Armenian PM, Russian President hold phone talk
12:55, 1 June, 2019
YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 1 telephoned Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to congratulate on his birthday, the Armenian PM’s Office told Armenpress.
During the telephone conversation the officials discussed the future actions of the cooperation at bilateral and multilateral formats.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Armenia’s parliament is considering legislation that could further restrict gaming establishments in the Eastern European nation.
Protestors petitioned the Armenia parliament to forego enforcing stricter gambling laws. (Image: The Armenian Weekly)
The legislation, introduced last October, is the latest in a series of efforts by Armenian politicians to crackdown on betting parlors and casino gaming venues across the country. Policymakers have been trying to limit gambling activities for two decades, but the industry is a major employer Armenia, a country grappling with high levels of poverty.
Earlier this week, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital city, many of whom are staffers at Goodwin Bet LLC, an operator of local wagering parlors. The protesters believe thousands of Armenians could be left jobless if the government pursues more restrictions on gambling.
The bill being considered by Armenia’s parliament would not ban wagering until 2020 and is aimed at clamping down on brick-and-mortar establishments, such as those operated by Goodwin Bet, that are run as bookmaking shops.
Proponents of the bill argue that many Armenians that are struggling financially simply cash their paychecks and head to the nearest betting property. They also claim gambling addiction is on the rise and is responsible for the country’s increasing rate of suicide.
The legislation would ban all physical casinos and betting establishments across the country. Armenia has a handful of traditional casinos, including the Casino Shangri La in Yerevan and Casino Senator Golden Palace. Assuming the proposed bill is signed into law, it would also lead to the removal of electronic gaming and slot machines, which are found at establishments such as gas stations.
Those opposing the legislation argue that Armenia has already made strides in terms of regulating the industry, including higher license taxes on operators and a recent move to boost the minimum gambling in the country to 21 from 18.
Additionally, opponents of the bill claim policymakers are not targeting the right type of establishments. Armenia is home to a robust online betting industry, one monopolized by a company known as BetConstruct. BetConstruct, which, under another name, originally operated betting parlors similar to those run by Goodwin Bet, is now Armenia’s largest technology company and one of the 10 largest providers of online wagering services in the world.
Critics also assert that brick-and-mortar gaming establishments are required by the government to check patrons’ identification to ensure guests are of age to enter the venue, but that online wagering portals, including those operated by BetConstruct, have no way of verifying the age of their players.
Like some other countries in the region, Armenia has some dark chapters associated with gambling. Nestled in the Caucasus region between Europe and Asia, Armenia is a former Soviet Republic and some gaming properties there previously served as avenues for organized crime syndicates in Eastern Europe to launder money.
Other countries in the area, such as Albania and Kosovo, have banned casino gaming in effort to reduce crime and usher out crime rings.
Members of an Armenian organized crime outfit are believed to be involved in a match-fixing scheme that targeted games in La Liga, Spain’s premier football league.
ASSOCIATED WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF ARMENIAN UNIVERSITY GRADUATES
ALLEN PALEAN REPRESENTATIVE LEBANON
ECONOMIC AND ELEMENTARY SITUATION IN THE LIGHT OF CURRENT REVISIONS
By organization Armenian university graduates
of the Department of Consolidation, Friday, May 31, 2019 at 8:00 p.m., Antilias
In the “Cilicia” museum of Mayravank place
had a meeting-discussion where the former deputy manager of the Central Bank of Lebanon
Alain Palea presented “Lebanon’s economic and political situation in light of the current upheavals”
under the light” article. Hogsh. T. Reverend Peter
Manuelian, as well as Hogsh. T. Levon Abh. Members of Yeghiayan and Armenian National Army and friends of Armenian National Army.
Event with opening speech
Yakob Hantea, chairman of the association, came. After welcoming him, he introduced himself
the main points of the agenda of the day and mentioned that they attended the monthly meetings of the Armenian
they organize gatherings to discuss issues affecting Armenians. Then he went on stage
Silva Garavardanyan, who introduced the speaker of the day. He said that it was Alen Palean
is the deputy manager of the Central Bank of Lebanon, was elected as the national representative, as
He also held responsible positions in economic and financial international companies
in Currently, he holds a responsible position in “Sitter Bek Holtink” company.
