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 SEMINARY CONCLUDES ITS ACADEMIC YEAR WITH ITS 75TH ANNUAL CEREMONY

The 75th annual ceremony of the seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia was
held on June 25 in Bikfaya under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I.
Members of the Cilician Brotherhood, teachers and a large number of people
believing in the seminary’s mission attended the ceremony.

A choir formed of the students of the seminary entertained the audience with
a brief program and Deacon Dikran Avedisian read a decree on behalf of the
seminary students. Rev. Bartev Gulumian, the dean, read the annual report,
presenting a detailed account of the academic year.

His Holiness Aram I presented degrees and certificates to Dikran Avedisian,
Sarkis Bedrosian, Haroutioun Babikian, Sevan Jivanian, Haig Koparian and
Gabriel Tanashian. Rev. Tatoul Anoushian was particularly praised as an
assistant to the seminary’s dean during the past academic year. Some good
and exemplary students were also rewarded.

“The spirit you received in the seminary is not limited to the classroom; it
is present everywhere. This spirit comes from the depths of our cultural,
national, spiritual and religious history, from all the phases of our people
‘s history. This spirit crosses the boundaries of the seminary and becomes a
mission in our people’s lives,” said His Holiness Aram I addressing the
students.

The Catholicos stated that the seminary’s spirit gives “depth, character and
a mission to Antelias.” He assured that the seminary is the heart of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, adding that whoever has received the seminary’s
spirit never betrays.

His Holiness also talked about the formation of the students’ characters,
saying that the seminary gives them the virtue of holiness. “Circumstances
have changed, but this spirit remains the same. The seminary’s spirit brings
commitment to our mission,” added His Holiness.

“We should be very cautious in educating humans, so that people having
dedication, love and faith are prepared in this institution. This is our
mission and goal,” said the Catholicos addressing the students.

The ceremony was concluded with “Cilicia” and “I Veh Partsants.”

##

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Seminary,
you may refer to the web page of the Catholicosate,
The Cilician Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is
located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CONGRATULATES THE NEWLY ELECTED
PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

His Holiness Aram I sent the following congratulatory letter to the newly
elected president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Your Excellency

Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

President-elect of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Tehran

Your Excellency,

We gladly received news of your election as president of the Islamic
Republic of Iran. Your election is tangible proof of the people’s love and
confidence in you, as well as their expectations from you. In all the
governmental obligations you undertook, you always remained true to your
commitment to serve the people, fulfill the people’s needs and protect their
interests. We are sure that as president, you will continue your service to
the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the same spirit and
dedication.

The Armenian and Persian peoples are connected by long-standing close
relations. We are sure that the relations between the two nations will be
further enhanced during your tenure, for the sake of the peaceful
coexistence and cooperation of nations.

As you know, we have a well-organized community in the Islamic Republic of
Iran and it continues to actively contribute to the country’s progress in
the various fields of society. During our recent visit to the Armenian
community of Iran, we attested to the strong commitment of Iranian Armenian
to the country. We are sure that you will express your care towards our
community’s needs and rights through tangible measures.

On behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, as well as personally, we warmly
congratulate your election and wish you full success in your mission.

ARAM I

CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA

##

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities 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:

TWO NEW BOOKS ABOUT THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
ARE REPRESENTED DURING A CULTURAL EVENT

Two publications about the Armenian Genocide were presented to the public
during the cultural hour held at the Catholicosate of Cilicia on June 23.
The two books, one of them a new version of the 1915 publication of “Armenia
Hayatert” and the other a new publication entitled “Genocide and Survival”
were presented as “witnesses” of the first Genocide of the 20th century.

Members of the Cilician Brotherhood, representatives of the sister
denominations, MP Hagop Pakradouni and intellectuals attended the cultural
hour, held under the patronage of His Holiness Aram I and presided by him.

Rev. Anania Koujanian delivered the opening remarks, considering the event
as an opportunity to pay respects to the memory of the Genocide’s victims
through culture.

Mr. Jirayr Tanielian presented the first publication, “Armenia Hayatert”,
which is the new version of the original book published in Bulgaria in 1915.
The numerous references in the book to the day-to-day events of the Armenian
Genocide made it worthy of republication as an important source shedding
light on the details of this crime against humanity.

Tanielian talked about the revelation of “Armenia” in the personal
collection of prominent editor Garo Kevorkian, its contents and its
signatory writers. He said some of these writers had to use fake names in
their by-lines, because they produced accounts of the Armenian Genocide.

