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July 23, 2017 Issue #475
Complete owe. All admitted
that now they understand
the complexity of life in the
Holy Land and were amazed
as to how many Holy Sites
Armenians possess within
the walled City of Jerusalem
and throughout the Holy
Land. Equally amazing to
many was how the country
has advanced since its
independence in 1948.
The infrastructure was most
impressive, specifically
major super highways,
which have helped economic
growth.
Jericho, Bethlehem and
the Holocaust Museum Yad
Vashem. Of course, the two
square mile walled city of
Jerusalem was the highlight
of our trip. It is truly a
unique experience to visit
the four Quarters of
Jerusalem and observe how
close the centers of
Christianity, Judaism and
Islam are to each other,
praying to one God, and yet
so far from each other. No
other place in the world
offers the diversity which
Jerusalem offers.
What was the overall
response of the members
in your group?
This was the third time
you have taken a group
to the Holy Land. How
was your experience the
third time around?
Our itinerary remains
basically the same. For the
first three days we were
stationed in Haifa, from
there we explored the
Northern part of Israel -
Acre, Nazareth, Israeli-
Lebanese border, Sea of
Galilee, the many churches
where Jesus preached and
worked miracles. Over the
next six days we were
stationed in Notre Dame,
Jerusalem from where we
explored the River Jordan,
Masssada, Dead Sea,
In This Issue:
The AGBU Performing
Arts Department Holds
Benefit Concert for Music
Schools in Nagorno-
Karabakh
AGBU Armenia Launches
E U - F u n d e d
BRIDGE4CSOs Program
The AGBU Armenian
Virtual College Expands
Focus on Armenian
Language Education
K h r i m i a n L y c e u m
c e l e b r a t e s i t s
30th anniversary at
graduation festivities
Poetry presented by Mrs.
Zarmine Boghosian
This week’s videos from
PAREV-TV
Current news from around
the world
Directory
Calendar of Events
Advertisers & Supporters
Editorial volunteer staff of
Armenian Interests
Volunteers of ARHNJ
Interview with Vartan Abdo following
his tour of the Holy Land
Continued on next page
Please send any
information
related to
Armenian Interests
e-newsletter to:
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Interview with Vartan Abdo
Continued from previous page
Armenian Interests
What is the population of Israel
and more specifically
the Armenian population in
Israel?
The population of Israel is 8.4 million
with 75% Jews and 25% Arabs. There
are close to 160,000 Christians.
There are 2,000 Armenians. The
Christian population is decreasing at
a rapid rate. This is a problem
throughout the Middle East.
How safe is a trip to Israel?
Very safe. We would not take our
friends on a trip that is not safe. This
is our third trip and every individual
would attest that they felt safe
walking in the streets and traveling
throughout the country.
How about the language barrier?
In Israel there are two official
languages - Hebrew and Arabic.
Every street sign is recorded in
Hebrew, Arabic and
English. Everyone knows English
and there is no difficulty in
communicating.
Have any in your group been in
Jerusalem before?
That’s a fascinating question. Most of
the participants are friends of ours -
Armenians who were born
in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iran, and
Turkey. Surprisingly, quite a few
were born in Jerusalem and many
others have been to Jerusalem in the
1950’s and 1960’s when Jerusalem
was more accessible to the Arab
world. Things have changed since
1967 when Israel occupied
Jerusalem. For quite a few years our
attitude has been that Jerusalem is
out of reach. Nowadays, more and more
Armenians, who are American citizens,
are looking into visiting the area. With
an American passport, one would
have absolutely no problem visiting
Israel. Yet the normal passport control
and security questions have to be dealt
with like in any other country.
Did you visit with the
Patriarch Nurhan Manougian?
Yes, we visited the Armenian Quarter of
Jerusalem and the Armenian Patriarch
of Jerusalem, His Beatitude
Patriarch Nurhan Manougian. An
Armenian a trip to Jerusalem cannot be
complete without visiting the Patriarch.
We were greeted warmly and spent
some quality time with him, asking
questions and discussing how
Armenians have been able to hold onto
so many Holy Sites in the area. The
Patrairach’s message has always been
the same, “Come and visit your
home, especially during the Easter and
Christmas holidays.”
Is there anything new that you
experienced or discovered on this
trip?
I was born and raised in Jaffa and lived
close to the historic Jaffa Lighthouse,
which I had never been inside of. On this
trip we were able to go into the
lighthouse thanks to the hospitality of
an Armenian lady Hripsime Zakarian. It
was build in 1865 by Ottoman
authorities and the caretaker has
always been an Armenian of the
Zakarian family. The location is
significant because this was the place
where Simon the Tanner hosted St.
Peter. It was in this location that St.
Peter, the first Pope of Rome, prayed
and saw a vision which he understood as
a calling to convert the masses to
Christianity.
Something I discovered on this trip
was the Soorp Pirgitch ( Holy Savior)
Armenian Cemetery in the
Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem.
This is not a popular touristic site,
but it is very venerated by the local
Armenian community. This is where
the great Armenian Patriarchs of
Jerusalem are laid to rest alongside
the brotherhood and laymen. There
is so much history in this cemetery,
including a memorial for the brave
soldier who fought at the Battle of
Arara in 1918. For me, to stand next
to the graves of Patriarch Yeghishe
Derderian, Torkom Manougian, and
Patriarch elect Diran Nersoyan was
moving. I had know all three of these
individuals. They were giants of the
Armenian Church who lead the
Diasporan communities through
some very turbulent times. I would
strongly recommend visiting the
Soorp Pirgitch Cemetery to all those
who are interested in the history of
the Armenian diaspora.
