Eurasia Daily Monitor
Thursday, November 9, 2006 — Volume 3, Issue 208
GAZPROM’S `PURE COMMERCE` IN GEORGIA
by Vladimir Socor
Gazprom’s deputy chairman and head of Gazexport, Aleksandr Medvedev,
confirmed on November 7 the price hike to $230 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas
to Georgia in 2007, up from $110 in 2006. Gazprom will stop deliveries to
Georgia on January 1, 2007, unless the new contract is signed before that
date, Medvedev warned. At the same time, he proposed that Georgia pay the
higher price by handing national assets over to Gazprom. `This is pure
commerce,’ he told a Moscow news conference (Itar-Tass, Interfax, November
7).
Moscow had first informed Tbilisi of this move on October 31, the day
when Minister of Foreign Affairs Gela Bezhuashvili was arriving in Moscow
for yet another Georgian effort to defuse tensions. Thus, Gazprom’s initial
announcement of an extortionate $230 price was timed to actually increase
the tensions. A hike of such magnitude adds a further dimension to Russia’s
economic blockade and political assault against Georgia.
Gazprom’s stated new price for Georgia is an arbitrary decision in a
monopolized `market.’ It equals the average price for Russian gas in Western
Europe and is more than double the $110 price currently charged to Georgia’s
neighbors, Armenia and Azerbaijan, per 1,000 cubic meters of
Russian-delivered gas. It is also far higher for Georgia than the price set
for Ukraine at $130 for 2007 or the prices now being demanded from Belarus
and Moldova at $140 and $160 or $170, respectively, for 2007. Those
ostensible discounts are explained in part by Gazprom’s takeovers of
controlling stakes in Armenia’s and Moldova’s gas transport and distribution
systems and its expectation to achieve similar results in Belarus and with a
Russia-leaning Ukrainian government.
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili told an international
conference in France on November 3 that Moscow’s extortionate price hike to
Georgia and overall political use of energy is a `bad precedent for
everyone. Energy should not become a political tool’ (AP, November 3). On
the same day, however, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told
the media, `We believe that market forces should determine the price levels.
So Georgia and Gazprom are going to work out a price. Our general take on
this is that Russia should be a good partner for its clients [sic] and a
reliable supplier of energy.’ The statement inadvertently implied that
Russia and Georgia are negotiating as equivalent actors in normal market
circumstances — an implication all the more disconcerting as the spokesman
had sought official guidance before giving this answer to a press query from
the previous day (state.gov, November 3).
Top Georgian officials including Bezhuashvili, Prime Minister Zurab
Noghaideli, and Parliamentary Chair Nino Burjanadze are publicly asking
Moscow to explain the commercial formula it is using to arrive at such a
price. These and other Georgian officials describe that price as politically
motivated and amounting to blackmail — an interpretation substantiated by
Gazprom’s refusal to explain it, against the backdrop of Russia’s blockade
measures and political campaign against Georgia.
Gazprom has not officially identified the Georgian national assets it
seeks to take over. Clearly, its primary target remains Georgia’s gas
transport and distribution system, as was the case in 2005. Georgian
officials unanimously rule out the idea of transferring assets to Russia in
return for price restraint on energy. State Minister for Economic Reforms
Kakha Bendukidze had in 2005 and early 2006 favored selling to Gazprom the
gas transit pipeline that runs via Georgia to Armenia. However, Bendukidze
was speaking of a straight commercial sale for cash, not in payment for gas,
not linked to the annual negotiations over the gas price, and in any case to
be carried out at a time chosen by Georgia. In common with the other
Georgian officials, Bendukidze rules out any non-commercial sale of assets
in return for gas and `under blackmail.’
Tbilisi regards the Gazprom-named price as not final and is prepared
to negotiate it down. However, officials assert in consensus that Georgia
would not accept a Gazprom price that could not be justified commercially.
Georgia has some limited but real options to de-monopolize gas imports
this coming winter through arrangements with Azerbaijan and Iran.
Ministerial-level negotiations have been under way since October with Baku
and Tehran, in anticipation of a possible emergency similar to that of
January 2006. At that time, never-explained sabotage blasts on three energy
lines running to Georgia on Russian territory in the North Caucasus stopped
gas and electricity deliveries for several weeks. Georgia survived last
winter amid great hardship, on meager volumes of energy imported from
Azerbaijan and Iran.
This coming winter will be the last one in which Georgia may be forced
to survive without Russian gas after January 1. With its current annual
requirement estimated at some 1.6 to 1.7 billion cubic meters, the country
needs some 300 to 400 million cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijan and Iran
in January-February to tide Georgia over on an emergency basis. Stable
deliveries of Azerbaijani gas from Shah-Deniz beginning next year should
finally emancipate Georgia from Gazprom’s monopoly.
(Interfax, 24 Saati, Imedi and Rustavi-2 televisions, November 3-8)

