Author: Varosian Antranik

ARDARUTIUN BLOC CONSIDERS PACE RESOLUTION ADOPTED ON THE BASIS OF
DAVID ATKINSON’S REPORT TO BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR ARMENIA

YEREVAN, January 28 (Noyan Tapan). On January 28, on the occasion of
the 13 anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army, the RA
National Assembly Chairman Artur Baghdasarian awarded the Medal of
Honor to the RA Defence Minister Serge Sargsian, as well as NA
diplomas the RA President Advisor, Chief Military Inspector of the RA
Armed Forces Colonel General Gurgen Dalibaltayan, the Deputy Minister
of Defence Lieutenant General Alik Mirzabekian, the Deputy Minister of
Defence on Rear, Chief of the RA Armed Forces Rear Lieutenant General
Gurgen Melkonian, Head of the Defence Ministry’s Military Police
Department Major General Vladimir Gasparian, as well as a miltary unit
commander Major General Garegin Gabrielian. Noting that a new
tradition was initiated at the National Assembly, Artur Baghdasarian
congratulated, on behalf of the parliament, the servicemen awarded and
wished them good health, will and determination in implementing
reforms in the army and ensuring defence potential. The NA Chairman
expressed satisfaction with the efforts put by the Armenian people,
officers and soldiers into the establishment of the Armenian army, and
expressed hope that they will not spare effort and energy for further
strengthening of the Armenian army. According to the National
Assembly’s PR Department, the RA Defence Minister Serge Sargsian
expressed gratitude to Chairman of the National Assembly and the
parliament for showing a warm and considerate attitude to the army. He
pointed out that the 28 of January has started to enter the public
life as a holiday and it will become a national holiday in 3-4
years. The Defence Minister also expressed gratitude for the attention
to army-related laws and assured the Armenian Army is efficient and
ready to honorably defend the borders of the country.

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01/26/2005
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1) Armenia Reacts to PACE Resolution
2) Reference of Genocide to be Included in Turkish Textbooks
3) Armenian Caucus Co-chairs Call on Bush Administration to Renounce
Accusations by State Department Official on Karabagh
4) Melkonian Trust Monitoring Group Meets with Patriarch in Support of Legal
Action
5) Turkish Army Warns Iraqi Kurds, US over Kirkuk
6) European Court of Justice Demands Turkey to Pay up for Inhumane Treatment

1) Armenia Reacts to PACE Resolution

Foreign Ministry emphasizes Minsk Group’s role in negotiations, non-binding
nature of resolution

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–Armenia’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamlet Gasparian
criticized, on Wednesday, a Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
(PACE) resolution that addresses the Armenian occupation of Azeri territories
around Mountainous Karabagh.
Adopted on Tuesday, the resolution states that “the occupation of foreign
territory by a member state constitutes a grave violation of that state’s
obligations as a member of the Council of Europe.” It also notes that the
Karabagh war has led to the creation of “mono-ethnic areas which resemble the
terrible concept of ethnic cleansing.”
Gasparian called the document flawed, saying that it “addresses consequences
of the conflict without looking into its root causes.”
“Nonetheless, the resolution is not legally binding. It is only advisory and
declarative,” he said in a statement.
The Foreign Ministry’s statement emphasizes that the Karabagh peace
process is
spearheaded by the OSCE’s Minsk Group and the Council of Europe. “We believe
that the positive and negative sides of the resolution will not have much
of an
impact on negotiations.”
Levon Mkrtchian of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, a member of the
government coalition, warned of pitfalls lying ahead. “I don’t think that the
document will have a direct influence on the Minsk Group process,” he said.
“But it could complicate the situation in a different way. It could create an
illusion among Azerbaijan’s leaders that they can toughen their position and
exert pressure on Armenia with such methods.”

2) Reference of Genocide to be Included in Turkish Textbooks

ANKARA–The Republic of Turkey’s Education Ministry recently announced that
elementary-level history textbooks will, for the first time, include reference
to the genocide committed against the Ottoman-Armenians. The textbooks,
however, will include both, what Turkey refers to, the “Armenian version” of
the genocide, and an “official” government sanctioned version of the events.
The chairman of the Education Ministry’s committee on textbooks, Moustafa
Safran, explained that the inclusion of the genocide arose from the fact that
Armenians have insisted that the events that occurred between 1915-1923
qualify
as “genocide.” In order to address the issue, Safran said, the committee
decided to include both the Armenian and Turkish perspectives–a move allowing
students the information necessary to form an educated opinion–according to
the committee.
Safran noted his committee realizes that it is impossible nowadays to shield
Turkish school children from “Armenian claims,” and that it is their intention
to bolster the government’s position on the issue by including archival
Ottoman
documents, which reportedly prove that the genocide never occurred.
Safran’s committee has also decided to exclude incendiary remarks such as “we
crushed the Greeks,” and be particular in its definitions of “heroes” and
“traitors.” Textbooks will note that numerous Kurdish tribes assisted Mustafa
Kemal’s efforts in establishing a “modern” Turkey.

