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 CATHOLICOSATE AND THE GULBENKIAN FOUNDATION
TO PUBLISH CHILDREN’S BOOKS
His Holiness Aram I and the director of the Department of Armenian Affairs
of the Gulbenkian Foundation have initiated a project of publishing a series
of books in the field of children’s literature.
The decision comes after recommendations by the educational seminar held in
August 2004 in the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Over 100 teachers, pedagogues
and intellectuals from all over the Diaspora proposed giving a new impetus
to children’s literature during the seminar organized by the Catholicosate
of Cilicia.
A special plan will be drawn out for the execution of the project and a
committee of professionals will oversee the works. Further details will be
provided in the future.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the books
published in the Printing House 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 ARMENIAN PRELACY OF CANADA HOSTS A MEETING BETWEEN
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I AND ECUMENICAL PERSONALITIES
An ecumenical meeting was held in the Prelacy of Canada on September 26 on
occasion of His Holiness’ visit to Montreal.
Prelate Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirosian (Prelate of the Western Prelacy) and religious
officials attended the event.
Primates and representatives of the entire sister Christian churches in
Montreal were also present. These included representatives from the Coptic
Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, representatives of the two Greek Orthodox
families, the representative of Roman Catholic Cardinal Turcotte, Greek
Catholic, Chaldean, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist, the representatives
of the Armenian Catholic and Armenian Protestant churches, as well as the
general and regional managers of Bible Society in Canada, the head of the
ecumenical center of Montreal, and community officials.
Prelate Archbishop Hagopian welcomed the attendants, expressing satisfaction
that representatives from sister churches had accepted his invitation to
greet His Holiness in Canada.
The attendants received a new publication of the Bible and the Psalms in one
edition by the diocese of Canada and the Bible Society.
Reverend Manuel Djinbashian, who has brought great contribution to the
translations, carried out by the Catholicosate of Cilicia and with the
cooperation of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan (Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy)
and late Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, spoke about these translation works
briefly and informed the attendants of the unique linguistic characteristics
of the Armenian Bible.
The regional director of the Bible Society, George Lugo presented the
edition, thanking Rev Djinbashian, Serj Reyom (director of publications and
circulation of Bible Society), Rev. Mark Henry Vidal (director of the Bible
Society) and Rev. Karnig Koyounian who had initiated the joint project. Lugo
thanked also Prelate Hagopian, who had sponsored the mentioned project.
His Holiness Aram I welcomed the spiritual leaders of Montreal in the city’s
Armenian Prelacy and praised their brotherly relations with the Prelate and
the lay council. His Holiness spoke about the dominating presence of God’s
word in the Church.
“In the holy work of translating the Bible, we use the word ‘Armenianize’ in
our language. As our fathers so carefully ‘armenianized’ the Bible, God
spoke to our people in Armenian,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness pointed out that interpreting the spirit of the Bible is more
important that its literal translation. He announced he has formed a new
committee of the members of the Cilician Brotherhood to continue the
translation of the Old Testament.
The event continued with warm discussions between the attendants. His
Holiness answered several questions related to ecumenical issues, the
theological thoughts and relations of different churches.
The guests highlighted the role His Holiness plays in the ecumenical arena
and his contribution to inter-religious initiatives. His Holiness spoke
about the aims behind conferences and meetings organized by the World
Council of Churches and other similar organizations.
The Catholicos emphasized that such initiatives, particularly in the
Christian-Muslim dialogue field, would contribute to boosting the role of
religions in human societies and peaceful coexistence between the world’s
various communities.
##
View pictures here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses 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.

Terrorism.htm
TUFTS E-NEWS
September 16, 2005
Looking Back At Terrorism
Fletcher graduate Harout H. Semerdjian talks about the history of
international terrorism and urges world leaders to acknowledge and
learn from terror tragedies of the past.
Medford/Somerville, Mass. – While the attacks that took place on
September 11, 2001, introduced many Americans to the realities of
international terrorism, the West lags behind much of the world when
it comes to accepting it as a fact of life. In a recent opinion piece,
Fletcher graduate Harout H. Semerdjian explored the roots of
terrorism and urged global leaders to learn from terror tragedies that
their countries, and others, have endured in the past.
`The recent acts of international terrorism are a modern-day
demonstration of the deadly magnitude of terrorist objectives,
particularly as they transpire on North American and European soil,’
Semerdjian, a research associate at Harvard University’s Kennedy
School of Government, wrote in an op-ed in the Asia Times. `What we
are experiencing today, however, is not a new phenomenon in world
history.’
