Star of Mysore, India
July 26 2004
JUMBO YATRA TO MEET ARMENIAN LOVER
Mysore, July 26 (VG)- The staff at the Chamarajendra Zoological
Gardens are all agog with exictement as Komala, the eight-year-old
female elephant, is to go to Armenia.
According to Zoo Director Mr. Kumar Pushkar, Komala will be paired
with a nine-year-old Asian elephant at Armenia Zoo. The Armenian Zoo
had written to the President of India requesting for a female
elephant from one of the Zoos in India.
The Central Zoo Authority’s search for a healthy female elephant
ended in Mysore, Mr. Pushkar added.
“Central Zoo Authority’s Member-Secretary Dr. Rajesh Gopal and
Armenian Embassy’s Advisor Mr. Arman Kachatran selected Komala and
she would be air-lifted to Armenia within a month,” he informed.
Mr. Pushkar said Komala is a gift to the Armenian President from the
President of India. Giving away one elephant is not a loss as the
Mysore Zoo had successfully bred elephants in captivity. The Zoo will
be saving about Rs. 1.5 lakh spent on Komala’s maintenance.
The Central Government will bear the expenses of constructing an
enclosure required to airlift Komala to Armenia. Meanwhile, Komala is
being trained to remain in the enclosure for long hours as the
journey would take about 18 hours, Mr. Pushkar disclosed. The
pachyderm would be accompanied by a veterinarian and two keepers.
A doctor from Armenia and an elephant caretaker have arrived in the
Mysore Zoo to study the elephant’s behaviour and the ambience that
needs to be created at Armenia Zoo.

Drams for dollars
Yerkir/am
29 July 2004
The recent mysterious shakes of the Armenian drams and US dollars
exchange rates caused general concerns. Obviously, the whole thing
first of all impacts regular citizens.
However, in addition to commenting the fact, it is also important to
define the steps for solving the situation. Below are the comments on
this issue by economic advisor of Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s
(ARF) Bureau, doctor of economic sciences Ara Nranian.
Q: How do you estimate recent rise of the Armenian drams against US
dollars?
A: Obviously, this phenomenon leaves negative consequences on the
economy of our country. It also impacts many layers of the
society. Armenia’s exporters are also among the sufferers. Media has
much written about how local Armenians funded from abroad have
suffered from this shakes. Generally, most of the population, as well
as our economy experience losses, which we cannot afford.
Q: And what about the 500-600 million dollar transfers that our
citizens annually receive from abroad?
A: Note that such transfers have a long history and, in addition, our
economy has received other inputs like the one from the Lincy
foundation. At that time, the rate of dram was quite high. Also note
that our country’sforeign trade balance has a negative balance of
about half a billion dollars. Moreover, Armenia is a classic sample of
a country with a negative balance. These transfers are what
considerably relieves our social-economic tension.
Q: And how do you explain the recent shakes at the currency markets?
A: I would rather refrain from pointing out a specific reason. I
believe appropriate bodies should react to it. I mean react by
actions, but not just announcements. The present `indifference’
prompts low realization of certain officials of their duty in the life
of country’s economy.
Q: What about possible solutions?
A: I could discuss certain suggestions like increase of the quantity
of drams. However, the recent developments cause much more serious
issues. I am talking about the current policy of `hard dram credit.’
Therecent developments make ambiguous its applicability. And now the
state must have its final sayin this situation, moreover given the
fact that these developments do not match the governmental and central
bank document statements of 2004.

Armenia’s speaker, Thai parliamentarians discuss cooperation
Arminfo
26 Jul 04
YEREVAN
The speaker of the Armenian parliament, Artur Bagdasaryan, today
received a Thai parliamentary delegation, led by Senator Sanit
Kulcharoen.
Artur Bagdasaryan told the meeting that he hoped that the visit of the
Thai delegation would foster the development of interparliamentary
cooperation, the Armenian National Assembly press service told
Arminfo. In particular, the meeting concentrated on the need for the
two countries’ parliamentarians to cooperate in international
structures. The speaker also drew attention to the need to deepen
bilateral Armenian-Thai economic cooperation, in particular in high
technology, the diamond and jewellery industries. The need to step up
cooperation in tourism, culture, ecology and science was also
stressed.

