MEMORANDUM ON MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWWN CENTRAL BANKS OF ARMENIA AND CYPRUS
ArmRadio.am
12.04.2006 12:09
President of the Central Bank of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan will leave
today for Nicosia with his Cyprian counterpart.
During the visit it is envisaged to sign a memorandum on mutual
understanding between Central Banks of Armenia and Cyprus on
cooperation in the sphere of banking control.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN JUDO UNION MARIUS VIZER TO ARRIVE IN YEREVAN
ArmRadio.am
12.04.2006 12:26
At the invitation of the Armenian Judo Federation President of the
European Judo Union Marius Vizer will arrive today in Armenia.
The major topic of discussions will refer to the European Judo
Championship to be held in 2009 or 2010 in Yerevan.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HEARINGS ON THE KARABAKH ISSUE TO BE HELD AT NKR PARLIAMENT
ArmRadio.am
12.04.2006 13:16
April 21 hearings on “Karabakh Issue: Prospects for Resolution ”
will be held at the National Assembly of Nagorno-Karabakh.
President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Relations
Vahram Atanesyan informs that the initiative of holding hearings
comes from the activeness of the international mediators.
In Atanesyan’s words, “under such circumstances all political forces
represented in the NKR Parliament should present their distinct
position on the settlement of the conflict.
Vahram Atanesyan told that invitations to participate in the hearings
have been sent to Head of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign
Relations Armen Rustamyan, a number of political scientists and
experts of Armenia.

The Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa – Ontario
K1P 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
PRESS RELEASE
April 11, 2006
Contact: Aris Babikian
(416) 317-8972
The World Premier of Andrew Goldberg’s
`The Armenian Genocide’ on TVO
Ottawa – TVO’s Human Edge program will broadcast Andrew Goldberg’s hard
hitting documentary on the Armenian Genocide on Wednesday, April 12 at 10
p.m.; Sunday, April 16 at midnight; Monday, April 24 at 10 p.m.; and at1:00
a.m.
On Wednesday, April 12 a panel discussion will take place. The panel is part
of Studio 2 program which airs every day between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The
program, a current affairs report covers a variety of issues.
On Wednesday’s the program features international affairs panel consisting
of Janice Stein (Munk Center – U of T), Richard Gwyn (The Toronto Star) and
Patrick Martin (The Globe & Mail).
TVO will not invite Armenians or Turks to participate in the discussions.
The moderator of the panel is Steve Paikin. For additional info on Studio 2
see:
crosite.woa?b?8551661144368000000
The film, written, produced and directed by Emmy Award-winner Andrew
Goldberg, is the complete history of the Armenian Genocide. The film
describes not only what happened before, during and since the First World
War, but also takes a direct look at the genocide denial maintained by
Turkey to this day.
To this day, Turkey not only denies the genocidal intent of these mass
murders but has gone to great lengths to rewrite history, and, in fact, to
stop the telling of this story wherever possible. The result has been a
nearly a century of historical revisionism and a distortion of facts that
unequivocally indict Turkey for genocide.
TVO coordinates are:
Rogers: Channel 2
Bell Express Vu: 265
Look TV: 72
Star Choice: 353
Cogeco: 02
-30-
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of
the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.

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:
Watch the recorded video of the message of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos
of Cilicia here:
TH E THIRD PAN-ARMENIAN WRITERS’ CONFERENCE KICKS OFF IN ANTELIAS
“A WRITER IS A MESSENGER OF TRUTH”
SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM
The third Pan-Armenian Writers’ Conference was officially inaugurated in the
Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia on April 6. The
conference is the initiative of the Writers’ Union of Armenia in cooperation
with the Assembly of Lebanese-Armenian Writers. It is held under the
patronage of His Holiness Aram I.
More than 300 Armenian writers from Armenia, Nagorno Karabagh, Lebanon, the
Middle East, Europe, Northern and Southern America, Canada and Australia
gathered in Antelias to participate in the conference.
