13:00, 18 July 2022
YEREVAN, JULY 18, ARMENPRESS. 629 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Armenia in the past one week, the ministry of health said.
The total number of confirmed cases has reached 424,400.
5681 tests were conducted within a week.
No death case has been registered. The death toll stands at 8626.
The number of recoveries rose by 311, bringing the total to 413,354.
The number of active cases is 736.
10:10,
YEREVAN, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Justice Yeranuhi Tumanyants participated in the final conference on Judiciary Reforms and Access to Justice organized by the EU, the IRZ (German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation) and the Latvian Judicial Administration as part of the Consolidation of the Justice System in Armenia.
In opening remarks, Tumanyants thanked the EU and the IRZ, the Consolidation of the Justice System in Armenia Team leader Peter Gjortler and other international partners for the productive cooperation and positive results.
The final meeting of the program’s steering committee was held on the same day.
Deputy Minister Tumanyants underscored the importance of the work aimed at establishing an Arbitration Center and a new Correctional Facility in Armenia with close cooperation and support from the EU.
Tumanyants noted that by the 2020-2021 Eastern Partnership index, as a result of cooperation with the EU and the implemented reforms Armenia recorded positive progress in the areas of anti-corruption and judicial independence, surpassing all other Eastern Partnership countries.
The Deputy Minister said that parallel with the adoption of the Judicial-Legal Strategy, the Ministry of Justice will be consistent in implementing the outlined actions under the Consolidation of the Justice System in Armenia program and the strategy.
12:14,
YEREVAN, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS. Chinese President Xi Jinping wished his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden a speedy recovery from coronavirus in a message on Friday, Reuters reports citing state television.
Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19, had mild symptoms and would work in isolation, the White House said on Thursday.
15:29,
YEREVAN, JULY 20, ARMENPRESS. The government of Mexico is providing scholarships to foreign nationals, including the citizens of Armenia, who wish to study in Mexican educational institutions, the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport said.
“Applications should be submitted online. The deadline is July 24, 2022, 23:59 Mexico time (14:59 Armenia time).
Details are available here.
In case of other questions, those interested could send an e-mail to [email protected]”, the ministry said.
Entrance to the Sergei Parajanov Museum (Courtesy of the museum)
Nestled on the cliffside of Dzoragyugh, a former district of historical Yerevan, stands the Sergei Parajanov Museum, a former workshop of a carpenter. But how did this marvelous museum, in dedication to a worldwide film icon, come to be? Designer and chief architect of the museum, Arshak Ghazaryan, lifts the veil to reveal the difficult journey to immortalize Parajanov’s artwork.
While initially striving to become a painter like his father, who instructed many of the great Armenian painters of the 20th century, Ghazaryan ended up falling in love with architecture and graduated from Yerevan State Polytechnic University in 1976 with a degree in the field.
Ghazaryan worked on many projects during his career as an architect. He worked in the ARMSTATE Project Institute, which took on a multitude of projects. In 1983 he became the chief architect for the Dzoragyugh Ethnographic District Project, which operated under the Department of Preservation and Restoration of Historical Monuments, the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. In the future, the Sergei Parajanov Museum would become part of the Dzoragyugh Ethnographic District Project.
In 1988, photographer and director of the Folk Art Museum, Zaven Sargsyan, who later became the director of the Sergei Parajanov Museum, brought Parajanov’s collection of collages from Tbilisi, Georgia to Yerevan. These collages were created by Parajanov during his imprisonment and were said to have saved his life while in captivity. An exhibition was created, and many Armenians and foreign visitors came to view it, including Ghazaryan.
Ghazaryan and many other artists like Sargsyan and Grigor Khanjyan believed in the necessity of a house-museum for Parajanov. After witnessing the exhibition at the Folk Art Museum, Ghazaryan came up with the idea of a site in the Dzoragyugh Ethnographic District.
Ghazaryan relayed this idea to Khanjyan, the informal advisor of fine art to Karen Demerdjian and the curator for the Dzoragyugh Ethnographic District Project. Khanjyan went to Demerdjian and requested that the cliffside building in Dzoragyugh, only half-built at the time, should be gifted to Parajanov as a house-museum.
“Demerdjian agreed, and the decision was made,” said Ghazaryan in a recent interview with the Weekly. “After that, Parajanov’s other artwork was brought from Tbilisi [to Yerevan] overnight. It was a major project. We were rushing for that building to be given to him because Parajanov was already sick.”
