Author: Vicken Chmshkian

Asbarez: Christmas: Making Room for Christ

Vicken Chmshkian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Commentary, Latest, Op-Ed, Top Stories

Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian

BY REV. DR. VAHAN H. TOOTIKIAN

Christmas is the celebration of God’s revelation of Himself in and through Jesus Christ. God reveals Himself through many ways—in historical events, in nature, through the Bible, through persons, and supremely through Jesus Christ.

God’s revelation through Jesus Christ is called Incarnation. Incarnation tells us the truth about God. It tells us about His intervention in human affairs. It tells us about His true nature, about His self-giving love. It tells us that God came into this sin-filled world out of love in order to save it.

Incarnation also tells the truth about human nature. It tells us that mankind has violated God’s will and has alienated itself from Him. God, however, wants to reconcile humanity, to restore the broken relationship and bring His sinful children to Him.

Christmas is the celebration of God’s presence with us here and now. Centuries ago God told the prophet Isaiah that a baby was going to be born whose name will be called Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:4).

One of the central affirmations of Christmas is that in Jesus Christ we see the love of God for humankind made flesh. That, in the fullness of time—God’s most opportune time—He intercepted human history with the gift of a Savior to redeem a world which had lost touch with its Creator.

In Jesus Christ we have come to know who God is. He indeed is Immanuel—God with us. Not a remote God beyond space and time, but God within us, among us, a Deity that bind us to Himself and to one another.

The greatest news that Christmas imparts is that the God who came to mankind in the babe of Bethlehem two thousand years ago can come to us today if we make room for Him in our lives.

In the nativity story of Jesus, Luke tells us why it was necessary for him to be born in a manger. It was because there was no room for the Holy Family in the inn (Luke 2:7). And the most obvious reason why there was no room for Jesus was because the inn was occupied to capacity. One wonders whether the innkeeper could have done some rearrangement in order to accommodate the Holy Family. Most probably he would, had he recognized the significance of the occasion.

An existential question that arises in one’s mind is: If there was no room for Christ two thousand years ago, is there any room for him today? It appears that some people are so much preoccupied with so many worldly cares that there isn’t room for anything else, not even for Christ.

Having room for Christ involves some rearranging of life. His very presence requires some commitments and changes.

Those who have made room for Christ in their lives are those for whom Christ is Immanuel (“God with us”). They have experienced the true joy Christmas.

The advent of Christ into the world is not limited by time. Mary and Joseph held him in their arms. We can hold him in our hearts. If and when we do that, then our Christmas celebration will truly be a joyous one.   

Christ is born and revealed. Tidings of joy unto you and unto us.     

Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian is the Minister Emeritus of the Armenian Congregational Church of Greater Detroit and the Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council.




Switzerland invests 10 million CHF for 10-year forest restoration project with Armenia

Vicken Chmshkian

 18:41,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) launches a 10-years project "Forest Restoration and Climate Change in Armenia” (FORACCA). An amount of 10  million CHF (around 11.5. million US dollars) is envisaged for the period 2023-2023, subject to recurrent parliamentary approval, the Embassy of Switzerland in Armenia said in a statement.

With altitudes ranging from 375 to 4090 meters above sea level, Armenia is covered with different terrestrial ecosystems that play a key role in ensuring biodiversity and carbon sequestration. At the same time, the nation grapples with deforestation, forest degradation, and the first signs of the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Armenia ranks among the least forested countries in the region, with a mere 11% forest cover concentrated primarily in the northeast and southeast.

FORACCA aims to bring cutting-edge knowledge on climate change-related topic to Armenia so that national policies can be properly designed, and so that people better understand the need for action and react accordingly. Working in close coordination with a broader World Bank project ResiLand, FORACCA implements a well-crafted and holistic strategy for a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable future for Armenia. Its three primary objectives are to advance scientific understanding of Armenia's capacity to address climate change and sustainably manage its forests; to promote climate-smart practices in rural areas; and to ensure evidence-based policymaking for climate adaptation and efficient forest management.

For planning and implementation, FORACCA is working together with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (ETH-WSL), which is part of the word-wide renowned Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. In Armenia, the Armenian National Agrarian University, alongside the Ministry of Environment, actively participates in the preparation of this initiative. In the first year, it is decided how and with which local organizations the project should be implemented on site. During this first year, the specific geographic focus of the project will also be clarified. In addition to soil and climatic conditions, logistics and availability of land, the strong interest and capacity of communities to co-invest in innovative agroforestry and forest restoration will be a key factor in the selection of beneficiaries. At the end of this process, up to seven communal and/or privately owned sites will be identified, preferably in the vicinity of established state-managed forests.