The conference was inaugurated by a beautiful performance by the Seminary
students of “Vork Zartaretsin” on the sounds of which His Holiness entered
the conference hall with a procession. The students then sang “Hair Mer”
with the blessings of the Pontiff, launching the historical conference with
prayers.
Bebo Simonian spoke on behalf of the organizing committee, highlighting the
important value of the conference to the history of Armenian literature and
culture in general. Simonian also focused on the locality of the meeting,
Antelias “where the spirit of Western Armenian martyrs, martyr writers and
intellectuals breathes.” He expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for his
patronage and support to Armenian culture.
The chairman of the Armenian Writers’ Union, Levon Ananian, then expressed
his gratitude for His Holiness Aram I for inviting the third Pan-Armenian
Writers’ Conference in the heart of the Armenian Diaspora, Lebanon and the
Catholicosate of Cilicia in particular.
Addressing HIS Holiness, Ananian said: “We know very well your efforts and
initiatives in the spiritual, cultural, educational, intellectual fields and
other activities that serve the interests of the Armenian nation, activities
to which you give breath and spirit, depth and vision. Indeed, Your Holiness
‘ care and support of literature and culture know no boundaries.”
Ananian assured that Armenian writers are well aware of the challenges that
face the 15-year-old Republic of Armenia and the Armenian nation all over
the globe. He pointed out that Armenian writers are gathered in Antelias to
listen to the wise advice of the Armenian Pontiff.
The Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon, Vahan Der Ghevontian, then read a
letter by the president of the Republic of Armenia addressed to the
participants of the conference. In his letter His Excellency Robert
Kotcharian welcomed the organization of such a conference in Antelias, “one
of our communities having rich literary tradition.”
Roupen Hovsepian then read a letter by Artuir Baghdassarian, the Speaker of
the Armenian Parliament, who focused on the important role of Armenian
writers in preserving the Armenian nation and identity throughout history.
Aram Garabedian read the letter of Armenian Prime Minister Antranig
Markarian, who highlighted challenges and new expectations from Armenian
writers, including the protection of Armenian spiritual life from foreign
influences.
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians sent a Letter of
Blessing which was read by Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, Catholicosal Vicar
in the Diocese of Cyprus. Conveying his brotherly greetings to His Holiness
Aram I, His Holiness Karekin II emphasized the importance of Armenian
literature in preserving the Armenian identity. “We are a small nation, but
have rich literary heritage which has guided our nation through its
historical difficulties and will also act as a gear through our contemporary
challenges,” His Holiness said.
Dr. Zaven Yegavian, director of the Armenian Communities Department of the
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, also sent a letter which was read by Varti
Keshishian. Dr. Yegavian called on Armenian writers to believe in their
mission, stressing on the important role of Armenian intellectuals in the
efforts to preserve the Armenian national heritage.
The chancellor of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, Khatchig Dedeyian, then read
the letter by the Ambassador of Lebanon to Armenia.
The oldest participant in the conference, prominent poet Jack Hagopian, who
had arrived from Los Angeles, took the stage with heart spoken words about
brotherly love between Armenian writers of Armenia and the Diaspora.
His Holiness Aram I then delivered his visionary thoughts to the conference.
Speaking about the history and mission of the Armenian Catholicosate of
Cilicia, His Holiness said: “This Catholicosate became, particularly after
the Genocide, a house of faith for our nation, assembling the children of
our nation on the foreign and alienating paths of the Diaspora, providing
them with spiritual-intellectual nourishment, nurturing them moral values
and national dreams, protecting them from the fierce waves and storms of
life.”
His Holiness also expressed his thoughts on the conference as leading
viewpoints for the sessions to follow. “The theme of this conference, “the
challenges of globalization and the Armenian literature” is not an
invitation to discuss issues of theoretical, abstract or academic nature; it
‘s a challenge to face problems related to our everyday life. I invite you
to wrestle with your concerns and problems in this perspective,” he said.
