Category: 2023

“Who are the Armenians?” This is a question I receive almost every time I meet someone new. Each time I ask myself, “How should I answer that question to ensure they remember us?” My first urge is to respond by speaking about the not-so-well-known Armenian Genocide of 1915, but most people don’t always have empathy or patience for tragic or negative stories. 

I have learned that the best way to get people to care about you is to speak to their interests, making them feel connected to you. 

To most people, I ask—”Are you familiar with Cher? What about Charles Aznavour? Serj Tankian?” To the sports fanatics—”Do you know Andre Agassi? What about David Nalbandian? Henrikh Mkhitaryan?” To the tech nerds — “What’s your take on Alexis Ohanian?” To the celebrity-obsessed — “Did you know Kim Kardashian is Armenian?” I can go on and on, because in every corner of the world and in any field, there is at least one important Armenian acclaimed for what they do. 

As someone who has worked in the arts for over eight years, I constantly talk to my colleagues about the successful Armenians in this business sector. “Did you see the Armenian pavilion at the Venice Biennale? Do you know Larry Gagosian? What about Arshile Gorky? Parajanov? And Ivan Aivazovsky?”

A self-portrait of Ivan Aivazovsky on the left and a 1936 photo of Arshile Gorky on the right

A few weeks ago, several people in the Armenian community realized that The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York had changed Aivazovsky’s biography to state that he is Ukrainian. 

Many of us were angry, but most of all, we were concerned. Some of us wrote emails to the department, including me. I wrote:

“I am writing to correct your records on Aivazovsky’s biography on your website. Aivazovsky is an Armenian artist, not a Ukrainian artist. I am not sure what the protocol is for listing his ethnicity as Ukrainian, but he is not, and the records need to be corrected immediately. As you write in his bio, he was born into an Armenian family. How is one born into an Armenian family but does not retain their ethnic origins?”

After seeing this listing on one of the most renowned institution’s websites, I decided to explore some other museums’ biographies of Armenian artists. My first virtual stop was on the Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) website, and I checked the listing for Arshile Gorky. I discovered that the MoMA has listed that Gorky was born in “Van Province, Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey).”

This listing worried me even more than the inaccurate listing of Aivazovsky’s biography on The Met’s website. Not only did I find this information reductionist, but I also found it offensive. An average person who sees this listing will never know where the historical Van that Gorky was born in existed geographically (Armenia) or how it was taken away from us in the 1915 massacres of over 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Turks. 

One of the most famous paintings by Gorky pays homage to his mother, who died from starvation after a death march during the Genocide. Gorky spent most of his life haunted by the tragic past that all Armenians wear on their shoulders to this day. It is only decent for the Museum of Modern Art to ensure that his birthplace, “Van Province (former-day Western Armenia, present-day Turkey,)” is listed accurately and fairly.

In today’s global affairs, politicians often lay truths under the rug, and western journalism fails to deliver real news, and thus our histories are constantly rewritten. This is why global art institutions must lead in preserving our roots and identities.

In a world where people are constantly being forced out of their homes due to unfair regimes and where minorities rarely receive acknowledgment of their suffering, it is essential to acknowledge and respect their histories and origins.

I wish to make a simple request to those who work in the cultural sphere of truth–the arts, museums, galleries, universities and publishers: while we Armenians do everything we can to ensure our legacies are honored, we ask that you, with your due diligence, ensure that the proper credit is given to our culture and others’ culture altogether.

See email chains below.

Taleen Setrakian’s email to The Met The Met’s response to Taleen Setrakian’s email about Ivan Aivazovsky’s online biography Taleen Setrakian’s email to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) about Arshile Gorky’s birthplace

St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, March 2019 (Photo: Facebook)

For Western churches, Protestant and Catholic alike, the Lenten season extends over a 46 day period, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Eve. Sundays, being weekly commemorations of the first Easter, have never been considered Lenten fast days. With six Sundays in the period, there are 40 days in Lent, which corresponds to and symbolizes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting, praying and meditating in the wilderness before He began His ministry.

In the Armenian Apostolic Church, Lent is called Médz Bahk, which means Major Feast. It is the period between Poon Barékendan and Easter. Unlike the Western Churches, the Lenten season in the Armenian church begins the day after Poon Barékendan, rather than on Ash Wednesday which the Western churches observe as the beginning of Lent. Each Sunday of Médz Bahk is devoted to a certain event and named accordingly (Sunday of Expulsion, Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Sunday of the Steward, Sunday of the Judge, Sunday of Advent and Palm Sunday.)