According to Semerdjian, terrorism, motivated by extreme religious
ideologies, has colored world history.
`For centuries, entire indigenous populations in the Middle East and
elsewhere have been exterminated in the name of religion,’ he
wrote. `While patterns of such events are not exactly the same as what
we are witnessing today in the form of Al-Qaeda-inspired violence, the
thought process behind the systematic and orchestrated murder of
innocents is.’ Semerdjian pointed out a modern-era example of the
devastating effects of terrorism in the name of religion: the 1915
massacre of Christian Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire, which
was ruled by the Muslim Turks.
`The outcome was one of the worst quantitative measures of terror and
genocide in human history, resulting in the massacre of 1.5 million
people and the destruction of an astounding 4,000 Christian churches
and monasteries,’ Semerdjian wrote. `An entire people was
systematically targeted and annihilated on the grounds of their
religion and what it represented in the confines of the Islamic
empire.’
Semerdjian added that, for the most part, the West ignored this act of
terror, which he considers `a calculated result of Turkish nationalism
and racist policies of Turkification.’ Today, in fact, Turkey is a
member of NATO and an ally of the United States in the Middle East, he
explained.
`It is in this very context of alliance that the United States should
expose this dark chapter in world history and require Turkey to own up
to its Ottoman past, and hence secure a more reliable partner in the
region,’ he said.
According to Semerdjian, it is incumbent upon world leaders, including
President George W. Bush, to examine the history of terrorism in order
to fight against it.
`The events of the last century and particularly in the last decade
should embolden the West’s commitment to fighting worldwide
terrorism. This, however, can not be done without careful
consideration of the historical development of today’s problems,’ he
stated.
While Bush is on the right track in terms of combating terrorism,
Semerdjian said, the president needs to `match that resolve with an
equal will to understand its real causes and to remedy some of its
most blatant manifestations through clear recognition.’
`We need to strengthen this effort by promoting education and
knowledge about historic and current issues of vital importance. The
key in countering current acts of violence lies in understanding and
absorbing lessons of history and helping to set the historical record
straight,’ he said. `Our fortitude and capacity to acknowledge past
acts of terror will assist our current efforts in countering
terrorism. Our global partners in this effort deserve our assistance
and support, as well as the chance to benefit from our own
introspection.’
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Artak Harutyunyan
Tel: 3741 52 09 40
Fax: 3741 52 37 95
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
2005-09-28
Naira Melkoumian meets with American Senator Jack Scott
On September 20, the Executive Director of the “Hayastan” Fund had a
meeting with Senator Jack Scott/CA,USA/ , Chief of the Western Branch
of the Ramkavar Liberal-Democratic Party Ara Aharonyan,
Representatives of “Hay Dat” Council Mr. and Mrs. Poladyans and other
quests from abroad.
Mrs. Naira Melkoumian mentioned that she highly appreciates the
efforts of the Senator towards the recognition of the 1915 Armenian
Genocide. The on-going and upcoming projects of the Fund were also
among the issues of the meeting. The Chief of the Western Branch of
the Ramkavar Liberal-Democratic Party announced that their branch will
undertake the sponsorship of the school construction in Martakert.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS PASS FINAL READING
Armenpress
Sept 28, 2005
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS: With a vote of 90 and without votes
of ‘no’ and abstentions the Armenian parliament has passed today in
the third and final reading a package of constitutional amendments
that will be put on a national referendum on November 26.
Opposition lawmakers from Ardarutyun (Justice) bloc and the National
Unity boycotted the voting. The Armenian parliament passed also in
the second and third final reading a bill on making changes to the
Law on Referendum. The changes are meant to make the Law on Referendum
comply with already amended Election Law.
Before putting the bill to a second reading Hrayr Karapetian from
the ARF said the bill incorporated some of changes, proposed by the
opposition. He, particularly, mentioned a suggestion by an opposition
lawmaker from Ardarutyun-Arshak Sadoyan- envisaging the secrecy
of ballot.
The bill also incorporated two other opposition proposals saying that
precincts may have no more than one ballot box and that voting results
must be tabulated and made public every three hours, but nevertheless,
the opposition boycotted the voting.

DEFENDANT OPENS FIRE AT PLAINTIFF AND LAWYER IN MOSCOW COURT
MosNews, Russia
Sept 28 2005
A plaintiff and his lawyer were targeted by a gunman, believed to be
a defendant, in a justice of the peace building in Moscow Wednesday.
A man armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle opened fire at the
plaintiff and his lawyer on Wednesday, Interfax news agency reported.
