“RADIO VAN” RADIO STATION HAS BECOME LAUREATE OF INTERNATIONAL CONTEST
OF POPOV PRIZE
Yerevan, September 8. ArmInfo. The “Radio Van” Radio Station has
become a laureate of the International Contest of Popov Prize in
radio broadcasting, held September 7 in Limassol, Cyprus.
It is already the third time the “Radio Van” has become a laureate
of a prestigious prize, in the nomination of “Specialized Program”
this time. The program is called a “Diary of a Non-born Child”.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES MONTH IN ARMENIA
Yerevan, September 8. ArmInfo. A month in the sphere of International
Technologies (IT) will take place in Armenia from September 15 to
October 15, Ara Hakobyan, Adviser of the Armenian Prime Minister told
journalists, Friday.
He said the key goals of the month is to present the IT-sphere,
to enhance the prestige of IT companies and the sphere, on the whole.
Over 10 events are planned in the course of the month. Particularly,
international conference and forums, contests, one big and several
small expositions are expected, A. Hakobyan said. The month is timed
to the forum Armenia-Diaspora in Yerevan and the 15th Independence
Anniversary of Armenia.
In his turn, Director of Enterprise Incubator Foundation Bagrat
Yengibaryan said within the frameworks of the month meetings
will be held at schools. In addition, an inter-university contest
is expected. A contest of young programmers under 30 is already
underway. On September 29, within the frameworks of Armenia-Diaspora
Forum, an international conference will take place with participation
of such world acknowledged companies as Microsoft, Intel, Alcatel,
Sun and others. The conference will touch upon such issues as Internet
access, intensification of radio frequencies, mobile communication net
etc.. As regards expositions, they will present the latest developments
in the sphere. Particularly, B. Yengibaryan underlined the exhibition
“DigiTec-2006”, which has a two-year-long history in the country. The
organizers have much expectation from this exhibition connected with
an entry into the international arena.
Among novelties, he mentioned the contest-marathon on the use of an
open code in the virtual regime that has no analogues in the region.
It will allow everyone working in Internet get on a definite space
to present his product. The winner of the contest will get a grand
prize from Microsoft.

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 7, 2006
___________________
DIOCESE LOSES LEADER WITH DEATH OF HAIG DADOURIAN
It is with sorrow that the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern) announces the passing of Haig Dadourian, a long-time leader and
life-long friend of the Armenian community.
Dadourian, 69, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 5, 2006, in his
home after a two-year battle with brain cancer. His wife Astrid was by his
side.
“I have lost a personal friend and the Armenian community has lost a great
leader,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese.
“He exemplifies a passion for the church, a special passion which began
generations ago, a passion passed to him by his father, the late Dadour
Dadourian. He loved the Armenian Church with his entire soul and worked
diligently to strengthen and further its mission into this new century.”
“We will all miss his steady leadership, his invigorating ideas, and his
personal warmth,” the Primate continued. “And I will miss his friendship
dearly.”
Dadourian, director of the Dadourian Export Corporation, served as a member
of the Diocesan Council since 1993. He served first as treasurer and since
1997 has been its chairman.
“Haig Dadourian gave of his life for the good of the Armenian Church and its
people,” wrote His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, in a letter of condolence to the Eastern Diocese highlighting
Dadourian’s work renovating churches, rebuilding national institutions, and
helping educate young Armenians. “With his death we have lost a very good
friend of the Armenian Church.”
On the Diocesan Council he served as a public face of the Diocese, meeting
with parishioners and clergy to outline plans and create new programs. He
also attended countless meetings, events, and services as a representative
of the Eastern Diocese.
During the Diocesan Assembly in 2000, he was one of the first to offer his
personal support to the development of a Diocesan camp and retreat center,
which resulted in the purchase of the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY.
In November 2000, he was one of a handful of Armenian Church leaders to
participate in a service with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican during which
the relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator were transferred to Holy
Etchmiadzin.
“We feel very strongly about the Armenian Church,” Dadourian said during the
2001 launch of the Diocese’s Spiritual Leadership Fund. “It’s probably the
most important institution for the Armenian community — throughout the
world and right here in America.”
SERVING THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY
Along with his position on the Diocesan Council, Dadourian served on the
Diocesan Board of Trustees; the Board of Directors of the Armenian Church
Endowment Fund (ACEF), which oversees the investment of a $75 million
portfolio of invested endowments; a member of the Board of Directors for the
Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), the Diocesan-affiliated international aid
organization; and as member of the Board of Directors for the St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary of New Rochelle, NY.
He was also a devoted parishioner, serving as a Diocesan Delegate and parish
council member of the St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ, as well as the
assistant choir director of the parish.
