Azeri president, International Crisis Group leader discuss Karabakh

Assa-Irada, Baku
22 May 04

Baku, 21 May: The president of the International Crisis Group, Gareth
Evans, who was received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on 21
May, briefed him on his meetings at the Cabinet of Ministers and the
Foreign Ministry. He said that his organization is preparing a report
on the Nagornyy Karabakh problem and that he has held meetings with
the Georgian and Armenian leaderships over a solution to conflicts
in the South Caucasus.

President Ilham Aliyev approved of the organization’s interest in the
region and drew the guest’s attention to the fact that Azerbaijan
has about 1m refugees and displaced persons. Aliyev stressed the
importance of the international public’s close attention to the
Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan.

Aliyev recalled that the OSCE and other international organizations
were involved in the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict settlement. He said
if international organizations understand what is happening here, who
the aggressor is, what the consequences of the aggression are and who
keeps under occupation the lands that do not belong to them, then it
will become known that Armenia is the aggressor which has flagrantly
violated international legal norms, has occupied the Azerbaijani lands
and keeps them under occupation. According to him, if the international
public paid special attention to these points, it would be possible
to achieve a quick solution and strengthen security in the region.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkish premier says meetings with Romanian leaders “positive”

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
21 May 04

Istanbul, 21 May: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
returned to Turkey on Friday [21 May] after completing his formal
visit to Romania.

[Passage omitted].

Noting that he believed the enthusiasm of making business and launching
initiatives had emerged between Turkey and Romania as a result of
meetings that Turkish ministers and businessmen had held with their
Romanian counterparts and their meetings under the Turkish-Romanian
Business Council Meeting, Erdogan said that they had also had the
chance of discussing few problems of 9,000 Turkish investors in
Romania with the Romanian prime minister.

Stating that the bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Romania had
been 1.8bn US dollars as of the end of 2003, which meant a 50-per-cent
increase when compared to 2002, Erdogan said that their bilateral
trade volume target in 2004 was at least 2.5bn US dollars.

Noting that he had also had positive meetings with the Romanian
president, parliament Speaker and Senate President during his visit,
Erdogan said: “They do have a very positive outlook on Turkey. I saw
that they exert efforts to enhance bilateral relations.”

Stressing that Turkey and Romania, two Black Sea littoral states,
had deep roots in history, Erdogan said that it also let the two
countries get closer to each other in their bilateral relations.

Noting that they had met the worshipping demands of Romanian citizens
in Turkey, Erdogan said, “I hope these steps that we took between
Turkey and Romania would create a partnership where our performances
in political, economic, commercial and cultural fields increase
gradually.”

Stressing that Turkey had supported Romania’s NATO membership since
the beginning, Erdogan said Romania had the chance of joining the
European Union most probably in 2007. Erdogan said that solidarity
between Turkey and Romania would continue also in the EU.

Asked whether he was planning to visit Turkey’s eastern neighbour
Armenia to solve problems, Erdogan said, “actually, we don’t have any
sine qua non about this issue. We said something when we started this
journey, ‘we exist to make friends in the world’. We make politics
with this objective. We have to see the environment and climate while
we are making it. When we don’t see the atmosphere, it gets difficult
to take steps on that direction. We wish that we would see and reach
such an atmosphere. And if we see it, we take necessary steps.”

“However, it is very difficult for us to take such steps as long
as intense Armenian genocide campaigns continue in the world. Our
job becomes easier if they leave it to historians. However, our job
gets difficult with a country that tries to build the future on a
mentality of ‘we can’t leave it historians’. I wish we would also
take such steps there as soon as possible,” he said.

Replying to a question about early general elections in the
[self-declared] Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Erdogan
said that it was not a decision up to the Turkish government.

[Passage omitted].

Armenian lawmaker says government can solve the problems facing this ex-Soviet republic

AP Online
May 21, 2004

A top pro-government lawmaker on Friday insisted that only the ruling
coalition can solve the many problems facing this impoverished
ex-Soviet republic, while the opposition gathered about 6,000
supporters in the capital to call for President Robert Koncharian’s
resignation.

