Homenetmen Central Executive chairman meets with Eastern USA Regional Executive members

Antranik Varosian
 Homenetmen Eastern U.S. Diaspora, Youth 0

Regional Executive members meet with Central Executive members Hagop Khatcherian (chairman) and Vahe Tanashian

On Monday, February 19, 2024, members of the Homenetmen Eastern USA Regional Executive Vicken Khatchadourian, Razmik Banosian and Vahe Andonian met with Homenetmen’s Central Executive chairman Hagop Khatcherian (visiting from Lebanon) and Central Executive member Vahe Tanashian. The meeting took place at Homenetmen’s regional office in the Hairenik building in Watertown, Massachusetts.

During this meeting, Khatcherian shared details of Homenetmen’s programs for the next four years, as discussed during the Central Executive’s first plenary meeting held in January 2024. These programs include:

  • Homenetmen’s 13th World Congress held in October 2023 confirmed the continued existence of the Artsakh chapter in exile and the establishment of the Homenetmen Artsakh Fund. While the fund will provide financial support for those displaced from Artsakh, Homenetmen’s efforts also emphasize the need to provide programs for displaced youth to gather and feel camaraderie with their Homenetmen brothers and sisters. Beginning in April 2024, all Homenetmen scouts and athletes will wear a special Artsakh badge on their uniforms, with the purpose of keeping Artsakh at the forefront of our members’ thoughts.
  • To advance the Homenetmen Youth Division, areas will be identified in which it may appeal to both Homenetmen scouts/athletes who are no longer active and non-Homenetmen members who may have other interests. The intent of this undertaking is to create new opportunities for the Armenian youth to unify and utilize their shared strengths, furthering Homenetmen’s ability to contribute to the needs of the Armenian community, both in Armenia and abroad.
  • In addition to the traditional pan-Homenetmen Scouting panagoums and athletic games, Homenetmen will provide additional opportunities for participation by organizing “continental” events. This will allow scouts and athletes who are not able to attend a pan-Homenetmen event to participate in inter-regional events without traveling as far.
  • The organization is taking steps to create a more consistent brand, utilizing the Homenetmen website to provide uniform information about each region across the world. Among others, one of the goals of this program is to target corporate sponsorships for the organization as a whole.
  • Homenetmen is working to update its membership database, gathering additional data that will allow identification of members who have similar educational or professional backgrounds, interests, pursuits, etc. to enhance the development of current and future programs.

The Regional Executive members then shared information about the 12 chapters and miavors in the Eastern USA to better acquaint the visiting Central Executive chairman about the inner workings of the region. The executive members spoke about the region’s major annual events, such as the Navasartian Games and Regional Panagoum, as well as strengths, challenges and priorities for the current term. Several of the Regional Executive’s undertakings for the near term will complement the Central Executive’s programs, such as the completion of a regional membership database, development of a regional youth division and pursuit of a Homenetmen campsite in the Eastern U.S.

Before Khatcherian departed for Lebanon, the Regional Executive members presented him with a Homenetmen Eastern USA Region polo shirt as a small token of appreciation for his visit.

  •  Bio
  •  Latest Posts
The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, known as "Homenetmen," is a non-profit organization founded over 100 years ago. Believing in the idea that strong bodies lead to strong minds, Homenetmen has provided Armenian youth across the globe with a moral, physical and psychological education outside the school environment, while also demonstrating richness of the Armenian culture and heritage. Today, Homenetmen is a worldwide organization with over 25,000 members on five continents. On the East Coast U.S., Homenetmen is a thriving organization with 12 chapters and over 900 members, governed by the Homenetmen Eastern Regional Executive.


Homenetmen Eastern USA Regional Executive holds first plenary meeting

Kevo Kalantarian
 Homenetmen Eastern U.S. Diaspora, Youth 0

The Regional Executive of Homenetmen Eastern USA convened its first liakoumar (plenary meeting) for the 2023-2025 term on January 27-28, 2024 at its office in Watertown, Massachusetts. Based on the resolutions and decisions set forth by the 46th Regional Convention held in October 2023, the executive developed over the two-day meeting its strategy for implementing the convention’s vision.

The agenda included a review of the current status of the region’s 12 chapters and miavors (units), specifically with regard to their activities in the organization’s athletic and scouting programs.

The meeting then focused on plans for the region’s 32nd Navasartian Games, to be hosted by the Providence chapter in July. The executive reviewed many of the details that the steering committee has prepared over the last several months, in anticipation of releasing information to the public on social media and the Navasartian Games’ website. Athlete registration for this year will include an educational component intended to reinforce understanding of Homenetmen’s mission among all participating coaches and athletes.