In 1998, Dadourian was presented with the St. Gregory the Illuminator Medal,
the highest award bestowed by the church on the laity, by His Holiness
Karekin I, of blessed memory, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, during celebrations of the Diocese’s centennial.
In 2004, he was presented with the Ellis Island Medal, which recognizes the
contribution of immigrants and their descendents to the success of American
society.
For all of his efforts to strengthen the Armenian Church and bring life to
the Armenian community, the Eastern Diocese presented him with the “Armenian
of the Year” award during the Diocesan Assembly in 2005. It was an award he
shared with his brother, Alex, who remains an active leader in the
community.
“Let me take a moment to tell you something about my brother,” Alex said
during the banquet honoring him and his brother. “He epitomizes love for
the church. Those that don’t know him do not realize that he really loves
what he does for the church.”
Haig Dadourian is survived by his wife, Astrid, and three daughters Dr. and
Mrs. Joseph and Leslie Barmakian, Mr. and Mrs. Manoug and Jeanine Hovsepian,
and Mr. and Mrs. Yervant and Melanie Gulian. He is also survived by his two
brothers, Alex and Peter.
FUNERAL SERVICES
A wake service for Haig Dadourian will be held at New York City’s St. Vartan
Cathedral visiting hours from 5 to 8 p.m. with the wake service at 7 p.m. on
Sunday, September 10, 2006. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will officiate
during funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2006.
— 9/7/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Haig Dadourian, chairman of the Diocesan Council, passed
away Tuesday, September 5, 2006.
# # #

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 7, 2006
NEW PRELACY OFFICE IN YEREVAN TO BE NAMED
IN HONOR OF ARCHBISHOP MESROB ASHJIAN
The Eastern Prelacy’s charitable work in Armenia began immediately after
the December 1988 earthquake in northern Armenia, but it was in 1993 that an
office was officially opened in Yerevan, under the supervision of the then
Prelate, the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian. It was Mesrob Srpazan who named
the agency “The St. Nerses the Great Charitable and Social Organization,” in
honor of Catholicos Nerses (c. 326-373) who is remembered for the great
charitable work he accomplished, building schools, hospitals and other
institutions that served the needs of the people.
Since its establishment thirteen years ago, the St. Nerses Charitable
Organization has been operating from a small two-room office. Two years ago
an apartment on Koryun Street was purchased and has been undergoing
renovations for use as an office. The official opening of this new office
will take place on Tuesday evening, September 19, and the office will be
named “The Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian Center.” The Prelate, Archbishop
Oshagan, will preside over the opening and naming ceremonies, which is
expected to be attended by a number of dignitaries and guests.
“The Executive Council and I deemed it appropriate to name the office in
honor of Mesrob Srpazan, because of the extraordinary service he performed
in Armenia. He created the St. Nerses Charitable Organization and nurtured
it from its earliest days paving the way to the current status of this
charitable organization, which provides assistance to hundreds of
individuals and institutions in Armenia and Artsakh. I hope this will be
another link in remembering the splendid legacy he left,” said Archbishop
Oshagan.
VICAR GENERAL RETURNS TO NEW YORK
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, returned to New York last
week after more than two weeks in Armenia where he directed the program of
summer religious studies for some of the children sponsored by the Prelacy’s
Orphan Sponsorship Program, which took place at the summer camp in Vanadzor
in northern Armenia.
PRELATE AT THE AYF OLYMPICS
As he does every Labor Day weekend, Archbishop Oshagan opened the 73rd
annual AYF Olympic games, which this year took place in Milwaukee.
In his opening message and prayer, His Eminence praised the Armenian
Youth Federation for its years of service to the youth, and said, “.the AYF
has taught you to participate and not remain in the margins of Armenian
American life. May you always be faithful to these traditions in the
footsteps of our forefathers, looking ahead to the future.”
To read the entire message click
EPISCOPAL CONSECRATION OF BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN
WILL BE CELEBRATED ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 1
Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the celebration in honor of the
recent Episcopal consecration of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian. A
community-wide banquet will take place on Sunday, October 1, 3 pm at the
Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, New York. In the morning, Bishop
Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York, a parish he served for more than a decade. Bishop
Anoushavan’s elevation and consecration took place on June 4, in ceremonies
officiated by Catholicos Aram I in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the
Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon.
For more information about the October 1st event click
V. REV. FR. DANIEL GARABEDIAN SAYS FAREWELL AND
PREPARES FOR NEW MINISTRY IN MIDWEST
Yesterday, September 6, was V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian’s final day at
the Prelacy offices in New York City, where he has been serving in the
religious education department for the past year. The Prelate, Vicar, and
staff members enjoyed a luncheon together with expressions of good wishes
and prayers for Fr. Daniel who will begin his ministry to St. Hagop Church
in Racine, Wisconsin and St. Paul Church in Waukegan, Illinois.
