ARMENIAN REPORTER
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October 6, 2007 — From the community section
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1. Stolen! San Francisco Genocide memorial plaque is gone (by Paul
Chaderjian)
* Bay Area Armenians vow to replace 160-pound bronze marker
2. Karekin II begins pontifical visit with two-day trip to Southern
California (by Paul Chaderjian and Lory Tatoulian)
* Agenda included meetings and groundbreaking ceremony
3. Armenian National Committee-Western Region holds banquet (by Alene
Tchekmedyian)
4. Canada’s Prime Minister receives ANCA’s Freedom Award (by Alene
Tchekmedyian)
5. Tom Boyajian announces that he will be running for Mayor of Fresno
(by Nyrie Karkazian)
6. Nor Serount holds Independence Day picnic in Glendale (by Heran
Dabanjian)
7. Living in Southern California: the bakhals (by Maral Habeshian)
8. Profile: Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian: With the people, for the
people (by Ishkhan Jinbashian)
* A spiritual leader’s refreshing take on public service
9. Saipan’s "Armenian Five" recalled at medallion-award ceremony (by
Andrew Kevorkian)
10. Lucine Amara headlines a fundraiser for N.J.’s Verismo Opera at
the home of Vahram and Lucienne Aynilian (by Garine Isassi)
11. Shushi Dance Ensemble launches its 15th anniversary year in a gala
concert featuring Shushan Petrosyan (by Karen Saraydarian)
************************************ ***************************************
1. Stolen! San Francisco Genocide memorial plaque is gone
* Bay Area Armenians vow to replace 160-pound bronze marker
by Paul Chaderjian
SAN FRANCISCO – Search parties will be combing the tallest peak in San
Francisco today, searching for a stolen Armenian Genocide memorial
plaque. The three-foot by four-foot bronze marker weighs 160 pounds
and was bolted to a granite base at the foot of a 103-foot white
concrete cross at the top of Mount Davidson.
"It’s heartbreaking that something like this would happen," said
Sevag Kevranian, a member of the Council of Armenian-American
Organizations of Northern California (CAAONC). "There is not a whole
lot I can say except to express in words the disgust I’m feeling that
something like this is happening."
The CAAONC is a coalition of 32 Bay Area Armenian-American
organizations that outbid other groups during a 1997 auction to buy
the cross; they designated it as a Genocide memorial. The cross and
the third-of-an-acre parcel of land around it were purchased from the
City of San Francisco.
The $26,000 sale was the result of years of legal disputes between
San Francisco and atheists, who argued that the city’s ownership of
the cross in a public park violated federal and state constitutional
guarantees of the separation of church and state.
"The atheists also disputed the sale saying that it was illegal
sale," said Mr. Kevranian. "When the lawsuit was over, we had a plaque
mounted on a granite base saying the cross is a memorial to the 1.5
million victims of the Armenian Genocide."
More legal headaches ensued when two Turkish organizations and
Turkey’s Consul General to San Francisco filed lawsuits demanding that
the plaque be removed; a San Francisco judge threw out the lawsuits.
* Ten years later
On one of his regularly scheduled visits to Mount Davidison, CAAONC
board member Zaven Kanneian discovered that the plaque was missing. It
had been removed by vandals from its base.
Mr. Kanneian quickly alerting CAAONC members, who are collectively
responsible for the maintenance of the cross and Genocide memorial.
"We got ahold of the chairman of the council, Charles Paskerian, and
he immediately filed a police report with the San Francisco Police
Department," said Mr. Kevranian. "Everybody was in shock. Everyone was
horrified that this would happen."
When CAAONC members met, Paskerian informed the council of steps
the board had taken, including writing a letter to Mayor Gavin Newsom.
"We want to set up a meeting with the mayor," said Mr. Paskerian.
"The mayor is quite upset that this has happened, and we are pushing
for support from the non-Armenian community, who are incensed by the
act."
Police investigators dismissed theories that local high school
students may have stolen the plaque, focusing on the theory that the
theft was planned.
The San Francisco Police Department sent fliers to those who live in
the community and contacted groups known to use the hiking paths up
and down Mount Davidson asking for information.
"They have also contacted all the local scrap yards to see if it’s
been sold to any scrap yards for the value of its metal," said Mr.
Paskerian. "The initial reaction was that this was a planned act,
because this plaque weighed 160 pounds, and it’s at the top of a hill
that is very difficult to climb."
Mr. Paskerian said that investigators believed the theft was
politically motivated rather than for financial gain. "The theory that
it was stolen for the value of the metal falls short, because they
could get that metal easier and more conveniently from other places
like cemeteries," said Mr. Paskerian. "Police, in fact, today
[Tuesday, October 2] are putting out a bulletin to the press on this
particular issue."
The CAAONC put together today’s planned search, which starts at
11:00 A.M., to see if the thieves tossed the plaque somewhere on the
mountain. If the plaque is not found, the council will replace the
marker, which cost more than four thousand dollars when it was set at
the foot of the cross. The artwork and labor were donated by a local
artist and committee members.
"There is a gated road that you need to key to in order to get a
vehicle to the site," said Mr. Kevranian. "There are only a few
maintenance organizations that have access. We hope that after
[thieves] grabbed it, they didn’t feel like carrying it all the way
down the hill."
The area that will be scouted by volunteers from Bay Area
organizations like the Armenian National Committee and the AGBU Young
Professionals organizations is covered with heavy foliage.
"Search parties will hike through several trails that lead up and
down to the cross," said Mr. Kevranian. "We’re going to start off at
eleven and search in the foliage around the cross and work down the
eucalyptus forest. It’s not going to be an easy take to try to locate
it because of the rough terrain."
connect:
g
mtdavidsonarmenianmemorial.weebly.com
* The plaque reads:
The Mt. Davidson Cross was designed and built by George Kelham and
inaugurated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934. In 1997, the
citizens of San Francisco voted to approve the sale of the monument to
the Council of Armenian-American Organizations of Northern California,
to preserve it as an historic landmark.
This revered site is cared for in memory of the 1,500,000 victims of
the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Turkish government from 1915
to 1918. Over half of the Armenian population on its ancient homeland
was killed, and no Armenian community remained in historical western
Armenia.
By honoring those lost, we honor all victims of injustice and
cruelty. In their name we dedicate ourselves to the protection of
human rights and the dignity of all peoples.
"If evil of this magnitude can be ignored, if our own children
forget, then we deserve oblivion and earn the world’s scorn."
– Avedis Aharonian (writer and educator, 1866-1948)
************************************** *************************************
2. Karekin II begins pontifical visit with two-day trip to Southern
California
* Agenda included meetings and groundbreaking ceremony
by Paul Chaderjian and Lory Tatoulian
PASADENA, Calif. – Centuries-old traditions came to life in Southern
California this week when the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II,
arrived in Los Angeles on September 30, to begin a two-day pontifical
visit.
"His visit is a renaissance of faith for the Armenian Church," said
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, primate of the Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America.
The visit was a rare chance for Armenians of Southern California to
witness a larger-than-life historic figure conduct historic services
like the consecration of a new house of worship and groundbreaking
blessings at the site of a planned cathedral.
"How often can someone see the Vehapar come to L.A.?" asked Carine
Yahinian, a member of the Saint Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena.
"Sometimes you think you have nothing to do with the Church, then you
remember as an Armenian, you are the Church."
As the face of the modern-day Armenian Church, His Holiness brought
to life his people’s 1700-year commitment to Christianity.
His message to those he reached out and spoke to was to turn to God,
use the Church to reach inside, have a dialogue with the Holy Ghost,
and find one’s way through an ever-changing world.
As part of the Catholicos’ third official visit to the United
States, church leaders introduced Karekin II to a new generation of
young Armenian churchgoers and celebrated the 80th anniversary of the
establishment of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North
America.
* Discussing spirituality and modern-day issues
Several hundred giddy students arrived at the Western Diocese
headquarters on school buses on Monday to welcome the Catholicos, to
receive his blessings, and to listen to his message.
In a world where teens are bombarded by thousands of media outlets,
where spirituality and community are often displaced by sexier notions
like celebrity and wealth, church and school officials coordinated the
meeting as part of the Armenian Church’s outreach to young Armenians.
