TURKISH MFA DISAGREES WITH SOME OF BUSH STATEMENTS
PanARMENIAN.Net
27.04.2006 19:52 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “It is not possible for Turkey to share some
expressions of US President George W. Bush in his statement released
on 24 April. On the other hand, the reference to creation of joint
commissions is positive,” said Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Namik
Tan. “History can only be written and assessed on the basis of official
documents. The archives are a source,” he noted. The disputed part of
Turkish-Armenian common history can only be researched on scientific
aspect, and the assessments can be made under the results of these
studies, he added. “Thus, Turkey’s proposal to Armenia to investigate
incidents before and after 1915 by a joint historical commission and
to inform the populations on the results shed light on this period
of history and normalize the relations between the two countries,”
Tan said, the Yerkir newspaper reports.
To remind, during his annual speech on April 24 George W. Bush
specifically said, “Today, we remember one of the horrible tragedies of
the 20th century – the mass killings and forced exile of as many as 1.5
million Armenians in the final days of the Ottoman Empire in 1915. This
was a tragedy for all humanity and one that we and the world must
never forget. We mourn this terrible chapter of history and recognize
that it remains a source of pain for people in Armenia and for all
those who believe in freedom, tolerance, and the dignity and value of
every human life. It is a credit to the human spirit and generations of
Armenians who live in Armenia, America, and around the globe that they
have overcome this suffering and proudly preserved their centuries-old
culture, traditions, and religion. We praise the individuals in Armenia
and Turkey who have sought to examine the historical events of this
time with honesty and sensitivity. The analysis by the International
Center for Transitional Justice, while not the final word, has made a
significant contribution toward deepening our understanding of these
events. We encourage dialogues, including through joint commissions,
that strive for a shared understanding of these tragic events and
move Armenia and Turkey towards normalized relations.
Today, we look with hope to a bright future for Armenia. Armenia’s
Millennium Challenge Compact reflects our confidence and the
importance we place in Armenia making progress on democratic reform
and advancement of free markets. We seek to help Armenia bolster its
security and deepen its inclusion in the Euro-Atlantic family. We
remain committed to securing a peaceful and lasting settlement of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and hope the leaders of Armenia and
Azerbaijan will take bold steps to achieve this goal.
On this solemn day of remembrance, Laura and I express our deepest
condolences to the Armenian people. Our nations stand together,
determined to create a future of peace, prosperity, and freedom for
the citizens of our countries and the world.” We also note that in
spite of the urge of US Congressmen, Bush again avoided the phrase
Armenian Genocide to properly acknowledge the mass destruction of
the Armenian population in Ottoman Turkey in 1915.

VENUE OF FOOTBALL MATCHES OF ARMENIAN AND AZERI TEAMS TO BE DECIDED MAY 12
PanARMENIAN.Net
27.04.2006 20:15 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The venue of holding the matches between the
national teams of Azerbajian and Armenai within the qualifieds of
Euro-2008 will be known after the meeting of representatiaves of the
federations of the two countries, planned in Swiss Nyon city May 12,
UEFA Executive Committee Member Mathieu Sprengers reported. In his
words, three representatives of each federation will take part in
the talks. Three UEFA officials – Sprengers, Per Ravn Omdal and Mark
Schtruder – are also expected to participate in the negotiations. The
UEFA officials will have to take the final decision on the venue of
holding the matches, reports Day.az.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
April 28, 2006
His Holiness Karekin II Receives the President of the Republic of Lithuania
On April 26, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, received His Excellency Valdas Adamkus, President of the
Republic of Lithuania.  President Adamkus was accompanied by his wife, Mrs.
Alma Adamkiene and Mr. Davit Harutyunian, Minister of Justice of the
Republic of Armenia.
His Holiness welcomed the visit of the Lithuanian president to the
headquarters of the Armenian Church and introduced the history and mission
of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in the lives of the Armenian people.
`We offer praise and thanks to God, that the years of oppressive Soviet rule
were not able to destroy the spiritual life of our nation, nor their spirit
and love of Christ.  With their Christian faith, the sons and daughters of
our nation reinforced their convictions of liberty and independence, and
fifteen years ago, created our new, free and sovereign republic.’ – stated
His Holiness.
