Author: Toganian Liana

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

CROSSROADS – September 8, 2005

THE VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS ARAM I TO THE EASTERN PRELACY
The visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the
establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, will extend
from October 19 to November 1. His Holiness will visit New York, New Jersey,
Washington, DC, Boston and Chicago.
For information about the visit, including itinerary and related
articles go to:

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN OPENS AYF OLYMPICS
Last Sunday, September 4, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, opened the 72nd
annual AYF Olympics in Washington, DC.
His Eminence encouraged the AYF’ers to “Remember who you are. You are
Armenian Americans. You are descendants of a proud people. We are joined by
a common national origin, a common language, a common religion, and together
we are an important part of the beautiful American mosaic.” The Prelate
described the AYF and the Olympics as an important part of our Armenian
American identity. “For 72 years you have brought together young Armenian
Americans to forge friendships and strengthen identity.. I pray for the
continued success of the Armenian Youth Federation and wish you good luck
and Godspeed in all of your endeavors.”
To read the entire message go to:

CATHOLICOS ARAM I EXPRESSES SYMPATHY TO PRESIDENT BUSH
His Holiness Aram I send a letter of condolence to President Bush in the
aftermath of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. The Catholicos said:
“The hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans shocks me profoundly. The
tragic images that I see on television are, indeed, disturbing and
heartbreaking. This is, in fact, one of the biggest natural disasters in the
recent memory of the U.S.A.
“I share the pain and the anxiety of those who have been affected by
this disaster. My deep sympathy and full support go to you, Mr. President,
and to all those who are committed to alleviate the suffering of thousands
of people by meeting their basic needs.
“I have already instructed the Armenian Orthodox Archbishops in the
U.S.A., under my spiritual jurisdiction, to appeal their communities to
actively participate in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
“May God strengthen you, Mr. President, as you, together with your
Administration, cope with this great tragedy.”

PRAYERS AND COLLECTION FOR HURRICANE RELIEF CONTINUES;
PRESIDENT BUSH DESIGNATES DAY OF PRAYER
Collection of money for hurricane relief will continue this Sunday in
all parishes under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Prelacy. Funds collected
will be donated to the American Red Cross. Crossroads readers may send their
donations directly to the Prelacy, 138 E. 39th Street, New York, NY 10016.
To read the Prelate’s message go to:

President Bush has announced that Friday, September 16 will be a
national day of prayer and remembrance.

ARMENIAN CHURCH CONVENES MEETING TO STUDY
SAINTHOOD FOR VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
The Armenian Church Committee for the Study of the canonization of the
victims of the Armenian Genocide convened its inaugural meeting in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia, from September 3 to 6.
The members of the committee are: H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian,
Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia); H.G. Bishop
Yeznik Petrosian, Co-Chairman (Catholicosate of All Armenians); H.G. Bishop
Kegham Khatcherian (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia); V.R. Fr.
Papken Charian, Secretary (Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia);
V.R. Fr. Zadig Avedikian, Secretary (Catholicosate of All Armenians); V.R.
Fr. Daniel Findikian (Catholicosate of All Armenians).
Prior to the meeting, the members of the committee were received by His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, who
gave them his Pontifical blessing.
During the meeting, the members exchanged ideas and viewpoints. The
first working session will convene from November 8 to 12, 2005, in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

YOUTH CONFERENCE ENDS
The inter-diocesan youth conference organized by the Youth Department of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia concluded on August 30. During the five-day
conference the participants discussed the challenges facing the new
generation in each of the dioceses. In a resolution adopted at the end of
the conference, the delegates emphasized the imperative of reforming the
church and reserving a bigger role for the youth.
Representing the Eastern Prelacy at the conference was Arek Hamalian.

EXALTATION OF THE CROSS CELEBRATED THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, September 11, the Armenian Church commemorates the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), which is one of the most
important feasts of the Church. Because it is a Great Feast, or Tabernacle
Feast, it is preceded by a week of abstinence and the following day, Monday,
September 12, is a Memorial Day. The feast was established to celebrate the
exposition of the True Cross at Jerusalem in 629 by Emperor Heraclius after
its recovery from the Persians into whose hands it had fallen in 614. It is
also a commemoration of the strength and power of the Cross.
The Feast is recognized in all of Christendom and is generally
celebrated on September 14. The Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday
nearest this date. In the ceremony of the Armenian Church, the Cross is
decorated with greenery, usually sweet basil, symbolizing the living Cross.
Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate this Feast Day with the parish of Sts.
Vartanantz, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

BIRTHDAY OF FRANZ WERFEL
Saturday, September 10 is the birthday of Franz Werfel, author of The
Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Werfel was born September 10, 1890, in Prague,
Czechoslovakia, to a wealthy Jewish family. He attended the University of
Leipzig where he majored, and later lectured, in philosophy.
Following World War I, he moved to Vienna, and concentrated on his
career as a writer. The central themes in all his writings were religious
faith, heroism, and human brotherhood. A trip to the Middle East in 1929
inspired The Forty Days of Musa Dagh. Werfel saw starving refugees and
became engrossed in the plight of the Armenians. He started to write the
book in July 1932, and completed it in March 1933. He read parts of the yet
unfinished book during an extensive lecture tour in November 1932.
Werfel died in 1948 in California. He is buried in the famous
Zentralfriedhof Cemetery in Vienna.