The renovations that are taking
place in these Armenian Holy Sites
are very promising. Talented
Armenian artisans from Armenia are
working on the restoration and
renovation of these noble buildings.
The whole project is funded by an
Armenian philanthropist from
Moscow, Samuel Garabedian.
When is your next trip?
Our next trip is scheduled for
January 10 - January 20, 2018. This
will coincide with Armenian
Christmas in Bethlehem on Jan
19th. There is already a group of
people that is very interested in
joining us on this upcoming trip.
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Armenian Interests
Argentina,
t h e
p r o c e e d s
from which
h a v e
a l r e a d y
been used
to buy
t h r e e
s c h o o l
p i a n o s .
C o n c e r t s
a r e
scheduled
for São
Paulo, Brazil on July 27 as well as
Yerevan, Armenia on September 22 in
collaboration with the National Folk
Instrument Ensemble and the Armenian
State Dance Ensemble. During the week
of the concert, from September 18 to 23,
an art exhibition will be held at Yerevan
City Hall to raise money for the cause.
The goal of the series is to purchase
more than 250 instruments for schools.
"Being part of this incredible project
means a lot to me personally. Concerts
like this one remind us of how
lucky we are to be using our
music and passion to contribute
to bettering society, to making
the world a better place. While I
was playing, I felt a stronger
connection to my roots and
ancestors who sacrificed so
much and went through all
kinds of hardship so our
generation could have a better
life. In a way, this concert
symbolizes my gratitude to
them, to all Armenians around
the world, for keeping our
The AGBU Performing Arts Department Holds Benefit
Concert for Music Schools in Nagorno-Karabakh
identity and culture alive. When we
work together, we are stronger. I'm
humbled to be a part of this world
concert tour and team of musicians
who are donating their talent to
bring smiles to children and
contribute to a brighter future in
Artsakh," said Sami Merdinian.
For more information on the AGBU
Performing Arts Department, please
v i s i t
http://www.agbuperformingarts.org/.
On June 14, the AGBU Performing
Arts Department held a benefit
concert for music schools in Nagorno-
Karabakh entitled “What Have You
Done for Artsakh?” at the Yamaha
Piano Salon in New York. The
performers included mezzo-soprano
Solange Merdinian; violinist Sami
Merdinian; as well as pianist and
AGBU Performing Arts Department
director Hayk Arsenyan, and boasted
a varied program with traditional
Armenian pieces and lullabies
alongside Argentine tangos and Afro-
Cuban dances.
The concert, which raised nearly
$4,000 to purchase instruments for
music schools in Nagorno-Karabakh,
is part of a series of benefit concerts
initiated by the Armenian Ministry
of Diaspora and launched by AGBU
Buenos Aires in May through the
efforts of AGBU Buenos Aires vice
president Antonio Sarafian and
artistic director of the series, duduk
player Gagik Gasparyan. Concerts
have been held in three cities across
(left to right) Violinist Sami Merdinian, pianist
Hayk Arsenyan and mezzo-soprano Solange
Merdinian. (photo credit: Linda Ravul)
On June 14, the AGBU Performing Arts
Department held a benefit concert for music
schools in Nagorno-Karabakh entitled “What
Have You Done for Artsakh?”
(photo credit: Linda Ravul)
Concerts have been held in three cities
across Argentina, the proceeds from which
have already been used to buy three
school pianos
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Armenian Interests
New program to strengthen civil
society will engage diaspora
expertise to help Armenian non-
profits provide better services
On June 26, AGBU Armenia
o f f i c i a l l y l a u n c h e d i t s
B R I D G E 4 C S O s p r o g r a m
implemented in collaboration with
the Eurasia Partnership Foundation
and financed by the European Union.
The three-year, 2.2 million euro
program aims to help Armenian civil
society organizations (CSOs) enhance
their skills and deepen their
knowledge by tapping into the
expertise of the diaspora.
With more than 5,000 NGOs
registered in Armenia, the lack of
funding along with the lack of
professional skills often hinder the
sustainability of the non-profit
sector, leaving many CSOs inactive.
Charities, associations, CSOs, and
foundations address the needs of the
citizens in many different areas,
ranging from education and youth
and women empowerment to culture
and health. BRIDGE’s main goal is to
strengthen the capacity of the
Armenian nonprofit sector to
effectively contribute to decision-
making processes in Armenia and to
better respond to citizen’s needs.
The program started by building a
database of CSOs and conducting
their needs assessments. The more
than 200 Armenian non-profits
and experts surveyed have stated
that they are more and more
willing to acquire new skills and
better knowledge. This is where
BRIDGE truly helps by providing
funding and expertise, and
finding the most relevant pro
bono consultants from the
d i a s p o r a t o h e l p l o c a l
organizations on a specific project
or task.
As the first step in the program’s
implementat ion , BRIDGE4CSOs
conducted sector-related professional
needs assessments of more than 200
Armenian non-profits and experts
working in the fields of education,
healthcare, art and culture, sports,
youth and gender issues. The research
findings revealed that Armenian CSOs
are willing to become more professional,
and believe that peer-to-peer trainings,
on-site consultations and coaching are
among the most efficient methods to
improve their skills. Most of the CSOs
also consider social entrepreneurship as
key to self-sustainability and are looking
for more opportunities to form networks
and consortia to experience exchange
and to build links with overseas
organizations working in the same area.
