PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 12, 2006
__________________
IN MEMORIAM: HAIG ROY DADOURIAN
The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America was deeply saddened by
the passing of Haig R. Dadourian on September 5, 2006. Among his many
distinguished services to the Armenian Church, Mr. Dadourian served for the
past nine years as chairman of the Diocesan Council, the highest
deliberative body of the Diocese.
What follows is the text of the eulogy delivered by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, the Diocesan Primate, during the funeral service at St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral, in New York City, on Monday, September 11, 2006.
* * *
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show his works by his good
life, in the humility of wisdom.. For where jealousy and selfish ambition
exist, there will be disorder and every evil work. But the wisdom from
above is first pure, then peaceable. It is gentle, and open to reason; full
of mercy and good fruits; without uncertainty or insincerity. The harvest
of righteousness is sown in peace, by those who make peace. (James 3:13,
16-18)
These words written by the Apostle James, the Brother of our Lord Jesus
Christ, have deep meaning for us today. We have gathered to pay our final
respects to an admired leader of our church; a dear friend; a beloved
brother; an irreplaceable husband, father and grandfather. And we are
keenly aware that when any man passes from this earth, his worldly
achievements–even when these are rare and impressive–seem of secondary
importance, and we are left with the question: What does this soul leave
behind?
For a man like Haig Dadourian, the answer is not hard to see. He was a man
of wisdom. A man of unselfish devotion. Above all, a man of peace. These
are the things we will remember when we think of him. These are the things
that inspired love in the hearts of his family–that made him a worthy
example to his fellow men. They are qualities of the human heart, soul, and
mind that God calls us to emulate.
Haig Dadourian was a true Christian throughout his life: a man who took
seriously the human obligation to walk humbly in the path of God. His days
on this good earth were spent helping others, dreaming of what could be, and
focusing his talents on realizing those dreams. In doing so, he became one
of the few individuals whose actions reach out beyond their immediate
circle, to affect the greater community, and lay a foundation for its
future.
Haig’s generation was perhaps the first that could truly be termed,
“Armenian-Americans.” These were the people who, like Haig, were born and
bred in this great country; who felt fully native to its culture; who shared
America’s great ambitions, and felt duty-bound to serve it honorably. This
was the generation that built on the foundations laid by their immigrant
parents; whose members went to the best schools, became substantial figures
in the society at large, and brought a sense of grand aspiration to
everything they did. And the Armenian community reaped the benefit of these
movers and shakers.
As I said, Haig Dadourian was a member of this generation–and indeed, he
was, in the deepest sense, its most exemplary member, who reflected its
finest virtues, and realized its best possibilities. But he and his
brothers were also deeply influenced by the generation of their parents,
especially the figure of their father, Dadour Dadourian. Dadour was truly a
larger-than-life figure. His force of personality, his strength of
conviction, his ambitious vision for our church and community–these left an
indelible mark on everyone who met him. He left a profound legacy, and it
is not too much to say that our church would be very different today were it
not for this extraordinary man.
I should immediately add that the father’s most important legacy was that he
instilled his passion for the Armenian Church in his sons: most notably in
Haig and his elder brother, Alex. They would go on to become genuine
leaders of our church–not only for their home parishes in Bayside, New
York, and Livingston, New Jersey, but for the Armenian Church of America as
a whole.
Haig himself received a distinguished education, and as a businessman he was
second to none, heading with his brother the family business, and running
the family foundation. But from an early age–and especially in these later
years–it was the church that captured Haig’s imagination, and became the
focus of his creative efforts. As a young man he relished singing in the
church choir, and thereafter he kept the Armenian Divine Liturgy very close
to his heart. At the St. Mary parish in Livingston, he led the parish
council and served as a Diocesan delegate. He was also a teacher–and not
only of the younger generation, but a teacher to his peers as well.
In the last twenty years, Haig became more and more involved with the
leadership of the Diocese as a whole, becoming elected to the Diocesan
Council and serving for the past nine years as its chairman. As a leader at
this highest level, Haig was always eager to explore new ideas; he was
welcoming and even encouraging of different perspectives. He was also
resolute when it came time to make a decision. In his generosity, Haig was
willing to dispense advice, expertise, his valuable time–as well as the
financial resources of a great family–whenever called upon. As a personal
beneficiary of Haig’s counsel throughout my term as Primate, I am profoundly
grateful to have enjoyed the guidance, and shared the friendship, of such a
thoughtful, warm-hearted man.
Everyone who knew Haig could see that he was a leader of imagination and
vision. But I hope that people will always remember him as a man of
profound faith. That faith was the foundation of everything he accomplished
in life. I was impressed, over the many years of our friendship, that Haig
would always acknowledge the presence of God in his life–and in the world.
He felt strongly that the eyes of God were on each of us–that we were not
anonymous, aimless creatures, but rather the children of a Heavenly Father:
obligated to Him, and given an individual purpose to fulfill in this world.
To his credit, Haig never felt that this God-given purpose was a burden;
quite the opposite, he seemed to feel liberated and empowered by it, to give
of himself, to give to others, and to aspire to the higher things of life.
