NEW SPHERE OF COMBAT

A1+
| 11:58:53 | 03-10-2005 | Social |

“The nuclear weapon was created by the scientists and only they can
find anti-weapon against it”, the head of the Armenian “Center of
principal sciences and technologies” Samvel Apikyan informed “A1+”.

In the margins of the NATO program “Science for the Sake of Peace”
today scientists of 16 countries of the world met in the National
Academy of Science. On Samvel Apikyan’s initiative till October 5
the scientists will try to represent their experience in the field
of combat against nuclear and radiation terror.

After the end of the event the experience represented by its
participants will be discussed by the Armenian scientists to continue
further cooperation and to make the event annual.

By the way, the RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan was also invited
but he did not turn up.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA LOST SECURITY SYSTEM

A1+
| 15:31:52 | 01-10-2005 | Politics |

Former chairman of the NA permanent commission for foreign affairs
Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, who has held numerous meetings with leaders
of other states, insists that Europeans do not admit complementation
policy.

Chairman of the Liberal Progressive Party Hovhannes Hovhannisyan
considers that there was time when complementation was essential
for Armenia, but presently this policy may prove dangerous. “It is
especially dangerous at present, when serious geopolitical changes
are taking place. Such policy would make Armenia more vulnerable.”

H. Hovhannisyan considers that Armenia’s participation in the
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is senseless. He
explains it by the following fact: Kazakhstan, the second major CSTO
members is aspired for presidency in the organization. Armenia is
against it, since Kazakhstan pursues pro-Azerbaijani policy. Azerbaijan
is not CSTO member. Which state will Kazakhstan support if problems
arouse?

Proceeding from these conclusions the LPP leader says that the CSTO
has lost its actuality and the security system does not exist. He is
convinced that Armenia should take decisive moves towards the NATO,
the organization, which during 50 years has proved capable of solving
all the internal issues.

However in this case there exist some problems as well. There are NATO
members-states which rate oil as a priority factor. “is fifty states
unite and set the rules, no other state can break them. Azerbaijan
has oil. Thus the attitude towards this country will be always
special. We must keep it in mind. What can we offer instead of oil? Our
democracy?” he says.

The RA authorities do not wish to joint the NATO and admit the rules,
since corruption and disorder have no place in the NATO member-states,
H. Hovhannisyan resumed.

“THE COUNTRY MUST LOOK AFTER ITS SCIENTISTS”

“THE SCIENTISTS MUST TAKE CARE OF IT”

A1+
| 14:08:20 | 03-10-2005 | Social |

“The arrival of the scientists from 16 countries of the world in
Armenia in the margins of the NATO program “Science for the Sake of
Peace” is the achievement of the Armenian scientists in the field of
physics”, said NA deputy head Vardan Hovhannisyan. According to him,
the country must be able to use the results of such events.

“The point is that we have a nuclear power station and the existence
of our neighbors must always cause concern. After all, today terror has
come to a level where the terrorist organizations can make attempts to
gat nuclear weapon. The weapons have been created by scientists, and
only they can find anti-action against them”, said Mr. Hovhannisyan.

The NA deputy head is sure that Armenia has a number of scientists
who can do much work in that direction. He claimed that our scientists
are not any worse than those from other countries. The only problem,
according to him, is that the country does not take care of them. “The
budget must allot sums for the scientific field”, Mr. Hovhannisyan
said and promised that next year they will raise the issue during
the budget discussion.

COMMUNITY HEAD BY 35%

A1+
| 12:31:19 | 03-10-2005 | Politics |

David Petrosyan has been re-elected head of the Nor Norq community. 28
748 citizens have voted for him. The other candidate Vardan Parsamyan
has received 3 650 votes.

34 163 electors, that is – 35% of the total number of electors have
participated in the community head elections in the Nor Norq community
on October 2. 1 607 ballots have been announced invalid; there have
also been 100 errors.

Let us remind you that the re-elected community head is the son
of the NA Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs President
Rafik Petrosyan.