Besides working in the Christian education department, Fr. Daniel served
as interim priest at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, as well as visiting priest
to other parishes. For several weeks during the summer Hayr Sourp was at
Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts, where he assisted in the
educational program for campers, especially in religious education.
Godspeed, Hayr Sourp.
VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO RACINE THIS WEEKEND
Bishop Anoushavan, the Vicar General, will travel to Racine, Wisconsin,
this weekend where he will introduce V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian to the
congregation of St. Hagop Church. Joining the Vicar will be the chairman of
the Prelacy’s Executive Council, Jack Mardoian. Hayr Daniel will begin his
service as pastor of St. Hagop Church and St. Paul Church in Waukegan,
Illinois. Hayr Daniel will officiate over the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at
St. Hagop Church.
AREC DIRECTOR WILL LEAD RETREAT
Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education
Council, will lead a retreat for the Sunday School teachers and staff of St.
Gregory the Illuminator Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September
22-23, 2006. The theme of the retreat is “Nurturing Faith.”
NEW SERIES OF BIBLE STUDY AT PRELACY
An eight-session course on the “Letter to the Hebrews” will start on
Monday, October 2, 2006, at the Prelacy from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm, and will
continue to be held on the first and third Mondays of the month. Sponsored
by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the course will be
conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of AREC.
The Letter to the Hebrews is a profound written homily, a “word of
exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22). One of the main themes of the Letter is that
the old covenant has been superseded through the sacrificial death of
Christ. And for that reason, studying the Letter to the Hebrews will give
the participants a solid biblical understanding of the “Soorp Badarak” (Holy
Sacrifice) that we celebrate on Sundays.
Registration is required (suggested donation: $25). For registration and
information, please call 212-689-7810 or e mail at [email protected].
QUARTER OF MILLION IS ALLOCATED TO SCHOOLS IN LEBANON
FROM KHATCHIG BABIKIAN FUND
The recently established “Khachig Babikian Fund,” of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia will donate $250,000 to the Armenian national schools in Lebanon.
In making the announcement, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, said: “As we had previously announced, the yearly income
of this fund will be used for educational, cultural, social and publishing
projects. However, considering the hardships created in Lebanon as a
consequence of the recent war, we decided to grant the largest part of the
fund’s allocation this year to our schools. We believe this is a wise
decision considering the importance of the Armenian school in the life of
the community.”
We remind readers that the Prelacy continues to accept donations for
Lebanese aid. Checks payable to Armenian Prelacy can be mailed to 138 E.
39th Street, New York, New York 10016.
FIRST MEETING OF NEW WCC CENTRAL COMMITTEE
The first meeting of the new WCC Central Committee began last week, on
August 30 in Geneva and is scheduled to end today. Attending on behalf of
the Armenian Church are: Bishop Nareg Alemezian and Dr. Nora Bairakdarian,
representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia, and Bishop Vicken Aikazian and
Paula Devedjian on behalf of the Catholicosate of All Armenians.
CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVES U.S. AMBASSADOR
The Ambassador of the United States to Lebanon, Jeffrey Feltman, visited
His Holiness Aram I at the Catholicos’s summer residence in Bikfaya,
Lebanon, on August 30. The Ambassador and His Holiness discussed the
post-war efforts of the various Lebanese communities and the peace process.
WHITINSVILLE PARISH FEATURED
The local newspaper, Blackstone Tribune, printed an extensive feature
article on the Blessing of the Grapes ceremony and picnic of Sts.
Aasvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, with many photographs,
including a beautiful color photo on page one showing the blessing of grapes
ceremony led by Archbishop Oshagan, assisted by the parish’s priest, Rev.
Fr. Aram Stepanian, and clergy from area Prelacy churches including Rev. Fr.
Gomidas Baghsarian (Providence), Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian (Watertown), Rev.
Fr. Khachadour Boghossian (Worcester), Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian (North
Andover). The article’s focus was on the many young people who attended and
participated in the services and the picnic that followed.
SAVE THE DATE: CHILDREN’S CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 18
With the extraordinary success of the Prelacy’s Children’s Concert two
years ago, another concert for children will take place on Saturday
afternoon, November 18, at Florence Gould Hall, at the Alliance Francaise in
New York City, featuring the talented and popular TALINE AND FRIENDS, from
California.
SPEAKING OF CONCERTS..
Speaking of concerts, a number of events are scheduled in the coming days
in New York featuring Armenian artists.
