NOVEMBER 30, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 20, Issue 4314 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 US Praises Nagorno- Armenia Welcomes Iran Nuclear Deal Karabagh Talks WASHINGTON (RFE/RL) — The United States has GENEVA, Switzerland (RFE/RL) — Nalbandian in a statement published on the heavy-water reactor, also agreeing to praised the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia Armenia has welcomed the agreement official website of his ministry. “unprecedented transparency and intrusive for meeting for the first time in almost two years. reached between its neighbor Iran and six “Armenia has always advocated a negoti - monitoring” of its nuclear program. The US State Department said in a statement leading world powers regarding the Islamic ated, peaceful solution of the issue. In return, the P5+1 countries have that the summit on November 19 in Vienna “is an Republic’s nuclear program. Although the agreement reached is of inter - agreed to suspend most sanctions on gold important step toward restarting dialogue and The talks between an Iranian delegation im nature, it paves the way for a compre - and precious metals and on Iran’s petro - demonstrates the leaders’ shared commitment to and senior representatives of the so-called hensive settlement through efforts of all chemical exports. They will also allow safe - bring an end to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict.” P5+1 group — Britain, China, France, negotiating parties,” the top Armenian ty-related repairs of Iranian civilian airlin - Armenian President Serge Sargisian and Russia, the United States and Germany — diplomat underscored. ers. In all, the package includes an estimat - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met under the that opened in Geneva, Switzerland, on After the completion of talks in Geneva, ed $7.2 billion in relief from sanctions for auspices of the Organization for Security and November 20 ended early on Sunday in the official Tehran welcomed the agreement, Iran. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, co- announcement of a “historic” deal that US with President Hassan Rohani saying that chaired by France, Russia and the United States. President Barack Obama said provided Iran “world powers have recognized Iran’s After the meeting, the Minsk Group issued said with a “dignified path” to rejoin the inter - nuclear rights” and cited the opening of Sargisian and Aliyev had agreed to advance negoti - national community. “new horizons.” Ties to ADL ations toward a peaceful settlement and to meet Armenia, which shares a border with Iran According to a US government press again at an unspecified date in the near future. and views its southern neighbor as a major release, Iran has agreed to halt all uranium trade and economic partner, appeared enrichment above 5 percent and to neutral - Imperil Patrick equally enthused by the news coming from ize its existing stockpile of near-20 percent Voice of Turkey Has Switzerland. enriched uranium below 5 percent within Judge Nominee “This is good news not only for the six months. Iran has also agreed to not Armenian Contestant region but for the whole international com - install any new centrifuges for enrichment Governor Postpones Vote ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — Turkey’s attention was munity,” said Foreign Minister Eduard and not to commission the disputed Arak focused this week on Corç Seker, an Armenian from Istanbul, who spoke about his Armenian identity dur - ing a recent episode of “Voice of Turkey,” a singing com - By Colleen Quinn petition broadcast by Star TV channel. Seker, 32, was born in Istanbul. His mother BOSTON (Commonwealth magazine) — Gyulumie Seker was also born in Turkey. Corç’s Saying he hadn’t had a chance to work on father Hachik Seker was born in Sivas. They took rounding up votes to ensure confirmation, Corç to the historical Armenian Dadyan School in Gov. Deval Patrick prevented the Istanbul. In a conversation with “Armenpress” Corç’s Governor’s Council from voting on judicial wife Jbid Akbas Seker, who is also Armenian, stated nominee Joseph that all the local Armenians take their children to the Berman, the gover - Armenian schools. “Our parents graduated from the nor’s pick for a Armenian schools as well,” Jbid Akbas Seker empha - Superior Court sized. Among other things she noted that both she judgeship last and her husband speak Armenian and almost all week. their friends are Armenians. Councilor Marilyn Devaney, who criti - Protests Held against cized Berman dur - ing his confirma - Joining Customs Union tion hearing last week for being part YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Dozens of people rallied in of an organization Nominee Joseph front of the presidential palace this week calling on that refuses to recog - Berman President Serge Sargisian to overturn his decision nize the Armenian to join the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and A scene from Zangakner’s latest production Genocide, urged Kazakhstan. the governor not to postpone the vote. The protest was organized by former presidential “I have great respect for you, but I object candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan. The protesters were to this,” Devaney said to Patrick, adding holding posters that read, among others, “No to Sweet as the Sounds of a Bell: she had a letter from five councilors, a Customs Union” and “No to the Russian Empire.” Zangakner Brings Art and Discipline to Young Charges majority of the eight-member panel, who Earlier this month, Armenia signed a memorandum planned to vote against Berman’s confir - of cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Commission, which oversees the integration of for - BOSTON — Several times a week, mation. “I find no joy in this governor, but mer Soviet republics around the Russia-led young singers ages 4-12 can be found it is the right thing to do,” she said. By Alin K. Gregorian Customs Union. singing, dancing and acting under the