Category: 2018

Armenia President on hand at award ceremony for 22 soldiers (PHOTOS)

Rose Khoyetsian
News.am, Armenia
Jan 27 2018
Armenia President on hand at award ceremony for 22 soldiers (PHOTOS) Armenia President on hand at award ceremony for 22 soldiers (PHOTOS)

14:01, 27.01.2018
                  

YEREVAN. – On the occasion of the St. Sargis holiday, Archbishop Navasard Kjoyan, Vicar General of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, on Saturday awarded the military servicemen who had stood out the most during combat duty.

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan, capital city Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan, and the parents of these soldiers also attended the award ceremony, the Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent reported from on location.

This award ceremony was held for the third time. This year 22 outstanding military servicemen were awarded with the symbolic cross-ornament of Saint Sargis the Warrior.

In his welcoming remarks at the event, President Sargsyan congratulated everyone on the St. Sargis holiday, and informed that a ten-day leave will be given to all rewarded soldiers.

Azerbaijani forces make around 200 ceasefire violations over past week

Ophelia Vardapetian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 27 2018

The Azerbaijani armed forces violated the ceasefire along the Line of Contact between Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and Azerbaijan nearly 200 times over the past week (from 21 to 27 January), firing more than 2,000 shots towards the Armenian defense positions, the press service of the Artsakh Ministry of Defense told Panorama.am.

Apart from the mentioned ceasefire breaches, the adversary initiated a sabotage infiltration attempt in the south-eastern section of the contact line on 25 January, at around 2am. As a result of the preventive measures taken by the Defense Army’s units, the Azerbaijani special forces were repelled. 

The frontline units of the Defense Army continue to keep the frontline situation under control and confidently fulfil their military tasks. 

Export of Armenia’s agricultural produce grew 21% in 2017

Tania Jagharian
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Jan 27 2018
– 12:23 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Export of Armenian agricultural produce increased by 21% in 2017, while imports from abroad grew by 17% in the reporting period, minister of agriculture Ignati Arakelyan said at a meeting with prime minister Karen Karapetyan on Friday, January 26.

Agricultural sector accounted for the 15.9% of Armenia’s gross domestic product in 2016, reaching 21.6% the next year, the minister said.

“The level of self-sufficiency of primary foodstuffs stood at 64%, with 338,000 people involved in the sector overall," Arakelyan said.

According to him, 9 million litres of wine were produced in the country throughout the previous year against the 7 million litres produced a year earlier. Export of wine, meanwhile, increased by 30%.

Snow art fest is one more reason to pack your bag for Armenia

Zhanna Nahapetian
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Jan 27 2018
This winter is ideal for it

This year’s snow art festival, a.k.a Snowman 2018, will be held for the sixth time in the Armenian resort town of Jermuk, set to attract locals and foreigners, professionals and amateurs alike for a fun and effortless entertainment and a comfortable atmosphere. So it’s about time you reserve the weekend of February 17-18 to feel the community spirit in Armenia.

PanARMENIAN.Net – While winter has been kinder to Armenians so far than it was in the previous several years, some corners of the country do enjoy the privilege of snow-capped mountains and pleasant wintery weather.

Those visiting Armenia in cold season mainly flock to Tsaghkadzor, a resort town in the country’s Kotayk province which has a lot to offer from skiing to snowboarding to snowmobiling, tubing to sledding, culture, entertainment and more.

Jermuk, on the other hand, is known for the mineral water of the same name as well as the Jermuk waterfall, with medieval cave complexes lying just outside the town.

Located at an altitude of 2100 meters in a picturesque spot, the town boasts alpine meadows and mountain forests, rocky cliffs and waterfalls, as well as a host of mineral springs with different thermal temperatures from 20 to 65 degrees Celsius.

A popular destination for medical tourism in the Soviet Union, Jermuk is still emerging as a winter entertainment resort and will hopefully offer more diversity in the years to come.

Speaking of diversity, Jermuk’s snow art festival has been held almost every year since 2006, attracting a lot of tourists and Armenians who seek to expand their leisure options.

In a conversation with PanARMENIAN.Net director of the Youth Center of Jermuk CNCO Syuzanna Avetisyan detailed the process of building the snow sculptures, revealing that professionals will work alongside amateurs who will learn on the fly the snow art techniques with help and instructions from volunteers.