President Kocharyan holidays in Armenia
Mediamax news agency
26 Jul 04
YEREVAN
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan began his holiday today, which he
will spend in the republic.
The head of state will be on holiday for 10 days, the presidential
press service told Mediamax news agency.

KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT MEETS US NATIONAL INTERESTS, AMERICAN MEDIATOR
STATED
26.07.2004 14:07
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
settlement by means of negotiations within the frames of the OSCE Minsk
Group (MG) conforms to the US national interests, MG US co-chair Steven Mann
told Regnum IA. In his words, US pursues a long-term policy in references to
this region. US has no interest in events that can threaten stability in the
region as it assists energy projects, one of them being Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
oil pipeline, which is important for the whole region, the diplomat said.
When replying to the question “whether the US will support Azerbaijan of the
latter decides to restore its territorial integrity”, Mr. Mann stated that
the US position remains unchangeable – the conflict should be resolved
peacefully. At that he called the parties “to sense and compromise”. “Only
by making concessions it is possible to find a solution admissible for the
conflicting parties. This is the opinion of the co-chairs. Only this way we
can achieve long-term peace in the region. The conflicting parties chose the
OSCE to resolve this problem and we are trying to settle the conflict
peacefully and will support the decisions taken by the parts”, the American
diplomat stated. As for the new proposes, they always exist, he said.
However everything depends on the attitude of the parties and readiness to
accept them, he noted adding that the co-chairs are to continue
consultations with the parties within next few weeks.

SKINHEADS, WHO KILLED AN ARMENIAN, STOOD TRIAL IN MOSCOW
26.07.2004 17:56
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Moscow Municipal Court sentenced 5 young men, who
brutally killed an Armenian in one of the local suburban trains, to 9-14
years of imprisonment. As reported by Moskovskiy Komsomolets Russian
newspaper, a band of young men aged 17-22 ranked themselves as members of
neo-Nazi organization of skinheads and had the aim “to clear” the local
electric trains of Caucasians. On December 12, 2003, on entering
Petushki-Mocsow suburban train, the murderers saw a man with “Caucasian
appearance” and knocking him off his feet trampled on him. The maimed man
died after suffering in the aid station for 2 hours. At those days a
35-year-old Azeri was killed in the same way.

California Courier Online, July 29, 2004
1 – Commentary
Speaker Hastert Misleads Twice,
Opposing Armenian Genocide Bills
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Evereg-Fenesse Educational Society
Celebrates 125th Anniversary on Labor Day
3 – St. James Church Honors
Pastor For Elevation
4 – AYF Plans Annual
‘Little Armenia’
Clean-Up, Sept. 25
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Speaker Hastert Misleads Twice,
Opposing Armenian Genocide Bills
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Four years ago, when Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert
(Republican-Illinois) needed the votes of Armenian-Americans in a tight
congressional race in Glendale, California, to secure the Republican
majority in the House of Representatives and his own position as Speaker,
he promised to bring the then pending Armenian Genocide Resolution – which
had been languishing in the House for two years – to a floor vote before
the November 2000 elections.
However, a couple of weeks before the elections and just minutes before the
resolution was scheduled for a vote by the full House, Speaker Hastert, at
the request of Pres. Clinton, reneged on his promise and pulled the
Resolution from the floor, blocking its assured passage.
Hastert then shamelessly made a second deceptive promise. “The U.S. House
of Representatives will undoubtedly return to consideration of this
important issue,” he said. In 2003, after the House Judiciary Committee
adopted a Resolution on the U.N. Genocide Convention that included a
passing reference to the Armenian Genocide, Hastert blocked its
consideration by the full House.
To make matters worse, two weeks ago when the House adopted an amendment
proposed by Cong. Adam Schiff (Democrat-Calif.) to the foreign aid bill,
prohibiting the Turkish government from using U.S. foreign assistance to
lobby Congress against legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide,
Hastert revealed his most antagonistic position yet on the congressional
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
In a joint statement with Majority Leader Tom DeLay (Republican-Texas) and
Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Republican-Missouri), Speaker Hastert attacked not
only the Schiff amendment, but also, even more surprisingly, the U.N.
