Category: 2017

BY GAREN YEGPARIAN

It may seem like a bad topic to write about in this season of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and the annual Armenia Fund Telethon (this year dedicated to developing Artsakh’s tremendous agricultural potential), but a reader brought an article to my attention titled “Murders, suicides, and fatal accidents plague the Armenian military,” published by OC Media, which contains some very worrisome data.

If the numbers are accurate, then in the 2010-2016 period, more of the deaths suffered by the armies of the Republics of Armenia and Artzakh are non-combat (259, or 59%) rather than casualties of war (213, or 41%)! Please see the accompanying chart which I have replicated from the original article

We all hear about these deaths, but not in the aggregate, which comes as a bit of a shock. Why are there all these needless deaths?

Some of it may come from hazing, which evidently harks back, systemically, to Soviet times, but all militaries have been known for it since… forever. But judging by the causes of death, that cannot be the main reason.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter why this is going, it must stop, and stop immediately. There are evidently laws on the books in Armenia to fight this, but clearly, they are not working, for whatever reason – because they are insufficient to the task or unenforced. This is a matter of the countries’ survival, given our bloodthirsty eastern and western neighbors.

The good news is, the army enjoys a high level of trust among Armenia’s citizens, 65% of respondents, though 62% believe it is non-transparent. Interestingly, three quarters of young people believe that problems and incidents in the army should not even be discussed or publicized.

This is corrosive, because in time, abuses leading to deaths will erode the positive numbers cited above, it cannot be any other way. Heavy duty pressure, very public, is the only way to induce rapid change. Really, the only change required is simple – up and down the chain of command, everyone in the military must act with decency and respect.

Let’s get on this. The security of the slivers of our homeland still under Armenian control are at stake. When you donate to Armenia Fund this year, send a note along saying you want to see a fundamental and rapid reduction in the non-combat military death statistics.

 

Beauty

Yes, indeed, I am going to discuss appearance, specifically, people’s, and more specifically Armenians’, since we seem so fixated on denying ourselves.

There are countless adages and quips about beauty, a quick online search allowed me to select a few and add those that I remembered.

1- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
2- BEAUTY x BRAINS = CONSTANT.
3- BRAUN x BRAINS = CONSTANT.
4- Beauty is only skin deep. (But ugly goes clear through to the bone).
5- Pretty is as pretty does.
6- There is certainly no absolute standard of beauty. That precisely is what makes its pursuit so interesting.
7- Glamour is a shooting star, it catches your eye, but fades away, beauty is the sun always brilliant day after day.
8- Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.
9- People are more than just the way they look.
10- People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

Many of these apply to us and our self-image.

Copious amounts of money are spent on superficial modifications. Why? Many seem to pursue looking like “a model” when those objects of temporary adulation are nothing but unhealthy examples of fixations on exterior “beauty” – or glamor. (see #s 1, 7, 8, and 9 above)

What’s worse is when the particular “look” someone aspires to have is very alien to that person, be it genetically or culturally. No doubt we’ve all seen Armenians, especially those among us with darker toned skin, who decide to dye their hair blond(e). Often, the eyebrows are neglected, resulting in a ridiculous appearance. Either way, the result is usually just this side of hideous. It looks just as absurd as bleached-hair-Japanese. Then we have the hair removal fad, and this applies mostly to our men. Again I ask, why? I can’t help but recall learning, in my “History of the Caucasus” class, that in the 19th century, Georgian women were considered very alluring because of their… “unibrow” as its now derisively labeled. (see #6 above)

Body shapes are subject to the same unnecessary modifications, too. Whether biceps, breasts, or buttocks, why mess with how we’re shaped? If some group developed adaptations to their environment (flatlands, forests, mountains, etc.), why should some temporary, passing, fascination with another group’s body shape inspire surgical intervention? (see #s 6 and 9, and above)

When Armenians, or anyone else, engages in this kind of behavior, all we do is betray a fatuousness, an internal emptiness, a lack of self-confidence, and even self-hate. (see #10 above)
Why adopt others’ notions of beauty, or those based on what is natural and native to other groups, rather than one’s own?

Let’s love Armenian beauty amongst ourselves and enjoy the beauty of others when we visit them. (see #s 1and 8 above)

GLENDALE—The St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Pre-School held its annual Thanksgiving luncheon on Tuesday, November 21. It’s been a tradition every year that the school’s benefactors, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian as well as Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian join the school community and participate in the festivities.

This year, Very Rev. Torkom Donoyan as well as Board of Regents member Armineh Papazian, Tufenkian Pre-School’s Board members and Parent Support Committee Steering Board members also attended the event.

