Category: 2023

One Day in Artsakh

Emil Karabekian
October 4, 2023 John Mangassarian Reflections, Diaspora 0

In 2019, my wife June and I took a vacation to Armenia. It was my first visit and June’s second. Why it took so long for me to go to Armenia is a story for another day. 

I spent several months planning our trip, speaking to many people who had been to Armenia and creating a full itinerary. Our itinerary included many of the “go-to” sites that anyone visiting Armenia would enjoy. There was Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery. We ventured to Khor Virap and bravely descended into St. Gregory’s pit. We walked around Yerevan and attended a dance recital at the Opera House. It is easy to fall in love with the country, its culture and its people. 

As we traveled, it seemed that Mount Ararat followed us wherever we went – a marvelous sight to behold. We filled our two weeks with the many wonders of Armenia but left time to squeeze in a trip to Artsakh. At the time, I was unaware of Artsakh’s history or importance. I knew there was a recent struggle but did not know much of the details. I wanted to go, because my wife and I had donated to the construction of the Armenian Relief Society’s (ARS) Soseh kindergarten in Stepanakert. Why not take a day to see Artsakh and, at the same time, visit the school?

John and June Mangassarian at the iconic “We Are Our Mountains” monument in Artsakh

The journey to Artsakh, while picturesque, is not for the faint of heart. The winding mountainous roads were like something out of a James Bond movie. At one point of the six-hour drive, there was no shoulder on the side of the road, and the only thing between us and a fall down the mountain was a few blades of grass. There was, however, one stretch of road that was bordered on one side by a 12-foot earthen berm. The berm was our only view for several miles. When I asked our driver why someone would block the beautiful view, he simply responded, “Snipers.” 

We passed a checkpoint where our passports were reviewed. I think it helped that one of the border guards was also named Mangassarian. Once in Artsakh, remnants of its struggle were evident – destroyed army vehicles, bullet-riddled walls, walls lined with license plates from destroyed automobiles and memorials to fallen heroes.

Stepanakert was in a reconstruction phase. There were new buildings, parks and hotels. We ate at a beautiful modern restaurant. Weary from the journey, I declined the temptation to walk around town and explore everything that made it special. I don’t regret much in my life, but in light of what has happened to this piece of Armenia, I will always regret not spending every hour taking it all in. How is it possible that we would never be allowed to return?

The ARS Soseh Kindergarten in Stepanakert

After breakfast the next morning, we visited the kindergarten, an absolutely magical place in which we were so proud to have played a small part. We were in awe of everything from the color-coded lockers and beds to the pint-sized sinks and toilets. The children, a hundred or more strong, put on a hantes just for us – singing, dancing and reciting – that brought us to tears. We had to remind ourselves that they were just kindergarteners. After an hour of delightful performances, we excused ourselves with sincere thanks for their hospitality to make the long journey back to Yerevan. 

The kindergarteners performing their hantes for the Mangassarians

On our way out, we passed through the entrance foyer. The major wall of the foyer was adorned with several “giving trees” including the names of all the donors. We saw names of friends from New Jersey, the Providence ARS, my uncle Ardash Aykanian, and, at the bottom of one of the trees, our mothers’ names: Elizabeth Mangassarian and Eugenia Megerdichian. We had forgotten that we made our donation in their names. It was priceless knowing that our mothers would forever be part of Artsakh, if not in body but in spirit. Tragically, this will no longer be the case. The school and its “giving trees” no doubt will share the fate of our churches and monuments in Artsakh at the hands of evil.

The “Giving Trees” in the foyer of the kindergarten where the Mangassarians’ mothers are remembered

Who would have guessed that we will never be able to replay our one perfect day in this perfect place? I wish that we had stayed longer – much longer. We should have stayed until every dance was danced and every song was sung. We should have taken in everything and gathered more memories.

I have very few regrets in my life. Not staying in Artsakh for more than one day will always rank at the top.

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John Mangassarian is a former camper, counselor, board member and lifelong supporter of Camp Haiastan.


