Category: 2017

June16, 2017
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: www.westernprelacy.org


PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH IN FRESNO

- VERY REV. FR. DAJAD ASHEKIAN TO RECEIVE PECTORAL CROSS

        On Sunday, June 18, 2017, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy
Trinity Church in Fresno.
        In mid-May, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia, conferred the privilege of wearing a pectoral cross to six young
members of the Brotherhood, including Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian, Pastor
of Holy Trinity Church in Fresno, and Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian,
Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in San Francisco.
        During Divine Liturgy, the Prelate will present Fr. Dajad with the
Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness and pectoral cross.   

***

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS TO BEGIN

        For the past few years, a number of our parishes organize Vacation
Bible Schools over the summer where our youth come together to learn
prayers, Bible stories, hymns, services and traditions of the Armenian
Apostolic Church, and engage in educational and fun activities including,
sports, games, and arts and crafts. 
        This year's schedule is as follows:
        Forty Martyrs Church, Orange County: June 19 - 23, from 9:00 a.m. -
12:00 noon, for Kindergarten to 8th grade students.
        Holy Trinity Church, Fresno: June 25 - 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00
noon.
        St. Sarkis Church, Pasadena: Four one-week sessions beginning on
July 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for children ages 3 and up.
        Holy Cross Cathedral, Montebello: Camp Shining Light, from July 16 -
22, at Mount Kare Camp in Wrightwood. 
        We urge our parents to enroll their children in these spiritually
enriching programs. Please contact the church offices for more information.

*** 

PRELACY SCHOOLS' COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

        At the close of the academic year, in the past two weeks
commencement ceremonies of Prelacy Schools took place, which H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and/or representatives attended. This year,
the Prelate attended the following ceremonies, during which he conveyed his
congratulatory message and blessings to the students and their families and
his commendation to the school administrators and faculty. 
        On Sunday, June 4, the 12th grade graduation ceremony of Rose and
Alex Pilibos School was held at the school's Nerses Tashdjian Gymnasium. The
Prelate was accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian and Executive
Council member Dr. Kaloust Agopian. The program began with the national
anthems and school hymn. MC Ms. Sevan Sherikian delivered welcoming remarks,
followed by the Board of Regents address by Mrs. Lena Kortoshian,
valedictorian and salutatorian speeches, presentation of scholarships,
recognitions, and awards, the keynote address by alumna Aleek Sherikian,
presentation of diplomas, and the Principal's address by Dr. Alina Dorian.
        In his message, the Prelate highlighted the vital and unique role of
Armenian Schools in the intellectual, national, moral, and spiritual
development of our youth. His Eminence commended the students' speeches, and
referring to Matthew 7:7 ("Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you
will find; knock, and it will be opened to you"), which one of the students
had cited, urged the graduates to turn to God and seek His wisdom, to enrich
their minds with our national and religious treasures, and to seek out
opportunities.
        On Tuesday, June 6, the end of the year program and graduation
ceremony of Richard Tufenkian Pre-School and Kindergarten took place at
Glendale High School Auditorium. The Prelate was accompanied by Archpriest
Fr. Vazken Atmajian. The program began with the national anthems and the
invocation by Fr. Vazken. Director Mrs. Arsine Aghazarian conveyed her
message. The Prelate commended the young students for their culturally
enriching performances, the parents for trusting the instruction of their
children to Armenian Schools, and the devoted service of the faculty. He
greeted the school benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian and
thanked them for their continued support. The program continued with songs
and dances by the Kindergarten class, remarks by School Board member Mrs.
Nora Kalachian, and the presentation of diplomas.
        On Thursday, June 8, the elementary and middle school ceremonies of
Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School took place at Glendale High School
Auditorium. The Prelate attended the 8th grade graduation ceremony,
accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Torossian and Executive Council member
Mrs. Elo Boyajian. The program began with the national anthems and the
school hymn and continued with welcoming remarks by Masters of Ceremony Mrs.
Ani Berberian and Dr. Armig Panossian, valedictorian and salutatorian
speeches, presentation of special awards, the keynote address by alumnus
Hrach Titizian, presentation of diplomas, and the Principal's message by Dr.
Talin Kargodorian. The Prelate first commended the school family for their
utmost dedication to ensuring a bright future for our youth. He advised the
graduates to be prudent, make wise choices, always give their best, and do
good, and urged them to never forget their school and to give back to their
community. 
        On Saturday, June 10, the 12th grade graduation ceremony of Holy
Martyrs Ferrahian High School took place at Avedissian Hall. The Prelate was
accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. The program began with
the national anthems, followed by the invocation by Fr. Razmig, welcoming
remarks by Masters of Ceremony Mrs. Jasmine Rostamian and Mrs. Talin
Janetsian, Board of Regents message by Dr. Hasmig Baran, senior class
messages, the commencement address by Mr. Christ Keosian, School Board
message by Mr. Vahe Benlian, conferring of academic and monetary awards, the
Principal's message by Mrs. Sossi Shanlian and the presentation of diplomas.
The Prelate commended the school family for their care and devotion to our
students. He commended the graduates for the pledges they made to keep their
national identity, and as they prepare to embark on the next phase of their
lives, he urged them to always speak, think, and do good, keep the faith,
keep learning, and give back to their school.
        Finally, on Sunday, June 11, the High School graduation and Middle
School promotion of Armenian Mesrobian School took place in the school
courtyard. The Prelate was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Rev.
Fr. Ashod Kambourian, and Executive Council member Mr. Antranik Kasbarian.
The program included national anthems, the invocation by Fr. Muron, opening
remarks by MC Mr. Berch Papikyan, Board of Regents message by Mrs. Armineh
Alexan Papazian, the Middle School message, presentation of scholarships,
valedictorian and salutatorian speeches, keynote address by alumnus Mr.
Richard Elden, the Principal's message by Mr. David Ghoogasian, and the
presentation of diplomas. The Prelate commended the school family and wished
them continued successes in their vital mission as a "fountain of light and
cradle of hope" in the words of the school's motto. His Eminence urged the
students to place their hope and trust in God, to keep learning, bettering
themselves, and always striving for the best. 
        In addition, parish pastors attended ceremonies of all Prelacy
Schools and conveyed the Prelate's blessings. These included the ceremonies
of: ARS "Mayr" Chapter Mary Postoian Pre-School on Friday, June 2nd, Levon
and Hasmig Tavlian Pre-School on Saturday, June 3rd, Holy Martyrs Cabayan
Elementary School, Ari Guiragos Minassian, and ARS Ashkhen Pilavjian
Pre-School on Sunday, June 4, Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan on Saturday,
June 10, and Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School on Sunday, June 11.

