Author: Vardanian Garo

$700,000 Raised During ACF Banquet
By Asbarez
Apr 16th, 2010
ring-acf-banquet/

ACF Chairman Avedik Izmirlian

MONTEBELLO – Under the slogan of `Path to Unity. Together we Serve and
Preserve,’ the Armenian Cultural Foundation hosted its annual
fundraising banquet on April 11 at Montebello’s Baghramian Hall, with
more than 700 community members in attendance.

The theme was echoed by the evening’s keynote speaker, Armenian
Revolutionary Federation Bureau member Dr. Viken Hovsepian, who
emphasized the need for a common national agenda to promote national
unity.

`Unity is not unification, but rather a state of affairs whereby, in
the case the Armenian nation, entities come together to work for a
common cause,’ explained Hovsepian.

`More important than the ideal structures for promoting unity, is the
creation of a common [national] agenda, which can serve to promote
unity,’ said Hovsepian.

`The lack of a common national agenda is our biggest vulnerability,
and that which threatens any effort to unity,’ added Hovsepian.

The keynote speaker went on to recall the myriad obstacles on the road
to forging a national unity since Armenia’s independence and outlined
the current challenges to this imperative resulting from the
Armenia-Turkey protocols.

Hovsepian also outlined the role the ARF has played in safeguarding
the nation and advocating for national interests and noted that the
organization has effectively performed its role of preserving our
national ideals and aspirations.

He then thanked those in attendance who, despite the grave economic
climate, had turned out to support the organization and ensure the
progress of the Armenian Cause.

The evening’s upbeat tone was set with the commencement of the brief,
yet powerful, program, which was introduced by two college-age
community activists, Vache Thomassian and Sanan Shirinian. Their
introduction ushered in a the message that an active youth in the
community will ensure its perseverance and the continued growth of the
Armenian Nation. Thomassian is member of the ARF Shant Student
Association, while Shirinian chairs the United Human Rights Council
and is a member of the Armenian Youth Federation.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, long time community activist
Charles Ghailian presented an overview of the ACF’s activities and
discussed the wide-ranging organizations that form the critical circle
for the ACF to achieve its goals and mission.

Western Prelate, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian said the invocation
prayer and wished continued progress to the ACF and its activities.

ARF Western US Central Committee Chairman, Avedik Izmirlian praised
the attendees for their continued support of the ACF and its
activities and commended all organizations and individuals who work
side-by-side with the ACF and through dedication and sacrifice elevate
the mission and goals of the organization.

A video chronicling the various achievements of the ACF in the last
year was presented. It highlighted the several youth center openings
around the Southern California community, as well as the successes
registered in the educational and cultural needs of the community.

Ani Christy and Harout Pamboukjian were the featured musical
performers, while Hovannes Shahbazian led an Armenian folk band during
dinner.

SURVIVORS TO HONOR MORGENTHAU FAMILY AT MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE

Armenian Weekly
Tue, Apr 13 2010

NEW YORK-On Thurs., April 22 at 11 a.m., Armenian Genocide survivors
from metro New York will meet with Robert M. Morgenthau to tour "The
Morgenthaus: A Legacy of Service" exhibit at the Museum of Jewish
Heritage. The survivors will be joined by leaders from the Armenian
community. Together, they will personally thank Morgenthau for his
family’s contributions to world events and honor his grandfather,
Henry Morgenthau, Sr., the former U.S. ambassador to the Ottoman
Empire during World War I.

While serving as ambassador, Henry Morgenthau Sr. was a champion for
the Armenians being persecuted by the Young Turk government. Among
the artifacts on display in the exhibit is his 1915 telegram where
he alerted the U.S. State Department: "it appears that a campaign of
race extermination is in progress."

Profiling three generations of the Morgenthau family, including
Henry Morgenthau, Sr.; his son, Henry Morgenthau Jr., Franklin D.
Roosevelt’s treasury secretary; and his grandson, Robert M.
Morgenthau, the former New County district attorney and chairman of
the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the exhibit includes rare documents
and dramatic footage of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and
the formation of the state of Israel.

Dr. Mary Papazian, the provost of Lehman College, City University of
New York, will give the opening remarks.

***

This special event takes place two days before the 95th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide. On Sun., April 25, for the 25th year, thousands
of Armenian Americans and citizens against genocide will gather in
Times Square (on Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets) from 2-4 p.m.

for the 95th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide
(Medz Yeghern), under the theme: "Turkey is the Question, America is
the Answer."