Genocide Convention Resolution (H.Res. 193) that mentions the Armenian
Genocide. Here is the full text of the statement issued by the House
Republican leadership:
“We are strongly opposed to the Schiff Amendment to the Foreign Operations
Appropriations bill, and we will insist that conferees drop that provision
in conference. We have contacted the Bush Administration, and they have
indicated their strong opposition to the amendment. We have also conveyed
our opposition to Chairman Kolbe and he has assured us that he will insist
on it being dropped in the conference committee.
“Turkey has been a reliable ally of the United States for decades, and the
deep foundation upon which our mutual economic and security relationship
rests should not be disrupted by this amendment.
“On its face, the amendment is meaningless. Current U.S. law already
prohibits foreign governments from using American foreign aid to lobby. But
we understand the political motivation behind the amendment, and for that
reason, we will insist that it be dropped.
“Our relationship with Turkey is too important to us to allow it to be in
any way damaged by a poorly crafted and ultimately meaningless amendment.
“Furthermore, we have no intention of scheduling H.Res. 193, as reported
out of the Judiciary Committee in April, during the remainder of this
Congress.”
In addition to the House Republican leadership, the Bush Administration
also opposed the Schiff amendment, even though Pres. Bush, as a candidate,
had promised to support the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Richard
Boucher, the Spokesman for the State Dept., issued the following statement:
“The Administration strongly opposes this amendment which seeks to restrict
U.S. assistance to Turkey.
“It should not become law. The amendment is detrimental to the cause we all
seek: reconciliation between Turkey and Armenia in pursuit of regional
peace and economic cooperation. Turkey and Armenia have been pursuing these
goals through direct meetings.
“Turkey, our key NATO ally, and Armenia, our close friend, are partners in
the Global War on Terror and in advancing democracy, prosperity and
stability in the Caucasus. Our goal is to bolster cooperation between these
two countries rather than to separate them.
“We welcome the statement by House Speaker Hastert, Majority Leader DeLay
and Majority Whip Blunt citing their strong opposition to this amendment
and their commitment to insisting that the amendment be dropped in
conference. We welcome the Leadership’s recognition of the important
relationship with our reliable ally and friend Turkey and of the need for
continued close economic and security relations between our countries.”
In the next three months, as Armenian-Americans prepare to cast their votes
in the congressional and presidential elections, they should reward all
those who supported the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and punish
those who opposed it. This is not a partisan issue. The Schiff amendment
would have not passed without the support of many Democrats as well as
Republicans in the House.
In this particular episode, the good guys who backed this measure were:
* Cong. Adam Schiff (Dem.-CA) made extraordinary efforts to secure the
passage of his amendment that for the fourth time, and not the first (as
some members of the media have mistakenly reported), puts the U.S. House of
Representatives on record in recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The
other three times were in 1975, 1984, and 1996.
* Cong. Frank Pallone, Jr. (Dem.-N.J.) strongly supported Schiff’s efforts
with remarks on the House floor and subsequently sent a strongly worded
letter to Speaker Hastert blasting him for blocking both the Schiff
Amendment and the Genocide Resolution (twice).
* Cong. Joseph Crowley (Dem.-NY) delivered very strong remarks on the House
floor in support of the Schiff amendment.
* Cong. George Radanovich (Rep.-CA) joined Congressmen Schiff and Pallone
in co-signing a letter urging other House members to sign a “Dear
Colleague” letter to Speaker Hastert.
Here is the list of the bad guys who opposed the Schiff amendment:
* Speaker Hastert (Rep.-Ill.), a repeat offender.
* House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (Rep.-Tex.).
* House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Rep.-Missouri).
* Cong. Jim Kolbe (Rep.-Arizona), the Chairman of Foreign Operations
Appropriations Subcommittee, issued a statement opposing the Schiff
amendment after its passage, when the Republican leadership put the heat on
him for not blocking it on the floor. He said: “As the chair of the pending
conference committee on the Foreign Operations bill, I will insist this
meaningless language be removed in conference.”
* The Bush Administration for opposing both the Schiff Amendment and the
Genocide Resolution.
I urge everyone to send a WebFax via to Speaker Hastert,
Majority Leader DeLay and Majority Whip Blunt expressing your
disappointment at their opposition to the Schiff amendment. I would also
urge all Armenian-American organizations to sign a joint letter being
currently circulated to Speaker Hastert asking him to reconsider his
opposition to the Schiff amendment and the Genocide Resolution.