Members of the Regional Executive at the Boston chapter’s Scouting Oath Ceremony

The executive also began preliminary discussions for the 12th Pan-Homenetmen Games, which are expected to take place in Armenia in the summer of 2025, including a high-level plan for athletic tryouts and timelines to plan logistics for travel. The executive is working closely with the Regional Athletic Committee to ensure the success of the athletic program for the next few years.

Regarding the region’s scouting programs, the executive reviewed the proposed candidates for the Regional Scout Council and approved the members who will be responsible for developing the next generation of scouting leaders in the region. The programs for this term include the annual regional panagoums (camping trips) for the scouts and educational seminars for different scouting divisions. The council will also be responsible for preliminary preparations for the 13th Pan-Homenetmen Scout Jamboree, planned to be held in Armenia in 2026. In addition, the executive discussed forming a committee to explore the possibility of securing a regional scouting campsite.

The Regional Public Relations Committee and Information Technology Group are responsible for ensuring successful communication of Homenetmen’s plans and activities both within the region’s chapters and to the public. During the meeting, the Regional Executive reviewed the goals for each committee, which include updating social media guidelines and finalizing a regional membership database.

Regional Executive meeting at its office in the Hairenik building

On Saturday, the Regional Executive members took a break from the liakoumar meeting to attend the Homenetmen Boston chapter’s Scouting Oath Ceremony, during which many Kayligs and Ardzvigs (cub scouts) moved to the Ari and Arenoush groups, older scouts received new ranks and responsibilities and scouts of all ages gave their oaths to abide by the rules of Homenetmen scouting and dedicate themselves to the Armenian people.

The first liakoumar set forth the strategy for ensuring the success and growth of Homenetmen in the coming term. The executive looks forward to sharing this success with all of our current and future members in the Eastern USA region.

  •  Bio
  •  Latest Posts
The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, known as "Homenetmen," is a non-profit organization founded over 100 years ago. Believing in the idea that strong bodies lead to strong minds, Homenetmen has provided Armenian youth across the globe with a moral, physical and psychological education outside the school environment, while also demonstrating richness of the Armenian culture and heritage. Today, Homenetmen is a worldwide organization with over 25,000 members on five continents. On the East Coast U.S., Homenetmen is a thriving organization with 12 chapters and over 900 members, governed by the Homenetmen Eastern Regional Executive.


Hamazkayin of Washington, D.C. hosts first traditional Dyaruntarach/Trndez

Sonya Jalatian
 Guest Contributor Community News, Diaspora 0

BETHESDA, Md.—The Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Association welcomed families, friends and community members from throughout the Greater Washington D.C. area for the first traditional Dyaruntarach/Trndez celebration in the nation’s capital, held at the Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church’s new “River Road” property on February 18, 2024.

Victoria Penenian jumping over the fire

Hamazkayin of Washington D.C. vice-chair Kayane Kassarjian Tatarian warmly welcomed everyone to the age-old Armenian celebration of the upcoming spring and a bountiful harvest. She welcomed remarks from Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, who offered prayers, invoking blessings upon the gathering and its endeavors.

Hamazkayin of Washington D.C. vice-chair Kayane Kassarjian Tatarian warmly welcoming everyone to the age-old Armenian celebration

Archpriest Fr. Aktavoukian then shared the significance of the Armenian pagan rituals of Trndez, which, upon Armenia’s adoption of Christianity, was renamed Dyaruntarach, meaning “bringing forward of the Lord.” He explained that the ritual of jumping over fire is believed to ward off evil and bring the blessings of children to newly-married couples.

With anticipation mounting, Archpriest Fr. Aktavoukian initiated the lighting of the ceremonial fire, prepared by members of the ARF Sebouh Gomideh. As the flames flickered and danced, filling the air with warmth and light, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and joy.

Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian initiating the lighting of the ceremonial fire

The community then sang a series of traditional Vartanantz songs, voices resonating with pride and unity. Hamazkayin of Washington D.C. Van Dance Group member and AYF DC “Sevan” Juniors chair Meghri Aguilian took a moment to honor the memory of the Armenian traditional dance icon and Artsakh war veteran Gagik Ginosyan, who served as the first dance instructor of the newly-formed Hamazkayin D.C. Van Dance group. They performed the Echmiadzin dance in his honor, paying homage to his legacy and contributions.