Sunday, September 17, a concert in celebration of the 15th anniversary of
the Republic of Armenia, will take place at Merkin Concert Hall at 7 pm.
“Now and Then: Music in Armenia after Khatchaturian,” will feature a number
of well known musicians including Sahan Arzruni, Kim Kashkashian, Andre
Emelianoff, Shushi Dance Ensemble, and others, performing the works of
composers after Khatchaturian. Tickets ($25 each) available through the
Prelacy are sold out, but you can contact the box office at 212-501-3330.
Datevik Hovanessian and her trio are taking part in the “2nd Annual Diet
Coke Women in Jazz Festival,” at Jazz at Lincoln Center, on Monday,
September 18, 7:30 pm, at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at the Time Warner Center
in New York, Broadway at 60th Street. For information and reservations go to
, or 212-258-9595.
On Monday, September 18, and Tuesday, September 19, the internationally
known and loved Charles Aznavour will perform at Radio City Music Hall, 8
pm, as part of his worldwide “Farewell Tour.” Aznavour’s shows are always
first-rate. If you have never seen him perform in person, do it now.
Tickets, 212-307-7171.
FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Tomorrow, Friday, September 8, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast
of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to tradition, Joachim
and Anna were faithful and pious, waiting for the promised messiah. They
were elderly and childless. They prayed to God for a child and were blessed
with a child who would become the Mother of the Messiah.
THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA
On Saturday, September 9, the Armenian Church celebrates the First
Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea in Asia Minor in the year 325 and the 318
Church Fathers who attended. The Council was called by Emperor Constantine.
The Armenian Church participated in this Council and contributed toward the
victory of Orthodoxy. The Council is mentioned in the historical writings of
Moses of Khoren and Agathangelos. In later centuries and in all their
doctrinal writings, the Fathers of the Armenian Church referred to the
Council of Nicaea with veneration and the Nicene Creed was incorporated into
the Armenian Liturgy.
FAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, September 10, begins the Fast (Barekentan) leading to the
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachveratz), which is a week
from Sunday, September 17. Because this is a Great or Tabernacle Feast, it
is preceded by a week (Monday to Friday) of fasting.
FIVE YEARS AGO.
Monday, September 11, is the fifth anniversary of the attacks in New
York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Five years later the memories are of
lives lost and lives changed. Also of lives spared.
No matter what, those of us who did not lose a loved one on that day can
never imagine the pain of those who did. We experienced a taste of that
impending terror of loss on that day. Our niece and a cousin worked at the
World Trade Center in New York and when we watched the towers come down we
feared the worst. The hours of uncertainty, with no means of communication,
heightened our fears, but indicative of human behavior, we hoped and prayed
for salvation. When we finally received word that both had exited Tower Two
moments before it collapsed and were safe, our happiness was muted by the
knowledge that thousands of people did not escape and died that day in a
death that can only be described as senseless and evil. Five years later the
same questions abound as we contemplate a world vastly different than before
9/11.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 10-Sts. Vartanantz Sunday School, Ridgefield, New Jersey, luncheon
and registration for the 2006-2007 school year.
September 10-Annual picnic of St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut.
September 10-Annual picnic of St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack
Valley, at the American Legion grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
September 10-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Sunday School classes resume.
September 15-2nd Annual Golf Outing of All Saints Church, at Hilldale Golf
Club, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. For reservations and/or information,
847-858-7685.
September 17-Sunday School registration and fellowship, Holy Trinity
Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, following the Divine
Liturgy.
September 17-First Annual Lobster Fest, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 215-482-9200.
September 17-Annual Picnic, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, on the
church grounds, following church services and the blessing of Basil. For
information: 718-224-2275.
September 18-11th Annual ACEC/School golf outing at Stow Acres Country Club,
Stow, Massachusetts. For information, 781-326-5764.
September 22-Family Night at St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack
Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, 6 pm at Jaffarian Hall.
September 22-23-Retreat, “Nurturing Faith,” for Sunday School teachers and
staff of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 25-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 3rd Annual Golf Outing and Award Dinner at Raceway Golf
Course, Thompson, Connecticut. Registration 7:30 a.m. For information
508-872-9629 or church office 508-852-2414.
September 25-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Third Annual Golf Outing. For information, 215-482-9200.
September 28-4th Annual Golf Outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey. Bergen Hills Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For reservations and/or information: 201-943-2950.
October 1-Banquet honoring Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian on the occasion of
his recent elevation, at Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows, New York, 3
pm. Details will follow.
October 2-New eight-session Bible study on the “Letter to the Hebrews”
begins at the Prelacy, 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm, first and third Mondays of the
month, sponsored by AREC. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian. For information:
212-689-7810.