***

Azerbaijani Spy Scandal Leaves Trail Of Dead Suspects



Ron Synovitz
Azerbaijan -- Azeri servicemen guard their position at the frontline
with the self-defense army of Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan, April
29, 2016.


Within days of being swept up in a wave of arrests on espionage
charges last month, at least four Azerbaijani soldiers and a retired
military officer died in custody. The circumstances of their deaths
are shrouded in secrecy.

Azerbaijan's government and military have refused to comment on the
deaths, news of which emerged shortly after authorities in May
announced the spy scandal.

Journalists who initially reported on the deaths have been warned by
the Prosecutor-General's Office to stop. And most relatives of the
dead soldiers are reluctant to speak to journalists, with some
expressing fear about their own safety if they do.

The silence, Baku's poor human rights record, and the way Azerbaijan's
military hastily buried the soldiers without letting relatives see
their bodies, have fed rumors that the suspects were tortured to death
while being interrogated.

Spying For Armenia

The spy scandal came to light on May 7 when a joint statement was
issued by the State Security Service, the Prosecutor-General's Office,
the Interior Ministry, and the Defense Ministry.

It said authorities had "opened a criminal case against a group of
military personnel and civilians in Azerbaijan" on charges of "treason
against the state."

The statement said members of the spy ring had worked for the
intelligence services of archrival Armenia "at various times in the
past" and "for their own interest." It also said they provided "state
secrets" to Armenia, which Azerbaijan has been locked in conflict with
over Nagorno-Karabakh for decades.

Secretive Arrests

Azerbaijan's authorities have not named any individuals accused in the
spy case or specified how many suspects were arrested and charged. But
Ilham Ismayil, a former State Security Service officer, told RFE/RL
that a total of 42 people were arrested in raids during May -- mostly
in the Terter region.

Ismayil told RFE/RL that the spy scandal stemmed from an incident in
late 2016 when a group of Armenian military officers allegedly were
allowed to cross from Nagorno-Karabakh and travel behind Azerbaijan's
front lines with the help of Azerbaijani officers.

He said some Armenian officers were given Azerbaijani military
uniforms to wear and that they traveled to the center of Terter -- a
city that was heavily damaged by Armenian forces during the
Nagorno-Karabakh war in the early 1990s.

State Security Service chief Madat Guliyev said the roundup of
spy-ring suspects was ordered by President Ilham Aliyev after
investigators under Guliyev's command provided evidence to both the
president and the Defense Ministry. Based on that evidence, the
Defense Ministry took action. Neither the State Security Service nor
Azerbaijan's government has publicly disclosed the nature of the
intelligence the suspects allegedly provided to Armenia. And, so far,
there have been no public court hearings for any of the suspects.

