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 20, 2006
___________________
ACYOA CENTRAL COUNCIL MEETS IN WATERTOWN
On Saturday, September 9, 2006, the ACYOA Central Council, along with ACYOA
Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian, met at the St. James Church of
Watertown, MA.
Also attending portions of the meeting were Diocesan Council members James
Kalustian and Fr. Arakel Aljalian. Julie Hoplamazian, the Diocese’s new
college ministry facilitator, also attended to share her ideas with the
ACYOA leaders and to explore ways in which she and the youth organization
can collaborate.
This was the second meeting of the council elected during this spring’s
ACYOA General Assembly.
“I have a lot of confidence in this group of young people. They’re hard
workers and have a deep sense of commitment to the ACYOA and its mission. I
think we’re going to get a lot done this year,” Basmajian said.
Among the agenda items at the meeting were programming goals for the 2006-07
year which will include a regional retreat series, the Archbishop’s
Tournament (to be hosted this year by the Watertown ACYOA chapter from
October 6 to 8), the annual leadership conference, the Armenia Service
Program, a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and satellite college chapters.
The ACYOA this year also has plans to produce a new promotional brochure and
to publish several issues of its official newsletter, “Hye Hokin.”
During the September 9 meeting, Central Council members also discussed ways
in which they will advance the year’s Diocesan theme: “Church and Home: One
in Spirit.” The Primate has asked the young leaders to assist in recruiting
young adults to help implement and evaluate the activities being planned for
the year.
The ACYOA Central Council members are: Chair Gregory Andonian of the St.
Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH; Vice Chair Ani Tovar of the St.
Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; Secretary Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary Church
of Washington, DC; Treasurer John El Chemmas of the St. John Church of
Southfield, MI; Programming Coordinator Talin Hitik from the St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL; Public Relations Coordinator Alex
Derderian of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA; and
Chapter Relations Coordinator Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob Church of
Racine, WI.
For more on the ACYOA, visit its newly-redesigned website:
— 9/20/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): The ACYOA Central Council members, with Executive
Secretary Nancy Basmajian, and Fr. Arakel Aljalian, member of the Diocesan
Council and pastor of the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, after the
liturgy on September 10.
# # #