The Pontiff of All Armenians offered a prayer to the Lord to preserve and
protect the Armenian and Lithuanian peoples; strengthen their brotherhood
and solidarity; and increase the cooperation and collaboration between the
two states.  His Holiness further expressed the gratitude of the Armenian
people for the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide by the
Lithuanian government, as well as the careful attention of the Lithuanian
authorities toward the Armenians living in their land.
President Adamkus thanked His Holiness for the warm reception and expressed
his deep respect and esteem for the Armenian Church and her leader.  The
president spoke of the significant role the Church has in society,
specifically in establishing and encouraging the proper development of
morals and ethics in the younger generation.  `Through your history, one
sees how much Christianity gave to Armenia through your Church.  Your
culture, language, literature and art accompanied the Christian faith and
teachings as inseparable parts of the Armenian identity.’ – stated the
Lithuanian president.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the current state of worldwide
ecumenical relations, within both inter-church and inter-faith dimensions. 
Present for the meeting were His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Martirosian,
Primate of the Diocese Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh); His Grace Bishop Paren
Avedikian, Director of Administrative Matters for the Mother See; and His
Grace Bishop Arshak Khatchatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See
At the conclusion of the cordial meeting, President and Mrs. Adamkus visited
the museum of the Pontifical Residence and the Mother Cathedral of Holy
Etchmiadzin.

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:
ANTE LIAS ARCHIVES UNDERGOES COMPLETE REORGANIZATION
The Archives department of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is
currently undergoing complete reorganization under the supervision of
Catholicos Aram I.
Within the Catholicosate’s general restoration works a special place was
dedicated for the storage of archives. With the kind support of its
director, Dr. Zaven Yegavian, the Department of Armenian Affairs of the
Gulbenkian Foundation has accepted to meet the costs of the establishment of
the Archives department.
The new department is located on the right hand of the Catholicosate’s main
entrance and occupies a large area. It is supplied with special cabinet
archives imported from Italy. Before the establishment of the Archives
department, Mr. Krikor Shahinian worked on the reorganization of the
Catholicosate’s archives. The department’s general director now is V. Rev.
Fr. Yeghishe Mandjigian with Rev. Fr. Movses Boyadjian as his assistant.
The general director of the official Archives department of the Republic of
Armenia, Amadouni Virabian, had visited the Catholicosate of Cilicia about
five months ago and made a thorough examination of the Archives department
in Antelias. He then presented his written proposals for the department’s
reorganization to the Pontiff.
Virabian has now returned to Antelias with a team of seven professionals to
work on the reorganization process which will conclude at the end of May.
The Catholicosate of Cilicia has rich archives related to the Armenian
Genocide, the status of Armenians in the post-Genocide era, the
Catholicosate’s efforts in the field of the Armenian Cause, writings by
Catholicoi, research and writings by Armenian national leaders and
intellectuals and the role of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in the Diaspora
in general. The department also has a rich collection of photographs and
films.
The Archives department is already open to the public. Intellectuals and
researchers from Armenia and foreign countries come to conduct researches in
the Catholicosate’s Archives department.
##
View photos here:
es60.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.

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
APRIL 21-27, 2006
HIGHLIGHTS:
YPC GENERAL MEETING HELD
“PRESS-CLUB+”: “REPUBLIC” DISCUSSING NEW PARTIES AND RELATIONS BETWEEN
ARMENIA AND IRAN
FIRST RA OMBUDSMAN PRESENTED HER REPORT
PPA DEMANDS A REFUTATION
TWO ISSUES OF “PAKAGITS” DID NOT REACH THE READER
YPC GENERAL MEETING HELD
On April 21 the General Meeting of Yerevan Press Club was held. At the
Meeting the reports of the YPC Board (presented by YPC President Boris
Navasardian) and Auditing Commission (presented by the Chairman of the
Commission Mher Davoyan) were heard. The President, Vice-President, members
of the Board, Council, Auditing Commission and Commission on Professional
Ethics were elected; the Executive Director and the Editor of YPC Weekly
Newsletter were approved. The renewed composition of these structures can be
seen at YPC web-site in “Structure” section.