The Sunday preceding Lent is Poon Barékendan (Carnival), a day of celebration, an occasion for festivity and merrymaking. It is an observance of God’s creation of our first parents Adam and Eve and their life and joy in the Garden of Eden. The sharagans of the Armenian church also speak of Christ, “the Second Adam,” through Whom mankind was saved and became worthy of the heavenly happiness of paradise.

The first Sunday of Médz Bahk is Artaksman Kiraki (Expulsion Sunday), dedicated to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise, and relates how Christ opened the gates of paradise to those who repent and accept Him.

The second Sunday of Lent is called Anaraki Kiraki, dedicated to the parable of the Prodigal Son, who after repentance came to his father’s home and was restored to his original state (Luke 15:11-24).

The third Sunday is called Tntesi Kiraki (Sunday of the Steward) and takes up the parable of the dishonest steward (Luke 16:1-9). It recommends the practice of prudence and wisdom for better ends.

The fourth Sunday is called Datavori Kiraki (The Judge’s Sunday) and treats the parable of the widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). The teaching of the parable is persistence in prayer.

The fifth Sunday is called Galustyan Kiraki (Advent Sunday) focusing on the second coming of Christ.  

The sixth Sunday is Tzaghkazard (Palm Sunday), dedicated to Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The rite performed on that day is the Drunpatzek (opening the door). It is a reminder of the coming of Judgement Day.

The English word Lent is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Lencten, meaning “spring.” In the Armenian tradition, it is “fasting.” It is abstinence and restraint from eating certain foods and time spent for meditation, self-examination and repentance. But whatever tradition one belongs to, Lent is a period of the deepening and broadening of spiritual life; that is, a deepening of insight, self-discipline and dedication, and a broadening of outlook, compassion and vision.

Early church leaders realized what this period of self-denial, self-discipline and prayer meant in Jesus’ life. They established this period to help the early Christians realize that the complete fulfillment of Christian living came through these very acts.

Today, people observe Lent in a variety of ways. Some observe it by giving up certain things—some by taking on certain things. The danger is that when Lent is over, the deepening and broadening process may not have occurred or may come to an end. Lent, however, is designed to be a period of such significance in our lives that what occurs in it may be that which makes possible a continuing growth and advancement in Christian faith and practice.  Self-denial, giving up something just for the sake of giving it up, means nothing. Each of us needs those times when we set out for ourselves to think of the primary concerns of our lives.  We need to put aside all the extraneous, unimportant activities and interests and center our thinking and action on that which gives the proper direction to our living.  Lent prepares us for the atonement of Jesus Christ. Atonement means unity; separating the three syllables, you have “at-one-ment”, and this is descriptive of its meaning. It is fulfillment, totality, personality integration and being in tune with life and life’s Creator.

In our spiritual life, may Lent be synonymous with spring and its meaning, emphasizing reawakening, renewal and rebirth for all of us—a time to reject our old, tired selves and to recreate anew our image. But most of all may it be a season to revive and reaffirm our faith in God.

A common issue with any Armenian living or visiting London is the lack of Armenian restaurants in the city. When homesickness or cravings set in, you can now make your way to the first authentic Armenian restaurant in Mayfair. 

Located in one of the city’s most extravagant and sophisticated neighborhoods lies Lusin, Mayfair—a restaurant at the forefront of providing Armenian food, drink and culture and giving the cuisine the representation and exposure it deserves. 

Head of Operations for Lusin, Mohammad Rashwani, assures that opening an Armenian restaurant in London comes with its challenges, but the mission is worth it. “Even though Armenian food is currently not common in London, this would create curiosity for people to discover this centuries-old culture and cuisine. Lusin will evoke the beauty of the Armenian cuisine in London through its inspired rich atmosphere that takes guests on a gastronomic journey celebrating old traditions.”

The Lusin Kibbeh made from bulgar with meat, nuts, and pomegranate

Curated by French 2 Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin, Lusin’s menu is both innovative and flavorful, influenced by the enigmatic cultures of Eastern Europe and the Levant. 

Lusin’s Signature Eggplant Rolls

To start, try the Lusin Salad; the focal ingredient is the Armenian tressed cheese, that sits in a smoky-baked Aubergine with vegetables and coulis herbs. The fresh diced vegetables alongside the herb pesto and fresh salad leave you wanting more. 

Grilled kebab served with cherry sauce and pine nuts (Photo: Lara Bazzoui)

Perhaps follow this with the signature Lusin Kibbeh, renowned for its Armenian gastronomy. It is an amalgamation of Armenian spices, mixed daily-fresh meat, bulger and nuts, complete with pomegranate molasses. Be prepared for your taste buds to explode from the succulent, juicy and fruity cherry kebabs. Sourced in Armenia during picking season, the cherries turn into a sweet, sour and salty sauce of perfection that compliments the spiced charcoaled kebab skewers. 