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 20, 2006
___________________
SEMINARY GRADUATE HEARS CALL TO SERVE ARMENIAN CHURCH
By Jake Goshert
It’s a new term for college students, and this year they’ll be greeted by a
new face at the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
Julie Hoplamazian has joined the Diocesan staff as its college ministry
facilitator, taking over for Jason Demerjian, who established the program
over the past two years and is now furthering his studies at St. Nersess
Seminary.
“Julie brings broad experience in teaching, youth ministry, music, and
religious education to our effort to reach our college students,” said
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate. “She has a deep love for the Armenian
Church. That devotion, combined with her God-given talents, will help her
expand and strengthen this vital ministry of the Diocese.
A Philadelphia native, Hoplamazian has a bachelor’s degree in music
education from Gettysburg College and has taught music at various levels.
This past May she received a master’s of divinity degree from Princeton
Theological Seminary.
“Ever since I was little, I always wanted to devote my life to God in some
way,” she said. “And after a series of twists and turns, He has led me this
way.”
As college ministry facilitator she will work with priests and parish
leaders to reach out to Armenian American college students throughout the
Diocese. She will visit campuses and organize events for students.
Reaching directly to students she will oversee the Diocese’s college
ministry website — — and manage the monthly
e-newsletter, “Eh-mail.”
LIFE OF DEVOTION
Even in elementary school, Hoplamazian felt a strong connection to God.
“When I was young, I’d have friends or cousins who would do things I knew
were wrong, and my response always was ‘Jesus wouldn’t want you to do
that,'” she said. “I had no problem reprimanding them. I always thought
Jesus was my special friend.”
She said seeing her mother and grandmother devote their time and resources
to the church made her feel strongly connected to God. It is a relationship
that has only grown and deepened as she matured.
“It is still changing. There are times my relationship with Jesus is that
of a friend. Sometimes my relationship with God is that of a child to a
parent,” she said. “But overall, it is a deeper sense of identity. As my
relationship with God grows, my identity becomes more and more inseparable
from being a child of God.”
While she knows her strong relationship with God might be unique among young
people in today’s more secular society, she believes she can talk to
students about the importance of their faith because it has a universal
appeal. She says people sometimes tell her being religious is a good choice
for her, but not for them. However, her belief in the truth of Christ means
she sees His teachings as universal, not something that only works for some
people.
“We’re encouraged think that God is a novel idea, a relative reality, as
opposed to an absolute truth. It is hard to have a Christian life with
integrity where you can say ‘I believe this is true,’ as opposed to ‘This is
true just for me,'” she said. “But deep down the core of our faith is right
for everybody — your deepest meaning is found in God.”
Hoplamazian hopes to bring more programs and activities to the Diocese’s
college ministry program. By encouraging the students to take part in fun
and meaningful activities, she believes they will look for opportunities to
take part in the life of the Armenian Church.
However, she knows she can’t do it on her own. She will be working with
parishes to identify students, invite them to services and events when
they’re away from home, and provide an Armenian Christian “support system”
for them.
“I can’t reach out to every Armenian student. If parishioners know of
students in their area, they should try to be their parents away from home.
Otherwise, their parents away from home will be partying, drinking, other
bad influences,” she said. “The college kids I’ve met love their Armenian
heritage and Christian roots and want to be a part of the community. We
just have to make sure to invite and welcome them into our parishes.”
If you know an Armenian-American college student, contact Hoplamazian via
e-mail at [email protected] or by calling (212) 686-0710.
— 9/20/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Julie Hoplamazian is the new college ministry
facilitator for the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
# # #
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenia Fund, Inc.
111 North Jackson St. Ste. 205
Glendale, CA 91206
Tel: 818-243-6222
Fax: 818-243-7222
Url:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact ~ Sarkis Kotanjian
[email protected]
Armenia Fund Unveils International Telethon Campaign
Telethon 2006 to Benefit Hadrut Regional Development
Los Angeles, CA – On Wednesday, September 13, 2006, Armenia Fund
United States Western Region launched the 9th annual international
telethon’s campaign with a special reception at the Alex Theatre
Forecourt. The event highlighted the start of the campaign with a
special telethon logo unveiling program with the participation of
all major Armenian-American organizations as well as religious and
community leaders.
In the light of the 15th anniversary of the Republics of Armenia and
Artsakh, the 2006 campaign is dubbed as “I Love Armenia” and “I Love
Artsakh”, which features a pomegranate with its seeds in formation of
a heart as the telethon logo. The dual international campaign jointly
launched from Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Yerevan will be widely
used by Armenia Fund’s 19 international offices to promote the 2006
Telethon as well as highlight the 15 years of independence of the
republics. The Telethon is set to air internationally on Thanksgiving
Day, November 23, 2006.
Los Angeles based graphic artist Helena Gregorian designed the logo.
Gregorian draws years of experience in the graphic design and arts
industry.
Armenia Fund’s Telethon 2005 was designed by Gregorian as well.
The special reception drew hundreds of Armenia Fund supporters,
community leaders and activists, as well as special guests. Present
were also Armenia Fund’s Board members. The Fund’s Board has a unique
composition of the heads of all major Armenian organizations, churches
and political parties.
Essentially, the Fund is the only Pan-Armenian organization both within
Armenia and the Diaspora at large. Chairperson of Armenia Fund United
States Western Region Maria Mehranian welcomed the attendees to the
event and thanked all those who were once again at the forefront of
supporting Armenia Fund’s nation building projects. “Today, Armenia
is a better place thanks to your continued support. Whether it is the
modern water pipeline that doubled the water supply in the Martakert
Region, the regional hospital with new ambulances, 3 new schools, and
the first agricultural cooperative, Artsakh is truly on the path of
socio-economic recovery”, stated Mehranian during her opening remarks.
“Over the past months, Armenia Fund and its 19 affiliates have
been actively collecting the promised pledges from Telethon 2005,
undergoing rigorous financial audits, and closely monitoring the
critical implementation of the Martakert Regional Development plan”,
stated Sarkis Kotanjian, Executive Director of Armenia Fund, Inc.
Building on the merits of the Martakert Regional Development plan,
which is underway, Armenia Fund plans on implementing a parallel
program in the southernmost borderline region – Hadrut. During the
liberation war, nearly all regions of Nagorno Karabakh came under
heavy fire from Azeri forces. The brutal war brought insurmountable
damage to the infrastructure as well as the local economy.
Armenia Fund continues implementing major regional development projects
aimed at enhancing the socio-economic standards of Nagorno Karabakh.
Although the final international status of the region remains
uncertain, mediating groups have urged the worldwide donor community to
continue rebuilding the region through the construction of healthcare
facilities, schools, water pipelines, and various socio-economic
projects designed to alleviate the humanitarian crisis of the region.
Armenia Fund’s 9th international telethon will air in all major U.S.
markets as well as internationally in Europe, the Middle East, Asia,
South America, and Australia. Please visit for
more information.
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation
established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and
infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of “Hayastan”
All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698