“We are confident in our ability to solve the problems standing before
Armenia,” said Vaan Ovannisian, the vice-speaker of the Armenian
parliament. “The opposition believes that they are the only ones
who can correctly … solve these problems. But they will never be
able to.”

Armenia’s opposition parties resumed their campaign of demonstrations
last week after talks with pro-government figures broke down.

An estimated 6,000 people gathered for a protest rally in the Armenian
capital, Yerevan, on Friday. It was the latest in a series of massive
gatherings that began in early spring. Another rally continued outside
the General Prosecutor’s Office calling for the release of what the
opposition says are at least 13 political prisoners.

Opposition leaders and top pro-government politicians in parliament had
been holding talks on the tensions, but the discussions dissolved in
disagreement over what topics to place on the talks’ agenda. Ovannisian
said that authorities will never agree to the demand that Koncharian
resign.

“The opposition has backed themselves into a corner from which it is
very hard to get out,” he said. “Now they are trying to expand the
crisis to include the whole republic.”

Meanwhile, the opposition Justice bloc criticized Armenian authorities
for failing to respect a resolution by the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Council of Europe, which called for freeing those who were jailed
during previous rallies

Kocharian won a second term in presidential elections a year ago that
sparked mass protests. Opposition groups alleged widespread violations
in both rounds of the election.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Magazine: You are what you eat – Kristin Kapelli – She doesn’t just sing like
Mama Cass, she diets like her too, writes Melanie Morris

Irish Times
May 22, 2004

How big a foodie are you? ‘It’s my drug of choice. I’m from Denver,
Colorado, where we have four distinct seasons, so we get the best
variety of food – big roasts in winter, ice cream in summer. I love
to eat out and do so most of the time.’

Do you cook? ‘I can, but I’m not great, nor am I particularly
confident. I have about five staples – mostly Mexican food.’

What is your failsafe recipe? ‘Chilli con carne. The trick is to use
Batchelors chilli kidney beans, which come in a good zingy sauce. I
like really hot food, so I add lots of chilli powder and, for that
extra kick, some salsa.’

What’s in your fridge? ‘A cooked chicken, white cheddar, spinach,
carrots, celery and peanut butter (delicious together) and bananas –
they’re great when I’m hungry before a show. They give me energy.’

Do you entertain? ‘Yes, but I order take out, probably from a number
of places for a bit of variety on the night. And then we just hang
out – watch DVDs and talk, and then the singing starts.’

What is your favourite cookery programme? ‘Ready Steady Cook. It
gives you ideas on what to do with that dull chicken breast. And the
recipes are cheap, too – no fancy ingredients.’

Do you have you a sweet tooth? ‘Not really, until it comes to
brownies … the Betty Crocker ones. My friend Alan and I cook them
and polish off a tray at a time.’

What are your favourite restaurants? ‘The Trocadero is my absolute
favourite, especially when I’m really hungry after performing. I’m
always in Gruel, and I like Zaytoon for kebabs.’

What was your last meal? ‘About 10 minutes ago in Gruel. I had curried
cod chowder and a big ham sandwich.’

What’s the best hangover cure? ‘Chinese takeaway.’

Do you diet? ‘Not any more. And anyhow, if I wasn’t the size I am,
I wouldn’t have got this role. So I guess right now I’m on the Mama
Cass diet … without the drugs.’

What American foods do you miss? ‘Oh, how long do you
have? Butterfingers, Malted Milk Balls – your Maltesers don’t do
it for me, Hormel canned chilli con carne, hot tamales and American
chocolate.’

What would be your death-row last meal? ‘My mother’s Armenian
meatballs, fried and then baked with layers of tomato sauce and
grated cheese, served with sour cream and chive potatoes and corn
nibblets, followed by a big fudge brownie and ice cream. And because
singers aren’t usually allowed it, some cheese – Stilton with water
biscuits. And five cans of Miller.’

And finally Kristin, if you are what you eat, then you are … ‘Full
bodied.’