Roman Catholic and Armenian churches to honor 850th anniversary of St. Nerses Shnorhali

Hovsep Chakrian
October 4, 2023 Guest Contributor Diaspora, Announcements 0

The year 2023 marks a milestone for a little-known but tremendously influential figure in the history of worldwide Christianity: the 850th anniversary of the death of St. Nerses Shnorhali, meaning “the Graceful” (1102-1173)—a saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

This commemoration has been included among the important milestones of eminent historical figures featured in the 2023 UNESCO calendar.

A pioneer in the arts of Christian music and poetry, and a leading theologian of the Christian East, St. Nerses was also a figure of international standing in the dialogue among Christian churches. His humane, peace-oriented approach to the controversies of his day was a model of effective diplomacy—and holds vital lessons for the religious and ethnic conflicts of today.

To honor St. Nerses the Graceful’s place in Christian history, the Holy See of the Vatican will be the setting for a series of commemorative events from November 30 through December 2, 2023. 

Under the title, “Armenia’s Apostle of Divine Grace: Honoring the 850th Anniversary of St. Nerses Shnorhali,” the commemorative events include:

  • An international conference (November 30-December 1) at the prestigious Pontifical Oriental Institute, gathering leading scholars and churchmen from various backgrounds, for two days of intensive discussion on the monumental legacy of St. Nerses Shnorhali.
  • Two concerts of St. Nerses Shnorhali’s hymns and liturgical music—a public event at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (December 1) and a private event in the Sistine Chapel (December 2)—will bring St. Nerses’s legacy of spiritual music to a worldwide audience.
  • An ecumenical prayer service at the imposing Basilica of St. Peter (December 2), presided over by leaders of the Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic and Armenian Catholic churches—His Holiness Pope Francis, His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, and His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian—who will join together in the spirit of St. Nerses Shnorhali’s calls to religious unity.

All of these events will proceed as a joint commemoration of the Catholicosate of All Armenians, the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Cilicia, together with the Apostolic See of St. Peter, through its Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and Dicastery for Eastern Churches.

Find details on the events in Rome, online ticketing, information on travel arrangements and background on St. Nerses Shnorhali, on the www.StNerses850.com

* * *

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Armenia’s Apostle of Divine Grace: Honoring the 850th Anniversary of St. Nerses Shnorhali

International Conference at the Pontifical Oriental Institute
Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, 2023 (Thursday to Friday)
A gathering of leading churchmen and scholars from around the world

Public Concert in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Dec. 1, 2023 (Friday evening at 7 p.m.)
Joint choirs pay tribute to Shnorhali’s musical genius
Open to the public; tickets available online

Ecumenical Service at the Basilica of St. Peter
Dec. 2, 2023 (Saturday Morning)
Honoring Shnorhali’s vision of spiritual unity
Presiding:
His Holiness Pope Francis, Roman Catholic Church
His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of All Armenians)
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia)
His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, (Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Cilicia)

Concert in the Sistine Chapel
Dec. 2, 2023 (Saturday Evening)
A musical evening in the sublime setting of the Sistine Chapel
Space is limited; audience of 200 by invitation




Concert held in remembrance of Armenian Independence Day and brave Artsakh

Rose Khoyetsian
October 4, 2023 Florence Avakian Community News, Diaspora 0

Pictured left to right: Pianist Kariné Poghosyan, Primate Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan and organizer Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian

NEW YORK—It is rare for an event to be dedicated to both gratitude and grief.     

On Wednesday evening, September 20, at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, a sold-out classical music concert was held, originally planned and organized to celebrate the 32nd year of the second independence of Armenia.      

However, the day before, on September 19, a massive military assault was carried out by Azerbaijan against the 120,000 starving Armenians on their ancestral holy land of Artsakh.

As a result, the Eastern Armenian Diocese, Primate Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan and the organizing committee decided that the proceeds from the concert will be given to the people of Artsakh through the Fund for Armenian Relief.

Clergy in attendance included Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, former Eastern Diocesan Primate and current Pontifical Legate of Western Europe and Representative of the Armenian Church to the Holy See; St. Vartan Cathedral Vicar Rev. Fr. Davit Karamyan; St. Nersess Dean Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian; and Very Rev. Fr. Parsamyan.  

