2018 – Page 445 – Armenian Directory & News

Artsakh is the most important pillar, Armenian FM says

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Antonian Lara

MediaMax, Armenia

Artsakh is the most important pillar, Armenian FM says

Yerevan/Mediamax/. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said that “Artsakh is the most important pillar at this stage of the history of our identity”.

Minister Mnatsakanyan said this on May 18 at the briefing after the meeting with President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan in Stepanakert.

“We talked about our principles, about the importance of Artsakh for Armenia, the security and development of NK. We also touched upon the fact that the whole Armenian nation is concerned about Artsakh, as it is the most important pillar at this stage of the history of our identity. In this regard, we have a our common responsibility,” Armenian FM emphasized.

“In Artsakh every person feels that the people here live in extraordinary conditions, not remarking which is simply unacceptable.

The conditions are extraordinary in the sense that there is a danger and a rival, which is an issue of physical security, concerning every one of us. Thus, it is very important that we come here, feel this spirit and take the responsibility,” Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said.

On May 18 Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Minister of Defense of Armenia Davit Tonoyan had a meeting with the senior staff of Artsakh Defense Army.

PM Pashinyan, Ambassador Mills discuss Armenian-American relations (photos)

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Edgar Tavakalian

| 17:35 | May 18 2018

Several deputy ministers relieved from posts

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Emil Karabekian

| 17:58 | May 18 2018

Tribute to memory of Pontian Greek Genocide victims held in Yerevan

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Badalian Vardan

Panorama, Armenia

Armenian lawmakers, NGO representatives and members of national communities of Armenia visited today Tsitsernakaberd Memorial complex to honor the memory of the innocent victims of the genocide perpetrated against Pontian Greeks by Ottoman Turkey on the territory of Asia Minor in 1915-1923. As press service at Armenian parliament reports, on behalf of the legislative body of Armenia Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov laid a wreath to the monument of genocide victims.

Condemning the crime committed by Ottoman Turkey at the beginning of the 20th century, Eduard Sharmazanov noted: ”As long as Turkish denialism exists, there is a threat for repetition of genocides. Moreover, both Sumgait pogroms of 1988 and the Azerbaijani inhuman actions against civilian population and soldiers during the April war were the consequence of that Turkish denialism,” Sharmazanov said, stressing the need for struggle which is not against but rather for freedom and protection of human rights.

Sharmazanov also highlighted the need to combine efforts of Assyrian, Greek, and Armenian diasporas, the unity of the state to combat Turkish denialism.

To note, more than 350,000 Pontic Greeks and between 300,000-600,000 Assyrians, Syriacs and Chaldeans were exterminated by the Turkish troops and Kurdish militias during 1915-1923. Greek government selected May 19 to commemorate this dark period in history. Memorial services are taken place around the world.

The genocide of Pontian Greeks has been recognized by Armenia, Greece, Cyprus, Sweden and the Artsakh Republic.

Armenia parliament deputy speaker: We must unite against Turkish denialism

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Emil Lazarian

News.am, Armenia

Armenia parliament deputy speaker: We must unite against Turkish denialism Armenia parliament deputy speaker: We must unite against Turkish denialism

16:43, 19.05.2018

YEREVAN. – The representatives of Armenia’s national minorities on Saturday visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in capital city Yerevan to pay tribute to the victims of the genocide of Pontic Greeks.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Eduard Sharmazanov—whose father is of Greek origin—as well as the three MPs representing Armenia’s national minorities also attended this commemoration event.

Speaking to reporters, Sharmazanov recalled that in 2015, the Armenian parliament unanimously recognized the genocide of Pontic Greeks.

“We need to be able to combine the unity of the Greek, Assyrian and Armenian diaspora, our countries’ unity against Turkish denialism,” he said, in particular.

In his words, as long as there is denialism of genocides, there is a peril that new ones may be committed.

Armenian MP of Turkey: Judging me will not force me to abandon fight for justice for genocide

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Emil Lazarian

News.am, Armenia

Armenian MP of Turkey: Judging me will not force me to abandon fight for justice for genocide Armenian MP of Turkey: Judging me will not force me to abandon fight for justice for genocide

11:03, 19.05.2018

Garo Paylan, Istanbul Armenian MP and vice-chairman of the opposition pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) of Turkey, responded to the announcement on the launching of a criminal case against him, and under the infamous Article 301 (“insulting the Turkish nation”) of the Turkish Penal Code.