**************************************************************************
2 – Evereg-Fenesse Educational Society
Celebrates 125th Anniversary on Labor Day
By Mireille Kalfayan
PASADENA, Calif. – The Evereg-Fenesse Mesrobian-Roupinian Educational
Society is celebrating its 125th Anniversary, on September 3, 4, and 5,
2004 (Labor Day weekend), during its 17th Triennial International
Convention at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.
One would wonder why young, modern, educated Diaspora-born Armenians would
dedicate themselves to propagate this “old country” organization, and
maintain its ancestral traditions with the same awe and affiliation as
their immigrant parents and grandparents?
Is it in respect or nostalgia of our childhood memories at hyrenagitz
(compatriotic) picnics and dances, or of our parents’ and grandparents’
dedication to safeguard old traditions and history, or simply fascination
of the mystery of its long abiding spirit in our veins?
For a daughter of Everegtsi mother and Fenessetsi father, asked to write
about the history and growth of this organization, unfolding the mystery
revealed a culture deep in tradition and its relentless urge for education.
Starting from its geography, its history and legends, to its inception in
the diaspora, Evereg-Fenesse presents the magical mystery of faith and
survival of all Armenians. Here is Our Story.
Geography & History
Evereg is located south of Ceasaria, separated by Erjias Lehr (Arkeos as
the Greeks called it), the highest mountain of the region, covered always
with snow. It is believed that Noah’s Ark had first hit this mountain and
the Nahabed having said, “Arachinnen eh ahs,” his words had been converted
into “Erjias.” Before the Turkish expansion, in the years around 1285,
Evereg had been inhabited by Greeks who had built towers on the mountain
and waterways down to the towns. It was conquered by Turkish generals Dev
Ali, Kheder Elias, and Sheikh Ali, and all its Greek inhabitants massacred.
Dev Ali’s followers settled on the mountain, taking over the towers and its
waters, calling the town Develi.
When war was over, skilled workers were needed for rebuilding. Armenians,
being known for their skills, came and settled there, but half an hour
south of Develi, in the valley where the Greeks had built a church and a
waterway running down to it from the mountain. The church had been
destroyed, but the water was available. The Turks settled on the south of
that waterway. The Armenians settled on the northside, expanding later
over its hills to the other side. Armenian immigrants coming from different
regions were identified by their names; for example, those from Persia were
called Barsamenk, from Tehran, Tarkhanenk, from Tomarza, Domartsook…. These
Armenians co-existed peacefully with the Turks, free to practice their
religion, and living on gardening and commerce.
Two hundred years later, Armenian immigrants from Konya came to settle
above the hills where the Turks’ homes ended, calling it Fenesse. So the
two towns of Evereg and Fenesse, although near each other (about a
10-minute walk) were separated by Turks. Both Evereg and Fenesse prided on
highly skilled craftsmen:
ironsmith, cobbler, carpenter, hairdresser, tailor, weaver, etc. Each had
its own “shooga” with many shops and stores. Each had its own church, both
named St. Toros, with their adjacent schools Evereg-Mesrobian School, and
Fenesse-Roupinian School.
Origins of the Organization
The Evereg Fenesse Farmers Union was first formed in 1861 in Istanbul to
help compatriots in their region. Founded and chaired by Garabed Panossian
and Kevork Kelejian (a “gesaratsi”), it gathered 300 members of cobblers,
painters, “chalmale, shalvarle,” poor people who had come to seek work in
Istanbul. The union
Rented two restaurants and opened one tobacco store, collecting donations –
“passing a hat at the restaurant.” Six months later, it had raised 28,000
ghroosh, for the villages of Evereg and Fenesse. This union dissolved
later.
During 1870’s, when a general movement among the Armenians in Istanbul
aimed at elevating the standards of education in Armenian schools
throughout Turkey, the Everegtsis and Fenessetsis separately raised funds
and sent qualified teachers to their homeland. Thus in 1878, were founded
the Evereg-Mesrobian and Fenesse-Roupinian Educational societies, named
after the schools in these two villages.