Kristin Kapelli stars in The Songs of Mama Cass in The Liberty Theatre,
Dublin from Tuesday, May 24th to Saturday, June 12th. Booking on
01-8721122 or

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkey’s new military doctrine
By Armen Ayvazian

7 May 04
Yerkir/AM

Before the collapse of USSR, Turkey’s military doctrine had an official
nature and was built on calculation of forces at war. Issues related
to nuclear weapons were addressed to NATO or USA.

During the cold war, NATO was thinking over how long Turkey would
be able to resist in case of war with USSR and they were not very
optimistic about Turkey’ s defense capabilities.

In 1990, Turkish military headquarters focused on multi-front defense.
Ex-ambassador of Turkey to USA said in his article that Turkey must be
ready to fight in two fronts at a time (like against Syria and Greece)
and an internal war against Kurdish revolt.

This doctrine had two issues: a) defy intrusion from East (USSR)
and South (Syria, Iraq), b) respond to guerilla activities.

Up to now Turkey has kept to Kemal Ataturk’s view saying that Turkey’s
future is only with the West.

However, in 1999, Turkey’s doctrine said it should have links both
with the West and the East and has the following points:

1) Deterrence: preservation of such a force that can defy both external
and internal enemies,

2) Collective defense: collaboration with international coalition,
specially with NATO,

3) Forward defense: early recognition of foreign aggression and its
external prevention,

4) “Peacemaking”: mediation in conflicts.

These points are also added by the view of the Turkish military
headquarters head Hussein Kivrikoghlu on forward engagement which
means that the military must be ready to prevent aggression against
Turkey before it crosses the border.

Kivrikoghlu’s idea is explained in the doctrine:

“The overall operative concept of 2000’s demands to control territories
of the aggressor and defeat him in the home front and on the porch of
the battlefield.” Thus, even the official document expects to conduct
future wars outside Turkey.

Authoritative US military magazine Parameters comes to the same
conclusion: ” Ankara has adopted a doctrine that will make the
military aspire to eliminate threats against Turkey out of its
borders. Turkish military are not only capable but also willing to
act out of the borders.”

Summing up we should say that Turkish military thinking has undergone
a reformation that even by Turkish and American analysts speak about
establishment of “neo-Ottoman agenda.” Thus Turkey has become more
dangerous for the neighbor and less predictable for allies.

Excerpt from “Aspects of Armenia’s national security” document
(Yerevan, 2003).

PRESS RELEASE

Jennifer Karch Cannata
Press Secretary
Office of U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.
420 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4671 office
(202) 225-9665 fax

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2004

PALLONE SAYS ALIYEV’S WILLINGNESS TO RESORT TO FORCE IS REASON ENOUGH
TO MAINTAIN AID PARITY

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), cochairman
of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, today expressed
concern regarding Azeri President Ilham Aliyev’s recent statements
that Azerbaijan is willing to use military force to resolve the
Nagorno Karabagh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“Such statements are unsettling and send a message to Armenia, as well
as to all those involved in working toward a peaceful resolution, that
Azerbaijan is prepared to undertake a military approach to addressing
the conflict should recommendations by the Minsk Group not align with
Azerbaijan’s position,” the New Jersey congressman said earlier this
week during a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

During an interview with the BBC last week, President Aliyev said
that while he would continue to try to resolve the Nagorno Karabagh
conflict by peaceful means, the Azeri army is able at any moment
to free, what President Aliyev called, “our territory.” President
Aliyev also stated, “We have every right to do that, to restore our
territorial integrity.”

“President Aliyev’s actions and statements do not signal a willingness
to negotiate and in fact, I think they illustrate the opposite,”
Pallone said. “If there is any chance that the parties can move
in the direction of a peaceful resolve, President Aliyev must show
that he is willing to consider options developed by the Minsk Group
without threatening military actions.”

During the speech, Pallone also called on President Bush and Congress
to not support a military resolution to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict
and to restore military aid parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“I strongly believe we must do everything in our power here in Congress
to signal that we will not support the use of military power to address
this conflict,” Pallone continued in his speech on the House floor.
“Amid rising tension and animosity in the region, with two new leaders
in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, it is more important today than ever
for the United States to be sure that no signal is sent suggesting
that one side is being provided a military advantage over the other.”

