PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 1, 2005
Contact: Rostom Sarkissian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
ANC-HOLLYWOOD & FASGI HOST WELCOME RECEPTION FOR NEW PRESIDENT OF LA CITY COLLEGE
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Dr. Steve Maradian, the new President of Los Angeles
City College (LACC), was the honored guest of a Welcome Meet and
Greet at Karapetian Hall in Hollywood on August 16. The Armenian
National Committee of Hollywood (ANC-Hollywood) and the Filipino
American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) co-hosted the event. The event
brought together local leaders in the areas of education, health
care and social service, and served as an opportunity to introduce
Dr. Maradian to the Hollywood area community.
“The Armenian National Committee welcomes Steve Maradian as the new
President of Los Angeles City College. We look forward to working with
him and LACC on initiatives of common interest for the community,”
commented Dr. Onnik Keshishian, Master of Ceremonies for the event
and ANC-Hollywood chapter spokesperson.
The Meet and Greet attracted local leaders from a broad spectrum of the
LACC community and included Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti,
College Board of Trustees members Nancy Pearlman and Georgia Mercer,
and Burbank Unified School Board President Paul Krekorian. In addition,
there were numerous members of the Presidential search committee and
representatives of the Armenian Education Foundation, the Prelacy,
the Armenian Relief Society, Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, THAI Inc.,
and the United Nurses Association on hand.
“It was amazing. A diverse cross section of the community attended
the reception, and Dr. Maradian talked to each one of us,” said
Susan Dilkes, Executive Director of FASGI and a member of the
Presidential search committee. She added “I am happy to have been
part of the selection committee, and extend my congratulations to
and support for the new president of LACC. It took two years of
hard work to find qualified candidates. Dr. Maradian will have a
lot of work to do, but the community will be behind him.” The event
had a brief question-and-answer session during which Dr. Maradian
addressed questions about the challenges facing LACC, ranging from the
ethnic composition of the college to how budget cuts will affect the
institution. Following the evening’s program, the attendees continued
to network and welcome Dr. Maradian individually.
“It was a pleasure to be with so many leaders of the LACC community
who have a genuine interest and commitment to ensuring that everyone
receives a quality education,” said Dr. Maradian. “I am looking forward
to working with each and every segment of the community to ensure
access and success for our students and the future of Los Angeles.”
Dr. Maradian, who is originally from Boston, served as the Vice
President for Government Relations at the American University of
Armenia before joining the LACC team. Prior to that, he was the
Director of Federal Relations for the University System of Georgia.
FASGI is a community-based non-profit organization that prides
itself in empowering Filipino Americans and others through culturally
and linguistically sensitive advocacy, education, social services,
social action, research and leadership. It is through the support of
its community-members that FASGI is able provide social services to
low-income and homeless individuals through programs which provide
food distribution, independent living skills training, and education
and outreach services.
The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United
States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad
range of issues.
Editor’s Note: Photos Attached. Photo 1 Caption: Dr. Maradian (center)
with attendees and organizers of the welcome event. Photo 2 Caption:
Dr. Maradian (center) with Armenian American Community of Hollywood.
#####

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 INTER-DIOCESAN YOUTH CONFERENCE COMES TO AN END
The inter-diocesan youth conference organized by the Youth Department
of the Cathoilcosate of Cilicia came to an end on August 30.
During the five-day conference, participants from the United States
of America, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria and Iran discussed the
challenges facing the new generation in each of the dioceses.
They also highlighted the common aspects between the dioceses and
discussed possible fields for future cooperation.
The participants also had the opportunity to listen to enlightening
lectures delivered by members of the Cilician Brotherhood.
Rev. Fr. Krikor Tchifdjian delivered a lecture entitled “Moral issues
and our church”, during which he talked about the moral problems
current societies face and explained the approach of the church
towards these problems.
Rev. Fr. Keghart Kusbekian talked about the “Christian worldview”,
pointing out what guidelines Armenian youth should follow in their
everyday Christian life.
