Author: Vardapetian Ophelia

TWO-DAY JORNALISTIC WORKSHOP TITLED "TREATMENT OF ANTAGONISMS" HELD IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
Nov 27 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. The two day workshop being held in
Yerevan by the Red Cross organization and the Institute for War and
Peace Reporting of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland aims at raising the level of awaredness of journalists in
treating antagonisms.

It is already the seventh workshop organized within frameworks of the
"Pan-Caucasian Network of Journalists" program.

According to the information provided by James Reynolds, the Head of
the Delagation of the Red Cross International Committee, at the press
conference held on November 27, the role of media in the modern world
is too great as the course of events can change for the better or the
worse through their work. As Reynolds stressed, the representatives
of the Red Cross have expanded their relations with mass media for
the recent years and made sure that in case of right cooperation with
journalists and right direction, their work can prove quite productive.

Seda Muradian, the Head of the Armenian office of the Institute for
War and Peace Reporting, mentioned that journalists from Georgia,
Azerbaijan, Armenia, not recognized Republics of South Ossetia and
Nagorno Karabakh, as well as from autonomous Republics of North
Ossetia and Daghestan are taking part in the workshop.

AZERI DEFENCE MINISTER SAYS NATO MEMBERSHIP NOT ON AGENDA YET

Interfax, Russia
Nov 27 2007

Astana, 27 November: Azerbaijan is not yet planning to join NATO,
Azerbaijani Defence Minister Safar Abiyev has said.

"I am stating as a defence minister that we are continuing cooperation
with NATO. Azerbaijan’s striving for NATO membership or its plans to
enter NATO are not on the agenda yet," Abiyev told a news conference
on Tuesday [27 November] following a session of the council of defence
ministers of the CIS member states in Astana.

He also told journalists that "the possibility of war is almost 100
per cent as long as Azerbaijan’s lands are under Armenian occupation".

For his part, Armenian Defence Minister Mikayel Harutyunyan described
his Azerbaijani counterpart’s statement as "categorical" and said
that Armenia saw no alternative to a peaceful solution to the Karabakh
problem.

"It is too categorical to make such statements while the presidents
of the two countries (Armenia and Azerbaijan – Interfax-Kazakhstan)
are holding negotiations on a peaceful solution to the Karabakh
problem. And this is not within the remit of a defence minister since
our countries’ presidents and commanders-in-chief are negotiating a
peaceful solution to the problem," he told reporters, commenting on
the Azerbaijani defence minister’s remarks.

"We see no alternative to a peaceful solution," Harutyunyan stressed.

CONVERSE BANK USUAL BRANCH OPENED IN ABOVYAN

Panorama.am
20:44 28/11/2007

Today Converse Bank opened its usual branch in Abovyan city. It was
carried out in the frames of "6 new branches until the end of year"
project. Tigran Sargsyan, the temporary manager of "Converse Bank"
CJSC, said that in each branch all types of the transactions, which
correspond to the international standards, will be conducted.

"Taking into account the fast economic development of this region, we
found it suitable to open here a new branch, and those businessmen,
who will carry out many transactions with us, will have sales and
privileges opportunity," said T. Sargsyan.

Anahit Simonyan, the marketing director of the bank, said that an
on-line regime works and the inhabitants of Abovyna city have the
opportunity to conduct any contract with the Head Office just from
their city.

Khuan Pablo Gechidjyan, a member of the "Converse Bank" CJSC, announced
that whatever is done suits to their policy and in the nearest future
new programs and types of service will be available for the public.

Note that from November 28 to December 28 a share is announced:
A minimal balance will not exacted from those juridical persons,
who open a current account in Converse Bank Abovyan branch, and the
physical persons will be given visa electron plastic card with 3000
drams balance free of charge.

Note that at the end of this year the total amount of Converse Bank
branches will be 23. One of the advantages of the bank is its Visa mini
credit cards, and placing the customer’s preferable photo on the card.