3) Armenian Caucus Co-chairs Call on Bush Administration to Renounce
Accusations by State Department Official on Karabagh

WASHINGTON, DC–US Reps. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ),
cochairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, called on the US
State Department to formally renounce remarks by a State Department
official in
Moscow that described the government of Mountainous Karabagh Republic as
“criminal secessionists.”
The lawmakers made the request in a letter to Secretary of State nominee
Condoleezza Rice, referring to a statement made by Assistant Secretary of
State
Elizabeth Jones during a January 13 digital video-conference with journalists
at US Embassies in Moscow, Rome, and Bratislava.
Expressing serious concern about the inaccurate characterization of Karabagh,
the co-chairs said, “These unfounded and incendiary accusations undermine the
very principles underlying our role as an honest broker in the Organization
for
Security and Cooperation’s Minsk Group Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.”
The letter also stresses the damage of such remarks as it “unfairly
denigrates
the tremendous progress that the people and government of Nagorno-Karabakh
have
made in establishing democratic institutions, even as they have struggled to
rebuild their homes, schools and farms destroyed by years of brutal Azerbaijan
aggression.”
Jones’s false charge that the government is “criminal,” the lawmakers said,
“only serves to further encourage irresponsible senior Azerbaijani leaders
that
are already calling for a military solution to the Karabakh issue.”

4) Melkonian Trust Monitoring Group Meets with Patriarch in Support of Legal
Action

ISTANBUL–The Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul Mesrob Mutafyan, held a meeting
with members of the Monitoring Group on the Melkonian Trust (MGMT) to discuss
the pending suit against New York-based Armenian General Benevolent Union
(AGBU). The January 24 meeting took place Armenian Patriarchal headquarters in
Istanbul.
The MGMT members thanked the Patriarch for his willingness to act on the
issue
in order to assure that the historic school continues to function.
As reported on January 20, Archbishop Mutafyan, in his fiduciary capacity as
Patriarch of Constantinople, filed a lawsuit against New York-based Armenian
General Benevolent Union (AGBU) on January 13, 2005. The suit, which mainly
addresses the formal announcement made by the AGBU in March 2004 that it would
be closing the Melkonian Educational Institution in Nicosia, Cyprus at the end
of the 2005 school year, was filed in the Superior Court of the State of
California for the County of Los Angeles by plaintiff Mutafyan’s
California-based attorney Mark Macarley.
In July 1921, wealthy Armenian businessman Garabed Melkonian donated a
gift to
then Patriarch of Constantinople Zaven Der Yeghyayan, to establish and
maintain
Armenian schools, as well as carry out various charitable works for the
Armenian people. In 1924, the value of the gift was at least $3.5 million and
per Melkonian’s request, an Armenian school and orphanage named the Melkonian
Educational Institute was established in Nicosia, Cyprus.
In 1925, Patriarch Der Yeghyayan transferred the entire Melkonian gift,
including the Melkonian Educational Institute, to the AGBU due to the latter’s
expressed ability to better manage the trust’s assets and execute the donor’s
intentions.
Archbishop Mutafyan informed the members of the MGMT that he first became
aware of the existence and contents of the 1926 Deed of Amendment to the
Melkonian Trust on December 28, 2004, through the Melkonian Educational
Institute Alumni in Los Angeles, and emphasized that he is now cognizant of
the
multiple obligations the AGBU accepted from his predecessor, Patriarch Der
Yeghyayan, in 1926.
The suit, Arch. Mesrob Mutafyan vs. Armenian General Benevolent Union,
petitions to compel AGBU to perform the Trustee’s duties and redress a breach
of trust by payment of money or otherwise.