In the resolution they adopted at the end of the conference, the
delegates emphasized the imperative of reforming the church and
reserving a bigger role for the youth in this process.
The participants attended the Holy Masses held in the St. Asdvadzadzine
Church in Bikfayya, visited Armenian institutions and met with
representatives of the Lebanese-Armenian community.
His Holiness Aram I expressed his satisfaction from the results of the
conference and expressed his hope that the delegates would actively
participate in the youth activities in their dioceses.
##
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 youth 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.

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 MEETS WITH THE AMBASSADOR OF ARMENIA
His Holiness Aram I met with the Ambassador of Armenia in Lebanon
Arek Hovhannisian on August 31.
The two discussed issues related to Armenia-Diaspora cooperation in
light of the Armenia-Diaspora Intellectuals’ conference held at the
Catholicosate recently.
His Holiness and the Ambassador also talked about the current situation
of Lebanon and the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.
##
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.

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA TO CO-HOST DARFUR GENOCIDE VIGIL AT WHITE HOUSE
— September 8th Event Will Mark One-Year of White House
Inaction in the Face of Ongoing Darfur Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to encourage the President to take
decisive action to protect the people of Darfur, Armenian
Americans will join with a diverse coalition of human rights
groups at the White House on September 8th to mark the one year
anniversary of the Administration’s determination that genocide
is taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is working on
this event in partnership with lead sponsor Africa Action and a
broad-based coalition including NAACP, National Council of
Churches, United Methodist Church, American Jewish World
Service, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, TransAfrica
Forum, Sojourners, Sudan Peace Advocates Network, Save Darfur
Coalition, STAND, Darfur Rehabilitation Project, Faithful
America, Greater Washington Jewish Task Force on Darfur, Human
Rights First, and Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
The program will take place from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm on
September 8th at Lafayette Park in front of the White House.
The initial list of speakers includes Dr. Bernice Johnson
Reagon, representatives of the Darfurian community in the U.S.,
Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of
Churches, Aram Hamparian of the ANCA, and other leaders in the
effort to stop genocide in Darfur.
The aim of the gathering is to kick off a period of renewed
activism by people of conscience across the country to encourage
the President to take every step necessary to ensure an urgent
multinational intervention to provide security to the people of
Darfur. To date, over 400,000 people have been killed; hundreds
of thousands more are at risk in the coming weeks unless urgent
action is taken.
This event, the latest in a series of more than 1,000 recent
actions across the country, accompanies a nationwide grassroots
petition effort, which has gathered tens of thousands of
signatures in recent weeks. The ANCA organized a May 25, 2005
“Armenians Against Genocide” vigil for Darfur at the White
House, and has led community participation in Africa Action
protests, in demonstrations at the Sudanese Embassy, and in
supporting legislation to help end the Darfur Genocide.
For directions or more information, contact ANCA at (202) 775-
1918 or [email protected].
For more information about Darfur:
To send a free ANCA WebFax protesting the Darfur Genocide:
#####

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
CHENEY FAILS TO EXPLAIN LETTER RECOGNIZING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
— Vice President Sidesteps Query from Twenty-two Members of
Congress Regarding Reason for Letter to Genocide Survivor
WASHINGTON, DC – Vice President Dick Cheney has sidestepped a
Congressional request for clarification regarding the reasons behind
his forthright – although apparently mistaken – characterization of
the Armenian Genocide in letter sent this April to survivor Maritza
Ohanessian, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
In an April 22nd letter to Mrs. Ohanessian on the occasion of
her 100th birthday, the Vice President had properly described the
Armenian Genocide, a departure from the Administration’s standard
practice of using evasive or euphemistic terminology to downplay the
true historical, legal, and contemporary geopolitical implications of
this crime against humanity. In response to this letter, Congressman
Steve Rothman (D-NJ) and twenty-one of his House colleagues asked
the Vice President if this letter represented a formal shift in the
Administration’s policy. The Vice President’s response, signed by
his Principal Deputy for National Security Affairs John P. Hannah,
simply notes that, “There has been no change in Administration policy
on this issue,” without any articulation of the nature of the policy.