Tanielian highlighted the names of Shavarsh Miskaian, Gosdan Zarian and
Lepsius, “who passed through Sofia on his way from Germany to Istanbul and
wrote a significant part of his two publications relating to the Armenian
Genocide in Armenia’s editing house.”

“This is a memorial standing in the memory of the innocent victims and
reading it will be an opportunity to talk about some of them,” said
Tanielian.

In the introduction of the newspaper’s newly published version, His Holiness
Aram I writes: “This paper is a rich source about the Armenian Genocide, a
periodical about events, incidents and people related the Genocide. Its
editorials present an accurate account about the first Genocide of the 20th
century, with all its faces, circumstances and consequences.”

Mr. Bebo Simonian presented the second publication entitled “Genocide and
survival”, which was published by the “Kevork Melidinetsi” literary prize on
the occasion of the Armenian Genocide’s 90th anniversary. The book has been
edited by Kevork Kandaharian, Bebo Simonian and Jirayr Tanielian. It
includes writings related to horrors of the pre-genocidal massacres of the
Armenians, works dedicated to the Genocide by martyred authors and
survivors, and reflections by second and third generation Armenians.

Simonian talked about the strength of the book as documented evidence
created by a combination of old and new testimonies. He described the book
as “a publication presenting the Genocide to the new Armenian generations
through poems.”

“It is a reflection of the Armenians’ pain and dreams. Its pages ‘beat’ with
the nation’s heart. They ‘breathe’ with belief, suffering and the hopes of
survival,” he said. He then talked about the content of the book in general,
mentioning the names of Armenian authors from the old and new generations
who have contributed to it.

His Holiness Aram I delivered the concluding remarks of the cultural event,
commending the people who either financially or morally contributed to the
publication of the two books.

Aram I particularly praised Dr. Zaven Yegavian, the director of the Armenian
department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, who made the publication
of “Armenia Hayatert” come true. He also commended the members of the
judicial committee of the “Kevork Melidinetsi” literary award, who oversaw
the preparation of “Genocide and Survival.”

His Holiness also remembered Yervant Pamboukian, Fr Norair Ashekian
(Director of the Catholicosate’s publishing house), Mrs. Zevart Tanielian
and the late Miss Manoushag Boyadjian, as contributors to the publication of
the two books.

His Holiness talked about the significance of the two publications in
relation to the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. “The task of
transmitting the Armenian spirit to the new generation is part of our
collective mission. This mission is carried out in all the fields of our
lives, in the church, in schools, through art, poetry and many other means,”
said His Holiness.

“The cultural mission of our Holy See will continue. Culture constitutes a
part of our church’s being and spirit, and faith often expresses itself
through culture. We clearly see the relation between faith and culture in
our nation’s life,” added His Holiness.

Intellectuals attending the event also expressed their views and
compliments, praising the immense efforts put into work for the publication
of the new books.

##

View picture here:

*****

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 SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE GERMAN CHURCHES EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR THE
RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

In a letter to His Holiness Aram I, the spiritual leader of the German
Protestant Church, Bishop Wolfgang Huber has affirmed his full support for
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and has promised to exert efforts
in this direction.

Bishop Huber has informed the Catholicos about the work carried out by the
German Churches for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. He has ensured
Aram I that he personally and the churches he presides over will pursue
their efforts: “Most recently the German Parliament accepted a common
statement on the issue. It does not fulfill all expectations but can be seen
as a step in the right direction . I tell you this in order to assure you,
that EKD and myself will try to do what we can to intensify the process of
recognition of the Armenian Genocide and to encourage a process of
reconciliation between the Armenian and the Turkish people.”

Bishop Huber is a personal friend of His Holiness Aram I. The Catholicos had
written to him a month ago, requesting his support in the efforts for the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Germany.

The German Bundestag adopted a resolution lately condemning the Armenian
atrocities and apologizing for the role played by Germany in them.

##

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities 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:

For the full text of His Holiness Aram I’s message in Aremnian click here:
Messages/messages29.htm

A GRAND CEREMONY MARKS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I’S AND THE SEMINARY’S JUBILEES

ARAM I ASSURES THAT SERVICE IS THE EXISTENTIAL PURPOSE OF THE CATHOLICOSATE
OF CILICIA

The 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s
Seminary and the 10th anniversary of His Holiness Aram I’s enthronement were
marked in a grand ceremony in the hall of the “General Emile Lahoud Center”
on June 27 in Antelias.

