AZG Armenian Daily #064, 12/04/2005
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ASSYRIAN COMMUNITY OF ARMENIA CELEBRATES NEW YEAR
The first day of spring, April 1 the Assyrians spread throughout the world
celebrated the New Year. This was 6755th according to the Assyrian
chronology. At present, about 6000 Assyrians are living in Dvin, Arzni or
Dimitrov. Recently, thanks to the initiative of the Iraqi Assyrian Eastern
Church, Isahak Tamraz, a young and educated person, was appointed the
spiritual leader. The Assyrian community of Armenia is experiencing a
revival thanks to his efforts. The community already has St. Tovmas Arakial
Church that was built in 1828. RA government and Hranoush Kharatian,
chairwoman of Special Community of National Minorities’ Issues, assisted the
community in organization of cultural events. In particular, the community
can deliver lectures on Assyrian language and literature, as well as classes
of national traditions for the young Assyrians. The community received a lot
and a semi-built building for opening a kindergarten and a school. The heads
of the Assyrian Communities of the US, France, Great Britain and Iraq,
displayed interest in the life of their compatriots in Armenia that consider
the Republic of Armenia their second homeland.
Meanwhile on April 1, the young Assyrian artists performed national dances
and music in the hall of the cultural center of the Assyrian Dvin village.
Government members, political, national and cultural figures, Armenians and
Assyrians from abroad, members of the local Assyrian community were present
at the New Year celebration. Congratulating the Assyrian New Year, Hranoush
Kharatian, wished them success and new achievements and realization of the
national goals.
By Hamo Moskofian in Dvin