One teenager, a student from the Mary Manoogian-Demerjian School
challenged the Catholicos about the role of the Armenian Church in the
diaspora.
His Holiness replied with hope and optimism, reminding the students
that church is not a symbolic place but a place that brings believers
to the path of God, the ways of the righteous, and offers communion
with God in trying times.
"I see a very bright future for the Church," said His Holiness,
emphasizing the need for more places of worship for a growing
community of Armenian believers.
"We are building new churches in Armenia and in America," he said as
an example of Armenians’ return to Church. "People in Armenia are also
coming back to the church and renewing their faith."
Among those who attended the meet-and-greet with the Catholicos were
students from private Armenian schools operating under the auspices of
the Diocese and the Prelacy of the Armenian Church.
Also attending the meeting was Archbishop Mousegh Mardirossian of
the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Church and other religious and
community leaders.
The Kalaydjian Hall at the Diocese was brimming with ebullient
students from both Diocese and Prelacy who said they were excited to
see the Supreme Patriarch; many wanted to establish a direct rapport
with the highest-ranking leader of their Armenian Church.
The question-and-answer forum continued as the Catholicos was asked
a slew of questions including whether Armenians should offer
forgiveness to those responsible for the 1.5 million murders during
the Armenian Genocide.
The frank dialogue and sincere questions were what the Catholicos
had hoped for and school teachers had encouraged.
His Holiness answered their questions and reminded the young people
in the room that they are the ones who would continue the ancient
traditions and the Armenian culture’s devotion to its Christian
orthodox religion.
"The image I see in front of me," said the Catholicos, "is the
likeness of our Church."
The message of His Holiness also included the importance of young
people serving the community and the Church. He gave examples of
individuals who have sought the Church to learn the word of God and
carry out the missions of the Church.
"We are ordaining about 35 priests every year in Etchmiadzin and
abroad," said the Catholicos with pride. "Our Church has faced many
obstacles, but now in the newly independent Armenia, we are able to
freely exercise our religious rights."
A young girl from the Mesrobian School in Montebello, barely a
teenager, asked the Catholicos whether the Church intends to do
anything to attract younger parishioners.
His Holiness said that the Church is always undergoing and
addressing the changing needs of the community it serves.
"In this modern age," he said, "there is always a need for change."
Poetically, the Catholicos elaborated by saying that even in times of
change, Armenians must adhere to their unique traditions of worship.
"What is wrong with speaking the Mesrobian language," asked the
Catholicos. "What is wrong with saying the prayer of Naregatzi? What
is wrong with entering the Church with the spirit of Vartanantz?"
Karekin II, dressed in his black cassock and a cowl, the hooded
cloak worn by high-ranking celibate priests, became emotional and his
voice quivered when he asked the young people present to engage in the
practices of their forefathers.
His Holiness invited the students to enter into "a sacred dialogue
between you and God. The changes that need to be made will be put in
motion by church leaders and pious lay people, in line with the canons
of the Church, so that the Armenian Church can continue to enlighten
its people."
Perhaps unbeknownst to the Catholicos, e-mails and Internet web
sites had invited church members to the gathering where Karekin II was
speaking about maintaining traditions while adapting change.
Listening intently to the dialogue was Father Ktrich Devejian, who
was maintaining contact with Armenian media around the world through
his Blackberry personal communication device.
* Awed and inspired
Applause echoed through Kalaydjian Hall throughout the morning.
Young and old alike seemed to be awed by the presence of a man who
has devoted his entire life to the Armenian Church.
The gray-haired and gray-bearded man with the luminescent face has
risen up through the ranks to lead a worldwide Church that extends its
message of worship to Armenians in all four corners of the world.
"It was very interesting for me, because he was being accessible to
the students and gave the students the time to ask their questions,
which is a rare event for all of us," said Shahe Mankerian, the
principal of the A&M Hovsepian School in Pasadena.
Mr. Mankerian said he was delighted that his students had the
opportunity to build a very real connection with His Holiness.
"The high officials of the church are extending their hand out to
the students and taking the Church into a new direction," said Mr.
Mankerian.
"I thought that this event was really significant in bringing the
Armenian students together to show us how religion is intertwined in
our culture," said Aleen Yerevanian, a 10th grader from the
Manoogian-Demirjian School.
"I think that Karekin the Second is a great speaker, and he was very
eloquent," she said. "It was just a great experience for me and my
friends."
* Consecration service
Dramatic theatrics of ancient spiritual rituals welcomed His Holiness
Karekin II to Pasadena late Monday.
The Catholicos’s pontifical visit continued with the performance of
the rare Hrashapar service at the newly built Saint Gregory the
Illuminator Church.
The Hrashapar is performed only as a special ceremony when welcoming
or honoring high-ranking bishops and catholicoi.
During the service, the Catholicos consecrated the altar of the
newly built holy edifice as the last act in a series of ancient
rituals to bless a new church.
Gathered for the rare and historic event were hundreds of
parishioners who came to witness the arrival of the Catholicos and the
inspirational performance of the liturgy.
Upon the Catholicos’s arrival, young girls donning traditional folk
costumes presented His Holiness a silver tray of salt, bread, and
water.
The Catholicos tore a piece of the bread, dipped it in the salt, and
ate the triune concoction as ancient Armenian customs dictate.
His Holiness was then escorted to the new sanctuary with elaborate
pageantry.
A legion of priests, more than three dozen, all wearing matching
gold and pearly vestments, lined the course of the procession,
chanting baritone hymns of the Hrashapar.
The Catholicos was led down the carpeted path, walking underneath a
purple velvet canopy hoisted up on four poles and carried by four men.
Men in suits, children in bow ties, and women in head scarves
clamored toward the Catholicos to receive a blessing on their
foreheads with his gold gilded cross.
Inside the stone and marbled sanctuary, the choir’s hymns echoed
through the high vaulted ceiling as the Catholicos consecrated the
main altar and blessed the four corners of the Church.
In the coterie of priests was Father Sarkis Petoyan, parish priest
of St. John’s Church in San Francisco.
Father Petoyan expressed his sheer joy in having the Catholicos
visit the Western Diocese.
"This visit, in a very real sense, is a bridge between the Holy See
of Etchmiadzin and the spiritual children who live on the very other
end of the map," he said.
Archbishop Derderian also parlayed his heartfelt thanks toward the
Catholicos during his brief sermon to the congregation.
"With your visit," said the primate, "you are inspiring all of the
faithful members, and you are encouraging them to continue to live in
the faith of our forefathers."
With conviction and pride, Archbishop Derderian said, "Your guidance
inspires us to continue to construct new churches and enlighten our
children with Christ’s love."
Father Barett Yeretzian, pastor of Saint Gregory the Illuminator
Church, emphasized the grassroots efforts involved in the construction
of the church.
"If it wasn’t for the hardworking people in our community," said
Father Yeretzian, "this church would not be here. It is truly an honor
to have the Catholicos partake in the consecration of the church."
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime event," said Carine Yahinian, "and
being here today, in this church, is very spiritually uplifting."
* Breaking of bread and ground
On Tuesday morning parishioners from churches all over California,
dignitaries, and government officials gathered in Burbank to break
ground for the new Mother Cathedral at the Western Diocese
headquarters.
A lavish procession with clerics spruced in ecumenical regalia
started at the gallery of the Diocesan complex and proceeded to the
parking lot where the new Cathedral is going to be erected.
His Holiness Karekin II sat on a makeshift throne placed on a raised
platform in front of a bevy of patrons; these "godfathers" of the
Church wore white construction hardhats that symbolized their physical
and fiscal contributions to the project.
Burbank City Manager Mary Alvord expressed the significance of
having a new house of worship in her city.
"I am just literally blown away by the fundraising efforts and the
volunteerism that goes on," she said. "I think this [cathedral] will
be an inspiration for everyone else in our community."