Pallone cited President Aliyev’s statement during the BBC interview
that the Azeri government’s military spending has increased over the
last couple of years and “will keep increasing in the future.”

“At this time, the U.S. should not be providing resources to
Azerbaijan that can, in any measure, be turned into military
efforts against Armenia to reclaim Nagorno Karabagh,” Pallone said.
“President Aliyev’s comment regarding current and future increases in
Azerbaijan’s military funding does not put me at ease that funding
from the U.S., either directly or indirectly, will not be used to
unleash a military campaign against the people of Nagorno Karabagh,”

Earlier this year, President Bush’s budget proposal included
unequal military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. This request
dismissed a unilateral policy agreement between the Congress and
the Administration that there be military parity between Armenia and
Azerbaijan. However, language included in the waiver states that any
assistance to Azerbaijan should not be used to “undermine or hamper”
the Karabagh peace process or “be used for offensive purposes against
Armenia or the Armenian communities in the South Caucuses.”

-30-

PRESS RELEASE

Horizon Weekly
3401 Olivar-Asselin
Montréal, Québec
Canada, H4J 1L5
Phone: (514) 332-3757
Fax: (514) 332-4870
Email: [email protected]

Contact:Silva Ehramjian
514-332-3757

May 18, 2004

Horizon Armenian Weekly Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Montreal, QC – Horizon Armenian Weekly began celebrating its 25th
anniversary during a gala at the Ritz Carlton on Sunday May 16, 2004.

The event marked the beginning of Horizon’s celebrations, during which the
weekly presented 10 long-time contributors with awards. The recipients were
Vartkes Papazian, Vrej-Armen Artinian, Shake Minassian, Berj Momjian, Soline
Chamlian, Hagop Hagopian, Arch Priest Armen Keshishian, Viken Tufenkjian,
Sossie Chakmajian and Zaven Injejikian.

Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate, also presented editor-in-chief Vahakn
Karakashian with an award on behalf of the Prelacy.

Ara Papian, Armenian Ambassador to Canada, Stephane Dion MP, as well as
other government and prominent community members, attended the event.

In September 2002, Horizon was the only Quebec ethnic newspaper to be
recognized by the Canadian Ethnic Press Council as one of the best across
Canada. Horizon was one of eight to be honoured from more than 800
publications in 125 languages.

First published on May 28 1979, Horizon Weekly has continuously grown,
publishing numerous monthly supplements, and since 2000 has published three
yearly magazine editions.

The weekly is also planning the launch an online version for July 2004.

Contact:Silva Ehramjian

Horizon Weekly
3401 Olivar-Asselin
Montréal, Québec
Canada, H4J 1L5
Phone: (514) 332-3757
Fax: (514) 332-4870
Email: [email protected]

-30-

PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

May 21, 2004
___________________

SPEND TIME WITH OUR YOUTH THIS SUMMER

St. Vartan Camp, held this year from June 26 to July 24, is looking for
medical professionals to staff the camp health center.

All applicants must possess a current LPN, RN, PA, NP or MD license and
be certified in CPR for the professional rescuer. Camp directors will
help volunteers who are not licensed in New York State obtain
reciprocity.

Health center workers have a variety of responsibilities, including:
overseeing the general health and safety of campers and staff,
administering medication, and maintaining and reviewing health records.
Weekly camp population is about 150 campers and staff.

A minimum stay of one week is preferable, although camp organizers
welcome those who can stay for shorter periods. Room and board are
provided, and the salary is negotiable.

This year the camp will be run at the Diocese’s new Ararat Youth and
Conference Center in Greenville, NY, located in the heart of the
Catskill Mountains, just 30 miles south of Albany.

If you or someone you know qualify and are interested in spending time
with the kids this summer, contact St. Vartan Camp Director Yn. Arpi
Kouzouian by e-mailing [email protected] or calling (617)
876-2700.

— 5/21/04

# # #

PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

May 21, 2004
___________________

FR. KABARADJIAN REMEMBERED

On Saturday, May 8, 2004, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), delivered the
eulogy during the funeral of V. Rev. Fr. Varoujan Kabaradjian, the
long-time pastor at the St. James Church of Evanston, IL, who passed
away on April 30, 2004, after a prolonged illness.

