The US House of Representatives passed the Cardenas-Schiff-Sherman Amendment demanding the release of Armenian POWs currently captive in Azerbaijan.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has called for a return to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.
377,405 vaccinations against COVID-19 carried out in Armenia so far: Minister sees positive change in people’s attitude
11:58,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. 377,405 vaccinations against COVID-19 have been carried out in Armenia so far, of which 133,031 citizens are fully vaccinated, Minister of Healthcare Anahit Avanesyan said during the discussion in the Parliament over the new coronavirus-related rules.
“If in March the vaccination rate was about 10%, today it is higher than 40%. We see the rate, the growing number of daily vaccinations. 9,924 vaccinations were conducted yesterday. So far, a total of 377,405 vaccinations have been carried out. 244,374 citizens received the first dose, and 133,031 citizens have already got the two shots”, she said.
Commenting on the question why the vaccination process has been delayed in Armenia, the minister mentioned misinformation and anti-propaganda, which, she said, negatively affected the citizens. “We have tried to turn the wheel of that anti-propaganda in 4-5 months. And I think that we already have quite a good figure in terms of citizens’ attitude towards vaccinations”, the minister said.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
12:54,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has prepared a unique program for the 2021 Aurora Prize Ceremony and accompanying events that will take place in Venice, Italy, on October 8–10, IDeA Foundation said in a statement.
In accordance with the tradition established over the years, every Ceremony features carefully curated cultural impressions honoring the spirit of our shared humanity, and the events in Venice will include some outstanding performances to celebrate modern-day heroes.
On October 9, a “Prayer for Solidarity” will be held in the Church of the Armenian Catholic congregation of Mekhitarists on the San Lazzaro Island, with religious and state leaders and representatives of the international humanitarian community in attendance. The service will be accompanied by live performances.
The 2021 Aurora Prize Ceremony, titled “Reviving Together,” will be hosted by Dalia Atallah, Aurora’s Amal Clooney Scholarship Fellow and UWC Dilijan alumna from Lebanon, and David Ignatius, Associate Editor and Columnist for The Washington Post and long-time friend of Aurora. The title of the event was chosen to reflect the Initiative’s commitment to putting into action the gratitude to those who saved Armenians more than a hundred years ago and helped them revive, as well as to highlight the eternal values of empathy, unity and cooperation that allow us to address the world’s most pressing issues, including the fight against the global pandemic of COVID-19 and its consequences, together.
The Ceremony will feature performances by Aram Ipekdjian and Jivan Gasparyan Jr. playing duduk, a traditional Armenian instrument, as well as by the Hover State Chamber Choir, conducted by Sona Hovhannisyan and famous for its experimental choral performances and promoting the Armenian choral heritage throughout the world.
On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate, whose name is to be announced during the Ceremony, will be honored with a US $1,000,000 award and a unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by supporting the organizations that help people in need. The event will culminate in a performance by Maestro Andrea Bocelli, a world-famous Italian opera tenor and philanthropist.
After the Ceremony, according to tradition, the name of the 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate will be added to the Chronicles of Aurora, a unique modern hand-written tome that contains the depictions of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative’s activities. The first manuscript of its kind created using ancient Armenian techniques and materials, it was crafted in 2018 in the Matenadaran, the national repository of ancient manuscripts in Yerevan, Armenia.
In 2021, for the first time since its creation, the Chronicles of Aurora tome will leave the walls of the Matenadaran to be brought to the San Lazzaro Island, one of the world’s most prominent centers of Armenian culture, where the first Armenian book was printed in 1512.
The program also includes two Aurora Dialogues events aimed at advancing insightful discussions about some of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. The first discussion, titled “Conversation with the 2021 Aurora Humanitarians,” will take place on October 8 and give the humanitarians an opportunity to introduce their work and the causes that motivate them. The second one, “Humanitarian Dimensions of Health Security,” is scheduled for October 10 and dedicated to the lessons learned from COVID-19 and necessary to prevent the future pandemics.