5) Turkish Army Warns Iraqi Kurds, US over Kirkuk

ANKARA (AFP)–Ethnic strife in Kirkuk, sparked by Kurdish attempts to take
control of the oil-rich city in northern Iraq, would create “serious” security
concerns for Turkey, the Turkish army warned on Wednesday. It might also
open a
rift with the United States, it said.
The number two in line, in the influential Turkish military, renewed Ankara’s
charges that more Kurds than those expelled from Kirkuk under Saddam Hussein’s
regime have now settled in the city and registered for Sunday’s elections in
Iraq.
“We have repeatedly said that such a situation may make the election results
in Kirkuk disputable and make it almost impossible to find a fair and lasting
solution for Kirkuk,” General Ilker Basbug told a news conference.
“Moreover, we are concerned that such developments will pose a threat to
Iraq’s
territorial and political unity and create a great security problem in the
region,” he said. “Such a development will also create a serious security
problem for Turkey.”
Ankara is vehemently opposed to Kurdish control of Kirkuk, which many Kurds
want to incorporate into their enclave in northern Iraq and even see as the
capital of a future independent Kurdish state, a nightmare scenario for Iraq’s
neighbors.
Earlier this month the Kurds reached a deal with the Iraqi government that
cleared the way for an estimated 100,000 Kurds said to have been expelled from
Kirkuk in the past, to vote for the new local government in the elections.
The deal effectively tipped the balance of power to the Kurds, fanning ethnic
tensions in the city, home to a large number of Turkmen, a community of
Turkish
descent backed by Ankara.
Basbug warned that post-election disputes in Kirkuk “may lead to
confrontations…and may pull the trigger for a civil war in Iraq.”
Asked about the United States’s role in preventing unrest in the region, the
general conceded that “the circumstances in Iraq are very difficult,” but
cautioned that ethnic tensions in Kirkuk might deal a blow to Turkey’s ties
with its long-standing ally.
“If the people of Kirkuk endorse the election results, we will conclude that
no major problem exists,” he said. “But if the opposite happens, then we will
see that we have differences” with the US.

6) European Court of Justice Demands Turkey to Pay up for Inhumane Treatment

The European Court of Justice demanded on January 25 that Turkey pay 10,000
euros to a man who was subjected to harm and electric shock when taken into
custody by Turkish police.
On the night of April 1, 1996, 29-year-old Hussein Syunal was taken to jail
and endured inhumane treatment, including electric shock. The same night,
Syunal was taken to the hospital, where he was reported to have had numerous
injuries to his head, body, including his tongue. It later became apparent
that
during questioning, the police had tied electric lines to his tongue.

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Karabakh deputy foreign minister receives OSCE delegation

Mediamax news agency
26 Jan 05

YEREVAN

The deputy foreign minister of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic (NKR),
Masis Mailyan, received in Stepanakert today the employees of the
Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

The coordinator of the OSCE Tbilisi Office, Imre Palatinus, presented
to Masis Mailyan the newly appointed field assistant of the Personal
Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Thorsten Ahren
(Sweden), Mediamax was told in the press service of NKR Foreign
Ministry today.

Masis Mailyan highlighted the normal working relations established
between the NKR Foreign Ministry and the OSCE mission in Stepanakert,
and expressed hope for their further continuation. He stated the
readiness of the NKR Foreign Ministry to continue assisting to the
activity of the OSCE representation in Nagornyy Karabakh and provide
necessary conditions for its activity.

The sides also discussed the organizational issues concerning the
forthcoming visit to NKR on 30 January of the OSCE delegation, which
includes the Minsk Group cochairmen on Nagornyy Karabakh and a
fact-finding mission.

PRESS RELEASE
UN Department of Public Information, Yerevan Office
2 Petros Adamyan str., First Floor
Yerevan 375010, Armenia
Contact: Armine Halajyan, UN DPI Information Assistant
Tel.: (374 1) 560 212
Fax/Tel.: (374 1) 561 406

SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNOUNCES GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPECIAL SESSION ON 24 JANUARY
TO COMMEMORATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIBERATION OF NAZI DEATH CAMPS

The following statement is attributable to the Spokesman for
Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is pleased to announce that a majority of Member
States have now agreed to the request to convene, on 24 January 2005, a
special session of the General Assembly to commemorate the 60th anniversary
of the liberation of the Nazi death camps. This will be an important
occasion, since the United Nations was founded as the world was learning the
full horror of the camps, and is dedicated to doing everything in its power
to protect human dignity and prevent any such horror from happening again.
He calls on all Member States to give the session their full support.

Provisional agenda of the twenty-eighth special session of the General
Assembly*

To convene at United Nations Headquarters on Monday,
24 January 2005, at 10 a.m.
1. Opening of the session by the Chairman of the delegation of the President
of
the fifty-ninth regular session of the General Assembly.
2. Minute of silent prayer or meditation.
3. Credentials of representatives to the special session of the General
Assembly.
4. Election of the President.
5. Organization of the session.
6. Adoption of the agenda.
7. Commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi
concentration camps.