During this year’s event, Mr. & Mrs.Tufenkian visited classrooms and interacted with the children as well as had a traditional Thanksgiving lunch. The lunch was followed by a special presentation by the kindergarten students who performed Armenian and English songs and poems.

The goal of the school’s curriculum at Tufenkian Pre-School is to instill children with the appreciation and knowledge of the Armenian language, heritage, culture and religion. And this luncheon did just that. Collectively, with the help of students and their families, the teachers and staff, the school collected $5,000 for the 2017 Armenia Fund Telethon.

Benefactors Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Honored By Artsakh Government

FRESNO—On Sunday, November 19, the Holy Trinity Church of Fresno celebrated the 117th anniversary of its establishment with Episcopal Divine Liturgy and a banquet. Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and presided over the banquet.

State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh Arayik Haroutyunyan, Permanent Representatives of the Republic of Artsakh to the United States Robert Avetisyan, Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Executive Director Ara Vardanyan, Armenia Fund Executive Director Sarkis Kotanjian, Prelacy Executive Council Chairman Vahe Hovaguimian and members, Sunday School students, Homenetmen representatives and scouts participated in the celebration. On this day, by the ordinance of the Prelate and the request of Homenetmen Western Region Executive, requiem prayers were offered in all Prelacy Churches for the souls of departed Homenetmen members.

The Prelate was greeted by faithful parishioners and Homenetmen scouts at his arrival to the Church. Shortly thereafter, as the choir sang “Hrashapar,” the Prelate entered the sanctuary in a procession to begin the Divine Liturgy, clad in a new Liturgical vestment gifted by the parish on the occasion of his milestone anniversaries. Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian, Parish Priest, assisted at the altar.

The Prelate began his sermon by congratulating the parish family on their 117th anniversary and commending all the servers and volunteers for contributing their part to maintaining and advancing the historic parish community, in particular Fr. Dajad and Board members. His Eminence greeted the honored guests, whom he noted were in town to take part in Armenia Fund’s 20th International Telethon on Thanksgiving Day, and urged the community to lend its generous support to the Telethon, titled “Fruitful Artsakh,” proceeds of which will be allocated to the construction of irrigation syste “As Artsakh is largely an agricultural economy, the success of this project is absolutely vital as it will boost the economy tremendously and provide a better life for its citizens,” stressed the Prelate.

The Prelate then turned to the day’s Gospel reading from Luke 9:44-50 which conveys the message of humility and loving service to others with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ that “he who is least among you all will be great.” The Prelate stated that true greatness is in servant-hood and in humbling ourselves to lift up and encourage others. By using the example of a child in the reading, Jesus teaches us that we must welcome and honor those whom society regards as unimportant. “In our religious and national ministry there is no great or least among us. We all are children of God and of our nation, and to be effective servants of our Christ and our nation, we must serve with humility and love for all, in the prime example of our Lord Jesus Christ Who came not to be served, but to serve,” stressed the Prelate. He stated that one hundred and seventeen year ago the founders of Holy Trinity Church did just this; they banded together as members of one family and toiled with faith, love, and humility to establish the parish, and urged the parish family to serve in their example to keep the community strong and prosperous for years to come. The Prelate concluded his sermon by paying tribute to the departed members of Homenetmen who served with faith, love, and humility for the greater good, the good of our youth, guided by the motto “elevate yourself and others with you,” and blessed the present-day members for their dedicated service.

During requiem service, prayers for the repose of souls were offered for Homenetmen members. At the conclusion of the service, the Prelate and Executive Council members met with the parish leadership, during which they commended the Pastor and Board members for their diligent service.

The 117th anniversary banquet followed, with the participation of over 300 guests including the representatives of the Republic of Artsakh, Armenia Fund, and the Executive Council. The program convened with welcoming remarks by Mistress of Ceremonies Cortney Shegerian and national anthe

The Prelate delivered the invocation. Executive Council Chairman Vahe Hovaguimian congratulated the parish community and stressed the importance of collective efforts. During lunch the guests enjoyed several dances and songs presented by the Armenian Song and Dance Group under the direction of Karine Hohannisyan. Fr. Dajad thanked the Prelate and Executive Council members for joining the parish on the special occasion, highlighted the parish’s accomplishments in the past year, and urged the youth to continue to maintain our church and community traditions. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Vice-Chairman Berj Apkarian welcomed the guests and invited State Minister of Artsakh Arayik Haroutyunyan for his remarks. Haroutyunyan stated that the support of the Diaspora has an immense influence on the success of Arsakh. “Armenia and Artsakh may not have many allies or natural resources but they have the Diaspora, which has always stood by the homeland,” he said, and on this occasion, on behalf of President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan, awarded the Republic of Artsakh’s “President’s Honorary Medal to Prelacy and national benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Vahan and Anoush Chamlian.”