PRESS RELEASE
UCLA AEF Chair in Armenian History
Contact: Prof. Richard Hovannisian
Tel: 310-825-3375
Email: [email protected]

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2005

2:00-5:30 P.M.

UCLA–COURT OF SCIENCES 50 (YOUNG HALL)

“THREE TURKISH VOICES ON THE OTTOMAN ARMENIANS”

FEATURING PROFESSORS:

TANER AKCAM, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
(a new assessment of Ottoman documents)

ELIF SHAFAK, UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
(memory and literature)

F. MUGE GOCEK, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
(the recent Istanbul conference on Ottoman Armenians)

SPONSORED BY ARMENIAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION CHAIR
IN MODERN ARMENIAN HISTORY, UCLA

CONTACT: Richard Hovannisian = [email protected]

Open to the Public at No Charge. Parking Structure #2,
Westholme Entrance at Hilgard Avenue, Daily Parking Fee, $8.00

Turkish doubts over EU delays

By Sarah Rainsford
BBC News, Istanbul
Tuesday, 4 October 2005

“We have agreement.” They were the words Turkey had been waiting for.

When he emerged to utter them from his governing party headquarters, Foreign
Minister Abdullah Gul was almost bowled over by an enormous media scrum.

So many people here had waited so long – to hear if Turkey was finally on
the road to Europe.
And now it is.

At the airport just before he boarded his flight to the long-delayed
ceremony Luxembourg, Abdullah Gul said Turkey was stepping into a new era.
But only this morning the picture looked far gloomier.
Almost every newspaper coloured its front page EU-Blue on Monday. But the
headlines were stark.
“Vienna’s Grudge!” said Sabah – its reference to the Ottoman siege of Vienna
suggesting Austria was deliberately making life difficult by insisting on
explicit mention of “privileged partnership” in the accession framework.

‘Misery and frustration’

Ankara always said that was not up for discussion.

“Historic Day!” the broadsheet Milliyet trumpeted. “Will this be remembered
as the date talks started, or a black day that severely damaged the meeting
of civilisations?”

And Vatan reflected on the public mood – saying it was far removed from the
optimism of 17 December when the EU agreed Turkey had met the criteria to
start accession talks. Today, Vatan said, we see peoples’ misery and their
frustration.

That frustration is not hard to find on the streets of Istanbul.

“I do not want to join the EU, it’s a christian club!” fumed Yavuz, a
newsagent in the heart of the European side of this city that spans two
continents. “Europe has been hypocritical since Ottoman times. They don’t
have good intentions towards us. They only want our land. They will never
take us in.”

Falling support

At the entrance to the nearby fish bazaar, fruit and veg trader Ali Osman
confessed to similar feelings.

“They don’t want us! They keep playing games. They claim we were bad to the
Kurds, they talk about the Armenians. So it will be very hard to join. But
we’ll see.”

Polls here once suggested over 70% backing for EU membership. But the
difficulties on the path so far have cooled the passions of even the most
ardent fan of Europe. Support is still strong – over 60% – but it has been
falling.

Many people now talk of EU hypocrisy, of a union that breaks its promises.
Others believe racism is what has caused them so much trouble – a reluctance
to admit a mainly Muslim country into an elite Christian club.

“I don’t feel good about the EU now,” Ayshe admitted. “They will give us
such long dates to become members. They will make us come crawling and then
wring everything out of us.”

Austria yields

But as Ankara announced a deal had finally been done, there was relief
nonetheless in Istanbul.

“I believe that as of now things will be good,” said Neslihan, enjoying an
evening drink in a smoky beerhouse.

“A lot of people claim Europe pushes Turkey too hard but I don’t believe
Turkey can be a fully democratic country unless that happens.”

“I didn’t think it would happen, but now I¿m happy,” said Deniz, in a nearby
doner kebab shop. “I thought Austria would never give up.”

But Vienna’s idea of a privileged partnership has been struck from Turkey’s
EU road map for good.
So, as Mr Gul finally flew to Luxembourg, he said he did so with his head
held high.