AFI FEST Sets “Bobby” for Opening Night and Unveils 13 World Premieres
Indiewire.com
September 20, 2006
Emilio Estevez’s “Bobby,” the story of the night Robert F. Kennedy was
assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles in 1968, will open
the 2006 AFI FEST, the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival,
much of the large ensemble cast from the film are expected to attend
the opening night at the festival. Also announced were 13 of the films
that will have their world premieres at the 2006 AFI FEST, including
David Cunningham’s “After,” J.B. Rutagarama’s “Back Home,” Chad Lowe’s
“Beautiful Ohio,” David Boyle’s “Big Dreams, Little Tokyo,” Alan
White’s “Broken,” Daniel Jones & Dann Sytsma’s “Comic Evangelists,”
Alante Kavaite’s “Fissures / Ecoute Le Temps,” David Stenn’s “Girl 27,”
Henry Jaglom’s “Hollywood Dreams,” Yokihiko Tsutsumi’s “Memories of
Tomorrow,” Sedika Mojadidi’s “Motherland Afghanistan,” Arnie Williams’
“No Sweat,” and Carla Garapedian’s “Screamers.” The festival will run
from November 1 – 12, 2006, anchored again at the ArcLight Cinemas
in Hollywood. For more information, visit the festival’s website.
[Screamers follows the rock band System of a Down as they tour Europe
and the US pointing out the horrors of modern genocide that began in
Armenia in 1915 up though Darfur today.]

NKR Leadership Interested in Development of Economic Ties with Iran
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:24 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Iranian trade and industrial delegation has paid
a visit to Nagorno Karabakh to get familiarized with the output of
local companies and meet with the leadership of the republic. NKR
Prime Minister Anushavan Danielyan gave a positive estimate to
the meeting and described the visit of the Iranian delegation as a
new and important step for the development of bilateral trade and
economic relations.
In his words, the two states have friendly ties in various sectors
of economy, science, education and culture. He also remarked that
though Karabakh has made considerable economic progress it needs
foreign investments, reported Iran.news.

Karabakh Problem Priority Issue for Armenia
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:26 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia should be ready for any developments in
Nagorno Karabakh, RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan told reporters
when commenting on Azerbaijan’s attempts to convey the discussion of
the Karabakh problem to the U.N. “We should be ready for any move,
since the Karabakh problem is a priority for us and is immediately
bound with our security and future,” the RA MOD head said, reports
newsarmenia.ru.