Parajanov was seriously ill with diabetes at the time, and his health was failing, often struggling to walk.
Architect Arshak Ghazaryan, filmmaker Sergei Parajanov and former Sergei Parajanov House-Museum director, Zaven Sargsyan pictured outside the work-in-progress museum. Photographer unknown.
Ghazaryan met Parajanov for the first time outside the future house-museum. Even though this was their first meeting in person, Ghazaryan felt as if he had met Parajanov long ago when he first watched Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors on television.
“My impression of him had already been formed 20 years ago when I was a teenager,” recalled Ghazaryan. “For me, he was a spring of pride, an Armenian and a great artist. The most important element was that even though he had done so much work and had so much knowledge, he had no arrogance whatsoever.”
Together, they toured the building as Ghazaryan explained the vision for the project: a space for an art studio, museum and living area.
Inner courtyard of the Sergei Parajanov Museum (Courtesy of the museum)
“I was anxiously waiting to hear what he had to say. I asked, ‘What would you advise us to do better?’ He said, ‘Continue like this. Whatever you have done is good.’”
As construction got underway in 1988, the Karabakh movement had begun as well. After that, everything began to get complicated.
“But in every situation, Karen Demerdjian, Grigor Khanjyan and city hall were doing everything so that construction could continue. It was going very slowly. Then construction stopped, not because of the movement, but because there was a complaint written to Moscow by a nearby tenant.”
Complaints were issued that the building violated many codes and that it was disturbing those living nearby. This delayed construction until mid-1989, as Ghazaryan and his team worked to garner approval again and prove that they were, in fact, not in violation of any codes.
“We were rushing. We all understood that we had to be quick so that he could live there at least one day for it to become a house-museum.”
Everyone working on the project was in a hurry because in 1989, Parajanov had been diagnosed with lung cancer, and his health was rapidly declining. He underwent a pneumonectomy, a lung removal surgery, that same year in Moscow, but his condition unfortunately did not improve. Despite this, he was still active, even traveling to Germany in 1990 where he received an award and announced the creation of his house-museum and workshop.
On July 17, 1990, he returned to Yerevan extremely ill and was taken to the hospital.
“The last time I saw him was in the hospital. In three days, he died…on July 20,” shared Ghazaryan.
Parajanov was a beloved artist, filmmaker, director and a champion for artistic liberation. His artwork still continues to inspire the modern world and has even shaped pop culture in America. He never got to see the museum come into complete fruition and was never able to live in it. Thus, the museum is not considered a house-museum. The museum officially opened in the summer of 1991, a year after his death.
Entrance hall of the Sergei Parajanov Museum (Courtesy of the museum)
“Parajanov would go in and out of the museum during its construction,” said Ghazaryan. “His energy remained in the museum. That is why the museum lives on today.”
While talking about the final moments that he spent with Parajanov, Ghazaryan said, “We didn’t speak. We just looked at each other. Before he died, he kept saying over and over again ‘I will live in Dzoragyugh.’ I told him very quietly, ‘Dzoragyugh is waiting for you.’”
The Sergei Parajanov Museum atop the Hrazdan Gorge in Yerevan (Courtesy of the museum)
Hosted by Searsport Shores Oceanfront Campground, Saturday July 23 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer in Maine is all about eating outdoors – the pleasure of long sunny days, and farm stands overflowing with heirloom tomatoes, glorious salad greens, local cheese, and baked goods galore. With beautiful picnic spots and delicious food around every corner, Astrig Koltookian Tanguay likes to say, “I think we should be called the ‘Picnic State’ instead of the ‘Pine Tree State’!”
Astrig – whose family is originally from Armenia – and her husband Steve run the award-winning Searsport Shores Oceanfront Campground, where eating al fresco is a way of life. This will be their second year of hosting an Armenian picnic in conjunction with the Armenian Cultural Association of Maine and the Makers Guild of Maine. ”It’s a great way to celebrate our beautiful surroundings, the region’s wonderful produce, and share our cultural heritage with friends, neighbors and visitors to Maine, ” explains Astrig, “ Plus we had so many people asking us to do it again.”
There will be authentic shish kebab sizzling on the outdoor grill, and great bowls of fragrant rice pilaf, handmade hummus and vegetarian falafel. Armenian “pizza” – lamejun – will be baked to order in the wood fired oven along with puffy pita breads, and there will be trays of homemade paklava and other middle eastern sweets for dessert. Coffee lovers will get the rare chance to taste genuine Armenian coffee – a potent espresso like brew – boiled up in a traditional jazzve with sugar and spice to taste.
Armenian and Middle Eastern music will be provided by master Oud player and recording artist Leo Derderian, accompanied by veteran musician Bob Arzigian and friends. There will also be traditional folk dancing and the opportunity to learn the steps and join in.
Picnic-goers are invited simply to relax in the campground’s gardens with their spectacular views of Penobscot Bay or explore the rocky shoreline and woodland trails. “Middle Easterns are known for their hospitality” says Astrig, “and all are welcome!”
This exciting new addition to the Midcoast calendar is the latest in a long tradition of Summer Picnics organized by Armenian communities around New England. “The earliest of these American Armenian Picnics go back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, “Astrig explains. “When Armenians first sought refuge here, they were leaving behind farms, orchards, and villages that their families had lived in for generations. Many had to make new lives in industrial towns and cramped apartments. Summer picnics – often organized by the Armenian Church — became a lifeline, reconnecting communities with the outdoors and each other, and keeping memories, customs, and Armenian culture alive.”
Searsport’s Armenian Picnic is being sponsored by three organizations: (1) The Makers Guild of Maine, a local nonprofit that promotes the ongoing value of heritage skills – and making things by hand, or at home, or in the community. (2) The Armenian Cultural Association of Maine, a Portland based nonprofit dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the Armenian culture and heritage in all aspects of life through the enhancement of its language, education, art, music, dance, literature, singing, theater, and sports. (3) Flying Shoes of Belfast a nonprofit dedicated to bolstering the spirited dance and music community of Midcoast Maine.
Admission is free and food will be available for purchase, but advance booking is strongly recommended as last year’s feast sold out fast,
Proceeds and donations from the event will be donated to the Mughdusian Studio Center in Yerevan Armenian. The Center was founded in 2014 with the goal of achieving social justice through art.
Searsport Shores Ocean Campground is located at 216 West Main St. (Route 1) Searsport, Maine 04974.
Please bring friends and family, leave pets at home and wear comfortable walking shoes. Handicapped parking is available.
For more information please visit: www.makersguildmaine.org/armenian-picnic/ or www.campocean.com or call the campground at 207-548-6059.
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/07/11/bdn-maine/celebrate-summer-with-a-traditional-armenian-picnic-in-the-midcoast/
ALSO READ
Celebrate summer with a traditional Armenian Picnic – Waldo County VillageSoup
11:11,
YEREVAN, JULY 15, ARMENPRESS. Lilit Makunts, Armenian Ambassador to the United States, met with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), the Embassy of Armenia to the USA said on social media.
Ambassador Makunts presented Armenia's position on regional developments during the meeting with Senator Van Hollen.
Ambassador Makunts referred to the humanitarian issues followed by the 44-day war and emphasized the importance of the repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and other civilians detained in Azerbaijan.
Joint efforts aimed at further enhancement of Armenian-American relations were discussed with Congresswoman Lee.
Ambassador Makunts handed over “Mkhitar Gosh” State Awards to US legislators on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and the United States and for significant contribution to the development of Armenian-American relations.
Co-chairman of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organization in France and Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau member Franck Papazian has been banned from entering Armenia, he said on Thursday.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that I was barred from entering Armenia last night,” he wrote on Facebook. “By the order of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, I have been declared persona non grata in Armenia.”
He said the Armenian police escorted him back onto the Air France plane and took his passport.
“I knew that I was banned from entering Turkey and Azerbaijan. Now I am denied entry into Pashinyan's Armenia as well,” Papazian said.
“After 40 years of hard work for Armenia and the Armenian cause, It’s extremely painful to find myself in such a situation. Nikol Pashinyan’s decision once again indicates that he is not up to the responsibilities incumbent on him.
“Pashinyan is strong when he asks his police to expel an activist of the Armenian cause. Can you imagine this little leader talking with Erdogan or Aliev? Sooner or later, the Armenian people will realize that they will have to get rid of this leader who is making every effort to weaken Armenia. The Diaspora will also realize it. But it’s high time to tell him to stop,” he stated.