Through the program, Armenian CSOs
will have the opportunity to participate
in thematic trainings and a university-
based , non-pro f i t management
certificate program; benefit from free
consultations; and apply for small
grants. ''Bringing the expertise of
diaspora Armenians to Armenian CSOs
is a win-win situation for all,” said head
of the EU Delegation in Armenia,
Ambassador Piotr Świtalski.
“As a global Armenian organization,
AGBU is committed to strengthening
civil society in Armenia by shaping its
resilience, sustainability and impact,”
said Vasken Yacoubian, President of
AGBU Armenia.
AGBU Armenia Launches EU-Funded
BRIDGE4CSOs Program
A unique component of the program
is the engagement of diaspora talent
and potential in the development of
the Armenian non-profit sector.
“Through our program, any qualified
individual can be a consultant,
become a board member of a local
organization, conduct a specific
training or workshop, become a
supporter of a non-profit’s projects
and thus contribute to diaspora
involvement in advancing Armenian
civil society,” said Arsen Stepanyan,
t h e t e a m l e a d e r o f t h e
BRIDGE4CSOs program.
A f r e e , w e b - b a s e d
Together4Armenia.am platform,
jointly managed by AGBU Armenia
and UNICEF in Armenia, will allow
for the transfer of knowledge and
skills from a network of experts
based in the diaspora. Experts and
CSOs can register on this platform,
and the BRIDGE4CSOs team will
then match them. BRIDGE4CSOs is
not limited to three years as it
intends to enact a new approach to
linking Armenia and the diaspora. A
tool for change-making in the long
term, the program expects to turn a
new page for the Armenian world at
large with EU support.
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n
BRIDGE4CSOs project, please visit
http://www.agbu.am/en/bridge-for-
csos.
AGBU Armenia President Vasken
Yacoubian at the launch of the
BRIDGE4CSOs program implemented
in collaboration with the Eurasia
Partnership Foundation and financed
by the European Union
Ambassador Piotr Świtalski, head of
the EU Delegation in Armenia,
highlights the importance of having
a strong civil society in Armenia
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Armenian Interests
In April, the AGBU Armenian
Virtual College (AVC) launched its
Armenian language e-Hangouts as a
way for e-learners to practice their
language skills. Founded in 2009, the
Armenian Virtual College has
addressed the demand for Armenian
language instruction worldwide with
its online courses in Eastern and
Western Armenian, along with
courses in Armenian history, culture
and chess. The establishment of the
e-Hangouts, open to all AVC students
past and present, marks an
expansion of the program by
providing opportunities for learners
to practice and forge bonds with this
innovative platform.
For the past two months, AVC
alumni with intermediate and
advanced Armenian language skills
e-meet fellow e-learners during the e-
Hangout sessions and discuss various
topics, such as philosophy, art and
cooking. “Communicating in
Armenian through the AVC e-
Hangouts is not only important as a
forum to our e-learners, but it is also
very effective in connecting global
Armenians,” said AGBU Central
Board member and AVC founder
Yervant Zorian.
T h e i d e a f o r t h i s g l o b a l
communication platform was
proposed in February during a series
of events in honor of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
International Mother Language
Day that was dedicated to
Armenian language preservation
in Armenia and in the diaspora.
Since 1999, the UNESCO
International Mother Language
Day—held each year on February
21—has supported mother
language and multilingual
education to raise awareness
about linguistic and cultural
d ivers ity through global
language education and intercultural
communication.
The opening event of the series was the
13th Yerevan Book Fair-Expo at the
Khnko Aper National Children's
Library, which took place from February
18 to 21. In the AVC and the Armenian
Ministry of Diaspora joint pavilion, AVC
showcased its multimedia e-Book series
and Armenian language course
materials to demonstrate the innovative
capabilities developed to meet the needs
of young e-learners. During this Fair-
Expo, the Minister of Diaspora Hranush
Hakobyan commended AVC and its
methods: “This unique institution
always stands out with its innovative
offerings. The e-publications are what
we have been missing today for a new
generation of readers. The Ministry will
support AVC to further raise awareness
and participation.”
A roundtable discussion, entitled “The
Armenian Language in Textbooks,” was
The AGBU Armenian Virtual College Expands
Focus on Armenian Language Education
held on February 20 and co-
organized by AVC, the Armenian
Ministry of Diaspora and the
National Academy of Sciences of
Armenia. During the discussion,
AVC detailed its approaches for
disseminating the Armenian
language and AVC Hybrid Education
coordinator Arpine Tavakalyan
shared AVC’s online experience in
preparing e-learning materials.
“Distance learning and applying the
latest technologies need to have a
special place in the development of
new language policy and new
textbooks need to be accessible to the
Armenian diaspora as well,” she
said.
The Armenia-Lebanon virtual
conference held on February 24 was
devoted to the preservation of
Western Armenian. During the
event, AVC Academic director
Hasmik Khalapyan and online
Western Armenian instructor Zepur
Kheblikian reemphasized the
significance of using e-learning
methods to teach today’s generations
and AVC’s proactive efforts in
preserving Western Armenian.
To conclude the series, AVC held an
e-Hangout session on March 2 to join
the AGBU Lazar Najarian-Calouste
Gulbenkian School in Aleppo with
the #150 Public School after F.
Nansen in Yerevan. The topic of
discussion was language learning in
Armenia and in the diaspora.
AVC continues to provide a unique
method of learning for its e-learners
to ensure progress in their
conversation and comprehension
skills as well as in creating bonds
within the global Armenian
community.
For more information about AGBU
Armenian Virtual College, please
visit www.avc-agbu.org/.
