Category: News

Georgian president says soccer violence was not ethnic conflict
Mediamax news agency
12 May 04
Yerevan, 12 May: Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said one should
not consider the fight between Georgians and [ethnic] Armenians in
the Tsalka region of Georgia as an ethnic conflict.
“I don’t want to dramatize the situation. This is not an inter-ethnic
conflict. It was a common fight between Georgians and Armenians. But
we will not allow violation of law and order and we are not going to
be involved in a provocation,” the Georgian president said on 11 May.
Mikheil Saakashvili noted that “after the developments in Ajaria,
Georgia’s enemies retreated.”
“Our neighbours do not hide their admiration for the peaceful
settlement of the situation in Ajaria. The Armenian and Ukrainian
Presidents told me about this in a telephone talk,” Saakashvili said.
According to him, “Some of Georgia’s enemies want to involve the
country in a new conflict.”
“We will not allow any blackmail and will give a due answer to
everybody,” Saakashvili said.
A fight between Armenians and Georgians took place after a football
match in the centre of Tsalka (Eastern Georgia), as a result of which
10 people were injured.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A1 Plus | 16:04:01 | 12-05-2004 | Politics |
SHUSHI IS THE 7TH OCCUPIED TERRITORY
“Karabakhi conflict issue has transformed into the one of
Armenian-Azerbaijani bilateral relations, which is already
considered as a territorial demand”, Babken Ararqtcyan, Chair of
“Armat” /”Root”/ social organization and ex Parliament Speaker,
said during the conference on the 10th anniversary of truce. He is
sure the armistice arranged 10 years ago is uneasy so that it can be
violated just because of that “transformation”.
“Since the time that NKR status turned into a territorial conflict
we don’t master the truce. Azerbaijan owns it since it can say Azeri
territories have been occupied”, Ararqtcyan says.
He drew the attention of journalists to the recent statements by
Azerbaijani diplomats saying 7 occupied territories must be returned
while 6 districts are under control of Armenian forces.
“They consider Shushi the 7th. Shushi was a separate district in
Sovereign Territory of Nagorno Karabakh. Azerbaijan turned 6 into 7
within a year”, Mr. Ararqtcyan said. He called this policy line of
Azerbaijan “document occupation”.
He assured no progress in the negotiations over Karabakhi conflict
has been registered since the suggestions in 1997.
Yesterday Mr. Ararqtcyan read a publication in “New York Times”,
under which peace is needed in our region or else it will be doomed:
“In other words, we aren’t the ones to settle the conflict. And the
worst is that we well may not to partake in solution”.
As to prospects of meetings between two presidents, Mr. Ararqtcyan
said: “Just those meetings led to that Karabakh was left out of the
negotiations. In 1994 Levon Ter-Petrosyan took Karabakhi President
wherever he went. In 1994 September Kocharyan and Aliev even had a
private talk”, Ararqtcyan reminded.
He is sure phase version is the only possible settlement to the
conflict.

SAAKASHVILI DOES NOT VIEW SKIRMISH BETWEEN GEORGIANS AND ARMENIANS IN TSALKA
AS ETHNIC CONFLICT
12.05.2004 12:59
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili is not
inclined to consider the skirmish between Georgians and Armenian in
the Tsalka region as an ethnic conflict. “It’s not an interethnic
conflict. It was just a fight between Georgians and Armenians. We
will not allow any violations of public order and will not
yield to provocation”, the Georgian President told journalists
yesterday. He noted that “after the Ajarian developments Georgia’s
enemies retreated”. “Our neighbors admire the peaceful settlement of
the situation in Ajaria. I heard it from the Armenian and Ukrainian
Presidents during the telephone conversations with them”, Saaklashvili
said. In his words, “some of Georgia’s enemies want to involve her
in a new conflict”. “We will not tolerate any blackmail and are ready
to give a proper response to everyone”, Saakashvili stated. To remind,
Armenians and Georgians started a fight after the football match with
the participation of the local youth in the area center of Tsalka
(Eastern Georgia) on May 10. As result two people were injured. A
unit of the Georgian MHA troops was deployed in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2004
Contact: Linda Yepoyan
Phone: 610-408-0988
Email: [email protected]
WHAT SOME OF OUR FUTURE LEADERS HAVE TO SAY:
Insight Survey Results Are In
Over 500 young diasporans participated in the Insight Survey of
Birthright Armenia in order to get their thoughts and opinions heard on
being and feeling Armenian. To reach as many interested poll takers as
possible, Birthright Armenia posted the on-line survey to its Web site
and contacted diasporan institutions and student associations across the
globe to encourage their participation. Although the survey is still
available on-line and responses are still being received daily, the
initial cut results of the first 509 takers can be found at
in their entirety. Survey participants are
encouraged to visit the site to see for themselves how their peers
answered the same questions.