With many Everegtsis and Fenessetsis escaping the growing strife in Turkey
and moving to America, Evereg-Mesrobian was founded again in New York on
October 1, 1906, extending chapters later to other states. Many of those
chapters later dissolved except for Detroit which kept sending help to its
school in Turkey till 1914. The society then sent money to its chapter in
Beirut to distribute to needy emigrant families. It also provided tuition
support to elementary school students of Everegtsi or Fenessetsi descent
who attended the AGBU Armenian school in Detroit and to colleges in
Michigan. “When we came to America in 1928 with my husband, there were two
societies, Evereg and Fenesse, but we attended each other’s activities,”
explained 92-year-old Mrs. Nercessian, wife of Nercess Nercessian, a long
time secretary of the society.
When all Armenians from New York and Michigan went to California, they
started working together and suggested joining the societies. One reason,
Mrs. Nercessian explained, was that as most Everegtsi and Fenessetsi
families had intermarried, the funds received from each society by their
members were being duplicated. Considering this and the fact that these two
communities had lived side by side and shared the joys and sorrows of life
together as one community, the need of a merger was felt more and more
strongly. Therefore, on April 17, 1955, authorized representatives of the
Mesrobian and Roupinian Associations met
in New York and signed an Agreement of Unification, drawing a constitution
and by-laws, which was ratified at a joint convention held on September 1,
1956.
The joint Evereg-Fenesse Mesrobian-Roupinian Educational Society still
stands to this day in many chapters in Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, and
Beirut, continuing to raise funds and supporting Armenian education and the
traditions of the culture.
For Information about the Convention, call Margaret Mgrublian at (626)
798-4480, E-mail: [email protected], or Houry Kurkciyan at (818)
346-0893, E-mail: [email protected]
**************************************************************************
3 – St. James Church Honors
Pastor For Elevation
LOS ANGELES – The St. James Armenian Church recently held a banquet
congratulating the Rev. Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian on his elevation to Arch
Priest. Over 300 hundred quests were in attendance. Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate, Armenian Church of North America, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy and honored Fr. Arshag with an encyclical issued by Catholicos
Karekin II.
On this occasion, Archbishop Derderian honored the members of the St. James
Parish Council, the Ladies Society, the Memorial Fund and the Chairmen of
all auxiliary bodies for their dedication to St. James.
Archbishop Derderian also presented Mary Najarian with an Encyclical
Blessing from Catholicos Karekin II for her medical and humanitarian
efforts both here and in Armenia.
In his congratulatory remarks, Archbishop Derderian stated that Fr. Arshag
is the embodiment of the Christian faith, love and hope; commending him for
his continued support and dedication to the church; and that the presence
of the faithful certainly testifies to the outpouring love of his people.
**************************************************************************
4 – AYF Plans Annual
‘Little Armenia’
Clean-Up, Sept. 25
LOS ANGELES – The planning and organizing of the Second Annual Little
Armenia Clean Up has begun, the Armenian Youth Federation announced last
week. The Clean Up is scheduled for Sept. 25. The Clean Up is scheduled for
Sept. 25, starting at 8:30 a.m.
The clean up, cosponsored by Council Member Eric Garcetti’s Office, will
follow an opening ceremony, including remarks by Garcetti. Volunteers for
the clean up will work to remove litter and unwanted weeds from the streets
and sidewalks.
The clean up, a project of the AYF Little Armenia Beautification Program,
will include the renewal of the “Welcome to Little Armenia” banners placed
on various major intersections of Little Armenia.
“It is an honor to the Armenian American community to have an area of the
Los Angeles named after our homeland,” said Vicken Sosikian, Chairman of
the AYF Western Region. “Since October of 2000, we have enjoyed this honor,
and feel that we not only need to give back to Little Armenia and its
residents, but also to the city of Los Angeles.”
The AYF counts on the support of the Armenian community to make this
community outreach event a success. Those who are interested in
volunteering for the clean up or contributing to the effort in anyway
should email the AYF at [email protected].
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************************************************* **************************
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His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Prelate of Western Prelacy
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, Ca 91214
Tel: 818-248-7737
Fax: 818-248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected])
H.E. ARCH. MOUSHEGH MARDIROSSIAN, THE PRELATE RECIVED SHERIFF LEROY BACA
Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca visited the Western Prelacy of
the Armenian Apostolic Church of America on Thursday, July 22, and was
receivedby His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, the
Prelate. Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian, the Vice Chairman of the Prelacy
Executive Council also attended the meeting.