Sweet and sour climax to Turkey’s long march

– Austria backs down but leaves bad taste for talks
– Deal reached after day of diplomatic brinkmanship

Nicholas Watt in Luxembourg and Helena Smith in Istanbul
Tuesday October 4, 2005
The Guardian

European leaders last night hailed the start of historic EU membership talks
with Turkey, though Ankara’s allies warned of a sour atmosphere after a
failed attempt by Austria to downgrade the negotiations.

Javier Solana, the EU’s putative foreign minister, declared that Europe and
the world would benefit from binding a country of 70 million Muslims into
the union. “It is a good day,” Mr Solana said. “I have no doubt that [the
negotiations] will be beneficial for everyone. Everyone is a winner. Turkey
is in a strategic region and in our neighbourhood.”

His remarks were echoed by Olli Rehn, Europe’s enlargement commissioner, who
played a crucial role in the talks. Mr Rehn, who told Austria in blunt terms
that it could not downgrade Turkey’s membership negotiations, said: “Europe
will get a stable and prosperous Turkey.”

After a marathon two-day negotiating session, there was relief among
Turkey’s supporters that Britain had managed to clinch a deal. But there was
strong criticism of Austria, which nearly threatened Turkey’s 40-year EU
dream by calling – unsuccessfully – for the EU to spell out “alternatives”
to full membership.

Richard Howitt, Labour’s foreign affairs spokesman in the European
parliament, who sits on a joint committee with the Turkish parliament, said:
“I am delighted that Austria has been beaten into submission … But I
greatly sympathise with Turkish friends who, having met the conditions set
last December, watch as Austria reneged and convened eleventh-hour
negotiations that were never justified.”

Angered by Austria’s hard stance, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime
minister, took his time to agree to the EU invitation. He presided over a
lengthy meeting of the ruling AK party before sending Abdullah Gul, his
foreign minister, to Luxembourg for a signing ceremony in the early hours.
“I am happy to say that common sense prevailed,” Mr Erdogan said yesterday,
but there had been some “dishonest” and “ugly” moments. “A common decision
was taken in favour of the alliance of civilisations. Turkey has taken
another giant step that is in line with its historic walk,” he said. “This
is Turkey’s success: it is everyone’s success.”

At least 30 senior cadres from Mr Erdogan’s neo-Islamist Justice and
Development party were said to be have attended the meeting as he attempted
to achieve as much domestic consensus as possible. Mr Erdogan has staked his
political career on Turkey joining the EU.

Turkey and the EU finally launched the membership talks after gruelling
negotiations which were called after Austria vetoed the proposed ground
rules last week. At the start of the day officials from Britain, which is
Turkey’s greatest champions in the EU and which chaired the talks as EU
president, were gloomy.

With scores of Armenians demonstrating against Turkey outside the conference
centre, Ursula Plassnik, Austria’s foreign minister, stuck to her demand
that the EU should drop its commitment to a “shared objective” that the
talks would lead to full membership. She also wanted an explicit reference
from the outset to a “alternatives” to full EU membership. This would have
turned the talks on their head, because EU leaders agreed last year that
this would be offered at the end if the talks failed. Vienna also wanted a
stronger reference to the EU’s “absorption capacity” – the declaration that
the European commission will have to make at the end of the talks about
whether it can fit Turkey in.

“Austria was asking us to rewrite last December’s agreement, signed by all
EU leaders, and that was out of the question,” one EU diplomat said.

As the morning wore on, a deal started to take shape. A number of EU
countries said they could offer Austria tougher language on “absorption
capacity” on the grounds that the commission makes a ruling on this for
every country that wants to join the European Union.

As Vienna worked out its tactics, another factor came into play. As one of
the most fervent supporters of Croatia, Austria was privately trying to
arrange a deal whereby it would say yes to Turkey if Zagreb was given a
starting date for membership talks. Britain, which chaired yesterday’s talks
in its role as EU president, insisted that no such deal would be done.