Both of them were badly injured in the attack, the news agency
reported.
The gunman, of Armenian origin, was overpowered and detained at the
scene of the incident. According to preliminary information, he was
the defendant in a case being heard in the building.

Sunday, September 25, 2005
*********************************
SEMANTIC PERVERSIONS
*******************************
If you call a crook an honest man, he will be flattered. He will thank you and after congratulating himself he will think: “I am good. I must be doing something right.” When he says “good” he means bad; and when he says “right” he means wrong.
*
An honest man doesn’t care to be called honest. He is too busy trying to survive in a dishonest environment to have any use for flattery.
*
A really smart man doesn’t identify himself as smart. He doesn’t even talk smart. I have myself dealt with smart men who pretended to be idiots because they knew from experience the best way to take advantage of another is to let him think he is the smart one and no idiot like himself could ever hope to deceive him.
*
When odars call us smart, we are flattered. We welcome flattery no matter how false. And when others fail to flatter us, we flatter ourselves.
*
We identify ourselves as the first nation to convert to Christianity, but we avoid asking ourselves: How genuine is our faith? Do we love one another? Are we even tolerant of one another? As for loving our enemies…don’t make me laugh.
*
We have become beggars for flattery and masters of self-deception. We call our military defeats moral victories thus asserting our moral superiority even as our own ablest writers tell us treason and betrayal are in our blood (Raffi) and we survive by cannibalizing one another (Zarian).
*
Our leaders tell us we are in good hands even as they depopulate the Homeland and alienate the majority in the Diaspora.
*
A handful of young hotheads, after taking over the Ottoman Bank in Istanbul, negotiate a safe passage abroad for themselves. That same day, in retaliation, several thousand innocent Armenians are slaughtered by a mob of enraged Turks, and to this day this fiasco is described as a heroic episode that made headlines around the world. Nobody wants to know if these headlines saved a single life or were of any practical value to anyone. The heroes are exalted and enshrined in the annals of our glorious past and the anonymous victims are reduced to the status of a statistical footnote and forgotten.
#
Monday, September 26, 2005
************************************
To understand reality also means to want to change it, but whereas fools aim to change others, never themselves, the wise concentrates on themselves. The wise have a better chance to succeed.
*
Schopenhauer observes somewhere that women have been carefully designed so that men may make asses of themselves. That is something worth thinking about.
*
If you are going to pretend to know better, first make sure how much the other knows.
*
A rule without exceptions: Those who think they sit at the right hand of god, sit at the left hand of the devil.
*
According to Nejdeh, “Hye lineluts araj, petk a mard linel!” Roughly translated: “If you want to be an Armenian start by being a human being.” And according to a frequently quoted Armenian motto: “Mard bidi ch’ellank!” Roughly translated: “We will never qualify as human beings.” Figure that one out if you can.
*
If some of my readers don’t like what I say it may be because “the torch of truth burns many asses.”
*
You become a success when you no longer care if others see you as a failure.
*
Before you decide to assess yourself as smart, make sure you know the difference between smart and smartass.
#
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
****************************************
Changing the world has never been my ambition, only sharing my understanding with my fellow Armenians. I now suspect I bet on the wrong horse. I had a better chance to succeed if I had aimed at changing the world.
*
When two brainwashed dupes contradict each other, it is not themselves that do the contradicting but their respective propaganda lines.
*
Gresham’s Law, named after the 16th-century English merchant Sir Thomas Gresham, states, “Bad money drive out good money,” meaning: adulterated gold drives out pure gold, for the simple reason that it is cheaper. By extension, opportunists drive out men of principle, and mediocrities drive out those who seek to achieve excellence.
*
An extension of Grisham’s Law: “Evil knows how to organize itself because it appeals to the selfish instincts of the majority.”
*
Likewise, recycled crap drives out objective judgment, and hoodlums and their verbal abuse drive out dialogue.
*
There is more to Armenian history than the massacres. To focus on the massacres and to ignore centuries of subservience, divisiveness, intolerance, dogmatism, betrayal, abuse of power, incompetence, and anti-intellectualism is to misrepresent and misunderstand the historic significance of the massacres.
*
One reason our dime-a-dozen pundits concentrate on the Red Massacre is to cover up and ignore its White variant. But I have said that before…
*
What’s done is done and not even God can change the past. We are in a far better position to change the present. If we prefer to lament, adopt a passive stance, and deceive ourselves into thinking we are in good hands, it may be because after centuries of subservience to foreign tyrants, subservience to our own mini-sultans, neo-commissars, and pseudo-ayatollahs comes naturally to us.
