L’ARMENIE VA PROLONGER LA PRESENCE DE SON CONTINGENT MILITAIRE EN IRAK
Agence France Presse
16 novembre 2006 jeudi 1:13 AM GMT
L’Armenie a l’intention de prolonger la presence de son contingent
militaire — 46 hommes — en Irak, a annonce mercredi soir le ministre
armenien de la Defense a son retour d’un voyage a Bagdad.
“Nous allons demander au parlement de prolonger la presence de notre
contingent en Irak et nous esperons qu’il nous donnera son accord”,
a declare M. Serzh Sarkisian aux journalistes qui l’attendaient a
l’aeroport d’Erevan.
Au cours de sa visite, M. Sarkisian a rencontre son homologue irakien
Abdoul Qadr et les chefs des forces de la coalition, pour notamment
evoquer la securite de la diaspora armenienne forte de 20.000 membres
en Irak, a precise un porte-parole du ministre.

LE PARI TURC DE JACQUES CHIRAC
Par Natalie NougayrÈde
Le Monde, France
15 novembre 2006 mercredi
Lorsqu’il parle de la Turquie, Jacques Chirac evoque rarement la
promesse, faite en 1963 par de Gaulle et Adenauer, d’integrer un
jour ce pays dans l’Europe. En onze ans de pouvoir, le president
francais ne s’est jamais rendu en Turquie en visite d’Etat. En 1998,
Jacques Chirac accueillait pourtant son homologue turc, Suleyman
Demirel, a Paris. C’etait la première visite du genre depuis 1967. La
diplomatie turque attendait, en retour, un deplacement de M. Chirac,
en se souvenant que le general de Gaulle, lui, avait fait le voyage
d’Ankara en 1968.
Cette visite qui n’a pas eu lieu, M. Chirac l’envisageait pourtant
pendant son premier mandat. A partir de 2002, la chose est devenue
difficile. Le rejet montant de la Turquie dans l’opinion francaise,
les doutes inspires par le grand voisin musulman de 70 millions
d’habitants, la lassitude face aux elargissements europeens, tout cela
a concouru a une omission. M. Chirac a bien fini, en septembre, par
aller contempler le mont Ararat, mais c’etait du côte armenien de la
frontière. Pourtant, a entendre ses conseillers, M. Chirac est reste,
toutes ces annees, fermement convaincu de la ” vocation europeenne
” de la Turquie.
Sur ce point, il n’a pas evolue. Ce qui a change, ce sont les
circonstances, et notamment le tournant pris en 2002 par les Turcs,
lorsqu’ils ont elu un gouvernement, certes modere, mais islamiste.
Sur la question turque, M. Chirac s’est mis a composer, au risque de
brouiller le message.
On lui a connu, par le passe, de forts elans pro-turcs. En 1999,
au lendemain du Conseil europeen de Luxembourg qui avait accorde le
statut de ” pays candidat ” a la Turquie, M. Chirac avait prete son
avion a l’emissaire europeen, Javier Solana, pour qu’il apporte la
bonne nouvelle a Ankara. En 1997, le president francais regrettait
publiquement que la Turquie ne soit pas invitee a rejoindre l’Europe
au meme titre que les pays de l’Est. Et, en 1995, c’est grâce aux
efforts de son ministre des affaires etrangères, Alain Juppe, qu’une
union douanière etait conclue entre la Turquie et l’Europe.
Le tropisme turc de M. Chirac a ceci de particulier que, contrairement
a la politique qu’il a longtemps menee en direction d’autres pays du
Proche-Orient et du monde musulman, cette approche n’a jamais repose
sur un fort lien personnel avec tel ou tel dirigeant local. Certains
evoquent, certes, l’amitie nouee dans les annees 1980 par M. Chirac,
alors maire de Paris, avec l’ambassadeur turc de l’epoque. Mais
Ankara a connu depuis le debut des annees 1990 une succession de
gouvernements differents sans que M. Chirac devie de sa ligne.