Hand-in-hand with his devotion to God was the pride Haig took in his
Armenian heritage. It gave him strength to realize what it meant to be a
son of the Armenian people: to have one’s roots in a distant and sometimes
troubled past; yet to be committed to a future of great light and hope and
optimism. As with other important parts of Haig’s life, his heritage was
something he wanted to share with others: with the community of fellow
Armenian-Americans; with his friends and colleagues in American society; and
first and foremost, with his own children.
As you would expect, his family-life was precious to Haig, and seeing the
love he felt for them, and the love he received in return, was beautiful to
behold. He married Astrid in 1958, and nearly 50 years later, they still
seem such a wonderful couple, so perfectly matched in their minds, hearts,
and souls. Together they raised three beautiful daughters–Leslie, Jeanine,
and Melanie–each with her own shining virtues; each of whom has upheld the
family legacy with honor, and love.
Haig also felt a powerful bond to his brothers. I was most familiar with
the relationship between Haig and his elder brother Alex, and I can say–as
a brother myself–that a rare and noble connection existed between them. It
is a fact of human existence that often, within a family, siblings can feel
a kind of rivalry between them. But not so, with the Dadourian brothers. I
have never seen even a hint of jealousy or competition between them. To the
contrary, Alex and Haig were always supportive and encouraging of each
other; deeply proud of each other’s accomplishments; eager to praise the
excellence of the other. Their relationship perfectly embodied the words of
Scripture (Ps 133): “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell
in unity!. For there the Lord has commanded His blessing: Life for
evermore.”
Of course, love may be immortal; but life–on this earth–comes to its
natural end. And so it was for Haig. These last two years, and especially
these final weeks, were difficult ones–more for Haig’s family, perhaps,
than for himself. It was my privilege to spend time with that family
throughout this period, and especially during these last weeks. What I
observed in the Dadourian family was courage, grace, love, and above all,
faith in the greater designs of God. And I think that all the family would
agree that the one who set the tone for this attitude was Haig himself. He
was not the kind of man to retreat into despair–even in these most trying
circumstances–and he fought, with grace and dignity, to the end. I was
with him ten days before he died, when it had become clear that these would
be his final days. Yet even then, Haig’s thoughts were only for others: for
family and loved ones, and for the church, which he regretted he would no
longer be able to serve.
Certainly, it is true that we will never again feel the presence of Haig’s
personality, enjoy his gentle smile or hear his warm laughter. The Armenian
Church has lost a beloved and irreplaceable son. And yet it is also true
that Haig’s service to our Lord has not ended. Because the example he held
up for others to see cannot end. I am taken by the fact that today’s
date–September 11th–has acquired a distinct and ominous meaning for our
generation. Five years ago today, this city witnessed an evil of enormous
proportions, performed by men whose only motivation was to hate and destroy.
It makes our gathering today all the more significant, I feel. For Haig
Dadourian was a man whose very life exemplified another way: a different
vision for mankind–a “wisdom from above.” The fact that there are men like
Haig Dadourian among us redeems the tragedies and iniquities of the world,
and gives us a reason to defend life and its blessings against the darkness.
In the words of St. James: “The harvest of righteousness is sown in peace,
by those who make peace.”
To Haig’s dear wife, Astrid; to his children Leslie, Jeanine, Melanie and
their families; to his grandchildren Aram, Steven, Matthew, and Nina; to his
brothers and family members; to his friends, colleagues and all his loved
ones, I extend my deepest prayers of sympathy and hope. May God be with you
all; and may our Almighty Creator keep Haig Dadourian in His holy presence,
until we are all re-united in God’s eternal kingdom. Amen.
–9/12/06

IFEX – News from the international freedom of expression community
UPDATE – ARMENIA
12 September 2006
Opposition editor sentenced to four years in prison on dubious charge
SOURCE: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), New York
**Updates IFEX alert of 7 July 2006**
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is an 11 September 2006 CPJ press release:
Armenian opposition editor sentenced to four years in prison
New York, September 11, 2006 – A district court judge in Armenia’s
capital, Yerevan, sentenced Arman Babadzhanian, editor of the
opposition newspaper Zhamanak Yerevan, to four years in prison on
Friday for dodging military service in 2002 by presenting false
documents to avoid the obligatory two-year draft, according to local
press reports.
Local press freedom defenders said the sentence was unusually harsh
for the alleged violation, which typically draws sentences of one to
three years. Babadzhanian’s defense will appeal the sentence, the
Armenian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty said.
The 30-year-old editor was arrested on June 26, after being summoned
for questioning by the prosecutor general’s office in Yerevan,
supposedly as a witness in a criminal case. Babadzhanian has been
imprisoned since because authorities denied his release on bail
despite protests by his defense lawyer and numerous press freedom
organizations. ( See related CPJ alert from July 7:
ly06na.html )
Babadzhanian pleaded guilty to draft evasion but said that the case
against him was designed to silence “an independent and incorruptible
media outlet,” RFE/RL reported. While admitting to the charge, he said
that authorities had repeatedly rejected medical documents attesting
to health problems that could have exempted him from the draft.
Days prior to Babadzhanian’s arrest, Zhamanak Yerevan published an
article questioning the independence of the prosecutor general’s
office, said Seda Muradian of the London-based Institute for War and
Peace Reporting (IWPR), which has followed the case
closely. Authorities did not explain why they waited to charge
Babadzhanian on a violation that dated to 2002.