In his welcoming address, the Primate said that “tonight we are also carrying a heavy burden of painful news in our hearts. We woke up yesterday learning about yet another surprise attack on our ancestral land of Artsakh that has already resulted in the loss of many innocent lives, including children.”

Solemnly, the Primate stated, “I must be honest with you – the first thought that came to our mind was to cancel tonight’s concert. And yet, after some thoughtful consideration, we realized that it would not be the way of the Armenian people. With a strength of heart and faith in God, we have faced every evil and adversity one can imagine throughout our history – and yet we have endured with patience and resilience as a people of God, as a nation and as a civilization.”

Calling the concert “a testament to our strength, unwavering hope and the endurance of the  Armenian civilization,” he declared, “no matter how many times the enemy tries to eliminate us from the face of this earth and erase our culture, heritage and faith, we will continue to fortify our faith, create goodness and share with people our rich cultural heritage.”

Prayer for Peace in Artsakh

The Primate led the concert attendees in a moment of silence “in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Artsakh, and in tribute to the losses of these past days and past years in our beloved homeland.”

Very Rev. Fr. Parsamyan prayed for God’s “divine mercy for the protection of our fellow brothers and sisters in Armenia as they faced attacks and unprovoked aggression against the peace-loving people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Loving God, listen to the voice of our supplications, and help the innocent civilians of our ancestral land Artsakh, who are under continuous bombardment and assaults by Azerbaijani forces.”

The Primate prayed for God’s protection, courage, resolve and strength for our homeland, and to increase the “wisdom among those who are at the helm of the state so they can wisely lead our people during these dangerous times for the Armenian nation.”

He closed with a prayer for the courageous souls who have died “in these brutal and genocidal attacks” and prayed for the “spirit of courage, unity, care and love for one another, and understanding so we can stand up for the truth and help each other during times of trial and tribulation, especially for our brothers and sisters in Armenia.”

Maestro Jason Tramm conducting the 45-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in front of a full house at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City

Musical Masterpieces

The 45-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra was positioned in front of the altar with  Maestro Jason Tramm, its acclaimed choral, symphonic and operatic conductor.

Award-winning pianist Kariné Poghosyan, who has had several sold-out recitals at Carnegie Hall and has a worldwide following with multiple glowing press reports, then entered wearing an elegant gold gown, her right wrist adorned with satin displaying the red, blue and orange colors of the Armenian flag.

Pianist Kariné Poghosyan during her performance

Poghosyan began playing Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor,” filling every crevice of the vast cathedral with the soulful and towering piano and orchestral masterpiece, with its different themes and thudding climax.    

The pianist and conductor reflected the expressiveness and sentimentality of this epic work with their powerful virtuosity and emotional delivery. They were rewarded with a resounding standing ovation.

Aram Khachaturian’s “Piano Concerto in D-flat Major” followed, employing soulful Armenian folk melodies, unique harmonies and colorful orchestration. Again, the pianist, conductor and orchestra displayed their mastery resulting in another long standing ovation.

Poghosyan then presented an encore, the much-loved “Toccata” for solo piano by Khachaturian, displaying her artistry with skill, sweep and control, once again reflecting the composer’s Armenian roots through the piece’s folk melodies and rhythms.

Rev. Fr. Karamyan expressed appreciation to the generous benefactors of the event: Harry and Suzanne Toufayan, Vicki Shoghag Hovhanessian and John Mahdessian in memory of his father Noubar Mahdessian.

“Our music has always reflected the pain and hope of our people and nation,” Rev. Fr. Karamyan said.  

Organizer of the concert and its committee, Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian, expressed appreciation to Very Rev. Fr. Parsamyan “for his vision in encouraging this cultural event,” and to Rev. Fr. Karamyan and the hardworking committee for their “invaluable help.”

Hovanessian then sadly reflected on the 10-month blockade and brutal attack on Artsakh and its people. “It is our prayer and resolute conviction that we will face these atrocities and difficulties with the resilient spirit of our nation.”