–Vladimir Socor

Armenian Relief Society, Inc.
Telephone: 617-926-5892 Central Office
Fax£:617-926-4855
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
e-mail: [email protected]
Contact: Hamesd Beugekian

FIRST LADY, DR. BELLA KOCHARIAN VISITS THE ARS MOTHER AND CHILD HEALTH
AND BIRTHING CENTER
On Wednesday, October 18, Armenia’s First Lady, Dr. Bella Kocharian
visited the ARS Mother and Child Health and Birthing Center in
Akhurian. This was Dr. Kocharian’s first visit to the ARS center’s
new maternity ward and recently completed Radiology & Scanning
Department.
Dr. Kocharian was accompanied by ARS Armenia Chairperson Alvard
Petrosian, who is also a member of the Republic of Armenia’s National
Assembly, as well as ARS Armenia Regional Executive Board members.
On the occasion of Dr. Kocharian’s important visit, the ARS invited
representatives of various women’s and social service organizations to
be present, including Minister of Health Norair Davtian; Armenia’s top
cancer expert Dr. Sergey Sayirian; ARF Supreme Council members Lilit
Galstian and Rouzan Arakelian; ARF Commission on Women’s Issues
Chairperson Maria Titizian; Shirak Province Governor Romik Manukian; and
ARS Central Executive Board member Karine Hovhannisian.
The visit was fully covered and broadcast on television and radio. All
the guests were deeply impressed and expressed their admiration for the
Health Center’s new additions. As a token of appreciation, First Lady
Kocharian presented the center with a television set.
The Mother and Child Health Center tour was followed by a visit to the
Psychological Center in Gyumri which recently inaugurated a new wing
built and subsidized by the Swiss “Armenianos” Fund. Center director and
noted psychologist Armine Gmuir-Karapetian cooperates closely with the
ARS Armenia Regional Executive Board. Over the last few years,
Gmuir-Karapetian has provided expertise to the ARS Armenia on various
in-depth ARS studies devoted to psychological issues faced by various
segments of the population.
Dr. Kocharian was visibly impressed by what she saw at both centers and
expressed her deep satisfaction for having the opportunity to witness
the ARS’s important work in Gyumri. In a parting promise, the First Lady
pledged to support all present and future ARS programs.
Established in 1910, the ARS is the oldest Armenian women’s
organization with entities in 24 countries. To learn more about the ARS
and its programs, visit the ARS’s website at or call
(617) 926-5892.
November 8, 2006
Hamesd Beugekian
Administrative Secretary
ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY,INC
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown MA, 02427
Tel: 617-926 5892
Fax: 617-926 4855
E-mail: [email protected]