12:09,
YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović on the occasion of Statehood Day, the PM’s Office said.
The letter reads as follows,
“Your Excellency,
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and myself, I warmly congratulate you and the friendly people of Montenegro on the occasion of Statehood Day, wishing your country and people peace and progress.
Armenia highly values the development of friendly relations with Montenegro and is determined to strengthen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the peoples of Armenia and Montenegro. I also attach great importance to the re-establishment of partnership between the municipal authorities of Yerevan and Podgorica.
I am confident that with joint efforts we will manage to further enrich and strengthen our bilateral agenda, which will be greatly facilitated also by high-level mutual visits.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration”.
By Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian, coordinator of church relations of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
AMAA Stepanavan Center
On July 3, 2022, overseas visitors and local church members made their way to the north of Armenia, to the city of Stepanavan, to offer praises to God for his many blessings, particularly for a trio of observances: the dedication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s (AMAA) newly constructed building of Ministry Center, the dedication of the renovated Evangelical Church of Armenia (ECA) building, and the service of praise and thanksgiving to God on the 175th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church.
Children dancing at AMAA Stepanavan Center dedication
All three events were to have taken place one year ago, upon completion of the construction and reconstruction work, but due to the global pandemic everything was postponed. Nonetheless, AMAA staff and volunteers from the church were on hand and prepared to welcome the busloads of people and guide them to the stairs of the Center. A group of young girls in traditional costumes from the AMAA center’s dance group performed a graceful Armenian dance to open the ceremony. Invoking Psalm 127:1, AMAA president Dr. Nazareth Darakjian offered words of challenge to keep God as the foundation of the Center’s work, while AMAA executive director Zaven Khanjian spoke words of gratitude toward the benefactors who wished to honor the memory of three generations of their forbears, all for the good of today’s Armenia. ECA Senior Pastor Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian offered a prayer of dedication for the work that already began and will continue in this facility. The ribbon was cut, and the dedicatory plaque was unveiled. The Center’s workers began taking visitors to tour the myriad facilities within the building, which serves the needs of Stepanavan’s children in school subjects, the arts, as well as social and psychological needs.
Zaven Khanjian thanks the donors of Stepanavan Center
The group had to move across the grounds to the church sanctuary as the worship service was about to begin. The church’s pastor Rev. Hrant Badalyan opened the service with prayer and led the overall service, while the choir and pianist led the congregation in singing the Doxology, “Fairest Lord Jesus” and “The Church’s One Foundation.” Participants included pastors from all of the Armenian Evangelical Unions, beginning with Rev. Joel Mikaelian’s greetings to all in the congregation in the name of the Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC).
Dr. Nazareth Darakjian brought a special message to the service, reminding the church that God resides not in manmade structures, but in the hearts of the people who comprise the church. Khanjian exhorted the church to make their aim to develop Christian character in young and old and to bring those virtues to help guide the Armenian nation in the ways of God. Following these words, Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian gave a prayer of dedication for the 175th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church and its mission.
Shifting the focus to the dedication of the refurbished church building, Rev. Albert Paytyan, ECA president, presented a historical narrative of the Armenian Evangelical community of Stepanavan, dating from over a century ago, and noting that the Stepanavan church was the first church structure to be built by the AMAA in Armenia. Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian’s moving prayer of dedication for the church brought each aspect of the worship life of the Armenian Evangelical community of Stepanavan before God, asking for the Holy Spirit to be present at every moment in their corporate and individual lives.
In his sermon, Rev. Badalyan applied the message of “Where Is Christ?” (Rev. 3:20) to the special occasions being celebrated that day, as well as to the individual lives of believers any day. With humor as well as conviction, he spoke of the ways Christians keep Christ from entering into their inner world and exhorted all to be warm-hearted toward the Lord as the key to the vitality of the local as well as worldwide church.
In closing the service with the singing the Lord’s Prayer, the hundreds in attendance expressed their unity in Christ and their love for the Armenian nation. After the service ended, the enthusiastic interaction between worshipers continued, while tours resumed next door. A generous table was spread for visitors to enjoy lunch and fellowship, with singers presenting Armenian songs and bringing hosts and guests alike to their feet in Armenian dancing. After exchanging farewells and promises of meeting again in Armenia, the attendees began their long journey back to Yerevan and onward, with God’s praises in their hearts for these days of blessing.
Guests at AMAA Stepanavan Center opening