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The Armenian Weekly; Volume 74, No. 29; July 26, 2008
Calendar of Events:
NEW ENGLAND
JULY 27, 2008 . ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH PICNIC AT CAMP HAIASTAN. Lunch starts
at 12 noon. Blessing of Madagh and Grapes begins at 3:30 p.m. Live music by
the Mal Barsamian Ensemble. Delicious shish kebab, slush, and refreshments.
Picnic will be held rain or shine!
AUG. 10, 2008 . HOLY TRINITY PICNIC. Annual church picnic at Holy Trinity
Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove St. in Worcester, Mass. Live music,
delicious food, backgammon tournament, and more. For more information, call
(508) 852-2414.
AUG. 17, 2008 . ST. ASDVADZADZIN CHURCH PICNIC (WHITINSVILLE) featuring the
John Berberian Ensemble. Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes officiated by
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and New England area clergy. To be held on
church grounds in Whitinsville, Mass. Come early; church is air-conditioned!
Picnic starts at noon. For more information, call (508) 234 3677.
AUG. 24, 2008 . ARMENIAN FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL. Hosted by the Armenian
Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe (in Bradford, Mass.). Live Armenian Music by
the Jason Naroian Ensemble. Menu includes shish, losh, and chicken kebab
dinners, kheyma, pastries, and beverages. Raffles grand prize is $1,000.
Air-conditioned hall. Ball fields and hiking trails. Bring your own lawn
chairs. From 12 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Farm, 1314 Main St. in
Haverhill, Mass. (Take Rte. 495 to exit 51B onto Rte. 125 N.) For more
information, call (978) 372-9227..
SEPT. 7, 2008 . CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT with Emil Altschuler (violin) and
Aaron Larget-Caplan (classical guitar) performing pieces by Paganini,
Piazzolla, Rodrigo, and De Falla. Hosted by Armenian Library and Museum of
America (ALMA). Begins at 4 p.m. in ALMA’s Bedoukian Hall, 65 Main St. in
Watertown, Mass. For tickets ($15), call (617) 926-2562 or email
info@almainc.org.
SEPT 7, 2008 . ST. GREGORY’S ANNUAL PICNIC / FESTIVAL. Featuring Mal
Barsamian, Bruce Jigarjian, Bob Arzigian, and Jay Baronian. Hosted by the
St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley. From 12-6 p.m. at the
American Legion grounds, Rt. 125, Haverhill, Mass. Moonwalk and baseball
fields for the kids; air-conditioned hall; 50/50 raffles. Come and taste the
best Armenian food and pastries in New England! Bring your lawn chairs and
spend an enjoyable day with family and friends.
SEPT. 13, 2008 . ‘A CULTURAL EVENING.’ Presented by the Armenian Independent
Broadcasting of Boston. Featuring renowned artists Noune Avedissian, Hovik
Krikorian, and Andranik Mouradian. Begins at 7:30 p.m. at the First Armenian
Church, 380 Concord Ave. in Belmont. Reception to follow. To purchase
tickets ($20), call (617) 926-6268.
SEPT. 14, 2008 . ARS BENEFIT CONCERT. Presented by the Providence ARS ‘Ani’
and ‘Arax’ Chapters in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ARS.
Featuring ‘Zulal,’ the ‘a capella’ trio of Yeraz Markarian, Anais Tekerian
and Teni Apelian, who will perform Armenian classical and folk music. Also
featuring Harry Bedrossian (oud), Leon Janikian (clarinet), Ken Kalajian
(guitar) and Charles Kalajian (percussion) performing traditional and
classical Armenian music. Begins at 3 p.m. at Rhode Island College, Sapinsly
Hall, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave. in Providence, R.I. To purchase tickets ($35;
$25 for students under 18), call Ramon Zorabedian at (401) 884-6626, Joyce
Yeremian at (401) 354-8770, or Margaret Stepanian at (401) 272-3183 or email
info@arsprovidence.org.