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 9, 2006
ARKADY GHUGASIAN AT PRELACY
Arkady Ghugasian, President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh
(Artsakh), visited the Prelacy office yesterday afternoon where he was
welcomed by the Prelate and Vicar, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan,
and representatives of various organizations. The President was accompanied
by Mrs. Ghugasian, Kevork Toroian, chairman of Armenia Fund USA, and several
staff members.
Archbishop Oshagan welcomed Mr. Ghugasian saying that it has become
a pleasant tradition to welcome him each year at this time in anticipation
of the Thanksgiving Telethon. His Eminence said that it is the duty of all
Armenians to participate in the Telethon to the best of their ability. He
emphasized the importance of supporting the people of Artsakh.
President Ghugasian spoke about the tremendous improvements and changes
that have already taken place in Artsakh. He spoke in particular about the
vast improvement in the roads and noted that journeys that previously took
hours now take only half an hour. He described this year’s project of the
redevelopment of villages that have been ravaged by war. The goal is to
provide all of the basic necessities and to create jobs so that the people
do not leave the villages.
Mr. Toroian reiterated the sentiments expressed by Archbishop Oshagan of
the need for every Armenian to participate in the telethon. Every donation,
large or small, is needed, he said.
For information about the Telethon, including the broadcast schedule go
to www.ArmeniaFund USA.org.
A reception, hosted by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, provided an opportunity
for intimate discussions.
YOUTH GATHERING WITH CATHOLICOS ARAM I
“We need to listen more to our youth to know what they are thinking, to
let them know that the Church needs them and they need the Church,” said
Archbishop Oshagan recently as he described his enthusiasm for the upcoming
gathering with the youth which will take place in Dearborn, Michigan,
December 2 and 3.
It was these same thoughts that prompted His Holiness to suggest that
such a gathering be organized during his visit to the Midwest where he will
be the keynote speaker at a conference on “Faith and Health” at Notre Dame
University. The three Prelacies (Eastern, Western, and Canadian) joined
together to organize the gathering.
The theme selected by the young people for the gathering is Your Church.
Your Future. Engage. The weekend activities will include speakers, film,
music, worship-all with the goal of answering the questions on the mind of
the youth while gaining a better understanding of the Church.
For details about the youth gathering click