Celle-ci repose sur plusieurs considerations. L’aspect strategique
et geopolitique : l’Europe aurait interet a s’elargir a la Turquie
pour contribuer a la stabilite de ces regions orientales, et sa
puissance n’en sera que renforcee (sur ce point M. Chirac est en
parfait accord avec la diplomatie britannique). La question de l’islam
et de la laïcite : l’Etat turc, avec son heritage kemaliste inspire
des valeurs de la Republique francaise, a valeur d’exemple dans un
monde musulman travaille par les extremismes. L’interet propre de
la France : en etant l’avocat de la cause turque, Paris conforte ses
liens specifiques avec le monde arabo-musulman. Enfin, il y a l’effet
pedagogique : en lui ouvrant la porte, l’Europe aide la Turquie a se
reformer, estime le president francais.
Depuis quelque temps, M. Chirac manifeste pourtant bien plus
d’ambiguïte que d’enthousiasme sur ce dossier. En octobre 2004,
après que son parti, l’UMP, se fut prononce contre l’integration de
la Turquie dans l’Union, il annoncait que la question, le moment venu,
serait soumise a un referendum. En 2005, au lendemain du rejet par les
Francais de la Constitution europeenne, son gouvernement pesait auprès
des ” Vingt-Cinq ” pour que la reconnaissance de Chypre devienne une
obligation pour Ankara.
En septembre, pendant sa visite a Erevan, c’est le deni turc du
genocide armenien qui a ete erige par M. Chirac en nouvel obstacle
a l’adhesion, sans que cette position soit endossee par l’Union
europeenne, qui s’en tient aux critère dits ” de Copenhague “. M.
Chirac, qui evitait encore en 2004 d’employer le terme ” genocide ”
pour designer les evenements de 1915, n’a pas toujours tenu le meme
discours. Il etait peu favorable, en 2001, au vote d’une loi francaise
reconnaissant le genocide armenien.
INFLEXIONS SUCCESSIVES
Ces inflexions successives font que M. Chirac a aujourd’hui de grandes
peines a rassurer les responsables turcs. L’Elysee a ete decontenance
d’entendre le premier ministre turc, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, presenter
comme des ” regrets ” les paroles que lui avait tenues M. Chirac au
telephone, le 14 octobre, deux jours après le vote de la proposition
de loi sur la penalisation du deni du genocide armenien. M. Chirac
voulait, dit son entourage, simplement se demarquer d’une loi qu’il
juge inutile, tout en soulignant la necessite du travail de memoire.
Alors, que croire ? ” Jacques Chirac a sans doute convaincu les Turcs,
ces derniers temps, qu’il etait un adversaire de l’integration de
leur pays “, constate Kirsty Hugues, de l’institut ” Amis de l’Europe
” a Bruxelles. ” Mais la realite, c’est qu’aux moments cruciaux il a
toujours pese dans le bon sens : pour l’integration. La question de
Chypre, qui pourrait faire derailler les negociations, sera, d’ici
au mois de decembre, un test important de l’attitude de M. Chirac. ”
Les flottements de M. Chirac ont pu etre attribues a
l’instrumentalisation de la question turque dans le debat francais. ”
Sur ce dossier, il fait oeuvre tactique “, observe Didier Billion,
directeur adjoint de l’Institut des relations internationales et
strategiques (IRIS), a Paris, ” mais il reste fondamentalement
favorable a une entree de la Turquie dans l’Europe “. Le refus de
la Turquie, en 2003, de laisser les troupes americaines utiliser son
territoire pour la guerre en Irak, et, plus recemment, l’envoi d’un
contingent turc au Liban, sont des gestes qui ont plu a l’Elysee.
Pour y voir plus clair, peut-etre faut-il se pencher sur les termes
exacts de M. Chirac : ” Negociation ne veut pas dire adhesion “,
declarait-il en decembre 2004. Le processus prendra ” probablement
dix ou quinze ans “, ajoutait-il, et ” s’il s’averait que la Turquie
ne veut, ou ne peut pas, adherer a l’ensemble des reformes – qui
lui sont demandees, NDLR – , l’Union mettra alors en place un lien
suffisamment fort, qui ne soit pas l’adhesion “.
La grande inconnue residerait donc dans les intentions de la Turquie.
Il sera toujours temps, ensuite, d’ajuster l’offre des Europeens.
Pour M. Chirac, l’adhesion est destinee a une Turquie hypothetique,
reformee en profondeur, resolument democratique, laïque, alignee
sur les normes de l’Europe. Il ne sait s’il elle existera un jour,
mais il en fait le pari.