“Musa Dagh! Mountain of Moses! At its summit, in the grey dawn-light, a
whole population set up its camp. The mountain top, the windy air, the sea
surge, put such new life into this people that the toil of the night seemed
dispersed and forgotten. No more strained and exhausted faces, but only
excited-looking ones. In and around the Town Enclosure they ran past one
another, shouting. No consciousness whatever of the underlying reality of it
all, only a pugnacious stir. Like a spring torrent, small and overwhelming
urgencies swept away all thoughts of the whole. Even Ter Haigasun, decking
the wooden altar at the centre of the camp, and so engaged in getting things
ship-shape for eternity, was shouting impatiently at the men who helped him
in the work.”
>From The Forty Days of Musa Dagh, by Franz Werfel

Calendar of Events

September 18-Banquet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the consecration
of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, and
honor the Church Godfathers. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will deliver
the keynote address. For more information, 508-852-2414.

September 25-35th anniversary of St. Gregory Armenian Church of North
Andover, Massachusetts, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan.
For more information, 978-685-5038.

September 26-Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester,
Massachusetts, will host its second annual golf tournament at the Raceway
Golf Club in Thompson, Connecticut, to benefit the church’s Capital Fund.
For information: 508-872-9629.

October 19-November 1-Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great
House of Cilicia, to the Eastern Prelacy, commemorating the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of the Cilician Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon.

October 28-29-Mashtots Conference celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the
founding of the Armenian alphabet, at Harvard University. Jointly sponsored
by the Eastern Prelacy and Harvard University Mashtots Chair, Department of
Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.

November 6-St. Stephen Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain,
Connecticut, will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Archbishop Oshagan
Choloyan will be the keynote speaker. The program will include a slide show
presentation two non-Armenian Peace Corps volunteers who recently returned
from serving in Armenia.

November 11-13-Mini-Datev program for the Midwest parishes.

December 31-New Years Eve dinner-dance, Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) and ARF Dro
Gomideh, Parsippany Hilton. Information: 201-943-2950 or 201-945-0011.

March 5-Sts. Vartanantz (NJ) 2006 membership meeting.

March 17-19, 2006-Sunday School Teachers’ Conference at the Wonderland
Conference and Retreat Center in Sharon, MA.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

Visit our website at

ARMENIA TAKES “TIME OUT” IN KARABAKH TALKS – AZERI MINISTER

ANS TV, Baku
5 Sep 05

[Presenter] Official Baku is waiting for a reply from Armenia, which
took time out following the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents’
meeting in Kazan. The format of the talks will be made clear after
the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen’s visit to the region.

[Correspondent] Armenia asked for a time to think after official
Baku made its position clear, [Azerbaijani] Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov has said. Mammadyarov said official Yerevan took time
out following the Kazan meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian
presidents.

[Mammadyarov, speaking to reporters] The Armenian side has asked for a
time to think. [Armenia said] it needs a time to decide how the talks
should be continued. There are suggestions that the foreign ministers
should meet or the co-chairmen will visit the region [as heard].

[Correspondent] But the format of the next stage of the Karabakh
talks between Baku and Yerevan is still unclear. This will be made
clear after the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen’s visit to the region
in late September and early October.

Mammadyarov also said some suggestions put forward in Kazan satisfied
the interests of official Baku.

[Mammadyarov] In general, you know, Azerbaijan supports some
suggestions put forward in Kazan because it is a stage-by-stage
process. You know, it is early to say something because the talks
are being continued. We think we will achieve a result sooner or
later. Of course, we want this to happen soon.

[Passage omitted: about Armenia’s approach to Karabakh status]

Free speech an issue in Turkey’s EU bid

UPI, United Press International
September 3, 2005 Saturday 12:53 PM EST

NEWPORT, Wales, Sept. 3 — Turkey’s charges against a well-known
novelist have become another obstacle to its membership in the
European Union.

Turkish membership is one of the major items on the table as the EU
foreign ministers meet in Wales.

Orhan Pamuk is in hiding after being charged with “denigrating national
identity” by saying that Turks are reluctant to admit the massacre
of about 1 million Armenians during World War I.