In the meantime, nominations are still open for the 2022 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. Until October 31, 2021, any person can submit a nomination for the candidates they believe have overcome great personal challenges to help others.
* * *
About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is a foundation that seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world with the focus on helping the most destitute. Its mission is rooted in the Armenian history as the Initiative was founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors and strives to transform this experience into a global movement.
All Aurora’s activities are based on the universal concept of Gratitude in Action. It implies that countless people around the world who have received aid in time of crisis can best express their gratitude by offering similar assistance to someone else. By involving Aurora supporters around the world, this will become a global endeavor that will snowball to expand the circle of saviors and most importantly – the number of those saved.
Addressing urgent humanitarian challenges, the Initiative provides a second chance to those who need it the most. True to its vision – “We believe that even in the darkest times, a brighter future is in the hands of those who are committed to giving others help and hope” – Aurora welcomes all who embrace this philosophy.
This commitment aims to promote action-based philanthropy focused on tangible results. This is achieved through the Initiative’s various programs: Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, Aurora for Artsakh, #AraratChallenge movement, Aurora Dialogues, Aurora Grants, Aurora Community, Aurora Index, and the 100 LIVES Initiative.
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is the vision of philanthropists Vartan Gregorian, Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan who have been joined by thousands of supporters and partners. Aurora’s Chair, Dr. Tom Catena, draws on his experience as a surgeon, veteran, humanitarian and the 2017 Aurora Prize laureate to spread the message of Gratitude in Action to a global audience.
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is represented by three organizations – the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Foundation, Inc. (New York, USA), the 100 Lives Foundation (Geneva, Switzerland) and the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Charitable Foundation (Yerevan, Armenia).
About the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity
The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity is a global humanitarian award. Its mission is to recognize and support those who risk their own lives, health or freedom to save the lives, health or freedom of others suffering as a result of violent conflict, atrocity crimes or other major human rights violations. The Aurora Prize Laureate is selected based on the nominee’s demonstration of courage, commitment and impact.
On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, an Aurora Prize Laureate is honored with a US $1,000,000 award, which gives the Laureate a unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by supporting the organizations that help people in need.
The Aurora Prize Selection Committee is comprised of Nobel Laureates Shirin Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee; former president of Ireland Mary Robinson; human rights activist Hina Jilani; former president of Mexico Ernesto Zedillo; Médecins Sans Frontières Co-founder and former foreign minister of France Bernard Kouchner; journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Dele Olojede, former CEO of Unilever and Co-founder and Chair of IMAGINE Paul Polman; human rights activist and Co-founder of The Sentry John Prendergast and President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York Vartan Gregorian. The Committee is chaired by the Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London Lord Ara Darzi.
World famous peace and human rights activist Benjamin Ferencz and Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney are the Committee’s Honorary Co-Chairs, and its honorary members include two-time President of Costa Rica and Nobel Laureate Oscar Arias; Artistic and General Director of Mariinsky Theatre and Principal Conductor of the Munich Philharmoniker Valery Gergiev and former foreign minister of Australia and President Emeritus of the International Crisis Group Gareth Evans.
We honor the memory of Elie Wiesel (1928-2016), inaugural Selection Committee Co-Chair, President of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity; Nobel Laureate.
13:04,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenia will participate in the Moscow International Book Fair September 23-27.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport said that the traditional participation is dedicated this year to the 30th anniversary of Armenian independence.
The program seeks to promote Armenian literature and writers abroad.
The official opening ceremony of the event is scheduled for September 24.
The Armenian pavilion will be represented by Shirak Province Library director Gevorg Amiryan, National Library of Armenia Head of Literature Promotion Department Arevik Kamalyan, and representative of the Yerevan’s Dom Moskvi (House of Moscow) Center Svetlana Sahakyan.