Then Carla del Ponte, the chief prosecutor of the international war crimes
tribunal, entered the fray. She gave private briefings to the Austrians on
her trip to Croatia last week, which led her to conclude that the former
Yugoslav republic was offering her full cooperation in trying to track down
the indicted Croatian war criminal General Ante Gotovina.

With Croatia now on track to start its EU talks, Austria told Britain that
it would agree a deal. But Turkey raised objections when Britain presented
it with the agreed EU ground rules. The main bone of contention lay in
paragraph five of the draft text which required Turkey to abide by “common”
EU policies.

Turkey said this would force it to allow divided Cyprus, which it does not
recognise, to join Nato. This was denied by Britain and by the US secretary
of state, Condoleezza Rice, who telephoned Mr Erdogan to appease him.

Turkey will face 10 to 15 years of grinding negotiations which may well end
in failure. “The talks are really tough – it’s like having someone going
through your knicker drawer,” one EU diplomat said.

Turkish voices

Ayhan Demetgul, 45. Tourism official, Istanbul
“Europe is getting older and Turkey can provide it with necessary manpower
… Those countries that oppose Turkey’s membership don’t have any vision”

Serap Yildirim, 20. Student, Istanbul
“There does seem to be a misunderstanding, it’s not us who will benefit as
much from the EU, as Europe will from Turkey. Our country is very big and
will automatically become a giant bazaar for European companies and exports”

Havva Can, 55. Housewife, Cerkezkoy, Thrace
“I don’t follow politics too closely but it will be much better for Turks if
we don’t join … European culture is too open and not good for our society
… I don’t want to remove my headscarf. If we join they’ll make me get rid
of it”

Huseyin Unlu, 55. Retired labourer, Izmir
“If Europe lets us in as we are now then I support joining it. Too many
conditions have been placed on us; next they’ll be demanding I shave my
moustache”

Helena Smith
,7369,1584305,00.html

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

*His Excellency Ambassador Tatoul Markarian*

VISITS THE DIOCESE

On September 30, 2005 His Excellency Ambassador Tatoul Markarian,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of
Armenia to the United States of America, paid an official visit of
the Western Diocese to meet with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America. The Ambassador was accompanied by the Honorable Gagik
Kirakossian, Consul General.

The Primate honored His Excellency in a reception at the Diocese
sponsored by Mr. Harut Aga-Sarkisian, during which the Primate
officially welcomed His Excellency on behalf of the Diocese, the
Diocesan Council, and clergy. His Eminence expressed his joy in
hosting the Ambassador at the Diocese.

Following, the Primate and the Ambassador met in the Primate’s Suite
whereby they discussed the strong relationship between the Western
Diocese and the Motherland, as well as the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin. Providing aid and assistance to the developing republic
of Armenia, as well as our brothers and sisters in Armenia, are one
of the most important missions of the Western Diocese.

Mr. Tatoul Markarian was appointed Armenian Ambassador to the United
States on March 19, 2005 by President Robert Kocharian. He holds the
diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Prior to assuming this position, Ambassador Markarian served as
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia since June 2000,
whereby he was the Armenian coordinator for the U.S.-Armenia
Strategic Dialogue as well as the NATO-Armenia Political-Military
Dialogue. In 2002-2003, Ambassador Markarian was Special
Representative of the President of Armenia for Nagorno Karabakh
negotiations.

Previous diplomatic assignments of Ambassador Tatoul Markarian
included a term as Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister-Counselor at
the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as service in
Armenia’s legislative and executive branches.

ARMENIA FUND HONORS
AMBASSADORR TATOUL MARKARIAN

On September 30, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese Armenian Church of North America, was
officially invited to a Pre-Gala Reception and Dinner organized by
Armenia Fund, in honor of His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador
of the Republic of Armenia to the United States.