“Given the history of politicized prosecution of journalists in
Armenia, we are skeptical about the appropriateness of this sentence,”
CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said.
Armenia’s opposition and independent media have been under pressure in
recent years. The independent television station A1+ has been refused
a broadcast license 11 times since it was taken off the air in
2002. In April 2005, legislation restricting press coverage of
terrorism was adopted. Physical assaults against journalists also
continue, and CPJ research shows that officials do little to apprehend
and prosecute the perpetrators.
CPJ is a New York-based, independent, nonprofit organization that
works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information on
Armenia, visit
For further information, contact Nina Ognianova (x106) or Tara
Ornstein (x 101) at CPJ, 330 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10001, U.S.A.,
tel: +1 212 465 1004, fax: +1 212 465 9568, e-mail: [email protected],
[email protected] , [email protected], Internet:
The information contained in this update is the sole responsibility of
CPJ. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please
credit CPJ.
_____________________________________________ ____________________
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EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
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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:
September 12, 2006
___________________
PRIMATE INVITES YOUNG PRIEST FROM ARMENIA TO DIOCESE
By Jake Goshert
On Sunday, September 10, 2006, Fr. Khatchadour Kesablyan will celebrate the
one-year anniversary of his priestly ordination by celebrating the badarak
at his new home, the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA.
Born and raised in Armenia, Fr. Kesablyan was invited to join the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate, with the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians. He and his wife, Anna, and their 9-month-old
daughter, Maria, arrived in Cambridge on August 6 for a one-year posting as
a pastoral intern.
“I am pleased Fr. Khatchadour accepted my invitation to join us here in the
United States,” Archbishop Barsamian said. “He is a faithful young man,
anxious to share his energy and passion for Christ with our parishioners. I
know he will be warmly welcomed by all the Armenians in his new home.”
YOUNG FAITH
Fr. Kesablyan was born in the city of Etchmiadzin in Armenia in 1976. With
several priests in his extended family, he saw the power of faith close-up
from an early age.
“I was raised in a family full of faith,” he said. “The idea of God was
always in my heart because I saw it in the eyes of my family as they came
and went to church. I also had many relatives who were priests, and they
noticed in my faith and desire to serve God and his people.”
With the encouragement of his family, at the age of 15 he enrolled in the
Kevorkian Theological Seminary of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Following his graduation in 1998, he taught history and the New Testament at
the seminary for a year. Fr. Kesablyan then spent two years as a chaplain
in the Armenian army.
>From 2002 to 2005, he was the executive secretary of the Department of
Intern-church Relations for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
He was ordained into the priesthood on September 11, 2005, and served in the
Diocese of Siunik in southern Armenia.
“What I am called to do is to serve not only God, but his people in whatever
way I can,” Fr. Kesablyan said about his ministry.
NEW HOME
While in Cambridge, Fr. Kesablyan is adjusting to life in America and taking
English lessons. He is also actively serving the parish alongside its
pastor, Fr. Vasken Kouzouian. He will be working with Sunday and Armenian
School students, aiding youth programs, visiting shut-ins and nursing homes,
and serving in other pastoral ways. His wife is singing in the choir and
will be joining Fr. Kesablyan in working with the junior choir.
“The community loves this man and his family,” Fr. Kouzouian said. “They
see how warm and welcoming he is. Overall, we’re very excited to have him
with us.”
Fr. Kesablyan said he is pleased by his welcome, and that he is enjoying
learning about life in an Armenian parish in America. He is energized to
see the effort being made in America to retain the Armenian nature of the
church.
“I am positively impressed with the Armenian community here in the United
States, so many thousands of miles away from our homeland, yet they retain
their faith and ties to national traditions — the Armenian spirit, our
culture and language, and of course our fundamental traditions,” he said.
“To keep these things here in America is a very difficult task, but the
Armenians are doing it.”
“I would like to express my gratitude and respect to His Holiness Catholicos
Karekin II and Archbishop Barsamian, who have offered their blessing to this
new phase in my ministry and life,” Fr. Kesablyan said. “Also, I want to
thank the pastor of Holy Trinity, the parish council, and the community here
for their warm welcome and hospitality.”
ASSISTING THE TRANSITION
Fr. Kesablyan is the first young priest to come to the United States at the
invitation of the Eastern Diocese as part of a new effort to provide
Armenian-born clergy with the understanding and knowledge to effectively
serve parishes in America.
Under the internship program, clergy coming from the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin will spend at least one year serving under an experienced pastor
in the Eastern Diocese. The interning priest will meet with his mentor
pastor on a weekly basis and be evaluated every two months by both the
mentor and the Primate. The purpose of the evaluations is to give proper
help and additional guidance to the interning priest.
Along with his mentor-priest, the interning clergy will meet with various
other leaders of the Diocese to discuss the responsibilities of priests in
America. They will meet with Fr. Daniel Findikyan and Dr. Roberta Irvine
from St. Nersess Seminary to study educational and homiletic issues. They
will meet with Fr. Karekin Kasparian and Fr. Untzag Nalbandian to discuss
their psychological readiness. Fr. Simeon Odabashian will instruct the
clergy on Diocesan and parish organization and functionality. Fr. Vasken
Kouzouian will work with the interning clergy to improve their English and
knowledge of American customs. Yn. Arpi Kouzouian will meet with the
yeretzgins from Armenia to summarize expected duties.
