PROSECUTOR GENERAL RECEIVES RELATIVES OF PROTESTERS IN CONNECTION WITH MURDER

Noyan Tapan
Dec 08 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Relatives of Qyaram Avdalian, a
Yezid by nationality, who was killed in an incident in the village of
Lchashen on November 6, staged a protest in Yerevan’s Baghramian Street
on December 7, during which Gyulizar Avdalian, mother of the killed
person, poured fuel on herself and two grandchildren (aged 16 and 12)
and set fire. They received burns of second and third category and
were taken to hospital. NT was informed by Sona Truzian, spokeswoman
for the RA Prosecutor General that a criminal case was opened on the
fact of self-immolation and an investigation is under way.

According to the same source, some sheep of Q. Avdalian had grazed in
the areas under crops in Lchashen, as a result of which a quarrel broke
out at about 4 pm on November 6 between Q. Avdalian and the owner of
these areas Avetik Margarian, during which the two men hit each other
with fists. Q. Avdalian took to flight and about two hours later he
died from internal bleeding as a result of the lung rupture. A criminal
case was opened on this fact by the prosecutor’s office of Gegharkunik
marz on November 7, 2006. On the same day Avetik Margarian, 50, was
arrested as an accused, and a charge of inflicting bodily injury to
another person, leading to the victim’s death (Article 112 Part 2 Point
14 of the RA Criminal Code) was brought against him. The same source
informed NT that the RA Prosecutor General on December 7 received some
close relatives of Q. Avdalian. By his decision, the examination of
criminal case was transferred from the Gagharkunik prosecutor’s office
to the investigative department of the RA Prosecutor General’s Office.

ACCORDING TO ARF, "OUR HOMELAND" CANNOT BE "TRANSITIONAL ANTHEM"

Noyan Tapan
Dec 08 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. No agreement on the anthem of
the Republic of Armenia has been reached between the ARF and the
government. Secretary of the National Assembly ARF faction Gegham
Manukian stated this during the December 8 briefing. According to
him, ARF objects strongly to the idea of "Our Homeland" being a
"transitional anthem", and for this reason no agreement was reached
during the negotiations the day before. G. Manukian said that as
both the government’s draft law on the RA anthem and the draft of
the ARF faction are on the agenda of the NA sittings, the faction is
prepared to include the draft presented by the government in second
reading in its legislative proposal, except for the transitional
provision, and to stipilate in Point 2 that the anthem of the RA is
"Our Homeland". But the government insists on the necessity of the
transitional provision which should stipulate that "Our Homeland"
continues to be the RA anthem until the the words and music of
the anthem are approved by law. G. Manukian noted that the current
principal disagreements with the Republican Party of Armenia over
the issue of the anthem and that of extending the term of Armenian
military unit in Iraq cannot lead to the disintegration of the ruling
coalition. In his words, there were disagreements in the past as well,
and the coalition will function until the two forces officially sign
a document on the coaltional memorandum’s losing its force.

The faction secretary predicted that no early election or emergency
are expected in the country, while the opposition cannot come to
power at the upcoming elections. In his words, the opposition forces
are quite passive, as a result of which the society’s faith in the
opposition has decreased.

REDUCE EXPENSES IN ORDER TO REDUCE POVERTY

A1+
[03:48 pm] 08 December, 2006

Poverty has been reduced in Armenia: only one third of the population
is below the poverty threshold. This is the conclusion of sociologist
Aharon Adibekyan drawn as a result of investigations. According to
him, it is conditioned by two factors, "More jobs are created, and
those who work abroad, send money to Armenia".

The working group of the Poverty reduction strategic plan also claim
that poverty has been reduced.

According to them, the stimuli to this are the economic growth and
the state policy of expenses which is socially oriented.

Sociologist Aharon Adibekyan states that the market service
field equals that of industry and agriculture together. "There one
interesting thing: two people of the living standards differ as one
of them considers himself rich, and the other considers himself poor.