DIPLOMATS GET A FEEL OF BEIJING’S ‘WALL STREET’
By Li Xiaokun (China Daily)

China Daily
Nov 30 2007
China

Movsisian Vahagn had a fair idea of what the Financial Street in west
Beijing would be like. But the Armenian ambassador was not prepared
for what he saw Thursday.

Zhang Xiangxian, an official of China Life Insurance (Group) Company,
shows a group of diplomats around the company in Beijing November 29,
2007. [China Daily]

"I am highly impressed by the economic growth here," Vahagn said after
seeing the skyline. "I think it’s an indication of how much progress
China has made. There are many lessons for us to learn from here. I
will come here often."

Vahagn was one of the senior diplomats, including ambassadors and
counselors of more than 30 countries and the EU, who were invited by
the municipal government to visit the Financial Street.

The street has a concentration of exquisite structures and skyscrapers
that are home to more than 1,500 financial institutions and enterprises
representing over 70 percent of the country’s financial assets.

Situated there are headquarters of top Chinese financial institutions
such as the Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of
China, State-owned industrial conglomerates, as well as the financial
industry’s watchdogs.

"The Financial Street controls 33-trillion-yuan ($4.47 trillion) worth
of financial assets, and almost all of China’s financial policies
are made here," said Wu Xiangyang, director of the development and
reform commission of Xicheng District.

Among the more than 30 foreign financial institutions here will be
Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase and Swiss Bank.

"After 15 years’ efforts, the blueprint of the financial street is
nearly finished," said Wu. "This year, we have introduced top luxury
hotels, shopping malls and conference centers to make it a financial
ecological circle." Its area will be extended from the current 1.03
sq km to 2.59 sq km in future, Wu said.

"The Financial Street is China’s Wall Street under construction. We
sincerely welcome friends from across the world to join us in
developing it," said Huo Xuewen, director of the municipal government’s
Financial Office.

Simeon Hernandez, the Philippines’ commercial counselor to Beijing,
said it’s a pity no company from his country is investing there.

"I’ll definitely convey this to the Philippine business community,"
he said.

SACRED ARMENIAN SITE FOUND IN IRAN

PRESS TV
; sectionid=351020105
Dec 3 2007
Iran

Archeologists have discovered an Armenian graveyard dating back to
the 13th century at Iran’s World Heritage site of Soltaniyeh Dome.

The discovery of an ancient tombstone and inscriptions on it led the
archeologists to the whereabouts of this graveyard.

The inscription read, "Jesus, the only born to Father, when the time
arrives and you return the sleeping soul of the decedent …"

The rest of the inscription which dates back to the Mongolian age
(1206-1405) was not legible.

Historical evidence suggests that Sorghaghtani Beki, wife of Tolui
Khan and mother of Hulagu Khan, the Mogul ruler, was a Christian woman.

The inscription on the tombstone strengthened the case for the
existence of such hallowed site for Armenian residents of the time.

Soltaniyeh was the capital of the Ilkhanid rulers of Persia in the
14th century.

NEW AIRBUS FOR PRESIDENT

Lragir
Dec 3 2007
Armenia

A few days ago the Armenian government bought an Airbus A319
produced in 1998 to replace TU 134 which no longer complies with the
requirements for modern aircraft, maintenance and fuel is costly. The
bus will be used for the foreign visits of the head of state mainly,
as well as delegations led by other high-ranking officials.

Airbus A319 was bought on one of the eastern markets. The value of
the deal was 45 million U.S. dollars 15 million of which was paid by
anonymous Armenian benefactors. The rest of the sum was paid through
a loan to be repaid in 10 years.

ACTIVATION OF DISCUSSIONS ON NAGORNYY KARABAKH OVER THE ELECTION PERIOD IN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN ENDANGER THE PROGRESS ACHIEVED AS A RESULTS OF THE TALKS

arminfo
2007-11-15 11:58:00

ArmInfo. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel
Angel Moratinos, met the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group, Yuri Merzlyakov
(Russia), Bernard Fassier (France) and Matthew Bryza (USA), which
negotiate with the Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan a possible
solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

As ArmInfo was informed from the OSCE office, after the meeting
the Spanish OSCE Chairmanship issued the following statement today
which says that the Co-Chairs informed the Minister about current
developments on the peace process, which is becoming increasingly
complicated due to the upcoming electoral processes in Armenia and
Azerbaijan in 2008. circumstances, the Governments of Armenia and
Azerbaijan should not refer to the conflict in ways that might worsen
the situation, and that could potentially endanger the progress
achieved so far>, – the statement says.