“The Vice President should explain to Mrs. Ohanesian and all Armenian
Americans why he sent this letter recognizing the Armenian Genocide
but cannot now stand behind his words or even offer an explanation
for his reversal,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
“We appreciate Congressman Rothman’s leadership on this issue and
want to thank all those who joined with him in this effort.”
Joining Congressman Rothman as signatories to the June 23rd
Congressional letter were Representatives Rob Andrews (D-NJ), Lois
Capps (D-CA), Joe Crowley (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Barney Frank
(D-MA), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL), Sander
Levin (D-MI), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI),
James McGovern (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Richard Neal (D-MA),
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff
(D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Mark Souder (R-IN), John Tierney (D-
MA), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), and Peter Visclosky (D-IN).
#####

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA TOURS WITH SYSTEM OF A DOWN
— Joins Amnesty International and Axis of Justice
in Educating System Fans during North American Tour
WASHINGTON, DC – Cutting-edge, multi-platinum band System of a Down
continues to deliver its message of justice for the Armenian Genocide,
educating fans at its Summer 2005 concert series about this crime
against humanity, and urging them to work for the adoption of the
Armenian Genocide Resolution, reported the Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA).
The ANCA, at the invitation of the band, has worked alongside Amnesty
International and Axis of Justice at activist tables at concerts to
distribute educational materials, secure signatures on petitions,
field questions, and promote discussion about the Turkish government’s
ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide. The ANCA, in coordination
with its regional offices and with the help of the Armenian Youth
Federation (AYF), has already worked shows in Long Beach, CA; San
Diego, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX; Houston, TX;
Pensacola, FL; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Hampton, VA; Baltimore, MD;
East Rutherford, NJ; and Philadelphia, PA.
In May of this year, Mezmerize, the first half of the band’s two-
part album Mezmerize/Hypnotize, debuted as the number-one selling
CD in the United States. On April 24th of this year, System held
a sold-out “Souls” benefit concert for the ANCA and other groups
working to prevent genocide and counter genocide denial. The band has
sold nearly 10 million CDs worldwide. A Google search for “System of
a Down” returns over 1.6 million hits.
“We are tremendously encouraged by the overwhelming response to
System’s creative and powerful outreach to their growing fan-base,”
said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “The band has educated
literally millions about the Armenian Genocide, increasing awareness
of this crime and helping generate the political will we will need
to defeat Turkey’s campaign to deny justice to the Armenian people.”
Among the media outlets that have discussed the Armenian Genocide
and/or the band’s Armenian heritage during their coverage of this
tour are the New York Daily News, Newsday, Boston Globe, Boston
Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer, Bergen Record, Miami Herald, Orange
County Register, San Diego Union-Tribune, Palm Beach Post, Newark
Star-Ledger, San Bernardino Sun, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Atlanta
Journal Constitution, and Rolling Stone.
For information about System of a Down, including a full listing of
their remaining tour dates, visit:
#####

Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern US
80 Bigelow Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel. (617) 923-1933
Fax (617) 924-1933
Press Release
For Immediate Release ~ September 1, 2005
Contact: Sossi Essajanian
(617) 923-1933
[email protected]
AYF Eastern Region Calls for End to Azeri Military Aggression Against Karabagh
Organization Leads Protest in Front of Azeri Embassy in Washington, D.C.
WATERTOWN, Mass.- On September 1, over 150 Armenian-Americans in front
of the Azerbaijan Embassy in Washington, D.C., to call attention to
ongoing threats by Azerbaijani government officials to use military
force to deny self-determination to the people of Karabagh. The
protest was organized by the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Eastern
United States.
For over an hour, demonstrators marched, holding placards that read
“Self-Determination=Human Rights,” “No More Blood for Oil,” and “Aliev,
Stop Threatening War,” reminding the world that Azerbaijan’s government
killed thousands of Armenians in Sumgait and Baku, ethnically cleansing
thousands more from all over Azerbaijan.