On the mission of Armenian writers His Holiness stated: “A writer is a
messenger with his nature and mission. I believe that more than anything
else, a writer is a messenger of the truth, the witness of truth and the
preacher of truth. What sacred but difficult mission is called upon the
Armenian writer.”
“These days we unfortunately look elsewhere for the truth. We have
transformed fakeness, interests, temporary considerations and the person
into truth,” said the Armenian Pontiff, assuring that true literature is the
echo of truth and its mirror. (For the full text of His Holiness’ message,
see here).
The Seminary Choir then perfomed “I Veh Partsants” and “Cilicia.” An
exhibition of books published in Armenia followed the inauguration of the
conference in the “Gulbenkian” hall of the “Cilicia” museum. Levon Ananian
and His Holiness delivered speeches on this occasion.
##
View the photos here:
es37.htm
ctures38.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

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:
Watch the recorded video of the message of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos
of Cilicia here:
TH E THIRD PAN-ARMENIAN WRITERS’ CONFERENCE CONVENES ITS SESSIONS IN ANTELIAS
The second session of the Pan-Armenian Writers’ Conference was held in the
hall of the Veharan on the evening of the conference’s inauguration on April
6.
Two writers spoke on “Globalization and the modern Armenian literature.”
Karnig Ananian from Armenia presented an analytical speech on the topic,
focusing on the challenges posed by the globalization on the field of
literature and particularly Armenian literature. In this context he spoke
about the threats to national identities and the value of nations, the
“poetisation” of the concept of global citizenship and tendencies to reject
literary values and engage in “garbage writing.”
The second writer to speak about the topic, Lebanese-Armenian writer Sarkis
Giragossian, presented a brief overview of the globalization wave,
highlighting its consequences on the Armenian culture and literature.
Giragossian said that a new image of Armenians has formed in the Armenian
literature of the last decade. He opposed the centuries-old visionary
national literature of rich values and traditions to materialism, the stress
on the physical being of individuals and their instinctive drives. He
assured the former would overcome the waves of globalization.
The participants then exchanged views on the topic under the chairmanship of
Henrig Etoyian (Armenia) and Hrant Markarian (United States).
The third session of the conference was held on April 7 and focused on two
main themes: “New life experience and new literature” and “The conflict of
identity in the literature of the Armenian Diaspora”.
The first topic was presented by Jenya Kalantarian from Armenia who talked
about the inter-fusion between various literary genres such as poetry and
prose in recent times. Vehanoush Tekeyian from the United States talked
about the conflict of identity in the literature of the Armenian Diaspora.
She related the literature of various Armenian communities to the Diaspora
Armenians’ struggle for survival.
Hovhannes Krikorian (Armenia) and Hagop Mikaelian (Syria) then chaired the
session on discussions and exchange of viewpoints by the participants.
The fourth session of the conference was dedicated to the Diaspora
literature and included presentations on “The Armenian Diaspora Literature
assessed by the modern literary criticism of Armenia” and “Modern Thinking
in the Armenian Diaspora literature”.
The presenter of the first topic, Souren Tanielian from Armenia assessed the
Armenian Diaspora literature in light of the influences of globalization. He
talked about the persistent contradiction between globalization and national
identities. Tanielian spoke in detail about the viewpoints of such Armenian
writers as Kegham Sevan, Vazken Kaprielian and Alex Topdjian, the
perceptions of Armenian literary critics of the Soviet Union and the
adoption of the Diaspora literature in Armenia.
The second topic was presented by Hilda Kalfaian-Panossian, who talked about
the formation of various natures of literature in the post-Genocide Armenian
communities of the Diaspora as a result of different intellectual
influences. As such, Paris was the first to attract attention whereby new
Armenian writers opposed the emotionalism of the old generation. Istanbul
followed with new writers adopting new approached to both prose and poetry
after World War II. The presenter warned that the greatest difficulty the
Armenian Diaspora literature faces today is the issue of being understood
with difficulty.
Vazken Kaprielian (Armenia) and Aram Sepedjian (Lebanon) chaired the
discussions’ session.