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All those wishing to participate will form groups of two and will be provided will all the necessary tools to create unique sculptures in full view of spectators.

The main event is slated for February 17, with several musical and sports events scheduled for the next day.

A slacklining event, in particular, is what usually draws a lot of attention. Syuzanna said it usually starts with performances from a professional slackliner after which those attending the festival are welcome to walk the slackline themselves.

Furthermore, the Amateur Cycling Federation is traditionally holding the provincial winter cup in Jermuk during those days.

To keep the guests maximally involved in the festival, the organizers are currently working to arrange non-traditional sports games. The details are still under wraps though for a surprise effect.

Snowman festival is organized by the Youth Center of Jermuk CNCO, the Jermuk Development Center, with the town’s community council serving as its general partner.

Armenia celebrates Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain

Lara Chatinian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 27 2018
Society 12:21 27/01/2018 Armenia

By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain and his soldiers-companions is proclaimed day of blessing of the youth.

Captain St. Sarkis is one of the most beloved saints among the Armenian nation. Together with his 14 soldiers-companions he was martyred for the sake of Christian faith.

As the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church reported on its website, during the period of reign of the king Kostandianos the Great (285-337) St. Sarkis, being very courageous, was appointed the prince and General in chief of the region of Cappadocia bordering Armenia. When during the period of reign of the king Julianos the Betrayer (360-363) the persecutions against Christians started by God’s will St. Sarkis and his only son – Martyros, came to live in Armenia, and the Armenian king Tiran, grandson of Tiridates, received them very well. From Armenia St. Sarkis and his son went to Persia, and started serving in the army of the Persian king Shapouh as the captain of regiments.

Becoming aware of the fact that Sarkis was Christian, Shapouh ordered him to worship the fire and offer sacrifice to the heathen gods. But the captain immediately refused to obey the order saying, “We should worship one God – the Holy Trinity, which has created the earth and the heaven. Whereas fire or idols are not gods and the human being may destroy them.” After these words the saint destroyed the temple. The annoyed crowd fell on the saint and his son. First the son of the saint was martyred. The saint was put into prison and remaining unshaken in his faith was beheaded. After the martyrdom of the saint light appeared over his body. 14 soldiers-companions of the saint also were martyred for the sake of Christian faith.

For the Armenian nation St. Sarkis is one of the most beloved. It is no coincidence that St. Mesrop Mashtots brought the relics of the saint to the village Karbi (Ashtarak Region) and the Church of St. Sarkis was later built over his relics.

In Armenia it is accepted to celebrate the Feast of St. Sarkis not only according to church rites and prayer, but also according to various folk traditions. St. Sarkis the Captain is considered the patron of youth. Many miracles happen thanks to his intercession. On the day of the feast, young people pray the saint asking him to make their prayers audible to God. St. Sarkis is the realizer of the love longings.

On the eve of the feast, young people eat salty cookies and relate the appearance of their future bride or bridegroom in their dream to eating of the salty cookie. Also, on the night preceding the feast of St. Sarkis the faithful people place a tray full of gruel before the door believing that while passing near their door at dawn St. Sarkis will leave his footprint on the gruel symbolizing the fulfillment of their dreams.

People in love present each other cards, flowers or sweets on the occasion of the feast.

On the day of the feast, a Divine Liturgy is celebrated in all churches named after St. Sarkis. Following the Liturgy a special ceremony of blessing of young people is offered.

President of Artsakh congratulates Armenian leader on Army Day

Garik Boshkezenian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 27 2018

President of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Republic Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory address to the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on the National Army Day.  

The address, published by the Artsakh president’s official website, runs as follows:

"Your Excellency, Mr. President,

On behalf of the Artsakh people, the authorities and on my personal behalf I extend the most heartfelt congratulations to You on the Army Day.

The Armenian valorous army was born and forget itself in an unequal struggle for freedom and independence, gained cherished victories, changing the course of history by the bravery and self-commitment of our courageous sons.

Today the Armenian soldiers continue to stand unwaveringly for the defense of the native country, perform new feats, carrying on the combat traditions of their heroic grandfathers and fathers.

The army is dear for every other Armenian.