The purpose of Birthright Armenia’s Insight Survey is to gauge the
attitudes and interests of diasporan young adults in the 18-32 year-old
age bracket, to better understand how they relate to their Armenian
identity, and to learn about their interests in and connections to the
homeland.
Who Took the Survey?
An analysis of the survey’s personal background section shows a nearly
perfect split on participants’ gender, with 50.8% of all respondents
being male to 49.2% being female. The vast majority of respondents
(83%) fell within our beneficiary target group of 18-32 years old, with
92% being single. Almost 50% of respondents were students. The
majority of respondents were well-educated, with 36% holding BA/BS
degrees and 19% having completed their Master’s. Over 50% of the survey
takers currently live in the U.S., with Canadians taking second place
(13%) and Europeans coming third (6%). In addition, we are extremely
pleased to have reached young diasporan adults living in Sri Lanka,
Argentina, Ukraine, Lebanon, Australia, Uruguay, Russia, Morocco,
Israel, India, Egypt, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.
What Did They Say?
Some key results of the survey show a strong connection to the Armenian
culture and an interest in preserving the Armenian heritage.
. When asked what “being and feeling Armenian” meant to them, 40% said
it includes speaking the Armenian language and 33% said it includes
caring about the future of Armenia respectively as their top answers.
. Nearly 21% of the student respondents said it is probable they would
apply to study abroad their junior year, and that number nearly triples
to a 59% probability when a study abroad option is available in Armenia.
. For 64% of respondents, a key component of the definition of a “good”
diasporan today includes someone who has ties to the homeland.
. For those who indicated a low likelihood of travel to the homeland,
the top two reasons were lack of money (49%) and time (37%).
. Over a third (35%) of all respondents has never visited Armenia, but
76% indicated that they were likely to visit the homeland within the
next two years.
. Over half (55%) of the sample agreed with the statement “I would
consider moving to Armenia if I could get a good job”. Of this
percentage, there was an exactly equal split between students and
non-students.
. About a third (34%) of respondents said that “lack of information on
existing opportunities in Armenia” is a problem for them in deciding
whether or not to visit Armenia. Regarding such opportunities, 82% say
they would benefit from a clearinghouse of information for Armenian
diasporan youth.
. The vast majority (88%) of survey takers believe that raising children
Armenian is a very important goal in their life. Equally important
(88%) is career accomplishment. Following slightly behind (83%) is
making a difference in the community.
Birthright Armenia’s mission is to strengthen ties between the homeland
and diasporan youth by affording them an opportunity to be a part of
Armenia’s daily life and to contribute to Armenia’s development through
work, study and volunteer experiences, while developing a renewed sense
of Armenian identity. This is accomplished by supporting and
complementing the initiatives of existing diasporan organizations that
offer youth programs in Armenia, and encouraging them to expand their
offerings in depth and breath. Birthright Armenia assists with travel
fellowships, volunteer placements, language instruction, in-country
seminars and excursions in exchange for community service in Armenia.
For anyone interested in more information about Birthright Armenia,
please contact us at [email protected] or by telephone at
610-408-0988.
# # #

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
President Kocharian in Antelias
Antelias, Lebanon – On Wednesday morning, 12 May 2004, President Kocharian
of Armenia, who has been visiting Lebanon upon the invitation of President
Lahoud, met His Holiness Aram I in Antelias, at the spiritual center of the
Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia. The clergy serving in the Catholicosate
and the members of the Executive Council also attended the meeting.
