For immediate release

An Amaras Art Alliance program
December 17, 2004

Hovanness Badalian Music Fund Banquet – an event to remember

Hovanness Badalian Music Fund
P.O.Box 733,
Watertown, MA 02471
Phone: 617-331-0426
Email: [email protected]
Contact person:
Tatoul Badalian, Program Director

617- 331-0426 [email protected]

An enthusiastic Artur Anushavanyan, folk singer from Yerevan, and
poet Zepure Arman were among the young people who performed at the
First Annual Banquet of the Hovanness Badalian Music Fund held in
Watertown, Massachusetts. The December 4, 2004 event brought together
close to 250 supporters of the Fund, young and young at heart,
in a festive atmosphere. Armine Mirzabegian MD, speaking on behalf
of the organizing committee, welcomed everyone and invited composer
and conductor Konstantin Petrosian of Providence, RI, to speak about
the goals and mission of the Fund. Following Maestro Petrosianâ~@~Ys
remarks a short biography of Badalian, narrated by the singer himself,
was presented on video courtesy of Argisti Chaparian and his father
Vartan. His Excellency Dr Arman Kirakossian, Armeniaâ~@~Ys ambassador
to the US, who together with his wife and young son was among invited
guests, spoke about the importance of such an undertaking and urged
everyone to continue their support of the Fund. He emphasized that by
helping the children in their music education the Fund will also help
strengthen our cultural identity. Hovanness Badalianâ~@~Ys brother
Garnik, who lives in Watertown, on behalf of his family throughout
the world, thanked the guests, the organizing committee and specially
the young performers for their involvement in the project.

The cultural program, hosted by Narini Badalian, Garnikâ~@~Ys grand
daughter, ignited with Ani Arakelian reciting a poem in Armenian
followed by the performance of soprano Noune Karapetian who was
accompanied by Nune Hakobyan, piano and Eddy Gregorian, dhol. Poet
Zepure Arman read her work specially written for this event and
prefaced it by saying: Badalian was a man who carried his sense of
identity with such absoluteness that his identity molded him rather
than the contrary. Gegham Margarian performed his own work on the
keyboard followed by Artur Anushavanyan who delighted the audience
with his folk songs.

The final speaker of the evening was Ara Sarkissian, a young composer
and graduate of Boston Conservatory of Music, who spoke of his recent
journey in Armenia and stressed the critical shortage of quality
instruments which children need in order to continue their music
education in the Republic. Turning his attention to the New England
community, Mr Sarkissian, praised members of Bostonâ~@~Ys Arev Armenian
Folk Ensemble who have dedicated a great deal of energy in learning
and performing Armenian folk songs. In particular he mentioned Martin
Haroutunian, founder and director of the group, who has been a teacher
and a mentor for many young people interested in learning traditional
Armenian music. He concluded his remarks by inviting Maestro Petrosian
to present the first ever Hovanness Badalian Appreciation Award Plaque
to the members of Arev. Martin Haroutunian accepted the plaque on
behalf of the group and invited its members whose current roster
includes Ani Zargarian, vocalist; Tamar Melkonian, vocalist; John
Kozelian, oud; Vazken Kroshian, M.D., guitar; Marcos Shahbazyan,
dhol; David Gevorkian, duduk and Martin Haroutunian, duduk to the
stage for a grand finale performance of the evening.

HBMF provides merit-based scholarships to children enrolled in Armenian
music education programs, worldwide. The Fund also provides assistance
to individuals and organizations that create material and training
programs for children. Beloved singer Hovanness Badalian played a
significant role in educating Armenian children and young adults. He
spread the spirit of the Armenian culture around the world through
his songs, helping bond the Diaspora and Armenia. His dream was
… to hear the Armenian song resonate from every home wherever an
Armenian lives. The Fund was established in early 2004 to celebrate
the singerâ~@~Ys life and legacy.