The Co-Chairs keep the OSCE regularly informed about their
activities. This is the third time the Co-Chairs have met the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office in Madrid.

Minister Moratinos has been actively supporting the endeavours of the
Minsk Group. He has met many times with the Armenian and Azerbaijani
Presidents and their respective ministers.

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

NOVEMBER 15, 2007

PRESIDENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH VISITS PRELACY
Bako Sahakyan, President of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh)
and his entourage visited the Prelacy last Sunday, November 11, where the
Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, and more than fifty community leaders welcomed
them. The newly elected president is visiting some major Armenian centers in
the United States prior to the 10th annual International Armenia Fund
Thanksgiving Telethon that will take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 22.
President Sahakyan addressed the gathering as did the Primate of Artsakh
Archbishop Barkev Martirossian, the Executive Director of the Pan Armenia
Fund, Vahe Aghabegians, and the chairman of Armenia Fund USA, Raffi
Festekjian.
This annual Thanksgiving tradition marks an unprecedented year of
achievements celebrating Armenia Fund’s 15th anniversary, and raising funds
for the Rural Development Program, an innovative initiative that will
revitalize Armenia’s villages.
The Telethon will be delivered over the air, cable and satellite
networks reaching millions of households. For complete details about the
Telethon go to

43rd ANNIVERSARY OF SOORP KHATCH CHURCH THIS WEEKEND
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to the Washington, D.C., area to join the
parishioners of Soorp Khatch Church of Bethesda, Maryland, in the
commemoration of the church’s 43rd anniversary. The Prelate will preside
over the anniversary dinner Saturday evening. On Sunday he will celebrate
the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon

PRESENTATION BY VIGEN GUROIAN TOMORROW
Tomorrow, Friday, November 16, is the presentation by Professor Vigen
Guroian, inaugurating the new series of booklets on contemporary ethical
issues. The presentation will begin promptly at 7:30 pm at the Prelacy
headquarters in New York. The series of seven booklets are being written by
Professor Guroian. The first booklet of the series, "Homosexuality and Same
Sex Union," was recently published. Dr. Guroian’s presentation will be
followed by Q&A and discussion. A reception will follow.
The various topics-all current issues of morality and ethics-are
explored with an Orthodox perspective. The series is a pioneering effort not
only for the Armenian Church, but for all of Orthodoxy.
Guroian, Professor of Theology at Loyola College in Maryland, is a
well-known and respected theologian. His prolific written works have been
described as "eloquent" and "substantive." Many of his colleagues have
praised him for his "courageous and discerning vision," on contemporary, and
often controversial, issues.
For information contact the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC)
at [email protected] or contact the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS SEMINAR
Sunday school teachers and directors gathered last month at the Holy
Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard in Charlton, Massachusetts, for a weekend of
Bible study, lectures, worships and worship services. For details about this
event click here.

BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY
The third session of the five-part Bible study will take place next
Tuesday, November 20, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm, at the Prelacy offices in New
York. The mini-course entitled "From Jesus’ meals with sinners to the Lord’s
Supper (Badarak)" is presented by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For information
[email protected] or 212-689-7810.

THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR WINS AWARD
The Knock at the Door: A Journey through the Darkness of the Armenian
Genocide, by Margaret Ajemian Ahnert was named as the Best Book of 2007 in
the World History category by USA News.