October 8-81st anniversary celebration of St. Stephen Church, New Britain,
Connecticut.
October 19-22-Annual bazaar, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
October 22-Holy Cross Church, Troy, NY, anniversary celebration.
November 3-4- Ladies Guild Food Festival, St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
November 3, 4, 5-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual
Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.
November 5-Annual bazaar, St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut.
November 5-36th Anniversary Luncheon and program, St. Gregory Armenian
Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts.
November 10-12-Mini Datev program for teens, ages 13 to 18. At Colombiere
Retreat Conference Center in Clarkston, Michigan.
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 17 & 18-Annual Bazaar, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church,
Worcester, Massachusetts.
November 18-Children’s Concert, GIVING THANKS, sponsored by the Eastern
Prelacy at Florence Gould Hall, Alliance Francaise, New York City, featuring
TALINE AND FRIENDS. Details will follow.
November 26-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
First Episcopal Badarak in Philadelphia by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.
December 9-Men’s Club Steak Dinner, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
December 24-Sunday School Christmas Pageant, St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Visit our website at

PRESS RELEASE
September 7, 2006
American University of Armenia
40 Marshal Baghramian
Yerevan 375019 ARMENIA
Tel: (37410) 512-522
Fax: (37410) 512-523
Contact: Diana Manukyan
E-mail: [email protected]
Thomas J. Samuelian is awarded the St. Sahak- Mesrop medal
Etchmiadzin. On August 30, 2006, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, bestowed AUA Law Dean Tom Samuelian with the St. Sahak-Mesrop
medal in recognition of his nearly three decades of service to the Armenian
Church and nation. The Order of Sts. Sahak and Mesrop is one of the
church’s highest honors, reserved for individuals who have made outstanding
contributions in the fields of scholarship, education, culture, and service.
The Catholicos stated that he knew Dr. Samuelian personally and sincerely
appreciated his cheerful willingness to assist the Church on many occasions.
He cited Dr. Samuelian’s distinguished career as a scholar in the United
States at leading universities, church institutions, and community schools.
He made special mention of his many publications, including Armenian
textbooks, dictionaries, web-sites, and translations of Armenian classics,
such as the Narek and Yeznik Koghbatsi. He underscored Dr. Samuelian’s
long service in church parish life, as a choir member and trustee, and as a
bridge between Armenia and the Diaspora. He praised Dr. Samuelian as a
committed Christian and son of the Armenian Church and gave his Patriarchal
blessing.
The Hover Chamber Choir added luster to the evening, performing Komitas
sacred and secular pieces as part of the ceremony, which was attended by
over a hundred well-wishers and friends. US Ambassador John Evans was also
in attendance and delivered warm greetings, adding his appreciation for Dr.
Samuelian’s unique ability to integrate scholarly wisdom and practical
service and his contributions to Armenian-American relations. RA Foreign
Minister Oskanian also sent his congratulations, calling Dr. Samuelian “a
Renaissance man, a son of his nation, endowed with a deep spiritual inner
world, strong convictions and high principles,” which inspire his work and
which “he generously shares with his co-workers and students.”
The AUA Community joins in congratulating Dean Samuelian on this high honor
and wishes him many years of fruitful accomplishments.
——————————– ——————————————–
The American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC) is registered as a
non-profit organization in the United States and as the Armenian University
of Armenia Fund (AUAF) in Armenia .The American University of Armenia (AUA)
is affiliated through AUAC with the Regents of the University of California.
Receiving major support from the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the
Masters Degree in eight graduate programs. For more information about AUA,
visit

PRESS RELEASE
September 7, 2006
American University of Armenia
40 Marshal Baghramian
Yerevan 375019 ARMENIA
Tel: (37410) 512-522
Fax: (37410) 512-523
Contact: Diana Manukyan
E-mail: [email protected]
Summit of Mount Ararat
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence and the
founding of the American University of Armenia, a group of six members from
the faculty and friends of the University made to the summit of Mount Ararat
(5,165m, 16,945feet). The group was made up of: President Haroutune
Armenian, Sona Armenian, Arsen Grigoryan, Arthur Melkonyan, Varduhi
Petrosian and Ara Tekian.
The team started its ascent from Dogubeyazit on the 25th of August; it
reached first camp in the afternoon of August 25th at an altitude of 3200m;
they continued their ascent and reached second camp at an altitude of 4200m
on August 26th; they reached the summit at 6:30am on August 27th. They made
it back down to the plain in the same day.
“The group had both a sense of collective and individual achievement and
marked these15th anniversary occasions in a most appropriate manner” said
President Armenian.
————————————— ————————————-
The American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC) is registered as a
non-profit organization in the United States and as the Armenian University
of Armenia Fund (AUAF) in Armenia .The American University of Armenia (AUA)
is affiliated through AUAC with the Regents of the University of California.