On the first day of his visit to Lebanon, a breakfast-meeting has already
taken place between His Holiness and President Kocharian. This meeting was
an occasion for both leaders to discuss issues pertaining to Armenia and
Diaspora-Armenia relations. They emphasized the importance of strengthening
the national unity at this critical point of the history of our people.
##
View printable pictures here:
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Armenian Tourism Development Agency /ATDA/
3 Nalbandian St., Yerevan 3675010, RA
Tel.: (+3741) 54 23 03, 54 23 06
Fax: (+3741) 54 47 92
Email: [email protected]
Date: 12/05/2004
Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) Launches New, State-of-the-Art Website
The Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) cordially invites you
to a press-conference to be held on 14 May, 2004 at 15:00 p.m. at
the ARMENIA Information Visitor Information Center with the aim
to launch an impressive new website showcasing
Armenia’s tourist attractions, cultural treasures, national parks,
art galleries and all the resources necessary to make any trip to
Armenia a comfortable, pleasant and memorable time for all.
ATDA’s and TIB’s /Technology into Business/ staff of professionals
– with indispensable funding from the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) and unparalleled technical support
from the International Executive Service Corps (IESC) – has created a
site that has merged “high tech” interface with “high art” aesthetics,
utilizing both ancient and modern Armenian motifs.
>>From interactive maps of cultural landmarks to a comprehensive
and easily accessible database of tour agents, hotels, restaurants,
travel agencies and so much more, the ATDA site has become the web’s
one- stop, on-line, Armenian tourism venue.
Much like ATDA’s now famous ARMENIAInformation Visitor Information
Center, at 3 Nalbandyan Street in the heart of Yerevan, the new ATDA
website is a virtual, full service concierge facility and an expansive
compendium of useful information and resources – whether that be for
travelers and tourists or history lovers and the arts literati.
Sections are thoughtfully organized with easy access navigation bars;
graphics and photos are vibrant and compelling; maps are easy to
read and truly interactive, providing details on any given point in
Armenia with the click of the mouse.
Background information and helpful travel hints are available at
every turn; shopping and recreation sites are explored side by side
with cultural centers, museums, concert halls and art galleries;
Armenia’s vast array of architectural monuments and sacred sites are
finally presented in such a way that travel planning is almost as
fun as the actual visit.
The site is also exceptional in that it provides a constantly updated
calendar of weekly events, which is available online and can be
e-mailed to you every week once you subscribe.
The ATDA has really provided interested travelers and tourism industry
professionals – no matter their point of origin – a place on the web
to fulfill, as well as provide for every type of Armenian tourism
and travel need.
Do not hesitate, go to now.
For more information on ATDA and its activities, please visit us at
3 Nalbandyan Street or contact at (+3741) 542303/6.

A1 Plus | 17:31:16 | 12-05-2004 | Politics |
EUROPEAN UNION LAYING CLAIMS TO “POLITBURO”
European Parliament member, Swede Pier Garthon has today referred
to the recent statement of President Robert Kocharyan that Council
of Europe is not a “Politburo”, so it is not obligatory to fulfill
its demands.
“Of course, CE is not a “Politburo”. But European Union is closer to
be the Political Bureau. The organization has the right to command
to its member-states over various issues”, Garthon said.
Garthon had decided that Armenia must learn this to finally clarify
– whether it wishes to join EU or not. In response to it Armenian
Parliament Vice-Speaker Tigran Torosyan stated European integration
for Armenia is beyond alternative.
Armenia is the CE member for 3 years whereas projects are made and
versions are discussed on how Armenia can join EU, too.
“Wider Europe” program gives Armenia that chance. An attempt will be
made to enroll South Caucasus, too.
During presentation of “Wider Europe” program Pier Garthon made an
interesting statement. It turns European Union “doors” will be open for
3 South Caucasus states – Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan only in case
that Turkey joins EU, too. “Turkey’s participation is a precondition or
else South Caucasus participation in the program won’t be discussed”.
Pier Garthon states Turkey doesn’t yet meet all the EU requests but
it “improves”. Turkey is demanded to recognize the Armenian Genocide
and to cease blockade against Armenia to become an EU member.
“European Union won’t accept a state with local or regional conflicts.