The jubilee ceremony was organized by the Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon under
the patronage of His Holiness Aram I. Members of the Cilician Brotherhood,
representatives of the Diocese, delegates from political, educational,
cultural and charity organizations and unions, MPs Hagop Pakradouni and
George Kasargi, minister Alain Tabourian, former MPs and ministers,
representatives from the sister denominations, the ambassador of Armenian HE
Arek Hovhannisian, as well as Lebanese-Armenian intellectuals,
philanthropists and friends of the prelacy and the Catholicosate and a huge
crowd attended the ceremony.

The ceremony officially commenced with the Lebanese and Armenian anthems,
after which Bishop Kegham Khatcherian, the primate of the Diocese of
Lebanon, welcomed and greeted His Holiness and the attendants.

The bishop pointed out that the two jubilees, both milestones in the
Catholicosate of Cilicia’s mission, are bound for the same aim.

“The past 75 years and particularly the last decade have had a unique
influence on the history of Antelias, because words were transformed into
action and action into service in our church’s and nation’s life during this
time,” said Bishop Khatcherian.

“Just as the times of the seminary’s establishment were not easy, the past
decade since His Holiness’ enthronement has not been calm on the national,
international, ecumenical and other front; rather, they have been
characterized by challenges to our Church and nation, he added.

Bishop Khatcherian stated that His Holiness Aram I had been able to overcome
these challenges and become both the servant and the protector of his
people. The Bishop highlighted the importance attached to the
Lebanese-Armenians by the Catholicosate of Cilicia, pointing out that the
jubilee ceremony was also an expression of respect and a response by
Lebanese-Armenians to the Catholicos’ call.

A video cassette reflecting the fruitful activities of the Catholicosate
during the past decade was shown to the public. It presented the audience
with information on various initiatives, ecumenical activities and
construction projects accomplished by the Catholicosate, the Seminary and
the Catholicos.

Lebanese-Armenian intellectuals Jirair Tanielian and Sarkis Giragosian spoke
about the two jubilees during the event. Tanielian talked about the past and
current irrefutable merit of the seminary, an institution, the national and
spiritual education of which continues to benefit the Armenian nation.

Tanielian highlighted the impressive number of students who have received
their education at the Seminary.

“During the last 75 years, the light emanating from the Seminary went beyond
the Middle East, reaching Europe, the Americas and Canada, so the will and
faith to live as Armenians can be strengthened. The wheat seed that was
thrown into Lebanon fell in a fertile land. The role played by the Seminary
in this respect has been great during the last 75 years and will be
continued in the coming decades,” he said.

Tanielian spoke about the growth and progress of an institution, which
became fortress for the formation of intellectuals and spiritual leaders,
provided Catholicoi, archbishops, vartabeds, deacons, servants of the church
and nation and teachers. Mentioning the most well-known seminaries in
history, Tanielian assured that the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s Seminary was
also established for the same purposes and mission and based on the same
principles.

Sarkis Giragosian outlined the achievements accomplished during the
relatively short tenure of His Holiness Aram I in the past decade. He
pointed out that His Holiness Aram I, who has been active on the national
front, at the same time conquering international spheres, today is the pride
of not only the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Armenian Church, but the
whole Armenian nation.

“This grand ceremony is not an ordinary event; rather it’s the collective
reassurance of our loyalty to His Holiness Aram I. The moment he made his
oath as a spiritual leader, Catholicos Aram I chose service as his primary
goal and became a glowing presence in our nation’s life,” said he.

Giragosian pointed out that the Catholicos not only transformed words into
action, but also influenced and set an example to the people gathered around
him, intellectuals, the youth, even the elderly, teens and children, by his
activeness.

“His Holiness embodies not only the breaths of our late Catholicoi, but also
the spirit of our 1700 year old church,” said Giragosian.

His Holiness Aram I attributed all the praises addressed to himself to God,
who had given him the strength and vigor to keep lit the torch passed on to
him by the nation and church.

“My heart is filled with happiness not because of what was said, but because
what I see here in front of me, your presence. Let all those who want to see
the Lebanese-Armenians weakened come here and see this. As Catholicos of
Cilicia, I bow with respect in front of the collective will of the
Armenians,” said His Holiness Aram I.

Speaking about the last 75 years, His Holiness reminded the attendants of
the late well-known Catholicos Sahag II’s legacy regarding the keeping or
the closing down of the Catholicosate, and in response, the worldwide
Armenians’ request for retaining and advancing Antelias.