To learn more about the Fund please call 617 331-0426 or write to HBMF, P O
Box 733, Watertown, MA 02471 (email: [email protected])

——————————————————————————

Note to the editor:

First Annual Banquet of Hovanness Badalian Music Fund brought
together many talented young people among them poet Zepur Arman
who made the following remarks and read her poem written specially
for this event. You may wish to publish this as well. Thank You.
Tatoul Badalian

I am overwhelmed with honor that I have a chance to speak of such a
great man to you today. Hovanness Badalian was a man who carried his
sense of identity with such absoluteness that his identity molded
him rather than the contrary. Thus his great art beseeched him and
his country listened. To have such an infectious passion can only
inspire us.

His voice led me to these images.
Adagio from the east beckons
Pulled toward the sky surrounding me
I hang on to each branch offered
my eyes drift north to the palisades of a colossal past
rich as the land we’re grounded on,
sound rumbles throughout the fields
legends live within our tears
the sable obsidian is dripping within my thoughts
with a voice of hundreds before me…..
I anchor my lineage on an abstraction… intangible to the touch
yet an impetuous pulse finds every branch.
Holding on
I am never alone,
I am never forgotten

–Boundary_(ID_qfQmfXgJTomHnNMSjr0Mcw)–

EU, Turkey reach landmark deal to start entry talks
By Shadaba Islam

DAWN
18 December 2004 Saturday 05 Ziqa’ad 1425

BRUSSELS, Dec 17: The European Union and Turkey reached a historic agreement
on Friday on starting talks on admitting the large Muslim nation to the bloc
after overcoming last minute haggling over Ankara’s relationship with EU member
Cyprus.

The entry talks, expected to be long and difficult, will begin on October 3,
2005. The decision is a victory for Ankara’s long battle to confirm its
European credentials by joining the EU. But Europe’ embrace of the Muslim nation —
albeit a secular one — remains a grudging, reluctant affair.

The EU is imposing a range of new conditions that Ankara must meet over the
next 10 to 15 years before it is deemed ready to join the Union. And in what
many view as an inauspicious start, celebrations at the end of two-day summit
were marred by a difficult, eleventh-hour battle over last-minute EU demands
that Turkey give fast-track recognition to Cyprus via the signing of a customs’
union deal.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected this and instead forced
a compromise under which he made a public verbal declaration announcing his
readiness to recognize (Greek) Cyprus through the custums union before October 3
next year. EU leaders, in exchange, welcomed this.

The squabbles at the Brussels summit once again reflected many European
states’ continuing ambivalence about opening the doors of their current exclusive
Christian club to a large Muslim nation. But the fact that EU leaders overcame
such misgivings is a sign of a new maturity in a Union which wants to become a
global power and build bridges with its Islamic neighbours.

The start of negotiations is also a boost to the 15 million Muslims who live
in Europe and have felt increasingly marginalized since the rise of
anti-Islamic sentiments after the Sept 11 attacks on the US landmarks.

However, the summit squabbles also reflect the EU’s complex decision-making
machinery where one member state — in this case tiny Cyprus – can make
nationally driven demands.

Although it had never previously been a condition for starting talks with
Turkey, Cyprus, which only joined the EU last May, swiftly objected to the fact
that Turkey refuses to grant it diplomatic recognition.

Turkey, until now, has only recognized the self-styled state of Turkish
northern Cyprus. This led to hours of shuttle diplomacy at the summit with Turkey
supporters Germany and Britain being called in to mediate.

Mr Erdogan dug in his heels due to fears that voters at home and the
ever-sensitive Turkish parliament would rebel if he was seen to be caving in on the
spot to last-minute EU demands.

Turkey has been knocking at Europe’s door since 1963 and sees moves to EU
membership as a confirmation of its European identity. The goal has spurred
unprecedented reforms under Erdogan which have won wide admiration in the EU.

For Europe, taking in Turkey makes sense for a host of economic and
geo-political reasons. Chancellor Schroeder has pointed often to the huge market
provided by Turkey’s booming economy and population of 70 million as well as the
security advantage of making Turkey a democratic, secular beacon for the Islamic
world.
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende – who holds the rotating EU
presidency – said the goal of negotiations beginning next year was full accession of
Turkey but cautioned: “We’re going to negotiate to see if membership is
possible. There’s no guarantee it is possible.”