—————–
* Issued in accordance with rule 16 of the rules of procedure.

Agence France Presse — English
January 19, 2005 Wednesday 1:12 PM GMT

Christian unity must be goal of every Catholic, says pope

VATICAN CITY Jan 19

Unifying the various branches of Christianity should be the goal of
every Catholic, Pope John Paul II told pilgrims at his weekly general
audience Wednesday as he promoted a week of prayer for Christian
unity.

He said the week of prayer was “dedicated to reflection and prayer on
the need for all the baptized to work for the restoration of full
Christian unity”.

“The pain of separation is felt with ever more intensity,” the
pontiff said, adding that the world awaited a “clear and unanimous”
worship by all believers in Christ — a veiled reference to the
strained relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Prior to the audience attended by 7,000 pilgrims, the pope
inaugurated a new statue of Armenia’s patron saint, Gregory the
Illuminator. The 5.6 metre (18 feet)-high, 20 tonne statue of the
third century saint was created by Armenian sculptor Kazan Kahtechik.

It stands on the right side of the exterior of St Peter’s basilica.

San Francisco Chronicle, CA
Jan 18 2005

Leo Krikorian — artist, photographer
Michael Taylor, Chronicle Staff Writer

Leo Krikorian, an artist and photographer who also ran two well-
known Bay Area cafés during the Beat era — one in North Beach, the
other in Sausalito — died on Jan. 3 in the Siskiyou County town of
Yreka. He was 82.

For the last 10 years or so, Mr. Krikorian had been living in Mill
Valley, but in the spring of 2004, he moved to Siskiyou County to be
with his niece, Genie Stressing. He spent his last few days in a
hospice.

Mr. Krikorian was born in Fresno of immigrant Armenian parents.
Stressing said his parents had tickets for the maiden voyage of the
Titanic in April 1912, but missed the sailing because their train was
late.

Arriving in America, the family traveled to Fresno, but soon moved to
the town of Fowler, about 10 miles to the south, where Mr. Krikorian
was raised. During World War II, Mr. Krikorian was drafted into the
Army and trained as a photographer. When the war ended, he pursued
his study of photography at the Art Center School in Los Angeles,
where he was taught by the master, Ansel Adams.

While there, he heard about an intriguing experimental school back
east, Black Mountain College, near Asheville, N.C. Black Mountain,
according to the Web site , “sought to educate the
whole student — head, heart and hand — through studies, the
experience of living in a small community and manual work.” It closed
in 1957.

Mr. Krikorian spent a year there, from 1947 to 1948, studying art and
photography, then lived briefly in New York City before moving to San
Francisco, where he enrolled at what is now the San Francisco Art
Institute. He continued studying with some of the best photographers
around, returning to Adams and also taking classes from Minor White
and Clifford Stills.

In 1953, he and another Black Mountain student, Knute Stiles, created
The Place, a bar on Grant Avenue in North Beach, according to the Web
site. “During the ’50s, The Place was the center of Beat life in San
Francisco,” the Web site says, “and Leo became known as the
‘Grandfather of the Beats.’ It was there that artists and writers
gathered to drink and talk …” Every “Monday night was Blabbermouth
Night, when there was a contest for the most outrageous speech.”

It was fun while it lasted, but in 1960, the landlord sold the bar
and The Place closed.

Meanwhile, Mr. Krikorian had opened a deli called The Kettle in
Sausalito. The Kettle was more durable, lasting until 1977, when he
sold it and moved to Paris. From then on, according to the Black
Mountain Web site, Mr. Krikorian divided his time between Marin
County and his studio and gallery in Paris.

Services for Mr. Krikorian were held Saturday in Yreka. In addition
to his niece, Mr. Krikorian is survived by a brother, Vaughn
Krikorian of San Diego; and two sisters, Helen Bonner and Virginia
Krikorian, both of San Jose.

RIA Novosti, Russia
January 17, 2005

POLAND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER SOVIET SOLDIERS WHO LIBERATED WARSAW 60
YEARS AGO – POLISH DEFENSE MINISTER

WARSAW, January 17 (RIA Novosti’s Leonid Sviridov) – Poland will
always remember Soviet soldiers who liberated Warsaw 60 years ago,
Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski told RIA Novosti in an
interview on Monday.