Former Europe Minister Dennis McShane, a Labor member of the
British parliament, said he remains a strong supporter of Turkey,
The Australian reported.

“But if the authorities persist with this attack on a great European
writer, then many of us who are strong supporters of Turkey will be
forced to change our minds.”

Turkey’s refusal, so far, to recognize Cyprus is also a problem,
since Cyrpus is an EU member.

Romania 3 Armenia 0

Sportinglife.com, UK
Sept 2 2005

A new era of Romanian football got off to a somewhat luke-warm start
on Wednesday as Victor Piturca’s much-changed side limped to a 3-0
win against Armenia.

Romania’s 2-0 defeat to Group One leaders Holland at the weekend
all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in 2006,
leaving them six points behind their opponents and five adrift of
second-placed Czech Republic.

Piturca admitted after the game that his side seem destined to miss
out and called instead for a new era to begin against Armenia with
qualification to the 2008 European Championships as the ultimate goal.

Accordingly, only five of the side that lined up against the Dutch
were included in the starting eleven at the Gheorghe Hagi Stadium, but
fans looking for a revitalised performance were to leave frustrated.

Ovidiu Petre opened the scoring midway through the first half before
goals either side of the interval from Gheorghe Bucur ultimately
sealed things.

But the hosts were far from compelling in their performance, never
looking to be in complete control.

Armenia meanwhile, despite their defeat, can take satisfaction in
providing a distinctly more encouraging performance than the dire
display they offered in losing 2-1 to FYR Macedonia at the weekend.

The visitors’ defensive game-plan was clear from the outset, with
Edgar Manchurian providing their only real presence up front.

Unsurprisingly therefore, Romania were soon dominating possession
and went ahead after 29 minutes.

Gigel Coman was the architect, creating space down the left flank
before delivering a superb cross that Petre headed home from six yards.

Eleven minutes later and the game was effectively over.

Mihaita Plesan lofted a long ball to Dorinel Munteanu who in turn
nodded into the path of Bucur.

And the striker, in the team in place of Adrian Mutu, made no mistake,
firing home past Roman Berezovsky.

Bucur grabbed his second late on in a poor second period to add a
touch of gloss to the scoreline but Piturca can take heart – it was
the first time in 18 months that Romania have kept a clean sheet.

YURI MERZLYAKOV: AFTER KAZAN MEETING PRESIDENTS OF ARMENIA AND
AZERBAIJAN MOST LIKELY TO TAKE A TIME-OUT

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2. ARMINFO. Cochairman of OSCE Minsk Group from
Russia Yuri Merzlyakov positively assesses the results of the meeting
of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Kazan.

In the interview to Radio Liberty Yuri Merzlyakov mentioned that the
meeting in Kazan was constructive and the cochairmen were satisfied
with its results and estimations, which the Armenian and Azerbaijani
sides give. The negotiations passed on the basis of the Prague
principles and the presidents also discussed that the cochairmen had
earlier proposed. No new proposal was discussed in Kazan, nothing
has changed yet, there are several issues and if the sides reach
agreements regarding these issues it will be possible to speak of
signing of some document, Merzlyakov informed. After the meeting in
Kazan the observers began to think that this time as well the parties
of the negotiations will not put their details on the table, and most
likely take a time-out. However, it is not excepted that the foreign
ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will meet already in October.

AT THE GOVERNMENT SITTING – ASSISTANCE TO COURT OF CASSATIONS

A1+

| 18:05:16 | 01-09-2005 | Politics |

The government has allocated 30 million AMD at the expense of the
reserve fund to the Court of Cassations to secure normal functioning
of the structure.

BIG WATERS OF SEVAN

The amount of water output from Sevan has increased with 30 million
cubic meters.

ON JUBILEE

The government has assigned 27 million 108.2 thousand AMD at the
expense of the reserve fund for launching jubilee event dedicated to
the 100th birth of Artem Mikoyam.

RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTER BRIEFS PUTIN ON RECENT JOINT EXERCISES WITH CHINA

RTR Russia TV, Moscow
31 Aug 05

[Presenter] Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov reported to the president
today on the results of the exercises in August: Russia and CIS
countries taking part in air defence live firing in Astrakhan Region,
and the big Russian-Chinese manoeuvres. Both events concerned not
only practising cooperation between troops but also the possibility
of creating new systems of regional security.

[Correspondent] When the minister of defence told the president that
August was a hot month, he meant of course not the air temperature.
It is a long time since the ministry held this many exercises. The
president himself watched over the ships of the Northern Fleet and
Long-Range Aviation [aircraft] in the Barents Sea. Sergey Ivanov
assessed the manoeuvres in the Yellow Sea which involved 10,000 men
together with his Chinese counterpart. Pacific Fleet ships, marines
and aviation, air assault troops and even Tu-95 missile carriers were
our contribution to the Russian-Chinese exercise.