The Master of Ceremonies read the biographies of this year’s honorees, Grace Kazarian and Mary Ekmalian, who were presented plaques by the Prelate, Fr. Dajad, and Board of Trustees Chair Bill Sahatdjian.

The Prelate delivered his congratulatory message, beginning by greeting the Executive Council members and congratulating the parish family stating, “Your celebrations and achievements are also our celebrations and achievements, for though we are comprised of different parishes, we are one family, united under the auspices of the Holy See of Cilicia and our Pontiff, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.” His Eminence greeted the honored guests and encouraged the continued unity of Arstakh and the Diaspora by once again appealing to the community to open their hearts and extend a helping hand to Artsakh on Thanksgiving Day via the Armenia Fund Telethon.

Next, His Eminence next spoke on the value of collective service, stating that individually we may not be able to do much, but together we can achieve a great deal. When we make use of our individual gifts, talents, and resources as faithful stewards of God, and unite our efforts for the greater good, no doubt God will bless and lead our efforts to success, as has been the case with the faithful servants of Holy Trinity Church, he said. Service was at the heart of Christ’s mission; by example He taught us how to serve others and commands us to do the same, stated the Prelate, adding that generation after generation, comprehending the church’s invaluable role as the bastion of our faith and the heart of our community, have served the Fresno community in this manner. His Eminence noted that though the Year of Renewal is coming to a close, renewal is a continuous process and one that is necessary for us as individuals and for us as a collective. Quoting from our Pontiff’s Year of Renewal proclamation, the Prelate stressed the important role the youth play in the renewal of our community institutions, commended the Parish Priest, Delegates, Board of Trustees, Men’s Society, and Ladies’ Guild members, altar servers and choir members, and all the volunteers, for their diligent service and for engaging the youth in our church. He commended especially the young men and women who dedicate their time and efforts for the evolution and progress of the community. Finally, the Prelate reflected on the number of milestone anniversaries to be celebrated in 2018, the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia, the centennial of Homenetmen, the 60th anniversary of the North American Prelacy, and the 45th anniversary of our Western Prelacy, hoping and wishing that these momentous celebrations inspire all in their faithful service for the glory of God and the splendor of our church and nation.

The cutting of the cake dedicated to the Prelate’s milestone anniversaries followed. The celebration came to a close with the benediction and Cilicia.

GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Social Services was able to fulfill its objective of assisting individuals and families in need this 2017 Thanksgiving season as a result of enormous support received on a community-wide level. Over 220 families living in difficult means received one form of assistance or another to prepare a Thanksgiving meal in their homes and to celebrate the holiday.

On Tuesday, November 21, 125 frozen turkeys were distributed at the ARS Regional Headquarters following a generous donation by Mr. & Mrs. Shahab and Nadia Shamsi. This was the third consecutive year that Mr. & Mrs. Shamsi have made such a large scale contribution for the Thanksgiving occasion. Further, on the afternoon of November 21st, 40 families received turkeys through St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. The support of schools was also influential as Chamlian Armenian School donated full Thanksgiving meals, with all the trimmings, to 4 families in need. St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale participated in the effort with the delivery of Thanksgiving meals to 11 families. One day prior, on November 20, 2017, Ms. Silva Simon made a kindhearted contribution of meals to 20 families in memory of her parents.

On November 18, 2017, ARS Social Services was invited and participated in the 15th Annual Operation Gobble Gobble by City of Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek in front of City Hall. 15 turkeys and food bags were received and distributed to clients through the ARS Social Services office in Pasadena.

ARS Social Services further participated in Congresswoman Judy Chu’s Annual Operation Gobble Turkey Donation Program on November 17, 2017 at the Rosemead Garvey Center where Congresswoman Chu learned about the successes of participating organizations. ARS Social Services received 8 turkeys, which were distributed to families in the Pasadena community.

Following the launch of its food drive and in the spirit of giving, ARS Social Services has been distributing canned foods, dry goods, and gift cards through its offices with charitable donations received from Chamlian Armenian School, Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School, ARS Montebello “Ani” Chapter, ARS San Fernando Valley “Anahid” Chapter, ARS Burbank “Araz” Chapter, ARS San Francisco “Garin” Chapter, ARS Santa Monica “Gars” Chapter, ARS Hollywood “Mayr” Chapter, ARS Orange County “Sevan” Chapter, and ARS Pasadena “Sosse” Chapter.

