Category: News

ArmenPress
July 1 2004
COURT OF REVIEW UPHOLDS EDGAR ARAKELIAN’S VERDICT
YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS: An Armenian appeals court upheld on
Wednesday the 18-month imprisonment of an opposition activist, Edgar
Arakelian, who hit a police officer by a plastic bottle when the
police used force to disperse an April 13 morning anti-government
demonstration, staged by the opposition forces.
The officer, hit by Arakelian, told the Review Court that the
strike did not cause damage to his health and that probably the young
man failed to see that he was hitting a police officer because of the
turned off street illumination.
The Review Court ruling came on an appeal by Edgar Arakelian
against the lower court verdict of May 26, but the panel of three
judges ruled eventually that the lower court decision was right.
Arakelian’s lawyer dismissed the ruling saying he will take the
case to the Court of Appeals..
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ArmenPress
July 1 2004
ARMENIAN OFFICIAL TAKES ROSTRUM OF UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
SESSION
YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS: A senior Armenian government official
took June 30 the rostrum of the UN Economic and Social Council
session to introduce his government’s actions, aimed to alleviate
poverty. Manuk Vardanian, the chairman of a government-affiliated
state committee on real property cadastre, is heading an Armenian
delegation that has arrived in New York to attend the high-level
session, convened to explore possibilities for creating a favorable
environment to mobilize the resources of the emerging countries to
reduce poverty levels. This was the first session in which the
Armenian delegation participated after the country’s election to the
Council.
Armenian foreign affairs ministry said Manuk Vardanian’s report
centered on poverty reduction problem, saying that being an
international priority it demands mobilization of both domestic and
external resources and an effective cooperation between the
governments and international lending organizations with the active
involvement of the civic society and private business sector. He
added that direct investments are a key component of development. In
this respect he singled out the Millennium Challenges Account
projects, initiated by the US government and Armenia’s inclusion in
the list of 16 nations that may be eligible to new aid.

ArmenPress
July 1 2004
YBC PLANS TO BUY 3,000 TONS OF GRAPES IN KARABAGH
STEPANAKERT, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS: Last year the Yerevan Brandy
Company (YBC), owned by French Pernod Ricard, purchased around 2,300
tons of grapes in Nagorno Karabagh. This year the company is expected
to buy 3,000 tons.
Pierre Larretche, the outgoing chief manager of the Yerevan Brandy
Company (YBC), was earlier this week in Nagorno Karabagh to receive a
local medal for his contributions to the development of Karabagh
economy. The Medal of Gratitude was handed to him by Karabagh leader
Arkady Ghukasian.
Pierre Larretche praised Karabagh authorities for creating good
conditions for cooperation between the YBC and a local Karabagh Gold
company.

ArmenPress
July 1 2004
PARAJANOV’S ANNIVERSARY MARKED IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS: Relatives and close friends of Sergey
Parajanov, an outstanding Armenian film director, arrived in Yerevan
from Ukraine, Russia, Iran and Georgia to join a set of events that
are being held from July 1 to July 4 in commemoration of his 80-th
birth anniversary. The events are part of the Golden Apricot
international film festival that opened in Yerevan June 30.
Zaven Sarkisian, the director of Parajanov Museum in Yerevan, said
the guests will tour across several sites in Armenia, favored by the
director. Also an installation, designed by Rafael Virling from
France will be held in Yerevan. Today a documentary shot by
Parajanov’s nephew, Georgy Parajanov, about his uncle and called I
Died in my Childhood was screened at Moskva cinema house. It was also
shown at a recent festivals in Cannes and Moscow.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] Website;
Meeting of the Department of Christian Education
The fifth meeting of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian
Diocese, Department of Christian Education took place in Hamilton,
Ontario on June 24th, 2004. His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian
attended the meeting. Rev. Fr. Datev Melenguitchian, Pastor and
Mrs. Georgina Sarkisian attended as representatives from St. Gregory
the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Catherines.