OCT. 10-12, 2008 . AYF 75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA WEEKEND. At the Hyatt Regency
in Boston. Fri., Oct. 10-Alumni and AYF gathering. Featuring the Artsakh
Band from Philadelphia and a live DJ to take us into the early morning
hours. Sat., Oct. 11-Gala Banquet and Dance. Under the Auspices of the
Armenian Prelacy of Eastern USA. Full-course dinner and program. Kef music
by John Berberian, Mal Barsamian, Michael Gostanian, Ara Dinkjian, Bruce
Gigarjian, and Steve Megerdichian. Armenian patriotic performance to
highlight today’s young and talented AYF members. Sun., Oct. 12-Farewell
Brunch hosted by the Central Hai Tahd Committee and briefing on current
events and activism. For more information on the weekend’s activities,
tickets, and hotel information, email ayf75@ayf.org.
OCT. 18, 2008 . PROVIDENCE HMEM DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA. Featuring Onnik
Dinkjian. Dance begins at 9 p.m. (cocktails and mezze at 7 p.m.) at the
Greek Orthodox Annunciation Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, R.I.
NOV. 15, 2008 * 3RD ANNUAL ARS DINNER/DANCE. Hosted by the Suzan Terzian ARS
Chapter of Fairfield, Conn. At the Villa Bianca in Seymour, Conn. To reserve
tickets, contact Sonia Gulbenk by calling (203) 332-0332 or emailing
sgulbenk@gmail.com.
NOV. 29, 2008 . AYF KEF: BOSTON 2008. Presented by the Greater Boston
‘Nejdeh’ AYF Chapter. Featuring the All-Stars: Onnik Dinkjian, Hachig
Kazarian, John Berberian, Bruce Gigarjian, and Jason Naroian. In Watertown,
Mass.
DEC. 31, 2008 . NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER/DANCE (PROVIDENCE). Organized by the
ARF ‘Kristapor’ Gomideh. Featuring Harry Bedrossian (oud and vocals), Carnig
Mikhitarian (clarinet), Jason Naroian (dumbeg and vocals), and Bruce
Gigarjian (guitar). Also featuring DJ Rootz. Begins at 7 p.m., with mezze
and shish kebab dinner. Dance begins at 9 p.m. At the Greek Orthodox
Annunciation Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, R.I. To reserve tickets
($50 for dinner and dance; $25 for dance only) or tables of 10, contact
Steve Mesrobian by calling (774) 215-0293 or emailing smesrobian@yahoo.com.
MID-ATLANTIC
JULY 25, 2008 . COMMEMORATIVE EVENT. Titled ‘Standing Guard for Our Rights:
Our Commitment is Forever’ to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the
Khanasor Expedition and the 25th anniversary of the Lisbon 5. Sponsored by
the ‘Armen Garo’ ARF Gomideh and the New York ‘Hyortik’ AYF Chapter.
Commemorative program includes feature documentary. Begins at 8:30 p.m. at
the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, N.Y. Free admission and
refreshments. A hokehankisd will be held the following day (Sunday, July 27)
in the Armenian Center of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Cathedral. For more
information call, call (718) 651-1530 or email armengaro@gmail.com.
JULY 26, 2008 . SUMMER BAR PARTY. Join the New York ‘Hyortik’ AYF Chapter
for their Annual Summer Bar Party. Begins at 8 p.m. at Latitude Bar in New
York City (783 8th Ave. b/w 47th & 48th St.) Drink specials until 10 p.m.
21+ to enter. Admission $20 with RSVP by emailing hyortik@gmail.com; $25
without. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Armenian Relief
Society (ARS) Sponsor a Child Program.
AUG. 17, 2008 . STS. VARTANANTZ ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC and Blessing of the
Grapes Ceremony. From 1-5 p.m. at Dunkerhook Park, off Paramus Road, in
Paramus, N.J. All are welcome to enjoy delicious foods and desserts, music,
and a playground for the kids!
SEPT. 12, 2008 . COMEDIAN KEV ORKIAN from London performs his raucous
one-man piano comedy show at the 2nd Annual ANC-Professional Network Fall
Social. Doors open at 8 p.m. Post-bar party to follow. At the Grand Hyatt in
New York City. For tickets and information, email erpn@anca.org or call
(201) 233-9809.