“This is part of an effort to make new clergy from Armenia comfortable and
capable of serving in parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese,” Archbishop
Barsamian said. “While the word of God remains the same worldwide, our
expectations and the demands we put on priests here in America are quite
different than those faced by clergy in Armenia. And we want to diminish
any barriers — cultural, linguistic, psychological — that would keep a
devoted young Armenian clergyman from serving the flock here in America.”
— 9/12/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): At the invitation of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Eastern Diocese, and with the blessing of His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Fr.
Khatchadour Kesablyan, a priest from Armenia, has begun serving a one-year
pastoral internship at the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, under the
parish’s priest, Fr. Vasken Kouzouian.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
September 12, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA WELCOMES MENENDEZ
“HOLD” ON HOAGLAND NOMINATION
“I believe that the United States, Armenia, and
all who are committed to human rights should
support an Ambassador to Armenia who recognizes
the genocide that took place there more than 90
years ago.” — Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today welcomed the “hold” placed by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
on the confirmation of Richard E. Hoagland as the next U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia based on his opposition to the Bush
Administration’s refusal to recognize the Armenian Genocide.
“We join with Armenians from New Jersey and throughout the United
States in thanking Senator Menendez for his principled stand in
blocking the Hoagland nomination,” said Ken Hachikian, Chairman of
the ANCA. “The Senator’s hold represents a victory for our
nation’s standing on human rights and genocide-prevention.”
In blocking the Hoagland nomination, Sen. Menendez stressed that,
“as a leader and defender of democracy, it is our nation’s
responsibility to speak out against injustice and support equality
and human rights. But if the Bush Administration continues to
refuse to acknowledge the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide, then
there is certainly cause for great alarm, which is why I am placing
a hold on this nominee.” He added that, “I will continue to work
with my colleagues in the United States Senate to make strides
toward ensuring that all people, regardless of race, religion, or
ethnicity, receive protection from policies of discrimination and
hate that lead to genocide.”
On September 7th, after more than forty minutes of intense debate,
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Ambassador-
Designate Hoagland’s nomination. Following the vote, the ANCA
announced that it would continue to urge Senators to place a hold
on the Hoagland nomination.
On two previous occasions, June 28th and August 1st, the panel
delayed its consideration of the nomination due to bipartisan
concerns over a series of controversies. Among these points of
contention were the nominee’s written responses to Senator Boxer’s
inquiry, in which he questioned the genocidal intent of the Ottoman
Turkish government. Also of concern to members of the panel was
the State Department’s firing of the current U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia, John Marshal Evans. His early recall from Yerevan is
widely seen as retribution for his public statements, in February
of 2005, calling for an end to “word games” by the U.S. government
in avoiding the proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Despite dozens of Congressional inquiries, the Administration has
yet to explain its reasons for firing Amb. Evans or to reveal the
communications it received from the Turkish government on this
matter.
To date, more than half of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
including Senators George Allen (R-VA), Joseph Biden (D-DE),
Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Norm Coleman,
Christopher Dodd, Russell Feingold (D-WI), John Kerry and Paul
Sarbanes, have contacted Secretary Rice or questioned Ambassador-
designate Hoagland directly regarding his nomination or the firing
of Ambassador Evans. Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-
RI), and most recently Chuck Schumer (D-NY), along with over sixty
Members of the U.S. House have also expressed serious concerns to
the State Department on this matter.
In a September 1st letter, the ANCA urged Members of the Committee
to block the Hoagland nomination until:
1) Ambassador-designate Hoagland provides a responsible and
unambiguous public statement affirming that he does not question
the clear genocidal intent of the Ottoman Turkish government
against its Armenian population.
2) The State Department provides a full, honest, and public
explanation regarding the reasons for the controversial firing of
the current Ambassador, John Marshall Evans.
3) The Administration explains any and all communications,
directly or indirectly, between the U.S. government and the Turkish
government concerning Ambassador Evans.
Since February of this year, the ANCA has led nationwide efforts to
demand answers concerning the recall of Ambassador Evans and,
later, to educate Senators about the adverse impact of sending an
envoy to Armenia that has called into question the genocidal
character of Ottoman Turkey’s systematic destruction of its
Armenian population.
For an overview of the firing of Ambassador Evans and the Hoagland
controversy, visit:
p
The full text of Senator Menendez’s remarks are provided below:
#####
Text of Senator Menendez’s remarks, September 12, 2006
It is well known that more than 90 years ago, the Ottoman Empire
brutally tortured and killed 1.5 million Armenians. Between 1915
and1923, innocent men, women, and children were murdered or forced
to flee their country and live in exile. Though the horrors
suffered by the Armenian people have haunted them for the past
century, many — including our very own President — have refused
to label the atrocities for what they are: genocide.
In my view, all Americans must recognize that the atrocities
committed from 1915 to 1923 constitute genocide. We do not use
that word lightly. But the word itself makes a powerful statement
about the horrors suffered by the Armenian people. As Samantha
Power, the leading expert on Genocide said in a letter to the
editor of the New York Times, “The extermination of Armenians is
recognized as genocide by the consensus of scholars of genocide and
Holocaust worldwide. The failure to acknowledge this trivializes a
human rights crime of enormous magnitude.”