The event was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Berj and Belet Shabazian in
their residence. His Eminence addressed conveyed his remarks,
congratulating the honoree.**

* *

PRIMATE ATTENDS
AGBU SECOND ANNUAL SOCIETY DINNER

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese Armenian Church of North America, attended the Second Annual
Society Dinner of the AGBU on October 1, 2005, held at the Ritz
Carlton in Pasadena and in honor of George Philips, Jr. Esq. The
Dinner was attended by several official and VIP guests, including Mr.
Berge Setrakian, Esq., President of the AGBU. Other VIP guests in
attendance were His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador of
Armenia to the U.S., Hon. Gagik Kirakossian, Consul General; Hon.
Eric Garcetti, Councilmember, City of Los Angeles, Hon. Steve Cooley,
District Attorney, Los Angeles; Hon. Bill Bogaard, Mayor of Pasadena;
Hon. Rafi Manoukian, Mayor of Glendale; Hon. Ara Najarian,
Councilmember, Glendale; Hon. Bob Yousefian, Councilmember, Glendale;
Scott Howard, City Attorney, Glendale; Hon. Jeff Vander Borght, Mayor
of Burbank; Paul Krekorian, President of Burbank Unified School
District Board of Education.

Following the opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Toros
Yetenekian, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was invited to
the podium to perform the invocation. `Almighty God, Bless us all who
are gathered here tonight to celebrate the mission of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union,’ said the Primate. `Tonight we ask your
abundant blessings upon the President of this institution, Mr. Berge
Setrakian. We give thanks to God for His visionary and able
leadership and for all the dedicated servants of AGBU, who throughout
the world firmly uphold the love for Armenia and the unreserved
dedication towards the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Tonight we are
truly joyful as we witness the special honor bestowed upon a blessed
servant the Honorable George Philips.’ His Eminence also
congratulated the AGBU SCDC on this historic occasion.

The Keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Eric Garcetti
Councilmember from the City of Los Angeles. Following, Mr. Vahe
Imasdounian, Chair of the AGBU SCDC addressed the attendees and
welcomed them on behalf of the AGBU.

President of AGBU Mr. Berge Setrakian who has arrived in Los Angeles
to attend the Society Dinner congratulated delivered his remarks on
behalf of the AGBU Central Board. The Guest of Honor was introduced
by Dr. Mihran Agbabian, who spoke of Mr. George Phillips’ dedication
to the community at large. Upon being invited to the podium Mr.
Philiips congratulated the AGBU for such a successful evening and
extended his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him.

George Phillips, Esq., was born in Los Angeles. A Korean War
Veteran, he earned his undergraduate degree in Business
Administration and his Juris Doctorate from UCLA in 1956. Mr. Philips
has been a member of the California State Bar and a Certified Public
Accountant since 1957. In 1957 he was designated `Super Lawyer’ in
Estate planning. He was a founding member of the United Armenian
Congressional Church in Hollywood, and has been instrumental in
assisting the Armenian Missionary Association of America in various
endeavors. He has donated his legal services to numerous Armenian
organizations, bringing his assistance to the Armenian community.

PRIMATE PAYS PASTORAL VISIT
TO ARMENIAN CHURCH OF LA VERNE

On Sunday, October 2, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North
America, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at the
Armenian Apostolic Church of La Verne. The Pontifical Encyclical
issued by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on
the occasion of the 1600th anniversary of the Creation of the
Alphabet was read during the Liturgy.

His Eminence officiated the ordination of George Papazaian as a
Stole Bearer. In his Sermon the Primate congratulated the newly
ordained and commended the community of La Verne on their dedication
to the Church.

A reception followed the Divine Liturgy during which an anonymous
faithful announced his desire to become a Lifetime Steward of the
Western Diocese, with a donation of $10,000.

COMMUNITY HONORS
JUDGE DICKRAN TEVRIZIAN

On the evening of October 2, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America, was officially invited to a Gala Banquet in honor of
Dickran Tevrizian, Senior U.S. District Court Judge. Organized by the
USC Institute of Armenian Studies, the Banquet was held in the Century
Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

The evening’s program opened with the remarks of Charles Ghailian,
the Chair of the Steering committee of the USC Institute of Armenian
Studies. Honorable Judge Armand Arabian, Mr. Edward Poski, Mr. John
Bedrossian and Mr. Ronald Tutor each extended their congratulatory
remarks to the honoree, following which the Dean of the USC College
of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Mr. Joseph Aoun, extended his remarks
on behalf of the University.