Receiving major support from the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the
Masters Degree in eight graduate programs. For more information about AUA,
visit

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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 +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 7, 2006
Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
ANCA-WR Summer Interns Contribute to Grassroots Initiatives
GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region (ANCA-WR) completed its 2006 Summer Internship Program last
month. The program began on June 23rd and ended on August 18, with
interns from across the western region United States working to
advance the Armenian Cause.
Salpi Demirjian, a high school student from Gilbert, Arizona and an
active member of the Armenian Youth Federation Phoenix Chapter, was
among the participants of the internship program. During her time at
the ANCA-WR office, she created and updated a community database of
Arizona Armenians and identified state grant programs in California
related to the mission of the ANCA.
Sossie Mahroukian, a recent graduate of the California State University
at Fullerton, joined the program from Orange County. Ms.
Mahroukian earned her degree in Business Marketing. During the
internship, she explored opportunities for collaboration between the
ANCA and community organizations that share similar goals. Her main
project involved outreach to local Democratic and Republican party
clubs in an effort to connect the Armenian American community with
each political party’s base. Her project fell within the broader
efforts of the ANCA to engage Armenian Americans more actively in
local community politics.
Teresa Petrosyan, a Valley Village resident and a UCLA junior studying
International Development, spent her internship working with the
Genocide Education Project. The Genocide Education Project assists
educators in teaching about human rights and genocide, particularly the
Armenian Genocide, by developing instructional materials and providing
teaching resources and organizing training workshops. Working closely
with Raffi Momjian, the Genocide Education Project’s Executive Director
and Sarah Cohan, the Genocide Education Project’s Education Director,
Ms. Petrosyan identified school districts in California in which
genocide education workshops should be organized.
Allen Yekikan, a Glendale resident and UCLA junior studying history,
worked on increasing the accessibility of the ANCA as a resource for
the Armenian community. As part of his project, he catalogued the video
and book library of the Western Region office and created a digital
lending system. Mr. Yekikan also compiled a speaker bureau featuring
ANCA and community leaders, which could be used by Armenian collegiate
organizations to help them identify speakers on various topics. Both
the library lending system and speaker bureau will be launched via the
ANCA website this fall. In addition to interning at the ANCA-WR office,
Mr. Yekikan also worked as an extern with Asbarez Daily Newspaper,
where he served as an assistant editor for the English edition.
In addition to their individual projects, the interns participated in
the daily activities of the Western Region office. They participated
in meetings during the Congressional summer recess along with ANCA-WR
board members, staff and local ANC leadership. The interns also joined
former interns and volunteers in staffing the ANCA-WR exhibit at
the California Republican Party state convention, where they helped
introduce the organization to elected officials, party leadership
and delegates from across the state.
The program also included a lecture series as well as weekly press
reviews in which the interns presented and discussed news articles
related to Armenian American issues. The lecture series began with
an introduction to the history of Armenian American advocacy and
political awareness in the United States, including the inception,
growth and continued development of the ANCA.
“The meetings and press reviews are inspiring, informative, and
educational,” remarked Ms. Petrosyan. “We met professionals with
political knowledge and skills. They are good advisors – especially
to those of us interested in pursuing a career in public service.”
The interns were treated to a special lecture presentation by
Glendale City Councilman Rafi Manoukian and Glendale City Clerk
Ardashes Kassakhian, who discussed the importance of Armenian American
involvement in public service. The interns were also given a tour of
Los Angeles City Hall, led by former Leo Sarkissian Intern Rostom
Sarkissian. The tour was made possible by Areen Ibranossian, ANCA
activist and aide to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
“I enjoyed the atmosphere of the program. The staff members were
friendly and I learned a lot from them about how the ANCA runs
day-to-day,” commented Mr. Yekikan. “It was interesting to learn about
the long history of the organization and I am amazed with the amount
of progress we have made in empowering our community in the past
decades. I was glad I could contribute to advancing our community’s
issues through the internship program.”
The ANCA-WR Internship Program is also offered during the fall
and spring. More information about these programs is available by
contacting ANCA-WR Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian.
Editor’s Note: Photo included(left to right): Allen Yekikan,
Teresa Petrosyan, Former ANCA-WR Chairman Levon Kirkosian, Sossie
Mahroukian, Salpi Demirjian, and ANCA-WR Community Relations Director,
Haig Hovsepian.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SEPTEMBER 7, 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:
THE LINCY FOUNDATION MAKES A GENEROUS $ 535,000 ANNUAL ALLOCATION TO
WESTERN PRELACY SCHOOLS
With distinct pleasure and heartfelt gratitude we announce that the
LINCY Foundation has once again made a generous donation in the
amount of $535,000.00 to the Armenian schools of our Western Prelacy
for the 2006-2007 academic year.