During the service the Primate also performed the last anointing on Fr.
Kabaradjian, who was born in a suburb of Istanbul and came to Evanston
after studying in the seminary of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Dozens of clergymen and parishioners from the Chicagoland area attended
funeral services, which were sung by a choir made up of singers from the
local parishes and led by Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, coordinator of
music ministry for the Diocese. His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian, former Pontifical Legate and Primate of the Armenian Church of
Great Britain, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and presided over the wake
service the night before, on Friday evening, May 7, 2004.

“It was about a year ago when we celebrated Fr. Varoujan’s long and
illustrious ministry in the vineyard of our Lord,” the Primate said.
“At that time we did not expect that he would leave us so soon. Fr.
Varoujan, through his ministry, listened and followed the commandment of
our Lord Jesus Christ, ‘Go forth and make disciples of all nations.'”

Before coming to America in 1958, Fr. Kabaradjian held various positions
at the St. James Monastery in Jerusalem. From 1958 until his retirement
in 2003, he served the Armenian community of Evanston. In addition to
his duties as pastor of the St. James Parish, he served as a visiting
pastor to a number of churches in the Chicago and Southern Wisconsin
areas.

“Over the past five decades, countless individuals have been touched by
his wisdom and kindness,” the Primate said during his eulogy. “And
these people will always reserve a special place in their heart for
their beloved teacher, pastor, and friend. His pastoral care
invigorated the life of our Diocese and his example inspired others —
both clergy and laymen — to answer the call of discipleship.”

On January 1, 1998, the Evanston Police Department assigned Fr.
Kabaradjian as one of its four police chaplains. On March 26, 2001, the
mayor and police chief of Evanston honored Fr. Varoujan in the Evanston
City Hall for services rendered to the city. The city of Evanston first
honored him on July 26, 1983. From 1973 to 1977, he was the only
Armenian clergyman in Illinois.

Evanston Mayor Lorraine Morton and Chief of Police Frank Kaminski spoke
during the services for Fr. Kabaradjian, which were organized by Fr.
Nareg Keutelian, pastor of the St. John the Baptist Church of
Greenfield, WI.

“Fr. Varoujan was equally admired and respected by the authorities and
fellow citizens of Evanston, whom he served in so many capacities,” the
Primate said. “The awards and honors bestowed on Fr. Varoujan by the
city of Evanston are a credit to the esteem they held for him.

“Fr. Varoujan took the gifts he was given by the Almighty and returned
them to his church, his people, his community, and, ultimately, to God,”
the Primate added.

— 5/21/03

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): The late Fr. Varoujan Kabaradjian, longtime pastor
of the St. James Church of Evanston, IL, was laid to rest on Saturday,
May 8, 2004.

# # #

PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

May 21, 2004
___________________

NEW YOUTH GROUP FINDS HOME IN FAMILY PARISH

By Jake Goshert

Last fall, Gregory Andonian, 24, thought he was the only young person
involved at the St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, OH. He didn’t
think he could even find five people needed to revive the parish’s ACYOA
chapter.

He started with a soccer team, then a discussion on an Armenian
philosopher, then social dances and altar-server training. Now the
local chapter of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America
(ACYOA) has about 30 people. Some young members are born in America,
others come from Armenia, Baku, and the Middle East. One is
half-Armenian and half-Polish.

“And he’s the ACYOA secretary,” Andonian says of the young man whose
mother is Armenian and father is Polish. “Now that he’s involved in
ACYOA, he’s taking Armenian lessons and writing and reading almost
better than Armenians can and is coming to church.”

“A lot of the young people involved in our ACYOA are coming to church
more often, too, which is the core of what ACYOA is about,” Andonian
added. “Young Armenians want to be part of the church. It’s just a
matter of whether you can make them feel comfortable enough to feel
truly special inside.”

