Category: 2023

“Christos Haryav ee Merelots. Christ is risen from the dead.” “Orhnyal ee Harutyun Christosi; Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ.” This past Sunday and continuing into the season of Eastertide, thousands of believers in the Armenian Christian community will greet each other with these powerful words as we celebrate the Resurrection. There are a few terms in our lives that need little explanation. The Feast of the Holy Resurrection is one of them. It is simply the most significant life-changing event that has shaped the direction of mankind. During Holy Week, Christ completed the fulfillment of the prophecies and defeated death by the Resurrection. It is the core of our faith, supreme confirmation that He is the Messiah and that through Him we have eternal life. Easter has always been my favorite holiday. The reasons have evolved, but the feelings have remained the same. Christmas is the birth of Our Savior, yet we cloud the experience with over-materializing the day and creating stress with distractions. We are fortunate as Armenians. In the diaspora, we can participate in the material celebratory day with “western Christmas” and then on January 6 spiritually reflect on the birth and baptism of Our Lord. With two “holidays” separated by less than two weeks, it has always helped me to become grounded in the core reason for the observance. This year, I participated in an Advent series of discussions at our church to focus on the meaning of Christ’s birth. It provided me with an even deeper understanding and helped minimize the secular noise we feel at Christmas. This is but one of the reasons our church is important. Thanksgiving is unique to our American life and a part of our local culture. When we set aside time to give thanks, it should be embraced. Most of us, however, associate this day with overeating and football. The Resurrection connects naturally with the metaphor of springtime and the renewal of life. As we anxiously await the rebirth of our trees, grass and plants, we can spiritually connect with the life-giving Resurrection.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are connected to Easter. My parents always insisted that we have a new Easter outfit. It was always the first opportunity to wear a lighter weight fabric and retire the woolen clothing from the winter. My mom and dad would take me to a local men’s shop to buy a sports jacket and pair of slacks. Your Sunday best was particularly important on Easter Sunday. My father was the church deacon, and my mom was active in the Sunday school, so it was a sure bet that we were never late. I didn’t fully appreciate it in my youth. I am sure there was more than one Sunday when my sisters and I were not fully cooperative. It didn’t matter because going to church was not a democratic process. As I look back, we are eternally grateful for the faith our parents instilled in us. I was an altar server as were many of my peers. The hymns (sharagans) have always held a warm place in my heart. I always anticipated Easter season because my favorite hymn, Kovya Yeroosaghem uz Der, was sung by the choir. It is a beautiful hymn that evokes such emotion, and the words speak of the essence of our faith. It is sung early in the service, which was one of the benefits of my parents’ commitment. I still search for various versions of this sharagan on YouTube to listen when it is not that season in church. Isn’t it amazing how joyous the badarak and the congregants seem on Easter? Perhaps it was because there was no hokehankist (requiem) or perhaps the Easter sharagans were sung, but it always felt upbeat. I have come to know that the feeling was the mystery of the Holy Spirit on the great news of the Resurrection. We are celebrating the greatest news ever. After church, the parish in Indian Orchard always held an Easter breakfast. The Ladies Guild was the sponsor of this iconic gathering of choreg, eggs, cheese, olives and other essentials. That breakfast has always held a special memory for those of us who grew up in the St. Gregory parish. When I was very young, we would secure our favorite eggs and initiate the egg cracking contest. We would then sneak off with our friends for some harmless mischief. The important reflection was that we were under the protection of our beloved Armenian church. We were doing things that kids love to do at church. 

This past Sunday, I attended badarak with my family at our parish. Before the fellowship began, our Der Hayr offered a home blessing service. Our three-year-old grandson Krikor was having a grand time running around the church hall. It brought back vivid memories. When Der Hayr and his deacons began the brief service, he asked Krikor to stand near him. I was stunned when Krikor complied and stood reverently between the priest and the deacon. He even crossed himself at the appropriate times. I was nearly brought to tears as I witnessed another act of faith. It was so uncharacteristic of him to stand seriously for 10 minutes that I cannot help but feel the presence of God in this young boy. It took me back for a moment to our youth. I wish that all the children in our communities find their spiritual identity through our church. The Feast of the Holy Resurrection is very special. Everyone at those breakfasts usually helped to clean up, which is how it works in small communities. You learn to get your hands dirty early. It’s the values we were given and which have guided us.