Cyprus was a bad precedent and we won’t make the same mistake again”,
Garthon says.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 12, 2004
___________________
DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY FOCUSES ON GIVING
By Jake Goshert
>>From April 29 to May 2, 2004, close to 150 delegates from local parishes
throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern),
gathered for the 102nd Diocesan Assembly. Hosted by the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, assembly sessions took place at
the Rye, NY, Hilton hotel.
During the work sessions, delegates passed the 2005 budget. Throughout
the weekend, they also focused on ways to promote stewardship.
STEWARDSHIP: GIVING OF YOURSELF
“It was Christ, through His parables and life-example, who really
exalted the idea of ‘stewardship,’ and deepened its meaning as a
vocation for man,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, as he introduced stewardship as the theme of the
Diocesan programs for 2004-2005. “It was Jesus who unforgettably taught
us that everything we have was given to us by God. Our talents, our
riches, our very lives ultimately belong to Him — and will eventually
return to Him. As God’s stewards, we have a blessed opportunity to
return those gifts back to God: brighter, more beautiful, more
productive than when they were given to us.”
During his remarks and a Bible study discussion on The Parable of the
Talents, the Primate stressed that stewardship is not about having or
giving but about being. He told the delegates that stewardship is not
about what you have, but it is about using the gifts and resources God
has entrusted to you.
“Stewardship is about making your life count. That is an astonishing
claim to make, I know. But the world is filled with countless talented,
wealthy people, who waste their days on this earth by devoting all their
energies to themselves. One might as well bury one’s talents in the
ground. It is sad to say, but such people cast themselves into outer
darkness, and end up alone and miserable,” the Primate said.
“That is not what God wants for you! That is not why Jesus Christ
sacrificed Himself on our behalf! We have been given all our gifts so
we can make them flourish, and benefit others around us. And we are
assured by our Lord that He has no greater joy, than to be able to one
day greet us with the words: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant!
Enter into the joy of your Master!'”
The overall theme of the 2004 Diocesan Assembly was “stewardship”: the
giving of one’s time, talent, and treasure to build a stronger future
for the church community.
“Conferences with universal themes such as stewardship are intended to
spark the imagination and encourage us to think broadly and thoughtfully
while engaging us in an exchange of ideas followed by action,” said they
keynote speaker Barbara Tellalian, a member of the Board of Directors of
the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) and a principal at the firm of
Tellalian Consultants for Development and Fund raising. “And that, I am
sure, is happening.”
People give to institutions like the Armenian Church for a variety of
reasons, she said. One is being told that their support will bring
about positive outcomes that they can personally benefit from. It is
also important that donors see Christian charity from role models, such
as parents, clergy, or parish lay leaders.
“Each of us has been influenced by a parent, grandparent, clergy, or
friend whose dedication and commitment as stewards of the Armenian
Church has inspired us to be stewards, giving greater meaning to our
lives and our reason for being,” she said.
Giving to the church and supporting its programs is important not just
for today’s needs, but for the next generation, Tellalian told the
delegates.
“Together, our work will provide this legacy of stewardship, one
generation to the next,” she said. “Stewardship is grounded in the fact
that all of human life and experience is a gift — a gift from God —
that requires a response of faithful service.’
DELEGATES DISCUSS ASPECTS OF STEWARDSHIP
During one session of the Assembly, the delegates broke out into small
groups to discuss various aspects of stewardship with the help of expert
moderators. The small groups were clustered around topics such as
building year-round stewardship programs, crafting and using strategic
plans, and establishing endowments.
One way to ensure that stewardship efforts succeed is to engage children
in the life of the church. One of the workshops focused on ways
parishes can get children to play a role in the church, such as keeping
them in the sanctuary during most of the Divine Liturgy and asking them
to serve as altar servers or greeters.
“We are trying to make sure whenever they’re in the church, they’re
doing something appropriate,” said delegate Dn. Ara Jeknavorian, from
Sts. Vartanantz Church, of Chelmsford, MA.
When it comes to building and strengthening a parish, plans can be honed
to perfection, covering endowments, strategic plans, and year-round
stewardship programs. But they still might not be enough to be
successful.
“If you have a friendly church, where people love the Lord and love one
another, the money comes in. All you have to do is send out an envelope
and ask them to send it back,” Diocesan Council member Fr. Yeprem
Kelegian told participants in a workshop on creating a welcoming church.