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.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND ARMENIA FUND USA RECEPTION
Archbishop Oshagan will attend a reception hosted by Armenia Fund USA
tomorrow evening, Friday, November 10, at the Harvard Club in honor of
President Arkady Ghugasian.
PRELATE WILL PARTICIPATE WITH NATIONAL CHURCH LEADERS
Tomorrow, Friday, November 10, Archbishop Oshagan will attend a
symposium of National Church Leaders at the Bible Society in New York City.
PRELATE WILL VISIT WASHINGTON DC
Archbishop Oshagan will visit the parish of Soorp Khatch Church, in the
Washington DC suburbs of Bethesda, Maryland. His Eminence will attend the
church’s anniversary celebration on Saturday and will officiate the Divine
Liturgy on Sunday morning.
VICAR AND AREC DIRECTOR OFF TO THE MIDWEST
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar, and Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the
Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council will head toward the Midwest
tomorrow where they will lead the Midwest Datev program at the Colombiere
Retreat and Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan. The program, based on
the popular summer program, will include interactive presentations and
instructions on faith-related topics, discussions of religious and current
issues, Bible studies, short worship services, fellowship and recreational
activities.
On Sunday Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St.
Sarkis Church in Dearborn, Michigan. Dn. Shant will visit the parish’s
Sunday school classes.
RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS WILL MEET THIS WEEKEND
The Religious and Executive Council of the Prelacy will meet Friday and
Saturday at the Prelacy offices in New York City.
CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18
A few tickets are available for the children’s concert featuring the
popular children’s entertainer, TALINE from California, on Saturday,
November 18. The concert venue is Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise,
New York City. For information call the Prelacy office 212-689-7810 or click
B IBLE TRANSLATION RESUMES
The translation of the Bible will continue with a four-day session in
Montreal, Tuesday to Friday, November 14 to 17. The new translation team,
led by Archbishop Oshagan, includes Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar, and
Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the Canadian Prelacy.
This project, endorsed by the Bible Society, was pioneered by the late
Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. The passing of
Archbishop Zareh in 2004 temporarily halted the project and is now being
continued, after consultation with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
The translation of the New Testament was completed and the Old Testament
translation was underway when Zareh Srpazan became ill. The books of the Old
Testament that had already been completed include Genesis, Exodus, I and II
Samuels, Psalms, Proverbs, Jonah, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes and many
passages from the major prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah.
During next week’s sessions the team will work on the prophetical books
of Joel and Amos.
TOM VARTABEDIAN ARTICLES ABOUT ARMENIA
The October 12th issue of The Haverhill Gazette featured articles and
photographs by popular journalist Tom Vartabedian about his recent trip to
Armenia. Under the heading of “Forum” he wrote an article titled “I left my
heart in Armenia,” which describes his sentiments after his first trip to
Armenia along with others from the Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts). It is
accompanied by a full page article with ten color photographs detailing the
trip.
ARCHANGELS MICHAEL AND GABRIEL
This Saturday, November 11, we commemorate the Archangels Michael and
Gabriel. Archangel is a title given to an angel of high rank in the
celestial hierarchy.
Michael, meaning “Who is like God,” is the great prince of all angels
and the leader of the celestial armies. He is considered to be the protector
of Christians against the devil.
Gabriel, meaning “Strength of God,” is one of God’s chief messengers. He
was God’s messenger to Daniel to explain his vision (Dan. 8:16-26) and
prophecy (Dan. 9:21-27). He also foretold the birth of John the Baptist, and
was chosen to announce the forthcoming birth of Christ to Mary (Luke
1:11-21).
VETERANS’ DAY
This Saturday, November 11, is Veterans’ Day, once known as Armistice
Day, the anniversary of the 1918 armistice that brought to an end the “Great
War”-World War I. More than 10 million soldiers died by the time the
armistice was declared on the eleventh hour or the eleventh day of the
eleventh month, and an estimated 20 million were wounded, many maimed for
life.
In 1954 Armistice Day was renamed Veterans’ Day to honor all veterans.
In 1968, during the era when holidays were moved to Mondays to create long
weekends, Veterans Day was changed to the fourth Monday of October. There
was such a great outcry of indignation because the significance of the
number 11 was now totally lost, that in 1978 Congress returned the
observance to its traditional November 11th date.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 10-12-Mini Datev program for teens, ages 13 to 18. At Colombiere
Retreat Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan.
November 11-Holy Cross Armenian Church, Troy, New York, Dinner and cultural
program featuring Dr. Herand Markarian who will speak on “Hovhaness
Tumanian, the great Armenian poet.” For information 518-274-1477.
November 11-42nd Anniversary of Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, in
the church hall.
November 11-12-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, annual “Armenian Fest” at
Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island.
November 12-Food Festival and Bazaar. St. Sarkis Armenian Church,
Douglaston, New York, 1 to 5 pm. The newly published St. Sarkis Cookbook
will be available. For information 718-224-2275.
November 17 & 18-Annual Bazaar, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts.
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

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 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 18-Poon Paregentan, Eve of Great Lent, International Cuisine Night,
St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
Visit our website at