*
If I repeat myself it may be because our blunders keep repeating themselves and not repeating myself would amount to either giving up or covering up.
#
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
*************************************
CONFESSIONS OF A FAILURE
************************************
If I repeat myself it may be because I have run out of ideas. Which may explain why I am a slum-dwelling failure. Which may also explain why any writer who decides to write for Armenians is destined to be a failure, Saroyan being the sole exception that confirms this rule. But many literary critics see even Saroyan as a failure. If he continues to be admired by Armenians it may be because Armenians have been successful in ignoring and silencing their critics. They don’t mind tolerating brown-nosers, but critics they treat the way Turks treated Armenians at the turn of the last century. If I have said this before, I apologize. Henceforth I promise to do my utmost to say something different, such as, Armenians welcome criticism because, as the first nation to convert to Christianity, they are a tolerant and compassionate folk not only towards their fellow Armenians but also towards their enemies. And Armenians are tolerant and compassionate because as the first nation to suffer genocide in the 20th century they know all about the evil of intolerance and hatred. You want to hear more new ideas? How about this? Van, Erzrum, Kars and Ardahan belong to us in the same way that Detroit, New York City, Washington, Chicago and Dallas belong to the Apaches, Sioux, Seminole, and Cherokee Indians of North America, and our chances of getting them back are as good as theirs. The main thing is not to give up, to persevere, to have faith in our leaders and to support them. The best is yet to come. All our dreams will come true provided of course you send them a little money.
*
Speaking about new ideas: Paul Valéry once asked Einstein: “Do you carry a notebook on your person so that when a new idea comes you may put it down for future reference?” And Einstein replied: “New ideas don’t come to me that frequently.” And sure enough, good old Einstein spent the last twenty years of his life in search of a new idea that he never found. It is such a heavy burden being a mediocrity among geniuses!
#

TRIAL POSTPONED
A1+
| 12:39:54 | 28-09-2005 | Social |
The trial of the assassination of Gourgen Margaryan in Hungary has
been postponed once again till December 15. During the trial the
Armenian officer who had left for Hungary with Gourgen Margaryan gave
evidence The testimony of the officer from Lithuania who was absent
from the trial has also been read. As for the second Azeri officer,
he was absent from the trial for the third time with the sane excuse
of being ill.
The experts who had realized the forensic examination of the
psychological state of Ramil Safarov were also invited to the
trial. Taking into account the fact that the conclusion of different
experts differed from each other, the Court decided to realize double
examination. The advocate of Ramil Safarov mentioned that the court
decision will depend on the results of the examination.
Let us remind you that on February 19, 2004 in Hungary the Azeri
officer Ramil Safarov murdered the Armenian officer Gourgen
Margaryan. The officers participated in courses of English in the
margins of the NATO program “Cooperation for the Sake of Peace”.

CONSTITUTION ADOPTED
A1+
| 13:09:48 | 28-09-2005 | Politics |
Today the Parliament continued the special session and adopted the
draft Constitution by the third hearing with a distribution of votes
90-for, 0-against, 0-undecided. After that Arthur Baghdasaryan put the
decision to apply to Robert Kocharyan to fix the day of the referendum
to voting.
In this connection Viktor Dallakyan announced that the NA
regulation-law 60th article 5th clause has been violated. According
to it, the draft was supposed to be distributed to the deputies an
hour before the voting.
“Nothing has been distributed to us”, he said, but the coalition
deputies claimed the vice versa. “You are violating the law”, announced
Viktor Dallakyan. In answer to this Arthur Baghdasaryan said, “Let
them think what they want, and now let’s vote”.
Let us remind you that yesterday the National Unity had announced that
they will boycott the session, the “Justice” bloc is not participating
in the voting at all. After the break the draft was adopted, and the
special session was over.

IN WASHINGTON WITH SPECIAL MISSION
A1+
| 11:39:09 | 28-09-2005 | Official |
On September 24-28 the RA Governmental delegation was in Washington to
participate in the RA-USA inter governmental working group session,
as well as in the annual meeting of the World Bank and Currency
International Fund.
During the visit the members of the Armenian delegation met the deputy
executive director of the “Millennium Challenges” corporation Charles
Setness. The course of the investigation phase of the Millennium
Challenges Armenian program was discussed.
In the margins of the session of the RA-USA inter governmental
economics working group the parties have discussed a wide circle of
issues about the economic cooperation between RA and USA.