, unfortunately, are all too
familiar with great tragedies. We have been the benefactors of the altruism
of others. Let us open our hearts and our pockets to help humanitarian
assistance reach those caught up in this tragic scenario.
You can read the complete message on the Prelacy web page:

There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than to offer a helping
hand to fellow human beings who are in great need. Your donations can be
made through your local parish or to the Prelacy. Checks should be payable
to the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (indicate for Asian Relief), and
mailed to 138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016.

CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA AND WCC GENERAL SECRETARY
RELEASE JOINT MESSAGE TO TSUNAMI AREA CHURCHES
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia and
Moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia,
General Secretary of the WCC sent the following joint message on December
31, 2004, to WCC member churches in the affected areas:
On behalf of the entire fellowship of the World Council of Churches we
send you sincere condolences and express our sorrow at the loss of more than
125,000 lives in one of the deadliest natural catastrophes that has faced
the people of Southeast Asia and regions surrounding the Indian Ocean. We
are also aware that the devastating earthquake followed by the tsunami has
left more than five million people homeless who are in dire need of
immediate humanitarian aid as well as psychological and spiritual
accompaniment.
With our deepest sympathy we pray and think of those who have lost their
loved ones. We are greatly encouraged by the exemplary efforts of our member
churches in responding even with meager resources to bandage the wounded and
bond with the sorrowful. In prayer, we yearn to God that we may all overcome
this cosmic anguish together with all peoples of faith in the region. The
WCC together with our partners in ecumenical disaster and emergency
management will continue to reach out with the resources available at our
disposal to prevent more human suffering and bring about relief to those in
this great affliction. Please let us know in what ways you would wish the
global ecumenical community to be in solidarity with you as you try to come
to terms with this unprecedented catastrophe.
During this holy season we have witnessed through liturgy and the sacred
narratives of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ that even the face of so
many contradictions in life God is still part of our broken world. The
miracle of the incarnation reminds us in the most profound way of the
dwelling presence of God that transforms even probabilities of annihilation
into new possibilities of life in history. And now we must reach out to one
another, and not only weep with those in anguish but also make a new place
for those seeking shelter as we struggle to find lasting solutions to future
tragedies in this world. One lesson to learn from this tsunami tragedy is
the need for the international community and the religious communities to
unite in one spirit and reinvent the capacity for preparedness to face such
tragedies together. It is also a moment to be reawakened to our God given
responsibility to care not only for one another but for the health of the
creation as well.
On the eve of the New Year may God’s grace be with you, comfort you, and
give you peace in 2005 and beyond.

2005 BIBLE READINGS ON THE WEB
We remind you that the Bible readings for 2005 are posted on the Prelacy web
page. To reach the Bible readings go to:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I BEGINS
DIALOGUE WITH THE YOUTH
Catholicos Aram I issued the first of a series of message directed at
the youth. The first communication is titled, For a Life-Centered
Spirituality: A Dialogue with the Youth.
In his opening statement His Holiness said: We lived the last days of
2004 confronting an unprecedented disaster caused by nature. This tragedy
comes to add to the burden human beings and particularly youth are facing as
a result of man-made tragedies, like war, violence, poverty, unemployment,
and a sense of meaninglessness and uncertainty. These are times when people
question, pray and yearn for spirituality.
His Holiness then goes on to describe the features of a life-centered
spirituality and ends with this:
On the eve of the New Year and Christmas, I wanted to share these few
reflections with our youth. This is not a formal message but the beginning
of a frank dialogue with our youth. I consider dialoging with the youth of
crucial importance for the future of our church and nation. Therefore, I
would like to continue this dialogue with our youth by addressing, from time
to time, issues, challenges and concerns pertaining to the present day
societies in general, and the Armenian Church and community, in particular.
The full message is on the Prelacy web page:

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS
Today, January 5, is Christmas Eve day, and tomorrow is Christmas when
Armenians celebrate the birth and baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. Most
Prelacy parishes will have services this evening and tomorrow. Please check
with your local parish for the exact schedule.
This morning, His Eminence visited the Armenian Old Age Home in Emerson,
New Jersey, where he officiated at services and had the opportunity to visit
with the residents.
Tonight, Christmas Eve, Archbishop Oshagan, will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy at St. Illuminators Cathedral in New York City.
Tomorrow, Christmas Day, he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and
deliver the Sermon at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
Tomorrow evening he will host his annual Christmas reception at the
Prelacy at which time the traditional Home Blessing will take place.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN VISITS ST. SARKIS PARISH
Last Sunday, January 2, Archbishop Oshagan was with the St. Sarkis
parish, Douglaston, New York. His Eminence presided over the Divine Liturgy
and had opportunity to visit with the parishioners on the occasion of the
New Year. On this occasion the parishioners generously donated for relief
aid for the tsunami victims.
To view a photo of this visit go to:

CHRISTMAS MASS FROM ANTELIAS TO BE TELEVISED
The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) will
broadcast via satellite the Christmas Mass presided over by His Holiness
Aram I, from St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, Lebanon.
Those with satellite service will be able to view the Mass tomorrow
evening, January 6, beginning between 6 and 7 pm.

CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY
In the December 23 issue of Crossroads we explained how the Armenian
Church has remained faithful to the original tradition of celebrating the
birth and baptism of Christ on January 6.
Following the Christmas Divine Liturgy, a special ceremony of the
Blessing of the Water (Choororhnek) takes place. The cross is immersed in
water, which has been blessed with Holy Oil (Muron), symbolizing the baptism
of our Lord. During the early centuries the celebration of the baptism was
marked with great splendor usually on the shores of a river.
In modern times, especially here in the United States, the Blessing of
the Water service takes place in the church following the Divine Liturgy.
Prayers are said, passages from the Gospel are read, and the dove-shaped
vessel containing Holy Oil is ceremoniously brought forward and the
officiating priest drops the Muron into a large basin containing water. The
priest dips the cross into the blessed water while reciting special prayers.
A member of the congregation usually acts as the Godfather.
There are some interesting commentaries about the Armenian Blessing of
Water ceremonies in history. For example, there is a description written by
a foreign churchman, Canonicus Willebrandt, about the ceremony that took
place on January 6, in the year 1211. He was on the way to a pilgrimage to
Jerusalem and remained in Cilicia for several months. He wrote:
We arrived at Sis on the day of Theophany on the invitation of King
Levon, who was to show us their ceremony. Sis is one of their important
cities. It has countless people of wealth. This is how they celebrated the
Feast of the Revelation. First, they did penance for twelve days and
observed abstinence, shunning even fish, wine, and oils. On the day
preceding they fasted. In the evening they celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
worshipped piously the whole night through. In the morning they went to the
river bank near the city. King Levon was astride a tall and stately horse..
Then came the Greek patriarch with his retinue, and then the Armenian clergy
with their Catholicos in a glorious procession. They began to bless the
waters of the river. The Gospel was read in both Greek and Armenian. The
Cross was immersed into the water, and a dove was released. Someone went
into the river and when he was in the center he cried out in a powerful
voice, Long Live our King. Then he cried out again, May Christianity rise
and grow strong throughout the world..

JANUARY 7 IS REMEMBRANCE DAY (MERELOTS)
In the Armenian Church, the day following the five major feasts
(Nativity, Easter, Transfiguration, Assumption, Holy Cross) is a remembrance
day devoted to the dead. This is another tradition that we, unfortunately,
have lost in the United States. In some countries, especially in the Middle
East, it is still observed. On this day the Faithful go to the cemetery to
have the graves of their loved ones blessed, and requiem service for the
repose of the departed souls.
Great, civilized nations show great respect for the dead. In fact,
Catholicos Zareh I, of blessed memory, used to often repeat the words of a
famous historian who upon analyzing the reasons for the fall of Rome said,
Rome fell because Romans lost respect for their dead.
May the memory of the righteous be ever blessed.

REMEMBERING..
Our late father was totally devoted to the Armenian Church throughout
his life. A survivor of the Genocide, he remembered the Yergir very vividly
and shared his recollections about holiday celebrations.
He told us that gifts for the poor were often left at door of needy
families on New Year’s Eve anonymously. The benefactors were never know.
And, of course, the exchange of gifts was not associated with Christmas at
all, but rather the New Year. The only gifts he remembered were dried fruits
and nuts, received with great joy. No matter how much dried fruit and nuts
he ate, none had the taste of his youth. He recalled the sweet sound of the
church bells at Midnight on Christmas Eve announcing the birth of our Lord
and summoning the Faithful to Church.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the
inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came
upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were
sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is
born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
The Gospel According to Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 7 to 11

On the occasion of the New York and the Holy Nativity, let us feel Gods
descent in our hearts and recognize it as a gift distributed to us. Let us
act such that our work and life will be a Christian gift first to God and
then to each other, turning our New Year to thanksgiving.
Archbishop Oshagan, Christmas Message
To read the entire message go to:

AND FINALLY.
A perfect ending to this Christmas edition of Crossroads is to send
special birthday greetings to 105-year-old Yeghsapet Giragosian. She is a
member of the St. Gregory parish of North Andover, Massachusetts. She
celebrated her 105th birthday on January 3.
You can send your birthday wishes to her:
Mrs. Yeghsapet Giragosian
154 High St.
North Andover, MA 01845

A Blessed Christmas to all.

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