Mrs. Taline Gumusdjian attended as representative from Holy Trinity
Armenian Apostolic Church of Toronto. Miss Alexia Citak as
representative from St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Hamilton and
Mrs. Ashken Malkhasian attended as secretary. The meeting was called
upon in the efforts to assess the needs and challenges facing the
Sunday Schools in Canada.
The Department of Christian Education began from “the ground up”, as
His Grace Bishop told those attending; since the summer of last year,
all members of the council have worked hard to provide a solid
foundation for which all Sunday Schools can grow. Through the past
meetings the department has come a long way; Sunday Schools have been
started in churches that before now had never had one. By creating a
mission and vision supported by calendars and a new curriculum, Sunday
Schools have flourished into true learning facilities for Christian
Armenian youth. The department has worked hard to provide student
interaction, most recently by the development of an annual Christmas
event, and a summer camp.
During the meeting, a major point was made on communication, this
being what all members saw as the key to instilling all further
developments by the council. In response to this point, a link from
the diocesan website to a site for the Sunday School will be
created. This way a format where anyone can find out, and understand
the goings on within the council and individual Sunday Schools at any
time, just by accessing the site. This opens the door to different
learning methods and exciting teaching styles, as all teachers and
eventually all students will have the opportunity to ‘chat’ with one
another. With regular meetings and a good communication base there
would be the longevity and support needed to establish all the
different areas of the department.
It was addressed that there was a need for not only financial support
within the department but administrative support in order to entrench
all areas of the department into the diocese. Administrative
assistance was considered to be a crucial formality, this way all
schools could have uniform polices and could deal with issues in the
same way. This would alleviate difficulties and challenges made toward
individual Sunday Schools. The idea of a small fee given to the
Department from each Sunday school was offered. Thus, by creating a
financial base, others could donate to the department in order for
more activities and events to take place. This topic was suggested to
be further discussed at the next meeting taking place in Montreal on
August 6th, 2004.
Overall the meeting was very efficient and helped to bring out valid
points in order for the growth of Sunday Schools to be possible. The
Department as a whole is making important steps to benefit Sunday
Schools throughout Canada. It is expected that by this time next year
it will advance further and be an even more influential branch of the
Armenian Holy Apostolic Canadian Diocese.
Communication Office of the Christian Education Department
100th Anniversary Celebration of Vehamayr Ovsanna Sarkissian
On Saturday June 26, the 100th Anniversary of Vehamayr Ovsanna
Sarkissian, the mother of H.H. Karekin I of blessed memory, was held
in the Cummer Lodge in Toronto.
The Sarkissian family members, relatives and friends who bear fond
memories of Vehamayr Ovsanna Sarkissian, had gathered to congratulate
the centenarian mother and to wish her good health. Also present at
the celebration was His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate,
accompanied by Rev. Fr. Zareh Zargarian, Pastor of Toronto’s Holy
Trinity Church, Yeretsgin Nayira and Assistant Pastor Deacon Vrej
Berberian.
During the celebration, a surprise announcement was made by Bishop
Galstanian, that His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians,
has bestowed the Pontifical Order of St. Nerses Shnorhali upon
Vehamayr Ovsanna Sarkissian. The Pontifical Gontag was read by
Rev. Fr. Zareh Zargarian, following which the Primate announced that
the medal will be formally handed to Vehamayr in the Holy Trinity
Church on Sunday, August 8.
A reception was held, hosted by the Sarkissian Family, and prayers
were said for the good health of Vehamayr. Serpazan congratulated
Vehamayr Ovsanna on behalf of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
Canada, the clergy, the Diocesan Council, the Parish Councils and the
entire faithful, wishing her and the Sarkissian Family God’s
blessings.
The Primate’s Lecture in Holy Trinity Church of Toronto
On June 25, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian lectured on the
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church to an international audience of over
300 people. The lecture was organized by St. Marc’s Eastern Orthodox
Church.