Protesters-young and old, from Providence, Washington, D.C.,
Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Toronto,
Chicago, Detroit, and Worcester-spoke out against Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliev’s threat to resume war against Karabagh.
The group chanted slogans such as, “No more blood for oil! Stop
threatening war!” and Sumgait 1988, never again!” while somber music
played in the background.
In his keynote address, AYF New Jersey chapter alumnus Ken Sarajian
said “I come today with three messages for you. I speak first to the
United States and friends of peace, second to the AYF to say that
I am proud of you. Third, to the Azerbaijanis sitting there in that
building; why do I stand here with a microphone and speak? So that
maybe they will listen. Why? Because when we speak in peace talks,
they do not listen. I speak now so that all can here. Democracy speaks
of self determination, not of we will not yield land.”
Sarajian said, “Some will ask, why don’t we negotiate? We are
willing to talk peacefully with anyone, but we are not willing to
give up rights.”
Other speakers at the protest included AYF Eastern Region chairman
Antranig Kzirian and Armenian National Committee (ANC) Eastern Region
executive director Doug Geogerian, who both spoke about Karabagh’s
right to self-determination and how Armenians should not stand for
Azerbaijan’s militantly aggressive threats.
Providence AYF member Garine Palandjian spoke about her experiences
this summer in Karabagh, while Sossi Essajanian from the Greater
Boston chapter read accounts from survivors and victims of the 1988
Sumgait and 1990 Baku massacres by Azeris.
“I have come here to help get the word out about the Karabagh conflict,
educate non-Armenians about the ongoing political tensions Armenia has
suffered not only with Azerbaijan, but in the 1915 Armenian genocide,”
said Detroit AYF member Teny Mishigian.
The event took place a day prior to the start 72nd annual AYF Eastern
Regional Olympics in Washington, D.C., where over 3,000 are expected
to arrive for the games.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) serves as the
youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (YOARF).
The AYF stands on five pillars that guide its activities: education,
political awareness, fellowship, athletics and culture. Moreover,
the AYF promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for the diversity of
ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation
are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work
together and realize its objectives.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Crowd1: For over an hour, demonstrators marched, holding placards that
read “Self-Determination=Human Rights,” “No More Blood for Oil,” and
“Aliev, Stop Threatening War”
AYFers with flag: Protesters from Boston held the Karabagh flag in
front of the Azerbaijan Embassy in Washington, D.C. during a protest
held by the AYF Eastern region

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
CROSSROADS – September 1, 2005
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN APPEALS FOR HELP
FOR GULF COAST VICTIMS OF HURRICANE
Archbishop Oshagan issued an appeal today on behalf of the victims of
Hurricane Katrina. In his message to the press and to all parishes under the
jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy, the Prelate wrote, in part:
“The impact of hurricane Katrina to large areas of the Gulf Coast
affecting the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, is enormous.
The city of New Orleans is particularly hard hit. Immediate aid to thousands
and thousands of people who have lost their homes and all of their
possessions is imperative. Emergency workers who are in the devastated areas
use the words “massive,” “horrendous,” and “unprecedented.” The needs of the
elderly and the very young are especially urgent.
“The American public has an impressive history of responding to the
charitable needs of their fellow human beings, wherever the need might be. I
am urging all Armenian Americans to join in this relief operation, which is
expected to be one of the largest in U.S. history. The best, quickest, and
most efficient way to help is through monetary donations. This will permit
the experienced relief organizations to utilize the money for what is needed
the most.
“I am instructing all of our parishes to offer special prayers for the
victims and survivors and to have an offering specifically for Gulf Coast
relief on the next two Sundays, September 4 and September 11. The sermons on
these days should reflect on the recent tragedy. On Sunday, September 11,
prayers should remember the victims of the terrorist attacks four years ago
in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania..
“May our Lord bring solace and comfort to thousands of our fellow
Americans who are suffering in the aftermath of this great disaster.”