Serge Sargsyan: Each Nation Passes Own Way to Independence
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:29 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ 15 years of independence were the years of
real struggle. Unfortunately there is no struggle without losses,
Armenian Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan told reported today. In
his words, these years were full not only of joy and success but
also of bitterness and faults. “Those lying in the Yerablur Pantheon
sacrificed their lives for the independence of their homeland. Our
duty is to remember these people because thanks to them we have the
possibility to hold festivities,” Serge Sargsyan remarked.
The RA Defense Minister also underscored that 15 years taught to
make decisions meeting the interests of the state and people. “Each
nation passes its own way to independence. Unfortunately, there
were faults but there were also real achievements,” Sargsyan said,
reported IA Regnum.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
American University of Armenia
300 Lakeside Drive, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Contact: Maggie Mead
Tel: 510-987-9125
Fax: 510-208-3576
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
AUA Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Independence
September 20, 2005
LOS ANGELES, CA- The American University of Armenia (AUA) will be
celebrating its 15th anniversary this year with a fundraiser dinner,
on Sunday November 12, 2006, at the Universal Sheraton Hotel. The
banquet celebrates the achievements of AUA and honors the great
philanthropic efforts of Mr. & Mrs. Vartkes and Jean Barsam and Mr. &
Mrs. Jerry and Pat Turpanjian.
AUA was a vision developed in one of the bleakest moments of Armenia’s
history. The catastrophic earthquake of Armenia in 1988 brought
about unprecedented destruction in a nation yearning to create its
own identity.
As the country set about to rebuild, the idea of an American-style
academic institution was proposed by Yuri Sarkissian, then rector
of the Yerevan Poytechnic Institute. The idea soon evolved into
a specific goal of founding a university that would bring hope and
light into a nation that seemed cloaked in darkness. Sarkissian’s idea
was put into action by the leadership of two earthquake engineers
and an economist- Mihran Agbabian, professor at the University of
Southern California, who would later become AUA’s founding president,
Armen Der Kiureghian, professor at the University of California at
Berkeley, and Stepan Karamardian, professor at the University of
California at Riverside. Thanks to the support of the Armenian and
American governments, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU),
individual donors, and the University of California, with which AUA
is affiliated, AUA began its first day of instruction on September 21,
1991, the same day Armenia declared its independence.
Today, under the leadership of President Haroutune Armenian, AUA’s
academic program provides graduate education complementing Armenia’s
undergraduate education. Parallel to its academic programs, AUA has
seven research and resource centers. By providing teaching, research,
and public services, AUA in its 15th year serves Armenia and the
region and provides a positive model in the transition to a market
economy and democratic governance. More than 1400 AUA graduates today
occupy positions of leadership in government, the judiciary, business,
health care and education. Following a rigorous review process that
relatively few universities can satisfy, AUA is also on track to
become the first overseas academic institution fully accredited by
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The banquet’s honorees have contributed greatly to AUA’s
success. Vartkes Barsam was a respected AUA trustee, serving for many
years as treasurer. He was a devoted participant in the development
of AUA from its early beginnings. During the establishment of the
American University of Armenia, Vartkes and Jean Barsam assisted
President Mihran Agbabian and later worked alongside President
Armenian by providing invaluable guidance and clearing hurdles at
each step of the way. In fact, the Barsams helped establish not
only the solid foundation of AUA, but also many essential components
that would sustain Armenia’s growth and development, including the
telecommunications infrastructure, a western business hotel to attract
investment, and diplomatic interventions with all levels of government
and the global business communities. Through the generosity of Vartkes
and Jean Barsam, the former landmark Hye Business Suites Hotel is now
AUA’s Barsam Building, affording the opportunity to house visiting
faculty and students, as well as provide rental income for university
operations. The Barsams’ contribution to AUA’s Computer Information
Sciences program has been important to the entire university. These
and many other gifts over the years complemented Vartkes Barsam’s
years of devoted service and guidance to AUA. The entire University
community mourns the recent death of Vartkes and joins with countless
others across the world in expressing its sympathy and appreciation
to Jean and to all the Barsam family.
Also to be honored for years of dedicated service, vision and
generosity to the University are Jerry and Pat Turpanjian. AUA’s
Turpanjian Center of Policy Analysis has long been a valued research
arm for Armenia and key to the advancement of the University’s School
of Political Science and International Affairs. The Turpanjian Family
Scholarship and Student Loan Program funded through AUA has enabled
more than 800 Armenian students who couldn’t otherwise afford higher
education to attend the various universities located throughout
Armenia. The Turpanjians also supported AUA’s photovoltaic solar
renewable energy system and other projects. Today, the Turpanjian
Rural Development and Adult Education Program seeks to expand the
benefits of AUA across all of Armenia and Karabagh through a unique
economic development project that combines adult education with
direct assistance in business development. This Program will have a
transforming effect on the health and well being of Armenians wherever
located. The tangible benefits of the generosity of Jerry and Pat
Turpanjian are having a direct impact in the lives of Armenians and
in the future of the country and the region.
AUA’s 15th anniversary celebrates the great vision of AUA’s founders,
and the dedication of its many supporters. The philanthropic efforts
and generous donations of all of the supporters of AUA will be honored
in addition to recognition of the Barsam and Turpanjian families. All
have contributed to 15 years of accomplishment and a brighter future
for Armenia.
Moving forward, AUA is now constructing a new, state of the art,
academic facility, the Paramaz Avedisian Building. To meet the growing
needs of AUA’s student body and faculty, and to reflect the increased
enrollment anticipated for an accredited American university, the
Avedisian Building will add modern classrooms, laboratories, lecture
halls, conference and seminar rooms, an auditorium, a café with a
terrace, and even a gallery.
The 15th anniversary celebration will help fund the efforts to
complete, furnish and equip this exciting new facility.
It is with great hope that the Armenian community will come together
for this worthwhile cause and celebration. Your support and attendance
for this event will help continue the vision that was realized
fifteen years ago and which continues to move AUA to new levels
of accomplishment, ensuring a brighter future for Armenia and all
its people.
–Boundary_(ID_022JcUriu303AcnEP8wovQ)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

War Won’t Settle Karabakh Conflict
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:38 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Unfortunately today we live according to the formula
“if you want peace be ready for war. The reality of our region makes
us be cautious in security issues,” NKR President Arkady Ghukasian
told reporters in Yerevan after laying a wreath to the Memorial to
those killed in Karabakh’s national-liberation war.
In his words, today the war goes on in the economic, political
and cultural fields. “We are doomed to win this struggle. The war
was not our choice but we won it. However life has proved that war
doesn’t settle issues and we should find a political resolution of the
conflict. War takes the lives of the bravest. We lost so many young
men and now we must build a state that would reflect their dreams,”
the NKR President said, reported IA Regnum.

Vartan Oskanian Says Law on Dual Citizenship Important
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:52 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia and Diaspora make a single whole, RA
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated at the closing session of
the third Armenia-Diaspora Forum. “Armenia and Diaspora have common
past and the existing division was imposed on us since the decline
of Ani and Cilicia, the Armenian Genocide, injustice of the Soviet
period, hardships of the initial years of independence and war with
Azerbaijan. Now we should take the measures essential for the return
of Armenians to the homeland,” the RA FM said.
In Oskanian’s opinion, it’s very important to adopt the law on
dual citizenship. “This is essential for the people and future of
Armenia. Armenians should number not 3 but 5 or 10 million. It’s
necessary for counteracting challenges,” the Minister said, reported
newsarmenia.ru.