Should negotiations fail, he said, Turkey must remain firmly anchored in EU
structures. This, however, is not the same thing as the offer second class
membership – dubbed a “privileged partnership” – which was rejected by EU leaders.

Turkey’s trials with the EU are not over, however. Ankara faces a huge task
in meeting the bloc’s standards and while sweeping reforms by Erdogan may have
started getting Turkey into shape for EU membership, Brussels is asking for
much more.

The lengthy EU agenda for Turkey includes major improvements in political and
economic structures. EU leaders say Turkey must make additional effort to
upgrade standards for human rights, minority protection and rule of law.

More challenging for Erodgan are Europe’s calls for what many in Turkey will
see as a social revolution. Women’s rights, religious freedom and difficult
historic questions from Turkey’s past, including the fate of Armenians during
the World War I, still need to be addressed.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
Dec 18 2004

SATE COMMISSION ON WAR PRISONERS, HOSTAGES AND UNACCOUNTED FOR HOLDS
FIRST MEETING IN ITS NEW COMPOSITION
[December 18, 2004, 21:42:56]

The new composition of the Sate Commission on War Prisoners, Hostages
and Unaccounted For approved by November 15 Presidential Executive
Order held its first meeting at the Ministry of National Security of
the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 18.

The Commission members decided to make public the documents reflecting
the facts of ethnic purge, genocide, vandalism and violation of the
rights of prisoners and hostages, resulted from the Armenian aggression
to include them in the report to be discussed at the meetings of the
United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Committee.

Besides, there were proposals concerning organization of search for
hostages and unaccounted for, as well as provision of embassies and
other diplomatic representations of Azerbaijan abroad with relevant
materials and maps.

The Commission also approved the plan to design and publish photo album
called “Armenian Terror” and organize a young painters competition
on this theme, as well as a general plan of actions for 2005.

Chirac: The Engagement Has Been Extended, But It Will End in Marriage

Zaman Online, Turkey
Dec 18 2004

French President Jacques Chirac said that he believed the
realization of the Turkey-European Union marriage.

Chirac, who held a press conference after the end of the European
Council meeting, answered a question on whether Turkey would become
a member after a 10 year engagement, “If we take Turkey’s current
history and culture as a criteria, I believe that the Turkey-EU
marriage will happen.” He also added that Turkey’s turn to the West
will be beneficial for Europe. Determining that negotiations might
go on for 10 or 15 years, Chirac advocated that the result could
not be predicted from now though membership would not be possible
before 2014. The French President announced that if Turkey does not
sign the extended protocol of the Ankara Agreement including Cyprus,
negotiations could not begin. On a question from an Armenian reporter
on whether Ankara’s recognition of the “Armenian genocide” could be
set as a pre-condition for the full membership, Chirac answered that
Turkey’s full membership would be taken to referendum in France. He
also added that in case Turkey does not “search its memory” concerning
the Armenians, the French public may say “no” for Turkey and went
on, “A search of its memory in the European spirit is a natural and
irreversible necessity.”

Christmas is Busy Time for Catholic Charities
By TATYANA NYBORG, A Contributing Writer

Greater Tulsa Reporter Newspapers, OK
Dec 18 2004

“This time of the year, we have Christmas toy distribution and will
give about 1,000 food baskets and toys to 300 families,” says Quentin
Henley, associate director of Catholic Charities, located on 739
North Denver street in Tulsa.

Another Catholic Charities project is collecting coats for
distribution. Yale Cleaners and TV Channel 6 provide support for the
project that distributes about 10,000 coats.

Most Catholic Charities’ services are free. “We are amazed by peoples’
generosity,” says Henley. “Almost all funding comes from donations of
Catholic and other communities. We have about 300 volunteers helping
throughout the year.”

Catholic Charities offer free food and clothing. Every month they
donate clothing to about 17,000 households and food to 13,000
households.

Catholic Charities have several buildings in different locations
in Tulsa and other towns to hold the clothing and food as well as
residential homes for programs that support individuals and families
with special needs.