Crossroad readers who wish to help may send their donation to their
local parish or directly to the Eastern Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New
York, NY 10016. Checks should be payable to “Armenian Apostolic Church of
America.” Indicate for “Gulf Relief” in the memo area.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL ATTEND AYF OLYMPICS
THIS WEEKEND IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Continuing a long tradition, Archbishop Oshagan will travel to
Washington, D.C., this weekend, where the Armenian Youth Federation is
hosting its 72nd annual Olympic Games.
His Eminence will greet the young athletes and thousands of participants
and officially open the competitive games on Sunday, September 4.
INTER-DIOCESE YOUTH MEETING IN BIKFAYA
The inter-diocese youth meeting of the Catholicate of Cilicia took place
last week in St. Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya, Lebanon, the
Catholicate’s summer residence and home of the Seminary. The meeting brought
together about thirty young men and women from the worldwide dioceses under
the jurisdiction of Cilicia.
His Holiness Aram I welcomed the participants and talked about the
challenges today’s youth face. His Holiness said he considers church-youth
mutual relationships to be one of these challenges. He talked about the
difficulties this relationship faces and meaning it should be given in today’s
world. The Catholicos said:
“The church should attract its youth and delegate important tasks and
responsibilities to them. The youth succeeds when it discusses tomorrow’s
agenda today.. The youth should not assume the role of observers. They
should play the role of participants. They should not be passive players;
they should be leaders.. The youth should avoid the tendency to preserve
what is old, but also from the recklessness of destroying what’s at hand.
What we have today in our lives might be old and worn out, but it has been
built up by the hard work, sweat and blood of many long years. What we have
today includes our nation’s collective experience and memory and thus cannot
be destroyed by one strike. On the other hand, we should not keep them as
they are. Rather, we should renew them; make them fit today’s challenges.
Destroying is easy; but building is very difficult.”
THE VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE EASTERN PRELACY
October 19-November 1, 2005
The visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the
establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, will extend
from October 19 to November 1. His Holiness will visit New York, New Jersey,
Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago. The steering committee has released the
following schedule of public events:
Wednesday, October 19-Arrival, New York.
Thursday, October 20-Hrashapar Service and Achahampooyr at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, 7:30 pm.
Friday, October 21-Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Seminary at
Antelias, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New
Jersey, 7:30 pm. Reception will follow the commemorative program.
Saturday, October 22-“Challenges Facing the Ecumenical Movement in the 21st
Century,” a symposium sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy in conjunction with
the United States Conference of the World Council of Churches. World Council
of Churches Center, New York City. 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Sunday, October 23-Pontifical Divine Liturgy, St. Bartholomew’s Church, Park
Avenue (between 50th and 51st Streets), New York City, 1:30 pm.
Banquet in honor of His Holiness and the 75th anniversary of the Seminary,
The Pierre, Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, New York City, 5:00 pm.
Tuesday, October 25-Hrashapar Service, 75th anniversary celebration and
Achahampooyr, Soorp Khatch Armenian Church, 4906 Flint Drive, Bethesda,
Maryland, 7:30 pm.
Thursday, October 27-Hrashapar Service, 75th anniversary celebration and
Achahampooyr, St. Stephen Armenian Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown,
Massachusetts, 7:30 pm.
Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29-International Conference dedicated to the
1600th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Alphabet. Sponsored by
the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University. His Holiness will open and
address the Conference Friday evening.
Saturday, October 29-75th anniversary commemoration and Achahampooyr, All
Saints Armenian Church, 1701 North Greenwood, Glenview, Illinois, 7:00 pm.
Sunday, October 30-Pontifical Divine Liturgy, All Saints Armenian Church,
Glenview, Illinois. Banquet, 4 pm at Fountain Blue, Des Plaines, Illinois.