That is, their requirements are different". Hence, Mr. Adibekyan
concludes that the reduction of poverty is not only an economic or
social issue, but also a psychological one, "People have to revise
their values, ways of living and level of demands".

According to Mr. Adibekyan, the schools mush work in order to
solve the problem. "The schools must teach what luxury is and what
wastefulness is".

Today in Hotel "Congress" the Poverty reduction strategic plan
organized a discussion titled "Efficient enhancing of public
governing". "If we return to the work carried out during the past
5 years, where the country introduced structural changes, the task
of the second phase is to enhance them, particularly the quality
and accessibility of state services", said secretary of the reforms
committee Armen Khudaverdyan.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN A
MEDICAL CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY THE UN AND ARCL

The United Nations and the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon (ARCL) jointly
organized a conference on the results of a recent research related to
diseases of sexual organs in the "Tendjoukian" Hall of the "Belghourdjian"
socio-medical center in Bourdj Hammoud on December 7.

The principles and representatives of Lebanese-Armenian schools, unions and
organizations attended the conference. Committee member Hrair Djamboulian
represented the Youth Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

The results of special questionnaires prepared by ARCL and filled out by the
youth were presented during the conference. Several presentations were
delivered to develop the knowledge of the Armenian youth with respect to the
topic and the availability of professional medical help.

The conference decided to establish a special committee and appoint a
medical doctor in this field in the service of all the Armenian schools and
organizations. Special lectures and seminars on this topic will be organized
starting in January 2007.

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the youth
activities 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.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

| | © Deutsche Welle.

Armenien stellt das Leugnen des Genozids unter Strafe

,2144,2 263668,00.html

(Photo)Mahnmal in Jerewan zum Gedenken an den Völkermord

In Frankreich und jetzt auch in Armenien ist das Leugnen des Genozids
strafbar, auch Historiker sprechen vom "ersten Völkermord des 20.
Jahrhunderts". Die Türkei sagt, es habe "nur" Vertreibungen und Gewalttaten
gegeben.
Das armenische Parlament hat am 6. Dezember ein Paket von Änderungen und
Ergänzungen zum Strafgesetzbuch des Landes verabschiedet. Von nun an gelten
in Armenien die Rechtfertigung, Billigung und Verharmlosung oder das Leugnen
des Genozids an den Armeniern als Straftat. Für das Leugnen des Völkermordes
ist wie bei der Propagierung rassistischer Diskriminierung entweder eine
Geldstrafe zwischen umgerechnet 300 bis 850 Dollar oder eine Freiheitsstrafe
von bis zu vier Jahren vorgesehen.

Unterschied zum französischen Gesetz

Fast zwei Monate haben die armenischen Abgeordneten gebraucht, um dem
Beispiel der Nationalversammlung Frankreichs zu folgen und ein Gesetz zu
verabschieden, das für das Leugnen des Völkermords an den Armeniern eine
Strafe vorsieht. Aber im Unterschied zum französischen Gesetz, in dem klar
und deutlich vom Genozid an den Armeniern gesprochen wird, wird in dem
armenischen Strafgesetzbuch lediglich der Begriff "Genozid" verwendet. Nach
Ansicht von Beobachtern vor Ort ist das vor allem darauf zurückzuführen,
dass in Armenien ganz klar die Meinung herrscht, dass alles, was sich auf
den Genozid an den Armeniern beziehe, so klar und deutlich sei, dass keine
weitere gesetzliche Ausgestaltung notwendig sei.

Erinnerung allgegenwärtig

Der Leiter des Kaukasischen Medieninstituts, der Politologe Aleksandr
Iskandrjan, sagte im Gespräch mit der Deutschen Welle, hier sei nichts offen
gelassen worden. Es sei nur so, dass, wenn in Armenien über Völkermord
gesprochen werde, damit in erster Linie immer der Genozid an den Armeniern
im Osmanischen Reich gemeint sei, als 1915 auf Befehl der osmanischen
Führung zwischen 600.000 und 1,5 Millionen Armenier getötet wurden und
Hunderttausende aus Westarmenien deportiert wurden. Iskandrjan betonte, in
Armenien würde niemandem in den Sinn kommen, den Völkermord in Frage zu
stellen – so wie in Israel niemand den Holocaust leugnen würde.