The Pontiff pointed out that a seminary has been established in place of the
orphanage that existed in the 1930s, and the emptiness of those days has
been replaced by mission of faith. His Holiness dedicated the two jubilees
to all those who have worked in the past and those who still work for the
centuries-old Cilician mission. He particularly highlighted the role of
members of the Cilician Brotherhood, members of the Executive Council
central, philanthropists, teachers and dedicated people “who gave something
from their intellectual ability, their time and their pocket to the treasury
of this Holy See.”

Aram I concluded by emphasizing that the word service has become a synonym
to Antelias. “If Antelias felt proud, it did so only due to its service,”
assured His Holiness adding that this pilgrimage of service will continue.

The Catholicos mentioned the national-religious priorities of the Armenians:
collaboration between Etchmiadzine and Antelias, cooperation between Armenia
and the Diaspora, based always on the Armenians’ interests and immediate
needs.

His Holiness emphasized the importance of keeping pace with time and making
progress through self-criticism, so mistakes can be corrected.

The seminary’s choir entertained the audience with “Khosk im Vortoun”,
“Nanor” and “Sipana Katcher”, “Cilicia” and “Eeveh Partsants”.

##

View pictures here:

*****

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE 10TH ANIIVERSARY OF HIS HOLINESS’ ENTHRONEMENT CELEBRATED
IN ANTELIAS WITH WISHES OF WELL-BEING AND A FRUITFUL SERVICE

A special “Pontifical Prayer” service was held after Holy Mass in the St.
Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral on June 26. The service was dedicated to
the 10th anniversary of His Holiness Aram I’s enthronement and was meant to
wish him success. Representatives of several Armenian organizations, MP
Hagop Pakradouni and a huge crowd of believers attended the service.

Archbishop Ardavazt Terterian, Catholicosal Vicar, presided over the
service, in which the members of the Cilician Brotherhood presided. Special
sections related to the relationship between a spiritual leader and his
followers, as well as to the characteristics of a brave shepherd were
recited from the Bible. They were dedicated to His Holiness Aram I.

Prayers special to the “Pontifical Prayer” represented the history of the
Cathoilcosate of Cilicia, the suffering it endured with its people during
the Genocide, and then its rebirth and in Lebanon. The numerous services the
Armenian Church and the Catholicosate of Cilicia provide to their nations
were also remembered.

The first part of the main prayer was a praise of God, the second part
included the history of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, the third part was a
wish for the Armenian Church and all its Sees to remain strong, and the
fourth was a prayer for the well-being of His Holiness Aram I.

The prayer has been written by the late Catholicos Papken I in 1933. It
calls upon God to protect Christ’s Church and keep it safe from satanic
assaults, so the church can progress and grow.

Rev. Keghart Kusbekian conducted the service and spoke about the 10 years of
service by His Holiness Aram I during his sermon. After the service, Deacon
Trasdamad Donoian read a decree on behalf of the seminary students, wishing
productive service and well-being to the Catholicos.

His Holiness Aram I expressed his gratitude for all the wishes made for his
well-being, and assured that all the achievements during his 10-year tenure
were accomplished due to the collective efforts and dedication of the
Cilician brotherhood, the seminary and the Dioceses.

“We have one steady purpose: to serve God and our people. There rest our
glory, integrity and strength. We will work with faith and determination”
concluded His Holiness.

The event concluded with “Cilicia” and “I Veh Partsants.” The attendants
then congratulated His Holiness and wished for his well-being, kissing his
right hand.

##

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE BOARD
OF TRUSTEES OF HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY

His Holiness Aram I received the Board of Trustees of Haigazian University
in the Veharan on June 29. The delegation included all the members of the
board from Lebanon and the United States.

The president of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of the
Middle East, Rev. Meguerditch Karageozian, the president of Haigazian
University, Dr. Paul Haidostian, the president of the Evangelical
Association of America, as well as other officials from the Unites States
accompanied the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Haidostian introduced the guests to His Holiness and talked about the
50th anniversary of Haigazian University.

His Holiness Aram I welcomed the guests and highlighted his long-standing
good relations and cooperation with both Haigazian University and the
Theological College of Near East, first as a student and then as a lecturer.

His Holiness warmly greeted his former professors among the attendants and
emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the Catholicosate of
Cilicia and the Armenian Evangelical community, particularly in the national
and educational spheres.

Speaking about the 50th anniversary of Haigazian University, His Holiness
praised the services of the university not only for the Armenian community
of Lebanon, but also for Lebanon in general.