As such, FORACCA supports the implementation of the national forest policy, increases forest monitoring and helps Armenia to honor its international obligations.

With its focus on making available knowledge to the benefit of specific policy reforms and their implementation at the local level, climate-smart forest and pastureland restoration as well as innovative agroforestry initiatives will be stimulated. Thus, biodiversity as well as local CC adaptation capacities will be improved and domestic capacities for CO2 sequestration increased. Eventually, with its focus on sustainable and inclusive forest policies and management practices, FORACCA will contribute to improve livelihood conditions of often marginalized small farmers depending on forest resources – thus to the reduction of rural poverty.

Asbarez: ARS Continues to Send Aid to Displaced Artsakh Armenians

Vicken Chmshkian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

The Armenian Relief Society has distributed more than 1,500 boxes of food and essential items to Artsakh refugees


The Armenian Relief Society has consistently taken a lead role in supporting the Armenian population of Artsakh since the early days of the Liberation Movement. Their commitment is evident through their various humanitarian programs, the establishment of kindergartens, and their ongoing assistance efforts. Demonstrating an unwavering dedication to the well-being of Armenians from Artsakh, the ARS remains steadfast in addressing the current adversities that the people of Artsakh are faced with.

Following Azerbaijan’s attack on Artsakh on September 19, the Armenian Relief Society, and its partner organizations, swiftly responded to the critical situation by providing essential financial and moral support. The results achieved through the ARS’ organizing efforts include the distribution of over 1,500 boxes of food and essential items.

ARS volunteers preparing packages filled with aid for Armenians displaced from their homes in Artsakh

In the initial phase of aid distribution, 440 boxes were distributed to Artsakh refugees with funds provided by the ARS of Australia. More than 100 boxes were dispatched to Goris, in the Syunik Province, for distribution to Artsakh residents seeking refuge across the Armenian border.

In collaboration with sister organizations, including Homenetmen, Hamazkayin, the ARF, and the AYF, and aided by volunteers from various countries, the ARS packaged and distributed 1,000 boxes to displaced Artsakh Armenians settling in different regions of Armenia. These regions include: Yerevan, Aragatsotn, Armavir, Ararat, Shirak, Lori, Gegharkunik, Tavush, Syunik, Kotayk, Vayots Dzor.

The ARS office in Armenia received generous donations of food, clothing, bedding, and kitchen utensils from donors, all of which were provided to refugees from Artsakh.

Initiating the second phase of providing aid on November 18, the ARS continued distributing additional boxes of food and essential items to displaced Artsakh residents with the support of dedicated ARS and AYF members. The “We Are Our Mountains Foundation” contributed significantly to the second phase by providing 20,000 tons of pasta.

To date, the ARS has successfully distributed more than 7,000 boxes—each containing $100 worth of food and essential needs—aiding over 30,000 Armenians from Artsakh. The organization’s commitment persists as the ARS plans to launch new projects to further support displaced Artsakh Armenians.

Turkish Press: Azerbaijan needs firm guarantees Armenia won’t try to turn back clock in liberated Karabakh: President

Vicken Chmshkian
Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Dec 6 2023
Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL

In the wake of Azerbaijan liberating its sovereign territory of Karabakh, Azerbaijan wants firm guarantees neighboring Armenia will not try to seek “revenge” or retake land, the nation’s president said Wednesday.

“We need firm, verified guarantees that there will be no attempt at revanchism in Armenia. Why we need it, because we know what’s happening in Armenia, and also we know that Armenia has very bad advisers in some European capitals,” Ilham Aliyev said during an international forum in the capital Baku.

Saying that he need not mention the capitals he is referring to, as this is obvious, Aliyev said Armenia has so far received “provocative advice” but that in the future it might even get “destructive advice.”

Aliyev added said that peace on the part of Baku signifies guarantees that there will be no more wars between the two countries, that Armenia “totally agrees” with the current situation in the southern Caucasus region, and that Yerevan means what it says about Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

He also called on Armenia to “forget about the former ‘Nagorno-Karabakh republic’” and be constructive in delimitation talks between the two countries.

The current Armenian government’s ideology, which he said contests Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, remained the same despite Baku’s victory in the 2020 Karabakh war, he said.

He added that the government also understands Azerbaijan will “crush them again no matter who stands behind them” if they continue to do so, in contrast to the Armenian opposition.

Azerbaijan-Armenia peace deal

On a prospective peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Aliyev said that the agreement being discussed is some 6-7 pages and is made up of less than 20 articles.

The last remarks Baku sent on the document were on Sept. 11 and they got a response from Yerevan on Nov. 21, he said.