Alain Palean presented the economic situation of Lebanon, the gap in the state budget, its causes and the possibilities of reform through slides. In the course of this lecture-discussion lasting more than one and a half hours, Palean, with the help of slides, referred to the issue of the state bill and its implications on the country’s economic and financial situation. With a historical review, Palea mentioned the contribution of one of the former presidents of Lebanon, General Fuat Shehap, in the field of planning and arrangement of the country’s infrastructure, with the help of special experts. In the course of the conversation, Alain Palean repeatedly answered the informative questions of the attendees, which were mainly focused on the levy system prevailing in the country, the rot, the possibilities of economic growth, the past and present attempts to devalue the Lebanese currency and their reference to the general economic situation of the country. Palea emphasized that the steps taken in the direction of the current reform and elimination of corruption are positive and welcome, but not sufficient. “It is necessary to clarify a special concept of the reform of the Lebanese economy and clarify the economic role of Lebanon in the region”, concluded Alain Palea.
Event with closing remarks
came Hogsh. T. Levon Abh. Yeghiayan. He highly appreciated this initiative of Armenian National Academy of Sciences
Palean’s introduction, where very useful information was conveyed to the attendees.
“This lecture will be an opportunity to manage our lives well,” he said.
he
At the end, a special hospitality was served.
—
BISHOP DANIEL FINDIKYAN’S “ANTRANIG” BADARAK IN AMERICA
Armenian News Network / Armenian News
June 2, 2019
BY FLORENCE AVAKIAN
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, NY—On Saturday morning, May 18, the Primate of the Eastern American Diocese, Bishop Daniel Findikyan, celebrated his first Episcopal Badarak in America before more than a thousand worshippers who filled every crevice of New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral.
The tremendous excitement and enthusiasm was palpable as people from all over the United States filed into the Cathedral on a Saturday morning at 10 A.M. to see their beloved Primate celebrate his Antranig holy Badarak.
Bishop Daniel is the first American born Primate, now elevated to Bishop, in the history of the 121-year old American Diocese.
It took quite a while for the excitement shared by so many in attendance to quiet down for the special service.
To the majestic strains of the “Hrashapar” hymn, Bishop Daniel led a large group of priests and deacons into the crowded St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.
His immediate family, including his father Nurhan, his brother Stephan, and sister Tamara, with their families were visibly emotional, as they partook of the powerful and moving service.
Among the many dignitaries present were Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States Varuzhan Nersesyan, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Mher Margaryan, and several leaders of Armenian-American organizations, including the AGBU, AMAA, AAHPO, and FAR.
Bishop Daniel had just returned from Etchmiadzin where the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II had elevated him and two Armenian Primates from Europe to the holy rank of Bishop, as more than 100 American Armenians who had made their travel arrangements several months ago, witnessed one of the most important ecclesiastical services in Etchmiadzin .
LOVED AND ADMIRED
For all who know him or have met him, Bishop Daniel is a priest deeply admired and loved for his dedication, humility, honesty and compassion.
The holy Badarak at St. Vartan Cathedral, on May 18, attended by dozens of priests – Armenian as well as representatives from sister churches – was a unique inspiration to hear and witness, as the angelic voices of choirs from local Armenian parishes joined the Cathedral choir conducted by Director Khoren Mekhanejian. Florence Avakian accompanied on the organ.
In his inspiring and powerful sermon delivered passionately in both Armenian and English, with all the faithful listening intently, Bishop Daniel described how before the outdoor altar in Etchmiadzin, “three of us vartabeds walked on our knees, and knelt as Christ had done 1700 years ago.”
CHIEF PASTOR
“We were referred to as ‘hovvabed’ – chief pastor. It’s an audacious and terrifying claim,” he stated quietly. “Jesus was referred to as ‘THE CHIEF SHEPHERD, the GOOD SHEPHERD, called to lead His flock. The good shepherd cares for his sheep because he has a personal interest in them. The sheep are more precious than his own life, because he loves them.”