Suspicious Deaths

Yadigar Sadiqov, a politician from the opposition party Musavat, has
suggested that the deaths in custody of so many suspects just days
after their arrests is highly suspicious. "We don't believe they died
of natural causes," Sadiqov wrote in a May 20 opinion column for the
Baku-based online newspaper Bastainfo.com.

Sadiqov also suggested many people in Azerbaijan assume the suspects
were tortured to death, noting that "across social media, there are
people saying the government was justified to torture and kill" them.

In each case, the suspects were detained in raids close to the contact
line that separates Armenian-backed and Azerbaijani forces near
Nagorno-Karabakh. Within days, their dead bodies were returned to
their home villages and buried by soldiers who did not allow relatives
to see them.

Opposition media in Azerbaijan that have reported about the deaths and
burials have been officially warned they would be prosecuted for
revealing "state secrets" if they published any more information about
the spy case that wasn't officially released by state institutions.

With the exception of a cousin of one dead soldier who spoke only on
condition of anonymity because he feared retribution from authorities,
relatives of the deceased suspects have refused to talk to RFE/RL or
other media organizations.

Amnesty International confirms that it has received complaints from
sources within Azerbaijan alleging that the soldiers were tortured to
death. But Levan Asatiani, Amnesty International's campaigner on the
South Caucasus, says his organization cannot immediately confirm the
torture claims because Azerbaijan has become a "closed country" that
blocks the work of international human rights researchers.

He said Azerbaijan has a well-documented history of using torture to
induce false confessions from political prisoners who are lawyers,
journalists, and opposition activists. "You could say that the use of
torture is a trend in Azerbaijan," Asatiani said.

Hasty Burials

Namized Safarov, a Baku-based human rights lawyer, told RFE/RL that a
retired military officer named Saleh Qafarov was arrested on treason
charges in early May at his village of Aydinqyshlaq in the Gabala
region.

Safarov said Azerbaijani soldiers returned Qafarov's body four days
later for burial in the village, but Qafarov's relatives never saw his
remains and were not allowed to attend the burial. Since then, Safarov
said, Qafarov's family has faced "heavy harassment" from other
villagers angered by the treason allegations. Qafarov's children have
been expelled from school.

Imran Cabbarov, the head of the local government in Aydinqyshlaq,
confirmed that Qafarov died in custody. "He died and was buried,"
Cabbarov told RFE/RL. "Only law-enforcement bodies can talk about
it. If he committed such a crime as treason, it would serve him
right."

Bastainfo.com and the Berlin-based independent website Meydan TV
reported similar circumstances when the bodies of other suspects in
the spy case were returned to their villages.

Temkin Nizamioglu, a 24-year-old lieutenant from the Ordubad region
near Azerbaijan's southern border with Iran, was one of at least three
active military officers reportedly arrested in the case. Nizamioglu
was buried in his village of Darkend by Azerbaijani soldiers who
returned his body.

"It's true that his body was brought to the village for burial, and
according to the soldiers who brought him, he had heart problems and
died in a hospital," the village's municipal chief, Raqib, said.

The body of officer Elcin Quliyev was delivered for burial in his town
of Terter on May 18 shortly after he was arrested in the spy case. A
cousin of Quliyev, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Meydan TV
that the soldiers who returned his body didn't give the family any
details about the cause of his death.

"They just said they were investigating the issue and would inform us
about the cause of his death when that investigation is finished," the
cousin said.

Mehman Huseynov, a military officer from the village of Agkend in the
Terter region, also died in custody within days of being arrested in
the spy case. Local residents refused to allow Huseynov to be buried
in the village cemetery because of the treason accusations against
him.

Meydan TV also reported that a 32-year-old soldier named Elcin
Mirzaliyev was buried in his village of Shalig in the Ucar region,
within days of being arrested in the case. That report said Mirzaliyev
died on May 25 and was returned to his village the next day by
soldiers who buried him without allowing relatives to see his body or
attend his burial.

The head of Shalig's municipality, Arif Ahmadov, confirmed that
Mirzaliyev was buried but would not give any details about the cause
of his death.

There have been anonymous claims on social media that other
Azerbaijani soldiers have died in custody after being arrested for
treason in the spy scandal. RFE/RL could not confirm the veracity of
those reports or attest to the reliability of the sources.

(Written by RFE/RL correspondent Ron Synovitz, with reporting from
RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service.)


Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
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