Among other issues, the Statutes of the YPC Annual Award was presented at
the Meeting. The Statutes had been approved by the YPC Board on April 4,
2006 (see “Award” section at ).
“PRESS-CLUB+”: “REPUBLIC” DISCUSSING NEW PARTIES AND RELATIONS BETWEEN
ARMENIA AND IRAN
On April 25 the seventh sixth talk show of “Press Club+” series went on the
evening air of “Yerkir-Media” TV company.
The invitees of the program host, the Chief Editor of “Aravot” daily Aram
Abrahamian were the leaders of “Republic” party as guests and NGO
representatives as experts. The TV discussion focused on formation of new
parties, their role in the Armenian political system; relations of Armenia
with Iran and other countries, the regimes of which are opposed by the West.
It is expected that at 21.00 next Tuesday (May 2) the third “Press Club”
show will be aired, where representatives of media and journalistic
associations of Armenia will present their opinions on the coverage of the
issues of the day.
FIRST RA OMBUDSMAN PRESENTED HER REPORT
On April 26 at “Yerevan” Hotel the first Human Rights Defender of Armenia
Larisa Alaverdian presented her annual report on the activities of the
Ombudsman and the violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in
2005 to public. According to the amendments to the RA Constitution, adopted
at the referendum of November 27, 2005, the term of service of the first
Human Rights Defender ended on January 5, 2006. The activities of the
Ombudsman’s Office were stopped until the election of the new Defender by
the Parliament. Nevertheless, Larisa Alaverdian addressed the National
Assembly with request to present her report for 2005 at the spring session.
The report was included into the session agenda, but Larisa Alaverdian was
only given an opportunity to speak during the debate. The report itself was
read out to the deputies on April 13 by the newly elected Ombudsman Armen
Harutiunian. At the presentation of April 26 Larisa Alaverdian noted that
she would like to make a personal account to the public for her activities
as the Ombudsman, which is the reason for the event.
One of the sections of the report of the first RA Human Rights Defender
dealt with the freedom of expression and information. It listed the laws and
provisions, regulating the media system of the country. Generally, in the
opinion of the first Ombudsman, “if the existing laws are strictly followed,
the obstacles to the freedom of information can be overcome”. The report
lists specific cases of obstructing access to information, restrictions on
the free expression, violence against journalists and media in 2005. It is
emphasized, that the constitutional reform did not take into account most of
the proposals by journalistic associations and the Human Rights Defender. As
a result, the amended Constitution refers to only one body, regulating the
broadcasting sphere (instead of two); its mission, status and function are
not duly specified. Among other legislative shortcomings the report also
mentions the RA Law “On Fight against Terrorism” that “endangers the rights
of journalists, accessibility and dissemination of information on
terrorism”.
“While the number of violations of journalists’ rights, attacks on media
representatives in 2005 reduced, in the opinion of independent experts,
Armenia displays a trend towards deterioration in terms of freedom of
expression and access to information. This is witnessed by the assessments
of domestic and international journalistic associations”, the report of the
first RA Ombudsman notes. The results of the TV channel monitorings, made by
NGOs, show that “the broadcast sphere of Armenia is excessively influenced
and controlled by oligarchic groups, closely related to power structures”,
resulting “in the dependence of TV companies on the authorities and
penetration of censorship into Armenian TV air”. “Public Television of
Armenia does not comply with its direct function – to reflect the interests
of the public at large, provide impartial information to the population –
and is influenced by the higher authorities and related oligarchic groups”,
Larisa Alaverdian believes. As an objective parameter, proving the
dependence of the TV channels, the first RA Human Rights Defender refers to
the findings of media monitorings on constitutional referendum coverage,
made by NGOs, including Yerevan Press Club.
In the opinion of Larisa Alaverdian, the freedom of expression situation in
broadcast media (less so in print media) remains vulnerable. The main
reasons for that include the economic dependence of the media and the
mechanism for the formation of regulatory bodies – the Council of Public TV
and Radio Company, and the National Commission on Television and Radio. The
constitutional reform had much room for the improvement of the NCTR
formation procedures; however, the amendments adopted give little chance to
hope that the broadcast licensing process will become more objective and
professional, the section on freedom of expression and information of the
report of RA Human Rights Defender concludes.