COUNCIL OF NICAEA REMEMBERED THIS SATURDAY
This Saturday, September 3, the Armenian Church remembers the Council of
Nicaea (325 A.D.) and the 318 Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. The
Armenian Church had a direct and distinct part in the Council. Armenia’s
participation is chronicled by Moses of Khoren, the Father of Armenian
historiography. He writes, “In that time a letter of invitation arrived from
Constantinople to our King Tiridates, asking him to proceed to the Council
together with Gregory.” Tiridates and Gregory did not attend (for various
reasons), but sent Aristakes (Gregory’s son) as their representative. Moses
of Khoren writes that Aristakes began his journey together with the
Patriarchs John of Ctesiphon, James of Nisibis and Euphtaly of Edessa and
the four of them met Archbishop Leontius at Caesarea and together they
proceeded to Nicaea. The Nicene Creed originated at this Council.
FAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, September 4, begins the Fast leading to the Feast of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachveratz), which is next Sunday, September
11. Because this is a Great or Tabernacle Feast, it is preceded by a week of
fasting.
BIRTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Next Thursday, September 8, the Church commemorates the birth of the
Blessed Virgin Mary. The Armenian Church has celebrated this feast since the
13th century. Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were of an advanced age and
childless. In response to their prayers, their only child, Mary, was born.
She is prominent in the New Testament stories of the birth of Jesus Christ
and thereafter is in the background until the Crucifixion when she is at the
foot of the cross (John 19:25) and in the Upper Room at Jerusalem (Acts
1:14).
WORLD WAR II BEGAN 66 YEARS AGO
There has been a lot of talk about the end of World War II. Let us take
a moment and remember that World War II began 66 years today when Nazi
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. The United States did not
officially enter the war until December 7, 1941, when the Japanese bombed
Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, effectively destroying the U.S. naval fleet.
MONDAY IS LABOR DAY
Yes, believe it or not, we have come to the “unofficial” end of summer.
Monday, September 5, is Labor Day, celebrated in the United States and
Canada. Always the first Monday in September, Labor Day was created by the
labor movement more than 120 years ago. Theoretically it is dedicated to the
social and economic achievements of workers and their contributions to the
strength, prosperity, and well being of their country. Through the years it
has become the “end marker” of summer (with Memorial Day as the beginning
marker) and punctuated with family gatherings, picnics, and a final long
weekend before the start of school and normal routine. And, of course,
shopping at the malls!
So many of you have asked about the state of our garden (not good!). We
will give an update next week with the varied and numerous events. As we
told one of our readers, “We keep wondering when the locusts are coming.”
FINALLY..
President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a stunned nation on December
8, 1941, with hard facts, but with hope:
“It will not only be a long war, it will be a hard war. That is the
basis on which we now lay all our plans. This is the yardstick by which we
measure what we shall need and demand: money, materials, doubled and
quadrupled production-ever increasing. The production must be not only for
our own Army and Navy and air forces. It must reinforce the other armies and
navies and air forces fighting the Nazis and the warlords of Japan
throughout the Americas and the world.. We are going to win the war and we
are going to win the peace that follows.”
Calendar of Events
September 18-Banquet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the consecration
of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
honor the Church Godfathers. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will deliver
the keynote address. For more information, 508-852-2414.
September 25-35th anniversary of St. Gregory Armenian Church of North
Andover, Massachusetts, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
For more information, 978-685-5038.
September 26-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, will host its second annual golf tournament at the Raceway
Golf Club in Thompson, Connecticut, to benefit the church’s Capital Fund.
For information: 508-872-9629.
October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon.
October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
November 6-St. Stephen Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain,
Connecticut, will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan will be the keynote speaker. The program will include a slide show
presentation two non-Armenian Peace Corps volunteers who recently returned
from serving in Armenia.
November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes.
March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers’ Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]
Visit our website at
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkish tourism
How green is their valley
Aug 25th 2005 | CAMLIHEMSIN, TURKEY
>From The Economist print edition
A remote hideaway could thrive on, or be wrecked by, eco-tourism
THEY used to be one of Turkey’s best-kept tourist secrets: the scented
plateaus of the Pontic mountains, with their wild flowers and exuberant
dancers. For the handful of travellers who came this far east, few
landscapes were as enticing as the Hemsin valleys in the province of
Rize, a place where many locals speak a dialect close to Armenian,
practise moderate Islam and are agnostic about their origins.