Several friends of Judge Dickranian were also given the opportunity
to congratulate him on this honor, including: Mr. Cary Agajanian, Mt,
Browne Greene, Mr. Jacques Soiret, Mr. Robert C. Baker, Mr. Robert
Lewis, Mr. Howard Weitzman, Mr. Thomas Girardi, Mr. Raffi Nahabedian,
Mr. Alex Yemenidjian, and Mr. Paul Orfalea.

Recollections of Judge Dickran Tevrizian were conveyed by Mr. Mark
Geragos, Dr. Daniel Tevrizian, Mr. Cameron Kalunian, and Honorable
Stephen Wilson.

Judge Tevrizian was introduced by Governor George Deukmejian, at
which time he extended his gratitude to the USC Institute of Armenian
Studies, as well as the guests, for this prestigious honor.

Prior to the Benediction His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
congratulated Judge Tevrizian on this auspicious occasion.
`Distinguished and honorable guests,’ began the Primate, `Tonight’s
fellowship celebrates a lifetime of commitment of Judge Dickran
Tevrizian. The Honorable Judge has been a challenging, inspiring, and
charismatic presence in the life of American society with the many
enriching and spiritually uplifting achievements.

Tonight we salute an insightful Judge, whose many years of
relentless service and devotion to American society has truly
improved the lives of many into better individuals, who, inspired by
the able leadership and wisdom of Judge Tevrizian, through this
celebration commit themselves to become exemplary citizens of the
freedom loving homeland of the United States of America. God’s
greatest gift is life itself. Life becomes a true blessing only when
we are able o bring it to the service of humanity. Tonight we give
thanks to the Almighty God for the gift of the life of which is
reflected with excellence through any years of service for Justice
and for the well-being of American society. The Honorable Judge is
also the pride of the Armenian community and the inspiration for the
younger generation. We cherish deep in our hearts this pride God has
bestowed upon us all and renew in our spirituality a new sense of
commitment to respond to Gods call in the service of humanity.

I commend especially the Board members of the USC Institute of
Armenian Studies for organizing tonight’s Gala Banquet in honor of
the Honorable Judge.

Dear Honorable Judge, it is now my distinct pleasure o present to
you the Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, in recognition of your public service with utmost
excellence.’

Upon the invitation of the Primate, Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian,
Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Center in Glendale, and
Chaplain of the USC ASA, read the Encyclical of His Holiness, which
stated, `Respectable Mr. Tevrizian, we are personally familiar with
you and your spirit of service to our nation. We are also aware of
your commendable works, and as the Pontiff of Armenians we are
spiritually overjoyed in being informed of your new accomplishments
and good deeds.

Your contribution to law enforcement in the United States has been
substantial. As a result of long years of noteworthy service and high
ranking positions as a judge you have earned the high commendation of
the American government, have been appointed to high positions, and
thanks to your success you have also elevated the name of our people
in the eyes of the American government. With appreciation we
acknowledge that as an accomplished judge you are recognized within
educational and community organizations as a Professor, whereby you
have brought your assistance to the education and instruction of the
young generation. Your many awards are evidence of your long years of
fruitful service.’

The Primate then presented to Judge Tevrizian the St. Nersess the
Graceful Medal of Honor issued by His Holiness Karekin II, with the
Pontifical Encyclical.

very rev. fr. dajad Dz. V. yardemian

represents the primate at community events

Exhibition Dedicated to 5th Century

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese
Armenian Church of North America, during an event entitled `The
Armenian Enlightenment in the 5th Century: an Exhibition’. The
Exhibition was hosted by and held at the Glendale Public Library.
Following introductory remarks by Dr. Nona Manoukian, Dr. Alice
Taylor spoke on the theme of `Mesrob Mashdots and the Preservation of
Armenian Identity.’

Divine Liturgy at St. Peter Armenian Church

On Sunday, October 2, 2005 Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian
celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at St. Peter
Armenian Church in Van Nuys. During the Divine Liturgy Fr. Dajad read
the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, on the occasion of the 1600th
anniversary of the Creation of the Alphabet.