PRESS RELEASE
Alpha Epsilon Omega
Armenian Educational Relief Fund
P.O. Box 1662
Glendale, CA 91209
CONTACT: Alexander Abramyan
Phone: (818) 497-0125
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: aerf.alphaepsilonomega.org
September 09, 2006
Headline: Alpha Epsilon Omega’s Armenian Educational Relief Fund
Successfully Completes its Inaugural Project in Armenia
Alpha Epsilon Omega (AEÙ), announces the successful completion of the
Armenian Educational Relief Fund’s (AERF) inaugural project. Led by
AEÙ Brother and AERF Chairman, Alex Abramyan, AERF’s inaugural project
focused on providing much-needed supplies to Kindergarten #7 in
Armavir, Armenia.
In early 2006, Brothers of AEÙ kick started an initiative to assist
educational efforts in Armenia. The Brotherhood sought to make a
personal connection with educational efforts in the homeland and
directly donate supplies where they are most needed. Through personal
contacts and communication with local officials, Kindergarten #7 in
Armavir city was selected as the first project.
Fundraising activity from all six chapters of AEÙ enabled AERF to
raise more than $5,000 for the effort. During June-July 2006, several
Brothers traveled to Armenia to coordinate the effort. Additionally,
to further aid the local Armenian economy, AERF arranged for and
purchased all of the donated goods from suppliers in Armenia. Items
such as beds, bed sheets, desks, tables, chairs, toys, and electronic
appliances – essential items for the proper operation of the
Kindergarten – were purchased locally and delivered directly to the
Kindergarten.
Furthermore, Brothers hosted a field trip for the students at the zoo
in Yerevan City. The funds were also used to provide graduating
kindergarten students with new backpacks filled with essential school
supplies and toys to give them a head start in their academic life.
“We feel that the donations will motivate the young students to
succeed by allowing them to spend their youth in a secure and
comfortable environment. The donations were meant to encourage
students and provide them with the proper tools for a successful start
at their academic career. I’m very proud of our accomplishments in
this small school and hope that our contributions will one day promote
greater educational efforts all over Armenia,” said Alex Abramyan.
Further details about AERF’s work in Armenia, including video footage
of the Brothers interviewed on Armenian TV and information for
prospective donors is available at the AERF website,

PRESS RELEASE
Mashdots College
411 E. Acacia Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
Tel: (818) 548-9345
Fax: (818) 548-9342
E-mail: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected])

On Friday, November 17, at 7:30 P.M. Dr. Garbis Der Yeghiayan,
President of Mashdots College, will present a lecture titled,
“Embracing the Land of Our Ancestors: The Presence of the Past”.The
power-point presentation will cover the following historic Armenian
cities and villages in Cilicia, Cappadocia and Western Armenia: Adana,
Mersin, Darson, Aintab, Marash, Zeitoun, Evereg, Guessaria, Germir,
Talas, Tomarza, Urgup, Bogazlyan, Gurin, Malatia, Kharpert, Arapgir,
Agn, Gamakh, Erzinga, Shabin Karahisar, Tamzara, Ordou, Drabizon,
Hamshen, Rize, Hopa, Artvin, Ardahan, Kars, Ani, Igdir, Bayazid, Mt.
Ararat, Pegri, Van-Akhtamar, as well as Bolis.

Mashdots College organizes annual pilgrimages to historic Armenia. In
July, 2006, thirty-eight Armenians from California, Wisconsin, Lebanon
and Syria joined Dr. Der Yeghiayan by experiencing “stunning moments
with history”. The 18-day pilgrimage, from the Mediterranean Sea to
the Black Sea, offered the participants an unprecedented opportunity
to better understand and appreciate the centuries-old rich heritage of
the Armenian people, and to observe firsthand the unparalleled
accomplishments of our martyred ancestors.

The event is open to the public and will take place at the Armenian
Church of the Nazarene, 411 E. Acacia Avenue, Glendale,
California. For further information contact the College Office at
(818) 548-9345.