PPA DEMANDS A REFUTATION
On April 26 at the court of primary jurisdiction of Center and Nork-Marash
communities of Yerevan hearing on the suit of Progressive Party of Armenia
versus “Pakagits” daily started. The plaintiff demands refutation of
information, published by “Pakagits” that damages the honor and reputation
of the party and its leaders, as well as a public apology.
The reason for the suit were three pieces of “Pakagits” of March 7, 8 and
11, 2006, in which the Progressive Party of Armenia (PPA) and its leader
Tigran Urikhanian were criticized and the financial capacities of the party
were questioned. The suit application informs that PPA had addressed the
editorial staff of “Pakagits” in writing, demanding to refute the
discrediting information, however, the daily refused to do so in the
subsequent article.
On April 25 the newspaper stated to the court that the suit lists “Pakagits”
daily as a respondent, while it is not a legal person. In this regard on the
session of April 26 the plaintiff filed a motion to replace the wrong party
and involve the daily founder “Agap-Hrat” LLC as the respondent. The motion
was secured.
The next session is to be held May 18.
TWO ISSUES OF “PAKAGITS” DID NOT REACH THE READER
On April 21 “Pakagits” daily reported that its two previous issues did not
reach the readers. As the newspaper writes, on April 19 the editorial office
started receiving phone calls that the “Haymamul” newspaper stalls did not
have the fresh “Pakagits” issue. It turned out later than the print run was
bought out from the stalls. The reason, in the opinion of “Pakagits”, was
the article published in the issue, “Andranik Maragarian’s Corruption
Risks”. The piece was dealing with the business, allegedly owned by the RA
Prime Minister and his family, and was accompanied by photographs.
“Pakagits” believes that the action of print run purchase was implemented by
people, close to the government and the Prime Minister. As YPC was told by
the Chief Editor of “Pakagits” Agapi Haykazuni, this very article was
repeatedly printed in the next newspaper issue, of April 20. However, the
print run “was stolen by unknown individuals from the editorial car”,
delivering the issues to the disseminating agencies. According to the Chief
Editor, this happened when the driver came into the editorial office to
leave 50 copies of the issue there.
The article above appeared again in “Pakagits” issue of April 21.
The news of “Pakagits” print run disappearance was published by “Azg” daily
on April 21. The next day, April 22, “Azg” published the response of the
Department of Information and Public Relations of the RA Prime Minister,
titled “Much Ado About Nothing”. The response of the Department noted in
particular that over the past few months “Pakagits” published a series of
articles about the Prime Minister “of humiliating and personally insulting
quality”, and this is why these stories “were never significant enough to
receive the attention” of the head of the government. In the opinion of the
Department, the loss of the print run is organized by “Pakagits” itself and
is “nothing but a trick to raise the interest to the newspaper at least a
little”. “Until this newspaper ensures due journalistic professionalism, it
will be neglected: no response will follow to any article about the Prime
Minister”, the response of the Department of Information and Public
Relations of the RA Prime Minister said.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]
Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]
Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

From: Fr Ktrij Devejian
Subject: HH Karekin II Presides During April 24 Commemoration in Armenia
PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
April 27, 2006
His Holiness Karekin II Presides During April 24 Commemoration in Armenia
On the morning of April 24, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, visited the National Memorial to the Armenian
Genocide, located on Tsitsernakaberd Hill in Yerevan.  His Holiness was
accompanied by high-ranking members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.
After the laying of floral wreaths before the eternal flame of the monument,
His Holiness presided during a solemn Requiem Service offered in memory of
the 1.5 million innocent victims of the first genocide of the 20th century.
Present for the service were President of the Republic of Armenia Robert
Kocharian, Prime Minister Andranik Margarian, President of the
Constitutional Court Gagik Haroutiunian, Government Ministers and Members of
the National Assembly (Parliament).
Although a steady rain was falling throughout the day and well into the
evening, hundreds of thousands of people visited the Armenian Genocide
Memorial to bring their noble participation to the 91st commemoration of the
events of 1915.