AVC held an e-Hangout session on March
2 to join the AGBU Lazar Najarian-
Calouste Gulbenkian School in Aleppo
with the #150 Public School after F.
Nansen in Yerevan
In April, the AGBU Armenian
Virtual College (AVC) launched its
Armenian Language e-Hangouts as
a way for e-learners to practice the
Armenian language
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Armenian Interests
The Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum
graduation festivities were held
recently, at the Diocesan Center in
New York. The event, sponsored by
the Armenian Studies department,
also celebrated the 30th anniversary
of the prestigious “immersion
program” in the Armenian heritage
and culture.
Diocesan Vicar the Very Rev. Fr.
Simeon Odabashian conducted
the Azkatroshm graduat ion
ceremony in collaboration with Fr.
Abraham Malkhasyan, pastor of the
Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY.
This year’s graduating class included
Shant Gemdzian, Claudine Haigian,
G r e g o r y M a n u e l i a n , T a l a r
Manuelian, Richard Mouradian, and
Stephanie Ani Tarian. Each
graduate, accompanied by an adult
sponsor, pledged to continue
upholding their Armenian Christian
heritage, and received a diploma and
gifts in the presence of some 90
people.
In remarks congratulating the
graduates, Fr. Odabashian invoked
the memory of the great Catholicos of
All Armenian Mkrtich Khrimian
(1820-1907)—the patron of Armenian
culture fondly remembered as
“Khrimian Hayrig,” who gives the
Lyceum its name.
Diocesan Armenian Studies director
Gilda Kupelian emphasized the
enduring significance of the Lyceum’s
educational program. “In
addition to linguistic and
faith literacy, Khrimian
Lyceum offers students
cultural identification, public
speaking opportunities,
exposure to the creative arts
in the Armenian tradition,
p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n
philanthropic endeavors, and
service to the church. No
wonder one of our guest lecturers
characterized Khrimian Lyceum as “a
leadership training program for teens.”
Former St. Vartan School Principal and
Lyceum teacher Shakeh Kadehjian,
recalled the impressive inception of the
program, and the current status it has
achieved. She also noted its current
branch in Armenia, and offered a wish
that the program would enjoy “30 times
30 more years” of success.
Alumna Taleen Babayan spoke on her
experience at the Lyceum, crediting the
founding director, as well as its current
administration. She emphasized the
profound influence the Lyceum has had
on her later involvement in the
Armenian community.
All speakers expressed their gratitude to
the Primate, Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, and especially to Sylva Der
Stepanian, the founding director of the
Khrimian Lyceum, its major advocate,
and a decades-long promoter of
Armenian cultural and linguistic
studies.
The cultural program in the sanctuary
and on the plaza of St. Vartan Armenian
Cathedral included church hymns,
Gomidas songs conducted by Solange
Merdinian, violin music played by
graduate Stephanie Tarian, recitations
and tributes to Khrimian Hayrig, and
traditional Armenian dances.
Printed notecards featuring the
students’ artwork were on sale, proceeds
Khrimian Lyceum celebrates its 30th anniversary
at graduation festivities
of which will benefit the FAR-
sponsored “Ayo” project for teens in
Armenia. The students’ self-
published yearbook showcased a
retrospective of activities, including
a collage of photos spanning 30
years.
Alumni from the past were eager to
share their memories of the time
they spent in the Khrimian Lyceum.
“It had a great impact on my life as
an Armenian,” said Melissa Nazar.
“Attending Khrimian once a month
brought me to my Armenian roots by
socializing with my friends, learning
about my culture and history, and
singing our songs. Khrimian made
me to be the Armenian I am today:
proud of my heritage and culture.”
Nayad Manukian concurred.
“Khrimian was one of my best
experiences,” she said; “I wish I
could be given a chance to relive
those moments.”
Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian leads the
staff of the Khrimian Lyceum as
director of the Diocese’s Armenian
Studies department. This year’s
instructors included Vartan Garniki,
Ani Essayan, Artemis Khatcherian,
Anie Manuelian, Solange Merdinian,
F l o r e n c e A v a k i a n , N a y r a
Mkrtichyan, Anahid Oganesyan, and
Lucia Vorperian. The Lyceum is
grateful to all of its benefactors and
parents, as well as to the Akhtamar
Dance Ensemble and Berch
Manukian for their contributions.
The Khrimian Lyceum welcomes
graduates of Armenian schools in the
NY Metro area to attend the
program at its monthly sessions at
the Diocesan Center. An open house
and the first session will be held on
September 23, 2017, 10 AM – 3 PM.
For information please contact Gilda
Kupelian [email protected]
g , 212-686-0710.
8
Poetry presented by Mrs. Zarmine Boghosian
Armenian Interests
Տուր ինձ քո ոգին, որ ես շառաչեմ,
Որ ես դադարեմ հանդարտ հոսելուց,
Ինձնից խօսելուց քեզնից չ՛ամաչեմ,
Ինձնից չ՛ամաչեմ քեզնից խօսելուց:
Տո՜ւր ինձ քո ոգին, քո միտքը ներհուն,
Առ ինձ հանճարեղ քո տարերքի մէջ,
Որ չմոլորուեմ քո ոլորտներում
Եւ իմ հոգու բարդ տիեզերքի մէջ:
Պարզեցրու, զտիր խոհերն իմ խառնակ,
Ա՛ռ քո թեւերին, տա՜ր ինձ, ժամանա՛կ:
Դրուագ մը՝ Մեծերու Կեանքէն
Մի անգամ Վազգեն Ա․ Վեհափառը,
Մարտիրոս Սարեանը, Ռաֆայէլ Իսրայէլ-
եանը եւ այլ մտաւորականներ ու հոգևորա-
կաններ գնացել էին Հաղարծինի վանք:
Քանաքեռից մի քիչ անց նստեցին խոտերին
հանգստանալու ու նախաճաշելու: Ռաֆայէլ
Իսրայէլեանը ասաց, որ ամենաշատը սիրում է
նոր հնձած խոտի բուրմունքը, Մ․ Սարեանն էլ,
թէ՝ փռից նոր հանած հացինը, մի հոգեւո-
րական էլ ասաց, թէ սիրում է խորովածի հոտը:
Պարզուեց, որ Վեհափառն էլ սիրում է նոր
ծնած երեխայի բուրմունքը...