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:
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, November 9, 2006
AGBU Silicon Valley Launches Kids Club
In May 2006, AGBU Silicon Valley launched its new Kids Club as part of
the Chapter’s Centennial activities. The AGBU Kids Club is a dedicated
program for Armenian children aged 6-12 that focuses on connecting
Armenian youth to their heritage and culture through activities that
are both educational and enjoyable.
Kids Club activities consist of monthly gatherings, learning games,
field trips and pen pal communication with children of the same age in
Armenia. The organizing committee, appointed by the Executive Board of
the Silicon Valley Chapter, consists of parents of the Chapter’s
Students Committee. The Kids Club has already grown to include more
than 30 children.
For the kickoff event and first monthly gathering, a group of children
along with their parents and Club leaders visited Stanford University
in Palo Alto, California. Members of Stanford’s Armenian Students
Association (ASA) provided an interactive tour of the campus and spoke
to the children about college admission processes and campus life.
Another highlight of the Kids Club activities thus far was a trip to
St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church in Cupertino, California that
took place on September 16, 2006. During this event, AGBU youth
participated in interactive science experiments with Anahit Yeramian,
a leading scientist at Stanford.
Following the science experiments, high school student Aline Zorian
from the AGBU Students Committee gave a presentation about her summer
visit to the SOS Village in Kotayk, Armenia, where the idea to arrange
a Pen Pal exchange was born. The Kids Club members are now
establishing ties with Armenian children in the village through
letters.
Other Kids Club activities include a visit to the Exploratorium Museum
of Science and Art in San Francisco and a tour of the Stanford
Accelerator facility and museum.
For information on AGBU Silicon Valley and other AGBU worldwide
chapters, please visit
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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:
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, November 9, 2006
AGBU Montreal Honors Former Chairman Viken Attarian
On September 17, 2006, AGBU Montreal honored former Chairman Viken
Attarian and his wife Datevik with a special dinner held at the local
AGBU Alex Manoogian Center. Nearly 300 AGBU members, friends and
distinguished guests attended the event to pay tribute to Mr. Attarian
and his accomplishments as Montreal’s 11th Chapter Chairman from 2004
to 2006 and Vice Chairman from 2000 to 2004. Long before holding
leadership positions for the Montreal Chapter, Mr. Attarian’s earliest
experiences with AGBU began in 1969 as a child in Lebanon. More than
three decades later, the former Chairman was praised during this
tributary dinner for his focus on preparing the Chapter’s youth for
future leadership.
Mr. Attarian received his elementary and secondary education through
AGBU schools in Beirut, where he also began his lifelong involvement
with AGBU’s Scouting Program. As Chairman, he was instrumental in
reviving the Montreal Chapter’s scouting movement, now one of the top
troops in all of Canada with over 180 members. Also during his tenure,
he cultivated a partnership with PBS resulting in the regular
broadcasting of Armenian programs, as well as brought the Chapter
online with a highly developed website ().
Among the many dignitaries present to congratulate Mr. Attarian were
local Mayors Vera Danyluk of Ville Mont Royal and Alan de Sousa of
Ville Saint Laurent, several members of the Quebec Parliament, and
AGBU Central Board Member Dr. Arshavir Gundjian. Mr. and Mrs. Attarian
were presented plaques with engraved Honorary Membership cards, along
with messages from AGBU President Berge Setrakian, Canadian Parliament
Member Stéphane Dion and Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Lise Thibault.
Dr. Rita Kuyumjian, AGBU Montreal’s recently elected Chairwoman,
concluded the evening with a special surprise as she presented the
biography of Mr. Attarian’s father, author Armen Tarian, and announced
the establishment of the Armen Tarian Literary Award. The dinner
reception raised nearly $11,000 (Canadian) for the Montreal Chapter’s
Paul & Sirvart Kichian Capital Renovation Fund which was established
in 2005 to cover the ongoing expenses of the Alex Manoogian Center.
The Montreal Chapter is committed to upholding the mission of AGBU to
preserve and promote the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs. For more information
on AGBU Montreal, please call (514) 748-2428, email
[email protected] or visit For more
information on AGBU and its worldwide chapters, please visit