–Boundary_(ID_4Ld/uFjnqaeNE+xb1fHh2w)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research
395 Concord Avenue
Belmont, MA 02478
Tel.: 617-489-1610
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact: Marc A. Mamigonian
52ND ANNUAL NAASR ASSEMBLY TO FEATURE
TALK ON ARMENIAN NATIONAL IDENTITY
Dr. Razmik Panossian will give a talk entitled “Armenian National
Identity: A Historical Analysis for the 21st Century” at the luncheon
program preceding the 52nd Annual Assembly of the National Association
for Armenian Studies and Research on Saturday afternoon, November 18,
at the NAASR Headquarters, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA. The Assembly
will be convened at 12:00 noon and lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m.
Author of Important New Study
Panossian is the author of the recently published study The
Armenians: From Kings and Priests to Merchants and Commissars
(Columbia University Press). The Armenians traces the evolution of
Armenia and Armenian collective identity from its beginnings down
to the present day. Touching on political history, art, literature,
religious practice, and other areas, Panossian analyzes the various
factors contributing to Armenian cultural identity. He explores a
series of landmark events in Armenian history and demonstrates that
Armenian identity underwent a “multi-local” evolution both within
the Armenian homelands and in the worldwide diaspora.
Panossian received a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics and
Political Science. His dissertation won the 2001 Lord Bryce Prize for
Best Dissertation in Comparative and International Politics, awarded
by the UK Political Studies Association. He is currently the Director
of Programmes and Policy at the International Centre for Human Rights
and Democracy in Canada.
Reports on NAASR Programs and Goals
Following the luncheon, those attending the 52nd Assembly of Members
will be informed about NAASR’s ongoing efforts to further Armenian
studies, research, and publication. Reports will be presented by
the Board of Directors on organizational, informational, academic,
and financial matters; and the election of Directors will be held. In
addition, there will be reports by the Assembly’s special committees
on Nominations, Constitution and Rules, New Business and Resolutions,
and Auditing.
The chairmen of the special committees are Jack Medzorian of
Winchester, Nominating; Yervant Chekijian of Boston, Constitution and
Rules; Edna Hovagimian of Stoughton, New Business and Resolutions;
and Ed Der Kazarian of Watertown, Auditing. The Assembly will be
chaired by NAASR Board Chairman Nancy R. Kolligian of Watertown,
and Van M. Aroian of Worcester will serve as Secretary of the Assembly.
The Assembly sessions are open to all NAASR members in good standing
(with dues paid for the current calendar year), who “have the right
to attend, be heard, and vote.” Non-members may attend as observers.
The luncheon and subsequent program are open to the general
public. There is ample parking available around the NAASR Center and
in adjoining areas.
# # # # #
Belmont, MA
October 27, 2006

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail:[email protected]
FO R IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 16, 06
Contact: Kevor Manguelian
Tel. (613) 235-2622
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay Reaffirms Canadian Government’s
Recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Ottawa-Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay reaffirmed the Canadian
government’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide, during a round
table discussion with the National Ethnic Press and Media Council
(NEPMCC) on Nov. 8. The minister also clarified his position on the
Turkish Government’s proposal to create a historians’ commission to
study the Armenian Genocide.
Minister Mackey assured the Canadian-Armenian community that the
Canadian Government’s policy on the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide has “not changed. Nothing has changed in that regard,”
stressed Mr. MacKay.
In response to a question from Aris Babikian, Horizon Weekly
representative to NEPMCC and the executive director of the Armenian
National Committee of Canada (ANCC), Mr. MacKay stated: “Canada would
support a joint study that would involve participation from academics
from both countries with the inclusion, perhaps, a neutral country
that would be acceptable to both. So a dialogue around what is clearly
incredibly sensitive and loaded issue could lead to greater meeting of
minds plus an opening of a dialogue on other important issues-trade,
travel, greater communication, the blockade of Armenia-is useful
exercise that might bring about some greater healing.”
In response to studies by more than 450 historians and international
organizations confirming the uncontested historical reality of the
Armenian Genocide, Mr. MacKay said: “I am not disputing what you
[Babikian] said in terms of the amount of study that has accrued
already.”