On Monday an official ceremony of laying flowers to the monument on
the memorial cemetery was held in the center of Warsaw.

Here lie the remains of 22,000 Soviet soldiers who died in the
liberation of the Polish capital 60 years ago, in January 1945.

“It is the day of memory of those who liberated Warsaw 60 years ago.
We will always remember the soldiers who set free Warsaw and Poland,”
Mr. Szmajdzinski said.

The Poles will always remember “the 600,000 graves of deceased
soldiers of the great Soviet Union, who did everything possible for
the liberation from the Hitlerite yoke,” the Polish defense minister
said.

Poland remembers these victims and “this is why we are together here
at this memorial today. It was a truly combat brotherhood,” the
stressed.

The RIA Novosti correspondent reports that the ceremony was attended
by Russian ambassador to Poland Nikolai Afanasyevsky, Belarussian
ambassador Pavel Latushko, Armenian ambassador Ashot Ovakimyan, as
well as representatives of the diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan and
Ukraine.

Representatives of the Polish president, Interior Ministry, Veterans
Committee, different public and war veterans organizations,
Poland-East and Poland-Russia societies arrived to honor the memory
of Soviet soldiers who fell 60 years ago in liberating Warsaw from
German Nazi invaders.

RUSSIAN ANALYSTS DO NOT RULE OUT POSSIBILITY OF BEGINNING OF ACTIVE
MILITARY OPERATIONS IN NAGORNY KARABAKH, ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA IN
2005

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15. ARMINFO. Russian analysts do not rule out the
possibility of beginning of active military operations in Nagorny
Karabakh, Abkhazian and South Ossetia in 2005. It is said in the
article “Concerning the issue on military budgets of CIS states”,
published by a military analyst on the web site WPS. The data on
increase of the expenses for defence of CIS countries are indirect
confirmation of it.

According to the resource, the defence expenses of the majority of
post-soviet republics will increase by 30 and more per cents in
2005. If in average in CIS countries the GDP growth in 2004 was 7-9%,
then the military expenses increased in average by 30%.

Armenia ranks the second as regards the level of military expenses
from GDP – 3.6%. It should be noted that the data on expenses for
defence of Nagorny Karabakh are not included here. Though it is not a
secret that the army of defence of Nagorny Karabakh exists due to the
resources of Armenia. On the whole, in 2005 the military expenses of
Armenia for defence may make up over 4% out of GDP (i.e. over $127
mln).

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Jan 14 2005

Armenia becoming more interested in talks – Deputy FM

2004 can be described as a more active year in terms of the
negotiating process on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper
Garabagh, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told
journalists on Thursday. He said that during the three meetings of
the Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Robert
Kocharian and the four meetings of Foreign Ministers Elmar
Mammadyarov and Vardan Oskanian held in 2004, `views were exchanged,
which resulted in commonalities currently being discussed’.
Azimov said, however, that the approaches of the two sides are very
different and the situation is complex. At the same time, the parties
are interested in continuing the talks and consider them important
and useful, he said.
Azimov stated that `the meetings held are very important, but
`sensitive’, therefore, the sides agreed to provide the media `not
with the details but general information about them’.
Azimov emphasized that there are still a lot of differences, but said
he is confident that `the discussions will yield concrete results’.
He said that Armenia is becoming more interested in the talks.
`We hope the other side indeed has an intention to resolve the
conflict’, he said.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also pointed out that that the conflict
can be settled only within the principles of international law and
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.*

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected]
Website;
January 14, 2004
**********************************************

ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION THROUGHOUT THE CANADIAN ARMENIAN PARISHES

On the morning of January 6, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church
throughout Canada in all parishes celebrated the Feast of the Holy
Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

In TORONTO’S HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN CHURCH, morning service started at
9:30 a.m. following which the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by
Rev. Arch. Fr. Zareh Zargarian. The Divine Liturgy concluded with
blessing the water with Holy Myuron.

At the end of his sermon Rev. Arch. Fr. Zareh Zargarian invited all
men named Avedis to the altar, gave them candles that were brought
from the Mother See of Etchmiadzin and blessed them.

In SAINT CATHARINE’S SAINT GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR ARMENIAN CHURCH the
faithful parishioners attended the Armenian Christmas Liturgy. The
Primate’s representative of the Golden Horseshoe area Very Reverend
Father Hayrik Hovhannisyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by
Rev. Fr. Datev Melenguitchian, Pastor of St. Gregory Church and Deacon
Vrej Berberian, Assistant to the Pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian
Church. The lights shone brightly throughout the church, as the
congregation greeted one another in the traditional greeting “Christos
Dzenav yev Haydnetzav” and responded “Ornialeh Haydnootoune
Christosi”. The Godfather for the year 2005 is Shahe Melengutichian,
Sunday School student of the Church.

