Category: 2022

Catholicos Aram I pins the “Knight of Cilicia” medal on Vahe Hovaguimian

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia has bestowed the “Knight of Cilicia” medal upon Western Prelacy Executive Council chair Vahe Hovaguimian and his wife, Hasmig, for their decades of service to the Armenian Apostolic church.

Aram I pins the “Knight of Cilicia” medal on Hasmig Hovaguimian The Hovaguimians with Aram I and Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan

The medal was presented to the Vahe and Hasmig Hovaguimian following the ordination of three celibate priests in Antelias, Lebanon. Vahe Hovaguimian served as what is known as the godfather of the ordination.

Following the ceremony on May 22, Aram I presided over a luncheon honoring the newly-ordained at the Antelias Seminary, where the Hovaguimians were joined by clergy, seminary administration members, students and the parents of the newly-ordained priests. At the conclusion of the event, the Catholicos presented the medals.

Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan read the Aram I’s Encyclical, in which the Catholicos emphasized the Hovaguimians dedication and service to the Armenian Church.

“As a tangible _expression_ of your enthusiasm toward the Armenian Church, you have made and continue to make an important contribution to the activities of the Western Prelacy of the United States of America, both through the National Assembly and the Executive Council. Both you and your wife Hasmig have supported the endeavors of the Western Prelacy through various means,” the Encyclical said.

Prelate Donoyan was in Antelias to conduct the ordination of the three new celibate priests. After celebrating Divine Liturgy at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral that was presided over by Catholicos Aram I, the three graduates were ordained and elevated to the ranks of the celibate priesthood.

Bishop Donoyan officiates celibate priest ordination The ordained priests with the Hovagumians and Catholicos Aram I

The three deacons— Hrag Kalayjian, Shant Kadehjian and Nareg Filikian—then assumed their priesthood names and will be known as reverends Armen, Arakel and Azad respectively. As is tradition, the newly-ordained priests will spend the next 40 days in prayer, fasting and reflection at St. Mary’s Seminary in Bikfaya, to begin their sacred mission.

The Dean of the seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian assisted in the ordination ceremony as
the Sponsoring Priest.

Following the ceremony, Vahe Hovaguimian, who served as godfather, washed the foreheads and hands of the newly-ordained priests.

Later, Prelate Bishop Donoyan delivered his sermon and expressed his gratitude toward Catholicos Aram I for providing him the opportunity to celebrate this special occasion. He also congratulated the priests, their parents and the Hovaguimians.

At the conclusion of the sermon, Bishop Donoyan addressed Catholicos Aram I: “Your Holiness,
on behalf of the Religious and Executive Councils of the Western Prelacy of the United States of
America, and thousands of our faithful parishioners, we formally invite you to the Western Prelacy of the
United States of America, so that our faithful may experience comfort in your fatherly presence.”

Homenetmen scouts at the Navasartian Games and Festival

BY KATY SIMONIAN

“Elevate Yourself and Others with You.” These words are far more than a motto for the members of Homenetmen’s Western US Region. They serve as a guiding principle for the global Armenian organization that has honored a passionate tradition of public service for over a century. The spirit of sharing and commitment to excellence is most apparent in Homenetmen’s storied legacy of scouting and athletics.

Homenetmen’s Scouting Program offers over 2,000 Armenian-American Scouts the opportunity to earn medals and badges for their unique areas of interest. The program features regular troop activities such as field trips, outdoor scouting exhibitions, and camping excursions, all graciously supervised by devoted volunteers, made up of parents, seasoned members, and dedicated Scout leaders, many of whom are former Scouts. Our young Scouts are a source of great pride for our Armenian community, as they learn more about their Armenian culture, while developing a sense of social and moral responsibility.

Scenes from Navasartian Games of previous years

“Scouting brings us so much joy. It has made a positive impact on shaping who I am today,” said Dr. Sharlene Gozalians, Homenetmen Western US Regional Scout Master. “So many people invested in me not only as a Scout, but as a person. It is an honor to carry on the cycle of giving. Seeing our children, their smiles – watching them grow and preserve our beautiful Armenian culture, is a gift. Sharing intellectual conversations about our past, present and future – our challenges and are successes, is what inspires me as a Scout leader,” she added.

Our Scouts often have the honor of representing our community and their Armenian heritage at world jamborees, carrying our flag in an impressive display of discipline and respect. They see their work as a sacred act of public service, as they fulfill their duties with a grace and wisdom beyond their years.

Most recently, on April 24th, Scouts from Homenetmen’s Western US Region participated in annual commemorations, standing guard, presenting the colors and placing a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Monument in Montebello, honoring the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

Homenetmen’s tradition of scouting is matched only by its exceptional legacy of athletics, dating back to the vision of founder, Shavarsh Krissian, whose prowess as an athlete inspired his vision for the organization. Homenetmen’s Athletic Program offers athletes the opportunity to participate in sports from basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis and table tennis to track and field, swimming, gymnastics and karate. The main aim of the Athletic Program is to encourage sportsmanship and team work in order to build a sense of confidence in our athletes while instilling the values of hard work, kindness and humility. 