Renowned and respected for its charitable mission, the Foundation
continues to provide for the various and numerous needs of both the
Armenian Diaspora and our Homeland with its generous endowments.
The donation will be disbursed as follows:
– Ferrahian Armenian High School, Encino $100,000.00
– Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian High School, Hollywood $100,000.00
– Mesrobian Armenian High School, Montebello $100,000.00
– Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Glendale $100,000.00
– Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, Orange County $50,000.00
– Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School, San Francisco $50,000.00
– Levon and Hasmig Tavlian Armenian School, Pasadena $25,000.00
– Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool $10,000.00
On this occasion, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, the Prelacy Religious and Executive Councils, and the Board
of Regents of Prelacy Schools, together with the committees
functioning under their auspices convey their heartfelt thanks and
gratitude to the LINCY Foundation and to its administrators for their
dedicated services to our people, our new generation and our
Homeland.
We would like to emphasize that for many years now the LINCY
Foundation has been providing invaluable moral and financial support
to the schools operating under the jurisdiction of the Western
Prelacy, and has participated in the implementation of their sacred
mission to educate our younger generations in the spirit of our
national heritage and the values of humanity.
May Almighty God reward the founders and the Administration of the
LINCY Foundation with His grace and bless their charitable and
humanitarian endeavors.
SECRETARIAT WESTERN PRELACY
September 10, 2006

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2006
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE HOAGLAND
State Department Responds to Senator Biden’s Letter
Washington, DC – After a lengthy confirmation process which challenged
the Bush Administration’s policy on the Armenian Genocide, the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee today approved the nomination of
Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland as America’s next Ambassador to
Armenia.
The panel vote, 13-5, clears a major hurdle for Hoagland, who has been
repeatedly questioned by Republican and Democratic lawmakers over U.S.
policy on the Armenian Genocide following his nomination by President
Bush to replace Ambassador John M. Evans. Senators Paul Sarbanes
(D-MD), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), John Kerry (D-MA)
and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) – all longtime supporters of U.S. reaffirmation
of the Armenian Genocide – voted against the nominee, citing concerns
over the Administration’s flawed policy which neither denies nor
properly affirms the events as genocide.
“My vote is no,” Kerry told Committee Members. “It is not against the
nominee personally, but against the Administration.” Kerry said that
the U.S. must honor history and honor the truth, pointing to America’s
own record as documented by U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry
Morgenthau who warned during the time of the killings that a “campaign
of race extermination” was in progress.
“It was the policy of our government to stop what was happening,” Kerry
said. “For us to allow an Ambassador [John Evans] to be recalled
because he uttered the word genocide, is to cow tow.”
Ambassador Evans was rebuked by the State Department after publicly
affirming that “the Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the
twentieth century.” He tendered his resignation after serving only two
years of what is typically a three-year assignment. To date, the State
Department has provided no additional justification for Evans’ departure
other than to say that all Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the
President and that allegations that Turkey was involved in pressuring
for his early departure are untrue.
More than 60 Member of Congress, including Boxer, voiced their support
for Evans’ statements and sent letters to Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice, seeking clarification for the circumstances surrounding his
departure. During the Committee deliberation, Boxer referenced a
statement by then-Governor George W. Bush, which said that Armenians
were subjected to a genocidal campaign that defies comprehension. The
February 2000 letter said that, “if elected President, I would ensure
that our nation properly recognizes the tragic suffering of the Armenian
people.” Boxer told Committee Members that the President did not fulfill
his pledge, but Evans did acknowledge the truth and was recalled from
his post as a consequence.
Dodd focused on several world events, including the alarming situation
in Darfur, and also noted the approaching 100th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. “I think it’s important at this point that we make a
stand,” Dodd said, explaining his reasons for voting against the
nomination.
Sarbanes took issue with the Administration’s explanation for Evans’
recall. Sarbanes said he welcomed Hoagland’s revised responses but
raised questions as to the nominee’s “understanding and sensitivity to
the answers in the first place.”
Coleman said that understanding and remembering the truth about the
Armenian Genocide is vital. As a person of the Jewish faith, he said he
remembers growing up with the mentality of “Never Forget.” He expressed
regret over the fact that the Administration is placing an Ambassador in
a position in which he cannot acknowledge the truth.
Ranking Member Joseph Biden (D-DE), said “it was his instinct” to vote
no for the all reasons cited by his colleagues. He said that the
Administrations policy is factually flawed and inconsistent, adding “it
is long past time for the Administration to acknowledge the historical
fact of the genocide.”