Paylan told Agos Armenian weekly of Istanbul that he has always called the tragedy which his family and nation survived a “genocide.”

“As a deputy of the Turkish parliament, I have demanded from the Turkish parliament to call it like it is,” Paylan said, in particular. “Like everywhere, also in the interview noted in the criminal case filed against me, I have said the word ‘genocide.’ But I didn’t accuse today’s Turkish people, but the then junta with a genocidal mindset.

“Sadly, Turkey currently is again rolling back and attempting to prevent—with pressures—the demands for confrontation with the past. [But] let the [Turkish] prosecutors and the Ministry of Justice—which gave a green light to their criminal case—know that by filing a criminal case against me they will not force me to abandon the fight for justice for what has occurred in the present and in the past.”

Rhode Island passes resolution on 30th anniv. of Sumgait Pogroms

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Emil Lazarian

PanArmenian, Armenia

– 10:38 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The House of Representatives of the U.S. state of Rhode Island on Thursday, May 17 unanimously passed a resolution on the 30th anniversary of the massacre of the Armenian population of Sumgait, the Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) foreign ministry said in a statement.

The resolution, in particular, states that the House commemorates the 30th anniversary of the tragic events in Sumgait and welcomes the aspiration of Artsakh to continue its democratic path and to develop as a trustful member of the international community of nations, despite the Azerbaijani aggression.

The document also states that the Secretary of State of Rhode Island is authorized to transmit certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, and the United States Department of State.

The tragic event, which commenced on the eve of February 28th, 1988, resulted in the death of 200 Armenian men, women, and children and is considered to be the start of the Karabakh War.

Azeris planned and orchestrated the brutal massacres which targeted Armenians solely for their heritage following their peaceful protest calling for historic Armenian lands to be liberated.

tr: deux prochains rendez-vous

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Liana Toganian

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The dream of families from regions of Armenia to have their own houses will be realized in 2018 as well: VivaCell-MTS and FCHA signed a contract.

May 20, 2018March 12, 2026 Vorskanian Yeghisabet

May 18, 2018, Yerevan, Armenia

The dream of families from regions of Armenia to have their
own houses will be realized in 2018 as well

The settlement of issues that have become a social burden helps to improve the quality of a family’s life.
Especially those living in regions feel its need most; the desire to build a
home becomes a reason for them to look for a solution abroad choosing the way of emigration. To preserve the country as a homeland, however, they
need to stay on their own land and have the faith to dream, live and succeed. The families who have solved the housing
problems in different regions of Armenia are trying to set new goals
and achieve them.

The housing program
implemented by VivaCell-MTS and Fuller Center for Housing Armenia has proven its effectiveness over the
years; homes were built or renovated
in 56 communities for 150 families. It has been planned to continue the project
in 2018, too. The partnering organizations have signed the contract for the current year.

“The decision has been made, the contract has been signed.
This year, too, we will cooperate with the
Fuller
Center for Housing Armenia to
fulfill the dream of our compatriots. The new challenges and the economic
situation oblige us to specify the
calculations, but when we see how the
families, who have overcome the
problem of housing many years ago, confidently
set new dreams now, we try to be helpful to more families within the realms of our possibilities,” said VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.

“This is a program the result of which is assessed through the change in the life quality, through the sparkle of
faith towards the future in the eyes of the families. Although considerable work
has been done, we evaluate the
years of cooperation with a more important criterion, that is – awakening faith in a bright future in
people’s hearts,” shared the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia President
Ashot Yeghiazaryan.

The mechanisms of the cooperation are clear: the list of families to be
included in the program is made by the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia,
taking into account their social status, the presence of juveniles in the
family, the crowdedness of the living space and a number of other criteria. VivaCell-MTS provides financial support, as well as participates voluntarily in the construction works.