ARMENIAN CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN
GLOBAL CHRISTIAN FORUM IN KENYA
The first meeting of the Global Christian Forum convened last week in
Limuru, Kenya. About 250 representatives from churches and international
religious organizations attended the meeting under the general theme, "Our
Journey with our Savior Jesus Christ." His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Great House of Cilicia, delegated Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical
Officer of the Catholicosate, to participate in the meeting. Bishop Nareg
also represented the Middle East Council of Churches and read the Council’s
address at the meeting. Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Primate of the Diocese
of England, represented the Catholicosate of All Armenians, Etchmiadzin.
During daily collective prayers, bible readings, and full and group
sessions, the participants had an opportunity to meet Christians from other
geographic locations and different church traditions. They discussed the
difficulties churches and ecclesiastical organizations face in the field of
the collective Christian legacy. The prospects for formation of the Global
Christian Forum started in the 1990s. Catholicos Aram, as moderator of the
World Council of Churches, played a significant role in this process. The
meeting in Kenya was the culmination of regional meetings in Asia, Africa,
Europe and South Africa.

BLESSING OF MURON IS SCHEDULED
The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) next year on
June 7, 2008. The Faithful are encouraged to attend this special service
which takes place every seven years. Details will be forthcoming.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, November 15, are: Proverbs 28:1-18; Baruch
3:31-4:4; 2 Timothy 1:6-12; Matthew 19-27-29.
For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within
you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of
cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.
Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his
prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power
of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our
works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us
in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through
the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought
life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was
appointed a herald, and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I
suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put
my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have
entrusted to him. (2 Timothy 1:6-12)

IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click
.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of this
year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit about the
Armenian language and literature:
"Armenian history is the story of a nation’s constant struggle against its
neighbors and other foreign powers to safeguard its physical existence and
its spiritual convictions. The struggle has been punctuated not only with
humiliating defeats, but also with great triumphs. The greatest of these was
the invention of the Armenian alphabet and the ensuing flourishing of
Armenian literature, which revealed the perseverance, wisdom, and national
character of the Armenian people. Their struggles have instilled in
Armenians a certain ability to grapple with difficulties, to overcome
geographic handicaps, and to excel in the activities they undertake,
intellectual and otherwise. The intrinsic meaning of their literature, then,
is a reflection of their ceaseless strivings for survival and
accomplishments."
>From the Introduction of Volume I, The Heritage of Armenian Literature,
Wayne State University Press, 2000.

BAREKENDAN OF THE FAST OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 18, is the Barekendan of the Fast of Advent. This
is a week-long fast leading up to the first Sunday of Advent, which is next
Sunday, November 25. Advent is the season that takes us to Christmas. It is
intended to be a solemn and quiet time for prayer, reflection and
preparation for the mystery of the Incarnation.

LIMITED NUMBER OF BOOKS ON JUGHA KHATCHKARS AVAILABLE
A limited number of copies of a newly published book, The Symphony of
the Destroyed Jugha Khatchkars, are available at the Prelacy Bookstore. This
valuable book by Professor Argam Ayvazian, documents the rich Armenian
monuments in Nakhichevan, all of which were destroyed by the Azeris in their
attempt to remove any trace of Armenian presence in that region. Professor
Ayvazian photographed Armenian churches, khatchkars and other Armenian
monuments in Nakhichevan from 1970 to 1988. His pioneering work has
preserved the Armenian presence that
Azerbaijan is so intent on destroying. Professor Ayvazian laments the fact
that the Armenian government, Armenian organizations, and international
organizations like UNESCO did very little to stop the barbaric destruction.
This 272-page soft-cover book has more than 700 photographs, with text
in Armenian, English and Russian. The price per book is $75, plus shipping
and handling.
Also available is a 20-page oversize booklet containing maps with exact
locations of the monuments in Nakhijevan. This is also by Prof. Ayvazyan.
The price is $20, plus shipping and handling. For information about both
publications contact the Prelacy Bookstore, 212-689-7810.