In a related story, Robert Kocharian, president of Armenia, replied
to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s proposal to form
a historians’ commission by saying: “A suggestion to address the
past cannot be effective if it deflects from addressing the present
and the future. In order to engage in a useful dialogue, we need to
create the appropriate and conducive political environment. It is the
responsibility of governments to develop bilateral relations and we do
not have the right to delegate that responsibility to historians. That
is why we have proposed and propose again that, without pre-conditions,
we establish normal relations between our two countries.”
“Minister MacKay’s clarifications are greatly appreciated by the
ANCC and the Canadian-Armenian Community. To build neighbourly and
friendly relations Armenia and Turkey must talk and establish joint
intergovernmental commissions to discuses all outstanding issues
between the two countries,” said Babikian. “After all Armenia and
Turkey are bound to coexist and prosper next to each other.”
#
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances
the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range
of issues.
Regional Chapters
Montreal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St.
Catharines – Windsor – Vancouver

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
November 16, 2006
ARMENIAN CHURCH 2006:
YOUTH GATHERING WITH CATHOLICOS ARAM I
Make your reservations and travel arrangements now as Armenian Church
2006: Your Church. Your Future. Engage, approaches. This event promises to
be an unprecedented assembly of young adults ages 18 to 35 with His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The two-day gathering is
scheduled to take place Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, in
Dearborn, Michigan.
The Program Committee has supplemented the schedule with exciting events
that will add energy and power to the weekend. A pre-gathering discussion
regarding the Armenian Church today will prelude the program on Saturday.
This forum will give the attendees a chance to grapple with issues of
concern related to the church. Hayr Meghrig Parikian of Toronto, Canada,
will lead a contemplative choir performance allowing the participants to
enjoy the talents of Armenian singers and the beauty of traditional Armenian
hymns. Other portions of the schedule will include live speakers, film,
music, and liturgy and will all be focused toward answering the questions:
Where have we come from? Where are we going? How far can we go?
Armenian Church 2006 will unofficially begin with a Hrashapar Service on
Friday, December 1, 7 pm at St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn, Michigan. The
main program will begin on Saturday, December 2, at 2 pm and conclude on
Sunday, December 3 at 2 pm. The two-day gathering will also feature a
concert by renowned Christian vocalist Salpi Keleshian. Armenian Church 2006
will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn. A special hotel rate of
$99 per night has been negotiated. A $40 registration fee will include
dinner on Saturday evening as well as breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Details
about the program as well as a registration form are available at
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR ARCHBISHOP MESROB ASHJIAN
Requiem services in memory of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, former prelate
of the Eastern Prelacy, will take place on Sunday, December 3, at St.
Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. Rev. Fr.
Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, will preside. Archbishop Ashjian
died three years ago on December 2, 2003.
CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18
A reminder that the children’s concert featuring the popular children’s
entertainer, TALINE from California, is this Saturday, November 18 at
Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City. For information call
the Prelacy office 212-689-7810 or click
m.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL ATTEND
50th ANNIVERSARY OF REV. FR. GORUN SHRIKIAN
The 50th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Gorun Shrikian will be
commemorated this Sunday, November 19, at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn,
Michigan. The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, will preside over the Divine
Liturgy and the luncheon that will follow in honor of Der Gorun. The
celebration is being sponsored by St. Sarkis Church and the Armenian
Community Center.
Der Gorun has served the Eastern Prelacy beginning in 1959 until his
retirement in 1997. During his ministry he served two parishes: St. Gregory
Church in Granite City, Illinois, from 1959 to 1964, and St. Sarkis Church
in Dearborn, Michigan from 1964 until his retirement in 1997.
Der Gorun received his PhD from Concordia Seminary in 1977, after
presenting and successfully defending his dissertation, “Armenians under the
Ottoman Empire and American Missions’ Influence in their Intellectual and
Social Renaissance.”
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF REV. FR. MOUSHEGH DER KALOUSTIAN
TO BE CELEBRATED ON DECEMBER 17
On Sunday, December 17, the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Rev.
Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian will be commemorated at Terrace on the Park. Der
Moushegh will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in
New York, where he served as the priest for many years, prior to the
luncheon commemoration.
During this year, two other priests marked their 50th anniversary: Rev.
Fr. Torkom Hagopian, whose golden anniversary was celebrated by St. Stephen
Church in Watertown, Massachusetts in June and as mentioned above Rev. Fr.
Gorun Shrikian’s anniversary which will be celebrated this Sunday.