Keine Furcht vor den Türken mehr

Warum wurden in Armenien Gesetzesinitiativen zu diesem Thema so lange
gebremst oder gar verhindert? Experten vor Ort meinen, es hätten sich immer
wieder Kräfte gefunden, die ernsthaft befürchteten, dass die Verabschiedung
entsprechender Gesetze die Türken beleidigen oder verärgern könnte. Aber
inzwischen hätten sich diese Befürchtungen gelegt – ausgerechnet jetzt, wo
die Türkei offensichtlich nicht daran denke, den Forderungen der EU
nachzukommen und zum Beispiel die Grenze zu Armenien zu öffnen. Außerdem
werde das armenische Angebot an die Türkei zur Zusammenarbeit – und zwar
ohne vorherige Bedingungen – ignoriert.

Die Türkei und Armenien sind zwar Nachbarstaaten, aber sie unterhalten keine
diplomatischen Beziehungen; die gemeinsame Grenze ist geschlossen.
Hauptgrund ist der Vorwurf, das Osmanische Reich als Vorläuferin der
modernen Türkei habe im Ersten Weltkrieg einen Völkermord an den
anatolischen Armeniern begangen. Mittlerweile haben 24 Staaten den Genozid
offiziell anerkannt, darunter Frankreich, Italien und die Niederlande. 1985
erschien der Begriff "Armenian genocide" in einem offiziellen Papier der
UNO. Die Türkei weist den Genozid-Vorwurf strikt zurück.

Aschot Gasasjan, Jerewan
DW-RADIO/Russisch, 6.12.2006, Fokus Ost-Südost

PRESS RELEASE:

U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) Launches Operations
New National Armenian-American Advocacy Organization
Opens Headquarters in Washington, DC

December 8, 2006

U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC)
1518 K Street, NW, Suite M
Washington, DC 20005
Contact: Ross Vartian
Telephone: 202-230-8125

Washington, DC – A group of Armenian-American activists have established the
U.S. – Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) and three associated
entities, which, together, are the platform for a new Armenian-American
advocacy organization dedicated to promoting and defending
Armenian-American interests.

In view of the many challenges faced by the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh and the leading role played by the United States in international
affairs, USAPAC founders are convinced of the need for robust and growing
Armenian-American activism in support of the homeland. By linking with
like-minded colleagues nationwide, USAPAC will develop into a powerful and
effective addition to the Armenian-American lobby.

USAPAC’s affiliated entities will include the Council on U.S.-Armenia
Relations, a tax-exempt educational and advocacy charity, the U.S.-Armenia
Political Action Committee, an electioneering entity, and the Committee on
U.S.-Armenia Issues, a voter education group. The four entities will
function as a powerful matrix serving to expand the breadth and reach of
Armenian-Americans’ political influence, while taking full advantage of all
advocacy and electioneering laws and regulations.

In a message to national Armenian-American originations, USAPAC stated, `As
we explored new ways to respond to the forces arrayed against
Armenian-American concerns and objectives, we looked to one of the most
effective groups in the U.S. that also faces comparable forces in opposition
to its agenda – the Jewish Lobby. This community’s advocacy preeminence can
be attributed in significant measure to its diversity and sheer numbers of
national, regional and local advocacy organizations that can be relied upon
time after time to act with remarkable coordination. Our community has
every reason to emulate this method of strength in numbers and unity of
purpose.’

USAPAC has appointed long time community activist Ross Vartian as its
Executive Director, and has engaged Rob Mosher as its Director of Government
Affairs. USAPAC has established its headquarters in Washington DC.