Your Excellency Mr. President,

On this festive day, I congratulate You and our entire people once again and wish peace, welfare, new victories and achievements.”

Karabakh: Army is dear to each and every Armenian

Tambiyan Samvel
News.am, Armenia
Jan 27 2018
Karabakh: Army is dear to each and every Armenian Karabakh: Army is dear to each and every Armenian

11:15, 27.01.2018
                  

Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) President Bako Sahakyan on Saturday sent a congratulatory address to President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia, on Army Day.

“Your Excellency, Mr. President,

 “On behalf of the Artsakh people, the authorities and on my personal behalf, I extend the most heartfelt congratulations to you, on Army Day.

“The valorous Armenian army was born and it strengthened itself in an unequal fight for freedom and independence, gained cherished victories, changing the course of history by the bravery and self-commitment of our courageous sons.

“Today, Armenian soldiers continue to stand unwaveringly for the defense of the native country, perform new feats, carrying on the combat traditions of their heroic grandfathers and fathers.

“The army is dear to each and every Armenian.

“Your Excellency, Mr. President,

“On this festive day, I congratulate you and our entire people once again and wish peace, welfare, new victories and achievements,” reads the address by the NKR President.

Music: AP predicts Grammy victory for Chris Cornell’s ‘The Promise’

Ani Basmajian
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Jan 27 2018
– 10:31 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Associated Press predicts that Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell’s ‘The Promise’ which he wrote for the movie of the same name about the Armenian Genocide will posthumously win in the Best Rock Performance category at the Grammy Awards.

Also nominated in the same category are “You Want It Darker” by Leonard Cohen; “Run” by Foo Fighters; “No Good” by Kaleo; “Go to War” by Nothing More.

The global entertainment and lifestyles editor for the news agency Nekesa Mumbi Moody said she’d normally say the Foo Fighters, but there are two chances to give a posthumous honor, with Cohen, who died in 2016, and Cornell, who died last year.

“Cornell’s suicide at the age of 52 may have affected more people, and his song, about the Armenian Genocide, is resonating now,” Moody said.

"I think Cornell takes it — and it’s richly deserved."

AP's music editor Mesfin Fekadu said, in turn, that Cornell is definitely winning in the category.

“It would have been epic to see another great who died last year — Chester Bennington — nominated here for something from Linkin Park’s latest album, ‘One More Light.’”

Music: Alexey Hekimyan’s favourite songs to be presented for first time accompanied by symphony orchestra

Aram Torosian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 27 2018
Culture 14:26 27/01/2018 Armenia

The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, headed by its Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan, will present the favourite and anticipated songs by Alexey Hekimyan, a renowned Armenian-Russian composer.

The concert, dedicated to the famous composer’s 90th anniversary, is scheduled for the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan on February 2, at 19:00. 

The concert is held under high patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Armenia Rita Sargsyan, with the support of Armenia’s Ministry of Culture, the orchestra’s press service reported.

During the exceptional evening favourite singers will present Alexey Hekimyan’s songs with new interpretation. The special guests of the concert are Vakhtang Kikabidze and Nani Bregvadze. 

Vakhtang Kikabidze, Nani Bregvadze, Shushan Petrosyan, Arsen Safaryan, Artur Ispiryan, Arsen Grigoryan, Arman Hovhannisyan, Vardan Badalyan, Hamlet Gevorgyan, Edgar Khachatryan, Masha Mnjoyan, the Voices of Artsakh, the soloists of the State Song Theatre of Armenia will perform with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.

Alexey Hekimyan’s favourite songs will be presented for the first time accompanied by the symphony orchestra and with new instrumentation.

Chess: Aronian, Mkrtchian draw at Tradewise Chess Festival

Garik Boshkezenian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 27 2018
Sport 13:32 27/01/2018 Armenia

The Armenian representatives drew their games at Round 4 of Tradewise Gibraltar Chess Festival 2018 (10 rounds, Swiss system) taking place from 23 January to 1 February.

GM Levon Aronian played a draw against Sergey Grigoriants (Russia) with black pieces, while Lilit Mkrtchian drew with Vladimir Epishin (Russia), the National Olympic Committee reported.

After four rounds, Aronian comes 29th with 3 points. Lilit Mkrtchian lags behind in the 78th spot with 2.5 points.