Bishop Galstanian talked about the role of the Armenian Church in the
life of the Armenian nation, and about the Church’s losses and martyrs
in the long and tragic march along the Armenian people in her almost
2000-year history. Serpazan’s presentation, which lasted about an
hour and a half, deeply impressed and moved the audience that
consisted of Armenians and non-Armenians alike. Many among the
audience posed questions that were answered by the Primate.
The second lecture was about the Coptic Orthodox Church, presented by
Bishop Ankelos, who was invited from England. The lecture evolved
around the brotherly relations between the Coptic and Armenian
Churches, and the common theology shared by both churches. Bishop
Ankelos said that he had visited Armenia on three occasions and has
been enriched with many memorable impressions of the country. A period
of questions and answers followed the lecture. The audience then moved
to the church hall, where coffee was served, hosted by the British
Consulate. The evening was concluded by the blessings of the bishops.
The Year-end Hantes of AGBU Zarougian Daily School
On Friday June 25, 2004 the AGBU Zarougian school year-end hantes was
held under the auspices and in the presence of His Eminence Bishop
Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese,
accompanied by Reverend Archpriest Father Zareh Zargarian, Pastor of
Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto.
The attendees, consisting of parents and former students of the
school, cheered a high quality cultural program staged by the school’s
students. Graduation certificates were then handed to the students who
had successfully accomplished their schooling. The Principal of the
school Ms Hasmig Kurdian read her annual report and then invited the
Primate His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian to speak. “There is no
victory without sacrifice; there is no freedom without suffering” said
His Eminence addressing the students. He then congratulated the
graduates, the executive and auxiliary bodies of the school as well as
the parents.
The year-end Hantes was concluded by the Prayer and blessing of His
Eminence Bishop Galstanian.
Women’s Guild Central Council Meeting was held in Toronto
On June 26, 2004 the Women’s Guild Central Council meeting was held
under the auspices and presence of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian. During the meeting, discussions focused on the role and
the mission of Women in the Armenian Church. Upon the instruction of
His Eminence future plans and projects were formulated to revitalize
the Women’s Guilds of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada.
Regional representatives were appointed as follows: Mrs. Rima
Derderian, Mrs. Verjin Assadourian (Ottawa, Montreal, Laval). Mrs
Sofi Kuzuian, Mrs Diana Boghossian (Ontario), Mrs. Rita Mushluyan, Mrs
Aida Bardekjian (Vancouver).
Eelection of the executive was held and the results were as follows:
Mrs. Louisa Kerim (Honorary Chairperson)
Mrs. Sofi Kuzuyan (Chairperson)
Mrs. Hasmig Met (Vice Chairperson)
Mrs Rita Mushluyan (Secretary)
Mrs Ani Chavoushian (Vice Secretary)
Mrs Diana Boghossian (Communications Secretary)
Mrs Rosemary Tanielian (Treasurer)
Mrs Pergrouhi Meremetci (Vice Treasurer)
Divan of the Diocese

PRESS OFFICE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
COMMUNIQUÉ
JOINT EVENT ORGANIZED BY ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY, WESTERN DIOCESE AND AGBU
On Saturday, June 26, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America, was present at an event organized jointly by the Armenian
Assembly, the Western Diocese and AGBU. The hosts of the day were the
Primate, Attorney Richard Moushegain, Western Region Chairman of the
Armenian Assembly of America, and Mr. Vahe Imasdounian, Southern
Californian District Chairman of the AGBU.
The function was attended by several political dignitaries,
including Californian State Assemblywoman Carol Liu, Glendale City
Councilman Frank Quintero, Pasadena Fire Chief Bernard Melekian, Lisa
Kalustian, Chief Deputy Director of the office of Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger; Mr. Armond Agakhani, Consultant to the California
Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunes; and Vahik Gourjian, Representative
of California State Senator Jack Scott.