From: Fr Ktrij Devejian
Subject: April 24 Commemorated in Holy Etchmiadzin
PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
April 27, 2006
April 24 Commemorated in Holy Etchmiadzin
A special Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin on April 24, the annual commemoration day of the Armenian
Genocide.  His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalian celebrated the Liturgy.
Following the Liturgy, the procession of clergy escorted His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to the
Memorial of the Armenian Genocide located on the grounds of the Mother See. 
Standing near the monument of Khatchkars (Stone-crosses), His Holiness
presided during a special Repose of Souls service offered in memory of the
1.5 million victims of the Genocide of the Armenians from 1915-1923.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian General Benevolent Union Inc.
Viken L. Attarian
Chairman
805, Manoogian street
Ville St-Laurent, QC H4N 1Z5
Tel: 514-748-2428
Fax: 514-748-6307
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
AGBU MONTREAL CENTENNIAL AUDIOVISUAL CULTURAL EVENT A MAJOR SUCCESS
Montreal, April 26, 2006 – On Saturday April 22, 2006 AGBU Montreal held its
second centennial celebration event with a unique artistic presentation
entitled A Harmonic Synthesis of Armenian Poems and Music, an audio visual
libretto, produced and directed by Khatchig I. Pilikian of London, England.
Close to 200 attendees had filled the AGBU Jirair and Elise Dervishian hall
and were treated to a unique artistic event of exceptionally high caliber.
AGBU chairman, Viken L. Attarian made the introduction, stressing the
dedication of the event to the memory of the 1.5 million martyrs of the
Armenian people; he highlighted the historical contribution of the AGBU to
the well-being of the survivors of the Genocide, and to the subsequent
rebirth of our nation. He also thanked the major sponsors, as well as the
president of the event, Dr. Sarkis Yeretsian.
The production included a slide presentation from a selection of Armenian
artistic works, paintings, architecture and photographs as well as rare
photographic records depicting the victims of the Armenian Genocide by the
German medical officer Armin Wagner. The music was a synthesis of Armenian
composers’ work as well folkloric songs and chants. Prof. Pilikian also
sang acapella some mediaeval Armenian songs such as the lament of Mogats
Mirzeh and the lament of the Braves of Sassoun.
The poetic readings were performed by prof. Pilikian and several talented
local young Montrealers, who were Ani Tanielian, Shoushanig Melkonian,
Hermineh Bechakjian, Mary Pashayan, Shahe Tanashian, Rafael Khatchadourian,
as well as the very young Ashod Hovhannesian and Sevan Rezian.
At the conclusion of the presentation, a large stage-sized map of historic
Armenia was covered by the participants with red carnations, in all the
areas of the killing fields of the Genocide.
A special publication of the content of the libretto and a poster of
historical depictions of Armenia on various world maps from ancient times
(1000 B.C. until the map of modern Armenia and Artsakh) were made available
to the attending audience.
On Wednesday, the 26th of April, prof. Pilikian gave a special lecture
analyzing the content of the Harmonic Synthesis, to an appreciating audience
of the AGBU Montreal Armenian Studies program. During the lecture, the
attendees had the opportunity to ask specific questions on the selection of
the artistic works as well as to comment on the literary content of the
presentation.
For further information, please contact the AGBU at 514-748-2428 or visit
the website at

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
APRIL 27, 2006
GENOCIDE OBSERVANCE ON CAPITOL HILL
Archbishop Oshagan attended the 11th annual ANCA Armenian Genocide
Observance on Capitol Hill, yesterday. Wednesday, April 26. Armenian
Americans from around the United States joined with members of Congress to
mark the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
In his message and invocation to the gathering, His Eminence remembered
the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “In the End, we will remember not the
words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” His Eminence said:
“To this day the genocide of the Armenians is denied not only by the
perpetrators, but also by own government here in Washington. The same
government in whose archives are thousands and thousands of documents that
attest to the annihilation of the Armenians. The denial by our government is
the most difficult for us to comprehend and fills our hearts with grief
because denial is another assault-another genocide.”