SEPT.13, 2008 . ANCA-ER ANNUAL BANQUET. At the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York
City. Details to follow. Save the date! For more information, email
erbanquet@anca.org.
SEPT. 17, 2008 . CAPITOL HILL EVENT ON ARTSAKH INDEPENDENCE. Organized by
the Embassy of Armenia and the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
in cooperation with the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and
Armenian-American organizations. Featuring Members of Congress, Mark
Geragos, diplomats and community leaders. From 5-8 p.m. on Capitol Hill, the
Gold Room (Rayburn HOB #2168), in Washington, D.C. For more information,
contact the Embassy of Armenia by calling (202) 319-1976 or emailing
armembassyevent@speakeasy.net; or the NKR Office by calling (202) 223-4330
or emailing office@nkrusa.org.
SEPT. 25, 2008 . STS. VARTANANTZ 6TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING. Lunch, dinner,
golf, and more. At the River Vale Country Club. Shotgun starts at 12:45 p.m.
For reservations or more information, call Mark Alashaian at (201) 483-3200,
Rich Krikorian at (201) 664-6885, Sarkis Shirinian at (201) 307-0825, or the
church office at (201) 943-2950.
SEPT. 27, 2008 . HAROUT PAMBOUKJIAN CONCERT. In celebration of the 90th
anniversary of the Homenetmen. Sponsored by the Homenetmen Eastern Region
Executive. Organized by the Homenetmen of New Jersey. At the Crowne Plaza
Hotel, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, N.J. For tickets ($90) or for more
information, call Silva Takvorian at (201) 779-6744; Anto Darakjian at (201)
410-0582; Zareh Haroutunian at (201) 684-0824; or Raffi Yacoubian at (201)
233-1935.
SEPT. 28, 2008 . PIANIST SAHAN ARZRUNI and friends present ‘Ins and Outs:
Armenian composers of Asia Minor’ in celebration of the 175th anniversary of
the foundation of the Surp Prgich Armenian National Hospital in Istanbul.
Begins at 3 p.m. at Merkin Hall, 129 W 67 St. in New York City. For tickets,
call either the Merkin box office at (212) 501-3330, Arto at (718) 937-7660,
or Araxie at (201) 227-9615.
OCT. 3-5, 2008 . JAG. The AYF’s annual Junior Athletic Games (JAG) will be
held in Philadelphia this year. For more information, email cjc@ayf.org.
More details to come.
MARCH 28, 2009 . ARS CENTENNIAL GALA BANQUET at the Yale Club, 50 Vanderbilt
Ave. at 44th St. in New York. Cocktails from 7-8:30 p.m.; dinner from
8:30-12; premium open bar throughout the night. Donation: $250 per person.
MID-WEST
AUG. 28-SEPT. 1, 2008 . AYF-YOARF 75th ANNIVERSARY OLYMPICS IN DETROIT.
Thurs., Aug. 28-Pre-Olympics party with music by DJ ESSO. Fri., Aug.
29-AYF/Alumni golf tournament (Dearborn Country Club); swim meet (Northville
High School); Detroit’s famous Alumni Party with Armenian music by the
Johnites/Ara Topouzian and guest musicians; and the AYF Dance featuring
Harout Pamboukjian and His Band from California. Sat., Aug. 30-Tennis
(Dearborn High School); softball games/picnic (Levagood Park); Armenian
music by the Ara Topouzian Ensemble; and the 75th reunion dinner banquet
with Armenian music by the All-Stars (Onnik, Hachig, John, Bruce, and Ara),
the Nigosian Band, and Aravod. Sun., Aug. 31-Track and field (Harrison High
School); Sunday Night Grand Ball with Armenian music by the All-Stars; and
Hook-Up immediately following the Grand Ball with music by Aravod and DJ
ESSO. Mon., Sept. 1-Farewell picnic (Armenian Community Center) with music
by the Nigosian Band. For more information on the weekend and Hye Pass, 75th
anniversary tickets, and the Ad Book, visit To reserve
a room at the Hyatt Regency-Dearborn, call 1-800-233-1234 and ask for the
AYF rate ($119/night).