In addition to Archbishop Derderian, attending the ceremony were
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, primate of the Eastern Diocese; His Grace
Bishop Arshak Khachatryan, chancellor of the Holy See Mother
Etchmiatzin; the Very Reverend Father Hovnan Hakobyan, staff bearer of
the Catholicos; Reverend Father Ktrij Devedjian, head of the English
Media Department of the Holy See; and Yezras Nersisyan, the brother of
His Holiness and the new primate of the Nakhijevan and Russian
Diocese.
Representing other faiths were a Muslim cleric and Rabbi Allan
Henkin from the Union for a Reformed Judaism, who said, "It means a
great deal to us that the Armenian Church is flourishing in our
diverse religious community."
His Holiness told those who had gathered that it is important to
build new houses for worship.
"This new Cathedral will be the dwelling place for all of our
people," said Karekin II. "The strong faith that we all have today is
because of the invincible faith and work of our religious
forefathers."
When the Catholicos uttered the last blessing, the horns of giant
construction trucks sounded and 80 doves were released into the air, a
symbolic joining of the sacred and the common.
* New cathedral
Plans to build an expansive Diocesan center were finalized in 1997
through the tenacious and relentless initiatives of former Western
Diocese primate Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, the Diocesan Council, and
generous donations of the faithful.
The current primate Abp. Hovnan Derderian, is following through on
the faithfully laid plans to bring to life the new Mother Cathedral,
which will be located at the newly purchased multipurpose complex in
Burbank.
The new center is replete with an opulent banquet hall, a gallery,
the primate’s main office, and a bookstore.
The entire exterior of the complex is covered in mahogany tufa rock
that was culled from quarries in Armenia and exported to Los Angeles.
Armen Hampar, the chair of the Cathedral Building Committee, said
that he sees the Catholicos’s visit as "a catalyst to start
construction within a month."
For more than ten years, Mr. Hampar and many other church leaders
have been heavily involved in the remodeling of the complex and
carrying out construction plans.
The proposed $12 million cathedral is slated to open its doors in two years.
Mr. Hampar says the Western Diocese has finally met all County
Public Works Department provisions and attained all required
construction permits to begin the project.
"We are delighted that we have the support of the Armenian
community," said Mr. Hampar. "This will allow us to achieve our goals
and have a beautiful structure that our community will be proud of."
* Farewell dinner at Taghlyan Hall
Ending the pontifical visit to the West Coast on Tuesday night was a
formal farewell banquet at the newly built Taghlyan Hall at Saint
John’s Church in Hollywood.
As part of the evening’s ceremonies, His Holiness blessed the new
$10 million hall and welcomed civic and community leaders including
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca,
California Assembly member Paul Krekorian, representatives of the
Armenian Catholic and Armenian Presbyterian churches as well as
representatives of the Jewish and Greek communities.
"The third pontifical visit of His Holiness represents the fact that
our Church is a global church," said Deacon Mathew Ash, who is a
candidate for priesthood. Deacon Ash was instrumental in making sure
that Karekin II’s visit ran smoothly.
"The visit represents the fact that we are spiritually linked to
this institution that has a vast history and serves to spiritually
lead and enlighten our people for centuries," said Deacon Ash.
"The visit was especially significant," said Deacon Allan Yeghia
Jendian from the Saint Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, "because the
Vehapar was able be here to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the
establishment of the Western Diocese."
The banquet at the Taghlyan Hall concluded with the crowd joining in
song to honor His Holiness with an emotional rendition of "Amen Hyee
Srditz Pkhatz," a song that asks God to bless His Holiness, extend his
life and ensure he is able to continue his Godly work.
******************************************* ********************************
3. Armenian National Committee-Western Region holds banquet
by Alene Tchekmedyian
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – "2007 is a yes-we-can year!" Armenian
National Committee-Western Region chair Raffi Hamparian passionately
exclaimed as inspirational music chimed behind him. In a video
presentation, "Victory in the Face of Denial," presented exclusively
at the 2007 ANC-WR annual banquet, Mr. Hamparian rejoiced over the
accomplishments of the Armenian community this year in political
activism and the quest to achieve justice.
Beginning with a relaxing cocktail hour including a silent auction
of valuable products ranging from authentic Armenian cognac to
paintings by distinguished artists to books on Armenian affairs, the
ANC-WR banquet was full of celebrations. As one of the largest
political events for the Armenian community in Southern California,
with over 800 guests, the banquet served to inspire activism within
the Armenian community.
The program featured eminent activists and politicians, including
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, who was honored as "Man of the Year,"
activist Hacob Shirvanian, who who was presented with the "Legacy
Award," and Canadian Secretary of State Jason Kenney, who picked up
the "Freedom Award" on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The
program left attendees optimistic about the future of Armenian issues.
* Senator Menendez
As a member of Congress for 15 years, Mr. Menendez has persistently
tackled discrimination and human rights issues. He is responsible for
placing holds on Richard Hoagland’s nomination to serve as U.S.
ambassador to Armenia because of Mr. Hoagland’s denial of the Armenian
Genocide. Mr. Menendez believes that the ambassador’s position must be
held by one who can "better acknowledge the past and work toward a
better future for the Armenian people." After accepting his award in
memory of the 1.5 million Armenians massacred in the Genocide, he
adamantly stated, "History has taught us over time that when we turn
our eyes away and deny the truth, we are bound to relive it." He was
alluding to the current massacres taking place in Darfur, on which he
stated, "Silence, in my view, is complicity." He added, "How many more
human beings from Darfur must be driven from their homes before the
world says enough is enough. When will we give real meaning to the
words ‘never again’?" Mr. Menendez expressed his deep desire for the
United States to finally acknowledge the events of 1915: "I hope that
the president will change his current policy and acknowledge the
atrocities of the past. And if not, let’s hope that the new president
of the United States will do so." Mr. Menendez received a standing
ovation.
Armenian community members strongly appreciate the actions of Mr.
Menendez, banquet chair Aida Dimejian stated. "Menendez does not have
to do what he does because he needs votes; that is not his motivating
force. It is a morally conscious decision that the genocide cannot be
denied any more," she said.
Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian stated, "In the history of
Armenian activism, there has always been a hero that has emerged. This
includes people that have no connection to Armenian heritage, but who
have done what is morally right to do."
* Legacy Award
As the longest-serving Armenian-American on California state
commissions, Hacob Shirvanian was granted the "Legacy Award." ANCA
National Chair Kenneth Hachikian exclaimed, "He is a credit to
Armenian-Americans and his community. He is an active supporter of
ANCA and very active in the Armenian Educational Foundation."
On behalf of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Secretary of
State Jason Kenney attended the banquet to accept the "Freedom Award."
Kenney has supported genocide recognition since he was elected into
Parliament ten years ago. He quipped, "I have been to so many Armenian
events that people call me Jason Kenneyian." On a more serious note,
he commented on the struggle of the Armenian people: "The story of the
Armenian community, which I find so compelling, is a story of
fidelity. Fidelity as the first Christian nation, fidelity to its
ancestors, and fidelity against incredible adversity."
Mr. Kenney message was a principle he repeated throughout his
speech: "Hope lives when people remember."
A hot topic at the banquet was a letter from eight former
secretaries of state to the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Nancy Pelosi. The letter warned her to prevent House Resolution 106,
the Armenian Genocide resolution, from reaching the House Floor. ANCA
activist Steven Dadaian said, "It’s a fake opposition stemmed purely
from economic interests for multinational organizations with large
business contracts with Turkey."
Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian said he believes there is an
issue bigger than the word genocide. He stated, "Turkish people have
gotten us into this game of semantics, struggling over a word, but it
was never about this. It is about fighting for reparations and
restitution."
Mr. Hachikian, the ANCA’s national chair, said he was confident in
the future of genocide recognition. While addressing the banquet
attendees, he stated, "Armenian Americans will win this battle because
history, the facts, morality, and justice are on our side. We are
collectively an unstoppable army. We have a secret weapon. We carry
our ancestors on our backs. We will persevere until we prevail."
********************************** *****************************************
4. Canada’s Prime Minister receives ANCA’s Freedom Award
by Alene Tchekmedyian
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -Regarding the Armenian Genocide, Canada’s
Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity, Jason
Kenney, has a strong opinion. When asked about the future of genocide
recognition, he said, "I don’t have a crystal ball, and it is for
every country to decide on how to approach this issue on their own,
but I’m someone who believes that ultimately the truth wins out."