Recent developments have caused many to wonder about the
administration’s actions regarding the Armenian genocide. Over the
past few months, there has been great controversy surrounding the
departure of John M. Evans, the Ambassador to Armenia. Ambassador
Evans, a highly respected diplomat with a record of service, is
leaving his three year assignment one year early. Under normal
circumstances, this would not be cause for great alarm. However,
we know that the Ambassador’s departure comes after he went against
the Bush Administration’s stance and acknowledged the Armenian
Genocide. The fact that he is being replaced after vocalizing that
“the Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the twentieth
century,” is cause for great concern among all who advocate for
human rights.
The Senate is planning to vote on the nomination of the next U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia, Richard E. Hoagland. Unlike his
predecessor, Mr. Hoagland has declined to acknowledge the mass
killings of the Armenians as genocide, and has said that if
confirmed, he would work to represent the President’s policy. I
have great concerns that Mr. Hoagland’s confirmation would be a
step backward. Considering Mr. Hoagland’s refusal to acknowledge
the Armenian Genocide as anything more than horrifying events, I do
not feel that his nomination is in the best interest of Armenia and
her Diaspora.
I simply cannot support the confirmation of a new Ambassador to the
Republic of Armenia until all of questions over Ambassador Evans’
replacement have been answered. I believe that the United States,
Armenia, and all who are committed to human rights should support
an Ambassador to Armenia who recognizes the genocide that took
place there more than 90 years ago.

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:
Festival and Open-Air Divine Liturgy
On Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, 2006 the Western Diocese will
host the first Annual Festival of Faith and Culture. Many artists will be
performing at the Festival, and the include, Vartan and Siranushe Dance
Group, Winds of Passion, Menuet Dance Group, Arax and Alik Garabedian, Elon
Sarafian, Armen Hovhanessian, Hermine Toomanian, Gagik Badalian, Sako,
Hamazkayin Dance Group, Hovik Krikorian, Levon Katrjian, Sosie, Rima,
Michael, Harut Hagopian, and many more continue to be added to the list of
performers at the two-day Festival.
The Festival will officially open at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16 with
the performance of the Vartan and Siranushe Dance Group.
Free admission, free parking.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.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 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SETS NEW PROGRAMS FOR THE COMING PERIOD
Christian Education remains one of the major dimensions of the mission of
the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia. Recently speaking about Christian
Education, His Holiness Aram I stated: “Christian Education is essentially
Christian formation. Being Christian is a continues process. A Christian is
constantly formed on the basis of Biblical teachings, liturgical traditions
and spiritual values”. Hence for His Holiness Aram I “Christian Education is
the essence of the Church’s mission” With this perception His Holiness has
always considered Christian Education an important area of engagement for
the Armenian Orthodox Church.
With this objective and commitment, the Christian Education Department of
the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia has recently identified a number of
specific areas for its programmatic activities. A special emphasis has been
laid on spirituality, Christian formation of people as well as on the youth
and women. A number of new programs and projects have been set. In addition
to Bible studies, Sunday School programs and youth oriented activities. The
publication and DVD and CD series of the Department will continue with new
additions.
Two Vartabeds have been nominated by His Holiness to carry on the work of
the Department. A special committee under the leadership of V. Rev Krikor
Chiftjian will supervise the activities of the Department. The members of
the committee are Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Rev. Mesrob Kerkezian, Rev.
Sarkis Sarkissian, Mr. Krikor Allozian, Mrs. Arshalouys Sarian and Mrs.
Elizabeth Mehlebjian.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
jurisdiction and the Christian Education activities in both the
Catholicosate and the dioceses, 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
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.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 REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY VISITS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
His Holiness Aram I received Jeorjes Poukamisas, a representative of the
Greek Foreign Ministry in Bikfaya on September 9. Poukamisas had been
specially delegated to discuss the current situation of Lebanon with His
Holiness Aram I.
Catholicos Aram I and the Greek diplomat met for over an hour, discussing
recent developments in the political life in Lebanon and the Middle East.
They focused on the international decision to include Turkish forces in UN
peacekeeping Forces in south Lebanon.
His Holiness expressed his concern towards this issue, wondering how a
country with an unacceptable human rights record, a state, the history of
which is full of massacres of other nations and people; a state, that after
all, has committed Genocide against the Armenian nation and still remains
unpunished, can participate in peacekeeping forces.
Poukaminas was the former head of the department in the Greek Foreign
Ministry that dealt with Turkish-Greek issues.
##
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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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
September 11, 2006
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN TANIEIAN’S SERVICE
TO ARMENIAN CHURCH SPANS THREE DECADES
HIS SERVICE AND RECENT ELEVATION WILL BE
CELEBRATED ON OCTOBER 1
NEW YORK, NY-On Sunday, October 1, the more than three decades of service
that His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian has rendered to the Armenian
Church will be celebrated as well as his recent Episcopal consecration in
June.
The celebration will take place at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing
Meadows, New York, beginning at 3 pm, under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
America. Bishop Anoushavan will officiate over the Divine Liturgy in the
morning at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Douglaston, New York, where he
served as parish priest for two decades. Last year he was assigned to serve
as Vicar General of the Prelacy, a post that he previously fulfilled on a
part-time basis.