The fifth session of the conference featured the topic “The Armenian
Genocide and the Modern Armenian Literature” which was presented by Azad
Yeghiazarian from Armenia. Talking about the large place to this topic in
Armenian literature, Yeghiazarian said: “The national destiny has been one
of the major concerns of literature and literature itself has deeply
affected on national destiny and psychology. In other words, a nation’s
literature is what its history and destiny are; and a nation’s history and
psychology are what its literature is. This is one of the most important
unique aspects of Armenian literature.”
An exchange of viewpoints followed under the chairmanship of Roupen
Hovsepian (Armenia) and Arshag Kazandjian (the United States).
The main theme of the sixth and last session of the day was “The
internationalization of Armenian literature”. Alexander Topdjian from
Armenia talked about the comprehensive procedure by which Armenian
literature should be internationalized.
“The internationalization of Armenian literature should first and foremost
become an indivisible part of government policy. This means that a clear and
comprehensive plan should be devised to introduce our literature to the
world. This is a difficult mission the achievement of which requires the
unity of not only the artistic unions of Armenia but also that of the
Diaspora’s intellectual potential,” he said.
The second presenter, Harout Kuirkdjian from Greece, stressed the value of
quality, highlighting the importance of writers and a literature that would
follow the progress of the global literature, renewing the Armenian language
and exhibiting a revolutionary loyalty.
Berdj Zeitountsian (Armenia) and Haroutioun Berberian (Canada) chaired the
discussions of the last session.
##
View photo here: tm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

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:
Watch the recorded video of the message of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos
of Cilicia here:
TH E THIRD PAN-ARMENIAN WRITERS’ CONFERENCE CONCLUDES
ITS SESSIONS IN ANTELIAS
Inaugurated in the Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia for
the first time on April 6, the Third Pan-Armenian Writers’ Conference
concluded its sessions on April 8. The official closing ceremony of the
conference will be held on the evening of Palm Sunday on April 9 under the
patronage of His Holiness Aram I, who will also deliver his Pontifical
speech on this occasion.
The April 6 sessions were dedicated to a single theme entitled “Modern
children’s literature and national schools”. Two expert presentations were
delivered on this topic by Eduard Milidonian from Armenia and Krikor
Shahinian from Lebanon consecutively.
Poet and lecturer Eduard Milidonian spoke about modern children’s literature
and textbooks in Armenia. He pointed out that the textbooks include the
works of contemporary writers, expressing concern about the presence of low
quality poetry in them. He proposed including writers in the preparation of
textbooks and talked about the importance of government support for the
publication of the works of contemporary children’s writers.
Krikor Shahinian spoke about the children’s books published in the Diaspora
both by individual efforts of by various publishing houses. He talked about
the advantages and disadvantages of each type of venture and mentioned the
electronic versions of such books, the Eastern to Western Armenian
transformations and special adaptations in language as new aspects of
children’s literature in the Diaspora.
Talking about future perspectives, Shahinian proposed setting up literary
groups in the densely Armenian-populated centers of the Diaspora and
organizing periodical meetings during which the members of the groups would
acquaint themselves with the international masterpieces of children’s
literature, read them and examine their own works. He also proposed
establishing a scholarship for children’s writers with good knowledge of the
Armenian language and artistic talent.
Arevshad Avakian (Armenia) and Torkom Postadjian (the United States) chaired
the sessions during which discussions and viewpoints were exchanged.
The next session was dedicated to proposals about the Fourth Pan-Armenian
Writer’s Conference. Under the chairmanship of Norayr Atalian from Armenia
and Markar Sharabkhian from Canada the participant Armenian writers made
various proposals the focus of which was the importance of contact between
Armenian writers around the globe. The idea of establishing a website for
this purpose was proposed. Other suggestions were made on the organization
of the printing press.