“Our faith in You never waivers,” the Prelate continued. “Our hope in
You is steadfast. We believe that through You truth will prevail, because
You have told us, ‘Truth endures and remains forever and ever.’ (I Esdras
4:38)”
APRIL 24th IN ANTELIAS
Thousands of Lebanese Armenians assembled at the Catholicosate of
Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, on April 24 to commemorate the Armenian
genocide. Divine Liturgy was offered at the Cathedral of St. Gregory the
Illuminator, celebrated by Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, Primate of the Diocese
of Lebanon. Thousands of the Faithful then proceeded to the Martyrs’ Chapel
where a Requiem Service was offered.
His Holiness Aram I said: “Today is a day of national struggle and
accountability. This is how I characterize April 24 on our nation’s
calendar. We are gathered with the spirit of accountability and demands.
Struggle means accountability. Our martyrs demand explanation from us
today.. April 24 is not a single day in our calendar. Every day is April 24
for the individual who considers himself Armenian and lives as an Armenian.
Today we renew our pledge from Armenia to Antelias gathered around the
remains of our martyrs. In all the corners of the world we renew our pledge
to walk down the path of our martyrs, remaining true to their legacy; walk
down the path that will lead us to justice, because that is the road that
leads to the truth.”
THE ‘G’ WORD
Even with strong support from more than 200 House and Senate leaders,
asking President Bush to properly acknowledge the Armenian genocide, the
President’s annual message failed to use the “G” word, instead words like
“horrible tragedy,” “mass killings,” and “forced exile” were used.
In contrast to this, the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper,
issued a statement on April 19 acknowledging “the terrible suffering and
loss of life” in “the first genocide of the twentieth century.”
VICAR IS ATTENDING PRAYER FOR PEACE IN D.C.
V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan, Vicar General of the Prelacy, attended the 2006
International Prayer for Peace yesterday and today at Georgetown University
in Washington, D.C.
The gathering, which is sponsored by the Community of San’ Egidio, the
Archdiocese of Washington, Georgetown University, and The Catholic
University of America, marks the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s
historic interfaith gathering for peace in Assisi. This is the first time
that this annual event, the largest regularly held interfaith gathering in
the world, is taking place in the United States.
PRELACY LADIES GUILD MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
WILL TAKE PLACE MONDAY, MAY 8
The Prelacy Ladies’ Guild’s Mothers’ Day Luncheon will take place on
Monday, May 8, at The St. Regis, 2 East 55th Street, New York City. The
event, which has become an anticipated event for women in the metropolitan
area and beyond, will take place in the beautiful St. Regis Roof with
reception beginning at 11:30 am, followed by luncheon at 12:30 pm. A special
Musical Interlude, “Voices of Spring,” will provide entertainment and the
“Mother of the Year” will be announced and honored.
For more details about the luncheon click here:
NATIO NAL ASSEMBLY WILL CONVENE IN NEW JERSEY
The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly will convene May
17 to 19, at the host church, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
The concluding reception and banquet will take place Friday evening, May
19, at the Fort Lee Hilton, Route 4 East, Fort Lee, New Jersey. During the
banquet program a number of individuals will be honored including “Persons
of the Year,” “Spirit of Armenia,” and “Youth Leadership” awards.
“Certificates of Merit” will be presented to deserving members of the local
host community. To make reservations for the banquet ($75. per person)
contact any of the following: Sts. Vartanantz Church, 201-943-2950; Bea
Movsesian, 201-445-6867; Sonia Setrakian, 201-313-7157; Lynn Mahlebjian,
201-440-3018.
Full details about this and other public events during the NRA will be
included in next week’s Crossroads and will also be on the Prelacy’s web
page.
PASHALIAN FUND TRUSTEES MEET
The annual meeting of the trustees of the Pashalian Family Education
Fund took place Tuesday, April 18, at the Prelacy offices in New York. The
trustees reviewed the financial reports of the Fund and then discussed the
distribution of funds for the current year. The recipients of the 2006
grants will be announced shortly.
The Pashalian Fund was created in 1992 by gifts in memory of John
Pashalian by his family and friends. The Fund supports Armenian Schools and
Prelacy educational programs.