“For such a small document, Armenia needed 70 days … to respond to us. And they responded only after Azerbaijan’s foreign minister publicly disclosed that … So this shows that the side which is delaying the process isn’t Azerbaijan, it is Armenia. Why they delay it, I don’t know … I can only suspect,” he added.

He went on to say that the document is currently being evaluated by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, and that once they comment on it, a meeting of the countries’ top diplomats will be “appropriate.”

He also said that he thinks they should not be preoccupied with the formal side of the peace deal based on cases such as Russia-Japanese relations, where he said the formal peace agreement was “not an obstacle for normal interaction.”

Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

Azerbaijan liberated most of the region during the war in the fall of 2020, which ended with a Russian-brokered peace agreement, opening the door to normalization.

This September, the Azerbaijani army initiated an anti-terrorism operation in Karabakh to establish constitutional order, after which illegal separatist forces in the region surrendered.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/azerbaijan-needs-firm-guarantees-armenia-wont-try-to-turn-back-clock-in-liberated-karabakh-president/3074659

ALSO READ

Putin to hold talks with Iranian leader in Moscow on December 7

Vicken Chmshkian

 19:22, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin will receive his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow on Thursday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Yes, I can confirm that. Russian-Iranian talks will indeed take place in Moscow on December 7," Peskov said when asked to comment on a report by Iran’s Tasnim news agency saying Raisi would visit Moscow at Putin’s invitation on Thursday, Tass informs.

According to Tasnim, Raisi and Putin plan to talk economic cooperation as well as regional and international issues, in particular, the Palestinian issue and the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.

Travel: Discover the Rich History and Cultural Tapestry of Armenia: Yerevan and Gyumri

Vicken Chmshkian
EnergyPortal.eu
Dec 2 2023
  • Post authorBy Daniel Hall

When you think of Armenia, what comes to mind? Perhaps the stunning beauty of Mount Ararat or the vibrant city life of Yerevan and Gyumri. This small country nestled amidst the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains is steeped in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to ancient times. Let’s explore the captivating stories and cultural treasures of Yerevan and Gyumri.

As you step into Yerevan, its rosy capital, you are transported to a time where history whispers from every corner. The city’s delightful pink hue owes itself to Tuff, a robust stone that has withstood the test of time. Yerevan is like a living time capsule, frozen in the Soviet era, with its imposing Soviet structures coexisting seamlessly with modern cafes and bustling markets.

As you wander through Yerevan’s streets, you can’t help but feel the nostalgic echo of the Soviet charm. The art museums and theatres, with their gilded interiors and velvet curtains, are a testament to the rich artistic heritage that blossomed under Soviet patronage. Republic Square, with its grand neoclassical buildings, is the center of the action, where locals and visitors gather to bask in the glorious sunshine and enjoy the melodies of the musical fountains.

Venturing into Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, is like stepping back in time. With a history stretching back thousands of years, Gyumri is an archaeological trove where history serenades you from every stone. The city’s architecture, from intricate churches to charming old houses, showcases the craftsmanship of generations past. Museums tucked away in historic homes offer a glimpse into Gyumri’s rich history and cultural tapestry.

When exploring these cities, be sure to immerse yourself in the flavors of traditional Armenian cuisine, visit vibrant flea markets, and sample exquisite local art. Armenia’s cultural tapestry is a symphony of flavors, colors, and stories, waiting to be discovered.

FAQ

Q: How old is Yerevan?
A: Yerevan’s genesis dates back to 782 BC under the reign of King Argishti I, making it one of the world’s most ancient cities.

Q: What is Tuff?
A: Tuff is a robust stone that gives Yerevan its delightful pink hue. It is lightweight yet capable of bearing the weight of history and the colors of picturesque sunsets.

Q: Where can I visit museums in Gyumri?
A: Gyumri is home to fascinating museums such as the Dzitoghtsyan Museum, the Museum of Urban Life and Culture, and museums within the homes of renowned authors Hovhannes Shiraz and Avetik Isahakyan.

Sources:
– https://www.armenia.travel/

https://www.energyportal.eu/news/why-armenia-should-be-your-next-travel-destination/553319/#gsc.tab=0

Armenia’s Garik Karapetyan wins gold at IWF World Junior Championships

Vicken Chmshkian

 09:57, 23 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s Garik Karapetyan has won gold in the men’s 102kg category at the IWF World Junior Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Karapetyan lifted 175kg in snatch and 203kg in clean and jerk, earning him a small gold and small silver respectively. He was named champion with a total result of 378kg.

The Armenian team's Gor Sahakyan and Alexandra Grigoryan also won gold earlier in the championship.