Sheriff Baca explained that he had come to ask the cooperation of His
Eminence and other Armenian Community leaders in dealing with certain
fields of his mission. Taking into consideration that several towns
under his department’s jurisdiction had intense Armenian population,
he planed to form local committees composed of community
representatives and police force members in order to tackle with
juvenile problems. He proposed to form a central committee headed by
the spiritual leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Church who would
coordinate and oversee the proposed task in coordination with his
office.
His Eminence the Prelate welcomed the sheriff’s plans and good
intention. He told him that the Western Prelacy has a long experience
in this regards through the CASPS (Committee for Armenian Students in
Public School), a committee that functions under the auspices of the
Prelacy and provides advice and services to students that attend
public schools in Glendale and their parents.
The Prelate expressed full support to the proposed plan and said he
would do his utmost to achieve these goals.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] Website;
Saint Sahag and Saint Mesrob Armenian School students visited His
Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians
Reporting: Ashkhen Shishmanian from Armenia
On Sunday, July 18, 2004 the students of St Sahag and St Mesrob
Saturday school of Toronto visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
and had a formal meeting with His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of
All Armenians. The meeting was arranged by His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate of the Canadian Armenian Church Diocese. The
students then visited the Museum of Etchmiadzin at the
Veharan. Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia participants joined the
Holy Badarak, where Serpazan Bagrat had arranged special seats at both
sides of the altar. They received Holy Communion and also had the
chance to see the Treasures at the Holy Etchmiadzin and the remains of
the Pagan Temple under the Altar.
The children were inspired and so amazed that they asked to visit Holy
Etchmiadzin again. You could see and feel from their expressions that
they felt at home as they belonged to the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin.
We thank the Primate of the Canadian Diocese His Eminence Bishop
Bagrat Galstanian for making Sunday a memorable day for all of us. We
thank him for his attention and care that he has shown to us for the
past several days.
Hereby we present some of the thoughts of our students:
Coming Back Home
Aida Knadjian
After I left Armenia last year, I wanted to come back right away. I
kept thinking about wonderful experiences we had shared and the warm
people we had met everyday. I would never have thought that I would be
given the chance to revisit my homeland.
When in Armenia, I felt at home and going back to Canada made me feel
like I was going on vacation. I had experienced something here that I
never had in Canada: The people treat you like family – from David,
our bus driver, to Ara and Zabelle, our tour guides, and from Nigol
and Zabelle to strangers in the streets. This feeling is something you
will never experience in any other country.
I visited Armenia last year to see all the churches, monuments that I
had learned about. It was only then that I realized that I belong
somewhere in the world. The statues and churches motivated me to come
back and try to help my country in any way I could. Now I see Armenia
in a positive light. Althoughwe have been massacred and
underestimated, I see a wonderful livelihood everywhere: Armenians
working hard and rebuilding their country. That reflects our history
and character.
I just hope to help as many people as I can in my short stay here
until I return to my homeland to have a greater input. Not being able
to touch Ararat is encouraging me to become an entrepreneur like Nigol
and Zabelle and try to help Armenia and its people in any possible way
that is in my power.
I loved my homeland Armenia.
First Impressions
My name is Vanch Boghoumian, a graduate of St Sahag St Mesrob Saturday
school in Toronto. This summer we came to our homeland Armenia. It was
a long journey, but when we finally arrived, we no more felt tired and
agitated. Ifelt as though there was a relief inside of me, because I
finally came to a place where all Armenians can call HOME.
Until this day, we have visited Sartarabad, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Garni
and Geghart, the Zeitun Orphanage and Yerablur, where Armenian
soldiers have been buried. Armenia has surprised me in so many ways:
its beauty, culture, heritage and all sorts of rituals and
traditions. The first time I laid my eyes on Mount Ararat, I was in
shock. Surprisingly my eyes seemed unable to move, and I thought to
myself that one day Mount Ararat will be ours again. I would love
waking up early, climb to the upper balcony and just stare at the
mountain.Now I am extremely proud of being an Armenian, convinced that
I have to speak my mother tongue.
When I go back to Toronto, I will tell my family and friends about
Armenia and make sure that we visit our homeland as often as possible.
In two weeks I will go home a better Armenian and a proud one as well.
Seeing is believing and Living
My name is Christopher Yeretsian and I have been attending St Sahag-St
Mesrob Saturday School in Toronto for the past eight years. Following
the commendable tradition already established for the past four years,
I am in Armenia now, along with my fellow graduates (a group of 19
students plus our teachers.)