The trustees of the Fund are: H.E. Archbishop Oshagan (exofficio), Ms.
Gloria Tarsy, Dr. George Dermksian, and Michael Derian.
REGISTER NOW FOR DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Early registration deadline for the St. Gregory of Datev Summer
Institute is May 1. Act now to take advantage of the early deadline
discount. The weeklong program will take place July 2 to 9 at the St. Mary
of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania. This year the Institute is
marking its 20th anniversary and all kinds of commemorative events are being
planned. We will provide full details in the coming weeks.
For registration information as well as information about the Institute
click here:
THE ART OF EMMA GREGORYAN
TO BE EXHIBITED AT THE PRELACY
The works of noted artist, Emma Gregoryan, will be shown beginning on
Friday evening, May 12, at the Prelacy’s Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall,
138 E. 39th Street, New York City. The opening reception will take place
Friday, May 12, at 7 p.m. The artist will be present to welcome guests.
Refreshments will be served.
Ms. Gregoryan’s works are currently being shown at the Susquehanna Art
Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as part of an exhibition of the Armenian
art collection of the late John Vartan.
Born in Gumri, Armenia, Emma Grigoryan graduated from the Fine Arts and
Theatrical Institute of Yerevan. Her paintings have been exhibited in
Yerevan, Paris, Beirut, New York, Washington and throughout Canada.
HILL MUSEUM PUBLICATION FEATURES
CILICIAN SEE COLLECTION
The latest issue of “Illumination,” a publication of the Hill Museum and
Manuscript Library (HMML) in Collegeville, Minnesota, features a number of
Armenian manuscripts including the collection of the Holy See of Cilicia in
Antelias, Lebanon. For the past four decades HMML has been photographing
manuscript collections in Western Europe, Ethiopia and Malta, producing the
largest microfilm collection of its kind. In recent years with the advance
in technology, photography of the manuscripts has been digital. In recent
years collections in the Middle East and elsewhere have been added to the
project of the Benedictine monks whose mission is to preserve the
manuscripts and provide scholarly access to them.
Last year they began photographing the collection at Antelias. The
magazine writes: “The manuscript collection of the Armenian Apostolic
Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia was brought to Lebanon in the
early 20th century along with other precious items rescued from the former
home of the Catholicosate in Sis, Cilicia, a region of southeastern Turkey
that was the last independent Armenian kingdom until it was conquered by the
Ottomans in the late 14th century. Many Armenians remained in Cilicia until
the Armenian Genocide during World War I, when Catholicos Sahak II and many
of his people were forced to flee. The refugees carried their most precious
manuscripts and sacred objects with them to Syria and, finally, to Lebanon.”
Accompanying this is an image of the 17th century Armenian Book of the
Gospels, Letter of Eusebius to Carpian, from the Antelias collection. The
image on the cover of the magazine is from a 14th century Armenian Book of
the Gospels, frontispiece to the Gospel of Luke, from the collection of the
Armenian Catholic Clergy Institute of Bzommar, Lebanon. The Bzommar
collection is also being digitized by HMML.
THIS SUNDAY IS “GREEN SUNDAY”
This Sunday, April 30, the third Sunday of Easter is Green Sunday
(Ganach Giragee) also called World Church Sunday (Ashkharhamadoor). The name
“Green Sunday” most probably comes from an ancient folk holiday in
celebration of spring. Our forefathers, seeing mother earth bloom after long
winter months, glorified the Creator with an act of thanksgiving, and
celebrated by bedecking the Church and themselves with greenery. Green is
the color of life, freshness and promise and after a barren winter we are
filled with hope, life and love.
It is also called World Church Sunday in the sense of the church
belonging to the whole world beginning with Christ and the Apostles who met
regularly to pray and partake of the Holy Sacrament of Communion.
Perhaps it is an appropriate time for us to remember our obligation to
be good stewards of the earth and the gifts that have been given to us by
God.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 29-Presentation by comedian Vahe Berberian at St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For details 718-224-2275.
May 5-Reunion of all students beginning from the 1930s who attended St.
Illuminator Armenian School in New York. Dinner Dance at Terrace on the
Park, Corona, NY. For reservations or information contact the St.