Families who need support to get back on their feet can live in St.
Elizabeth Lodge. Seven families live there presently, but it can
accommodate up to 12 families. Madonna House is a program for women
in crisis. Most of the women living there are expecting. It has
eight rooms with usually six or seven filled at a time. St. Joseph
residency is for people infected with HIV. The residents of the St.
Joseph home are provided with 24-hour care. There are currently 12
residents with a capacity of 13, and there is a waiting list.

Xavier Clinic is a free medical clinic supported by the Catholic
Charities. It is a joint program with Saint Francis hospital. Doctors
and nurses from the hospital volunteer their time to help people
without health insurance. Patients can consult with therapists once a
week, take pregnancy tests, and attend a once a month diabetic clinic.

Catholic Charities provided 1,400 hours of counseling for individuals
and families, and helped families adopt 12 children through their
adoption agency in 2004.

Marina Williams, a refugee resettlement and immigration coordinator
of the Catholic Charities, works through an agreement made between
the U.S. government and the Charities about financial, immigration
and housing help for refugees from other countries. Williams told
about incidences where she and Catholic Charities were able to help.
Fifty-two welders from India came to Oklahoma to work for an American
company. But the company violated their contracts. They were paid only
$2.00 per hour, and the owners of the company held their passports
and did not allow them to leave the factory. So Catholic Charities
helped the welders fight for their rights and get permanent residency
in the United States. “There are many people coming to the U.S. from
the war zones.” Williams says. “For example, an Armenian refugee
from Azerbaijan came here recently. When the military conflict
in Nagorny Karabah between Azerbaijanians and Armenians started,
she left everything to escape. She and her son arrived in the United
States without a home, job or even passports. Catholic Charities helped
them with everything. They got Social Security numbers and immigration
papers so she could find a job. They lived in the St. Elizabeth lodge
and the Catholic Charities paid for their utilities, food, clothing,
transportation and health screening.” Williams is now helping the
Indian welders to bring their families to the United States.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
Dec 18 2004

Chirac Send Signs for Elections: Turkey will need to recognize
Armenian Claims

French President Jacques Chirac claims Turkey will need to recognize
Armenian claims during entry talks

By Jan SOYKOK

French President Jacques Chirac continues to insist if Turkey wants
to become a member of the European Union, it should accept Armenian
claims.

Chirac told reporters “The French people will have the last word”.
According to Chirac negotiations with Turkey will take about 10-15
years.

Many French have grave misgivings about Turkey joining, fearing an
influx of cheap labor to France, already stung by 10 percent
unemployment. Many here also question Turkey’s human rights record
and its people’s embrace of Islam.

Turkey remains extremely sensitive to the Armenian issue. Ankara says
it is strange to abuse the events happened about 100 years ago. Dr.
Nilgun GULCAn from International Strategic Research Organization, an
Ankara based Turkish think tank, said “France has to focus on the
current issues. Armenian forces occupy about 20 per cent of
Azerbaijan. Armenian Republic does not recognize Turkey’s and
Azerbaijan’s borders. Yerevan encourages the irredentist movements in
the Caucasus. However Paris cannot see all these, because the French
politicians need votes in presidential elections. There are about 1
million Azerbaijani refugees. But they are talking about Armenians
killed 100 years ago.”

Dr. Nilgun Gulcan added:

“It is true. Many Armenians killed in the 1915 events. However no one
can label these killings as ‘genocide’. Most of the Armenians were
killed by the Kurdish bandits. Many suffered from starving and
epidemic diseases. Man died in riots. On the other hand it should not
be forgeten that the armed Armenian rioters killed about 500.000
Muslims in 1915. Today more than 100.000 Armenians live in Turkey and
they strongly support Turkey’s EU entry. The Armenian Diaspora oppose
Turkey’s accession. Because if Turkey becomes a EU member they cannot
abuse the past. As a matter of fact that the one who mostly benefit
from Turkey’s EU entry will be the Armenians in Armenia. The economic
isolation of Armenia will be ended and a more developed Turkey will
help the Armenian economic deadlock.”