The books displayed at the pavilion will then be donated to the library of the Armenian Embassy in Russia.
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
13:24,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili sent a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the 30th anniversary of the independence of Armenia, Pashinyan’s Office said.
“Mr. Prime Minister, I cordially congratulate the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. The Armenian people passed a long path full of numerous challenges for building a successful and independent state. Despite the numerous difficulties, I believe that the Armenian people will continue successfully building an independent, democratic and strong state in the future as well.
The geopolitical dynamics of the region and the existing challenges make the cooperation between our countries more significant both at the bilateral and regional formats. I want to express my readiness for further strengthening this mutually beneficial cooperation.
I am happy that I had a chance to host you in Georgia. I am convinced that we will have many opportunities for the discussion of issues vital for our countries.
Once again congratulations on the Independence Day of Armenia.
I wish peace, success, kindness, progress and welfare to our brotherly Armenian people”, the letter reads.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Biden’s NSA Jake Sullivan, Erdogan’s chief advisor discuss South Caucasus
13:43,
WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s chief advisor Ibrahim Kalin at the White House to discuss, among others, the developments in South Caucasus, NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne said in a press release.
“Mr. Sullivan expressed appreciation for our work together in Afghanistan and underscored the need for continued cooperation there, including on efforts to ensure humanitarian assistance continues to flow unimpeded to Afghans in need.
They discussed our shared efforts to address global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and threat of climate change.
They exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and South Caucasus, as well as the importance of maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
They agreed on the importance of continued dialogue to enhance the U.S.-Turkey bilateral relationship,” Horne said.
Editing by Stepan Kocharyan
13:44,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The foreign ministers of Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey will hold a meeting in Tehran, according to Tasnim news agency.
According to the report the agreement to hold the meeting in Tehran was reached during Turkish FM Mevult Cavusoglu and Iranian FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s recent meeting at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Iranian FM said at the meeting that the new developments taking place in the region require regular consultations between the countries.
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
14:10,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The Iranian Embassy in Armenia and the National Cinema Center of Armenia are organizing the Contemporary Iranian Cinema Days in Armenia program.
Bodyguard (2015), directed by Ebrahim Hatamikia; Villa Dwellers (2016), directed by Monir Qeydi; and Night Shift (2014), directed by Niki Karimi are the three Iranian films to be screened in Cinema Moscow in Yerevan from September 23 to 25.
The film screenings are dedicated to the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between Armenia and Iran.
Editing by Stepan Kocharyan
Armenian deputy PM, Russian Ambassador discuss cooperation development prospects
14:23,
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister Suren Papikyan received today Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin, the government of Armenia reported.
At the meeting Mr. Papikyan stated that the Armenian-Russian relations are at a high level, expressing confidence that the productive cooperation will continue.
Suren Papikyan congratulated the Russian Ambassador on the holding of the State Duma elections, noting that they create new preconditions for the implementation of programs and ideas. During the talk the sides highlighted the cooperation of the Armenian Parliament and the Russian State Duma aimed at deepening and strengthening the bilateral relations.
The Russian Ambassador highly appreciated the previous cooperation with Suren Papikyan, noting that a good experience has been accumulated and based on this broad preconditions have been created for implementation of upcoming programs. He expressed the readiness of the Russian side to conduct cooperation in all areas.
The officials then continued discussing the development prospects of the Armenian-Russian relations, in particular in the fields of security, defense, energy, infrastructure, new technologies and entrepreneurship. They touched upon the operation of the South Caucasian Railway, highlighting its importance for Armenia’s economic development.
The Armenian and Russian officials also discussed the productive cooperation in energy sector. Deputy Prime Minister Papikyan said the latter is of strategic importance for Armenia, and the comprehensive development of that sector is vital for the implementation of the government’s action plan. In this context they discussed expanding the cooperation with Rosatom.