More recently, news of this area’s beauty has been spreading. A new
breed of eco-tourist, many of them from Israel, has begun to head for
the yaylas, or meadows, with their roaring rivers and stone bridges.
But the very attractions that draw in these green wanderers could be
destroyed if clumsy developers and opportunistic local politicians
get their way.
To see the aesthetic hazards of unregulated tourism, go no further
than Ayder, a yayla overlooking one of the Hemsin valleys that was
once renowned for its tranquillity and hot springs. Thanks to a stream
of Turkish and foreign visitors, the air is thick with smoke rising
from barbecues. Mournful Arabesque music blares from tour buses and
cars. Garish motels and handicraft stands obscure the view.
Many Hemsinlis are furious. Ayder’s degeneration began after it was
linked by road to the nearby town of Camlihemsin, says Selcuk Guney,
a local activist. One of his aims is to ensure his birthplace, the
neighbouring Firtina valley, avoids a similar fate. So far it is
virtually untouched; that is partly because access is by dirt track.
Mr Guney insists that if the region’s unique way of life is to be
preserved, and well-managed eco-tourism is to flourish, the footpaths
leading to yaylas must not be replaced with paved roads; and tour
buses “that leave nothing but trash behind” must be restricted.
Mustafa Orhan, a crusty old bee-keeper who led a successful campaign
against a planned hydro-electric dam on the Firtina river, suspects
that the government’s unspoken aim in building roads is to help
commercial logging. Locals have long used electric pulley-carts,
running along steel cables, to bring food and other supplies to
their yayla homes. So, instead of roads, Mr Orhan asks: “Why not
build electric cable-cars to carry people?”
Locals of his persuasion have found an ally in Rize’s governor, Enver
Salihoglu; he too opposes further road construction in the valleys.
Smart development could avoid ruining this Shangri-la, he believes.
In Camlihemsin, for example, there could be more emphasis on bees,
trout farming and organic tea. Of course, not every Hemsinli is so
conservation-minded. “I want cable television and a fridge,” says
Muazzez Yildiz, an elderly lady whose cottage has a gorgeous view of
the Firtina valley. The question is how to help her without wrecking
the place for those who will pay a premium for its virgin enchantments.

Bot is disappointed in Turkey’s declaration
Reformatorisch Dagblad
Dutch daily newspaper
Wednesday, 31 August 2005
THE HAGUE – The Dutch judgement on Turkey’s declaration not recognising
Cyprus is politically disappointing. Turkey made this declaration
recently when Ankara signed the customs union with ten new EU
countries, among others Cyprus.
Signing of the customs union was a condition of the EU to Turkey to
be able to start accession negotiations on 3 October.
The Netherlands feels that the Turkish declaration is politically
disappointing, according to minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Bot. At
the same time the declaration “does not formally affect the meaning of
the signature” of the protocol with the EU. The government thinks that
legal value of the signature is not damaged by Turkey’s declaration.
The Federation of Armenian Organisations in the Netherlands (FAON)
insisted on Tuesday at the House of Representatives that Turkey must
recognise the Armenian genocide of 1915 before the country can join
the EU. The FAON “sounds alarm”, according to spokesperson I. Drost.
We predict that Turkey will not easily accept her past.
Turkish politicians seem to be prepared to speak from time to time
about the massacres of the Armenians, but in reality they deny the
Genocide.
In a petition, the FAON calls on the Parliament to sharply condemn
the negationist policy. If Turkey nevertheless continues with it, then
it must have consequences for the start of the accession negotiations
between the EU and Turkey, according to FAON.
The Parliament must request of minister Bot to urgently require comply
with all accession criteria, such as complying with human rights,
rights of minorities and freedom of expression.
Bot must on his part persuade his European colleagues of the need to
include recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a condition in the
negotiation document with Turkey. “It is now or never”, Drost said
Tuesday. “This is our last attempt to get recognition incorporated
into a European document.”