EARLY YEARS
Bishop Anoushavan (baptismal name Torkom) was born on January 29, 1951,
in Beirut, Lebanon, the sixth and youngest child of Antranig and Araxie
Tanielian.
He received his elementary education at Forty Martyrs School. From a
very young age he participated in the choir, singing the beautiful religious
hymns. His grandfather, Artin, his mother and father, and his Sunday school
teachers were his early instructors in religion. “I remember my mother’s
simple but very deep faith,” he recalls today. “She had many religious
traditions she faithfully kept. My parents have been my best teachers. I
came to understand God’s essence, through their unconditional love,
understanding, patience and forgiveness.”
Torkom took a giant step in his early years when he left home and
entered the Seminary in Antelias. “Now I realize what sacrifices my mother
made when I told her of my decision to go to Antelias. She supported my
decision and wished me good luck, but I still remember her tearful eyes.”
Torkom Tanielian was ordained a celibate priest on November 26, 1972, by
Archbishop Ardak Manougian, Prelate of Tehran, Iran, and given the new name,
Anoushavan.
In 1974, he received the fourth degree of Vartabed of the Armenian
Church by Catholicos Khoren I. This was just the beginning of the many works
and responsibilities that he undertook at the Catholicosate of Cilicia from
1973 to 1984. Besides extensive scholarly work, during this period his days
were filled with the responsibility of being the librarian of the
Catholicosate, where he admits he was the happiest in the world of books.
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR
Through lectures and seminars he became a spiritual advisor to young men
and women in the Theological Seminary, Hamazkayin Armenological Studies
Institute, Mardigian and Garmirian elementary schools, and to the Armenian
Church University Students Association.
Those early years of his service were also the years of the tragic civil
war in Lebanon. Although these years were a dark period in his life, they
were also the time when his years of training went into practice. He
demonstrated the true meaning of social work. He joined with social agencies
to provide help. He made regular visits to the hospitals to visit the
wounded. He visited the homes of the needy.
During this period, witnessing the inhumanity of human beings towards
one another, he understood the true role of prayer. “In this war period I
felt how mighty prayer is, not only as a daily necessity but as the main
source of vitality. It is only through prayer and conversations with God
that you receive an inner power to resist hopelessness,” he recalls now.
ECUMENISM AND VISIT
TO ARMENIA
In the summer of 1978, Bishop Anoushavan attended the World Council of
Churches Faith and Order Commission in Bengalore, India, beginning his many
years of ecumenical encounters. His experience and expertise resulted in his
recent appointment by Catholicos Aram I as the Ecumenical Officer on behalf
of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in the entire United States of America.
His first visit to Armenia took place in 1976. This was to be followed
by many more on various occasions for different reasons. His most recent
visit was this past summer where he directed a summer religious camp for
some of the orphans in the Prelacy’s Orphan Sponsorship Program. But that
first trip in ’76, which extended for three months, was memorable: “My heart
was pounding when I saw the wide peaks of Mount Ararat over the skies. When
the plane landed, I was serene and felt that I was home at last.”
UNITED STATES AND
HIGHER EDUCATION
His first visit to the United States was in 1980 when he came as the
staff bearer to His Holiness Karekin II. He returned in 1984 to attend
Princeton Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Theology
degree. He was awarded another Masters Degree from Columbia University in
Philosophy in 1992. Thus began his long journey toward his doctoral degree.
His student days were filled not only with studies but also service,
especially to St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, and Sts.
Vartanantz Church in New Jersey. Along with Sunday preaching, he conducted
Bible studies, organized youth seminars and lecture series, and organized a
unique sharagan (hymns) choir.
SERVICE TO ST. SARKIS
He was called to full time service to St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston,
New York, and therefore had to put his doctoral studies on the “back
burner.” He was appointed to serve as pastor of St. Sarkis by His Eminence
Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian and he continued to serve that parish until May
2005 when he was called to serve as full time Vicar General of the Eastern
Prelacy. His two decades of service to St. Sarkis were marked with
tremendous achievements for the parish. He revitalized or created anew many
of the auxiliary groups that became and continue to be a lifeline for the
parish.
PERSEVERANCE BRINGS
ACHIEVEMENT
After many years of concentrated effort while serving as a full time
parish priest, part time Vicar of the Prelacy, and chairman of the Religious
Council, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian was conferred with the Doctor of
Philosophy degree from Columbia University in May 2003.
At the time Archbishop Oshagan, the Prelate, noted, “Others in his
circumstances would have just given up, but Hayr Anoushavan persevered and
in spite of a ‘double-time-plus’ schedule he succeeded in completing his
studies and his dissertation and he graduated with high distinction.”
His doctoral dissertation was on St. Nerses of Lambron, specifically his
Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon. He recalls that he chose this for two
reasons: the personality of the author and the nature of his work. “Nerses
of Lambron was a unique individual,” he said. “Like his namesake, Catholicos
Nerses the Great, he was a man of intellect, compassion and particularly
adept at negotiations. Like the Holy Translators, he was open-minded in
borrowing from the achievements of fellow Christians in order to enrich the
Armenian heritage.”