As for the unblocking of transportation communications in the region, Suren Papikyan highlighted Russia’s key and productive role both within the trilateral format and the OSCE Minsk Group.
The situation on Armenia’s Goris-Kapan highway was also discussed. They emphasized Russia’s important and constructive role in reduction of tension and finding solutions to the problems.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
The Armenian community in North America has been hampered by an unnecessary and tragic division since 1933. For the first 23 years after the schism, many of the parishes were organized under the Diocese of America (later a western and Canadian dioceses were formed). The remainder of the churches remained “unaffiliated” until 1956, when they petitioned the Great House of Cilicia for affiliation and what became known as the Prelacy was formed. In the years that followed, a western and Canadian Prelacy were also formed. We should not judge our ancestors in those trying times. The events were tragic and created a rare dichotomy where conflict and growth were managed simultaneously. It was during these faithful times in the 50s and 60s that the North American communities experienced significant infrastructure expansion with many churches and centers. Both “sides” were filled with dedicated Armenian Christians. We should remind ourselves of that. Reunification was debated heavily in the 70s and the 80s, particularly in the eastern regions, but fell victim to special interests. My own view on the shameful division of our church has not changed for decades. I consider it to be embarrassing and counter to our claims of Christian values. How can we claim to be adherents to the teachings of our Lord, yet cannot find the will to overcome the obstacles to oneness?
While we wait (endlessly) for our leadership to do their job and bring us together, a new dynamic has emerged. Back in the 80s, I remember one of the debates taking place was whether to instantly unify and then address the challenges or have a period of “cooperation” to reacquaint ourselves with each other and build some level of trust. Regardless of the failures of that effort, the “cooperation” values did take hold. In nearly every community in the eastern region, local activity of engagement has been fruitful. It began many years ago with participation on joint activities such as Genocide commemorations or catastrophic events such as relief efforts for the earthquake of 1988. This continued with other moments such as the 1,700th anniversary of Armenia’s embracing of Christianity (2001) or the centennial anniversary of the Genocide (2015). Generally, our Catholicoi would sanction the cooperation and then return to “business as usual” never capitalizing on the goodwill to end this tragic state. Despite the lack of a sustainable approach, many of our local leaders facilitated the thaw with relationship building. When you build walls, as we have, relationships and trust take a back seat. We have all witnessed an era where local priests have established close relationships, and many lay people have built friendships. This has created an environment where supporting each other is a more natural state.
A new dynamic slowly has emerged in our community. Rather than only being concerned about the corporate structure they are affiliated with (Diocese or Prelacy) or their own local parish, we experience a connection to the whole community. It is quite common to hear individuals talk about the greater community (i.e. Boston, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, etc.) and not simply their parish. This is fueled by truly broad community activity but also by the trusting relationships that have been formed as a result of the last decades of investment. Our emerging generation has been ahead of the curve as they grow into the decision making years. Most are ambivalent about the division and have expressed their Armenian and Christian identity by ignoring traditional boundaries. It is quite common in larger communities to see youth in both the AYF and ACYOA or to find diverse backgrounds from participants in the AGBU YP. Their social needs and limited commitment to the infrastructure of their parents has actually opened many new doors.
Recently, I noticed the early examples of a further cooperative state, one that includes sharing resources. Many of our parishes, Diocese or Prelacy, are experiencing declines in function. Whether that is manifested through church attendance, membership, youth programs or financial matters, the struggle is the new reality. The work to reverse this trend is complex and the subject of much activity and dialogue. What I find inspiring is that some have found a way to “pool resources” to service the needs of the community. There is a diocesan parish in Trumbull led by a priest that I deeply respect. He is the benchmark, in my view, in finding ways for people to identify with the Armenian church. A middle-aged man has emerged the last several years with remarkable devotion in this parish. He serves at the altar of our Lord and is also a diocesan delegate. While serving at Holy Ascension, he also travels frequently to the Prelacy church in New Britain to assist at the altar. When I see this type of selfless devotion to serve our church, I am convinced it will influence others. This admirable devotion should not be underestimated. We are conditioned to have loyalty to a parish. Historically, aside from tension, there has also been a competition between parishes. What a wonderful example of truly honoring “the church.”