OCT. 16-19, 2008 . ‘THE ARMENIAN APOCALYPTIC TRADITION.’ Second
international conference by the Armenian Studies Programs at the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. (The
first conference was organized by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and
took place in Jerusalem in 2007.) The Ann Arbor conference will highlight
the Armenian Apocalyptic tradition, and in a comparative context, in both
literature and the arts. Scholars from Armenia, Europe, and the U.S. will
discuss eschatological and millennial themes, visions and prophecies,
maledictions and revelations, origins and apocrypha, and related topics.
Papers will highlight apocalyptic themes common to the Syriac, Byzantine,
Coptic, Ethiopic, Slavonic, Georgian and Armenian traditions, or comparative
aspects of one or more of these traditions. The proceedings will be
published as a volume in English. Professor Kevork B. Bardakjian is the main
convener of the conference. Open to the public. For more information,
contact Gloria Caudill by calling (734) 763-0622 or emailing
gcaudill@umich.edu.
INTERNATIONAL
SUMMER 2008 . ARS, INC. MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE. The Armenian Relief Society,
Inc. hosts a Mediterranean cruise leaving from Barcelona, Spain, and sailing
to France, Italy, Greece and Croatia during the summer of 2008. The 12-night
cruise will be aboard one of the world’s top-ranked ships, the Celebrity
Cruiseline’s ‘Summit.’ For more information about this once-in-a-lifetime
cruise, the following contacts are available: Those residing in the ARS
Eastern USA region east of the Mississippi River should call Helen
Darakdjian at (248) 302-1660. Those residing in the ARS Western USA region
west of the Mississippi River should call Knar Avedissian at (818) 425-9493
or (818) 246-1383. For reservations, contact Travel Group International by
calling (561) 447-0750; emailing ARScruise@ travelgroup int.com; or writing
to 125 SE Mizner Blvd., Suite 14, Boca Raton, FL 33432.
SEPT. 18-OCT. 2, 2009 . RENEWAL OF FAITH PILGRIMAGE TO ARMENIA. On the
occasion of the Blessing of Holy Chrism (Muron) and the 17th anniversary of
Armenian independence. Trip highlights include the Blessing of the Holy
Chrism; a private audience with Catholicos Karekin II; a private tour of
Holy Etchmiadzin; tours of historic churches and monasteries; a Karabakh
excursion; Vesper services; and a faith renewal seminar. Organized by the
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. For more information, call the
Diocesan office at (818) 558-7474 or email renewfaith2008@gmail.com.
SEPT.30-OCT. 14, 2008 . ARMENIAN HERITAGE TOURS. Sites include Yerevan, Khor
Virap, Noravank, Areni, Haghbat, Sanahin, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Echmiadzin
Cathedral, Sardarabad, Tzaghkadzor, Garni, Geghart and many more. Departing
from Washington, D.C. or New York. Includes stays at the Marriott Armenia
Hotel. From $2,430 + tax per person based on double occupancy. Optional
excursion to Karabagh (3 days, 2 nights) for $300. For more information,
contact Maro Asatoorian by calling (301) 340-1011; emailing
asatoorian@msn.com; or visiting
OCT. 25, 2008 . AYF REUNION DANCE. Presented by the ARFYOC Toronto ‘Simon
Zavarian’ Chapter AYF Alumni in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the
AYF. Music by Hachig Kazarian, John Berberian, Onnik Dinkjian, Kenny
Kalajian, and Jason Naroian. At the Armenian Community Centre, 45 Hallcrown
Place in Toronto, Canada. For tickets, call Lucille Hamparian at (416)
424-3161. To reserve a room at the Radisson (55 Hallcrown Place), call (416)
493-7000.
JAN. 11-18, 2009 . ARMENIAN HERITAGE CRUISE XII. Sails from Ft. Lauderdale
to Western Caribbean new ports of Conzumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras;
Belize, Central America; and Grand Cayman Island. Prices from $813. For
information, call TravelGroup International at 1-866-447-0750. On the
Eastcoast, call Antranik Boudakian at (718) 575-0142 or visit
www.armenianheritage cruise.com.