French-Turkish ties became strained in 2001, when French parliament’s
recognition of the Armenian killings as a genocide sparked a boycott
of French goods and an exclusion of French companies from Turkish
defense contracts. There is a strong Armenian diaspora in France and
French politicians have been under Armenian voters’ pressure.

Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
Dec 18 2004

Muslim and Turkic World Welcomed; Armenians Protested EU’s Turkey Decision

“Turkey’s Accession to the EU will positively affect Europe’s
relations with the Muslim world.” Nawab Han, Iranian journalist

Jan SOYKOK (JTW)
18 December 2004

The European Union’s historic decision to start negotiations with
Turkey has welcomed by Turkic world and Muslim world while the Greek
Cypriots were disappointed with the decision. The Armenian Diaspora
groups protested the EU decision.

Nawab Han, from IRNA Iranian News Agency said Turkey’s entry will
change the idea of that the EU is a Christian club. I believe “The
EU’ Turkey decision will positively impact Europe-Islamic world
relations” added Iranian journalist Han.

Bedir Al-Sarhan from Kuwait News Agency argued Turkey’s entry to the
EU will help the EU in understanding the true nature of Islam.
“Turkey, as a European Muslim state, will be a model for the Muslim
world” added Kuwaiti journalist.

Similarly diplomats and journalist from the Turkic world welcomed
Turkey decision. An Azerbaijani diplomat said that a EU member Turkey
will help regional stability in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

On the other hand about 2,300 Armenians protested the EU’s Turkey
decision in Brussels. The Armenian protesters defended that Turkey
has to accept the 1915 events as ‘genocide’ if it wants to enter the
EU.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

December 17, 2004
___________________

CHURCH CELEBRATES HISTORY OF SUCCESS

Like so many parishes, the story of the Holy Resurrection Church of
South Milwaukee, WI, reflects the larger story of Armenian Americans.

As more and more Armenian immigrants found their way to America, some
wandered away from the concentration of Armenians on the East Coast. In
1910, five Armenians traveled to South Milwaukee to work in its
factories. Finding the community welcoming, they beckoned their
Armenian brothers and sisters to join them.

In just two short years, the Armenian community in South Milwaukee
jumped to more than 100 individuals. By 1924, community leaders decided
the expanding community needed its own spiritual home. Until that time,
the Armenians had celebrated badarak with visiting pastors at St. Mark’s
Episcopal Church.

The community soon bought its first sanctuary, the former St. Luke
Church. It was the first Armenian church in Wisconsin.

In 1960, fire destroyed the church. But the community did not sit idly
by. As generations had done before, they found the faith to rebuild.
On April 15, 1962, Archbishop Sion Manoogian, then-Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, traveled to Wisconsin to consecrate the new Holy
Resurrection Church.

“Our predecessors set the foundation of this parish and skillfully
piloted this community through trying times,” wrote Fr. Vahram Hazarian,
the current visiting pastor of the Holy Resurrection Church, in a
message celebrating the parish’s anniversary. “Every generation has its
own challenges. Generations come and go, but nations persist. The
Armenian Church has been the tabernacle of our timeless values. A
church is not merely comprised of four walls and a roof. You — the
parishioners — are the church.”

The people of the church turned out in large numbers on October 24,
2004, when Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the current Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), traveled to South
Milwaukee to celebrate the church’s 80th anniversary with the
parishioners.

“The founders of this church and the generations that have followed have
always shown a great sense of dedication and devotion. That has always
been a cornerstone of the Holy Resurrection Church,” said the Primate,
who celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the parish and attended a banquet
where hundreds from the three parishes in Wisconsin joined to mark the
anniversary. “God has given the great Armenian community of South
Milwaukee a truly passionate spirit. So far from our motherland, they
have come together and built a truly Armenian community of faith.”

That sense of community and connection is still alive in South
Milwaukee. And it is the reason the community endures after so many
years and so many challenges.”

“A parish excels on the laborious shoulders of her children,” Fr.
Hazarian explained.