The event will pay tribute to the 1.5 million Armenians annihilated by
the Young Turk government of the Ottoman Empire (1915-23) and address
the consequences still felt today. Major political figures will speak,
along with civic, humanitarian, and educational leaders.

The event is organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan,
and co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian
Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian
Democratic Liberal Party, and the Armenian Council of America.

Participating organizations include the Diocese of the Armenian Church,
Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian Missionary Association of
America, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical Church,
Armenian Catholic Eparchy, and Armenian youth organizations.

POLITICAL FORCES UNITED AGAINST PROTOCOLS: ARFD

news.am
April 16 2010
Armenia

April 16, a regular meeting of political forces against the
Armenia-Turkey Protocols’ ratification was held in ARF Dashnaktsutyun
center after Simon Vratsyan.

The participants discussed current situation and reached an accord
on further joint activities, ARFD Supreme Council press service
informed NEWS.am.

It was decided to convene an enlarged meeting on April 22 with the
participation of forces, emphasizing the signature collection against
the Protocols, noting that as of today 220.000 people have signed
the petition.

April 16, 2010
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH –
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR DIRAMAYR MARIE MARDIROSSIAN

On Sunday, April 18th, 2010, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy at Forty
Martyrs Church in Orange County. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon. At the conclusion of
Divine Liturgy, requiem service will be offered for Diramayr Marie
Mardirossian on the first anniversary of her passing.

. By the ordinance of the Prelate and the request of the
Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, on Sunday, April 18, prayers will
be offered in all Prelacy Churches during Divine Liturgy for those
suffering from leukemia and blood related illnesses. Also, for the
second consecutive Sunday, members of the Armenian Autism Outreach
Project will be at Prelacy Churches to provide information on autism.

PRELATE WELCOMES PROF. RICHARD HOVANNISIAN – ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
"GRIGOR KOTCHOLOSIAN" SCHOLARSHIP FUND

On Wednesday, April 14th, 2010, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed renowned historian and scholar
Prof. Richard Hovannisian. Given that it was Prof. Hovannisian’s
first visit to the new headquarters, the Prelate informed him of the
various departments that operate within the Prelacy and the endeavors
being undertaken. The Prelate and guest also discussed current issues
of concern within the Armenian community. Prof. Hovannisian then
informed the Prelate that the cousin of his wife Dr. Vartiter
K. Hovannisian, Grigor Kotcholosian (who passed away in Orange County
on February 17, 2010), had left a sum of $75,000 in his will to the
Ari Guiragos Minassian School in Orange County to establish a
scholarship fund to benefit needy students. On behalf of the Prelacy
Councils and school board, the Prelate expressed his thanks and
appreciation to Prof. Hovannisian and prayed for the memory of the
decedent to remain ever blessed.

DIVINE LITURGY AND REQUIEM ON THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE

On the evening of Friday, April 23rd, 2010, Divine Liturgy
will be celebrated and requiem service will be offered in
commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The
service begins at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at the Armenian
Apostolic Church of North Hollywood located at 13050 Vanowen St. near
the intersection of Coldwater Canyon. Divine Liturgy will be
celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who will
also deliver the sermon. Memorial messages will be delivered by Very
Rev. Fr. Andon Saroyan, Rector of the Armenian Catholic Church, and
Rev. Joe Matossian, Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union of
N. America.

95TH ANNIVERSARY GENOCIDE COMMEMORATIONS

In the coming days, Armenians worldwide will be commemorating
the 95th anniversary of the Genocide through various events. The
following is a list of commemorative events to be held in our
community and for which the Prelate has received invitations. – By
the collaboration of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute, the Armenian
Film Foundation, and Dr. J. Michael and Antoinette Hagopian, a formal
signing ceremony of a historic agreement for the preservation and
public dissemination of the interviews of survivors and eyewitnesses
of the Genocide took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 13th.
Pastor of Holy Cross Cathedral Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian represented
the Prelate. – On Thursday, April 15th, the Genocide was commemorated
at the California State Assembly session, followed by commemorative
events and exhibits. On behalf of the Prelate, Pastor of Holy Trinity
Church Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian delivered the invocation at the
Assembly session. – On Tuesday, April 20th, at their weekly meeting,
the L.A. County Board of Supervisors will proclaim April 24, 2010, as
the "Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923." The
Prelate will be represented at the special presentation by Very
Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, Pastor of Holy Cross Cathedral
Rev. Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, and Pastor of St. Mary’s Church
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian. On behalf of the Prelate, Very Rev.
Fr. Barthev Gulumian will deliver the invocation. – On Saturday,
April 24th, the Armenian Genocide United Commemorative Committee has
organized a community gathering at Bicknell Park in Montebello. The
day will begin with the laying of wreaths at the memorial monument,
followed by the rally, and concluding with a requiem service led by
Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical clergy. – On the morning of
April 24th, the Prelate and clergy will participate in a protest rally
in Little Armenian organized by the Unified Young Armenians. In the
afternoon, a protest rally at the Turkish Consulate will take place,
organized by the Armenian Youth Federation. – A commemoration will
also take place in the morning in front of the Pasadena City hall, co-
sponsored by the City of Pasadena and local organization, schools and
churches.

SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT GATHERING AND COMPETITION

The Prelacy Sunday Schools’ Directorate, headed by Very
Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, has organized a spiritual gathering and
student competition to held under the auspices of the Prelate on
Saturday, April 17th, at "Soghonalian" Hall of St. Garabed Church in
Hollywood. Sunday School students participating in the gathering will
be quizzed on the history of the Armenian Church. The Prelate will
attend and convey his message and blessings to the students.

CASPS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools has
organized a leadership conference for seniors from Glendale schools,
to take place under the auspices of the Prelate on Saturday, April
17th, at the Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall. The
Prelate will attend and convey his message to the students.

"YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN WOMAN" SECOND LITERARY LUNCHEON HELD AT THE
PRELACY

In celebration of the "Year of the Armenian Woman" as
proclaimed by H.H. Catholicos Aram I, the Prelacy is organizing a
number of events throughout the year to honor the Armenian woman and
her role and contributions to our nation. Among these is a series of
literary luncheons organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary under the
auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. The
second of these luncheons took place on the afternoon of Thursday,
April 15th, 2010, at the Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian"
Hall. The event began with the invocation by the Prelate. Ladies
Auxiliary Chair Mrs. Mariam Karapetian welcomed the guests, among who
were Ladies Guild members from various Prelacy Churches and community
representatives, such as Chairlady of the A.R.S. Regional Executive
Mrs. Sossi Poladian. Given that the A.R.S. is celebrating its
centennial this year, Mrs. Karapetian congratulated the organization
and wished them success as they embark on the next hundred years. The
keynote speaker was psychologist and marriage and family therapist
Dr. Ida Karayan, who gave a presentation on the role of Armenian woman
in childhood education. Dr. Karayan first outlined the basic needs of
all children. She went on to stress the importance of Armenian
mothers helping their children form their ideals and purpose and
developing strong ties with family and community, teaching them skills
to keep up with the fast pace of life, instructing them on our faith,
heritage and national values, and working to ensure that they develop
a bond with our church and community. The event closed with the
Prelate’s message. The Prelate commended Dr. Karayan for her
informative presentation and suggestions, and reiterated her message
that Armenian mothers must instill in their children our values,
virtues, and pride in belonging to the Armenian nation, and cultivate
in them love for God and our church. He concluded by affirming that
the Armenian woman, whether a wife, mother, or educator, is the heart
and soul of our nation. At the conclusion of the event the Prelate
presented Dr. Karayan with a memento.

ACYA SPIRITUAL REVIVAL II "NEW BEGINNING"