Krikor Piligian flanked by Rev. Fr. Krikor A. Sabounjian and Deacon Arthur Sabounjian during a brief service in the church hall after badarak on Easter Sunday

After church, there would be a family gathering. Many of our Easters were spent with my maternal grandparents, who lived in New Britain, Connecticut and attended the St. Stephen’s parish. Some years, our grandparents would come to our home, and many times we would go to New Britain. Regardless of the location, we all waited for our grandfather Takvor to select his egg for the cracking contest. My grandfather always insisted on having mezze that started with offering my father a “highball.” This drink consisted of whiskey and ginger ale. Of course, we weren’t offered the drink, but we did enjoy the ginger ale, which is how my affinity for that beverage began. Whenever I have a ginger ale, my mind wanders back to warm family gatherings. Grandpa always wanted olives, cheese and patz hatz (cracker bread) displayed before we could crack the eggs. He would meticulously select his egg by tapping the shell on his front teeth. With a twinkle in his eye, he would tell us that the harder shells made a certain sound. Because we loved him dearly, we would all walk around tapping eggs on our teeth without the slightest inkling of what we were doing. I am not certain about the science behind my grandpa’s ritual, but I think he won the contest more often than others. Grandma Nevart would enter the room with her warm choreg that was the perfect complement to the ginger ale and eggs. There was no need for television or other forms of entertainment for the children. We all gathered around the food and found joy in each other’s company. I honestly don’t ever remember being bored as we always waited for one of grandpa’s entertaining stories. Our grandmother always made a cake made out of a mold of a lamb. The religious reference became obvious when we were older. It became another tradition that built such warm memories. That mold is still in our family as my sister Linda uses it every year for her family’s Easter. In fact, I just received a picture of this year’s lamb cake with her grandson Ben, which would make him the great great grandson.

We have all experienced the “Sunday night” letdown after our Armenian and family weekend life. Easter night was particularly challenging as we returned to school. For at least the first three days, the lunch our mom prepared was predictable: hard boiled Easter eggs, choreg, cheese and olives. I remember one day during my middle school years, I was sitting in the cafeteria with some friends who also had Easter eggs for lunch. When we started to eat, I almost screamed when I saw one of my friends crack the shell of his egg on the table. “What are you doing?” I exclaimed with my egg extended for a cracking contest. They were all looking at me like I was an alien. They had no idea about cracking eggs as a cultural ritual. In my sheltered life, I thought everyone cracked eggs. As soon as I explained the tradition, their competitive instincts took over, and we had a competition at our table. Regardless of how many people were attending dinner, we always colored more eggs than necessary thus creating the lunch opportunity to work off the leftovers. My grandparents were deeply spiritual individuals, and I am grateful that we were raised with such dignified people. As a boy, I would watch my grandfather in church and learn the protocols of worshiping. He prayed every night before bedtime; as he aged and needed assistance, I cherished those moments of his giving thanks.

During badarak on Easter Sunday, the message in the sermon was very focused. It was all about The Resurrection. It is the core of our faith. It gives us hope which is a pillar for life. It is the path through Him for eternal life. It is truly a celebration of the greatest act that altered the direction of mankind and the greatest example of love ever displayed. Our Armenian church recognizes this with scripture, hymns and rituals that are woven together and are the essence of our faith. The Easter bunnies are cute and offer our children moments of happiness, but this season offers us the foundation of life on earth and for eternity. We are reminded during this season of the importance of bringing God’s love into our homes and to teach our children through our church about the hope and promise created by the Resurrection.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) with ANCA Rising Leaders on the steps of the US Capitol, following a discussion about pro-Artsakh/Armenia priorities.