Elected to the “awesome” position as Primate a year ago, he continued, “my vocation includes loving my flock to the extent of laying down my own life to raise you up and lead you to green pastures. You are under my care,” he declared emotionally.
“You have also been called to be like the Good Shepherd. Our call of love for you and me is to lift up one another, and love one another. Let us revive that call that apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew brought to us, the call that could not extinguish the souls of one and a half million martyrs.”
“Come and join me in this new chapter in the life of our Diocese,” he declared, his voice cracking with passion.
HOLY JOURNEY
This holy journey had begun in Etchmiadzin on May 11 before an outside altar, sInce Etchmiadzin Cathedral is under massive renovation. The three vartabeds, the Very Rev. Frs. Daniel Findikyan, Primate of the Eastern U.S. Diocese, Serope Isakhanian, Primate of Germany, and Tiran Petrosian, Primate of Austria had approached the tufa stone altar flanked by the symbolic white and purple flowers, walking slowly on their knees.
Witnessing this spiritual and most humble action in Echmiadzin was spiritually and mysteriously beautiful for this writer.
The three priests were accompanied by dozens of Armenian and sister church clergy, including the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and clerical dignitaries from the Vatican, Syrian, Ukrainian, American, German and Austrian churches.
“It was a once in a lifetime moment for me,” related Bishop Daniel. His facial _expression_ reflected the intense emotions he was feeling, as he slowly knelt before the Etchmiadzin altar with his eyes closed in prayer.
Throughout the May 11 initial liturgy, as well as during the Pontifical Badarak on May 12, celebrated by the Vehapar when the second phase of the elevation sacraments continued, Bishop Daniel often had his eyes closed, his face reflecting his love, and the responsibility he was feeling for his future calling.
May 12, Mother’s Day, was also a very special day for him. Six months ago, he had lost his much-loved mother, Ursula. His intense feelings were visibly obvious, as he often looked towards heaven, with moistened eyes.
Armenian-Americans were in great anticipation on Monday May 13, as Bishop Daniel celebrated his first historic Episcopal Badarak in the beautiful and intimate setting of the 1500-year old St. Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin.
Totally focused and garbed in the robes, mitre, medallions and the insignia of Bishop, he movingly celebrated his first Episcopal Badarak before an enthralled group. A group of priests and deacons from the Eastern Diocese spiritually sang the holy hymns.
His sermon again reflected the profound belief of his vocation. “Our responsibility is to confirm our calling – the new identity every hour, every moment, with every breath in our church so we can walk with our Lord into the kingdom of heaven. “
A brilliant homilist who always speaks from the heart without any notes, Bishop Daniel delivered his message to worshippers who are often led to tears. His face often reflects the depth of his spiritual responsibility.
At the reception held in Kavookjian Auditorium following Srpazan’s Antranig Badarak at St. Vartan Cathedral, there were many emotionally overwhelmed attendees who wanted to express their feelings.
Among them were Srpazan’s 14 year old nephew James, and and 12 year old twin nieces Julia and Kira who gushed, “We are so terribly proud of our uncle whom we love so much. “
Deacon of the Indian Syriac Church Kuriakos said that “the legacy of Bishop Daniel is about giving love. He will multiply that love everywhere.”
Bishop Daniel’s clerical godfather, the Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian who has taught hundreds of seminarians over more than 50 years at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, tearfully and quietly voiced, “I am very much moved. Thank God that my very favorite seminarian became a Bishop, and gave me the honor to represent our clergy for him.”
And Srpazan’s lay godfather Dr. Garo Garibian who was the generous donor of the reception, called the Bishop, “the perfect choice. Srpazan never sought this position. He was chosen by a higher being.”
© Copyright 2019 Armenian News Network/Armenian News. All Rights Reserved.
Armenian News Network / Armenian News
June 2, 2019
BY FLORENCE AVAKIAN
NEW YORK, NY—-At a recent teacher’s meeting with his staff, St. Vartan School Principal Hovannes Khosdeghian emphasized his continuing goal of a “school without walls,” where students follow their interests, and where learning is a pleasure.