On the weekend of April 9th to the 11th, 2010, the Armenian
Church Youth Association (ACYA), under the auspices of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, held the Spiritual Revival
II "New Beginning" religious retreat led by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev
Gulumian and organized by the ACYA Sisters’ Guild Sub-committee. On
the evening of April 9th, over 50 youth from various Prelacy churches
gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale to depart to AYF Camp. Upon
arrival, the youth were by a member of the organizing committee. The
weekend began with an Evening Service lead by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev
Gulumian, and an introduction of each youth. Saturday, April 10th,
began with a hike, followed by Morning Service. After the service, the
youth viewed the taped message of the Prelate, "Let us ask God to help
us to release the negatives of the past and follow His plan for our
lives, for a new beginning is discovered as we trust the plan of God.
Let us admit our spiritual needs, repent for our old lives, receive
through prayer Jesus Christ in our hearts, and accept the new identity
and life God has granted us through His Son our Lord Jesus Christ.
And let us thank God for His promise and gift of making all things new
for us who believe, asking Him to help us cast off the old and receive
His gift of joy, peace, and a new beginning in His Son", said the
Prelate. ACYA Chairman Raffi Naljian then delivered his message to
the participants. In the afternoon Fr. Barthev gave the first lecture
entitled, "New beginning in this life". The youth learned that in
order to have a new beginning, an individual must renew his/her heart,
soul and mind. After the lecture, the youth divided into seven groups
for a group activity where they presented a new beginning from the
Bible through a skit or reading. Each group researched one of the
following new beginnings: Noah, Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, David,
Paul, Abraham, and Moses. After a break, the second lecture was
presented by Fr. Barthev entitled, "New beginning in the after-life".
A question and answer session followed. Following the lectures, two
individuals were selected to present testimonials on a new beginning
in their life. After the testimonials, there was a roundtable debate
on whether women should be allowed into the priesthood and/or as
preachers? Two individuals were selected to present this topic, which
was followed by an active discussion. Before the Saturday Evening
Service, the youth wrote down their sins anonymously to later be
burned in the fireplace. The youth also wrote down prayers that were
placed in the middle of the room during the Evening Service for God to
hear our prayers. The night ended with a religious movie The Hiding
Place, and a bonfire. Sunday, April 11th, the last day of the
retreat, began with a morning hike, followed by Morning Service. After
the service, each of the youth shared their experiences about the
retreat, such as how they would be able to utilize the information
learned from the Bible and their experiences in their everyday life to
make a new beginning for themselves. The day ended with the singing
of three religious songs by members of the "Lousavorich" choir.

AHARON CHEYKHANOVER WAS AWARDED WITH A GOLDEN MEDAL

Aysor
April 13 2010
Armenia

The Jewish biochemist Aharon Cheykhanover who received a Nobel Prize
in 2004 is in Armenia.

The RA Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan mentioned
on the meeting that it is the first time that a person who has been
awarded with the Nobel Prize hosts Armenia and meets the students
and gives lectures.

"The success that Israel has in the sphere of science is because of the
government which supports it greatly. For us the important thing is his
experience and approaches in the science," Armen Ashotyan mentioned.

He awarded the guest with the Golden Medal and then noticed that it
is the first time that he awards a foreigner and thus apologized for
presenting the certificate in Armenian.

Besides that Minister Ashotyan presented to Aaron Cheykhanover a book
concerning the cultural monuments of the NKR.

Aharon Cheykhanover expressed his gratitude for the warm reception
and mentioned that it is a unique opportunity for him. He confessed
that he is having fantastic days in Yerevan since yesterday.

"I have read a lot about Armenia, I know its history and now I can
feel it. I believe the science doesn’t know limits, we bring up future
scientists and in the basis of a science is lying the good education,"
Cheykhanover said.

DEFENSE MINISTER OF ARMENIA TO TAKE PART IN CIS DMC SESSION

ArmInfo
2010-04-13 10:59:00

ArmInfo. Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan will take part
in the session of CIS states’ Foreign Ministers Council to be held
on April 14 in Moscow.

As Armenian Defense Ministry press service reports, the delegation
headed by S. Ohanyan will leave for Moscow on April 13. A number of
documents will be discussed and signed during the session. S. Ohanyan
will also meet Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Belarusian
Defense Minister, Lieutenant-General Yuri Zhadobin and Defense Minister
of Ukraine Mikhail Yezhel.

Armenian politician does not rule out a theatricalized war in Nagorno-Karabakh

2010-04-09 16:10:00

ArmInfo. There are two ways out of the current deadlock situation in
the Karabakh peace process: either the Armenian authorities agree with
the solution imposed from outside, which will lead to domestic
political tension in the country, or reject it, and this increases the
threat of a new war, said Chairman of the oppositional New Times Party
Aram Karapetyan at today’s press-conference.

"But I think this new war will be like a performance as Russia will
admit no other version. The war will open the doors for NATO’s entry
into Armenia, and not only",- he said. Karapetyan estimates the
probable delay of the conflict settlement and maintenance of the
status quo at 10%.

RA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN RECEIVES THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF LA FRANCOPHONIE ABDU DIOUF

Parliament.am
April 7 2010
Armenia

RA National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan received the Secretary
General of t he International Organisation of La Francophonie Abdu
Diouf. Welcoming the Secretary General Hovik Abrahamyan noted that he
visited Armenia during an important event: this year Armenia together
with all other member states of International Organisation of La
Francophonie marks the 40th anniversary of the organization. "In
October 2008, when Armenia received the status of the associated
member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie , once
again ensuring its adherence to the common values of Francophonie,"
RA National Assembly Speaker said noting that the International
Organisation of La Francophonie gives a new format for political,
economic and cultural cooperation: "We observe it as a favourable
atmosphere for other states of La Francophonie in the development of
both bilateral and multilateral relations."