The ninth session was dedicated to the concerns and difficulties of Armenian
writers. Seiran Krikorian from Armenia and Jirayr Tanielian from Lebanon
chaired the session during which various suggestions were made particularly
for coordinating the intellectual activities in Armenia and the Diaspora.
The official press release of the conference was read during the last
session which was chaired by Henrig Pakhchinian from Armenia and Hagop
Balian from France.
##
View photo here:
es38.htm#2
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

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:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I PRAISES POET JACK S. HAGOPIAN
Prominent poet Jack S. Hagopian is the most senior writer who attended the
Third Panarmenian Writers’ Conference in the Catholicosate of Cilicia
recently. The poet spoke during the opening ceremony of the conference.
In a letter addressed to the poet, His Holiness Aram I highly praised his
work. “You will always remain a beaming presence in our modern literature
not with the quantity of your published books, but with their quality; not
with the number of your poems, but with the profound faith deep convictions,
pure feelings and bright dreams bursting from them. Such a poet can not have
a dawn,” wrote the Armenian Pontiff in the letter.
His Holiness arranged for the publication of Jack Hagopian’s latest work
entitled “Anmegh Meghabarde Badarak”. The Pontiff had also decorated the
poet’s chest with the “St. Mesrob Mashdots” insignia four years ago.
The poet will be the guest of the Catholicosate of Cilicia for a week,
delivering lectures in the Seminary.
His Holiness Aram I had meetings with many of the participants in the
conference. He highly praised their dedication to Armenian literature and
reassured the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s support to all the “servants” of
Armenian culture.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE ANOINTMENT OF A PICTURE OF THE VIRGIN MARY IN THE SEMINARY
A restored painting of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus was anointed in the
Sourp Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya on March 31.
The beautiful painting by an anonymous painter used to be hung for years in
the chapel above the candle light area. Many pilgrims have lit candles and
prayed in front of this holy painting; many believers have received the
answers for their prayers there.
Unfortunately, due to careless candle lighting, one section of the painting
was damaged by fire flames and smoke, rendering it unrecognisable.
In February 2006 the painting was completely renovated and placed in the
newly built altar at the entrance of the Seminary building to avoid similar
accidents in the future.
After the evening mass on March 31, a procession of the Seminary students
and the members of the Cilician Brotherhood walked towards the newly build
altar and held a canonical anointment of the restored painting. Father
Walter Raymond, the spiritual Dean of the Anglican Church’s Mother Cathedral
in Quebec, also attended the event. Father Raymond has been teaching at the
Seminary during the last few months.
The Seminary students read the Psalms and the members of the Brotherhood
read special prayers. The Seminary Choir accompanied with special hymns. The
painting was then anointed with Holy Chrism.
The painting’s front was first anointed and then its right and left sides
respectively. During the anointment of the painting’s front, prayers were
said for all the travellers, ill people, sinners and lost people, asking God
to help them all.
With the anointment of the painting’s right side, the painting was given the
ability to cure the sick and put a good word in for believers. During the
anointment of the left side, God was asked to strengthen the Armenian
nation, free all prisoners, defeat all non-believers and protect believers.
All the present spiritual officers and students then kissed the newly
anointed painting, to receive its blessings.
The restored painting placed in the newly built altar will distribute daily
blessings to the Seminary students for success in their lessons and future
spiritual work. The Holy paintings will also be a daily prayer for all those
philanthropists who support the Seminary with their generous contributions.
##
View photos here:
es34.htm
*****
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.

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:
Watch the recorded video of the Sunrise service here:
TH E GREAT LENT PERIOD COMES TO ITS END IN THE SEMINARY
The Great Lent period came to its end with the Sunrise service held in the
Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia on April 7.
The Seminary students made the church services of every Wednesday and Friday
during the Great Lent period as opportunities for self enrichment. New
students particularly grabbed the opportunity to learn simple church hymns
and perform them during services for a trail period. The old students were
able to perform the more difficult hymns without mistakes.
The Seminary’s administration praised all the students on this occasion for
their commitment and efforts towards the Armenian Church hymns.
##
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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress