Author: Nahapetian Lilit

ARMENIA CONGRATULATES NEW TURKISH PRESIDENT
By Ruben Meloyan

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Aug 29 2007

President Robert Kocharian and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian
joined world leaders on Wednesday in congratulating Abdullah Gul on
his election as Turkey’s president.

Kocharian’s office did not release any details of what is a rare
congratulatory message sent from Yerevan to Ankara.

Kocharian, who is currently in Greece on a private visit, received an
official congratulation from Gul’s predecessor, Ahmet Necdet Sezer,
after his reelection in 2003.

"There is much work to be done in this region, and I am sure you will
bring your contribution to global peace and prosperity," Oskanian said
in a separate letter to Gul released by the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

Gul repeatedly met with Oskanian in his previous capacity as Turkey’s
foreign minister to discuss ways of normalizing strained relations
between their countries. No major progress was made during the talks.

Armenia and Turkey have no diplomatic relations, with successive
governments in Ankara making their establishment conditional on
a resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and an end to the
long-running Armenian campaign for international recognition of the
1915 genocide in the Ottoman Empire. The current Turkish government,
formed by Gul’s Islamist-leaning Justice and Development Party (AKP),
has essentially stuck to those preconditions despite showing signs
of a softening of Turkish policy on Armenia.

Accordingly, few politicians and analysts in Yerevan expect a rapid
improvement of Turkish-Armenian as a result of Gul’s election. Giro
Manoyan, a senior member of the governing Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), also argued that Turkish presidents have
had little say in the formulation of government policies.

"Turkey’s president is not in charge of foreign policy," Manoyan told
RFE/RL. "That is the government’s prerogative."

Manoyan further pointed to the volatility of the political situation in
Turkey where the powerful military has been at odds with the AKP-led
government and openly opposed Gul’s election. "One thing is clear:
Armenia needs a stable and predictable Turkey," he said.

Another analyst, Stepan Safarian of the opposition Zharangutyun party,
predicted that Turkey will now come under stronger Western pressure to
establish diplomatic relations and open its land border with Armenia.

Incidentally, Zharangutyun leader Raffi Hovannisian also congratulated
the new Turkish president. "It is to be hoped that, during your tenure
and that of the next Armenian president to be elected in several
months’ time, Turkish-Armenian relations will enter a wholly new phase
of reflection, exploration, discovery, and ultimate normalization,"
Hovannisian wrote in a letter made public by his party’s press service.

"The deep divides between our countries, be they of contemporary
character or part of the legacy of the Great Armenian Dispossession,
must be overcome and resolved in truth, with integrity, and through
the partnership of the two new leaders and their fellow citizens of
good faith and conscience," he said. "May God grant you the vision,
commitment, and health to achieve that day."

NO ARRESTS AS SLAIN ARMENIAN PROSECUTOR BURIED
By Karine Simonian in Vanadzor

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Aug 27 2007

A senior Armenian prosecutor murdered over the weekend was buried on
Monday in the presence of top government and law-enforcement officials
who pledged to identify and punish the perpetrators of the latest
high-profile killing.

Albert Ghazarian, the chief prosecutor of the northern Lori region,
was shot dead outside his home in the regional capital Vanadzor
on Saturday night. Law-enforcement authorities swiftly launched a
criminal investigation conducted by a team of prosecutors, police
officers and investigators from the National Security Service (NSS).

A spokesman for President Robert Kocharian issued a special statement
the next morning strongly condemning the murder. The Office of
the Prosecutor-General said "all necessary measures to clarify all
circumstances of the crime and identify the guilty." No arrests were
reported as of Monday evening.

Ghazarian’s funeral in Vanadzor was attended by Prime Minister Serzh
Sarkisian, Justice Minister Gevorg Danielian and Prosecutor-General
Aghvan Hovsepian. The latter cut short his vacation to personally
oversee the ongoing inquiry.

Hovsepian’s written message to his subordinates was read out during
the funeral by Deputy Prosecutor-General Mnatsakan Sargsian. It
described the killing as a "desperate reaction from criminals who
are in their death throes." "I am confident that all circumstances
of the crime will be fully uncovered and the guilty will get their
deserved punishment," read the message.

Investigators have so far refused to be drawn on any theories of the
crime considered by them. It is not clear if any of those theories
relates to Ghazarian’s strained relationship with Vanadzor Mayor Samvel
Darpinian. It was exposed when the slain prosecutor’s son-in-law,
Gagik Hovsepian, was controversially defeated by Darpinian during the
last mayoral election held in Armenia’s third largest city. Ghazarian
subsequently clashed with Darpinian over what he considered illegal
allocations of municipal land.

The Vanadzor mayor was also among several local officials, including
Lori’s former Governor Henrik Kochinian, implicated in a embezzlement
case brought by the Lori prosecutor’s office last June. They are
suspected of a large-scale theft of equipment from a local sewage
works which allegedly occurred during the 1990s.

A spokeswoman for the Prosecutor-General’s Office, Sona Truzian,
refused to specify whether the investigators see a possible link
between this and the murder. "In the interests of the investigation,
no information about steps taken by investigators will be released
for the time being," she told RFE/RL. "As for the theories of the
crime discussed during the investigation, they are not subject to
publication."

Darpinian, meanwhile, was conspicuously absent from the funeral.

Witnesses said an official from the mayor’s office who visited
Ghazarian’s house to offer his and his boss’s condolences met with
a hostile reception from the slain prosecutor’s relatives.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Aug 22 2007

Arif Mammadov: Some issues have not been agreed regarding visit of
Council of Europe’s mission on monitoring of cultural monuments

[ 22 Aug 2007 19:57 ]

We are informed of the visit of Parliamentary Assembly of Council of
Europe (PACE) mission for monitoring of cultural monuments to the
South Caucasus region, and this visit is due to take place,
Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to Council of Europe,
Ambassador Arif Mammadov told the APA’s Europe bureau.

He stated that there are some issues that have not yet agreed. First
one is related to choosing route to Nagorno Karabakh. The second
issue is to visit not only Nagorno Karabakh but also
Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani regions.
`All these issues are being discussed with Azerbaijani Foreign
Ministry and other related bodies. It was also underlined in the
letter that the FM sent to Council of Europe,’ he said.
Mr.Mammadov also stated that the mission’s visit to Armenia should
not be restricted with Yerevan only.
`As far as we know, Azerbaijan’s cultural-historical monuments have
been destructed by Armenians. The mission should investigate this
issue,’ he said. /APA/

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE

Azat Artsakh Daily
24-08-2007
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]

The NKR President Arcady Ghoukasian sent a message of condolence,
in connection with the death of armenian distinguished artist Rudolf
Khachatrian. The message says,"I’ve received with deep regret the news
about the death of RA well-known people’s artist. At that instant of
irreparable loss for armenian culture I want to present my sincere
condolences to the family of deserved artist, to his relatives,
to all art lover society, and I wish patience and courage". The
President Arcady Ghoukasian sent also a message of condolence to the
family of highly talented artist Eduard Isabekian. "I’ve informed
with deep pain about the death of one of the highly talented sons
of armenian people, RA people’s artist Eduard Isabekian. The works
of distinguished artist are achievements of armenian pictorial,
which make always an unforgettable impression on the memories of
art lover society. I present my sincere condolences to the relatives
of well-known artist, to his talent’s admirers of many thousands",-
the message says (General Information Office close by the President).

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

August 23, 2007

ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE ACKNOWLEDGES GENOCIDE
A front-page article written by Keith O’Brien in yesterday’s Boston
Globe, describes how "the national director [Abraham Foxman] of the
Anti-Defamation League bowed to pressure from both Jewish and Armenian
American communities and officially acknowledged the genocide of Armenians
at the hands of Ottoman Turkey more than 90 years ago."
O’Brien explains how the debate began locally weeks ago in Watertown,
home to more than 8,000 Armenian Americans. Some residents there, he said,
became upset when they learned that the ADL, which had long refused to
acknowledge the genocide, was the sponsor of the town’s anti-bigotry
program, No Place For Hate. The Watertown Town Council voted to pull out of
the program. Other towns followed.
The Boston Globe has been filled with stories, editorials, op-ed
columns, and letters during the past few weeks on this matter.
Although the national ADL has changed its policy in recognizing the
genocide, it remains against the passing of the congressional resolution on
the Armenian Genocide, using the same rhetoric used by the Turkish
government that this is best left to historians, implying that the Armenian
genocide is debatable. The New England regional director, Andrew Tarsy, was
fired by Foxman earlier because of Tarsy’s public support of the genocide
resolution. His firing prompted the resignation of at least two board
members and a general outcry of outrage. There is speculation that he will
be reinstated.
To read the entire Boston Globe article by Keith O’Brien click
/22/adl_chief_bows_to_critics/.
To read "Truth and The Armenian Genocide" by Jeff Jacoby click
n/oped/articles/2007/08/22/no_room_to_deny_genocid e/.

DIVINE LITURGY DURING OLYMPICS WEEKEND
The 74th annual Olympics of the Armenian Youth Federation is being
sponsored by the New Jersey Arsen chapter. On Sunday, September 2, Badarak
will be celebrated at the Sheraton Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New
Jersey, the headquarters of the Olympics. The Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan,
will preside and the Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, will officiate. All are
invited to attend. Choir members are encouraged to join the ad hoc choir.
For information about the weekend events and directions go to

CATHOLICOS ARAM I MEETS WITH PATRIARCH SFEIR
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, met with
Patriarch Sfeir (Maronite Catholic Church) on August 17. In a subsequent
statement to the press, Catholicos Aram said: "On the basic challenges
confronting Lebanon, Patriarch Sfeir’s and our viewpoints are similar. We
support His Beatitude and find it important for all the spiritual leaders to
work together to bring Lebanon out of its current uncertain situation."
Speaking about the presidential election, he said: "All efforts must be
exerted to elect a new president within the time-period specified by the
constitution. The new president should be elected in Lebanon, by the
Lebanese and by consensus of all sides. The new president should be someone
who builds bridges of mutual understanding and trust between the different
sides, someone who works for the integrity, sovereignty and independence of
Lebanon."
His Holiness stressed the role of the church, noting that the church "is
the voice of truth, the apostle of justice and peace, the will of the
people, the promoter of moral values, the preacher of love and unity."
The Catholicos called on everyone "to transcend temporary interests,
stay away from the valueless political culture dominant in the country,
gather around Lebanon’s basic values and priorities, and work together for
strengthening the unity, sovereignty and integrity of Lebanon."

ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM CLERICS
VISIT CATHOLICOS ARAM I
A senior delegation of Muslim clerics representing the Association of
Muslim Clerics of Lebanon visited His Holiness Aram I on August 20. The
representative of the Armenian community in the Christian-Muslim Dialogue
Committee, Dr. Jean Salmanian, also attended the meeting.
The delegation expressed its support to the Armenian Pontiff,
particularly in light of his recently expressed national positions and the
importance he places on Christian-Muslim dialogue.
The Catholicos said: "We respect all our friends who support Lebanon be
they Arab Christians, Muslims or from the Western world. However, the
interests of Lebanon remain a priority for us. We do not have the right to
sacrifice Lebanon’s principal interests for the sake of our friendship or
other forms of attachments. Lebanon is home for all of us and as the
children of those in charge of it, we have the obligation to strengthen our
common home, its internal unity, sovereignty and independence."

IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click
.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of this
year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit about the
Armenian language and literature:
Armenian literature developed with the creation of the Armenian
alphabet, beginning with the translation of the Bible. The first texts to be
translated were the writing of the great Greek philosophers, politicians and
theologians. Being able to read these works gave the Armenians a more
universal outlook. Ironically, many works in Classical Greek, Latin and
other languages are available today only in their Armenian translations, the
originals being lost.
Modern Armenian literature began in the nineteenth century with the
writings of Khatchatour Abovian (1804-1848), who was the first author to
write in modern Armenian rather than classical Armenian. His most famous
work is The Wounds of Armenia.
Another great writer at this time was Raffi (Hagop Melik-Hakopian,
1837-1888), the grand romanticist of Armenian literature. He began as a poet
but turned to patriotic and historic novels after traveling through Turkish
Armenia and seeing the condition of the Armenians.
The literary tradition continued when Armenia came under communist rule
with writers and poets like Hovhaness Toumanian and Yeghishe Charentz in the
1920s and 30s. In the late 1960s a new generation of writers like Barouyr
Sevag, Kevork Emin, and Hovaness Shiraz began a new era of Armenian
literature.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, August 23, are: Jeremiah 1:1-10; 38:1-13; 2
Peter 2:9-22; Matthew 2:16-18.
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was
infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem
who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned
from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the
prophet Jeremiah:
"A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentations,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled, because they are no more." (Matthew 2:16-18)

For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click
.

"I HAVE A DREAM."
Next Tuesday is the 44th anniversary of the peaceful civil rights march
on Washington where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his electrifying "I
Have a Dream" speech.
On August 28, 1963, more than a quarter of a million people gathered on
the mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. It was a
day of speeches and performances by entertainers like Harry Belafonte,
Sidney Poitier, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan. As the sun set and evening
approached the keynote speaker standing on the steps in front of the Lincoln
Memorial began his speech to those assembled and to the tens of millions
watching on television. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., sensing the response
and mood of the crowd, at one point set aside his prepared text and
extemporaneously delivered a soul-stirring speech filled with biblical and
patriotic imagery and uplifting optimism. The speech immediately became
known as the "I have a dream" speech and today is considered to be one of
the most stirring and memorable orations of the twentieth century. One year
later the Civil Rights Act was passed, and Dr. King was awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize-at age 35 the youngest recipient.
If you would like to read the "I Have a Dream" speech click here.
(A video of the speech is on YouTube.)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 9-Annual picnic of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley at
American Legion Grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

September 9-St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, annual picnic at
Quartette Club grounds, New Britain.

September 9-St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York.
Annual picnic on the church grounds following church services. For
information 718-224-2275.

September 15-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, "The Moon*The
Stars*and All that Jazz." An evening of music and mezze under the stars,
presented by the Ladies Guild. For information 845-735-8713 or 201-445-6867.

September 25-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 4th annual golf outing at Juniper Hill Golf Course,
Northboro, Massachusetts. Registration at 8 am. Tee off at 9 am. $125
includes golf cart, dinner and prizes. For information 508-852-2414.

September 27-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 5th Annual Golf
Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. Registration
begins at 11 a.m. and tee time at 1 p.m. For information, 201-943-2950.

September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley. For information
or 508-234-3677.

October 7-St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, 82nd Anniversary
banquet, Marriott Hotel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

October 7-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, "Hello Ellis
Island," the latest production of The Way We Were Troupe, hosted by the
Ladies Guild, 1 pm. Lunch served. For information 201-943-2950.

October 18, 19, 20, 21-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Annual Food
Festival and Bazaar.

October 21-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, celebrating the
20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, under the
auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. For information
or 215-482-9200.

November 11-37th anniversary of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley and
ordination of Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte and stole bearer.
Presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the
Prelacy.

November 10-11-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual
"Armenian Fest," at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. For
information 401-831-6399.

November 17-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary
Banquet.

December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information or 508-234-3677.

December 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.

Visit our website at

ARAX OPENS ITS FIRST BRANCH IN JORDAN

Mena Report
0
Aug 21 2007
Jordan

Yesterday, the ARAX Restaurant for Falafil and sandwiches opened its
first branch in Jordan at Al-Madinah al-Munawwrah Street in Amman.

ARAX is a Lebanese restaurant which started as a family business in
1949 in the beating heart of Beirut as a Falafil restaurant. Success
was not achieved by chance but was the result of mastering the craft
in terms of quality. Accordingly, the name of ARAX started to shine
at more than 12 Lebanese branches and then opened branches in Syria,
the United States, and Canada. And now, the ARAX restaurants chain is
proud to open its first branch in the prestigious Hashemite Kingdom
of Jordan whereby Jordan’s riches will blend with the broad Lebanese
experience to offer the most delicious meals and a unique setting
with Narjilah (Habli babli) that has a Lebanese flavor.

The opening of the ARAX restaurant yesterday featured a unique
activity represented by a competition for eating the biggest amount
of a Falafil titled "Falafil Without Border". Taking part in the
competition was a big part of the audience who showed up to witness
the opening of the branch, and to take part in the competition which
was very enjoyable and added a competitive atmosphere, making the
opening light-hearted. At the end of the competition, prizes were
handed to the winners and participants.

ARAX restaurant derives its name from a river in Armenia. It started
to serve the famous Falafil meal with the fine Taratur and vegetables
sauce. Following the success of the Falafil meal, ARAX expanded its
menu to include other items like Armenian sandwiches (sausages and
Bastirma) and sea food.

However, ARAX gained its reputation for its distinctively light
Falafil meal that suits all types of people, not to mention that is
on diet programs of overweight people.

ARAX restaurant gained a lot of popularity from southern to northern
Lebanon to the extent that the street where ARAX is located was named
after it. Moreover, it is now one of the well-known landmarks in
Lebanon frequented by members of the society without exception. The
success of ARAX with its unique flavor continued and now it has come
to Jordan to start a new journey of success and excellence.

ARAX was a big success in all the countries where it opened branches.

Jordan will not be its last stop as it will soon enter the restaurants
business in the Arab Gulf and Europe.

"CANVASES OF EDWARD ISABEKIAN HAVE WORLDWIDE SONOROUSNESS"

Noyan Tapan
Aug 21, 2007

YEREVAN, AUGUST 21, NOYAN TAPAN. A governmental commission has been
created in connection with the death of Armenian people’s painter
Edward Isabekian with Hovik Abrahamian, the Deputy Prime Minister of
the Republic of Armenia, at the head. This governmental commission
spread a message on August 20, which runs as follows:

"The Armenian fine arts suffered a great loss: Armenian people’s
painter Edward Isabekian, a laurate of the RA state prize, a professor,
a citizen of honor of Yerevan, died at the age of 93. Edward Isabekian
was born in 1914 in the city of Igdir in the provice of Surmalu. After
moving to Yerevan with his family in 1918 he studied and graduated
from the Art-Industrial Technical College of Yerevan (at present Art
Academy after Terlemezian), then he continued his education in the
Art Academy of Tbilisi since 1935.

In the years of the Great Patriotic War he was at the front with Nairi
Zarian and Soghomon Taronts for the prupose of gathering materials
concerning the 89th Armenian division and creating art works.

Edward Isabekian was one of the founders of the Yerevan Art State
Institute, where he worked since 1945 and headed an art studio until
he died. During over 60 years of teaching he created his own school
and the scientific methodology of teaching, educated and brought up
at least three generations of talented artists.

In parallel with the lecturer’s work, Edward Isabekian was also
involved in public work: he was elected MP of the city council,
secretary of the Armenian painter’s union for many times.

He was the director of the State (currently, National) Picture-Gallery
of Armenia, where he made great efforts in the direction of enriching
funds and, particularly, saving national values of the past from being
lost. The branch of the Gallery in Gyumri was opened on his initiative.

The great talent of artist Isabekian has got different manifestations
both in art composition canvases and in noteworthy articles, public
speeches and memoirs dedicated to the main issues of art. Philantropy
and deep patriotism are the basis of the art of Edward Isabekian,
and the Armenian ideas, which are expressed in the images of Sasuntsi
David, Tsovinar, David Bek, Sayat-Nova, Aksel Bakunts, Tamantses and
other national great personalities in his works serve as sources of
inspiration for his art. His splendid canvases created with great
mastery and Armenian thinking also enjoy worldwide sonorousness. One
more evidence of his considerable investment in fine arts is the
fact that he was the founder of the thematic composition genre in
the Republic of Armenia, who was later followed by others. He has
left an indelible trace in the Armenian fine arts.

The highly valuable art of Isabekian has alsways been in the limelight
of artists. There are numerous researches, articles, and monographies
dedicated to him. The Armenian National Picture-Gallery has provided
a special hall for a permanent exhibition of the works of the artist.

Edward Isabekian received numerous awards and prizes , including the
"Saint Sahak – Saint Mesrop" order, for the noteworthy services done
in favor of his people and country during his merited life of many
years. He was also awarded with the title of a citizen of honor of
Yerevan. He was the Chairman of Honor of the "Igdir" compatriotic
union. The municipality of Yerevan made a decision to create a hall
for a permanent exhibition of the art works of Edward Isabekian during
his lifetime.

The memory of the fine person, the great artist and citizen will
always be bright in the hearts of the people and of all the admirers
of his light art.

The commission informs that the civil funeral of Edward Isabekian will
take place in Sayat-Nova 5 at 18:00 on August 21. The last farewell to
the painter will take place at the Aram Khachatrian concert hall of
the Opera and Ballet National Academic Theatre after Al. Spendiarian
between 12:30 and 14:00 on August 22, afterwards, the burial will be
held in the Komitas pantheon in Yerevan.

COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORT TO ZHIRAYR SEFILYAN FOR ABOLITION OF ARTICLE 301, CRIMINAL CODE OF ARMENIA

arminfo
2007-08-16 12:23:00

Committee for Support to Zhirayr Sefilyan comes out for cancellation
of Article 301, the Criminal Code of Armenia, Armen Aghayan, a member
of the Committee, Political Secretary of the public and patriotic
organization ‘For Protection of Liberated Territories,’ said at
a Roundtable, Thursday. He said Article 301 restricts freedom of
speech. Moreover, police use it against unwanted political figures.

To recall, Leader of the organization ‘For Protection of Liberated
Territories ‘ Zhirayr Sefilyan and his assistant Vardan Malkhasyan
were charged just with Article 301 (calls for forced overthrow of
power). The First Instance Court of Nork Marash and Center communities
declared Sefilyan not guilty in the first part of the charge (calls for
forced overthrow of power, Article 301.1) and sentenced him for 1.5
year of prison for (illegal keeping of weapons and armaments Article
235.1). Vardan Malkhasyan was sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment for
(calls for forced overthrow of power, Article 301.1).

Armen Aghayan urged the public organizations and political parties to
unite and demand cancellation of the article. However, the Committee
is ready for a compromise if the article cannot be cancelled
completely. He said it is necessary to reformulate the article in
order that it provides for punishment for specific calls accompanied
with specific acts or creation of a situation pregnant with the given
acts. However, he did not explain what specific acts he meant.

In general, the Roundtable was devoted to the trail against Sefilyan
and Malkhasyan. Armen Aghayan reiterated that the sentences were
groundless. He explained that Malkhasyan just expressed his opinion
of the incumbent authorities. ‘The authorities fear from justice and
brave statements addressed against ‘the untouchables’. If anyone is
brave enough to blame Robert Kocharyan or Serzh Sargsyan for anything,
this may dispel the myth of their inviolability,’ he said.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

August 16, 2007

PASSING OF JIRAIR S. HOVNANIAN; PRELATE WILL OFFICIATE
AT FUNERAL SERVICES TOMORROW
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, and the Executive Council received
the news of the passing of Jirair S. Hovnanian with deep sadness. Mr.
Hovnanian died on Tuesday, August 14, at his home in Mount Laurel, New
Jersey. He was 80 years old, a devoted deacon of the Armenian Church, a
pillar of the Eastern Prelacy, and a life-long member of St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, and a generous supporter of the Armenian
Sisters Academy and the Hovnanian School.
The family will receive visitors tonight at Bradley Funeral Home, Route
73 and Evesham Road, Marlton, New Jersey, 6 to 9 pm, and tomorrow morning
9:30 to 11:00 at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, 8701 Ridge Avenue,
Philadelphia. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., with the Prelate,
Archbishop Oshagan, officiating. Interment is at Lakeview Memorial Park in
Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
Mr. Hovnanian had an optimistic outlook on life that served him well in
his business and personal life. Born in Kirkuk, Iraq, where his father
Stepan K. Hovnanian, an Armenian refugee, was a well-known successful
builder, Mr. Hovnanian was the first of the Hovnanian brothers to come to
the United States in 1948. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s
Wharton School in 1952. His marriage to Elizabeth Vosbikian produced two
sons, Stephen and Peter, both of whom are executives in the building
business founded by their father, J. S. Hovnanian and Sons.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Lil), his sons and
daughters-in-law, Stephen and Nancy, and Peter and Theresa, six
grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his three
brothers and two sisters and their spouses: Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian,
Hirair and Anna Hovnanian, Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian, Ano and Raffi
Missirian, Dido and Sarkis Krikorian, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted for The Jirair S. and
Elizabeth Hovnanian Family Foundation, 900 Birchfield Drive, Mt. Laurel, NJ
08054. The Foundation supports charitable programs and academic
scholarships.
May his noble soul rest in peace.

WEEK OF PRAYER AND CONTEMPLATION
PRECEDES FEAST DAY
The Christian Education Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia
organized daily prayer and contemplation sessions in the Monastery of St.
Mary in Bikfaya, Lebanon, during the week of August 6 to 10. Bikfaya, a
small town in the mountains of Lebanon, is where the Cilician See’s seminary
and summer residence are located. The sessions began at 10 a.m. each
morning, providing the opportunity for the faithful to embrace the
centuries-old values of the Armenian Church. More than 150 believers
participated each day in the contemplation sessions, which included singing
hymns and reciting prayers written by our church fathers.
These sessions became an opportunity for spiritual renewal and
preparation for the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God last
Sunday which was attended by thousands of the Faithful.

PRELATE AND VICAR WILL VISIT WHITINSVILLE
This Sunday, August 19, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will
travel to Whitinsville, Massachusetts, to the parish of St. Asdvadzadzin
Church. His Eminence will preside over the Liturgy and the Blessing of the
Grapes. Bishop Anoushavan will be celebrant and preacher.

SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNA
Next Tuesday, August 21, the Armenian Church remembers Saints Joachim
and Anna, parents of Mary, mother of Christ. Very little is known about
them. According to tradition, Joachim and Anna were childless through years
of marriage and were reproached for their barrenness. Joachim fasted forty
days in the desert and both of them prayed for a child, but they placed
their trust in God’s will, whatever it may be. An angel appeared to each of
them, telling them they would be the parents of a child. That child was
Mary, who became mother of Jesus.

IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE.
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click
.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of this
year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit about the
Armenian language and literature:
"In the latter part of the tenth century and especially in the eleventh,
at the height of the period of Armenian independence under the Bagratids and
other minor rulers, sumptuous manuscripts were produced for kings, high
dignitaries of the church and other wealthy patrons. . After a lull of more
than a century following the Seljuk invasion, work was again resumed. The
political center was then no longer in Armenia but in Cilicia, on the shores
of the Mediterranean. Large numbers of the population had migrated there
after the conquest of their mother country and they established a barony
which was raised to the status of a kingdom with the coronation of Leo I in
1198. Soon after their arrival the Armenians founded scriptoria in different
monasteries and at the see of the catholicos, the head of the church, at
Hromkla. The art which flourished in these centers had its roots in the
Byzantinizing style of the luxurious manuscripts illustrated in Armenia in
the eleventh century, but Cilician painting was soon to develop along
original lines. Figural representations had at first been limited to the
portraits of the evangelists and to selected Gospel scenes. The latter
increased in number in the manuscripts copied in the course of the
thirteenth century, particularly in those which were illustrated at Hromkla
during the enlightened rule of the catholicos Constantine I, who was a great
patron of the arts. The head of the patriarchal scriptorium was then the
renowned painter T’oros Roslin. Seven manuscripts, signed by him and ranging
in date from 1256 to 1268, are preserved."
>From An Introduction to Armenian Manuscript Illumination: Selections from
the Collection in the Walters Art Gallery, by Sirarpie Der Nersessian,
Baltimore, Maryland, 1974.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, August 16, are: Proverbs 11:30-12:4; Zechariah
2:10-13; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; Luke 1:39-56.
Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your
midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that
day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in your midst. And you shall
know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. The Lord will inherit Judah
as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem. (Zechariah
2:10-13)
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click
.