Expressing his gratitude the Secretary General of International
Organisation of La Francophonie for the reception gladly noted the
role of Armenia in the International Organisation of La Francophonie
and the role of the parliament of our country in the Parliamentary
Assembly of La Francophonie. In his words the Parliamentary Assembly
of La Francophonie is the most important circle of the International
Organisation of La Francophonie: "The Parliamentary Assembly of La
Francophonie is a permanently awake soldier."

Highly assessing the role of the parliamentary diplomacy in the
whole world RA National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan reminded
that taking into account the role of the parliamentary diplomacy,
the cooperation potential between the parliamentarians of the
Francofonie member states in spreading the values of Francofonie,
the Armenian Parliament applied to the International Organisation of
La Francophonie, and in Paris in July 2009 at the plenary session
of the International Organisation of La Francophonie RA National
Assembly was granted a status of associated member. In the words of
the head of the Armenian Parliament this status gave opportunity
to RA National Assembly to be fully involved in the works of the
International Organisation of La Francophonie. "And as one of the
first steps taken we invited to hold the forum of the European region
of 2010 in Yerevan. It will be on May 4-6," RA NA Speaker said.

In his turn Abdu Diouf touched upon the parliamentary diplomacy and
said that it could play a big role in the process of the peaceful
settlement of the conflicts, support the solution of the existing
problems between the peoples. In this context the Secretary General of
the International Organisation of La Francophonie said: "The Armenian
Genocide is always bright in our memory. It is an open wound, and we
have our debt before that memory."

RA NA Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan noted that condemning every crime we
prevent the implementation of similar crimes in the world later.

Hovik Abrahamyan told Abdu Diouf about the wish of RA National
Assembly to become a full member of the Parliamentary Assembly of
La Francophonie. By the way, as a result of cooperation, which was
approved between the International Organisation of La Francophonie
and RA National Assembly, Armenian Parliament became a benefactor of
Noria programme support for 2010-2013. As a result of the programme,
the official website of RA National Assembly will be translated in
French, the French information will be enriched and courses of the
French language will be organized.

Touching upon the achievements, which were recorded in our country
in the direction of the development beginning from the membership
of Armenia, RA NA Speaker noted about the investment of the third
language in RA general educational system. In Armenia every year
in March Days of Francophonie are organized. This year more than 30
cultural, educational and artistic events are planned from March 15
until April 15. Cooperation was established between the Armenian two
higher educational institutions, the French University in Armenia
and Yerevan V. Brusov State Linguistic University and Francophonie
University Agency.

During the meeting the sides touched upon the NK problem and
Armenian-Turkish relations normalization process.

MINISTER NALBANDIAN MEETS OIF SECRETARY GENERAL

armradio.am
07.04.2010 14:01

On April 7 the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian,
received the Secretary General of the International Organization of
the Francophonie (OIF) Abdou Diouf.

Minister Nalbandian welcomed the first visit of the OIF Secretary
General to our country and expressed confidence that it would give
new impetus to the process of Armenia’s integration with the OIF.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, OIF Secretary General
Abdou Diouf underlined that the relations with Armenia considerably
developed after our country jointed the OIF as an associated member
in 2008.

The interlocutors talked about the steps targeted at deepening of
political, economic and cultural ties between OIF member states.

Minister Nalbandian underlined that "Armenia is committed to the
values of the Organization and will make efforts to participate in
the activity of the International Organization of the Francophonie. "

ARFD DEMANDS SPECIAL PARLIAMENTARY SESSION

news.am
April 5 2010
Armenia

On April 3 the parliamentary coalition forces discussed and voted
down legislation proposed by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(Dashnaktsutyun) (ARFD), the ARF member Artsvik Minasyan told
reporters.

He pointed out that the ARF(D) proposed amendments to the RA Law
on International Agreements, which allowed the Parliament to enter
reservations concerning the suspension or termination of agreements.

The parliamentary forces also rejected the ARF(D)’s proposal for
instituting Patriotism Day.

In this context Minasyan pointed out that the members of the Committee
on State and Legal Affairs, as well as the RA Minister of Culture, did
not read the works of Garegin Nzhdeh, the Armenian national ideologist,
otherwise they would not have proposed to define patriotism first. He
reported that, at the ARF(D)’s instance, the RA Parliament will
hold a special session. "We hope that some of the Parliament members
representing the ruling coalition will realize the importance of the
issues, and our bill be put on the agenda," Minasyan said.