— 12/17/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Parishioners from the Holy Resurrection Church of
South Milwaukee, WI, turn out for a celebration of the parish’s 80th
anniversary.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): During a celebration of the parish’s 80th
anniversary, the Holy Resurrection Church of South Milwaukee, WI, honor
some of the stewards who have played a role in making the parish a
spiritual home for the area’s Armenian community.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Diocesan Council member Oscar Tatosian speaks about
his memories of the Holy Resurrection Church of South Milwaukee, WI,
during the parish’s 80th anniversary celebration on October 24, 2004.

# # #

President: There are Forces Trying to Harm Azeri-Georgian Relations

Baku Today
Dec 18 2004

Commenting on the current situation on the Georgian-Azerbaijani border,
President Ilham Aliyev told journalists on Friday that the issue has
been clarified.

“All problems on the border will be eliminated after we make sure that
no cargo is passed to Armenia,” underlined the President, saying that
Azerbaijan and Georgia are committed to fighting contraband.

Aliyev noted that consignments are smuggled to Armenia through
Azerbaijan, President Aliyev said: “We will not have this happen
again”. He stressed that the border will remain closed until a normal
work schedule in Georgia is provided.

Expressing his stance on the recent incident involving Azerbaijanis
living in Georgia, President Aliyev said that a peaceful life of
Azerbaijanis abroad is a very important issue for the state.

“There are forces trying to harm the friendly relations between the
two countries. We know who they are. Unfortunately, there are such
forces in Azerbaijan as well. However, the main forces are outside
the country. We cannot allow hurting the strategic partnership between
Georgia and Azerbaijan.”

President Aliyev called on the Azerbaijanis living in Georgia to
respect the laws of the country and not to commit violations. He
also voiced his confidence that all the outstanding discrepancies
will be eliminated.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

December 17, 2004
__________________

ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL TO TAKE PLACE ON
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2005

In accordance with the earliest Christian traditions concerning the
Nativity of Jesus Christ, the Armenian Church celebrates Christmas on
January 6. This holy occasion will be observed at the St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services. A
special liturgical schedule will be in effect on Wednesday and Thursday,
January 5 and 6, 2005. Please make a note of the times.

On ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS EVE–Wednesday, January 5– there will be an
Evening Service with Scripture Readings (by students from the Diocese’s
Khrimian Lyceum) at 6:30 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will immediately
follow, beginning at 7:30 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, the
cathedral dean.

The St. Vartan Cathedral Youth Choir–with the participation of students
from the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum, and from area Diocesan Armenian
Saturday schools–will sing the Divine Liturgy, under the direction of
the Maro Partamian. A reception will take place following the services.

On ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS MORNING–Thursday, January 6–His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The
Morning Service begins at 9:30 a.m., and the Divine Liturgy follows at
10:30 a.m.

This year, the sacred music will be sung by both the Gomidas Choir and
the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Kris Kalfayan and
Maestro Khoren Mekanejian.

According to Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only
the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The
latter is remembered through the “BLESSING OF WATER” ceremony, which
will follow the Divine Liturgy. Mr. Mark Gabrellian, of Wyckoff, NJ,
will serve as “godfather” of the Blessing of Water service.

After the cathedral January 6 church services, a HOME BLESSING SERVICE
AND CHRISTMAS RECEPTION will take place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian
Auditorium, featuring a dance presentation by the Akhtamar Dance
Ensemble. The reception is open to all; admission is free.

Armenian Christmas will also be observed at local parishes across the
Eastern Diocese. Please contact your local parish to ascertain the date
and time of its celebration.

St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral is located at 630 Second Avenue (corner of
34th Street and Second Avenue), in New York City. Armenian Christmas
Eve services begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5. The Armenian
Christmas Morning Service on Thursday, January 6 will begin at 9:30
a.m., with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:30
a.m., followed by the traditional Blessing of Water ceremony.

–12/17/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Mark Gabrellian, of Wyckoff, NJ, will serve as
“godfather” of the Blessing of Water service at New York City’s St.
Vartan Cathedral on January 6, 2004.

# # #