The heavenly Honey Cake

A love for honey cake will either be re-awakened or born with just one bite from Lusin’s genuinely incomparable iteration. And yes, if you are longing to taste Armenian wine, your wish is Lusin’s demand; choose from a selection of Armenia’s finest, and you will feel transported.

A bottle of Areni wine to pair with the meal (Photo: Lara Bazzoui)

The delicious food and ravishing interior will definitely send you to the heart of Armenia. “The design aim for Lusin was to create an Armenian restaurant that is unique, inspirational and has a rich ambience – an atmosphere that would portray the true traditional experience of Armenian culture in a modern way that would make each guest’s visit memorable,” describes Rashwani. Influenced by Armenian architecture and core traditions, the restaurant embraces materials and colors in its design that embrace and emit Armenian culture. “The most prominent feature includes the tuff stone, exclusively transported from Armenia, whether as carved pillars resembling the Armenian khachkar or as wall cladding. The finely chosen lights, fixtures and furniture aim to illustrate and emphasize the warmth of Armenian culture. The design is very authentic, yet modern, setting a welcoming and fine first impression,” elaborates Rashwani.

The interior is both glamorous and relaxing

This new addition to London’s iconic food scene goes beyond delicious food and memorable vibes. This marks an important and pivotal step into integrating Armenian culture in London and educating non-Armenians about the country and its many wonders. It has created a space for the Armenian community in London, something Rashwani says they hoped to achieve. “The Armenian community now has a place in London to make them feel back home. With the experience and feel we convey in Lusin, reflected not only in the authentic and homestyle cooked specialties but also in the warm and modern interiors, and mainly with the tuff stone that comes from Armenian mountains, Lusin truly takes them back home to relish the culture and traditions of proud people.”

Editor’s Note, : The article was modified from its original publication as it incorrectly described Lusin as the first Armenian restaurant in London. 

WASHINGTON, DC – Armenian American university students have until February 22nd to apply for the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)’s “Rising Leaders: Career Development and Civic Education” Program, which will introduce young Armenians to Washington, DC’s advocacy, policy, politics and media opportunities through a unique three-day immersion program. The program is a collaboration between the ANCA and Armenian Youth Federation Eastern and Western United states.

Two participation options are available for university students – March 12th to 14th, 2023, and March 26th to 28th, 2023 – to coincide with the two major Spring Break timelines at most universities. The top 25 applicants, based on academic excellence and proven community youth leadership, will be chosen for each session. Students who are chosen for the program have two participation options – one that offers housing for the 3-day program ($100) and the other which includes program fees alone ($25). Students are responsible for travel to and from Washington, DC. Financial aid will be provided based on need and availability.

For more information, email [email protected] or simply apply today by visiting anca.org/risingleaders.

Alumni of the 2022 ANCA Rising Leaders sessions discussed the impact of the program – both in terms of career development and community activism.

Leana Hacopian of the AYF New Jersey Arsen Chapter explains, “The ANCA Rising Leaders Program was one of the most inspiring programs that I have been a part of. No matter the background of the student, the skills that we all learned are applicable to every aspect of daily life. Most importantly, the program inspired us to take action and become effective advocates for a better and safer Armenia and Artsakh.”

Aram Parnagian of the AYF Manhattan “Moush” chapter noted, “The ANCA rising leaders program provided me with experiences that taught me about the details of American democracy and how to advance the Armenian Cause through that system.”

Aram Apanian of the AYF Hollywood “Musa Ler” chapter noted, “The ANCA Rising Leaders program was a unique opportunity to learn about civic activism and how to promote Pro-Armenia and Artsakh issues within our nation’s capital. The high caliber of speakers I learned from gave me insight into key topics such as lobbying, professional development, and public speaking. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this program which reaffirmed my belief in the importance of the ANCA’s work.”

Nyrah Balabanian of the AYF New Jersey “Arsen” chapter stated, “The ANCA Rising Leaders program gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge of Armenian-American policy priorities and practice using my rights as a citizen to learn how to answer the call to action. I definitely recommend this program to anyone who is interested in sharpening their skills and gaining valuable information about the ins and outs of Washington DC.”

Lar Tabakian of the AYF Pasadena “Nigol Touman” chapter concurred, noting, “The ANCA Rising Leaders program opened my eyes to the array of possibilities on Capitol Hill. It ignited the fire within me to utilize my position as a constituent to advance the Armenian Cause on American soil. After the program, I became truly inspired by the work of the ANCA and participated in its Leo Sarkisian Internship this past summer.”