“The Armenians of Lebanon should be proud because of Haigazian, because
Haigazian is the tangible expression of our commitment to Lebanon and
inter-confessional coexistence, as well as our commitment to culture and
education,” said His Holiness.

His Holiness then answered a few questions by the guests about Lebanon’s
situation, issues related to the ecumenical movement and his upcoming
official visit to the United States.

##

View picture here:

*****

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the 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.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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 WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COURSE ENDS

His Holiness Aram I received around 200 women attending the Armenian Women’s
spiritual education courses on June 21.

Christian education officer Fr Mashdots Tchobanian expressed his gratitude
to God for the success of the courses, which have been ongoing on a weekly
basis for the last six years. Fr Tchobanian also thanked Aram I for his
constant support of this initiative.

His Holiness Aram I spoke about the doctrine of Christianity. His Holiness
considered that the realization of God’s existence and the responsibility of
accountability in a Christian’s life were the two main aspects of the new
reality created by Christ’s humanization.

“God is not a far, distant being. Christ’s incarnation and the salvation
brought through Him established a constant link between God and man, heaven
and earth. God is present in our lives always and everywhere,” said His
Holiness. Aram I added that it is the conscious realization of this presence
that transforms a Christian’s life into a happy and ideal life.

Aram I considered that accountability is the “irresistible force controlling
man’s life and work, and which through reward and punishment would direct
people’s lives towards a life that is pleasing to God.”

The students then kissed the right hand of His Holiness and received his
blessings and special gifts he distributed on this occasion. Then Fr
Tchobanian presided over the last meeting of this year, with the hope to
gather again in fall.

##

View pictures here:

*****

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
jurisdiction and the Christian Education activities in both the
Catholicosate and the dioceses, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pan Armenian News

ARMENIA POPULATION FOR JOINING NATO

02.07.2005 04:32

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ If the sociological survey held by the Armenian Center for
Strategic and International Research a year ago showed the majority of the
population of Armenia have a negative attitude to Armenia’s accession to the
NATO, the situation has changed now, Center experts stated in the course of
a news conference. The latest survey of 40 experts and 1500 respondents
throughout Armenia showed that 35% of them were for accession to the NATO,
while 33.4% were against. As the Center experts noted, it is not surprising
that experts are for accession to the NATO, however the change of the
opinion of the population is really noteworthy. 60% of survey participants
consider that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is the main factor of influence
upon Armenia from the outside. The factor of «illegitimate authorities»
occupies the second place. According to an analysis done by expert Stepan
Safaryan, if the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and regional
conflict on the whole was considered urgent within the context of paving way
for oil routes, now when the issue of the routes is solved, resolution of
conflicts is considered «within the context of reduction of Russia’s
influence.» «If these conflicts are settled, the so-called «big game» will
finish resulting in expelling one of the competing forces from the region,»
Safaryan remarked. Besides, in experts’ words, the US conveys resolution of
the Karabakh conflict to the EU, including it in the Europeanization
context. «Europe agenda already provides for bases for conveying the
conflict to the Europeanization context, as well as transferring it from the
management phase to the phase of resolution.» Answering the question which
country has most influence in Transcaucasian country, the majority of
respondents says the US is the unique leader in Azerbaijan and especially
Georgia, while Russia is that in Armenia. «The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil
pipeline that overpasses Armenia will result in strengthening the
Turkey-Georgia-Azerbaijan union and isolation of Armenia,» 65% of experts
and 48% of the population consider. The most common answer to the question
why Armenia’s accession to the NATO is expedient is that saying the NATO is
the most efficient security structure. Expediency for Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Georgia to be part of the same security structure is an answer occupies
the second place.

Pan Armenian News

PROGRAMMING CONTEST TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN IN JULY

02.07.2005 03:17

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A programming competition that has become traditional in
Armenia will be held July 19 – August 10, organizer of the contest Arman
Valesyan told a reported of .am edition of the PanARMENIAN.Net. The
Enterprise Incubator Foundation Pan-Armenian International Center and the
Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) of Armenia support the
competition. The goal of the contest is to discover the professional
potential of the young specialists in programming. Specialists under age of
30, who master C++ and Java programming languages, can take part in the
competition of their choice. The contest will have two laps – individual and
team like those past year. Participants will have to solve five problems in
the individual competition to be held in Yerevan. The winners of this tour
will be awarded certificates and prizes, as well as a permit to a summer
school in Nagorno Karabakh. The organizers intend to invite leading IT
specialists of Armenia as professional jury to judge the competition.
Application for participation should be submitted to the Pan-Armenian
International Center Foundation or filled in on-line at