“This is where it starts. You can have the best planned, strategic,
glossy brochures, but unless there’s love and friendliness, that isn’t
going to get you anywhere.”
The Diocesan Council will work with the parishes to organize regional
follow-up workshops to implement the goals and ideas discussed at the
Assembly.
“What we’re trying to do is empower you to go back to your parish and do
the things that have to be done,” said Diocesan Council Chairperson Haig
Dadourian. “I cannot over emphasize that you here in this room are the
ones who are empowered to get things done in the parishes. It’s up to
you to really see to it that stewardship is happening in your parish.”
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
The Assembly delegates also discussed the 2003 budget and passed a
budget for 2005. In terms of finances, 2003 was a significant year for
the Diocese, which despite a challenging economy had satisfactory
financial results.
The Diocesan budget was reduced by $400,000 in 2003 to a figure of $4.37
million. There was still a year-end deficit of $93,000, mostly related
to assisting clergy in need and spiritual outreach.
“The Diocese operated within its means in a prudent and responsible
manner, while satisfying the needs and requests of our parish
community,” said Oscar Tatosian, treasurer of the Diocesan Council.
When dealing with the upcoming 2005 budget, the delegates saw numbers
similar to the 2004 budget. Again next year, more than a third of the
budget is focused on youth and education. Next year’s budget was
accepted as presented.
The officers at this year’s Assembly were: chairman — Thomas Ashbahian,
from the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ; vice chairman — Van
Krikorian, St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY;
English-language secretary — Anna Marie Norehad, St. James Church of
Evanston, IL; and Armenian-language secretary — Fr. Simeon Odabashian,
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI.
LOCAL STEWARDS
The Assembly was skillfully planned by a group of volunteers from the
host parish, St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY.
Headed by the pastor, Fr. Karekin Kasparian, and chair Lisa Kouzoujian,
the other committee members were: Alice Basmajian, Dawn Kasparian, Betty
Salbashian, Ruth Sanossian, Berdj Stepanian, Zaven Tachdjian, and Setta
Tavitian.
Along with organizing the meeting space and banquet in the Rye Town
Hilton, the parish also welcomed the delegates as guests to their parish
for a special dinner and musical night on Friday, April 30, 2004.
— 5/12/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Diocesan Council Chairman Haig Dadourian addresses
the 2004 Diocesan Assembly, which took place from April 29 to May 2 in
Rye, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Keynote speaker Barbara Tellalian, a fund-raising
professional from Boston, MA, details the importance of stewardship to
the delegates at the Diocesan Assembly on Friday, April 30, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Delegates discuss an aspect of stewardship during a
small-group breakout session at the Diocesan Assembly on Friday, April
30, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Dr. Sam Mikaelian, executive director of the Eastern
Diocese, delivers his remarks on the state of the Diocesan programs to
the 2004 Diocesan Assembly meeting in Rye, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): The Diocesan program staff is introduced to the
delegates of the 2004 Diocesan Assembly.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): The Diocesan Assembly is a chance for delegates to
ask questions and discuss a variety of issues.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): Assembly delegates ask questions on the budget
during the Diocesan Assembly, held in Rye, NY, from April 29 to May 2,
2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (8): Legions of volunteers from the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, worked to make the 2004 Diocesan
Assembly happen. They were led by (from left) parish council chairman
Zaven Tachdjian, organizing committee chair Lisa Kouzoujian, and parish
pastor Fr. Karekin Kasparian.
# # #

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
May 11 2004
MEETING OF SHEIKH UL-ISLAM WITH US AMBASSADOR TO AZERBAIJAN
[May 11, 2004, 22:52:35]
On May 11, Chairman of the Clerical Office of Caucasus Moslem, Sheikh
ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pashazadeh has met in his residence the
plenipotentiary ambassador of the USA to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish on
his request.
During the meeting passed in friendly conditions, discussed were
questions of political situation in the world, in particular, the
attitude towards Islam in the USA after the events on 11 September.