The 2023 sessions will begin Sunday with a full day of interactive presentations by the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee (CGPAC) focusing on career search fundamentals, from resume preparation and networking 101 to an overview of the Washington, DC internship and job market. Monday activities will include meetings with policy, political, and media professionals, including current and former federal agency and Congressional staff, to discuss careers in the nation’s capital. Those will be followed by an extended session with ANCA team members on advancing community priorities on the federal, state, and local levels. The seminar will be capped off with the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day, a full day of Capitol Hill discussions with Members of Congress and staff on strengthening U.S.-Armenia ties, supporting Artsakh freedom, and securing justice for the Armenian Genocide.

Throughout the program, ample opportunities will be provided to explore Washington, DC, and make new friends.

The program is made possible, in large part, through a generous contribution by longtime ANCA supporter Dean Shahinian is again the major sponsor of this unique youth development program along with the family and friends of Lucine Kouchakdjian.

Dean Shahinian served in the federal government in various capacities for over 30 years, including 16 years at the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, where he worked with Committee Chairs on numerous bills and laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act. In the Armenian community, he has served on the boards of St. Nersess Seminary and the Armenian Students Association. He has also served multiple terms on the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.

For dozens of years, living in the Washington, DC area – in addition to her cultural, education, and charitable work with a broad range of community organizations – Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian organized highly effective ANCA campaigns to foster a forward-leaning spirit of civic responsibility among Armenian Americans across the nation’s capital. The Rising Leaders Capitol Hill day was named in memory of her lifetime of service to the Armenian Cause following her passing earlier this year.

Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian gazes at a collapsed building

Barely recovered from the acts of war and completely overwhelmed by the unprecedented economic crisis, Syria is faced with a new disaster – a deadly earthquake. On February 6, 2023, at 4:17 a.m. local time, residents within the greater Aleppo provinces were rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Later, it was followed by two more earthquakes, one with a 7.5 tremor and continuing aftershocks. 

In addition to human losses, churches, buildings and institutions suffered extensive structural damage, some even flattened. Soon after becoming aware of the extent of damage in the city of Aleppo, the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church in Aleppo, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian, president of the Armenian Evangelical Community of Syria, immediately acted to help the community. People, gripped by fear and left homeless, rushed to the streets and tried to find shelter in churches, schools and other centers. More than 350 families found shelter in the halls and courtyard of Bethel Church. The Armenian Evangelical Community of Syria, with the financial support of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) and the encouragement of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, was one of the first respondents to the disaster with direct material support and taking care of immediate and basic needs, along with moral support, counseling and prayers. The church has also been organizing special programs for the children in its playground to keep them preoccupied and encouraged.

Consul General of Republic of Armenia, Papken Badalyan, visits people sheltered at Bethel Church

On Thursday, February 10, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Papken Badalyan visited Bethel Church and spent time with the people.

“Armenia and Artsakh, with their own challenges and hardship, are always with us and share our pain and sorrow,” said Rev. Dr. Selimian. “And, instead of us extending our hands to Armenia, Armenia is now extending its helping hands to us by sending special aid to Syria and officially handing it over to the Syrian government.”  

As the death toll and the number injured are rising every hour and day, Bethel Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Selimian, continues to serve, encourage and inject hope to all those who are affected by this devastating earthquake. The number of those who are sheltered in Bethel Church and other churches and centers is decreasing, as some are slowly returning home or finding alternate residences. “We continue to serve them in the same way,” said Rev. Dr. Selimian. “Feeding them, counseling and encouraging them. At the same time, we are recording all the collapsed and damaged buildings. We are sending special surveyors to evaluate and give us direction on how and when the repairs can start. We are also in the process of repairing the damage to the schools and plan to resume classes on Monday, February 20. On one hand, we try to reduce the pressure on them, and on the other hand, we give them signs of normal life as a psychological transition for them to return from the state of shock to normal life.”

Rev. Dr. Selimian also reports that the condition of many affected buildings remains dangerous. The authorities have marked approximately 40,000 buildings in Syria as dangerous and uninhabitable and must be evacuated immediately, of which approximately 13,000 are in Aleppo and its regions. “Now we are facing another alarm,” said Rev. Dr. Selimian, “because people who thought that they would be able to return to their homes, it appears that they are not allowed to. And this puts another pressure and obligation on us – to find and rent houses to accommodate them. This is certainly not a natural process, because in three-room houses, five to six people are accommodated in each room, and this creates an unpleasant living situation.”

“We pray that the resilient spirit of the community in Syria will once again prevail rising up from the depth of this latest calamity,” said Zaven Khanjian, AMAA executive director and CEO.