WASHINGTON, DC – Following up on a successful first session, the Armenian National Committee of America’s (ANCA) Rising Leaders program brought yet another group of bright Armenian American student leaders to the nation’s capital to participate in its annual three-day career development and civic education immersion seminar.

From March 26 to 28, the participants, whose studies largely focus on international relations and policymaking, welcomed the opportunity to explore career-starter best practices, while advancing the Armenian American community’s pro-Artsakh/Armenia priorities.

“Witnessing the potential of our 2023 ANCA Rising Leaders participants was truly empowering. They entered every conversation with an open mind and expressed their diverse views creating meaningful dialogue,” said ANCA Youth Programs associate director Tatevik Khachatryan. “Our Session #2 participants closed this year’s program off strong, and we are eager to see where they go. The ANCA team would like to thank everyone that participated, our guest speakers and gracious donors that made it all possible.”

During the three-day program, participants sat down with Congressional leaders, government, media and communications experts to learn about the many career opportunities that exist in Washington, DC, while honing their pro-Artsakh/Armenia engagement skills.

Once again, the ANCA collaborated with the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Eastern and Western US in hosting the events, made possible through a generous contribution by Dean Shahinian, Esq. and the family and friends of the late ANCA activist Lucine Kouchakdjian.

“Rising Leaders builds fundamental skills necessary for professional and personal growth,” said AYF-YOARF Eastern US Central Executive member Areni Margossian. “The AYF-YOARF receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from AYFers who have gone through the program, and we want to see more of our members participate as we continue this partnership.”

Exploring Career Opportunities in the Nation’s Capital

Consistent with tradition, the first day of the Rising Leaders program focused on career development, with a full schedule of interactive presentations by the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee (CGPAC) focusing on job search fundamentals, from resume preparation, effective “elevator pitches” and LinkedIn use to an overview of the Washington, DC internship and job market. CGPAC leaders Tadeh Issakhanian, Arsen Markarov and Margossian – all alumni of the Capital Gateway Program who have excelled in their chosen professions –shared insights on best practices in embarking on their post-university job search and offered one-on-one mentoring to the Rising Leaders.

ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee leaders Tadeh Issakhanian and Arsen Markarov shared best practices to beginning a successful Washington DC policy career.

Break the Blockade: Pro-Artsakh/Armenia Civic Engagement and the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day

Effective advocacy for pro-Artsakh and Armenia priorities took center stage during keynote remarks by ANCA Programs director Alex Galitsky and ANCA Government Affairs director Tereza Yerimyan, who outlined the ANCA’s targeted legislative campaign to stop all US military aid to Azerbaijan, send emergency assistance to Artsakh and hold Azerbaijan accountable for the 110+ day blockade of Artsakh and ongoing anti-Armenian aggression. Participants learned first-hand about Artsakh foreign policy and domestic challenges from Robert Avetisyan, Artsakh Ambassador to the United States. They also learned about careers in media from Charlie Mahtesian, Senior Politics Editor of Politico, who shared the important role of the media in shedding light on community concerns.

Politico Senior Politics Editor Charlie Mahtesian offers an overview of the rough and tumble world of covering Congress and the Administration and his career path to success.

These discussions culminated in the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day, where participants visited with over 400 Congressional offices to educate elected officials and staff about Azerbaijan’s Artsakh blockade and Armenian American community support for at least $75 million in US aid to Artsakh and $100 million in aid to Armenia as part of the fiscal year 2024 foreign aid bill. Participants also met with members of the Congressional Armenian Staff Association (CASA), who shared insights on careers on Capitol Hill and the importance of expanding the Armenian American presence in Washington, DC’s policy-making community.

The ANCA Rising Leaders – seen here with the Artsakh flag unfurled on the steps of the US Capitol – shared Artsakh’s calls for justice during their Capitol Hill meetings.