Զարմանալի հա՜յ...Գէորգ Էմին- Հատուած-
Պապդ թուրքահայ,-Հայրդ ռուսահայ, Դու
ֆրանսահայ,. . . ․ Զարմանալի հա՜յ...
Սասունում ծնած, Պէյրութում ապրած,
Էջմիածնում մեռած... Զարմանալի՜ հայ։
Տղադ Սուանում, Թոռդ Միլանում,
Ծոռդ՝ Թեհրանում։
Քո սերմը վաղու՜ց քեզ չի հասկանում... Առանց պապ
ու տատ, Հայրենական հող, Մայրենի լեզու՝, Առանց
հայր ու մայր։
Զարմանալի հա՜յ...
Որ որպէս հիւր է իր տունը գալիս,
Որպէս տուրիստ իր տան մէջ ման գալիս,
Եւ ետ գնում տու՛ն, Որ ․ ․ Նիս է կոչւում,
Հալէպ կամ Շանհա՜յ։ Զարմանալի՜ հայ,
Զարմանալի հա՜յ...
Հայ Գրականութեան Մրգաստանէն Փունջ Մը
From the Orchards of Armenian Literature
Compiled by: Zarminé Boghosian
Vahan Totovents-
ՎԱՀԱՆԹՈԹՈՎԵՆՑ
(1889¬937).
Հայ գիրի մեծատաղանդ ճառա-
գայթող դէմքերէն է ան, որ 1937-1938 տարիներու
ստալինեան մշակութասպանութեան, Եղիշէ
Չարենցի ու Ակսէլ Բակունցի, Աղասի Խանջեանի
եւ Զապէլ Եսայեանի տարողութեամբ Մեծերու՝
հայ ժողովուրդի սերուցքը կազմող փաղան-գին
հետ զոհ գնաց կարմիր մուրճ-մանգա-ղին։ Իր
ակունքներով Ակն քաղաքէն սերած եւ 1889-ին
Խարբերդ գաւառի Եփրատի ափին գտնուող Մեզրէ
քաղաքը ծնած էր ան, որուն հասուն հասկը նոյն
մանգաղին զոհը դարձաւ։
- «Գեղեցկութիւնները ծածկուած են ստուեր-ներով.
ստուեր կայ կեանքի ամէն երեւոյթի վրայ։
- «Արշալոյսները ստուերներու ծոցէն կը պատռին,
ինչպէս շուշանները՝ կոկոններէն։
- Վրէժը կ՛աճի լռութեան ստուերներուն մէջ։
Սէրը՝ խորն է սրտերուն։...
- «Աշխարհը ծածկուած է անհունութեան
ստուերով։
- «Ժամանակը մեծ ստուերն է սերունդներու
պատմութեան»։
ՏԱՐ ԻՆՁ, ԺԱՄԱՆԱԿ
ՎԱՀԱՆԹՈԹՈՎԵՆՑ Առ քո թեւերին, տար ինձ, ժամանակ,
Ես ետ մնալուց շատ եմ վախենում:
Յուշերից որքան հեռու եմ կենում,
Մէկ է, կապում են թեւերս նրանք:
Ակնթարթի մէջ դու կուլ ես տալիս
Այնպիսի մի նոր յաւիտենութիւն,
Որ խօսքս հազիւ հասած բերանիս,
Դառնում է արդեն խորին հնութիւն:
Դուրս հանիր ինձ այս մթին կիրճերից,
Որ քեզ հասկանամ եւ ինձ ճանաչեմ:
Փրկիր ինձ այս խուլ ախ ու ճիչերից,
Տո՛ւր ինձ քո ոգին, որ ես շառաչեմ:
9
WELCOME TO PAREV-TV
Armenian Interests
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Soorp Pirgitch Cemetery in
Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem
Historic Jaffa Lighthouse taken care of by the
Zakarian family since 1860
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To all our supporters of
Armenian Radio Hour of NJ
Armenian Interests E-Newsletter
Parev-TV
10
Armenian Interests
Armenia hopes to connect with Russia via links
through Abkhazia and South Ossetia relations,” Martirosyan said.
"Particular results will be seen only
when trade corridors will really be
opened, and I hope they will be soon.
And now Georgia, Russia and Swiss
SGS Company are working."
The transport corridor through
Abkhazia will give Armenia an
alternative to Upper Lars, the only
ground way connecting Armenia and
Russia, and will have positive
impacts on the price policy.
opened between Russia and Georgia
through Abkhazia and South Ossetia
soon, according to Vahan Martirosyan,
Armenian transport, communication and
information technology minister.
Kommersant, a Russian media resource,
reported that representatives of Moscow
and Tbilisi had decided to embark on
implementation of the agreement on
trade corridors signed in 2011.