For reservations and/or information about the December 17th celebration
of Der Moushegh’s 50th anniversary, contact the Prelacy, 212-689-7810.
THE SPEAR OF CHRIST WILL BE FEATURED
ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL
“The Spear of Christ,” a one-hour documentary will be shown on the
History Channel’s “Decoding the Past” series on Thursday, December 21, at 9
pm. (Please check your local listings). Filmed in four countries (including
Armenia), the program follows the legend of one of histories most powerful
relics on its 200-year journey. The spear that pierced the side of Christ
while he was on the cross is believed to hold miraculous powers. Four
artifacts exist which claim to be this holy spear: one in Vienna, one in
Poland, one in the Vatican, and one in Armenia. The program examines each in
an effort to determine which, if any, is the authentic Spear. The producer
of the show, Ken Winikur, said his trip to Armenia was central to the
success of the documentary. “Armenia is a beautiful country with a rich
history. The story of its Holy Lance is virtually unknown to an American
audience and we are excited to feature it in our program,” he said.
ASIA-MIDDLE EAST INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
TAKES PLACE IN ANTELIAS
Religious leaders from Asia and the Middle East came together in
Antelias, Lebanon, on November 12 to 14, at the invitation of His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I. His Holiness provided the vision and guidance for this
meeting, which was convened so that religious leaders from these two regions
could get to know each other and begin to develop greater understanding of
each other’s religious traditions.
In a joint message the leaders said: “Bridges of faith can provide hope
and healing to wounded nations and pain-filled people, of which there are
too many in our world today. During the dialogue, we heard serious concerns
from both Asia and the Middle East regarding the world situation. We heard
of the need to recommit ourselves to the spiritual core of our religious
traditions so that people and societies may translate into daily life the
spiritual and moral values cherished by our traditions. We also heard of the
need for religion to provide us with the strength, vision and understanding
for reconciliation among individuals and communities based on truth and
justice. We heard of the need for an engaged spirituality, where the deeper
meaning of our traditions, moral teachings and values can be experienced.
And we heard of the need to foster a deep respect for the differences that
give us our distinctive identities, while recognizing the universal values
that bring us together as a human community.”
THANKSGIVING DAY TELETHON
We remind our readers to watch and participate in the annual Thanksgiving
Day telethon which will benefit Armenia Fund USA’s great work in Armenia.
For complete schedule go to
PAREGENTAN OF THE FAST OF ADVENT
This Sunday, November 19, is the Paregentan of the Fast of Advent.
Counting backwards from January 6th, the beginning of Advent falls on
November 18th or the closest Sunday. Advent is a period of anticipation and
contrition in preparation for the great and joyous Feast of the Theophany
(Nativity and Baptism of Our Lord).
PRESENTATION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
Tuesday, November 21, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of the
Presentation of the Holy Mother of God (Asdvadzadzin). According to
tradition, Anna, who was childless for years, prayed in earnest that God
grant her a child and promised she would dedicate the child to the holy
Temple. God granted her a girl, who she named Mary, and faithful to her
word, she presented her daughter to the Temple at the age of three. This is
the event celebrated on November 21. Mary remained in the house of God for
twelve years, until she was 15 years old, when she returned to her parents.
She was in her teens when the Archangel Gabriel, sent by God, told her that
she was blessed amongst women and would become the mother of the Son of God.
The Armenian Church celebrates eight feasts of the Holy Mother of God:
Her Nativity; Her Presentation to the Temple; The Annunciation; The
Conception of Mary; The Purification; The Assumption; The Discovery of her
Belt; The Discovery of the Box.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 17 & 18-Annual Bazaar, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts.
November 17-St. Gregory Church. North Andover, Massachusetts, Monthly
Family Night and Thanksgiving Dinner, 6 pm.
November 18-Children’s Concert, “FALL COLORS”, sponsored by the Eastern
Prelacy at Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City, featuring
TALINE AND FRIENDS.
November 18-“Christian Spirituality and the Armenian Apostolic Church,” a
lecture by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, at St. Sarkis Armenian Church,
Douglaston, New York.
November 19-Thanksgiving luncheon by Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, New York City, following the Divine Liturgy, under the auspices
of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor. For information: 212-689-5880.
December 9-Men’s Club Steak Dinner, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
December 2-3-Gathering of the Youth with Catholicos Aram I, Hyatt Regency,
Dearborn, Michigan. For details click here.