ANCA chairman Raffi Hamparian inspired with closing remarks for the session, offered at a reception held at the ANCA Aramian House. Hamparian stressed that effective pro-Artsakh/Armenia civic engagement requires “heart, strength and mind: a heart devoted to supporting the people of Artsakh, Armenia and communities around the world; strength to stand up to the Azerbaijani and Turkish governments seeking the destruction of the Armenian homeland; and the mind to strategically advocate and secure justice for the Armenian nation.”

ANCA chair Raffi Hamparian urged Rising Leaders to bring their “heart, strength and mind” to pro-Artsakh/Armenia advocacy efforts.

ANCA Rising Leaders speak out on inspiring program

The second session of the 2023 ANCA Rising Leaders included the following participants from across the US: Tenny Alaverdian, Sergey Arakelyan, Roberta Arevyan, Isabella Balian, Narek Hakobyan, Emma Harutyunyan, Sofia Kirchen, Kevork Madenlian, Martin Makaryan, Herag Menachian, Jero Mouradian, Sophia Papazian, Anna Ramazyan, Nver Saghatelyan, Aren Sanikian, Areen Tazian, Alexis Tolmajian and Hayk Yengibaryan.

Balian, a Villanova University political science major, is a leader at the university’s Armenian Students Association. She said the Rising Leaders Program surpassed her expectations. “Throughout the course of two days, I was able to get advice on my career search, gain insight from professionals about careers in government positions and meet with Congressional staffers to discuss current resolutions and legislation aimed towards strengthening US-Armenia ties, defending Artsakh and securing justice for the Armenian Genocide. I was pleasantly surprised at the willingness of politicians and staffers to hear us out and take the time to interact with us. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had to interact with congressional staffers regarding Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh and gain a better idea of the way Armenian Americans are fighting for justice every day in our nation’s capital.”

Kirchen, a first-year UC Berkeley student studying international relations explained, “Taking part in the ANCA’s Rising Leaders Program on Capitol Hill was the perfect opportunity to further my passion for politics and grassroots activism as it pertains to Hai Tahd, leaving me with tangible opportunities to expand my academic and future career opportunities. I am so grateful to everyone at ANCA for the opportunity to engage with various policymakers and their foreign policy staffers at such a critical time for the Armenian Cause. It’s one thing to study politics and political science from an outside glance. But to be able to jump right in and gain hands-on experience remains something that just can’t be beat.”

Madenlian, a recent University of Southern California graduate with a degree in screenwriting and animation, noted: “ANCA’s Rising Leaders program expertly prepared me for the political landscape that we, as Armenians, find ourselves in America today. Not only was I trained in how to further my professional goals and sharpen my networking skills, I was also taught how to advocate for issues pertaining to Armenia and Artsakh with hands-on experience at Capitol Hill. Whether you’re interested in taking the next steps for your career, or for dedicating yourself to the Armenian cause, ANCA and the Rising Leaders program have a place for you.”

Makaryan, a recent UCLA graduate with a degree in political science and global studies explained: “The ANCA Rising Leaders program was a unique opportunity to not only meet bright fellow Armenian peers, learn from Armenian professionals on how to advance in our careers, and more importantly to advocate for Armenia and Artsakh, but to also uplift ourselves as Armenian-Americans in the current national crisis that we find ourselves in. With Artsakh blockaded for more than 100 days, Azerbaijan and the genocidal regime of Ilham Aliyev still enjoying the impunity afforded by the US and the international community, and the very fate of the Armenian statehood under jeopardy, it is easy to fall into the trap of imagined helplessness when, in fact, each one of us has a role to play in our national struggle – however small that role may seem.”

Menachian, a fourth-year UCLA student studying political science and entrepreneurship, has long been active in the AYF and Homenetmen. “The ANCA Rising Leaders program provided me with a new outlook on advocacy for Armenia and Artsakh, one which I will continue my efforts in for the years to come,” explained Menachian.

A stellar group of ANCA Rising Leaders joining the ANCA team for a group photo before heading to Capitol Hill to share pro-Artsakh/Armenia priorities.