Mr. Kenney is proud to be a part of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s
administration and was honored to receive the "Freedom Award" on
behalf of Mr. Harper at the 2007 ANCA-WR annual banquet, held Sunday
September 30 at the Universal Sheraton in Los Angeles.
Mr. Kenney developed his position on the Armenian Genocide shortly
after he was elected to Parliament a decade ago. Upon entertaining a
parliamentary motion on the events of 1915, he was introduced to the
issue. "I had no Armenian constituency in my district and I did not
have a deep understanding of the issue historically, but I knew enough
about it to feel strongly in support of it, so I spoke in favor, and I
have developed a relationship with the Armenian community since then,"
he candidly stated.
On a more personal level, he was influenced by a beatification he
attended in Rome, "There was a beatification of an Armenian catholic
bishop who was killed in 1915, and John Paul II spoke at the time
about the genocide and that moved me deeply as well. I just felt
objectively strong about it as a historical reality that should be
recognized."
"It didn’t happen overnight," Mr. Kenney stated about Canada’s
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. "It took many years of
persistence. Ultimately, when we were able to have a vote on these
matters there was overwhelming support for recognition." The
Armenian-American community is currently working on passing House
Resolution 106, which recognizes the Armenian Genocide. A majority of
the members of the House are cosponsors of the resolution, which will
be considered in committee on October 10.
Mr. Kenney, speaking of the Canadian experience, recommended
perseverance as the key to passing the resolution. He commended the
efforts of the Armenian community to keep the issue alive, and upon
receiving Mr. Harper’s "Freedom Award" stated, "It may have been more
convenient to forget, but you have felt an obligation to your
ancestors, to the past, to truth and dignity, to remember the
Genocide."
Despite Canada’s recent stance on the Armenian Genocide, the
government hopes to maintain positive relations with Turkey.
"Obviously the Turkish government was displeased with the decision of
Prime Minister Harper to acknowledge the parliamentary motions on the
Genocide," Mr. Kenney said. "But we believe that we have and can
continue to overcome that disagreement and focus our relationship on
the future to the mutual benefit of both of countries." Canada
recognizes and supports Turkey’s efforts toward modernization and EU
accession. As Canada and Turkey are active partners in NATO and trade,
maintaining a positive alliance is crucial. At the same time, Mr.
Kenney affirmed, "The Armenian community in Canada is certainly
encouraging Canada to upgrade the status of our relationship and
presence in Armenia and I think the diasporan community could be an
important bridge in the process." Canada does not have an embassy in
Armenia.
Mr. Kenney stated that Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s leadership
"has put Canada back on the global map as a leader not a follower, a
country that bases its positions on principle and is not afraid to
take unambiguous positions on matters of human dignity and human
rights." A portion from a written statement by Mr. Harper was read
during the celebration: "As you gather to celebrate your culture at
one of the largest gatherings of the Armenian diaspora … Canada
remains firmly committed to promoting the principles of human rights.
We also continue to look forward to strengthening economic and
diplomatic ties between Armenia and Canada in the years ahead."
************************************ ***************************************
5. Tom Boyajian announces that he will be running for Mayor of Fresno
by Nyrie Karkazian
FRESNO, Calif. – He’s been a council member, an attorney, a nightclub
owner, a son, a husband, a volunteer, and a supporter of the Fresno
community. Yet this is not enough to fill Tom Boyajian’s plate because
last Thursday he officially announced that he will be running for
mayor of Fresno.
"I’m ready. I’d be the only mayor in a long time that would be ready
to go today," said Tom. "I know what we need to do to move the city
forward."
After serving for 8 years as a city council member, Tom decided his
knowledge and experience would be used best as mayor. Since he has
been involved with the government for years, he believes he is very
well prepared for what a mayoral position will bring. While serving on
the council, he was council president twice, redevelopment director
for two years, and in charge of the housing task force for six years.
"I know how government works," Tom said. "I know I can move the city
forward based on what I’ve seen and I can do 100 percent better than
what has been there."
His passion and zeal to improve the city comes as no surprise
considering he was born and raised in Fresno. Tom makes it evident
that the city remains close to his heart.
Tom’s mother and father fled from the Armenian massacre to
Massachusetts, where his two brothers were born. They later came
further west and settled down in Fresno. His father had various jobs
throughout the years such as owning a grocery store, going into
jewelry, and having a record business. Both his parents worked seven
days a week to support their children and give them a proper
education.
Tom happily continued his life attending Fresno High School and
going on to graduate with a bachelors degree from Fresno State in
political science. "Fresno is a good place to be raised," he said.
He then went on to law school in San Francisco for two years before
he was drafted into the military. Upon his arrival home he finished
law school in San Francisco and passed the bar, only to receive some
disturbing news about his mother. She had fallen ill to cancer and Tom
came home to be with her for about nine months until she died.
Tom decided to stay in Fresno to help his father and eventually
opened a law practice in 1975. While practicing law he also opened a
night club called Zapps Park, a blues club that had live music seven
days a week. He fondly remembers the 12 years Zapps was open.
"It became an incredible, successful music venue," he said.
After Zapps closed in 1998, Tom jumped right into another project
and ran for city council. Although he had no endorsements and was
running against six or seven other candidates, Tom worked hard and
won, earning his place on the city council.
Tom said one of the main reasons he decided to run was because he
felt there was no stability in the Fresno government at that time and
knew he could make a difference. After eight years on the council he
is still able to see all the needs of the city and is confident he can
make effective changes to bring the city to its greatest potential.
"I guess I’m running for mayor because you get to a certain level of
expertise and you know the kind of person you are," said Tom. "It’s
not something that is easy to do, but I’ve been in [government] for
eight years. I saw things I wouldn’t do and I know what I would do."
Tom has many different items on his agenda that need to be
addressed, all significant – and of great importance to him. He says a
lot of the problems we have in this area are based on economics.
"We really need to get more people employed in good jobs," Tom said.
Tom has plans to expand the Economic Development Department and put
more money into it. He believes that if people are working, it will
lower the crime rate as well as diversify the economy. The only
problem with increased development is pollution.
"One-fifth of all kids in the city have asthma and that’s
unacceptable," Tom said.
Thus, another important issue on his agenda is the state of the
environment. Both air and water pollution have become an enormous
problem and he says we must tie development into the environment and
work together.
The quality of life in Fresno also worries Tom and he would like to
do a lot more things to get people to stay in the city. He says we
must beautify the city. Right now when people come into Fresno it
looks blighted and he believes we can work together to brighten up the
city. For example, he suggests working with Cal-Trans to beautify
Freeway 41.
"It would take a lot, but it would show the people coming into
Fresno that the city cares," he said. "The morale of the city right
now is very low and I want to provide an environment that encourages
people to think and not have an environment that stifles that."
To improve the city and economy, Tom is a big supporter of a
high-speed rail bullet train. The bullet train would go right through
the center of the state allowing easier and faster transportation to
places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. This would be good for the
city, giving Fresno a chance to be at the hub of the state. Tom says
that it would be a real boom economically and that this is something
the mayor of this city should be advocating strongly.
"Right now we have a city that really thrives on mediocrity; we
don’t need that," he said.
Tom has spent a lot of time around Fresno beautifying the
neighborhoods. As a council member he made his staff spend half their
time out in the neighborhoods because he says you do not know what is
going on in Fresno unless you are out there. "That was important to
me."
Tom recalls when he first became a council member and was involved
in a project called Tree Fresno. He had been working for about an hour
and was "dirty and scruffy and nasty looking" when the mayor at the
time showed up to the event with his alligator shoes and suit, made
his speech and was gone. Tom stayed and continued working for four
more hours.
"You can’t just say it; you have got to get dirty. And to fix Fresno
you have got to get out and you have got to get in the soil and you
have got to clean it," he said.
Although Tom knows how to get his hands dirty he also knows what
needs to be done to clean up the city and make it a magnificent place
to live. He says that we need to get a better handle on the permit
process so that developers will be attracted to come to Fresno and
will help get projects done in the city; especially downtown.