December 3-Requiem service in memory of His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian on the third anniversary of his passing, St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian will
preside.
December 10-52nd anniversary of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church,
Granite City, Illinois.
December 10-General Membership meeting and elections of auditing and
nominating committees, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.
December 10-Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, Troy, New York, Archbishop
Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy.
December 13-Thanksgiving Luncheon with the local NYPD and Fire Fighters, St.
Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York.
December 16-“A Celebration of Service” in honor of past chairmen and board
of trustees members. Under auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, St.
Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, 8 pm. For information and
reservations 718-224-2275.
December 16-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Men’s Club and
Ladies’ Guild Christmas Party and Dinner Dance, 7 pm, $40 per person.
Reservations a must. For information: 201-943-4056 (Kiledjian); 201-461-4283
(Mirakian).
December 17-50th anniversary celebration of the ordination of Archpriest Fr.
Moushegh Der Kaloustian, sponsored by the Prelacy Religious Council, at
Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows, New York. Der Moushegh will celebrate
the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral (221 E. 27th Street, New
York City) on Sunday morning.
December 24-Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
December 31-New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield,
New Jersey and ARF Dro Gomideh, Parsippany Hilton, New Jersey. Featuring
Arthur Apkarian and Armenia Band. For full information contact the church
office 201-943-2950.
December 31-New Year’s Eve Party, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston,
New York.
January 6-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
first Episcopal Badarak in Philadelphia by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.
January 6-St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Christmas party and
special program for Saturday and Sunday school students.
January 28-Annual Membership Meeting, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda,
Maryland, at 1 pm.
February 4-St. Sarkis name day, celebrating the patron saint of the church
and requiem service for Archpriest Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian, St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York.
February 11-General Membership meeting and elections, St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York.
February 17-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Annual
Membership Meeting.
February 18-Poon Paregentan, Eve of Great Lent, International Cuisine Night,
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
Visit our website at

November 16, 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]
Website:
CELEBRATION OF THE 106TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH OF FRESNO
On Sunday, November 12, 2006, the 106th Anniversary of Holy Trinity
Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno was celebrated with Divine Liturgy
and a sermon by His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, and Rev. Vahan Gosdanian
assisted at the altar. In his sermon, the Prelate credited the founders
of the church, who made every effort possible to establish the church
on solid ground for our children and for the coming generation of
faithful Armenians.
Following Divine Liturgy, the parishioners gathered at the church
social hall where the annual banquet of the church was held. Rev.
Vahan Gosdanian offered the opening prayers, followed by the
singing of the American and Armenian National Anthems by Ms. Angele
Ohannessian. The master of ceremonies was Board of Trustees Chairman
Mr. Jeff Tanielian, and the meal was prepared by the parish Men’s
Society. More than 250 individuals were in attendance to celebrate
the anniversary of the church.
It has become the annual tradition of the parish to honor individuals
for their outstanding service to the church and community. The honorees
this year were Mrs. Patricia Bouloutian, Mrs. Lylian Chooljian,
and Ms. Patricia Sevoian. As the recipients were unaware of the
recognition they were about to receive, this was a pleasant and
special moment for each one of them and their families.
Subsequently, Mr. Hrair Messerlian, chairman of the newly formed
Outreach and Strategic Committee, reported on various concerns
collected through a questionnaire and offered his observations. The
artistic portion of the program consisted of musical selections
in Armenian and English by Salbi Mailyan accompanied by Naira
Shahsouvarian. As the grand finale, Naira pleased everyone by playing
Alexander Haroutounyan’s Sasountsineri Bar on the parish’s new baby
grand piano.
The event concluded with encouraging remarks by the Prelate and Rev.
Vahan Gosdanian, followed by the collective singing of Giligia.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
November 17, 2006
New Bishops to be Ordained in Holy Etchmiadzin
On Sunday, November 19, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, will ordain and consecrate three new bishops of the Armenian
Church during the celebration of Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral
of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Being elevated to the episcopate are:  Very Rev. Fr. Ararat
Dz. Vardapet Kaltakjian, Dean of the Monasteries of the Mother See;
Very Rev. Fr. Anushavan Vardapet Jamkotchian, Dean of the Theological
Faculty of the Yerevan State University; and Very Rev. Fr. Markos
Vardapet Hovhannisian, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Gegharkunik.