Today, Homenetmen’s Western US Region has over 6,000 athletic members and continues to grow. These athletes compete locally and in regional tournaments, most notably, the popular Navasartian Games which are currently underway.

“This year’s 45^th Navasartian Games are a privilege for organizers, as athletes have been welcomed back to compete in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with events kicking off in San Diego, Fresno, Orange County and across the greater Los Angeles area,” said Sevag Garabetian, Vice Chairman of Homenetmen’s Western Region. “With record turnouts and an exceptional display of athleticism, the 2022 Navasartian Games are proving to be the experience of a lifetime for our youth and their families.”

The achievements of Homenetmen’s Scouting and Athletic Programs will be celebrated at the 45^th Navasartian Victory Ball, which will take place on Sunday, June 26 at The Beverly Hilton.

Our athletes, scouts and beloved volunteers indeed elevate and inspire, as they embody the spirit of the “Unity, Strength, Victory” campaign, a movement to recognize and preserve Homenetmen’s rich history and the enduring legacy of the Armenian people.

“We honor all of our athletes and volunteers, as they represent the very best of our Armenian community. Homenetmen stands as a beacon of hope to inspire all people. Our unity and strength will lead to our greatest victory which is the happiness and success of our future generations,” said Hagop Tufenkjian, Chairman of Homenetmen’s Western Regional Executive Committee.

Homenetmen’s many programs reaffirm our commitment to invest in our youth, as they are the wave of the future. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Each generation proudly carries on their stewardship of elevating one another through education and service.

For more information about Homenetmen’s Athletic and Scouting Programs, as well as the 45^th Navasartian Victory Ball, please visit the Navasartian Games website or call (323) 344-4300.

Katy Simonian is a member of the 45th Navasartian Victory Ball Committee.

Armenia’s Hovannes Bachkov became European Boxing Champ

Armenia Also Wins 2 Silver Medals

Boxer Hovhannes Bachkov was crowned champion of the European Championship being held in Yerevan.

In the 63.5 kilogram final in Yerevan, Bachkov scored a 5-0 victory over France’s Lounes Hamraoui with a clear advantage in all three rounds.

This was Bachkov’s third European title.

In thanking his fans for support, Bachkov said, “without that support, this victory might not have happened. I’m also thankful to myself (laughs) for doing a really great job. Only I know that,” reported Armenia’s Public Radio.

Artur Bazeyan won a silver medal Rafayel Hovhannisyan won a silver medal

Upon returning to his hometown of Gyumri on Tuesday, Bachkov got a hero’s welcome, with city officials, sports fans and locals gathered to welcome the champion.

Hovannes Bachkov received a hero’s welcome when he returned to his hometown of Gyumri

Team Armenia boxers Artur Bazeyan and Rafayel Hovhannisyan each won silver medals in their weight category. With an earlier bronze medal win by Narek Manasyan in the 92 kilogram category, Armenia won four medals in the championships that concluded Monday in Yerevan.

Bazeyan won the silver medal in the 57 kilogram match. He was defeated by Vasil Usturo of Belgium in the final.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vahram Dumanyan handed the medals to Bazeyan and other winners in the weight category.

Hovhannisyan won the silver in the 80-86 kilogram category in a match against Georgii Kushinashvili from Georgia.

The Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Mirzoyan Slams Aliyev’s Provocative Remarks

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the latests military provocation by Azerbaijani forces, which resulted in the death of Armenian soldier, private Vahani Vardanyan on Saturday. The foreign ministry also said that President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, through his “destructive, belligerent and superfluous” remarks, was making territorial claims against the sovereignty of Armenia.

In an interview with Armenpress, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan responded to the remarks made by Aliyev, who on Friday said that there is no Nagorno Karabakh, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved, there is no OSCE Minsk Group.

In its statement issued on Sunday, the foreign ministry said that since May 2021, units of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have illegally invaded the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia in the Sotk-Khoznavar section, occupying an area of more than 45 square kilometers.

“The incident of May 28 and similar provocations, regular ceasefire violations once again justify the need for a mirror withdrawal of troops from the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and the deployment of an observation mission on the border, which has been repeatedly raised by the Armenian side,” the Ministry said in a statement.

“Taking into consideration that the Commission on Border Delimitation and Security between Armenia and Azerbaijan has already started its work, this incident should be investigated and assessed by the commission,” the statement reads.

At the same time, the Foreign Ministry said, that the consequences of the previous gross violation of the ceasefire established by the November 9, 2020 statement, as a result of which the Azerbaijani Armed Forces invaded the village of Parukh in Nagorno Karabakh, which is under the responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping troops, are yet to be dealt with.