November 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]
Website: <; DURING HOLY MASS ON THE NAME DAY OF HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH `LET US FOLLOW THE PATH OF OUR SAINTS AND MARTYRS AND LIVE ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENTS OF OUR LORD' DECLARED THE PRELATE On Sunday, November 5, 2006, the Holy Martyrs Church of Encino celebrated its name day and 43rd anniversary, with a special Holy Mass that was conducted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian assisted at the altar. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian also participated in the Mass, along with the parish deacons, choir, and Sunday School students. At the start of his sermon, the Prelate gave thanks to God for granting him the opportunity to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the church with the parish community. Being that Saturday, November 4, was All Saints Day according to our church calendar, and because our saints were also martyrs, the name day of Holy Martyrs Church was also celebrated on this day. He reminded the faithful that the saints were martyred for their faith, the blood they shed became a testament of their faith, and it was this unyielding faith that established our church. They remained resolute in their faith and never strayed from their righteous path and mission, and it is our duty to follow in their path and to live according to the principles set forth by our Lord. There are many difficulties and temptations in life; however, we must remain loyal to the faith and convictions bequeathed to us by our forefathers so that we may conquer evil. The Prelate then blessed the memories of all those who contributed to the founding of Holy Martyrs Church and all the past servants, then beseeched the Lord to guide the path of the current servants of the church. Following Holy Mass, the Prelate headed to Avedissian Hall in a procession, where he blessed the madagh that was prepared by the parish Ladies Auxiliary. The Prelate then commended the Ladies Auxiliary and Board of Trustees, after which the service came to a close with the Prelate's `Bahbanich' prayer and the collective singing of `Giligia' and `Mer Hayrenik'.

November 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]
Website: <; PRELATE PRESENTS REV. BARKEV DARAKJIAN WITH A PONTIFICAL ENCYCLICAL On the morning of Wednesday, November 8, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed Rev. Barkev Darakjian, long time Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church, to the temporary Prelacy offices, where he presented him with a Pontifical Encyclical by H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, in honor of his 50 years of service. On October 21, the Armenian Evangelical Union honored Rev. Darakjian's 50 years of service with a special ceremony. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian represented the Prelate at the event, where he read the text of the Encyclical and conveyed the Prelate's best wishes. At the meeting, Rev. Darakjian was accompanied by a delegation of clergy and representatives from the Armenian Evangelical Union, namely Rev. Joe Matossian, Rev. Ron Tomassian, Mr. Hagop Lousararian, Mr. Avedis Demirjian, and Mr. Zaven Khanjian. Also present were Prelacy Christian Education Department Directors Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian. The Prelate once again congratulated Rev. Darakjian, wishing for God to grant him many more years of service. Rev. Darakijian then presented the Prelate with a letter of thanks. The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss issues of concern to the Armenian people, and the efforts of both communities to alleviate these issues.

November 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]
Website: <; Prelate Welcomes New Consul General Of Armenia Armen Liloyan On Thursday, November 9, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the newly appointed Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Armen Liloyan to the temporary Prelacy offices in Encino. This was one of the first official visits of the Consul General, who was appointed in late October, to the Prelacy to meet with the Prelate and Executive Council representatives. Accompanying the Consul General was Consul Haroutioun Khojoyan. Also in attendance were Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian, Executive Council Chairman Dr. Garo Agopian and Treasurer Mr. Vahan Bezdikian, as well as Ferrahian High School principal Mr. John Kossakian. During the meeting, the Prelate briefed the Consul General on the history of our Prelacy, churches, and schools, the publications of the Prelacy (textbooks and religious publications), and the endeavors of the Christian Education Department. He also emphasized the collaboration that exists between the Prelacy and Armenian diplomats, both in Los Angeles and in Washington D.C., at the same time renewing his support to the Consulate and their endeavors. The Prelate then once again offered his best wishes to the Consul General on the 15th anniversary of the independence of Armenia, noting that he was fortunate to be in Armenia at the time to participate in the celebrations, and also in Washington D.C. at the celebration hosted by the Ambassador. The Consul General subsequently reported to the Prelate the current and future ventures of the Consulate. The meeting concluded with the Prelate presenting the Consul General with a memento, and wishing him success in his mission.