Mr. Reno Harnish has emphasized that between terrorism and the
Islam there is no connection. In Iraq, the USA conducts war against
political opponents, but not against the Islam. The ambassador has
reminded that in 1993 the United States rescued Moslems in Kosovo.
The diplomat has presented to the Sheikh ul-Islam A. Pashazadeh the
brochures issued in the USA in the Azerbaijan and Russian languages
where it is stated that 5 million Moslems in the USA take part in all
spheres of political life of the country. They are equal in rights
members of our society, R. Harnish underlined.
Sheikh Haji Allahshukur Pashazadeh has noted that after the 11
September events, Azerbaijan has declared one of the first that
is against terrorism and has offered assistance in combat against
this evil.
The head of Caucasus Moslems has informed the visitor on work which is
carried out by this structure, about his trip to Teheran where there
passed conference in which representatives of various faiths from
90 countries of the world took part. Religious figures spoke about
necessity in common to solve sharp conflicts, but not by sword, and
peacefully. It was pleasant to note, that the example of tolerance
and wide experience of peaceful co-existence among various faiths
had been named Azerbaijan. It is the true course of our national
leader Heydar Aliyev, successfully continued by his successor –
the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Speaking about the conflicts existing in the world, the parties
have expressed confidence for quick peace settlement of the Nagorny
Karabakh conflict.
Then, the US ambassador Reno Harnish and the head of Caucasus Moslems
Clerical Office Sheikh ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pashazadeh have
continued conversation in private.
In conclusion, of R. Harnish and A. Pashazadeh have answered questions
of journalists.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 12, 2004
___________________
ASSEMBLY BANQUET HONORS TWO
By Jake Goshert
Saturday night, May 1, 2004, a gala banquet capped off the successful
Diocesan Assembly, which was skillfully hosted by the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY. Guests at the banquet enjoyed
the food and fellowship and were treated to a performance by the Shushi
Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral — which was recently highlighted
in a photo in National Geographic magazine.
During the banquet the Diocese honored two men for efforts to continue
and foster the Armenian culture.
HONORING FRIENDS
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder and president of the Appeal of Conscience
Foundation — an international organization dedicated to freedom of
religion and human rights issues — was presented with the “Friend of
the Armenians” award. “The Armenian of the Year” award was presented to
Dr. Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation and former
president of Brown University and the New York Library.
“Both of our honorees are men of deep faith, which has inspired them to
action,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. “Neither has lost their faith
in the better angels of human nature. Their sense of hope has helped
them not only endure but excel in life.”
Both men came from humble backgrounds and overcame obstacles to rise to
prominence. Rabbi Schneier was a survivor of the Holocaust and Dr.
Gregorian came to America from Iran and built himself up through the
academic world.
“And both have dedicated their efforts to the greater good,” the Primate
said. “This weekend we talked about stewardship: the giving of your
time, talent, and treasure. Each of these men exemplifies that virtue at
the highest level.”
In his remarks, Dr. Gregorian urged the banquet guests to do what they
can to bolster the Republic of Armenia.
“We have to take care of not only our local communities, but also that
one land, small as it is, which has been entrusted to us,” he said.
“Armenia needs you and you need Armenia. We have to learn to become
great ancestors: not to live for the moment but live for the future.”
Rabbi Schneier spoke of his efforts to build interfaith bridges to face
international terrorism, which he called the great scourge of the
century.
“We value life. We believe in co-existence, in dialogue,” he said.
“We’re going to strengthen those leaders who believe in dialogue and
peaceful coexistence. And we hope by doing this we will send a message
and awaken a silent majority.”
— 5/12/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Dr. Vartan Gregorian, who was honored as the
“Armenian of the Year” during the 2004 Diocesan Assembly, autographed
copies of his memoir, “The Road to Home”, and welcomed fans before the
banquet on Saturday, May 1, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presents Rabbi Arthur
Schneier, founder and president of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation,
with the “Friend of the Armenians” award during the 2004 Diocesan
Assembly.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Members of the Shushi Dance Ensemble perform during
the Diocesan Assembly’s closing banquet on Saturday, May 1, 2004, in
Rye, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Dancers with the Shushi Dance Ensemble prepare to
take the stage during the Diocesan Assembly banquet on Saturday, May 1,
2004, in Rye. NY.
# # #