YOUTHFUL SPIRIT

During a recent pastoral visit to the Cleveland community on Saturday
and Sunday, April 17 and 18, 2004, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), spent more
than three hours eating pizza and talking with the young members of one
of the Diocese’s newest ACYOA chapters.

“The interaction was wonderful; they were talking about all kinds of
stuff. It was important for them to get to know him,” said Mona
Karoghlanian, parish council chairman at St. Gregory of Narek Church.
“I’m so happy our ACYOA is growing, because I grew up in ACYOA. Now our
youth will be able to enjoy the same experiences I had. That is why I
am so tied to the church: because of that involvement in ACYOA and the
relationships I developed over the years.”

The Primate and former Cleveland priest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, now a
pastor in Los Angeles, also met with about 50 young Sunday and Armenian
School children during the visit. Joining the Primate on the visit was
Dr. Sam Mikaelian, executive director of the Diocese.

The parish, with about 100 active families, has been without a parish
priest since the untimely passing of Fr. Haroutiun Dagley in 2002. But
thanks to the tight family feel of the parish, it emerged from the
mourning period stronger.

“There’s just something different here,” Karoghlanian said. “Our parish
— we’re a family. Even though we’re not all related, we feel like a
family. When something happens to somebody, good or bad, everybody’s
there. We’re a very supportive, loving, welcoming type of parish.”

The warmth of the parish has kept it going for more than 40 years.
During the Primate’s visit, the parish marked the 40th anniversary of
the church’s consecration. The original dream of the parish extends
back another 40 years, when the grandparents of today’s leaders — who
were then fresh immigrants in America — went door to door selling
hard-boiled eggs on Easter to raise money for the church.

“It’s hard to imagine the amazing journey our founding generation went
on, as they moved from one way of life to another,” the Primate said
during a banquet commemorating the anniversary. “Our church, too, was
led on this journey. Carried in the hearts of the Armenian faithful,
the flame of our faith moved from the Old World, and settled into the
New. Here, in America, the Armenian people and their church moved
forward together, to achieve strength and prestige in the surrounding
society.”

The Primate stressed the dedication of generations of leaders that went
into making St. Gregory of Narek Church a reality.

“As a community, we have been blessed with something else, as well:
visionary leaders, who dreamed about what could be in the future, and
set to work laying a solid foundation on which to build,” said the
Primate. “The idea of building this church required profound vision and
imagination. Like many bold actions, it took courage to accomplish.”

FINDING STRENGTH

Along with the young spirit of the community members, the parish has
been held together by the dedication of Dn. Serop Demirjian, who was
honored by the Primate with the ST. Vartan Medal. With Dn. Demirjian,
the parish is able to hold weekly services. He has also served in
various other positions, such as on the parish council and as an advisor
to the newly restored ACYOA chapter.

For Dn. Demirjian, who came to America in 1981 from Jerusalem, where he
attended seminary, serving on the altar each Sunday is natural.

“If I miss a Sunday, I feel I am missing something. I feel an emptiness
if I don’t attend church services,” he said. “At the same time, it’s
very rewarding to serve the people. I see the joy and faith in them
that I bring to them, so that is my reward.”

Even though he has to drive 45 minutes each way to the church, the young
father of three who owns his own international shipping company gladly
gives of his time to work with the young ACYOA members. He meets with
them on a regular basis and has taken several under his wing to train as
altar servers.

“They’re very faithful and strong Armenians,” Dn. Demirjian said. “But
I want to encourage them to continue and not only attend services but to
partake, in the choir or on the altar or as an usher. That is more
rewarding for them, because they come and participate and feel they are
actually part of it. When you partake, everything becomes more
meaningful than just standing in the pews.”

— 5/21/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrates the Divine
Liturgy at the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, on Sunday,
April 18, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian joins present and former parish
leaders in cutting an anniversary cake on Saturday, April 17, 2004, at
the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the consecration of the St.
Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, OH.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): The Primate listens as former Cleveland pastor Fr.
Arshag Khatchadourian speaks to the parishioners during a banquet
marking the 40th anniversary of the St. Gregory of Narek Church.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Primate visits with some of the youngest members
of the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, during a pastoral
visit there on Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, 2004.

# # #