Tom’s office sits on the fourth floor of the old Patterson building
downtown. The exquisite building adorned with marble and stone was one
of the first to have had air conditioning installed. The Patterson
building is just one of many antique structures that gives downtown
Fresno a certain sparkle that has been lost and buried for many years.
"If we get rid of all these vacant buildings down here and put
something there, you will see a vibrancy that we have not seen in a
while," said Tom about improving the downtown area.
There are plenty of things to do downtown; there are a lot of
beautiful restaurants and art pieces, but the problem is getting
people back there. A lot of development in Fresno is moving north,
which is unfortunately driving the population further away from the
downtown area. Tom believes that if businesses begin to base
themselves in the downtown area then it will start a revitalization.
Tom remembers a time when people would go downtown to see a movie or
go shopping at department stores, when downtown was the focus of the
city. When he was a child he recalls his father saying, "Come on
Tommy, we’re going downtown and we’re going to buy some shoes." His
father would then take him downtown to buy him a pair of cowboy boots
from an Armenian vendor.
There is a large Armenian community in Fresno which Tom takes part
in as often as he can. He has gone to Armenian picnics since he was a
child, goes to fundraisers, luncheons, events, and is even on the
Armenian School committee. He recently attended a fundraiser for the
Armenian Community School of Fresno to send their sixth grade class on
a trip to Armenia.
"While I can’t sing in Armenian or speak it very well, it is cool to
see a little kid sing and speak in Armenian," Tom said.
Tom speaks highly of his Armenian heritage and says there are a lot
of [Armenian] people who do a lot of good things and bring a lot of
people together.
Tom knows he has the support of the Armenian community behind him in
his race for mayor as well as the support of the people of Fresno who
believe together they can make their city a better, brighter and more
beautiful place to live.
"There are a lot of things that you can do as mayor. It is an
important position. It is a position you need to be humble and not
arrogant in; bring everybody in to work hard and make it [Fresno] a
better place than it is now, the best that it can be," Tom said.
******************************************* ********************************
6. Nor Serount holds Independence Day picnic in Glendale
by Heran Dabanjian
GLENDALE, Calif. – Thousands gathered on Sunday, September 23, to
celebrate the independence of Armenia during the 9th Annual Armenian
Independence Day Festival at Verdugo Park here in Glendale.
The festival kicked off with the Glendale High School Chamber Choir
performing the national anthems of the United States and Armenia.
Sponsored and organized by the Nor Serount Cultural Association, the
event featured music, dance, arts and crafts, games, and tournaments.
Artists included popular singers Joseph Krikorian and Sako, along
with violinist Alan. They awed and excited listeners of all ages with
their lively renditions. The Lilia Dance Group performed several
pieces to incite young and old to follow suit and dance alongside the
young performers.
Elected officials who showed up in support of the event were
California State Assembly member Paul Krekorian, whose district
includes Glendale and Burbank, the mayor of the City of Glendale Ara
Najarian, city council members Frank Quintero and Bob Yousefian, and
Glendale School Board member Nayiri Nahabedian, who even held "office
hours" to offer information to inquisitive parents on a variety of
subjects.
Mr. Krekorian, who is the first Armenian-American elected to the
California Assembly, was greeted with cheers and applause as he took
to the stage.
"One hundred years ago when my great-grandparents arrived here, a
free and independent Armenia seemed impossible," Krekorian said to the
crowd. "Sixteen years ago that dream came true for all of us."
Invited guests included Haroutiun Kojoyan, representing the consul
general of Armenia in Los Angeles, and Fr. Dajad Yardemian
representing the Western Diocese. Recording artist and composer Daniel
Decker was a surprise addition to the lineup of performers. Mr. Decker
has collaborated with Ara Gevorkian to compose "Adana" and "Noah’s
Prayer," both Armenian-themed songs.
The event celebrated 16 years of independence from the former Soviet Union.
Some who participated in the celebration had little or no first-hand
experience living in Armenia when it was under Soviet rule, while
others had grown up there.
In the few years following Armenia’s independence, Armenia
experienced a sharp decline in living standards. The Soviet system had
collapsed and there was a war with Azerbaijan. "Regretfully this
decline had a negative impact on the idea of independence, as people
yearned for the pre-independence comfort that they had lost. By
initiating the Armenian Independence Day Festival in 1999, Nor Serount
wanted to counter this trend of thought and espouse the virtues of
freedom and independence," explained Harut Der Tavitian, the chair of
Nor Serount Cultural Association
"We wanted to make people feel good about this achievement and
encourage them to tackle the challenges with a long-term determination
rather than short-term disappointment."
True to that mission, they indeed reminded a couple of thousand
festival-goers of that goal, and made them generally feel good.
******************************************* ********************************
7. Living in Southern California: the bakhals
by Maral Habeshian
TUJUNGA, Calif. – The word "bakhal" means grocer in Turkish as well as
Arabic. Armenians living in the Middle East frequently use the word to
describe the neighborhood grocer who carries anything from deodorant
to cold-cuts, beer to seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.
In Lebanon, for instance, neighborhood women gather at the grocers
every morning to buy vegetables and other necessities and conduct
mundane conversation. For Armenian communities, this phenomenon is
exclusive to mainly those in and around the Middle East.
The main exception, however, is Glendale, California, where you can
find an Armenian grocer around every corner. Almost all carry a
comprehensive list of products for Armenians of all varieties, as well
as the freshest fruits and vegetables around, meats, deli items, baked
goods, breads; Armenia-produced beers, wines, brandy, preserves, and
other products. There is also no shortage of Arabic and Turkish
products, and even some from Iran, which are imported via Canada.
These stores are almost always cramped. People yell across the store
to see where a certain item is; pushy women send the produce boy to
the back for fresher items, and there is rule for people buying only
cigarettes: no waiting in line.
The price of fruits, vegetables and meats is considerably lower than
in mainstream grocery stores. And you’re guaranteed to get yelled at
for something – from being in someone’s way, to not going in front of
the line because you have only one item.
Asked if the bustling and aggressive environment bothers her,
35-year-old marketing executive Zanan says, "I used to get flustered
when I first moved out here from the east coast, but hey, it’s just a
part of the Armenian grocery culture; it’s oddly endearing," Zanan
smiles.
Zanan stresses that her grocer, Ani Grocery, has the freshest
Iranian cucumbers around. "Really, I’ve gone around and taste tested.
They just have the crunchiest." Zanan is different from the rest of
the clientele at this particular market, who are mostly middle-aged to
eighty-year-old homemakers.
Sirvart, a 62-year-old woman from Armenia, says that she has no real
reason to go into a main-stream supermarket. "I’m from Yerevan and am
used to this way of shopping. I like that I know the owner Levon. I
can actually communicate with him." Sirvart says that while there are
many Armenian workers in the larger supermarkets, there are also
non-Armenians. "I can’t talk them. And why would I bother? Mostly
everything I need is here. Look around."
Sirvart is right. There is an abundance of fresh produce – four
types of apples, an assortment of tomatoes, the usual fruits – papaya,
mango, kiwi, berry varieties, and always seasonal oddities such as
loquat, persimmon, cherimoya, and cactus fruit, to name a few.
The meat counter requires a double-take because besides the already
marinated kebob meats, and the usual cuts of beef, pork, and lamb,
there’s liver, tongue, cow’s feet, and much more.
The frozen sections of these markets contain meneish, homemade
ghormeh sabzi (an Iranian dish), mante, sou beoreg, and even frogs’
legs.
Lucy Minassian has been a loyal Ani Grocery customer for over 28
years. "There are about ten Armenian markets closer to where I live,
but I drive by all of them without thinking twice. Ani always has the
freshest and best selection of produce, meats, and imported foods."
Most Armenian grocers in Glendale and surrounding area are busting
with activity because their loyal clientele appreciate the
always-available and reasonably priced products.
At another market, a fast-moving thirty-something shopper named
Sonig expresses her anger over the availability of a wide array of
Turkish products. "I really don’t understand," she says, displaying
bottles of Turkish tomato and pepper paste. "Why would you carry this
stuff when comparable items are available from Armenia and Lebanon and
Syria?"