For 75 years, the tradition of celebrating Armenian Christmas in St.
Catharines, has been the preparation and offering of Pagharch
(unleavened bread) to the community. This time-honored tradition
continues today, with the aid and support of our church
community. Under the capable direction of Helen Boyagian, the baking,
the digging out the melted butter and the garlic tahn are followed,
according to customs handed down through the generations. The workers
are the children and grandchildren of those gallant survivors of the
Armenian Genocide, who brought with them memories of their
homeland. Once a year, from near and far, they arrive, with homemade
tourshi (pickles) and a nostalgic appetite for one more Armenian
Christmas of delicious pagharch.

In HAMILTON’S SAINT MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH faithful celebrated the Eve
of Nativity and Theophany on Wednesday January 5th, 2005 with Very
Reverend Father Hayrik Hovannisyan, and The Day of Nativity and
Theophany on Sunday January9th, 2005 with Reverend Father Archpriest
Sarkis Gulian.

Both occasions included beautiful services of the Divine Liturgy and
provided young and old with the opportunity to rejoice in the coming
of Christ and renew their faith for the New Year. On Wednesday January
5th, prophetic scripture readings were read by Sunday School Students
Julia Apgarian, Sarkis and Tikran Mardikian. On Sunday January 9th,
2005 the blessing of the water took place and the children were
brought onto the alter and were blessed along side Sunday School
teachers Mrs. Silva Keleshian and Miss. Alexia Citak. Following the
Sunday service there was a luncheon in the Hall. The children received
gifts from Santa and everyone was joyful. The Feast of the Miraculous
Nativity ofour Savior Jesus Christ was a very cheerful and happy time
at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Hamilton.

In other parishes St Vartan of Mississauga, Holy Cross of Laval and
St. Vartan Armenian Church of Vancouver, Armenian Christmas
Celebrations took place as well as the ceremony of the Blessing of
Water. The St. Mesrob Parish of Ottawa will be celebrating the Divine
Liturgy this Sunday. His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian will
preside over the celebration and deliver his message.

The Primate His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian celebrated Divine
Liturgy at Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral of
Montreal assisted by Very Reverend Father Ararat Kaltakjian and
Reverend Father Vazgen Boyajyan. Serving the Altar were the deacons
and the acolytes of the Church. The Gomidas Choir of the Church sang
the Divine Liturgy conducted by Varoujan Markarian. Hundreds of
Armenians from Greater Montreal area attended the Christmas
Celebration. Verabadveli Manuel Jinbachian was the special guest
invited bythe Primate.

In his sermon, Bishop Galstanian said, “It is with a glorious economy,
that on the important milestone of the changing of the year, the image
of the Holy Nativity rises up in our minds and thoughts, as on this
significant occasion we meet with Jesusâ=80¦

Particularly, on these days, when we read the story of the Birth of
Jesus, we come across the Magi’s, who having traveled a long way “knew
Him”. His Eminence continued “In today’s culture of independent
individualism, and inthe chaos of multicultural globalization, there
are so many “spiritual orphans”who do not have a sense of identity,
accountability or commitment, yet there appears the same and
unchangeable image of Jesus “and He Himself is the propitiation for
our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole
world”(1 John 2:2). He added, “Today is a feast of Love. It is the
feast of God’s unlimited love with humanity. The Creator bows to His
creatures out of His boundless love and so what remains for us is to
KNOW HIM.” He then concluded, “With these thoughts, I lovingly extend
my congratulations to all Canadian Armenians on the occasion of the
New Year and Holy Nativity. With these thoughts we wish to see our
people live with the highest of values, apart and liberated from all
pettiness and life-consuming issues. The knowledge and insight of
Peaceand Love that must be expressed only by deeds, reaches our souls
and minds, through the voice of the newly born Jesus. “Anyone who does
not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not
love his brother” (1 John 3:10).

In his message, Bishop Galstanian also spoke of the significance of
the new year of 2005, noting that the Armenian people will celebrate
the 1,600th anniversary of the Invention of the Armenian Alphabet and
solemnly commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Primate officiated over
the Service of the Blessing of the Waters, in commemoration of the
Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan. The Godfather of the Cross
this year was Gregoy Dikranian. Serpazan congratulated the Dikranian
family on this blessed occasion.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a traditional reception was held in the
Marie Manoogian Hall.