Papazian, a first-year UC Berkeley student studying political science, is active in campus student government, Cal’s Armenian Students Association and Homenetmen’s “Ararat” and “Hrashq” chapters. “The ANCA Rising Leaders Program equipped me with the invaluable skills needed to excel in any professional field, especially one in government and politics. I was able to strengthen my interpersonal and public speaking skills, meet with admirable members of the House of Representatives and Senate, and work alongside intelligent and driven peers that share my passion for advocacy and supporting the Armenian cause. Finding a community that I know will support me in my future endeavors is comforting and motivating. The ANCA truly made a dream job of mine feel much more tangible and attainable,” stated Papazian.

Ramazyan, a junior at UCLA majoring in biological anthropology, has a leadership role with the All-Armenian Student Association. “Through the Rising Leaders program, I not only gained invaluable leadership experience and expanded my network of fellow Armenians, but I also discovered the power and importance of advocacy for Artsakh. It has inspired me to continue to use my voice and platform to raise awareness and fight for justice for my homeland,” noted Ramazyan.

Saghatelyan is a student at Johns Hopkins University who hails from Armenia and works actively through his organization – SIS Education – to provide similar international education opportunities for youth from the homeland. “Throughout the ANCA Rising Leaders Program, I experienced a remarkable synthesis of cultural identity, professional growth, and the establishment of enduring connections. This comprehensive initiative cultivated a sense of unity among us as we collectively endeavored to champion the cause of Armenian American heritage within the nation’s capital. With ANCA’s guidance, we are uniquely prepared to navigate the intricate corridors of Washington, DC, striving to amplify our collective voice and ensuring that the aspirations of the Armenian American community are not only heard but seamlessly woven into the tapestry of the US policy discourse,” stated Saghatelyan.

Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) speaks to ANCA Rising Leaders about the importance of civic engagement as part of a broader discussion of strengthening US-Armenia/Artsakh ties.

Tazian is a junior studying political science at UCLA and an active member of the AYF Hollywood “Mousa Ler” Chapter. “The ANCA Rising Leaders Program provided me with an outlet to gain invaluable knowledge and experience pertaining to domestic and foreign politics and allowed me to merge my passions for both Armenian and American affairs. I will undoubtedly carry the information, skills and fire ignited in me throughout my educational and professional development, and will employ them in advancing Hai Tahd’s short-term objectives, long-term goals, and the greater Armenian Cause. Պայքարը կը Շարունակուի – the struggle continues,” explained Tazian.

Yengibaryan is a freshman studying politics at Princeton University. He has interned at the Armenian Consulate in Los Angeles. “The Rising Leaders program was truly an amazing experience. The people I met were truly unique stand-out individuals who wanted to advance the Armenian cause. Being able to step foot in the capital and advocate for my ancestral homeland was a one-of-a-kind experience and one I’ll cherish forever. The program was extremely helpful and truly cemented my interest in a potential career on Capitol Hill,” stated Yengibaryan.

A Word of Thanks: Dean Shahinian and Kouchakdjian families continue their commitment to youth education and empowerment

Longtime ANCA supporter Dean Shahinian, Esq. is again the major sponsor of this unique youth development program along with the family and friends of Lucine Kouchakdjian.

Shahinian served in the federal government in various capacities for over 30 years, including 16 years at the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, where he worked with committee chairs on numerous bills and laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act. In the Armenian community, he has served on the boards of St. Nersess Seminary and the Armenian Students Association. He has also served multiple terms on the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.

For dozens of years, living in the Washington, DC area – in addition to her cultural, education and charitable work with a broad range of community organizations – the late Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian organized highly effective ANCA campaigns to foster a forward-leaning spirit of civic responsibility among Armenian Americans across the nation’s capital. The Rising Leaders Capitol Hill Day was named in memory of her lifetime of service to the Armenian Cause following her passing last year.

Congressional Armenian Staff Association (CASA) leaders with ANCA Rising Leaders following a discussion on Capitol Hill career opportunities during the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day.