She then picks up a bottle of pepper paste, labeled Anjar. "I
guarantee this is 100 times better, but people keep reaching for the
Turkish products. I think that it’s become habitual."
When asked, owners say that people actually ask for these products
and even insist on them. But local youth groups have started a
movement to ban Turkish products, offering store owners incentives to
do so, including free advertising on a local Armenian television
station.
Whatever the case may be, it is difficult to imagine Southern
California without these local grocers who not only provide an
abundance of products, are open 12 to 13 hours per day, seven-days a
week – but also guarantee a nostalgic shopping experience.
************************************* **************************************
8. Profile: Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian: With the people, for the
people
* A spiritual leader’s refreshing take on public service
by Ishkhan Jinbashian
LA CRESCENTA, Calif. – Fittingly perhaps, the new complex of the
Western Prelacy sits yards away from the 210 Freeway, in La Crescenta.
Throughout Armenian history, most church structures were built on
sites that on the one hand provided natural defenses against invading
hordes, and on the other offered the requisite environmental
tranquility for spiritual reflection.
Tranquility is not the first thing that pops to mind as one drives
up Honolulu Avenue to reach the Western Prelacy building. But reading
a measure of symbolism into its tight proximity to the freeway is hard
to resist. The Prelacy, after all, is called to serve the largest
Armenian community outside Armenia. So why shouldn’t it be perched
next to the 210, a major artery that links several zip codes where
Armenian life huffs, puffs, struggles, and ultimately insists on
thriving?
If you’ve ever found yourself among a sizeable crowd of fellow
Armenians in Los Angeles, say during an Olympic event or an April 24
demonstration, at one point you’ve probably wondered what makes these
folks tick as a community. Assuming you’ve got the answer covered,
you’ve also possibly pondered a slew of follow-up questions that may
be a tad more difficult to satisfy. Questions along the lines of: Is
there anything resembling a rudder behind this community? If yes,
who’s in the control room? Do we know who our leaders are? And what
are they up to exactly? If no, then are we to assume that each man and
woman is a nation onto themselves, that we’re but a faceless multitude
of immigrants who happen to share those "ian"s affixed to our last
names and a history buried deep in the past?
On most days, the short reply to these queries is equal parts yes
and no. It’s easier that way. What is beyond doubt, however, is that
there is a certain method to our madness.
Following the cataclysm of the Genocide, we made a compact among
ourselves to be steered by a diasporic apparatus that can be best
described as a culture in exile. Our initial, urgent aim was to
survive, as a people, until the day we could reclaim our lands. In the
interim, we weren’t interested in becoming world citizens, though de
facto we became that. Neither were we particularly anxious to open up
to the creative pathways of the world, to become active players in
cultural evolution. We wanted simply to exist, after having lost so
much. This would be our modus operandi, and what we could rightfully
call the triumph of the underdog.
Alongside our regrouping political parties, schools, and cultural
institutions, the Armenian Church was at the heart of our comeback in
far-flung immigrant communities – despite those nagging murmurs as to
why God had allowed the Genocide to happen in the first place.
More than 90 years after that event, our compact has been adjusted
only in terms of detail. The tectonic shifts of Middle Eastern
politics, coupled with Armenia’s independence, the Karabakh War, and
the ensuing mass migration, have hurled the diaspora tower all the way
to Canada and the American West. Our essential politics today is still
about survival – in the core terms of ethnic identity – and not
necessarily cultural transformation. The Armenian Church, as always,
remains at center stage. But whereas organized religion is seldom, if
ever, associated with innovation or keeping pace with the times, there
are serious indications throughout the Armenian-American church
establishment that positive, evolutionary change is in the air.
Enter Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western Prelacy.
This year marks two milestones for Mardirossian. It is the 10th
anniversary of his tenure as an archbishop and 12th anniversary as
leader of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
America. But anniversaries can’t mean much in and of themselves. The
proof must be in the pudding.
* Authority earned
The Armenian diaspora is the richer for all those extraordinary men
and women who serve on various boards and committees, as well as at
the pulpit, who work tirelessly, and often thanklessly, for the
maintenance and betterment of our institutions. Yet scant is the
number of individuals who are leaders in the pan-communal sense, whose
moral authority extends beyond the locale and the niche. Weight of
this order is precisely what one feels when in the presence of
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian.
At turns solemn and humorous, and always refreshingly affable, Abp.
Mardirossian communicates a number of silent messages the minute you
meet him: he knows where you’re coming from, and not just
geographically speaking; your concerns are his; he’s all ears, and,
chances are, he’ll do everything in his power to be of assistance;
above all, he’s one of us.
But what does "one of us" mean when referring to one of the most
powerful men in the Armenian-American community? For starters, Abp.
Mardirossian was born and raised in the immigrant slums of Beirut. He
has experienced the Armenian "street" at close quarters, understood
the pain and basic aspirations of regular folk like no ivory-tower
executive ever could. His comportment today tells me he has never
forgotten his roots, his humble beginnings in a community of Genocide
survivors that endured against enormous odds. As importantly, Abp.
Mardirossian understands that the Armenian Church is not, nor needs to
be, an autocratic establishment.
Abp. Mardirossian’s impassioned dedication to community outreach
reveals a level of compassion that many diasporans have come not to
expect from their clergy. Credit his personality, or the fact that he
studied Greek philosophy at the Aristotelian University in Greece in
the late 1970s, when he served as pastor of the Armenian community of
Thessaloniki. Whatever the source, the reality is that Abp.
Mardirossian has revived within his Prelacy that old, unfashionable
idea that Christianity is supposed to work with and for the people,
not above it.
* Milestones
Mardirossian’s life has been steeped in faith.
That faith has to do as much with the profoundly altruistic path of
Jesus Christ as the potential of the Armenian people to achieve, or at
least strive for, greatness.
After graduating from the Seminary of the Catholicosate of the Great
House of Cilicia in Lebanon, Mardirossian was ordained a deacon and
subsequently an apegha. He served as vice-sacristan and private
secretary of Catholicos Khoren I and later Catholicos Karekin II, and
also taught at the seminary.
Following his service as pastor of the Thessaloniki parish,
Mardirossian was named assistant to the prelate, in 1982, and held
various pastoral and administrative positions at the Western Prelacy
of the United States.
Soon elevated to the rank of vartabed, Mardirossian was assigned to
the post of Dean of the Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County,
California. His energetic, conscientious service to community life
continued to earn kudos from the public and ecclesiastical leadership
alike. Already the author of two volumes of sermons and spiritual
messages, Mardirossian further expanded his horizons by pursuing a
master’s degree from the Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena,
California.
In 1996 Mardirossian was unanimously elected Prelate of the Western
Prelacy. From the get-go, his tenure saw a major revitalization
effort, with an urgent focus on improving the Church’s relationship
with its flock as well as a host of construction and expansion
projects.
In view of the milestones that were initiated by Mardirossian,
Catholicos Aram I elevated the prelate to the rank of archbishop in
2003. The following year Mardirossian was re-elected to a third
four-year term as prelate.
* Community-building
"In May 1982, when I began my service in California as a vartabed,
Armenian life was literally boiling," Abp. Mardirossian recalls. "The
word ‘immigrant’ mobilized the entire public. From Hollywood to Orange
County, a renaissance of sorts was taking place, through an
exhilarating effort to erect the pillars of a re-emerging community:
schools, churches, cultural centers. At the same time, the Armenian
Apostolic Church was advancing a fresh approach. We sought to open up
to the people, to ‘speak its language,’ to better commune with it."
The bid for a markedly enhanced integration of church and flock was
driven by a host of new imperatives. A major concern was the
geographic sprawl of the American West’s budding Armenian communities
and micro-communities. If the Armenian leadership failed to provide
them with the basic conduits for the preservation of cultural
identity, the road to assimilation was all too easily accessible,
especially to the youth. Another concern, from the Prelacy’s point of
view, was the more universal crisis of faith, as the breakneck pace of
American life threatened to engulf Christian values and the Armenian
public’s time-honored devotion to its church.