As the youngsters enthusiastically enter the school held at the Eastern Armenian Diocese, Khosdeghian is there to greet them with a wide smile and warm hug. The school session begins and ends with a prayer.
During the beginning “socialization” period, the children played excitedly with each other. “They miss each other,” explains the principal. “They love the school, and the teachers, and don’t feel embarrassed to go to the teachers when they are in trouble.”
The school which has 23 students, from ages two to the early teens, who come every Saturday from 10 A.M to 2 P.M., not only learn the Armenian language, but also partake in Armenian songs and dances.
“The music is related to Armenian historical periods,” he explains. “Their ears which are not used to it, get used to the tonality.”
A SET OF “MUSTS”
Since his own leadership at the St. Vartan Armenian School, he has instituted a strong set of “musts” which include teachers observing the physical needs of the children, especially for those who may have visual, hearing, or speaking difficulties.
A child’s home environment must also be evaluated, he emphasizes. From the age of five years, it’s crucial that the sounds of the Armenian letters are understood. “A child cannot speak if he or she does not have the vocabulary,” he explains.
A child should know a thousand words after being in the school a year. After one to three years in the school, the goal is 7500 words, and for a three to eight-year old, the goal is 12000 words. By age 10, “the learning gap between children who can learn vocabulary quickly and those who do not is different. Even when a child is sleeping, the brain is working,” he explains.
INTEGRATIVE TEACHING
“A child needs the complete culture, including history, music, art, dance, not just vocabulary,” he continues. “There has to be an integration of words, pictures, environment. A child can express oneself when she or he can understand.”
This integrative approach is based on the student’s age, knowledge, school and home environments, background, and delivery. Communication by the teachers must be based on the needs of the children,” he stresses.
In a surprise statement, Khosdeghian stated, that “the child governs the school, sets the school’s pace. The child should be engaged, not overwhelmed. It should not be a system of a power relationship. My job is to teach the teachers who give voice and academic skills to the children.”
IMPRESSIVE BACKGROUND
This detailed system of teaching is based on Hovannes’ training for the priesthood when he studied in Rome for six years. His pedagogical training emphasized an educational environment.
In 1980, Khosdeghian graduated from Rome’s Saint Thomas Aquinas Pontifical University. Appointed Academic Dean in the Mekhitarian Seminary in Venice, he “saw that what I learned there was the theoretical, not the practical.”
At the Mekhitarist Fathers’ Armenian School from 2009 to 2010, in Tujunga, California, he applied the methodology and new techniques for grades two to eight. “In addition to the teachers, parents were also involved, and the results were very successful.”
In 2016, Hovannes Khosdeghian was appointed the principal of the St. Vartan Armenian School, much to the delight of parents and children.
During the time of this writer’s visit, a parent who was leaving at the end of the school day, said emotionally, “I started crying last week in the car when my children, ages five and seven, started singing the Armenian songs they had learned in school.”
© Copyright 2019 Armenian News Network/Armenian News. All Rights Reserved.
Turkey’s national carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) will no longer offer Armenian weekly newspaper Agos to its customers at the international terminal in İstanbul, the Artı Gerçek news website reported on Friday.
Agos has been among the print media available free of charge for THY customers since 2013.
THY unilaterally repealed its contract with Agos last week. The development was announced by the Armenian newspaper.
The carrier was criticized in the past for excluding the government-critical press from its airport and flight distribution.
https://turkeypurge.com/armenian-weekly-agos-now-among-newspapers-banned-by-turkish-airlines
Forty-five per cent of agricultural land in Armenia is not used, said Armenian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Garnik Petrosyan during the conference Farmers’ congress on Friday.
According to him, this is a result of the fact that problems were raised in the field of agriculture, laws were developed without discussion with the beneficiaries, without taking into account the opinions of villagers and farmers, and all projects were far from reality and ineffective.
Today we need new approaches. First of all, it concerns the increase of land productivity, increase of personnel potential, stimulation of production of high-quality products, solution of the problem of import, he noted.
As reported earlier, Farmers’ congress conference funded by EU is being held in Armenia. The main goal of the project is to contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture in Armenia through the improvement of agrarian policy. 2019 Global Data Point.