`There are great opportunities for the Armenian-American community to expand
its advocacy activities. USAPAC will place strong emphasis on educating the
community on issues and political candidates, as well as political
fundraising and grassroots activism,’ said Ross Vartian. `We want to help
the Armenian-American community further elevate its political profile.
Over time, USAPAC will enhance the scope of activities and contribute to
advancing the community’s agenda’ he concluded.

Rob Mosher stated, `We look forward to working in cooperation with the two
primary Armenian-American advocacy organizations with Washington presence,
the Armenia Assembly of America (AAA) and the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA), as well as other Armenian-American organizations and
individuals committed to Armenian civic causes.’

USAPAC received its initial funding through a grant from Gerard L. Cafesjian
and the Cafesjian Family Foundation. `This is a truly momentous event in
the history of Armenian advocacy in the United States and I want to express
USAPAC’s appreciation to the Cafesjian Family Foundation and to Gerry
Cafesjian personally for their vision and determination. Gerry and his
Foundation have worked to advance and assist unique charitable, economic and
civic action causes both in Armenia and the United States for over a decade,
and have been active participants in and supporters of Armenian-American
advocacy efforts. We are most grateful for their support of USAPAC’ said
Vartian.

The U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt and
not-for-profit organization established to advance Armenian-American
interests.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

Friday, December 8, 2006

29th Annual AGBU South American Games Gather Hundreds of Enthusiasts in
Montevideo / Montevideo Youth Group Also Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Commemorating both AGBU’s Centennial and the 60th Anniversary of AGBU
Montevideo’s Liga de Jóvenes [youth group], the local Chapter
attracted hundreds of sporting enthusiasts from July 12-16, 2006, for
the highly anticipated AGBU 29th South American Olympic Games. A winter
tradition that aims to unite the continent’s young Armenians, the event
is hosted annually in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Montevideo or São Paolo.

The Inaugural Ceremony for the Games was held on July 12 in the Misak
Kouyoumdjian Gymnasium of the local Alex Manoogian Center. Among the
opening’s guests were Under-Secretary of the Uruguayan Ministry of Sport
and Tourism, Lilian Kechichian; Cordoba Chapter Chairman, Ricardo
Erezian; Buenos Aires Chapter General Secretary, Antonio Sarafian;
Representative of the São Paolo Chapter’s Executive Council, Monica
Nalbandian; Archbishop Hagop Kelendjian; and Father Obed Boyadjian, who
gave the invocation for the commencement of the event; and members of
the current Montevideo Chapter Committee. Pairing athletics with
culture, the ceremony also included performances by a marching band and
a dance troupe consisting of students from the Montevideo AGBU Nubarian
Manoogian School, along with an electrifying roller-blading number by
the Chapter’s youth group, and the Olympiad torch lighting.

Following a warm welcome by Masters of Ceremony, Pablo Karslian and
Valeria Momdjian, Lilian Kechichian addressed the young athletes on
behalf of the national Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and then passed
the podium to Karine Keussayan, a representative of the Montevideo Liga.
To lead off the competitions, the final event of the evening was a
soccer match between Montevideo and São Paolo, with the home team
coming out ahead of their Brazilian counterparts – winning 8-3.

The competition continued the next morning with men’s ping-pong and
chess, followed by women’s ping-pong and a heated backgammon
competition. Track-and-field activities started off the afternoon, along
with team sports, such as junior and senior indoor soccer, volleyball
and basketball, at the Misak Kouyoumdjian Gymnasium. As in the past, the
Games attracted a capacity audience, and fostered a feeling of
camaraderie among the participants and spectators alike.

On the evening of July 14, a sold-out show, entitled The Sounds of Your
Music, was held in the Crystal Room of the Uruguayan capital’s Manoogian
Center. The AGBU Grung Choir, directed by Maestro Alvaro Hagopian and
consisting of over 30 members, kicked off the evening. Other highlights
included a kamancha performance by Nshte Boyadjian, and a finale by the
Armenian rock band, Los Garabedutiun. The festivities continued in the
same venue the following evening with the closing dinner gala.

The Games concluded on Sunday, July 16, with a farewell luncheon and
trophy ceremony. Each athlete also received a commemorative medal for
his/her participation in the 29th Annual AGBU South American Games.