"The process, first of all, depends on
development of Russian-Georgian
YEREVAN, July 13. /ARKA/. Armenia
hopes that trade corridors will be
Sevan Nişanyan Turkish Armenian intellectual
escapes from prison: The bird has flown
personalities in Turkish intellectual
life and critical of the government,
has been in Foça Open Prison.
Nişanyan was sentenced to a total of
17 years.
Nişanyan came to public attention in
January with a twitter message
saying that Turkey’s Justice
Ministry had banned all newspapers
and books from prisons except for the
Quran as of Jan. 9.
escaped from
prison.
“The bird has
flown. Wish the
same for 80
m i l l i o n l e f t
behind,” said
Nişanyan in his
Twitter message.
N i ş a n y a n
confirmed his
situation with
Habertürk by
phone but declined to give details of
when and how he escaped from prison.
Nişanyan (61), one of the most colorful
Sevan Nişanyan, a Turkish
intellectual of Armenian origin who
was imprisoned on Dec. 2, 2014 for
“construction infractions,” announced
in a tweet on Friday that he had
11
Turkey refuses German lawmarkers’ permission to
visit NATO base in Konya
Armenian Interests
The National Assembly of Nagorno-
Karabakh (Artsakh) on Thursday
announced the date of the upcoming
presidential election.
The lawmakers in the second
Armenian Republic will hold a general
voting on July 19 to elect the country’s
top leader.
Eduard Aghabekyan of the opposition
Movement-88 party will challenge
incumbent Bako Sahakyan in the
election.
Nagorno-Karabakh parliament sets date for
presidential election
"The government, especial ly
Chancellor Angela Merkel, must now
take the necessary steps to ensure
lawmakers can soon visit the soldiers
in Konya," said Rainer Arnold,
defense spokesperson for the Social
Democrats, the junior coalition party
in the government as reported by
R e u t e r s .
Ankara's earlier refusal to let
lawmakers visit German soldiers
serving at İncirlik air base led to
Berlin relocating those troops to
Jordan. For historical reasons,
Germany's armed forces are under
parliamentary control, and Berlin
insists the parliamentarians must
have access to its soldiers. spokesman said, marking a new
escalation in tensions between the
t w o N A T O a l l i e s .
Turkey on July 14 refused a visit
b y G e r m a n l a w m a k e r s a t
a NATO base in the Central Anatolian
province of Konya, a party defense
12
Azerbaijan sentences blogger Alexander Lapshin
to 3 years in jail
Armenian Interests
STEPANAKERT, JULY 19,
ARMENPRESS/ARTSAKHPRESS.
Bako Sahakyan has been re-elected
as President of Artsakh on June 19
by the country’s parliament.
28 lawmakers voted in favor of the
incumbent president, with 4 others
voting for the other candidate,
opposition MP Eduard
Aghabekyan. 32 out of the overall
33 MPs were present at the special
session of the parliament.
Bako Sahakyan re-elected as President of Artsakh
(Artsakh) in 2011 and 2012, blogger
and journalist Alexander Lapshin—
who is a citizen of Russia, Israel, and
several other countries—was
“blacklisted” by Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan issued an international
search for this famous blogger. On
December 15, 2016, Lapshin was
detained in the Belarusian capital
city of Minsk, and was later
extradited to Baku.
jail on charges of public appeals to
violent capture of authority and
violation of law on infringement of
Azerbaijan’s territorial.
The verdict was announced during the
hearing on Thursday.
The prosecutor earlier asked the court to
sentence Lapshin for a period of 6.6
years in prison.
After his visits to Nagorno-Karabakh The Baku court sentenced blogger
Alexander Lapshin to three years in
Please send any information related to
Armenian Interests
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13
Protests as Turkey extends emergency rule
Armenian Interests
Turkey ran a budget deficit of 25.2
billion Turkish Liras (about $6.9
billion) this January to June with fiscal
measures to stimulate the economy
costing nearly 12 billion liras ($3.3
billion), Finance Minister Naci Ağbal
said on July 17.
The government is aiming for a budget
deficit of 46.9 billion liras (nearly $12.9
billion) at the end of the year,
according to the Finance Ministry.
Turkey’s government ran a 29.3 billion
lira (some $9.7 billion) budget deficit
last year.
Turkey runs nearly $7 bln budget deficit in first
half of 2017: Minister
Party has a comfortable majority,
extended the state of emergency for a
f o u r t h t i m e .
Its now been in effect since last
year’s failed coup.
The extens i on f o l lows the
anniversary of last years abortive
coup which left 250 people dead.
Since then under emergency rule
more than 50,000 people have been
arrested and 150,000 have been
suspended in a crackdown on alleged
coup supporters.
The government says the purge is
necessary to confront security
challenges facing Turkey and to root
out supporters of the US-based cleric
Fethullah Gulen who it says was
behind the coup attempt. Gulen has
denied any involvement. were complaining against the massive
sackings of public workers already
carried out as part of a crackdown under
emergency rule.
Earlier Turkey’s parliament where
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AK
Violence erupted in Turkey’s Kurdish-
dominated south east following the
decision to extend the government-
backed state of emergency.
Police were seen attacking union
members in Diyarbakir province who
14
Legendary coach Ara Parseghian
being treated for hip infection
Armenian Interests
TaTever (The Wings of Tatev) in the
southern part of Armenia, serviced
1,371 people yesterday hitting a new
record, the press office of IDeA
Foundation reported on Monday.
The previous record was hit on July 20,
2014 – as many as 1,321 people
enjoyed the ropeway that day.