 
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE COUNTY ON
PENTECOST
        On the occasion of the feast of Pentecost, on Sunday, ,
Episcopal Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Forty Martyrs Church in
Orange County. H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, will celebrate
Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy. 
        Following the service, a reception will be held at "Ghazarian" Hall
of the Harut Barsamian Armenian Center during which faithful will have the
opportunity to congratulate the newly-ordained Bishop and receive the
blessings of the Prelate and Vicar General.
***
NEW RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS ELECT THEIR OFFICERS
        
        On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, the new Religious and Executive Councils
elected by the 46th Representative Assembly held their first meeting at the
Prelacy presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. During
their respective meetings, the new Councils elected their tivans as follows:
        RELIGIOUS COUNCIL
        Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian - Chair 
        Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian - Secretary
        Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian - Advisor 
        Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian - Advisor
        Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan - Advisor
        Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian - Advisor
        Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian - Advisor
        EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
        Garo Eshgian - Chair
        Meher Der Ohanessian - Vice-Chair
        Elo Boyajian - Secretary
        Avo Kechichian - Treasurer
        Alec Baghdasaryan - Advisor 
        George Chorbajian - Advisor
        Dr. Navasart Kazazian - Advisor
        Garbis Bezdjian - Advisor
        Berj Apkarian - Advisor
        Ara Shabanian - Advisor
        Rafi Kuyumjian - Advisor
        
        We wish success to the new Councils. 
***
ST. SARKIS CHURCH OF PASADENA HOSTS ANNUAL RECEPTION HONORING ARMENIAN
GRADUATES
        On Wednesday, May 16, 2018, the 29th annual reception hosted by the
Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church in honor of Armenian
graduates of the Pasadena Unified School District was held at the Pasadena
Armenian Center under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate. Joining in the celebration were Executive Council member Elo
Boyajian, local elected officials, members of the Pasadena Unified School
District, St. Sarkis Church, community organizations, parents, sponsors, and
friends. 
        The program began with welcoming remarks by Tavlian Pre-School
Director and MC Mrs. Garine Joukadarian, who thanked the guests for joining
in the celebration and congratulated the graduates. The American and
Armenian national anthems were presented by St. Sarkis Church choirmaster
Deacon Yervant Keshishian, accompanied by his wife Maria on the piano. 
        The Prelate delivered the invocation, joined by St. Sarkis Church
Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Archpriest Fr. Vahan Gosdanian, and
Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian, and then conveyed his message. He first greeted
and commended the St. Sarkis Church family and organizing committee for
hosting the event each year as well as the administrators of the Pasadena
Unified School District, educators, parents, sponsors, and all those who
have guided our youth to this milestone in their lives. As the students
prepare to embark on a new chapter in their lives, the Prelate encouraged
them to believe in themselves, to give their best in all that they do, keep
reaching for their dreams with faith, hope, determination, and a positive
attitude, and to use the knowledge they have gained and their God-given
talents for their success and that of our nation. Through the ups and downs
of life, he urged them to remain strong and hopeful, to trust in the Lord
and look to Him for strength and guidance. 
        Finally, the Prelate stressed that our youth are not the future of
our nation but the present, and quoting from 1 Timothy 4:12, advised the
graduates to not let anyone look down on them because they are young, but
that they become an example to others with their speech and conduct. "Over
these past few weeks we witnessed the powerful voice and active involvement
of the youth in Armenia who played a significant role in the dawn of a new
and bright era for our nation," he said, and noting also that soon the
Armenian nation will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Republic
of Armenia, stated, "May these historic developments and milestones inspire
you to become active participants in the future of our nation and may you
inspire others with your works, for you, our youth, have a great deal to
offer." 
        On behalf of the St. Sarkis Church Board of Trustees, Chairman Mr.
Koko Panossian congratulated and commended the graduates and stated that the
doors of the church are always open to them for support. He congratulated
their parents as well and thanked the scholarship sponsors for their
generosity. 
        On behalf of the city of Pasadena, Councilmember Margaret McAustin
conveyed her greetings and highligted the importance of the Armenian
community in Pasadena life. Councilmember Tyron Hampton urged the students
to remain grounded in their faith and community throughout their lives. 
        During dinner, guests enjoyed Armenian folk dances and poetry. 
        The keynote address was delivered by ANCA National Chair Mr. Raffi
Hamparian, who focused his message on three points; love, failure, and
dedication. He urged the students to love and take the high road in the face
of hate and discord, to not be afraid of failure, and to fight for something
if they believe in it deeply.   
        Scholarships were awarded to students provided by Mr. and Mrs.
Sarkis and Nune Sepetjian, Cynthia and Sylvia Tomboulian, All-Armenian
Student Association, and the Armenian Compatriotic Union of Ourfa.
        Pasadena Unified School District Board President Mr. Lawrence Torres
thanked the organizers and guests for their outpouring of love toward the
youth and keeping the sense of community alive, stating that it will make
all the difference in their lives. 
        Finally, St. Sarkis Church youth group members presented six
certificates to each of the graduates, from St. Sarkis Church, Pasadena
Mayor Terry Tornek, Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Anthony
Portantino, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and Assemblymember Chris
Holden. 
        The program concluded with the benediction by Rev. Fr. Boghos
Baltayan and closing remarks by the MC. 
        