Armenian PM meets with UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty

Vicken Chmshkian

 17:10,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty.

In a readout, the Prime Minister’s Office said that PM Pashinyan mentioned the active nature of the relations between Armenia and the UK. He attached importance to the recently held first session of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue. Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed certainty that the Armenia-UK cooperation has great potential and that mutual high-level visits will contribute to the full utilization of it.

UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty highlighted the Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s recent official visit to the UK, which has intensified the expansion and deepening of bilateral ties. Docherty stressed the UK’s interest to deepen partnership with Armenia.

Issues pertaining to the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization of relations were also discussed. The importance of continuing the peace process based on the principles that were agreed upon during the trilateral meetings held in Brussels on May 14 and July 15 of 2023 was emphasized. The humanitarian issues of over 100,000 forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing, and the Armenian government’s measures to overcome these issues were discussed. In this context, humanitarian support by the international community to the NK population was highlighted.

Views were exchanged around regional peace and stability, as well as other issues of mutual interest.




BTA. Foreign Minister Gabriel Thanks Germany for Its Strong Support for Bulgaria’s Schengen Accession

Vicken Chmshkian

 17:30,

SOFIA, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS/BTA. Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel thanked Germany for its strong support for Bulgaria’s prompt Schengen accession during a joint press conference with her German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Berlin on Thursday.

“This means a lot for Bulgaria and for the Bulgarian people. Germany is our trusted ally and long-standing partner and its support for Schengen at this crucial moment is essential,” Gabriel stressed.

Baerbock said that Bulgaria and Romania have worked hard in this direction and now it is the turn of the Schengen countries to keep their word and accept them.

Gabriel also thanked Germany for its support for Bulgaria's candidacy for membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OEC). She expressed confidence that the two countries cан work together in the sphere of investments, new technologies, cooperation in education and culture.

The enlargement of the EU, the fight against illegal migration and the situation in the Middle East вере also topics of the talks between the two foreign ministers.

The fight against illegal migration remains a key priority for Bulgaria, given that it is an external border of the EU, Gabriel said. She added that the country supports efforts to establish an effective fair and well-functioning migration and asylum system within the EU.

“It is crucial that support for Ukraine continues in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. We will continue to work for the sanctions regime against Russia. Bulgaria also provides political, diplomatic, military and humanitarian assistance and is home to thousands of Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war,” the Bulgarian Foreign Minister pointed out.

Бербок похвали оказваната подкрепа за Украйна от страна на България. "Радвам се да отбележа, че солидарност не е просто дума за България и че страната оказва помощ на Украйна", подчерта германската министърка. 

Тя изтъкна, че България е сред страните, които продължават да поддържат функциониращ коридора за износ на украинско зърно заедно с Гърция и Румъния. 

По отношение на конфликта в Близкия изток, който започна на 7 октомври, след като радикалната групировка "Хамас" нападна Израел, германската министърка заяви, че на място е видяла ситуацията по време на посещението си в региона. 

Baerbock praised the support provided to Ukraine by Bulgaria. "I am glad to note that solidarity is not just a word for Bulgaria," the German Minister underlined. 

She pointed out that Bulgaria is among the countries that continue to maintain a functioning Ukrainian grain export corridor together with Greece and Romania. 

Regarding the conflict in the Middle East, which started on October 7 after the radical group Hamas attacked Israel, Baerbock said she had seen the situation on the ground during her visit to the region.

"Clearly, there is no easy answer to this issue," she noted and added that opening a humanitarian corridor is necessary to allow people in need, especially children.

She called for the release of the hostages captured by Hamas in the attack and said Israel had the right to defend itself, but Israel must take into account the civilians in the Gaza Strip during its military operations.

"For there to be peace and security in the region, there must be two independent states," Baerbock stressed.

"Bulgaria strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel… We express our full support for Israel's right to self-defence, in accordance with the norms of international law," Gabriel said.

(This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.)




The uniform of the Armenian Armed Forces will undergo both color and content changes, says Defense Minister

Vicken Chmshkian

 18:37,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. This year, the Ministry of Defense has initiated a change in the uniform of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan said during a question-and-answer session with members of the government in the National Assembly.

"I want to draw your attention to the fact that this initiative is not only about changing the color of the uniform; it also implies a content change. Military clothing must be of very high quality, comfortable and comply with current international standards in all its components. This applies to all types of uniforms. To achieve this, we have announced an open competition with the goal of involving all specialists in Armenia who can present their ideas regarding the new uniform," said Armenian Defense Minister, adding that the Ministry of Defense is actively collaborating with international partners in this direction.