Pictured left to right: Maestro Jason Tramm, Sossy Setrakian, Seta Paskalian Kantardjian, Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, Rev. Fr. Davit Karamyan, Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian, Yn. Alla Terzyan Karamyan and Tamar Barsamian Degermenci

The organizing committee included co-chair Seta Pascalian Kantarjian and members Sossy Setrakian, Lily Sarkissian, Yn. Alla Terzyan Karamyan and Tamar Barsamian Degermenci.

Following the event, a solemn gathering of concert attendees took place on the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral Plaza. Arts aficionado John Wolohojian reflected the feelings of many, saying the concert “was so important to show the timeless and heroic spirit of Armenia and Artsakh. And it is crucial to help the people in Artsakh as much as we can.”




Preserving principle of territorial integrity must be the basis of sustainable peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan –Scholz

Meline Chalian

 14:28, 5 October 2023

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Germany insists that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan around Nagorno-Karabakh should be resolved through diplomacy, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said during a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Scholz said that Germany rejects military violence.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the basis for sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan shall be the preservation of the principle of territorial integrity, the German government said in the readout of the call.

Scholz emphasized that Germany fully supports European Council President Charles Michel’s efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution in NK.

Chancellor Scholz also described the October 1 UN mission to NK as a “positive step that should be used for further work in that direction.”

The UN mission was  in Armenia.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1121269.html?fbclid=IwAR1_pFwAnsL8B_-kZ9s-abREK8C5eibAI_wBYYClV0wAFYEOY3LkC_MJFGY

Borrell hopes Armenia, Azerbaijan hold talks in Brussels

Markos Nalchajian

 15:21, 5 October 2023

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said he hopes to organize Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations in Brussels, Interfax reports.

"Hopefully, a meeting between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be organized in Brussels. This must be done to make sure the conflict does not expand. It is also necessary to achieve political stabilization in Armenia," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told reporters in Granada, Spain.

He regretted that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Turkey did not take part in the European Political Community summit in Granada.

“I regret that Azerbaijan isn’t here, I regret that Turkey, the main supporter of Azerbaijan, is also not here. Therefore, we can’t speak here about something as serious as the fact that over 100,000 people were forced to leave their homes,” Borrell said, referring to the forced displacement of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh after the Azeri attack. 

The EU condemns the use of military force to resolve conflicts, he added.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev were supposed to hold EU-mediated peace talks in Granada on October 5, but the Azeri leader cancelled his participation on October 4.

European Parliament condemns Azerbaijan’s aggression in Nagorno-Karabakh

Garnik Tadevosian

 14:36, 5 October 2023

BRUSSELS, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on condemning Azerbaijan’s military aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh, calling on the EU to sanction Azeri officials responsible for the ceasefire violation in NK which led to numerous human rights violations.

The resolution was adopted on October 5 with 491 votes in favor, 9 against and 36 abstentions.

Condemning Azerbaijan’s violent seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh, the MEPs call for sanctions against those responsible and for the EU to review its relations with Baku.

In the resolution the European Parliament strongly condemns Azerbaijan’s pre-planned and unjustified military attack against Nagorno-Karabakh on 19 September, which MEPs say constitutes a gross violation of international law and human rights and a clear infringement of previous attempts to achieve a ceasefire. With over 100,000 ethnic Armenians having been forced to flee NK since the latest offensive, MEPs say the current situation amounts to ethnic cleansing and strongly condemn threats and violence committed by Azerbaijani troops against the Armenian inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh.

They also call on the EU and member states to immediately offer all necessary assistance to Armenia to deal with the influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and the subsequent humanitarian crisis.

MEPs want to see Azeri officials sanctioned

Appalled by Azerbaijan’s latest attack, Parliament calls on the EU to adopt targeted sanctions against the government officials in Baku responsible for multiple ceasefire violations and human rights abuses in Nagorno-Karabakh. While reminding the Azeri side that it bears full responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of all people in the enclave, MEPs demand investigations into abuses committed by Azerbaijani troops that may constitute war crimes.

Expressing serious concern over irredentist and inflammatory statements by Azerbaijani president llham Aliyev and other Azeri officials threatening the territorial integrity of Armenia, MEPs warn Baku against any potential military adventurism and call on Türkiye to restrain its ally.