* * *

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT THE HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN CHURCH IN TORONTO

On the evening of January 5, the Eve of the Holy Nativity and
Theophany of Jesus Christ, a candlelight Divine Liturgy was celebrated
in the Armenian Church throughout Canada.

With the joyous singing of “Christ is Born and Revealed,” our Church
proclaimed the great tidings of Jesus’ birth to her faithful.
Hundreds of faithful, representatives of sister Churches as well as
Ecumenical guests in the Toronto region gathered in the Churches to
hear the traditional reading from the prophet Daniel, the readings
from the Holy Scriptures on the birth of Christ and to participated in
the liturgy.

On this joyful occasion, the Primate celebrated Divine Liturgy in
Toronto Wednesday, January 5, 2005 during which the Metropolitan
Archbishop Sotirios was the guest speaker.

Evening vesper started at 6:00 pm. Along with prayers and Christmas
hymns Sunday School students of the Church read the passages from
prophetic scriptures. It was rewarding to hear the Jr. Choir of the
church accompanied by the Sr. Choir in singing the Liturgy Hymns and
especially the Christmas songs.

In his sermon, our Primate expressed gratitude to the guest clergies
who had come to share Christmas with our faithful and praised the
dedication of the parish priest Fr. Zareh Zargarian. He then invited
the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Canada His Eminence
Metropolitan Archbishop Sotiriosto convey his thoughts on the eve of
Christmas.

The Eve of Nativity and Theophany was observed in the entrance of the
church where His Grace offered a Home Blessing service, and prayed for
our Lord to keep and protect the Armenian Church, her hierarchal
centers, her dioceses, clergy and faithful under the protection of His
Holy Cross.

Guest clergies were His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios
(Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Canada), Rev. Fr. Haridimos
Sarris (Greek Orthodox Church), Rev. Fr. Theodore de Oliveira (Greek
Orthodox Church), Costas Ketsetziz (Greek Orthodox Church), Very
Rev. Fr. Yeghia Kirejian (Pastor ofSt. Gregory the Illuminator
Armenian Catholic Church), Rev. Fr. Canon Harold Nahabedian (Rector of
St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church).

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DIOCESAN FAITHFUL RESPONDE POSITIVELY TO TSUNAMI RELIEF

On January 11, 2005 His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galsanian met with the
representative of the Canadian Red Cross Mrs. Ginette Archambault in
his office. During the meeting Mrs. Archambault talked about the
current relief efforts undertaken by the Canadian Red Cross in Tsunami
struck areas.

On behalf of the Canadian Diocese of the Armenian Church Bishop
Galstanian handed a cheque of 11.000 CAD to the representative of Red
Cross which willbe doubled by the Federal Government. Mrs. Archambault
thanked the Primate andthe Armenian Community for responding very
positively. His Eminence Bishop Galstanian stated that 17 years ago an
earthquake took many Armenian lives in our Motherland and more than
anyone we feel the grief and pain of the people inthe Tsunami
devastated areas. He then added, “Our prayers go with the victims and
the families of this natural disaster, and we wish you courage in your
most rewarding mission.”

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MONTREAL BASED SEATPLY INC. DONATED 5000 CAD

It is with deep appreciation and gratitude we acknowledge that as a
response to the Primate’s appeal towards helping Tsunami victims,
Montreal based SEATPLY INC donated 5000 CAD. On this occasion,
Mr. Levon Afeyan, Presidentstated that “after reading Serpazan’s
appeal I couldn’t sit back and do nothing”. Over 20 employees from Sri
Lanka and other countries around Indian Ocean work for Seatply Inc.

Seatply Inc. offered the employees to donate their time. The outcome
was that a total 190 hours were donated by the employees that amount
to 2500 CAD, the company doubled this amount. On Friday, January 8,
2005 Mr. Afeyan accompanied by Martin Fiset and Murugavel Rajaratnam
handed a cheque of 5000 CAD to the Primate.

We thank the Seatply Inc and its president Mr. Levon Afeyan for the
thoughtful and heartfelt humanitarian act.

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YOUTH RALLY ORGANIZED BY THE PRIMATE

On Thursday, January 13, 2005 the Primate of the Diocese of Canada His
Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian organized a Youth Rally.

The event took place at the Diocesan Hall 615 Stuart Avenue at
7:30pm. During the meeting CYMA’s 2004 Mission to Armenia (Youth
Project), 90th anniversary of the commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide, Diocesan Camp Project, 1600th Anniversary of the Invention
of the Armenian Alphabet and many other issues related to the Youth
and its involvement in the community life were discussed.