Hamazkayin Washington D.C. Van Dance Group performing the Echmiadzin dance in Gagik Ginosyan’s honor, paying homage to his legacy and contributions

As the afternoon progressed, community members young and old eagerly took part in the ancient ritual of jumping over the fire, each leap accompanied by heartfelt wishes for a prosperous year ahead. 

Hamazkayin Washington D.C. members offered refreshments and gift lanterns to attendees, ensuring that the sacred fire and its spirit would continue to illuminate their lives long after the event concluded.

Hamazkayin Washington D.C. offered refreshments and gift lanterns to attendees, ensuring that the participants could take the sacred fire back to their homes

The inaugural traditional Dyaruntarach/Trndez in Washington D.C. was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and vision of Hamazkayin D.C. chapter members and the Van dancers, as well as the unwavering support of Archpriest Fr. Aktavoukian. As the flames of tradition were kindled anew, it was evident that this cherished custom had found a home in the heart of the nation’s capital, promising future celebrations and gatherings filled with joy, community and cultural pride.




AW: Council of Socialist International adopts resolution on Artsakh

Emil Lazarian
 Guest Contributor Diaspora 0

On February 24-25, the Council of the Socialist International held a meeting in Madrid, at the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).

Since 1907, the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun has been a member of this large political organization, which unites political parties from about a hundred countries. Mario Nalpatian, a former member of the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Bureau and a member of the Armenian National Committee – International, as well as one of the vice-presidents of the Socialist International (SI), participated in the meetings of the Council and the Presidium and was elected a member of the SI Finance and Administration Committee.

President of the Socialist International and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez referred to the Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh issue in his opening speeches at the organization’s Presidium and Council meetings.

At the meetings of the SI Presidium and Council, Nalpatian presented the situation and challenges caused by the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh by Azerbaijan’s genocidal actions and violence, as well as Azerbaijan’s threats and demands directed at the Republic of Armenia.

The SI Council adopted a resolution on the Artsakh issue, which states:

The Socialist International supports the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan aimed at signing a peace agreement. To contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region, such an agreement should be reached without the use of force or the threat of force, based on international law and diplomatic practice, including a commitment to an internationally sponsored peaceful process towards a final political settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue and the full realization of the fundamental rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh on their ancestral territory.

President of the Socialist International and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaking at the Council of the Socialist International meeting

In line with our longstanding principled policy regarding the Nagorno Karabakh issue and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and considering the November 17, 2023 provisional measure by the International Court of Justice ordering Azerbaijan to “ensure that persons who have left Nagorno Karabakh after 19 September 2023 and who wish to return to Nagorno Karabakh are able to do so in a safe, unimpeded and expeditious manner” and “are free from the use of force or intimidation that may cause them to flee,” we reiterate our call:

  1. Until the final political settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue and the full realization of the fundamental rights of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, for the collective, unhindered and safe return to their homeland. Also, for the provision of an intermediate status for Nagorno Karabakh – ensuring the full extent of the civil and political rights and providing effective security guarantees for the people of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as unhindered land connection with Armenia – guaranteed by international norms.
  2. For the release of prisoners of war and detained persons. 
  3. For the complete and simultaneous lift of the blockades of transport and other means of communication, without any restriction of sovereignty.

The Socialist International stands ready to assist in these processes through its good offices and with the participation of its member parties and organizations.

The meeting of the Council of the Socialist International also made decisions on organizational issues and adopted the Madrid Declaration.

The Socialist International is the worldwide organization of social democratic, socialist and labor parties. It currently brings together 132 political parties and organizations from all continents. The relevant structures of the ARF are full members of the Socialist International Women (SIW) and the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY). Sarine Abrahamian, from the ARF Youth, is a vice-president of IUSY. 

Armenian National Committee – International
2.27.2024

Armenpress: Prime Minister receives the delegation led by the chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag

Lena Karagyozian

 14:14,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, ARMENPRESS.  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation headed by Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, the chairperson of the Legal Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag.

According to the readout issued by the PM's office, the Prime Minister welcomed the delegation's visit to Armenia and emphasized the importance of consistently developing and expanding cooperation with Germany. Nikol Pashinyan noted that political and economic cooperation has been dynamic in recent years and emphasized the fact of bilateral high-level, as well as inter-parliamentary dialogue.

The Prime Minister emphasized Germany's support in the effective promotion of democratic reforms in our country, as well as in ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

In this regard, Nikol Pashinyan highlighted the contribution of Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, as well as emphasized the importance of the principles established by the quadripartite declaration of the German Chancellor, the President of France, the President of the European Council and the Prime Minister of Armenia in Granada last fall.