St. George Armenian Church – Hartford CT A burned Holy Bible on the stairs leading to the main entrance of St. George, June 2. (Photo: St. George Armenian Church, Hartford, CT)
The northern Connecticut region is going through an interesting transformation. There are three Apostolic churches within less than half an hour. We have a diocesan parish in Hartford, a diocesan parish in New Britain and a Prelacy parish in New Britain. Each parish was recently blessed with a new priest. St. George in Hartford is led by Der Voski, a man I have met and am so impressed with his focus on Christian love. You may have read about an incident in the late spring when a Bible was found burnt on the steps of his parish. Der Voski publicly offered help and support to the individual in an act of love and forgiveness. Holy Resurrection is led by the newly ordained Der Haroutiun who was the subject of an earlier column and part of our new generation of American-born priests. Der Garabed of St. Stephen’s possesses the peaceful nature of a man of God and embraces his new vocation to serve the Lord and our church. What is particularly exciting is the relationship the three have formed and their approach to their respective ministries. They approach their roles as a collective responsibility to minister to the needs of the northern Connecticut Armenians, and there is plenty of work to go around for everyone. This has established a very natural level of cooperation that will benefit the faithful. In fact, they have sponsored several jointly held religious observations and have many more ideas. These folks are my heroes because in addition to honoring their parishes, they have figured out that by cooperating and not competing, they will all have a greater impact on bringing the mission of our church to this area. This is a situation worth watching and supporting. I believe that we may witness some special results in the coming years. It may help relieve concerns in smaller communities.
This mentality, based on Armenian Christian love, can help strengthen our church while our leaders avoid the issue of administrative unification. As the impact of secularism and assimilation takes a toll in our church, the infrastructure of priests, deacons, choir members and teachers is strained. Many churches are dealing with a “catch-22” and trying to recruit new members and maintain an effective educational system to offer those new members. How can each parish maintain a full and effective infrastructure of teachers and programming to meet the needs of their faithful? We are beginning to see the emergence of local retreats, educational programming and religious observations that are jointly sponsored and led by local leaders. This not only increases the effectiveness of their ministry but gives people hope and generates additional ideas.
My maternal grandfather was a founding member of the St. Stephen’s parish in New Britain in the late 1920s. It was one of the more contentious parish issues in 1933 as its ownership was settled in the courts. Soon after, the Holy Resurrection parish was established from those who were not affiliated with St. Stephan’s after the division. The original sanctuary parish was originally only a block or so away from St. Stephen’s on Tremont St. I remember my mom telling us we had many relatives who went to Holy Resurrection, but the environment was such during my youth that our paths did not cross. There was no animosity. How could there be with my generation? We simply never met. So sad. This past summer, I visited the Holy Resurrection parish with the honor of serving as Der Haroutiun’s godfather. It was there that I not only met a few of my cousins who are my mother’s generational peers, but many members of their extended families who are active in the parish. God has a plan for all of us. Now these parishes who lived through the difficult years are at the forefront of new thinking. Bishop Daniel believes a resurgence will happen. I do also. These leaders have a vision.
It is not new thinking. It is simply applying the love and devotion to our faith directly to the task at hand. Others refer to it as “walking the talk.” Putting our egos and past issues aside is a hallmark of Christianity. Thankfully the division did not alter the united theology of our church. There is something interesting happening in Connecticut and elsewhere. I hope that all communities look at their work not in the myopic view of their parish but rather as a collective partner with other parishes in that locale. This is a practical necessity and an important part of our faith. If we truly approach our work through the lens of the greater community we serve, we just might discover solutions to problems that have seemed chronic and now have newly discovered light.