CELEBRATING SERVICE
Today, Bishop Anoushavan continues his dedicated service to the Church
with new responsibilities. But his goal remains the same: To serve the
Armenian Church and to make her a beacon of faith for the Armenian people in
the diaspora and the homeland.
The celebration on October 1 is in honor of Bishop Anoushavan but it is
also a celebration of the sacrifice and dedication of our early Church
Fathers, who continue to guide the steps of those in service today.
For information about the banquet in honor of Bishop Anoushavan, contact the
Prelacy at 212-689-7810.

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:
September 11, 2006
___________________
SUNDAY SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS ATTEND MARDIGIAN INSTITUTE TRAINING WEEK AT
DIOCESAN CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY
By Jake Goshert
They came from front-line communities all across the U.S. to New York City
to learn new tactics and strategies, and be introduced to new tools for
accomplishing their vital mission.
They were 14 Sunday School educators from nine parishes, stretching from New
Jersey to Texas, visiting the Diocesan Center for the 29th annual Mardigian
Institute, a week-long session of workshops and classes designed to
strengthen the skills of local volunteer educators.
“Armenian Church Sunday School teachers are on the front lines of
transmitting our faith to the next generation, and we need help,” said
participant Cheryl Ohanesian. “This outstanding program provided it all:
information on church doctrine, rituals, and tradition, presented by
knowledgeable lecturers and Armenian priests. Most important, everything
presented was practical, designed to be replicated in our own parishes, so
everyone could benefit. We are returning to our home parishes with a wealth
of usable, creative ideas and new materials. Every Sunday School teacher
should attend this program.”
FOCUS ON CHURCH AND HOME
The first few days of the Mardigian Institute featured classes at the
Diocesan Center in New York City. Each day began with a morning service in
St. Vartan Cathedral, allowing teachers to participate in traditional
Armenian worship.

Sessions focused on the Diocesan theme for the year: “Church and Home: One
in Spirit.” Participants heard from experts in the field of Christian
education who aimed to give the teachers the tools needed to better reach
their students. In the core lecture on faith development, Dr. James Morgan
set the tone for the week by reminding teachers that “Christian education is
all about that beautiful trilogy of ‘information – formation
-transformation’ and that unless we were leading people to truly changed
lives, the information is irrelevant.”
Several clergymen led sessions during the week-long program, teaching and
challenging the group with such topics as “How Our Divine Liturgy Came To
Be,” “Ten Things Every Teacher Should Know About Scripture,” “Ways of
Prayer: The Psalms,” “New Testament Perspectives on the Church,” “The How’s
and Why’s of Blessings” and “Saints: A Gift of Witness.”
“I felt like a sponge taking in extremely beneficial information as much as
possible to take home with me,” said participant Patrick Rabbot.
Along with the academic discussions, the teachers experienced several
hands-on sessions. In one, they attempted three craft ideas for the
upcoming feasts of The Exaltation, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. They also
scripted and performed skits based on Scripture stories. These exercises
were designed to give the Sunday School educators new ideas to take back to
their students.
“I have wanted to attend Mardigian Institute for years – and finally this
year I had the opportunity,” said participant Deborah Onanian. “It has been
a truly enlightening experience. I will be able to return to my home parish
with renewed strength and enthusiasm.”
Participants also had a chance to spend time with Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese. During a dinner at the Diocesan
Center, they had a frank and open discussion about the Armenian Church, its
mission, teachings, and future.
“It is energizing to meet these men and women who are giving of their time
and skills to serve their local communities and the Armenian Church. I am
glad they are able to attend this important program to gain new ideas,
tools, and resources to strengthen their Christian education efforts,” the
Primate said. All of us — from priests and parents to community and parish
leaders — must join our Sunday School educators in nurturing the souls of
the next generation. ”
BUILDING BONDS
This year’s Mardigian Institute saw several “firsts” among participants. It
was the first time an entire family attended, with Shnorig Bashian, the
superintendent of the Sunday School at St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ,
taking part in the program along with her husband John and their son Aram,
both teachers for the school. There were also two parishes that sent their
first participants: the St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, and the mission
parish in Nashville, TN.
An unprecedented number of superintendents (five) were present, allowing
organizers to hold an impromptu superintendents meeting. One idea discussed
was the scheduling of a national superintendents’ convocation to coincide
with next year’s Diocesan Assembly.
After several days of intense workshops at the Diocesan Center, the
participants attended a two-day retreat at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary,
led by Rev. Ginna Minasian Dalton. Titled “A Home-Grown Faith: Developing
Habits of the Heart,” the retreat sessions allowed participants to track
their faith journeys and share the tears and joy of spiritual
self-discovery.
The serene setting of St. Nersess Seminary was much appreciated —
especially by first-time visitors who thought it was “the most beautiful
spot on earth.” And the friendships built among the participants will
surely last a lifetime.
DIVERSE PARTICIPANTS
The 2006 Mardigian Institute concluded with an uplifting Assumption Day
liturgy and grape blessing at St. Vartan Cathedral, followed by a farewell
luncheon, distribution of certificates, and reluctant goodbyes.
“I know we are supposed to allow others in our Sunday Schools the
opportunity to come to the Mardigian Institute, but I would love to come
back every year,” said participant Celine Sirinoglu. “This was such a
wonderful experience. I am leaving not only with an abundance of
information, but also with a new support system and great friends.”