Illuminator’s Day School, 718-478-4073.
May 7-Mothers’ Day celebration at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
May 8-Mothers’ Day Luncheon by Prelacy Ladies Guild, St. Regis, New York
City.
May 12-Exhibition of the works of artist Emma Gregoryan at the Prelacy, 138
E. 39th Street, New York City.
May 13-Dinner-Dance organized by the St. Sarkis Church Ping-Pong Club. For
details 718-224-2275.
May 17-19-National Representative Assembly (NRA), hosted by Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Concluding reception and banquet will take
place Friday, May 19, at the Fort Lee Hilton, Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Reception at 7 pm, followed by dinner. For information/reservations: Sts.
Vartanantz Church office, 201-943-2950.
May 16 and 17-Conference of Yeretzgeens in conjunction with the National
Representative Assembly, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey.
May 20-Year-end Hantes for Sunday School and Saturday School, St. Sarkis
Church, Douglaston, New York. For information, 718-224-2275.
June 4-16th Anniversary Celebration of the new St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York. For information, 718-224-2275.
July 22-Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island,
and Ani Chapter of Armenian Relief Society co-host gala dance at Greek
Orthodox Annunciation Church. For information, 401-286-8107.
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.
Visit our website at

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian National Committee
Eastern United States
P.O. Box 1066
New York, NY 10040
Contact: Doug Geogerian
Tel: 917 428 1918
Fax: 718 651 3637
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: anca.org
ARF, ADL COUNTER TURKISH PROTEST IN NYC
Rally preceded by press conference featuring Reps. Weiner, Maloney
NEW YORK – On Saturday, April 22, a group calling itself the `Young
Turks’ gathered 100-150 Turkish demonstrators in midtown Manhattan, in
an effort to spread denial of the Armenian Genocide. The demonstration
took place on Broadway at 39th Street, and was advertised as a
response to the annual Times Square Genocide commemoration that was
scheduled for the following day.
In response to this action, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and
Armenian Democratic Liberal organization organized a counter-protest,
which took place two blocks south of the Turkish rally. The Armenian
gathering included 200 people – young and old alike – with a strong
showing from the Armenian Youth Federation. After a brief program
featuring speeches from community leaders, the protesters held banners
and shouted slogans including `Turkey guilty of genocide,’ `Return our
lands,’ and `Armenians demand reparations.’ Meanwhile, Turkish
demonstrators openly expressed hatred and contempt for the Armenians,
shouting `Armenian lies’ and `Armenians killed Turks,’ in an attempt
to portray Armenians as having massacred Turks during World War
I. Many of these protesters appeared to be Azeris, who linked Turkey’s
denial campaign with Azerbaijan’s goal of retaking Karabagh by force.
The modest turnout by the `Young Turks’ stood in contrast to their
advance publicity, which claimed they would be gathering up to 5,000
demonstrators.
Cong. Weiner, Cong. Maloney Condemn Deniers Just prior to the
protests, US Representatives Anthony Weiner and Carolyn Maloney held a
press conference at which they spoke out against Turkey’s denial of
the Armenian Genocide. The press conference took place at Herald
Square in Manhattan, just south of the protest sites, and featured the
presence of Armenian community leaders as well as media
representatives. In their remarks, both officials referred to the
monstrous irony of Turkish chauvinism – in which the deniers pin blame
on the victims for crimes committed by their own.
The press conference marked Weiner’s second appearance in a month to
combat Turkish revisionism. A few weeks earlier, the congressman drew
attention to Turkish efforts to cast doubt upon a PBS genocide
documentary prepared by US filmmaker Andrew Goldberg. Weiner’s
statements generated momentum that led to the cancellation of a
Turkish-led roundtable that would have immediately followed the
documentary broadcast.
`We are greatly encouraged by the support of Representatives Weiner
and Maloney,’ stated ARF representative Antranig Kasbarian. `They have
never shied away from the issue of denial, even when the deniers are
staring us right in the face. We are also encouraged by the youthful
turnout at today’s counter-protest. Turkish deniers must realize that
this problem will never go away; not until they come to terms with the
Genocide and its consequences.’
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