After the welcoming remarks by Mr. Vahe Imasdounian, the
attendees heard a keynote speech by Congressman Frank Palone, who spoke
on several issues related to Armenia. Following, a question and answer
session took place between Congressman Pallone and the dignitaries.
PRIMATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH
On June 27, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America,
celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Los
Angeles. During the Liturgy His Eminence honored Fr. Arshag
Khatchadourian with an encyclical issued by His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, on the occasion of
the his elevation to Archpriest. On this occasion the Primate presented
gifts to Fr. Arshag and Yeretzgin. His Eminence also honored the members
of the Parish Council, the Ladies’ Society, the Memorial Fund, and the
chairmen off all auxiliary bodies.
Following the Divine Liturgy a reception took place in the
church hall, also attended by members of the Southern Ecumenical
Council, as well a large crowd of friends, family and faithful. During
the reception Master of Ceremonies Mr. Robert Barsam invited His
Eminence Archbishop Derderian who addressed the attendees with the
message, `today we celebrate the life of Fr. Ashag Khatchadourian. Our
hearts are filled with immeasurable joy as we witness his immense
dedication to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Fr. Arshag has been an
exemplary leader who has fulfilled his duties with utmost diligence. For
the past 25 years he has served St. James Armenian Church as a good
shepherd, at the same time also serving the Diocese with the same love.
Today’s celebration is a challenge, blessing and a new call to renew
in
his life his pastoral commitment. The presence of the faithful certainly
testifies the outpouring love of his people.’
We congratulate Fr. Arshag and wish him well being in his future
endeavors.
HIS EMINENCE ATTENDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY OF TCA ARSHAG DICKRANIAN
SCHOOL
On the evening of June 27, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese attended the commencement
ceremony of the TCA Arshag Dickranian School, held at the AGBU Center in
Pasadena. The program included a keynote speech by Mr. Greg Krikorian,
Chairman if the GUSD Board of Education. His Eminence performed the
Benediction at the close of the program and addressed the attendees with
the words, `Today is a celebration of life. The school is the ground
which helps to understand and learn the past and present, and instills
in us the vision for the future. The school is the institution that will
cultivate your minds with the spirit of Christ and the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin. We wish you success in your future endeavors. Remember
that education leads you to three prospects: change, progress,
excellence.’
The Primate also extended his words of appreciation to
benefactors Mrs. Eleanor Dickranian and the Dickranian family, Chairman
of the Board Mr. George Mandosian, as well as Principal Mr. Vartkes
Kourouyan.
FIRST MEETING OF THE DEACON’S COUNCIL
On June 28th, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, presided
over the first meeting of the Deacon’s Council. The council, which was
formed as a result of the recent inaugural Deacons’ Conference,
discussed ways to enrich the education of Diocesan Deacons, Sub-Deacons
and Stolebearers and enhance the Deaconate through the recruitment of
those eager to serve the church in a fulfilling way. Deacon Matthew
Jendian has been assigned by the Primate as the Chairman of the
Deacon’s
Council.
The Western Diocese hosts nearly 300 altar servers, of which 160 are
deacons and sub-deacons. As ordained members of the clergy, deacons play
a vital role in church life helping the Priest celebrate Badarak and
even praying over the sick in the absence of a Priest. Given their
invaluable position the Deacon’s Council will organize two major
conferences a year: one focusing on theological academics, and the other
on the training of rituals. In addition to these events, regional
celebrations will be held on the occasion of St. Stephens’s Feast Day,
the day when we remember the first deacon.
In order to ensure the proper education of our Diocesan deacons, a
four-year curriculum will be developed, which will eventually become the
standard for training deacons; it will also serve as the requirement for
those wishing to perform deacons’ duties in the church and in the
community.
Upon the successful completion of the aforementioned efforts regional
Deacon’s training programs will be established so that proper training
will be available throughout the diocese. In addition, training
materials will made available via publications and on-line.