ROBERT FULTON AND THE FIRST STEAMBOAT
The first successful steamboat trip took place 200 years ago on August
17, 1807, when Robert Fulton’s Clermont made the trip from New York City to
Albany, thus beginning commercial steam boating on the Hudson River. That
first trip took 32 hours.
Fulton conceived the idea of propelling boats by steam when he was quite
young, perhaps as young as twelve. While others also had the same idea and
were experimenting, he was the first to demonstrate that it could work with
the maiden voyage in 1807.
It has been said that Fulton proposed the idea of a steam ship to
Napoleon, and after listening to the concept, Napoleon incredulously said,
"You would make a ship sail against the winds and currents by lighting a
bonfire under her deck? Excuse me, I have no time to listen to such
nonsense." Fulton is buried at Trinity Church in the Financial District in
New York City.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 19-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church picnic. For information or 508-234-3677.

September 9-Annual picnic of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley at
American Legion Grounds in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

September 9-St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, annual picnic at
Quartette Club grounds, New Britain.

September 9-St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York.
Annual picnic on the church grounds following church services. For
information 718-224-2275.

September 15-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, "The Moon*The
Stars*and All that Jazz." An evening of music and mezze under the stars,
presented by the Ladies Guild. For information 845-735-8713 or 201-445-6867.

September 25-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, 4th annual golf outing at Juniper Hill Golf Course,
Northboro, Massachusetts. Registration at 8 am. Tee off at 9 am. $125
includes golf cart, dinner and prizes. For information 508-852-2414.

September 27-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 5th Annual Golf
Outing at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. Registration
begins at 11 a.m. and tee time at 1 p.m. For information, 201-943-2950.

September 29-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 50th
anniversary banquet at Pleasant Valley. For information
or 508-234-3677.

October 7-St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, 82nd Anniversary
banquet, Marriott Hotel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

October 7-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, "Hello Ellis
Island," the latest production of The Way We Were Troupe, hosted by the
Ladies Guild, 1 pm. Lunch served. For information 201-943-2950.

October 18, 19, 20, 21-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Annual Food
Festival and Bazaar.

October 21-St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, celebrating the
20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, under the
auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. For information
or 215-482-9200.

November 11-37th anniversary of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley and
ordination of Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte and stole bearer.
Presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the
Prelacy.

November 10-11-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual
"Armenian Fest," at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. For
information 401-831-6399.

November 17-Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary
Banquet.

December 1-Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual
church bazaar. For information or 508-234-3677.

December 9-St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary
celebration. For information, (617) 924-7562.

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RAFFI HOVHANNISIAN WAS IN ALL ELECTORAL DISTRICTS

Panorama.am
20:02 14/08/2007

Raffi Hovhannisian and his group of young activists in central
Yerevan’s 15th district have just completed their convention and
campaigning. They visited all 84 electoral districts. The party’s
press department gave notice of this convention.

"We passed the 80 villages of Talin, went from villages on the
highest peaks of Aragadz to the banks of the Akhourian and Araks,
where we presented our programs from the Parliament to the people,"
read the announcement.

According to the same announcement, Heritage will continue to
campaign in Yerevan and in the regions until election day, August
26, in order to better understand the opinions and points of view of
locals, while finding ways of solving issues of their concern.

We remind that Raffi Hovhannisian, along with five other candidates,
is running for the vacant spot in the 15th district.