ALSO AT THE BOOKSTORE.THE LITTLE PRINCE.IN ARMENIAN
Newly arrived at the Prelacy Bookstore is the Armenian translation of
the famous Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Written in 1943 in
French, The Little Prince has been translated into more than 160 languages
(even Latin!) and has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. Appearing
to be a children’s book, it is actually a book for young and old alike. It
contains profound insight about life and human nature. One of the most
famous lines in the book is this one stated by the fox to the Little Prince:
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is
invisible to the eye." And one of our personal favorites, "It is the time
you have spent with your rose that makes your rose so important."
The Little Prince (Pokrig Ishkhaneh), which duplicates the original
illustrations, is $20, plus shipping and handling. The Armenian translation
is by Terese Voskeritchian. Contact the bookstore by email at
[email protected] or by telephone, 212-689-7810.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 27 to November 29-Christian Education classes at Sourp Khatch
Church in Bethesda, Maryland, 8 pm in the church sanctuary. Topic: The
Badarak. Classes held second and fourth Thursdays of each month, except
Thanksgiving week when classes will take place Friday. Armenian and English.
Prior attendance is not a requisite. For information: 301-229-8742.

October 16 to December 18-"From Jesus’ meals with sinners to the Lord’s
Supper," a five part Bible study at the Armenian Prelacy will begin on
October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesday of the month, from
7:15 to 8:45 pm. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please
send e-mail to [email protected] or call 212-689-4481.

November 16-Introduction to the new series of booklets on Contemporary
Ethical Issues: An Armenian Orthodox Perspective, by Vigen Guroian.
Professor Guroian will speak about the series and the first booklet newly
published, "Homosexuality & Same-Sex Union." 7:30 pm at the Prelacy office
in New York City. For information [email protected] or 212-689-7810.

November 16 & 17-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar. All are welcome. For information 508-852-2414.

November 17-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary
Banquet.

November 18-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Divine Liturgy
celebrated by the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.

November 18-Thanksgiving luncheon, Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, following the Divine Liturgy
at the Cathedral’s John Pashalian Hall. For information 212- 689-5880.

December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information or 508-234-3677.

December 1-St. Paul’s Church, Waukegan, Illinois, Annual Bake Sale, Crafts
and Café St. Paul. For orders or more information, 847-244-4573 or
www.StPaulArmenian Church.com.

December 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562.

December 9-Family Christmas Concert sponsored by St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, featuring Maggie Tune (from California) and Gaghant Baba, 4:30
pm, at IS5 High School, 50-40 Jacobus Street, Elmhurst, New York. For
information contact cathedral office, 212-689-5880.

December 23-St. Stephen’s Day Celebration, Watertown, Massachusetts. The
Golden Jubilee celebration will come to a close with a commemoration of the
church’s patron saint, the first deacon and martyr, St. Stephen.

December 31-New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey, and ARF Dro Gomideh, The Sheraton Meadowlands, E. Rutherford,
New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950.

June 27 to July 6-St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian Studies
Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson,
Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education Council. For
more information click

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
[email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit
Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

AZERBAIJAN SEEKS MILITARY METHODS TO SOLVE THE NAGORNO KARABAKN CONFLICT: SERGEY STANISHEV

Focus News
Nov 14 2007
Bulgaria

Yerevan. Bulgaria understands very well the complexity of the conflict
in Nagorno Karabakh and the fact that it is an ‘open wound’ for
Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev
said during a meeting with the Chairman of the Armenian Parliament
Tigran Torosian in Yerevan, Regnum reports. Stanishev outlined that
as difficult as the talks are, it ‘is better to talk 365 days per
year than to lead a battle for a day’.

According to Bulgaria the conflict should be solved by peaceful means
and the country will render cooperation in the OSCE. Stanishev noted
that Azerbaijan was seeking military means to solve the problem.

ARMENIA’S DRAFT MILITARY DOCTRINE SENT TO GOVERNMENT FOR APPROVAL

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Nov 12 2007

YEREVAN, November 12. /ARKA/. Armenia’s draft military doctrine is
already sent to the government for approval, Armenian Defence Ministry
Spokesman Seyran Shahsouvaryan said on Saturday after inter-ministerial
committee’s meeting.

He said international experts’ views on the doctrine were discussed
at the meeting.