Guess where I’m writing this from? Correct!
My friends and I have been here for only a few days and seen a lot of
important land- marks of Armenian history: Garni, Geghart, Sevan,
Dilijan, the world-renowned Matenadaran and Waterworld (one of my
personal favorites). It may seem as though we have seen a lot over the
past four days, but there are still many sights we have not yet
visited.
Along with the beauty and cultural atmosphere of Armenia, there are
many areas in different sectors of the economy that are being
improved.
My current feelings toward my Armenian heritage have drastically
changed over the days that we have been here. Three days ago our group
visited Zeitun Orphanage. We brought toys and clothes to comfort the
children. I handed out my toys, explaining how each worked and spent
time with most of the children. We played together and colored. It was
very special moment for me to see how these children coped with no
parents or family. It made me feel fortunate to have parents that love
me dearly. Every toy we played with and every word we exchanged, put a
smile on their faces.
I feel that I have contributed now to a very good cause.
I look forward to the rest of the trip, that will include visits to
Khor Virap, Spitak, Gumri and most of all, Karabagh.
Rev Fr Vazgen Boyadjyan and Deacon Hagop Arslanian attended a luncheon
hosted by the Consul General of Lebanon in Montreal H. E Khalil el
Habre
On Wednesday, July 21 2004 Rev. Fr Vazgen Boyajian Pastor of St
Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of Montreal and Deacon Hagop
Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate attended a luncheon hosted by the
Consul General of the Republic of Lebanon in Montreal H. E Khalil El
Habre in Outremont.
Present were high ranking spiritual leaders of Maronite, Assyrian,
Catholic Churches as well as the heads of Montreal Muslim
community. During the luncheon at the Consul’s resident interfaith
representatives had the chance to discuss the relations amongst their
respective communities as well as the paths for further
cooperation. In his word, Consul General Mr. el Habre thanked the
attendees and wished them continued success in their future missions
and undertakings.
Rev Fr Vazgen Boyajian presented the Consul General with an Armenian
Cross and thanked him on behalf of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian for sucha warm reception.
CYMA members enjoying their stay in Motherland, Armenia
“CYMA participants are doing great and enjoying every second on the
soil of the Motherland, Armenia”. That’s how CYMA Director, Very Rev
Father Ararat Kaltakjian described the Mission’s working visit to
Armenia.
“The reconstruction work is going well and the participants are in
high spirit” said Hayr Ararat in a telephone conversation on Thursday,
July 23, 2004. Very Rev Fr Ararat Kaltakjian informed that the
participants visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin as well as
they had the chance to visit famous sites in Armenia.
The Canadian Youth Mission departed to Armenia on Thursday July 8,
2004 under the guidance of Very Reverend Father Ararat Kaltakjian. 16
participants from all across Canada and Europe met in Prague
International Airport and then continued their way to Armenia. This
year CYMA members will achieve their mission in the kindergarten of
Saghmosavank. The team is currently working to renovate the walls,
floor and repaint the rooms and hallways of the kindergarten.
During their stay in Armenia, a day camp will give CYMA participants
the opportunity to interact with the local children by working on arts
and crafts, and engage in social activities and sports. Visitations
will be made by CYMA participants and clergy, offering spiritual and
humanitarian relief to families living in dire
circumstances. Participants will have many opportunities to visit
churches, landmarks and monuments. Under the guidance of local
professionals, participants will take part in workshops to learn the
history of the land and of the Church, as well as the culture through
singing, dancing and drawing
First Annual Armenian Youth Pilgrimage to St Catharine’s
The oldest and the first Armenian Apostolic Church in Canada,
St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of
St. Catharine’s, On., will be hosting the first Annual Armenian Youth
Pilgrimage.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian will join the pilgrims from
Montreal, Laval, Toronto and Ottawa at this historic event that will
take place starting Saturday, August 14th. in the evening and continue
on Sunday, August 15th. with the 74th. Annual “Blessing of the
Grapes” Holy Badarak and traditional Picnic.