“We consider it important that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the CSTO, the European Union and the entire international community give a proper and targeted assessment of Azerbaijan’s provocative actions and statements, aggressive rhetoric aimed at undermining peace efforts in the South Caucasus,” the foreign ministry added.

In his interview with Armenpress that was published on Saturday, Mirzoyan said that there is a document bearing Aliyev’s signature that acknowledges the existence of Nagorno-Karabakh. He was referring to the November 9, 2020 agreement signed by Aliyev, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mirzoyan explained that by signing the document, Aliyev acknowledged the very existence of Nagorno-Karabakh, adding that “this is an irrevocable fact.”

“We can show the official statements made by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, where they reaffirm their commitment as Co-Chairs. The United States and France made such statements only in the last week. The Prime Minister of Armenia and President of the Russian Federation also emphasized the role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs in their joint statement on April 19,” said Mirzoyan.

“At the December 2021 summit of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Stockholm, the foreign ministers of dozens of countries stressed the exclusive role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The OSCE Minsk Group was not created by Azerbaijan, but by the international community, so Azerbaijan cannot dissolve it or consider its mission over,” explained Mirzoyan in his Armenpress interview.

“The same international community states today that the OSCE MG exists. As I mentioned, it also states that there is a Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that needs to be resolved. This is stated in the above-mentioned statement of the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of the Russian Federation. The US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Armenia stated this quite recently, expressing the official position of the U.S.,” added the foreign minister.

“Moreover, in the same statement, it was emphasized that the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh status is on the agenda, the right of Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh to self-determination is also on the agenda. By the way, Armenia has never had territorial claims from Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a matter of right and is perceived by the international community as so. And that is evidenced from the meeting in Brussels. We have stated that the page of the war is closed for us, there is a problem that must be solved through political and diplomatic means,” said Mirzoyan.

In his Armenpress interview, Mirzoyan touched on another claim made by Aliyev, who said on Friday that during his meeting with Pashinyan in Brussels, an agreement was reached to create the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” adding the envisioned road that is to connect mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhichevan will run through Meghri.

Mirzoyan categorically rejected that statement.

“We have continuously recorded Armenia’s position. But let us repeat again. The existence of any corridor in the territory of Armenia is ruled out. This is not even a matter of debate. Our discussions are exclusively about opening roads, transport and economic communications and unblocking them,” said Mirzoyan.

“As for the routes, we said that before clarifying the routes, we must first agree on the legal regulations for the passage of Azerbaijani citizens and cargo through our territory and the passage of Armenian citizens and cargo through Azerbaijan (including Nakhichevan). However, it is obvious that one branch of the railway will pass through Meghri, Ordubad, Julfa, Yeraskh. There is no agreement on the route of the highways at the moment,” added Mirzoyan.

On December 10, 1991 a referendum cemented Artsakh’s independence

The existence of Artsakh is greatly important factor in maintaining the regional—even global—geopolitical balance, Artsakh Foreign Minister David Babayan said in a statement published on social media.

Babayan explained that if Artsakh were not to exist the geopolitical landscape would fundamentally change in the South Caucasus, and then also in adjacent regions, after which maintaining the geopolitical balance with traditional means would become practically impossible.

“This would lead to an open, hard and direct collision of the centers of power. And what can happen when maintaining geopolitical balance with traditional means is impossible, and when global and regional powers would overtly oppose each other? I think the answer is very clear: the world could even appear on the verge of nuclear war,” Babayan warned.

Meanwhile, Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan called on the international community to take preventative measures since President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan continues to threaten use of force against the population of Artsakh.

In response to remarks made by Aliyev, who said that Nagorno-Karabakh does not exist and the conflict ended when Azerbaijani forces aggressively attacked Artsakh in 2020, Beglaryan said the entire world has acknowledged the existence of Artsakh and the fact that the conflict has not been resolved.

Beglaryan wrote on his Telegram channel that the process and results of delimitation and demarcation of borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan should not affect the current and future status of the Republic of Artsakh, Armenpress reported.

“The Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict has not been settled, which is acknowledged by the entire world, regardless of certain differences in interests and formulations. If Azerbaijan wants to close the page of the conflict, clarify the status of Artsakh, it can carry out a process of delimitation and demarcation with the Artsakh Republic, at the same time returning our occupied territories and recognizing our independence,” Beglaryan wrote.

He explained that the main principle of the conflict settlement is the complete realization and recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination. Beglaryan added that non use of force or the threat to use force is another important international law, which has been grossly violated by Azerbaijan and continues to be violated.

“Furthermore, today Aliyev again threatened use of force, which is a clear signal to the international community to take preventive and punitive measures. Encouraging and ignoring deviant behavior is gradually leading to international catastrophes, becoming part of international practice and customary law,” Beglaryan wrote.