>From the very inception of his mission as Primate, Bishop Galstanian
has emphasized the importance of the role of the Youth in the
community’s build-up and prosperity. On many occasion during his
visitations to mission parishes and in relatively greater communities
such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, His Eminence has met with the
Youth and listened to the difficulties and challenges they face. He
has shown support and understanding to the Youth and has encouraged
them to actively participate in the mission of the Church.

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THE GOOD SAMARITAN OUTREACH MISSION IN THE HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY SCHOOL

On January 8th and 9th 2005, the Students of Holy Trinity Armenian
Apostolic Church Sunday School graduating class participated in an
extraordinary Outreach Mission called ‘The Good Samaritan’. This was
one of many new traditions initiated this year by Rev. Arch Fr. Zareh
Zargarian. The purpose behind the Mission is to strengthen faith and
to activate Christ’s teachings in the students’ daily lives.

Participation in the Outreach Mission prompted the students to take an
active role in serving the community and spreading the good news of
Nativity and Revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The children
followed an itinerary and visited families who were in need of support
and encouragement. They also visited families who were long time
supporters of the Church to show appreciation and respect for their
commitment, love and devotion.

The families were very surprised and overjoyed to the point of tears
to see the students with candles in hand, singing Christmas Carols,
the sweet smell of incense at their doors. The student Missionaries
spent time with every family during their visits and expressed
heartfelt best wishes while Rev. Arch Fr. Zareh celebrated the House
Blessing (Doun Orhneq) and prayed for the healing of the sick.

The Good Samaritan Outreach Mission was in fact very inspiring and
heartwarming. Putting into action the lessons learned at the school
encouraged the students to feel the real meaning of their studies in
the Spirit of Service. They could see how important they were as the
future responsible members of our community and had the duty to carry
out the teachings of the Bible by caring for others as in the parable
of the Good Samaritan.

The mission was coordinated under the auspices of Rev. Arch Fr. Zareh
and organized with the help and support of Dn. Vrej Berberian
(Principal), Mrs. Taline Gumushdjian (Chairperson of Board of
Trustees), Mrs. Takouhi Knadjian (Vice Principal), Mrs. Viviane McLean
(Board Member and PTO Chairperson), and Mr. Andranik Mirzoyan (Grade
7 Teacher).

In conclusion we would like to express our gratitude to everyone
involved and especially the parents who understood the true meaning of
the Mission and allowed their children to participate and become
messengers in the Spirit of Service, for the Nativity and Revelation
of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was an emotional day for the families and
most especially, an emotional day for the students. A real Christian
duty was put to practice. May God Bless and protect our student
Missionaries.

The participants were, on Saturday, Nareg Zargarian, Alisha
Shahmirian, Anashe Shahmirian, Maryam Meherian, Mayram Mesrop, and on
Sunday, Nareg Zargarian, Tamar Atik, Talar Thomasian, Allen
Sarkissian, Raffi Garabedian, Sarkis Kaltakjian, Sipan Galstanian.

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BISHOP BAGRAT GALSTANIAN MEETS WITH THE ACYOC AND CHRISTIAN MISSION
COMMITTEE AT THE HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH (BY GREGORY
KALAYDJIAN)

On Tuesday January 4, 2005, His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian got
together with the Toronto Jr.-and-Sr. A.C.Y.O.C. along with the
Christian Mission Committee to discuss the role of the Armenian youth
in the Armenian Orthodox Church. Bishop Galstanian praised everyone
for his or her hard work and dedication to the Church. Various topics
were discussed including the value and meaning of A.C.Y.O.C., the role
of A.C.Y.O.C. in the Armenian Orthodox Church, and different ways we
can attract more youth to become an active and participating member of
the Church community. Bishop Galstanian emphasized the importanceof
educating people about the different facets of the Armenian Orthodox
Church including our holy procession ‘Badarak’. He has even offered to
teach the youth the meaning of ‘Badarak’ on a monthly basis so that
they (the youth) may understand and appreciate the various proceedings
and prayers that constitute this holy procession.

Overall, it was an enlightening experience to have Bishop Galstanian
in our presence discussing these various issues with the youth. The
importance of youth in our Church can never be over-emphasized but
without the proper guidance and leadership they will lack focus and
direction and will quickly lose interest in the Armenian Church
community. A train can have many cars but will go nowhere without its
conductor.

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