The Montevideo Youth Group continued the celebration of its 60th
Anniversary with a dinner banquet on November 17, 2006, at the local
Center. Organized by the Chapter’s youth, the evening was attended by
hundreds of supporters, members and former Liga Chairmen. To enhance the
festive occasion, the current youth group members staged a surprise
cultural program, which included a theatrical skit and tango performance
depicting the early years and evolvement of AGBU Liga de Jóvenes in
Uruguay’s capital.

Founded in 1906, AGBU has played a pivotal role in preserving and
promoting the Armenian identity and heritage for a century.
Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $34 million,
AGBU is today’s largest Armenian non-profit, annually serving 400,000
Armenians in 37 countries through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs.

For more information on AGBU Montevideo, please visit ,
email [email protected], or call the AGBU Alex Manoogian Center,
located in Montevideo, Uruguay at +598.2209.8810.

For more information on AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit

MARKET WIRE (Press Release)
Dec 8, 2006

Global Gold Names Ambassador Harry Gilmore (Ret) to Board

GREENWICH, CT–(MARKET WIRE)–Dec 8, 2006 — Global Gold Corporation
(OTC BB:GBGD.OB – News) () today announced that
former United States Ambassador to Armenia Harry Gilmore was elected
as an independent director effective January 1, 2007. "It is a real
pleasure to welcome Ambassador Gilmore to our board. His experience,
record of accomplishment and integrity exemplify the best
standards. As Global Gold continues to grow, we look forward to
benefiting from his insights and guidance," said Board chairman Drury
J. Gallagher.

Ambassador Gilmore is a retired Foreign Service Officer. In his
thirty-five year career in the United States Foreign Service,
Ambassador

Gilmore held a number of senior positions. He served as the first U.S.
Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia from May, 1993 to July,
1995. His other senior positions included Deputy Commandant for
International Affairs, U.S. Army War College (1991-1992) and
U.S. Minister and Deputy Commandant of the American Sector, Berlin
(1987-1990). Following the reunification of Germany, he served as
Principal Officer of the U.S. Embassy Office, Berlin (1990-1991).

Earlier in his Foreign Service career, Mr. Gilmore served as Deputy
Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Belgrade (1981-1985) and Director,
Office of Central European Affairs, U.S. Department of State. His
other overseas postings included Munich, Moscow, Budapest and
Ankara. Mr. Gilmore’s final assignments as a Foreign Service Officer
were devoted to the education and training of Foreign Service and
other U.S. Government personnel assigned abroad. He was Dean of the
Senior Seminar at the Foreign Service Institute (1996-1997) and Dean
of Area Studies (1995-1996).

Mr. Gilmore received a B.A. degree from the University of
Pittsburgh. He did graduate work in Russian and East European studies
at Indiana University and George Washington University. Ambassador
Gilmore is married to Carol Louise Kunz. They are both from Clairton,
Pennsylvania. They have three children and five grandchildren.

To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly
historical, including statements as to revenue projections, business
strategy, outlook, objectives, future milestones, plans, intentions,
goals, future financial conditions, future collaboration agreements,
the success of the Company’s development, events conditioned on
stockholder or other approval, or otherwise as to future events, such
statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are
subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from the statements made. Former Soviet
country estimations are presented for historical reporting and to
provide a basis for assessing Global Gold’s choices for its business
activities and not to be understood as indicating the existence of
reserves or resources.

Global Gold Corporation is an international gold mining, development
and exploration company currently with mining properties in Chile and
Armenia. Global Gold Corporation is located at 45 East Putnam Avenue,
Greenwich, CT 06830. The main phone number is 203-422-2300. More
information can be found at

Contact:

Van Z. Krikorian
President
[email protected]

Source: Global Gold Corp.

Armenian singer Silva has won the BBC World Service’s Next Big Thing
competition with her song I Like.