ARS Social Services has also been able to offer assistance by way of emergency food donations as a result of its listing with the 2-1-1 Los Angeles County Resource Directory.

ARS Social Services is committed to providing comprehensive social services to low-moderate individuals and families through four offices located in Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood, and North Hollywood. Services include case management, completion of forms, assistance with housing and transportation issues, senior services, employment services, referrals, English as a Second Language/Life Skills classes, and more.

STEPANAKERT—A landmine explosion on Wednesday at the northeastern section of the Artsakh-Azerbaijan border killed three soldiers of the Artsakh Army and left one critically injured, reported the Artsakh Defense Ministry.

The explosion occurred at 6:55 p.m. and claimed the lives of Gegham Zakaryan (born in 1995), Sargis Abrahamyan (born in 1998) and Sargis Melikyan). Another soldier, Narek Hoveyan (born in 1998), has been hospitalized and is in critical condition.

The Artsakh Defense Ministry has launched an investigation to probe the details of the incident and offered its condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.

Artsakh President Bako Sahakian, who is on a visit to France, offered his condolences and posthumously awarded the three soldiers the Artsakh “For Service in Battle” medal for their efforts in defending the homeland.

The Armenian Defense Ministry’s investigation committee has also launched an investigation. In a statement it said that the three soldiers were killed by an anti-tank mine while performing engineering duties at the site.

The Armenian Defense Ministry spokesperson Artstrun Hovannisyan confirmed Wednesday that the deaths were not cause by direct Azerbaijani fire.

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—Leaders of a student movement against restrictions of the right to draft deferments have met with Armenian parliament members and government officials on Wednesday in a ‘roundtable discussion’ that was promised to them in exchange for the halt in their street protests last week.

The restrictions sought by the Ministry of Defense were approved by the Armenian National Assembly on November 15 and will become law upon signing by President Serzh Sarkisian.

Under the legislation, in order to get a draft deferment all male students who want to pursue their studies must sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense and agree to serve three years in the military after completing their studies at the location chosen by the Ministry. Otherwise, the legislation stipulates, the students will be drafted to the army once they attain the age of 18 to serve for two years.

Critics of the legislation argue that the measure will discourage students from pursuing scientific careers and will eventually harm the development of science in the country. Proponents of the law, including Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian, see no such risks. They point out that the law will give a fairer treatment to all students and will reduce corruption by closing a key loophole to avoiding compulsory military service.

David Petrosyan, one of the leaders of the student group, “For Science Development”, that spearheaded weeklong rallies and a boycott of classes that involved hundreds of students from Yerevan State Universities as well as some other schools of higher learning, told lawmakers and representatives of the ministries of defense and education today that instead of “taking the university to the army” they suggest “bringing the army into the university.”

In particular, students came up with two proposals that still need to be discussed by government representatives and lawmakers. They recommended that the government work out a flexible draft deferment policy that will help develop the science and education system will ensure the continuity of the education process and at the same time will exclude corruption.

Petrosyan also proposed that students be engaged in military service during their bachelor’s degree studies in universities.

“We distribute 18-month-long service during the four-year bachelor’s degree studies, and we get about four months of service during a year with two-month periods. This allows us not to take the university to the army, but to bring the army into the university. The principle of the continuity of students’ education will not be violated and at the same time students will participate in the service. It means that for four years students will be in service, at the same time they will continue their education in the university,” Petrosyan said.

Deputy Defense Minister Artak Zakaryan noted that the proposed type of service is now applied in Switzerland, which he said is a country where there is no threat of war.

As for master’s degree studies, students suggest that military service be continued for six more months during post-graduate studies.

The general approach shown by government representatives was that the problem is not connected with the law, which was adopted in parliament last week, and that all issues should be regulated by government decisions and sub-legislative acts.

“We can state that there is a problem and that the discussion has been a successful one, because we hear each other, because from both sides there are common approaches and the desire to give a more comprehensive and full solution to the problem. And these mechanisms are now to be set out in government decisions and sub-legislative acts. Let’s start to work with the government together to make your recommendations documented so that they can be reflected in government decisions and sub-legislative acts. This is my suggestion. The ball is in the government’s court now,” said Deputy Parliament Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov, who represents the ruling Republican Party of Armenia.

Among those participating in the discussions was also Armenia’s Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchyan.

Before the start of the roundtable its participants observed a minute’s silence in honor of three Armenian servicemen who were killed in an anti-tank mine explosion while carrying out engineering work in Nagorno-Karabakh last night.