The ropeway was officially launched on
October 26, 2010, in the presence of a
hundred of guests and the country’s
leaders. It was the first project under
YEREVAN, July 17. /ARKA/. The
longest in the world reversible ropeway
Armenia’s TaTever ropeway sets new record
the USD45mln worth large-scale
“Tatev Revival” project of Armenian
National Competitiveness Fund.
The ropeway spans 5.7 kilometers with
highest point at 330 meters; one-way
journey from Halidzor to the famous
medieval Tatev Monastery of Siunik
takes 11 minutes.
Tatev Ropeway, the longest reverse
ropeway in the world, got into the
Guinness Record Book on October 23,
2010
Another surgery isn't an option for
Parseghian because of his age, and
the infection is being treated with
antibiotics.
Famed Notre Dame coach Ara
Parseghian, 94, is undergoing treatment
for an infection in his hip.
Parseghian has had five operations on
the hip, the Chicago Tribune reports,
and currently is being treated at a care
facility in South Bend, Indiana.
4 Armenians Listed Among 150 Most Influential
People in Russia The fourth Armenian in the list is
businessman Ruben Vardanyan – CEO
of Troika Dialog, philanthropist and
founder of the Aurora Prize for
Awakening Humanity.
Four Armenians are included in the
list of 150 most influential people in
Russia issued by GQ Russia
magazine.
The list includes TV host Sati
Spivakova – the wife of famous
Russian conductor and violinist
Vladimir Spivakov; restaurant owner
A l e x a n d e r O g a n e z o v ; A r a m
Mnatsakanov, the owner of Probka
restaurant group.
15
Armenian Interests
“Everyone is imprisoned there. I do not
know whether they think like me or
not, but when you speak to people, the
main part will say that it is not a place
to live. Turkey is a terrible prison,” he
noted, adding that many people want
to leave the country, but there are
difficulties: they do not know the
language, they do not have money,
they have no idea where to go and
what to do.
“But when they find a way, they will
definitely go to Europe, Australia,
Africa, Armenia and Syria,” he said.
Speaking about Turkey's ruling
regime, Nisanyan emphasized that
Turkey is a terrible prison everybody
wants to escape, well-known Istanbul
Armenian writer Sevan Nisanyan told
Arevelk news agency.
Istanbul-Armenian writer: Erdogan's regime
cannot last long
Erdogan's regime cannot last long.
According to him, the current
government will leave eventually, and
it will be very difficult to restore the
country's collapsed system.
Nishanyan expressed hope that the
Turkish authorities will hardly make
any attempt to return him: “They
wanted me to leave. They told me not
to speak, but I'll speak.”
With regard to Turkish prisons,
Nisanyan noted that choice of food was
very limited, while the area was
incredibly small. Prisons were very
crowded, that is why prisoners are
exposed to double stress.
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16
Sesquicentennial Gala in Ottawa
Armenian Interests
On June 30, 2017, Cardus – the only
Christian think-tank in Canada,
within the framework of Faith in
Canada 150 Project, organized the
Gala Reception on the occasion of the
150th Anniversary of Canada, in the
Governor General Ballroom at the
W e s t i n O t t a w a .
The Gala was co-sponsored by the
Diocese. His Grace Bishop Abgar
Ho v a k i m y a n , P r i m a t e , R e v .
Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, Vicar,
Parish Priest of Holy Trinity
Armenian Church of Toronto, Rev. Fr.
Komitas Mirzakhanyan, Parish Priest
of Holy Cross Armenian Church of
Laval, Mrs. Apet Alpay, Diocesan
Council Chair, Mr. Jean-Philippe
Tachdjian, Diocesan Council Member,
Mr. Antranik Sirinyan, Chair of St.
Gregory the Illuminator Armenian
Cathedral of Montreal Parish Council,
Mr. Hovsep Mardian, Diocesan
Delegate, Mr. Levon Isakhanyan,
Diocesan Chancellor, Dr. Levon
Petrosyan, Deacon of St. Mesrob
Armenian Church of Ottawa,
a t t e n d e d t h e G a l a .
Bishop Hovakimyan was invited to
b l e s s t h e m e a l .
Mrs. Isabel Bayrakdarian, renowned
soprano, opened the Gala with the
national anthem of Canada “O
Canada”, and conducted three pieces,
including the Pontifical Hymn “Amen
Hayi srditz pkhadz”, and the Lord’s
Prayer.
17
Misha to represent Armenia at Junior Eurovision
Song Contest 2017
Armenian Interests
and German Steudner for “aiding a
terror group.”
Merkel made the unscheduled remarks
at a ceremony for German top athletes,
saying the case was of “the utmost
concern.”
“We are firmly convinced that this
arrest is absolutely unjustified. We, as
the German government, condemn it.
We declare our solidarity with him and
all the others arrested,” Merkel said.
“And the German government will do
all it can, on all levels, to secure his
release,” she added.
The arrest marked another case
“where innocent people had been
caught up in the wheels of the justice
system and wound up in detention,”
said Merkel.
Meanwhile, the German government
also criticized the decision for
Steudtner’s arrest.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on
July 18 sharply criticized the arrest
of German human rights activist Peter
Steudtner in Turkey as “absolutely
unjustified” and said
the German government would do all it
could to secure his release.
The Turkish court ruled for the arrest
of six human rights activists on July
18, including the director of Amnesty
International Turkey, İdil Eser
Germany's Merkel criticizes Turkey over arrest of
German human rights activist
“The German government condemns
the arrest of Peter Steudtner and other
human rights defenders in Turkey. We
demand that he is quickly released
from prison,” said a spokeswoman for
Germany’s foreign office.