BBC NEWS
2006/12/09
inment/6216088.stm

The 17-year-old was chosen ahead of six other acts from around the
world at the final, held in the BBC’s Maida Vale studios in London.
The judges praised I Like, which was composed by the singer’s brother,
as "fresh and new" and described her performance as "second to none."
"It’s terrific, it’s unbelievable to be in first place," she said.

She added the comments from the judges – producer William Orbit
described her as "fabulous" – meant she felt confident she could "make
the step up to international level." Second place in the competition
was split between Malawian rapper NiC and London duo Stefan and Mya.
‘Great tradition’ Stefan and Mya’s song My Dunks – a rock-rap track
about a trainer-obsessed fashion victim and his bitter rows with his
girlfriend – was described by Jeff Travis – founder of UK indie label
Rough Trade – as part of "a great tradition in rock ‘n’ roll."

NiC’s Take A Look Into My Eyes – an anti-materialistic rap song about
the difficulties of getting into the music industry in Africa – was
lauded by the judges for its lyrical content and use of a Greek
sample. Meanwhile, third place went to Brazilian collective Sweet
Cherry Fury for their song Cold Blonde Body.

Generation Next

The other finalists included British rock group Skagz, American outfit
MLK and the Dreamers, and Ghanaian singer Mishkini, who performed his
song in three different languages. The competition, part of the BBC’s
Generation Next season, was aimed exclusively at acts aged under 18.
The final seven had been selected by a panel of music journalists and
experts from a group of 20 acts – who themselves had been pooled from
all the entries submitted via the BBC’s website.

The judges for the final included legendary producer William Orbit,
Rough Trade founder Jeff Travis, African star Angelique Kidjo and
Dirty Pretty Things drummer Gary Powell.

© BBC MMVI

December 9, 2006

PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
Website: <;

THE PRELATE ACCOMPANIED H.H. CATHOLICOS ARAM I
ON HIS VISIT TO THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

-18 YOUTH FROM THE WESTERN PRELACY PARTICIPATED IN THE YOUTH GATHERING

On Thursday, December 7, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
returned to Los Angeles from a weeklong visit to the Eastern United States,
where he had accompanied the entourage of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Great House of Cilicia, during His visit to the Eastern United States.
His Holiness visited Detroit, Michigan, during the weekend of December 1 –
3, 2006, where He addressed Armenian youth, students and young adults, at a
gathering organized by the three Prelacies, encouraging them to take the
renewal of the Armenian Church seriously.
His Holiness visited the United States upon a special invitation by St. John
‘s University in Minnesota to receive the Pax Christi Award. In addition,
He was invited to speak at the University of Notre Dame’s `Interdisciplinary
Conference on the Dynamics of Religious Coping’. During His trip He
requested that the young adults of all three prelacies organize a meeting,
so that issues regarding the youth of the Armenian Apostolic Church could be
discussed.
His Holiness arrived in Detroit on December 1st where He was
greeted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, H.E. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern United States, H.E. Archbishop Khajag
Hagopian, Prelate of Canada, members of Prelacy councils, Pastor and Board
of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn, and representatives of various
community organizations.
In the youth gathering entitled `Your Church, Your Future, Engage,’ His
Holiness challenged attendees to do just that; engage. `We must remind
ourselves that we are the first Christian nation which accepted Christianity
as a state religion, but at the same time, we must realize that our church
directly needs renewal,’ He told the youth. `By renewal I don’t mean
changing the language of the liturgy or introducing some changes in the
administration or the structure of the church. This would be a very
superficial and one-sided perception of renewal. By renewal I understand
making our church a people’s church impacting the life of our people. By
renewal I mean making our church responsive to the needs and expectations of
our people. By renewal I mean reaffirming the missionary, evangelistic and
educational outreach of the church. Therefore the renewal must be perceived
as a process permeating the entire life of the church.’
In his remarks, H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern
USA, stressed the importance of greater participation of the youth in our
Church life. Through his biblical meditation, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, placed the emphasis on serving
the spiritual needs of people. The Prelate of Canada, H.E. Archbishop
Khajag Hagopian, in his turn shared the concern of the youth and invited
them to take an active part in the reformation of the church.
The youth gathering, jointly organized by the three Prelacies, brought
together young adults from different parts of the USA and Canada. The
delegation of 18 youth from the Western United States was led by His
Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, accompanied by Christian
Education Department Co-Director Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian.
Delegates of the Western Prelacy A.C.Y.A. took active roles during the
weekend event, including greeting His Holiness upon arrival to the hotel,
participating in all scripture readings during the event, and joining the
weekend services both as deacons and sub-deacons. The program of the
educational gathering also included testimonials, lectures, panel
discussions, informal meetings and a musical event. Worship and biblical
meditations were at the heart of this gathering.
During `Hrashapar’ service at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Detroit on
Friday, December 1st, His Holiness Aram I addressed attendees by
emphasizing: `Not only should we build Churches, we must be built by the
Church, we must become the Church. The Church is not an organization, it is
a community of faith, hope, and love.’
During the second day of the event, in a powerful message addressed to the
youth gathering, Catholicos Aram I challenged the Armenian young adults to
take the renewal of the Armenian Church seriously: `We must be proud that
the Armenian Church is an ancient Church. We must remind ourselves that we
are the first Christian nation which accepted Christianity as a state
religion, but at the same time we must realize that our Church direly needs
renewal.’
At the end of His address, His Holiness engaged in a dialogue with the youth
by responding to the many questions related specifically to the renewal of
the Armenian Church.
The gathering was concluded by a firm commitment of the youth to remain
faithful to the very theme of this event, `Your Church, Your Future, Engage’
.
In the following days, the Prelate accompanied His Holiness to
Indiana and Minnesota where he was present at lectures and church services,
most notably at St. John’s University where His Holiness received the Pax
Christi award. The Prelate returned to Los Angeles on the evening of
Thursday, December 7th.