The Mardigian Institute is sponsored by the Department of Youth and
Education, and organized by staff members Elise Antreassian, Coordinator of
Christian Education, and Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA Executive Secretary. But
most importantly, it is made possible by Helen and the late Edward Mardigian
as a gift of love to the Sunday School they themselves cherished. “Without
them, concurred the organizers, “this very real and very inspiring week
would still be just a dream.”
* * *
Participating in this year’s Mardigian Institute were: Deacon Sarkis
Altunian and Celine Sironoglu (St. Sarkis Church, Carrollron, TX); Shnorig,
John, and Aram Bashian (St. Thomas Church, Tenafly, NJ); Barbara Chamberjian
and Gail Pelaez (St. Mary Church, Livingston, NJ); Liza Dorian (Holy Trinity
Church, Cambridge, MA); Cecile Guekjian and Shake Potoukian (St. David
Church, Boca Raton, FL); Ruzanna Hovsepyan (St. Gregory Church, White
Plains, NY); Cheryl Ohanesian (St. Peter Church, Watervliet, NY); Deborah
Onanian (Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, Providence, RI); and Patrick Rabbot
(Armenian Church Mission Parish of Nashville, TN)
— 9/11/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Students at the Diocese’ Mardigian Institute with Fr.
Daniel Findikyan, dean of the St. Nersess Seminary, who spoke during the
week-long session on the Divine Liturgy.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): During the Diocese’s Mardigian Institute, Suzanne
Anoushian Froundjian demonstrates a craft project the Sunday School
educators can use to discuss the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Two participants in the Mardigian Institute — Debbie
Onanian of Providence, RI, and Sarkis Altunian of Dallas, TX — happily
display “sandwich board table prayer” crafts they made during one of the
many hands-on workshops organized by the Eastern Diocese to help provide
ideas and resources to local Sunday School educators.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): After speaking about the Psalms during the Mardigian
Institute, Fr. Tateos Abdalian, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church of
Cheltenham, PA, meets with one small group of Sunday School teachers tasked
with writing their own psalm, an exercise they could then use in their own
classes.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): Fr. Shnork Souin, pastor of the St. Mary Church of
Livingston, NJ, demonstrates a “Home Blessing” service to Sunday School
educators during the 2006 Mardigian Institute, organized and hosted by the
Eastern Diocese in New York City.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): After learning how to use originally written skits to
teach about church history and teachings, participants of the Mardigian
Institute perform their original creation on the life of St. Vartan for the
other Sunday School teachers attending the week-long session at the Diocesan
Center in New York City.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, pastor of the Church of the Holy
Martyrs in Bayside, NY, gathers with participants of the Mardigian Institute
after speaking on Scripture during one of the sessions.
PHOTO CAPTION (8): To close the Mardigian Institute, Rev. Ginna Minasian
Dalton, seen here speaking to participants, led a retreat at the St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (9): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, presents participants of the Mardigian Institute with the book
“Frequently Asked Questions of the Armenian Church.”
PHOTO CAPTION (10): Sunday School educators from throughout the Eastern
Diocese who took part in the Mardigian Institute — joined by Institute
organizers Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education for the
Diocese, and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian — with Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese.

Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, September 11, 2006
Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
CALIFORNIA TRADE OFFICE IN YEREVAN REACHES OUT TO INVESTORS
– California Trade Office in Yerevan to Host Trade Mission in Armenia;
ANC Professional Network to Host an Evening in Los Angeles Featuring CATO
YEREVAN, ARMENIA- As part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate trade
between California and Armenia, the California Trade Office (CATO) in
Yerevan will be hosting a Trade Mission to Armenia later this month.
The Trade Mission to Armenia is scheduled to take place from September
19-26, coinciding with the Second Armenia-Diaspora Economic Forum to
be held on September 20th. The Trade Mission aims to bring together a
group of potential investors and Californian companies to assist them
in expanding their investments in the Armenian market and help them
identify business partners and opportunities. CATO will assist
participants by arranging meetings with high level government
officials, company executives and potential business partners. The
agenda will also include a wine tasting reception on September
20th. Participants will taste California wine generously donated by
Paul and Sandra Kalemkiarian, owners of the Wine of the Month Club.
In California, the Armenian National Committee Professional Network
(ANC-PN) will host an event on September 28th featuring a presentation
by the California Trade Office. The evening will provide young
professionals who live in Southern California the opportunity to meet
representatives of CATO and discover investment and business
opportunities in Armenia. Those who are interested in attending this
event should contact the ANC-PN by calling (818) 500-3500 or emailing
[email protected].
The upcoming events seek to further facilitate trade and business
between California and Armenia and its neighbors. Those who are
interested in learning more about the California Trade Office in
Yerevan and its activities are encouraged to visit the CATO website at
The California Trade Office in Yerevan was launched in October of
2005, making it the only foreign representation of the State of
California. Since its inception, CATO has facilitated trade between
California and Armenia under the auspices of California Business,
Transportation, and Housing Agency. CATO not only serves Armenia but
also the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union,
Eastern European countries, and Western Asia. CATO was created to
assist Californian companies in increasing their exports to Armenia
and the region and to assist companies from Armenia and the region in
seeking to locate overseas facilities in California.