St. Vartan Summer Day Camp 2004
On the morning of July 12, 2004 a group of 25 Armenian children (aged
between 3 and 8 years old) gathered at Fogolar’s Country Club in
Oakville. They were there to participate in the week long St. Vartan
Summer Day Camp under the leadership of Reverend Father Komitas
Mirzakhanyan, Pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Church of
Mississauga. During the week the campers participated in a variety of
activities with each day having its own theme (e.g. Armenian Alphabet,
Holy Badarak, Armenia, and “I am special”). A variety of crafts were
made including a mosaic of Etchmiadzin, Pourvar, and Armenian flag
magnets amongothers. The children also participated in games like
Armenian Bingo, learned Armenian traditional shoorch bar and singing
Armenian songs. The children were also given the chance to play soccer
and swim.
The camp wrapped up on Friday with an exhibition of crafts, a slide
show from the camp and a performance for the parents. The campers sang
the beautiful Hye Menank song and Ayp ou Pen song which they had
learned over the past week. The campers also recited the Lord’s
Prayer, Hayr Mer to open the show.
A camp like this was a major undertaking for the St. Vartan
Mississauga parish and could not have been possible without the
contribution of time and money of various individuals.
Thank you to the team of eight counselors who assisted Der Komitas
during the week. The counselors were Steve Beler, Armen Dumanian,
Garen Hamblin, Nairi Kazazian, Arlaine MacClennan, Caroline
MacClennan, Christine Sevadjian, Peter Sevadjian, and Tanya
Sevadjian. A thank you also goes out to the parent volunteers who
helped during the camp: Taline Paroyan, Ani Badiani, Alessia Aivazian,
Ani Altounian, Christine Sakarya, Christine Ermarkaryan as well as the
organizing committee of the camp who included Ani Altounian, Taline
Paroyan, Houri Houldsworth, and Christine Ermar-karyan.
We would like to thank the following members of our community for
their donations towards the operating expenses of the camp: Ian & Seta
MacLennan,Loris & Julia Dumanian, Arlette Boghoskan, Mardig & Lilian
Sevadjian, Vic & Aida Sevadjian, John & Houri Houldsworth, Vazken &
Ani Altounian, Edouard & Taline Paroyan, Arno & Christine Ermarkaryan,
First Choice Haircutters, Kraft Canada, and Voortman Cookies.
Special thanks to the parents who supported the camp with the presence
of their children and made the 2nd annual St. Vartan Summer Day Camp
such a success!
Last but not least, a special thanks to Der Komitas for his leadership
and efforts to continue to make this camp a reality
Divan of the Diocese

BOTANICAL RESEARCHES NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Azg/am
27 July 2004
Yerevan Botanical Garden is engaged in studying the Armenian flora, as
well as preserving and elaborating thousand of plant-sorts. At
present, the scientific researches are in a very bad state in the
botanical garden that has a history of 70 years. Lack of financial
assistance hinders the scientific researches.
The garden was greatly damaged during the early 90s, when many of the
rare and valuable plants died or were frozen because of the lack of
the materials needed. During the cold winters the garden was deprived
of many of the trees as most of the thick ones were just cut. At the
same time during the same years the construction of the ecological
center that is unique in the region was initiated in the garden. Many
rare species belonging to the Armenian naturewere gathered and
elaborated thanks to a number of devoted people. These speciesare
being preserved in the green house of the garden. The construction of
the green house began in the Soviet times, but during the years of
independencethe garden received no financial support and the
construction-works were stopped. But thanks to the efforts of a
number of scientific officers the giant greenhouse ‘s construction was
completed. Afterwards, 7 artificial landscapes peculiar to the
Armenian nature, i.e. prairie, highland prairie, arboretum, rocky,
desert and watery-mash. About 450 sorts of wild plants grow in this
micro-landscapes that secures constant blossoming of the
flora. Endemic species that are peculiar to only some of the Armenian
regions grow here. Many of such species are of the verge of being
annihilated as they are brutally picked up by some irresponsible
citizens and flower-sellers during their blooming period. Buttheir
samples are preserved and elaborated in the ecological center that has
popular scientific orientation. This is a unique ecological museum,
where one can get familiarized to the Armenian nature in an hour.
The center has many problems today, as it’s hard to have such a giant
greenhouse with no financial support. The scientists have many
programs andprojects that can’t be realized because of the lack of
financial sources. One can only hope that the time will come when the
Armenian budget will allocate financial sources for the botanical
researches.
By Ani Chetimian, student at Yerevan State Linguistic University after
Valery Brusov