PRAYERS OFFERED ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE

ARMENIA EARTHQUAKE

Thursday, December 7, was the 18th anniversary of the devastating earthquake
in Armenia. Upon the ordinance of the Prelate, Prelacy churches opened their
doors and welcomed our faithful to pray in memory of the victims.
At St. Garabed Church in Hollywood, a special service was
offered with the participation of students from Rose and Alex Pilibos High
School.
On this day, our faithful parishioners and students prayed for
the souls of the victims and also for the safety of our homeland and all
mankind.

HOLY MASS AT THE LAS VEGAS PARISH

On Sunday, December 10, Holy Mass will be offered at the Armenian Apostolic
Church of Las Vegas, at the Lakes Lutheran Church.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian
will conduct Mass and offer the sermon. Service will begin at 3:00 p.m.

STUDENT GATHERING TO CELEBRATE
THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN SCHOOL

As you well know, H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, had
declared 2006 to be `The Year of the Armenian School’. Therefore, throughout
the year, Prelacy schools organized various events to celebrate the Armenian
School.
On Friday, December 15, the last of these celebrations will take place under
the auspices of the Prelate and with the participation of all Prelacy
Schools. The student gathering, which was initiated by the Board of Regents
of Prelacy Schools, will take place at `Avedissian’ Hall of Ferrahian High
School.
During the event, representatives of the Executive Council and
Board of Regents will deliver their remarks. Concluding remarks will be
made by the Prelate.

ACYA CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Central Board of the ACYA has organized a Christmas party to
take place on Friday, December 15, at 8:00 p.m., at the `Armenak Der
Bedrosian’ Hall of St. Mary’s Church, in Glendale.
The event is being held under the auspices of the Prelate and
with the participation of youth from all Prelacy churches.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

On Sunday, December 17, the Christmas celebrations of St.
Garabed, Holy Martyrs, and Holy Cross Cathedral Sunday Schools will take
place under the auspices of the Prelate. The festivities will begin
following church services, at 1:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s Church Sunday School has planned its celebration for
December 24, at 10:30 a.m. in the church hall.