***
ARARAT-ESKIJIAN MUSEUM HOSTS PRESENTATION OF DR. GARBIS HARBOYAN'S LATEST
BOOK
        On Thursday, May 17, 2018, the Ararat-Eskijian Museum hosted the
presentation of Dr. Garbis Harboyan's latest book, "Odyssey of Armenian
Doctors, Dentists, and Pharmacists during the Armenian Genocide" at Ararat
Home's Sheen Chapel in Mission Hills. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, attended and conveyed his blessings and message. He was joined by
Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Torossian.
        The program began with welcoming remarks by Museum Director Mrs.
Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin. The "Ani" quartet presented a number of
Armenian classical pieces. Mr. Sarkis Mahserejian spoke on the author's
painstaking research and emotional journey in preparing the comprehensive
volume as well as his talent for combining the two worlds of science and
culture, and thanked him for bringing this subject matter to light. On
behalf of the Armenian-American Medical Society, Dr. Vartan Tachdjian lauded
Dr. Harboyan's lifetime of medical and scholarly achievements, wishing him
continued successes. Ms. Seta Antekelian from the USC "Shoah" Foundation
presented Dr. Harboyan's biography.
        The author himself presented the book. With accompanying
photographs, Dr. Harboyan noted that the books tells the story of Armenian
doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who were martyred during the Genocide as
well as those who survived, leading Armenian doctors who served in the
Ottoman Empire decades before the Genocide, and the names of Turkish doctors
who murdered their Armenian colleagues. A question and answer session
followed.
        The Prelate delivered the closing message. He commended Dr. Harboyan
for his lifetime of professional and personal service to our nation and for
bringing to light the inhumane acts of Turkish doctors against their
Armenian colleagues who were dedicated to helping people and saving lives.
He thanked the organizers for their efforts as well. The Prelate noted that
in ten days we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of
Armenia, which was founded a mere three years following the start of the
Genocide, stating, "as we are familiarized with this important book during
these historic days, the spirit and message of our holy martyrs and founders
of the first Republic become one and reverberate as a call for justice and
reparations, a call which resonates in this publication."  
        A reception followed. 
***
PRELATE ATTENDS ARS JAVAKHK FUND ANNUAL GALA
        On Friday, May 11, 2018, the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee held its
annual gala at Legacy Ballroom in Glendale. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and delivered his message. Proceeds will
benefit the rebuilding of the Akhaltskha Youth Center in Javakhk. 
        During the event, the ARS Western US Regional Executive honored Mrs.
Haigoush Keghinian-Kohler with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Mrs. Kohler is
a community benefactor, founder and current Chair of the ARS Long Beach
"Zovinar" Chapter, former Chair of the Javakhk Fund Committee, and recently
donated $100,000 for the renovation of the Akhaltskha Youth Center.
***

Category: 2018

Artsakh is the most important pillar, Armenian FM says

PM Pashinyan, Ambassador Mills discuss Armenian-American relations (photos)

Several deputy ministers relieved from posts

Tribute to memory of Pontian Greek Genocide victims held in Yerevan

Armenia parliament deputy speaker: We must unite against Turkish denialism

Armenian MP of Turkey: Judging me will not force me to abandon fight for justice for genocide

Rhode Island passes resolution on 30th anniv. of Sumgait Pogroms

tr: deux prochains rendez-vous

The dream of families from regions of Armenia to have their own houses will be realized in 2018 as well: VivaCell-MTS and FCHA signed a contract.

Western Prelacy News – 5/18/18