"The Armenian Church is called a national church," Abp. Mardirossian
says. "For the past 1,700 years, Armenia has experienced enormous
stretches of occupation by foreign powers, precious few periods of
independence. In the absence of Armenian national sovereignty, when
the very physical survival of the people was threatened, the Church
stepped in to protect and nurture the masses, to the point that faith
and culture became the twin expressions of the same source. The
phenomenon is as valid as ever today, especially given the
circumstances of the Western Diaspora. Church and culture, with all
their respective structures, are linked inextricably."
The pressure to take effective measures for including Armenian
communities in cultural and religious life is felt keenly by the
Western Prelacy, whose areas of service comprise, apart from
California, the states of Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah.
Abp. Mardirossian has taken on the challenge with gusto, campaigning
tirelessly for building new churches and schools, and improving
existing ones. Thus the Pasadena parish was provided with a church of
its own, St. Sarkis; new campuses were added to the Ferrahian School
in Encino, California; and the Rose and Alex Pilibos School now has a
gymnasium and an architecturally striking library, built in the shape
of Noah’s Ark. Abp. Mardirossian has also overseen the creation of new
parishes in Colorado; Las Vegas, Nevada; and La Crescenta and
Corona/Riverside, California.
Still, as Abp. Mardirossian is quick to point out, "Having a
spiritual church is more important than having a physical church. No
building, no matter how impressive, means anything if we can’t reach
out to the public. In Middle Eastern communities, our one effort could
yield 10 results; here, in the United States, we’re lucky if our 10
efforts yield one result."
Abp. Mardirossian’s vision of reaching out to diverse segments of
the community continues to be realized through a comprehensive
ensemble of programs. Apart from expanded Bible-study classes for
teenagers, the Prelacy collaborates with a number of organizations to
provide spiritual counseling to youths undergoing drug rehabilitation.
Three times a week, priests pay visits to Armenian prisoners
throughout California. Visits are made to California’s Ararat Home as
well, where priests offer spiritual service to retired or infirm
residents. Abp. Mardirossian has also helped increase youth
involvement by somewhat simplifying the language of church ceremonies,
and making the Prelacy’s website and bilingual quarterly, Brismag,
more youth-friendly. These efforts are complemented by weekly
youth-group discussions, when teenagers are encouraged to tackle
educational, social, and spiritual issues; and a weekly television
program dedicated to faith and Prelacy-news coverage.
The prelate has paid particular attention to Armenian students
attending public schools. Cognizant of the fact that currently there
are some 50,000 Armenian kids enrolled in several school districts,
Abp. Mardirossian has spearheaded the Committee for Armenian Students
in Public Schools, an advocacy organization that helps solve
interracial conflicts in schools and recognizes scholastic excellence
with special community events.
Given the rapid expansion of Armenian communities throughout the
western states and the concomitant need for additional Armenian
schools, Abp. Mardirossian’s is a race against time. "Serious steps
must be taken to ensure that Armenian education does not fall into the
cracks within the next decade," he says. "As things stand right now,
the immediate goal is to build a large high school."
* The farther shore
I ask the prelate to comment on the Armenian Church’s continued
refusal to admit women into its ministerial ranks. "We don’t
discriminate against women," Abp. Mardirossian claims. "Women can
serve on various committees and in choirs. Also, there’s a new move
now to allow women to become acolytes, scripture readers, candle
holders." But what about allowing them to become priests, at the
minimum? "Personally I am not against the admittance of women as
pastors and priests," he says. But this is one realm where Abp.
Mardirossian is unable to blaze the trail, as much as he might wish
for radical change. The decision must be made elsewhere, he says.
I also ask him about the Prelacy’s stance toward gays and lesbians.
Abp. Mardirossian reiterates the Church’s belief in the sanctity of
the institution of marriage as strictly a union between man and woman,
but adds this: "Our position is that all creatures are God’s children.
Gays and lesbians, like everybody else, can take communion at our
church."
* The People’s House
With its semicircular archway, towering dome, and smattering of
Armenian cross stones, the new Prelacy complex encapsulates the
youthful energy and optimism of its leadership. Abp. Mardirossian has
designated the building as "The People’s House."
There are 12 churches, over a dozen schools, and a growing number of
parishes from California to Utah that function under the auspices of
the Western Prelacy. The time had come, in 2002, to house the nerve
center of this vast operation in a new building. The new complex was
built and renovated through grassroots support, and officially opened
in May of this year.
You will experience a certain culture shock once you enter the
building through the graceful archway. The thoughtful architecture, by
Aram Alajajian, and elegant furnishings exude an intriguing mix of
gravitas and warmth. There is a marvelous sense of serenity here –
whether you find yourself in the small, charming chapel, the 200-seat
meeting hall, the official reception room of the prelate, or his
private office.
I ask Abp. Mardirossian what a typical work day entails for him. The
answer this time comes from Pattyl Aposhian-Kasparian, the Prelacy’s
gracious Outreach Committee representative: "Forty-five phone calls,
20 visits, putting out half a dozen fires."
Those fires have to do with sundry logistical and organizational
issues that arise from the day-to-day operations of various committees
and institutions connected with the Prelacy, issues which Abp.
Mardirossian is relied upon to solve quickly and equitably. He is the
community’s go-to guy, the soft-spoken, eminently well-informed, and
highly experienced leader who can jump from spiritual to worldly with
the click of a switch.
The sense of gravitas has never stopped Abp. Mardirossian from
striving to fulfill his calling as a humble servant of the church.
Like any other priest, he continues to minister weddings,
christenings, and funerals. "Especially if the deceased is young," he
says. "This is exactly where we must be, where we must feel with the
people."
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9. Saipan’s "Armenian Five" recalled at medallion-award ceremony
by Andrew Kevorkian
PHILADELPHIA – Once they were Five; now they are One.
When World War II ended in August 1945, there were five Armenian
airmen on Saipan, the large island-airbase from which American
airplanes would fly to bomb the Japanese mainland.
An Armenian served in the Union Navy in the Civil War; some
Armenians served in the Spanish-American War; many Armenians served in
World War I. But World War II was the first American war in which
Armenians – some Genocide survivors, others sons of survivors –
participated en masse.
Their sense of "Armenianness" was strong.
Thus, when a serviceman found himself at a new base in or near a
strange city, the first thing he did was seek out Armenians.
State-side it was relatively easy: open a telephone directory and look
for an Armenian Church, an Armenian name, an Armenian organization,
and call.
Invariably, the people who answered those calls had husbands,
fathers, brothers, or sons in the various services and knew that they,
too, were making similar telephone calls wherever they were; and it
was hoped that their loved ones would likewise receive a warm welcome
and invitation to come and meet.
Overseas, the search for another Armenian was slightly more
difficult – due to a couple of things called the "military" and "war."
But homesick or lonely Armenians were not to be deterred. The military
reckoned neither on the Armenian grapevine, nor on letters home asking
whether anyone knew if there was an Armenian nearby. Suffice it to
say, the young servicemen figured, rightly, that "there must be
another Armenian here" – and if there was one, he would be found.
But generally speaking, meeting another Armenian in a combat zone
was pure "chance."
And so it was by chance that Katchadoor "Kappy" Kapeghian, who had
been in Saipan since November 1944, met his brother-in-law, John, for
the first time, six months after his marriage to Hripcimée "Mary"
Autian. Their marriage was a "war-time romance," and the wedding small
– as were many in those days. And John was himself in the service and
could not attend, anyway.
John, who was in the Army, was just passing through Saipan en route
to Hawaii, and with only an address (sometimes, with Armenian
resourcefulness, "chance" can be created) he tracked down his
brother-in-law.
But that meeting is incidental to this story.
For his part, Kappy – who stayed on in the Air Force till 1963,
serving through the Korean War – more-or-less put Saipan behind him.
However, about a dozen years ago, at a social affair after services at
Philadelphia’s Holy Trinity Church, Kappy was chatting with George
Meranshian, and in time the talk turned to the War. They learned that
they were both on Saipan at the same time. After the usual "Well, what
do you know?" and "It’s a small world, isn’t it?" George mentioned
that their unit – the 73rd Bomb Wing – was having a reunion. George
(who was a right-blister gunner) said that he and a pair of Armenian
twins from Massachusetts were also gunners on a B-29 that flew 35
missions.