“I am still deeply frustrated with the State Department’s continuing
semantic games, but Richard Hoagland isn’t responsible for the current
policy and it won’t help Armenia or the U.S. if there is no American
Ambassador in Yerevan this fall,” Biden told the Assembly. “At my
urging, the State Department has promised to have Ambassador Richard
Hoagland consult extensively with the Armenian-American community before
he departs for Yerevan.”
Biden recently received a response to a letter he had written to
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, concerning Hoagland. The State
Department letter noted that the President’s annual statement on
Armenian Remembrance Day firmly sets the U.S. apart from those who would
deny or minimize the atrocities. [See letter attached.]
“The Administration’s policy on this issue is not based on any desire to
show deference to Turkey,” stated the letter from Jeffery Bergner,
Assistant Secretary of Legislative Affairs. “Rather, we were guided by
U.S. national interests which, in this case, means reconciliation
through an honest, unflinching examination of a tragedy of enormous
human significance.”
The letter also stated that the State Department deals directly with the
Turkish Government and not foreign agents, and “at no point has the
State Department received any communication from the Turkish Government
urging a recall of Ambassador Evans.”
Although the majority of the panel members voted in favor of Hoagland,
several said they disagreed with U.S. policy on the genocide but
recognized the important of having a U.S. envoy in Armenia.
Committee Chairman Senator Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) noted that many
Senators raised concerns about the Administration’s policy and noted
that “Armenia is very important to the U.S.- both culturally and
strategically.”
“The Bush Administration’s policy concerning the Armenian Genocide is
wrong and is untenable,” Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) said in a press
statement. “[However] I believe it is in the best interest of the
U.S.-Armenia relationship to have an effective U.S. Ambassador in
place.”
Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) said that everyone understands that what
happened was a genocide, however noted that the Administration must have
its reasons and that the U.S. needs to have an Ambassador in Armenia.
“Richard Hoagland is well equipped to take on this role of Ambassador to
Armenia and I look forward to supporting him with my vote on the floor
of the Senate,” Senator George Allen (R-VA) told the Assembly. “I’m
confident that once confirmed, this fine University of Virginia graduate
and career diplomat will apply his wealth of knowledge and experience to
encourage stronger ties between Armenia and the United States.”
“We appreciate the remarks of the Senators to squarely affirm the
Armenian Genocide and to urge the Administration to review and rethink
its current policy,” said Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “The
historical truth is undeniable and we will continue to pursue universal
and irrevocable affirmation of the Armenian Genocide.”
Hoagland previously told Committee Members that if approved, he will
faithfully represent the President’s policy. The panel twice postponed a
vote on Hoagland. Both Biden and Kerry (D-MA) voiced concerns last
month and delayed consideration until today’s meeting.
Hoagland, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently
serves as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan.
Previously, he served as Director of the Office of Caucasus and Central
Asian Affairs at the Department of State and as Director of the Office
of Public Diplomacy in the Bureau of South Asian Affairs.
The next step in the confirmation process is consideration by the full
Senate.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR#2006-078
How They Voted
YES, 13: Senators Richard E. Lugar (R-IN), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Lincoln
Chafee (R-RI), George Allen (R-VA), George V. Voinovich (R-OH), Lamar
Alexander (R-TN), John E. Sununu (R-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mel
Martinez (R-FL), Joseph Biden, Jr. (D-DE), Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Bill
Nelson (D-FL), Barack Obama (D-IL).
NO, 5: Senators Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Christopher
Dodd (D-CT), John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA).

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:
V. REV. FR. SHAHE PANOSSIAN APPOINTED DEAN OF THE SEMINARY
His Holiness Aram I appointed V. Rev. Fr. Shahe Panossian as the new
Dean of the Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. V. Rev. Fr.
Panossian comes to replace V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, who
occupied the position for one year only according to a decision by
His Holiness Aram I. V. Rev. Fr. Chiftjian will henceforth continue
to serve as the director of the Catholicosate’s Communications
Department. V. Rev. Fr. Shahe is an active member of the Cilician
Brotherhood. During the last 25 years he has occupied several
important administrative and spiritual posts in the Catholicosate,
the “Birds’ Nest” orphanage and in the dioceses of Greece, the
United States and Canada. V. Rev. Fr. Panosssian will dedicate
himself to the difficult task of educating new generations. Rev. Fr.
Sipan Ketchedjian remains the deputy dean of the Seminary while Rev.
Fr. Magar Ashkarian continues to serve as assistant to dean. Taking
into consideration the new challenges facing the new generations,
our nation and Church, the Seminary’s curriculum was recently revised.
## The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two
Catholicosates of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed
information about the Theological Seminary 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.