[Ivanov, shown in Putin’s office, captioned Bocharov Ruchey] The
difficulty was that both we and the Chinese had to plan the passes by
the aircraft very precisely, to the second, and direct all this. It
was all carried out successfully, and our troops learned some very
good skills, both in mobility and in using modern types and examples
of weapons and equipment.

[Putin] Are there any agreements with our Chinese partners on any
future measures [words inaudible] of a similar kind?

[Ivanov] We would like to plan [word indistinct] exercises of this
kind. It is possible that our partners in the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization [SCO] could be involved, because all these exercises
are taking place within the SCO framework.

[Correspondent] Ivanov said the results of the exercise were still
to be analyzed in detail, but the first results were definitely
positive. He gave roughly the same assessment to Combat Commonwealth
2005, a CIS air defence troops exercise at the Ashuluk range in
Astrakhan Region. Armenian, Tajik, Belarusian and Russian servicemen
carried out successful launches. This was the sixth such exercise,
but in some respects it was the first.

[Ivanov] For the first time we succeeded in setting up a joint
command post, not one for each nation, but joint. Which in fact is
the prototype for setting up a regional air defence system within
the framework of the CIS. It could be eastern European, if it is in
Belarus, or it could be Caucasian if it is in Armenia, or it could
be Central Asian, naturally with our partners in the Collective
Security Treaty.

[Correspondent] Of course, Russia is not entirely indifferent to
precisely who will be taking part in the next exercise. Tomorrow,
800 foreign citizens, mainly from the CIS, will become students at
Russian military higher education institutions. But Putin recalled
that under Russian legislation foreigners cannot be on military duty
or stand guard like Russian citizens.

[Ivanov] We have allowed it. I don’t think anything terrible will
happen.

[Putin] I don’t think so either, but we do have to observe the law,
so we will have to give this some thought and ask the [Duma] deputies.

[Correspondent] Ivanov promised that the autumn would also be hot for
the military. Russian soldiers are expected in September at an Uzbek
mountain [exercise] range, and in October in India. Ivanov emphasized
that the joint exercises are not directed against third countries,
because the principles of Russian geopolitics were stated long ago:
fighting international terrorism, and defence of Russia’s own borders
and interests.

LECTURES DEDICATED TO 1600TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN ALPHABET IN MONTREAL
By Ruzan Poghosian

AZG Armenian Daily #155, 01/09/2005

Diaspora

A press release by Montreal offshoot of Armenian General Benevolent
Union (AGBU) informs that this year’s classes of Armenian studies in
the city sponsored by the AGBU were dedicated to the 1600th anniversary
of creation of the Armenian alphabet. The classes opened by the efforts
of benefactor Gerard Dervishian and poet, lecturer Manvel Qyoseyan were
held in wonderful atmosphere. Students, workers of the educational
sphere and artists took part in the classes. The first lecture was
dedicated to Levon Mirijanian and his “Our Lovely One” book that was
put out in Yerevan last year. Rudolf Kharatian delivered a lecture
on Armenian dance. Hrach Gasparian and Manvel Qyoseyan spoke of the
current economic situation of Armenia and Armenian Diaspora and its
literature. Qyoseyan also presented “The Armenians and Ancient Armenia”
book after Paris Heruni. During 7 months more than 25 lectures were
delivered and numerous films about Armenia and Diaspora were shown.

AZERI TV PRESENTS BOOK ABOUT KARABAKH

Lider TV, Baku
29 Aug 05

The Azerbaijani commercial TV station Lider presented a new book
entitled “Qarabag” (“Karabakh”) on its “After the Voice” programme
on 29 August.

This book will help counter Armenia’s anti-Azerbaijani propaganda in
the world, the programme noted.

No further processing is planned.

US TO RENDER CREDIT

A1+

| 15:18:00 | 30-08-2005 | Politics |

The US Agency for International Development has concluded a loan
guarantee agreement with Cascade Credit CJSC.

Today the signing ceremony with the participation of RA Central Bank
President Tigran Sargsyan and US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans
took place in the head office of Cascade Capital Holdings.

The credit agreement will provide for partial guarantee for the bonds
issued by the company. The American party engaged itself to pay off
50% of Cascade Credit’s debt to the holders of securities. Presently
bonds with 1-year guarantee term are to be issued.

According to Cascade Credit CJSC President Garegin Gevorgyan till the
end of the next year bonds valuing in $6 million will be issued. “It
is a serious step for becoming a leader on the Armenian and Caucasian
market”, he said. To note, the Cafesjian Fund is the holder of 100%
stocks of the Cascade Capital Holdings.