The interlocutors exchanged ideas on the deepening of Armenia-Germany, Armenia-European Union cooperation, the activities of the EU civilian mission on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and other issues.

Armenian President arrives in Iraq on an official visit

Christine Harutyunian

 16:35,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, ARMENPRESS.  The President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has arrived in Iraq on an official visit.

According to the Armenpress correspondent, the Armenian President was welcomed at Baghdad International Airport by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Fuad Hussein.

During his visit, the President of Armenia is scheduled to have meetings with the President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid, the Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani.

As part of his visit, Vahagn Khachaturyan will deliver a lecture at Baghdad University. He will also visit Erbil, where he will meet with the Honorary President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, and the President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani.

Additionally, he will hold meetings with representatives of the Armenian communities in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Armenian President's delegation includes businessmen who will participate in a business forum to be held in Iraq.

New inclusive tourism product "Accessible Dilijan" launched in Armenia

Emil Lazarian

 16:46,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, ARMENPRESS.  Destination Management Organization GoToDili, with the support of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, with the participation of AR-trails, has launched a new inclusive project "Accessible Dilijan". It is created for people with hearing impairments, as well as for completely deaf/deaf-mute people.

"Accessible Dilijan" is an AR–tours around the city recorded by sign language interpreters in Armenian, Russian and English. This is the first project in Armenia that helps people with hearing disabilities to complete an excursion or a small hiking route without assistance.

You can use the tour by downloading the AR-Trails app. Three products are available in AR-trails: a city tour, a walking tour of the National Park, and a virtual visit to the tourist information center. After selecting a location, the app provides a route, and virtual sign language interpreters tell users about it.

The city tour will introduce users to the history of Dilijan and its famous landmarks. The hiking tour will lead to a hidden waterfall in the National Park, introducing the flora and fauna along the way. The AR-Trails app also allows you to visit a virtual information center, where the overview information about Dilijan is available. In total, virtual tours cover 15 locations in Dilijan.

"Travel must be accessible to everyone," emphasized Sisian Poghosyan, the Head of Armenia's Tourism Committee.

"Every visitor to Armenia, regardless of physical abilities, should have the opportunity to travel in our country, discover hidden paths, and equally experience all the interesting and unforgettable experiences. In this context, the Tourism Committee welcomes the creation of the 'Accessible Dilijan' tourist product, which is a new opportunity for individuals to discover the wonders of Armenian tourism," she said.

"Inclusive tourism plays an extremely important role for Armenia," said Ani Avanesova, the  head of DMO GoToDili.

"Products designed specifically for people with disabilities will not only significantly improve their standard of living and provide new conditions for exploring the tourist locations of the country, but also favorably promote socialization and bring benefits to the country as a whole, making it more attractive to tourists. The GoToDili team is happy to be one of the pioneers on this important path,'' she said.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 26-02-24

Yeghisabet Vorskanian

 17:25,

YEREVAN, 23 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 26 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.07 drams to 404.42 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.96 drams to 438.63 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.03 drams to 4.38 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.13 drams to 512.60 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 49.41 drams to 26361.72 drams. Silver price down by 4.56 drams to 295.35 drams.

Alen Simonyan discusses the return of the Armenian POWs with German colleagues

Karlen Baghdasarian

 17:52,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, ARMENPRESS. On February 26, the Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan received the delegation led by the Chairwoman of the Committee on Legal Affairs of the FRG Bundestag Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, the press service of the Armenian National Assembly said in a statement.

The Chair of the National Assembly Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs Vladimir Vardanyan also attended the meeting.

According to the source, welcoming the guests, Alen Simonyan highly appreciated the stable development of friendly relations with Germany, emphasizing the promotion of inter-parliamentary cooperation also in the format of mutual visits.

Alen Simonyan thanked the German colleagues for their continuous support for democratic reforms in Armenia, highlighted the contribution of the Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the process of establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“We greatly appreciate the strong democratic values established in Armenia since 2018 and are ready to support the development of democratic institutions in Armenia, as well as the establishment of peace in the region,” Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker noted.

It is noted that Alen Simonyan presented to his German colleagues the consequences of Azerbaijan's bellicose policy, raised the issue of the return of the Armenian prisoners of war, to which Azerbaijan shows a destructive approach.

The interlocutors exchanged ideas on Armenia-Germany inter-parliamentary relations, the deepening of Armenia-EU cooperation, the establishment of security in the South Caucasus and a number of other issues.