The EU must reassess its relations with Azerbaijan

Parliament calls on the EU to undertake a comprehensive review of its relations with Baku. To develop a strategic partnership with a country like Azerbaijan, which blatantly violates international law and international commitments, and has an alarming human rights record, is incompatible with the objectives of EU foreign policy, MEPs say. They urge the EU to suspend any negotiations on a renewed partnership with Baku, and should the situation not improve, consider suspending the application of the EU visa facilitation agreement with Azerbaijan.

Parliament also calls on the EU to reduce its dependency on Azeri gas imports and, in the event of military aggression or significant hybrid attacks against Armenia, for a full EU import stop of Azeri oil and gas.

EU to provide over €25 million in support to Armenia – Ursula von der Leyen

Kanayan Tamar

 15:28, 5 October 2023

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The EU will provide more than €25 million to Armenia after Azerbaijan’s attack in Nagorno-Karabakh, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said.

“We’ve allocated 5,2 million euros. And today I will tell the Armenian Prime Minister that we are ready to nearly double this amount to 10,2 million, and that we are providing an additional 15 million euros in assistance to Armenia’s budget,” TASS news agency quoted Ursula von der Leyen as saying in Granada, Spain ahead of the European Political Community summit. Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan is also in attendance at the summit. He was supposed to have peace talks with Azeri president Aliyev there but the latter pulled out a day before the planned meeting.

Ursula von der Leyen said she will meet PM Pashinyan in Granada and discuss support to Armenia.

“Of course, Armenia will have a role in today’s discussions. I will have a bilateral meeting with the Armenian Prime Minister. We are resolutely supporting Armenia, we have supported its humanitarian needs. We will discuss what else we can do for Armenia in this difficult situation,” the President of the European Commission told reporters ahead of the meeting.

She said that the EU has strongly condemned Azerbaijan’s military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh and is working to restore dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and achieve a peace treaty.

Azerbaijan can’t have territorial demands towards Armenia – EU’s Michel tells Aliyev

Manouk Vasilian

 15:54, 5 October 2023

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. President of the European Council Charles Michel has said that during his latest phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev he demanded the latter to guarantee a mutual recognition of territorial integrity between Baku and Yerevan and told Aliyev that he ‘can’t have territorial demands towards Armenia,’ TASS reports.

“I spoke with President Aliyev two days ago and I clearly told him that he can’t have territorial demands towards Armenia,” TASS quoted Michel as saying in Granada ahead of the European Political Community summit. “This must be said out loud, and it must be guaranteed that it exists [mutual recognition of territorial integrity between Armenia and Azerbaijan],’ Michel said.

“I am not going to publicly comment on Aliyev’s decision not to come to Granada, I will personally tell him what I think about that,” he added.

Charles Michel said that the EU mediation between Armenia and Azerbaijan is aimed at protecting the EU’s interests and advancing European values in the Caucasus.

“We weren’t particularly active in the Caucasus until we started this mediation. These mediation efforts by the EU mean that we are protecting our interest, we are advancing our values in this region,” Michel said.

Armenian Prime Minister invited to deliver speech at European Parliament plenary session

Elizabeth Jabejian

 16:25, 5 October 2023

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola has invited Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to deliver a speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, TASS reports.

“I met Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today in Granada and I invited him to deliver a speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament,” TASS quoted Metsola as saying ahead of the European Political Community summit.

She did not specify the timeframe of Pashinyan’s expected visit to the European Parliament but said it would take place in a few weeks.

Metsola said that Armenia is in need of EU support.

“Armenia needs our support and help to overcome the current humanitarian crisis which was caused because thousands of people left Nagorno-Karabakh,” the President of the European Parliament said.

Azerbaijani military again fires at Armenian food supply vehicle

Markos Nalchajian

 16:48, 5 October 2023

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani military has once again targeted an Armenian food supply vehicle en route to a border outpost, the Armenian Ministry of Defense said Thursday.

“On October 5, at around 1:50 p.m., armed forces units of Azerbaijan discharged fire at a vehicle transporting provisions for the personnel stationed at Armenian combat outposts near Norabak (Gegharkunik Province). There are no casualties,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.