So, these men made up the five Armenians on Saipan.
At the reunion, the two Philadelphians met with Philadelphian Steve
Najarian (who was a ball-turret gunner on a B-24) and Edward Shahinian
(who was the left-blister gunner on Meranshian’s plane) and learned
the sad news that Shahinian’s twin, John (who was the tail gunner),
had died the year before, after that year’s reunion.
Thus, the "Five" had already been reduced to four.
At future reunions, the Four sought out each other.
Time taking its inexorable toll, George Meranshian died in 2003; and
so the remaining Three sought each other out at the annual reunion.
But Time continued to take its inexorable toll, and Edward Shahinian
died in 2005, shortly before that year’s reunion.
Thus, Two were left to seek each other out at the annual reunion.
But Time continued to take its inexorable toll, and Steve Najarian
died early this year, before the reunion.
Thus, Kappy found himself the last of the Five.
That fact was especially poignant at this year’s reunion in
Cincinnati in May, because the featured speaker was Timothy P.
Villagomez, the Lt. Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands (of which
Saipan is a part) who presented each of the veterans with a special
medallion.
With the text "Our Grateful Islanders Remember" surrounding the
image of flag-bearing men representing the four American services on
the obverse, and the official seal of the Islands on the reverse, the
medal was minted to thank the airmen for their part in helping to
liberate the island, and then in helping it to recover from the
effects of, first, the occupation, and then from the inevitable
despoiling that a massive airbase and its occupants can render any
land.
In typically American fashion, with the end of the war, and as each
airman was awaiting his turn to go home, the servicemen worked just as
hard at making peace as they had done making war, and they returned
the island to as nearly a habitable place as possible.
Each surviving member of the 73rd Bomb Wing attending the reunion
received the red-white-and-blue ribboned medallion.
Proud to accept the medallion to add to his collection of medals –
Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Presidential
Citation, Good Conduct Medal with Silver Loop, American Defense
Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
with three Bronze Stars – former Senior Staff Sergeant Katchadoor
Kapeghian said, with solemnity and sadness, "I accepted it on behalf
of the ‘Armenian Five.’"
And, needless to add, on behalf of a grateful nation.
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10. Lucine Amara headlines a fundraiser for N.J.’s Verismo Opera at
the home of Vahram and Lucienne Aynilian
by Garine Isassi
ALPINE, N.J. – Opera connoisseurs attended "An Evening of Armenian
Song" on September 28, to raise funds for the New Jersey Association
of Verismo Opera. Vahram and Lucienne Aynilian opened their
magnificent home to host the event, which included a program of
exclusively Armenian vocal music.
The celebrated Metropolitan Opera diva Lucine Amara headlined the
evening. A bonus for guests was the presence of Armenian-American
composer Vazgen Muradian, known for his prolific output of classical
pieces over a long career.
Rose Zenian Cravotta introduced the performers: soprano Anoosh
Barclay, mezzo soprano Maro Partamian, and Ms. Amara. Pianist Karina
Azatyan accompanied all of the singers.
The event turned out to be a refreshingly casual and familiar
performance, where the singers chatted with the audience between songs
and complimented each other’s vocal talents – making the evening seem
more like a gathering of friends than an opera presentation.
Ms. Barclay began the evening with a series dramatic arias, filling
the room with her beautiful soprano voice. Ms. Partamian, followed
with several lively folk-based songs, including a sing-a-long which
inspired enthusiastic participation from the audience members. She
also sang "The Wine Song" by Aram Khachaturian, to which Mr. Muradian
sang along from his seat in the front row. Ms. Barclay and Ms.
Partamian then performed an enjoyable duet together.
At last, the eagerly anticipated voice of Lucine Amara filled the
room. Ms. Amara sang powerfully, showing that she still has "it" at
the age of 82. At one point, she sang the piece, "Sleep, My Dear," a
song written for her by Mr. Muradian. The composer, obviously moved to
hear her, rose to hug Ms. Amara at the end of the piece. It was a very
touching moment for everyone in the room.
At the end of the performance, the Aynilian family gave the singers
flower bouquets donated by Sunset Florist.
"A phenomenal night"
The organizers of the fundraiser – Artemis Nazarian, Alice Movsessian,
and Rose Zenian Cravotta – with the help of Ms. Amara presented Mr.
and Mrs. Aynilian with a plaque, honoring them with the "Donor of the
Year" award from the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera.
"Anyone who missed this program missed a phenomenal night,"
exclaimed guest Lilly Nedurian, "We were privileged to be here! It was
so special."
Gladys Keuhnelian agreed, "It was a treat to hear all of this
wonderful music!"
The Verismo Opera was founded by Giovanni Simone in 1989. Ms. Amara
became artistic director of the group four years later in 1993. Under
Ms. Amara’s guidance, the Opera has performed some wonderful revivals,
including Guglielmo Ratcliff, Il Voto, and I Ranzau. The company has
also been able to include performances by such great singers as Licia
Albanese, Franco Bonanome, Jerome Hines, and many others.
Due to its reputable artistic achievement, the Verismo Opera has
recently become the official in-house opera company for the Bergen
Performing Arts Center Theatre in Englewood. With the funds raised at
the successful September 28 event, the company will be able to
continue presenting professional productions with world-class singers
and staging.
The next company performance will be Lucia di Lammermoor, composed
by Gaetano Donizetti. Salvatore Cammarano wrote the Italian libretto
after Sir Walter Scott’s historical novel, The Bride of Lammermoor.
The performance is scheduled for Sunday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. The
Bergen Performing Arts Center features translated super-titles of the
opera’s libretto above the stage. Tickets, ranging from $25 to $55,
may be purchased through the Bergen PAC.
For information about the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera
and its upcoming events, contact Rose Zenian Cravotta at (201)
569-4971.
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11. Shushi Dance Ensemble launches its 15th anniversary year in a gala
concert featuring Shushan Petrosyan
by Karen Saraydarian
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – To kick off the celebration of its 15th anniversary,
the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble performed at the September 9
"Armenian Gala Concert" at Brooklyn’s Millennium Theater. Along with
the dance group, the concert featured the "superstar" singers from
Armenia, Shushan Petrosyan and Tigran Petrosyan, in their first New
York appearances.
In a ceremony preceding the concert, the young women of the Shushi
dance group each individually greeted Ms. Petrosyan with a flower, and
offered a welcoming embrace. The ceremony was clearly a delight for
the dancers, and Shushan Petrosyan remarked that she felt overwhelmed
by the sincerity and admiration shown to her by the young artists.
The concert itself opened with the entire Shushi Ensemble dancing to
Ara Kevorkian’s "Arakatz." The troupe’s rendition of "Sardarabad"
followed, along with Shushan’s singing of "Giligia," to the
accompaniment of the ensemble’s expert choreography.
Another favorite song, "Hayotz Hovig," was also brought to life
through the ensemble’s dancing, with Raele Sabounjian’s taking on a
solo turn.
Shushan stirred the audience with her beautiful voice in her
renditons of "Anoush Hairenik," "Martigi Yerk," and "Pari Arakil."
The audience, thrilled by Ms. Petrosyan’s performance, danced in the
aisles of the concert hall, and applauded heartily with a long
standing ovation when she finished.
The program’s second half opened with the entire Shushi ensemble
performing "Shourch Bar."
Several beautiful songs by Tigran Petrosyan followed, including
"Sari Siroun Yar."
Though tSeptember 9 event was put together under tight time
constraints, the dedication of the ensemble’s director and
choreographer, Seta Paskalian Kantardjian, blended with the enthusiasm
of the young dancers and their parents to make the occasion a
memorable and multi-faceted event.
Even so, the organizers said that the gala concert was just the
beginning of what the Shushi Dance ensemble is planning for its 15th
anniversary year. Upcoming performances by the group – which exists
under the auspices of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral – include a
program by the "senior" members of the ensemble at the Armenia fund
USA 15th anniversary gala, at the United Nation headquarters in New
York, on October 6; and a program in honor of the pontifical visit of
Catholicos Karekin II, during a youth gathering at Fordham University
in New York on October 27. Log onto the ensemble’s website,
, for information.
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