Divine Liturgy is scheduled to commence at 10:30 A.M.
##
–Boundary_(ID_0cc5Ib+T9cO/rpn8SIBgIg)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Cafesjian Museum Foundation
3 Tamanian Street, Suite 31
Yerevan 0009, Armenia
Armenia Contact: Ms. Madlene Minassian
Tel: +374 10 56-72-62
Fax: +374 10 56-15-89
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
USA contact: Mr. John Waters
Tel: (612) 359-8991
Fax: (612) 359-8994
E-mail: [email protected]
November 17, 2006
Yerevan Receives It’s Newest and Most Colorful Sculpture
‘Ahoy’ by Paul Cox is placed at the Gerard L. Cafesjian Center for
the Arts
The Cafesjian Museum Foundation is pleased to announce the unveiling
of ‘Ahoy’ (the pictures are available on our website )
by internationally renowned British artist Paul Cox. The sculpture,
a piece from the Cafesjian Collection, is placed at the Monument
Terrace of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Neighboring Fernando
Botero’s ‘Gladiator’, the sculpture stands over six meters tall. Made
of mild steel and two-pack polyurethane paint, this large toy boat
sits on top of an oversized table. The image of a table and chair,
a recurring theme in Cox’s work, refers to the school phase, growing
up and home life.
Born in 1975 in Brighton, U.K., Paul Cox graduated with a First Class
Degree in Fine Art (Sculpture) and trained at the prestigious Royal
Academy of Arts, London where he received his MA. His work is now
represented internationally in public and private collections. ‘Ahoy’
reflects Paul’s interest in how cartoons and comic strips, while
mirroring the real world, are part of and separate from reality
simultaneously. Prior to the arrival of ‘Ahoy’ in Yerevan the cartoon
like boat was exhibited at the Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park,
England along with works by Salvador Dali, George Epstein, and
Max Ernst.
‘Humour plays a large part in my sculptures; it breaks down barriers
and is a language accessible by all. I am influenced by cartoons,
comics and drawings; I enjoy the immediacy of drawing and try to
interpret this into sculpture. I enjoy working with different mediums
from traditional to the unconventional,’ says the artist.
The Cafesjian Museum Foundation continues its renovations of the
Cascade while construction moves forward with the Gerard L. Cafesjian
Museum of Art. Major reconstructions of the Gerard L. Cafesjian Center
for the Arts will be completed in 2007 in addition to more unveilings
from the Cafesjian Collection.
The Cafesjian Museum Foundation of Armenia was co-founded in April of
2002 by the Republic of Armenia and the Cafesjian Museum Foundation
of America for the purpose of developing a world class international
museum of art and a cultural center in Yerevan, Armenia. For more
information about the Cafesjian Museum Foundation and the Cafesjian
Collection please visit

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:
GENER AL AOUN VISITS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
H.E. General Michel Aoun, president of the “Change and Reform”
parliamentary bloc, visited His Holiness Aram I in Antelias on
November 16. The meeting lasted about an hour, during which various
issues related to the situation in Lebanon were discussed.
Gen. Aoun expressed his viewpoints and concerns vis-a-vis the current
circumstances. His Holiness Aram I talked about how he envisages a
resolution to the stalemate in the country, while stressing on the
rights of the Armenian community.
Armenian MP Hagop Pakradouni from the “Change and Reform” parliamentary
bloc also attended the meeting.
## View the photos here:
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os23.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
history and 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.

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:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 9, 2006
Members and Supporters Pay Tribute to AGBU
AGBU Districts and Chapters continue their year-long celebration of
the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s landmark 100th Anniversary
with a diverse and enthusiastic schedule of commemorative
activities. Conferences, galas, cultural performances and other
tributary events have taken place in Armenia, Australia, Europe,
North America and South America in honor of the Centennial. Highlights
still to come include the 84th Biennial General Assembly and Centennial
Celebration in Paris from December 8-11, 2006 (),
and the closing festivities which will take place in Yerevan, Armenia
in April 2007.
Established in 1906, AGBU is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian
organization. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of
$34 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and
heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs,
annually serving some 400,000 Armenians in over 35 countries.
For more information on upcoming Centennial events, please visit the
“Calendar” section of AGBU’s flagship website,