PRIMATE TO DEPART FOR HOLY ETCHMIADZIN, ARMENIA
We would like to inform the Diocesan Clergy, Parish Councils,
and all auxiliary bodies, that His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese, upon the invitation of His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, will depart for the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin on Saturday, July 4, 2004, to participate in a
meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council.
God willing the Primate will return to Los Angeles on July 8.
We would like to inform you that the Primate has assigned an
`Advisory Body’ that is comprised of the following:
Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, Chairman of the Clergy
Executive Council.
Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor of the Diocese, and
Attorney Richard Moushegain, Chairman of the Diocesan Council.
At any time when the Primate is out of town, the Chairman of the
Clergy Executive Council, the Chancellor and the Chairman of the
Diocesan Council will take charge in case of pressing matters.
DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE
June 30, 2004
Burbank, California

Nottingham Evening Post, UK
June 30, 2004
Busy month for the band
The award-winning band will take part in the “Bands in the Park”
event on Sunday at Wollaton Park from 2pm to 5pm. The following
Saturday it will play at the Concert for Armenia at Hucknall Parish
Church, in the International Byron Festival 2004. Tickets are £5 and
the event starts at 7.30pm.
On July 11, the band will perform a free show in the grounds of
Newark Castle and on Saturday July 17, it will join Thorntons Brass
at Crossley Park, Ripley, for the Ripley Music Fest, which ends with
a firework display. On July 12, it plays at Newstead Abbey.

Associated Press Worldstream
June 30, 2004 Wednesday
Tank holding sulfuric acid explodes in Armenia
YEREVAN, Armenia
A tank holding sulfuric acid exploded Wednesday in an Armenian power
station, killing one worker and injuring seven others, emergency
officials said.
The explosion happened at the Razdanskaya power plant, one of the
biggest in this ex-Soviet republic, said Nikolai Grigorian, chief
spokesman for the Armenian Emergency Situations Ministry.
He said that seven workers were hospitalized with burns.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.

Associated Press Worldstream
June 30, 2004 Wednesday
Small plane crashes in Armenia, killing pilot
YEREVAN, Armenia
A small agricultural plane crashed Wednesday in northeastern Armenia,
killing the pilot, emergency officials said.
The X-32 agricultural plane, rented from a company in neighboring
Georgia, crashed while surveying forests outside the Agveran village
in the Kotaisky region, said Nikolai Grigorian, chief spokesman for
the Armenian Emergency Situations Ministry.
The pilot, David Kakhianidze, was killed, he said. The cause of the
crash was not immediately known and an investigation was opened.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
July 1, 2004 Thursday 4:29 AM Eastern Time
Major group of counterfeiters detained in Russia
By Svetlana Alikina
MOSCOW
Russian and Armenian police have detained 22 members of an
international group of counterfeiters, the press service of the
Russian Interior Ministry’s department for fight against economic
crimes told Itar-Tass on Thursday.
According to the sources, the group was specializing in
counterfeiting 500-rouble and 1,000-rouble banknotes. An illegal
printing house was situated in Moscow suburbs. From there, the forged
money was transported to other Russian regions.
There are Russian and Armenian nationals among the seized
counterfeiters, the press service reported. Investigators have
already revealed 192 cases in which money was sold in 48 Russian
regions.
The sources said the operation had been carried out jointly by
Russian and Armenian police. Seventeen suspects are already facing
criminal charges. They also stressed that it was not the first
successful operation against counterfeiters by law enforcement
agencies from the two countries.
They said some time ago Russian and Armenian police had exposed a
criminal group that was counterfeiting 1,000-rouble banknotes. A
total of 100,000 counterfeited roubles were seized from them.
The masterminds, Armenian nationals Gevorg Kazaryan and Eduard
Minosyan, were sentenced to 6.5 years in prison.