Moreover, the Swedish Foreign
Ministry expressed their concern over
the arrest of Swedish citizen Ali
Gharavi.
“Our Consulate General in Istanbul,
our Embassy in Ankara and the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in
Stockholm are working on this issue,”
said the Foreign Ministry’s
spokesperson Jessica Garpvall.
Amnesty International called on world
leaders on July 17 to pressure Turkey
into releasing six human rights
activists accused of aiding “terror”
groups, saying the country was
turning “increasingly rogue.”
Y E R E V A N , J U L Y 1 8 ,
ARMENPRESS. Misha (Michael
Grigoryan) will represent Armenia at
the Junior Eurovision international
song contest. The Junior Eurovision
song contest will be held for the
15th time under the slogan “Shine
Bright” on November 26 in Tbilisi.
Besides Armenia, 11 other countries
have confirmed their participation in
the contest – Albania, Belarus,
Ireland, Italy, FYR Macedonia, Malta,
the Netherlands, Ukraine, Russia,
Serbia and the host country –
Georgia. Armenia has been a
contestant in the Junior Eurovision
Song Contest since 2007.
18
Armenian Interests
A team representing Armenia placed
third during the annual FIRST Global
robotics challenge held in Washington,
D.C.
Armenia’s team was represented by
students from the TUMO Center for
Creative Technologies.
Armenia’s TUMO Students Placed Third in First
Global Robotics
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19
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Armenian Interests
20
AGBU
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
212-319-6383
Email: [email protected]
www.agbu.org
Diocese of the Armenian Church
630 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-686-0710
Prelacy of the Armenian Church
138 East 39th Street,
New York, NY 10016
212-689-7810
Saint Illuminator Armenian Cathedral
221 East 27th. Street,
New York, NY 10016
212-689-5880
Armenian Presbyterian Church
140 Forest Avenue,
Paramus, NJ 07652
201-265-8585
St. Leon Armenian Church
12-61 Saddle River Rd
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
201-791-2862
Sts Vartanantz Armenian Church
461 Bergen Boulevard
Ridgefield, NJ 07657
201-943-2950
St Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church
1184 Ocean Avenue
Elberon, New Jersey 07740
Phone 732-229-3661 Fax 732-229-3857
Holy Cross Armenian Church
318 27th Street,
Union City, NJ 07087
201-864-2480
Hovnanian School
817 River Road
New Milford, NJ
201-967-0249
www.hovnanianschools.org
Sacred Heart Armenian Catholic Church
155 Long Hill Road
Little Falls, NJ 07424
Tel: 973-890-0447
St. Thomas Armenian Church
Route 9W-E Clinton Avenue
Tenafly, NJ 07670
201-567-5446
St. Mary Armenian Church
200 W. Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
973-533-9794
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
38-65 234 Street
Douglaston, NY 11363
718-224-2275
Ararat Youth and Conference Center
6944 S.R. 32
Greenville, NY 12083
212-686-0710, x120
www.araratcener.org
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
486 Bedford Road
Armonk, NY 10504
914-636-2003
[email protected] www.stnersess.edu
Armenian Network of America-NY Region
P.O. Box 205
Bible School Park, NY 13737
(617) 688-2741
[email protected] www.armnet.org
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs
209-15 Horace Harding Expressway
Bayside, New York 11364
718-225-0235
www.holy-martyrs.org
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral
630 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10016
(212) 686-0710
St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church
1131 North Street
White Plains, NY 10605
Tel. (914) 428-2595
DIRECTORY The following are addresses where Armenian gatherings are frequently held
This is NOT a list of Armenian organizations or churches
We will be glad to list additional addresses
21
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please provide us with your non-profit organization’s event, date and
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The only exception to this policy are cruises and travel (we will post those in our
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The Armenian Radio and Armenian Interests newsletter mission is to promote
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Armenian Interests
22
Armenian Interests
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 22 - August 2, 2017 - Armenia and Artsakh 12 day tour
August 4-14, 2017 - Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs - Pilgramage to Jerusalem
August 25-26, 2017 - Return to Asbury kef weekend
September 16-17, 2017 - St. Mary Armenian Church annual festival
September 17, 2017 - St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church Family Picnic
September 17, 2017 - ARENI Choir presents FANTASIA: Traversing through Armenia
September 29, 2017 - "They Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Relief." hosted by the cultural
committee of St. Thomas Armenian Church
SAVE THE DATE FOR FUTURE EVENTS
October 28-29, 2017 - Save the Date - TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group presents a new play, “The
Unexpected Guest” by Agatha Christie. A Murder Mystery presented in Armenian with English subtitles.
Oradell Elementary School. Oradell, NJ. Details to follow.
November 11-12, 2017 - Save the Date: Hovnanian School’s 9th Annual Art in Fall. Artists of Armenian
descent, please submit your applications & artwork by August 7, 2017. For more information,
visit www.artinfall.org
November 18, 2017 - Save the date for Tekeyan Cultural Association’s 70th Platinum Anniversary Gala at
The Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, NJ. Cultural program and entertainment by Elie Berberian and his
band from Montreal.
November 29, 2017 - Save the date! Armenia Fund USA proudly presents the historic debut of the
Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra with legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman and others at
Carnegie Hall, NYC at 7:30PM. Details will follow.
December 3, 2017 - HMADS 50th Anniversary Cultural Program at Landmark Theater in Port Washington,
NY
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Armenian Interests
Armenian Interests
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Vartan Abdo
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Talin Kupelian
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