Event Dedicated to 1600th Anniversary of Armenian Alphabet

A public event celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian
Alphabet sponsored by Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society
Central Executive took place of Sunday October 2, 2005 at the Alex
Theatre in Glendale, during which Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V.
Yardemian, represented His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese Armenian Church of North America.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Peter Cowe, Chair of the
Armenian Studies Department at UCLA, as well as by Prof. Stephan
Astourian, Chair of the Armenian Studies Department of Berkeley.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE October 3, 2005

Burbank, California

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

COMMUNIQUE

ASSIGNMENTS OF DEACONS OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE

During the past two years the Western Diocese has been expanding its
horizons by establishing new parishes and assigning visiting priests
to smaller communities in order to better serve the needs of the
entire Diocese.

We would like to emphasize that since his election Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, has
ordained a large number of Acolytes, Sub-Deacons and Deacons, who
serve their respective churches along with their pastors.

It is also worthwhile to mention that His Eminence places equal
emphasis on small communities who have the hunger for Armenian
prayers and spiritual nourishment. We are happy to state that we have
several Deacons within the Diocese who as candidates of the priesthood
are enrolled in higher level courses of theology as well as a two-year
training course offered by the Diocese. Graduates of the Kevorkian
Seminary in Etchmiadzin, these candidates will continue their
education at the St. Nersess Seminary in New Rochelle, NY.

The Primate has assigned specific tasks to the Deacons and
Sub-deacons serving in the Diocese, such as Youth Director, Pastor’s
Assistant, etc. Below we have listed the assignments of the Diocesan
Deacons.

1. DEACON DR. VAROUJ ALTEBARMAKIAN

Member of Supreme Spiritual Council of the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin

Chairman of the Diocesan Council

2. SUB-DEACON MATTHEW ASH – student of THEOLOGY

Youth Director of the Diocese

3. DEACON HAGOP ISKENIAN

Spiritual Administrator of Holy Cross Armenian Church, Turlock

Spiritual Administrator of California Home, Fresno

4. DEACON MAYIS SHAHBAZIAN – student of THEOLOGY

Pastor’s Assistant, Armenian Church of La Verne

5. DEACON VAHE ABOVYAN – student of THEOLOGY

Pastor’s Assistant, St. John Garabed Armenian Church, Hollywood

Deacon in charge of LA Children’s Hospital

Director of the 4th and 5th sessions of Summer Camp

6. DEACON TIGRAN GARIBJANYAN – student of THEOLOGY

Spiritual Administrator of prisons and visiting deacon of Glendale
hospitals

7. DEACON MKRTICH KSACHIKYAN – student of THEOLOGY

Pastor’s Assistant, St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys

8. DEACON KEROP ARTENIAN

St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood

Member of the Kevorkian Alumni Association

9. DEACON Dr. SARKIS MESROBIAN

St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles

In charge of Bible Study at St. James Armenian Church

Primate’s representative on Health Task Force, Los Angeles Council
of Religious Leaders

10. SUB-DEACON SARKIS SEKAYAN

Armenian Apostolic Church of Santa Clarita (Valencia)

11. DEACON BARLOW DER-MUGRDECHIAN

In charge of conferences at the Diocese and liaison to universities

Spiritual Director of the Council of Diocesan Deacons

Member of the Diocesan Council

Chair of the Clergy Recruitment Committee

12. DEACON HAMLET MEHRABIAN

Ararat Home, Mission Hills

Chairman of the Kevorkian Alumni Association

13. DEACON kEVORK PARSEGHIAN

Assistant to Visiting Priest, Armenian Apostolic Church of Portland,
Oregon

Chair of the Parish Council

14. Deacon heros yeghiayan

Assistant to Visiting Priest, Armenian Apostolic Church, Reno,
Nevada

15. DEACON HAGOP AJEMIAN

Primate’s representative for the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood

16. Deacon VAN DER-MUGRDECHIAN

Director of Curriculum, Diocesan Summer Camp

17. Deacon ROD JORJORIAN

Pastor’s Assistant at St. James Armenian Church, Sacramento

18. Deacon HRANT AGAJANIAN

Member of Diocesan Stewardship Committee

Member of the Kevorkian Alumni Association

19. Deacon STEPAN GEOZUMIAN

Director of Khatchadourian Choir

Director of United Choir of the Western Diocese

20. Deacon YEGHIA JENDIAN

In charge of archives and database of clergy and deacons

21. DEACON KEVORK PANOYAN, PASADENA

Teacher of Armenian hymns

22. DEACON MIHRAN TOUMAJAN

Pastor’s Assistant, St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena

Representative of St. Gregory Armenian Church in Sunday School

Member of Parish Council

Member of Diocesan Protocol Committee

23. DEACON CARL BARDAKIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena

Member of Parish Council

Assembly Delegate

24. DEACON VAHE CHARKHUTIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, Armenian Apostolic Church of Whittier

Chair of Parish Council

25. SUB-DEACON HAGOP JAMGOCHIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, Armenian Apostolic Church of Antelope Valley,
Palmdale

26. SUB-DEACON HAGOP NALBANDIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, Armenian Apostolic Church of Burbank

27. DEACON DENNIS DAKESSIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, East LA

28. DEACON STEVE ADAMS

Directoe of Strategic Planning for Mission Parishes

29. SUB-DEACON FEDI GIRAGOSIAN

Pastor’s Assistant during Bible Study, St. James Armenian Church,
Los Angeles

30. DEACON NERSES OHANIAN

Liaison of Western Diocese to the ASA’s of Southern California
Universities

31. DEACON ARDAG BARAKEZIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, Armenian Apostolic Church of La Canada and
Crescenta Valley, Tujunga

32. DEACON GEORGE KHATCHADRIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, Armenian Apostolic Church of La Canada and
Crescenta Valley, Tujunga

33. DEACON HOVSEP MELKONIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, Pasadena

34. DEACON Stephen arakelian

Pastor’s Assistant, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Costa Mesa

35. DEACON ARA DAKESSIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Costa Mesa

36. DEACON DR. HRAIR DEKMEJIAN

Pastor’s Assistant, St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, Youth
Center, Glendale

37. HAYK MADOYAN

Editor of religious textbooks

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE

October 3, 2005

Burbank, California

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

WESTERN DICOESE FORWARDS INITIAL INSTALLMENT OF $20,000 THROUGH
AMERICAN RED CROSS
TO KATRINA VICTIMS

First Installment of $30,000 of Aid to St. John Garabed

Armenian Church in Baton Rouge Sent Last Week

As the community and faithful are well aware, victims of the
devastating Hurricane Katrina are still in dire need of help. Thanks
to the efforts initiated by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese, a Diocesan-wide fundraising is still
in effect in the Western Diocese.

In his initial plea the Primate urged the faithful to lend a helping
hand to the victims, as a result of which a large number of faithful
sent their contributions to both the Diocese, as well as directly to
the Red Cross.

As a first installment of aid, the Western Diocese has forwarded a
check for $20,000 representing sums collected thus far, to the Red
Cross.

We would like to remind the faithful that during the tsunami in the
Indian Ocean last year, the Western Diocese organized a similar
fundraising thanks to which the Diocese contributed $28,100.55 to the
American Red Cross. We once again make a plea to the faithful of the
Diocese to contribute and support the fundraising efforts, to help
the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Let us recall that following the
1988 earthquake in Armenia several countries came to our immediate
assistance, with humanitarian aid. It is now our turn to do the same,
for all those who have suffered.

We extend our gratitude to the faithful of the Western Diocese who
have already contributed to this effort.

Checks can be made payable to:

Armenian Church Western Diocese (In Memo: Hurricane Katrina)

3325 N. Glenoaks Boulevard

Burbank, CA 91504.

Please contact the Diocese at (818) 558-7474, for further
information.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE

October 3, 2005

Burbank, California