Councilor Robert Jubinville also asked Mirror-Spectator Staff EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele has umbrella of the Zangakner Performing Patrick to reconsider postponing, but the said Yerevan cannot sign an Association Agreement Arts Ensemble, which in the short time governor responded: “Thank you. I’m with the bloc at a summit in Vilnius this month if since its founding, has developed a fervent following among parents, family mem - going to postpone the vote.” it also intends to join the Customs Union. bers and those in the community that want to encourage music and the arts, giv - Berman came under fire last Wednesday ing many concerts and performances. for his membership in the Anti-Defamation Between the two age categories, 4-7 and 8-12, Zangakner has 40 participants. League (ADL), $110,000 in campaign con - One person can take credit for its success: Hasmik Konjoyan. tributions and his representation of a pris - see ZANGAKNER, page 12 oner at the Guantanamo Bay detention INSI DE camp. see JUDGE, page 16 Azadian Dark Days Recalled on Eve of 25th Anniversary of Quake Book and illuminated by means of a giant distorts his features; his face speaks for Page 13 By Gayane Mkrtchyan Russian 75 kV generator. We would run him… He was in Yerevan during the it to make it warm enough in the deliv - earthquake. The first report he heard ery rooms, because an infant comes out was: “Nalband village is the epicenter, SPITAK (ArmeniaNow) — The doc - from a warm place, wrapped in a cloud the power plant and water reservoir tor’s look is heavy with memories. For of steam so much that we had to blow a dams have not been damaged…” INDEX years his hands welcomed infants into little to see whether it’s a boy or a girl,”- “Then we came to Gumri and saw it Arts and Living ...... 10 this world, gave them the first embrace, recalled Felix Grigoryan, chief obstetri - was impossible to enter the city. On the Armenia ...... 2 not only at maternity hospitals, but in cian-gynecologist of Shirak province. highway from Yerevan, when approach - Community News...... 4 tents and temporary shelters — domiks. He tries to form his recollections into ing Gumri, there were 8-10-story build - Editorial ...... 14 “During the dark and cold years the words, but before he would utter them, ings flanking the road — those were all International ...... 3 entire hospital premises were heated the heavy burden weighing on his soul see QUAKE, page 16 2 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia ATP, Locals to Create Green Spaces

YEREVAN — This fall, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) marks 40 seasons of Armenian Peacekeepers planting in communities across the country. ATP’s Community Tree Complete NATO Mission Planting (CTP) initiative has surpassed YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The US Embassy to 1.2 million trees planted in every corner Armenia issued a press release this week, praising of Armenia and Artsakh. The CTP team the participation of Armenia within NATO struc- planted 27,427 fruit and decorative tures. trees this fall out of a total of 56,184 for “The US Embassy congratulates the Republic of the year. Some of the tree types includ - Armenia with the organization of the NATO week ed apricot, pear, apple, maple, poplar events held November 18-22. The US highlights the and Russian olive. cooperation of Armenia with NATO and assists that More and more organizations and procedure. During NATO week, the participation of companies in Armenia are beginning to Armenian peacekeepers in international peacekeep- practice corporate social responsibility, ing missions was highlighted.The US Government with a special focus on environmental has greatly assisted in the formation of the peace- issues. This season, ATP continued its keeping brigade of Armenia and continues to find partnership of several years with ways to deepen that assistance. The Armenian and Synopsys to plant 1,160 evergreens on the campus of Yerevan State University. American soldiers serve together in Kosovo, bring- ATP has been providing fruit and decorative trees to Nor Kharberd boarding school Dozens of Synopsys employees volun - ing their contribution to the international efforts for many years; the latest planting was in November with diasporans from Armenian for the establishment of peace and stability. The teered their day to help green the area. Volunteer Corps Armenian peacekeepers complete their mission per- Employees from another company, fectly and with honor.” AtTask, planted 50 trees in the Avan Armenia held its seventh NATO Week within the community of Yerevan. school. We managed to revive the three year project initiated in 2012. framework of Armenia- NATO Individual In November, volunteers from the music,” said Gillan. “Thanks to a major grant from Norway, Partnership Action Plan November 18-22. Armenian Volunteer Corps joined ATP ATP works in collaboration with the CTP program continued planting in the village of Nor Kharberd, just out - many local and international develop - fruit trees and shrubs in villages across side of Yerevan, to plant 100 poplars, 70 ment organizations. Near Gumri, in the Armenia,” Harutyunyan stated. In There Is no Military evergreens and 80 fruit trees. The trees village of Maralik, there was no public Syunik, the villages of Halidzor, were donated to the Nor Kharberd green space until Counterpart Vaghatur, and Khdzoresq received Solution to Karabagh Boarding school for disabled children, International opened the first park in 1,067 trees; in Aragotsn, Arayi recieved Conflict: US Ambassador where ATP has been planting since the area on November 1. ATP provided 860; in Lori, Ghurshalu and Karadzor 1995. The school is one of the first ATP received 940; and in Armavir, To OSCE planting sites, and is home to 286 chil - Lernamerdz and Talvorik received 450 dren, all of whom have some form of trees. “Ninety percent of the trees fund - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Daniel Baer, the US disability. To date, more than 1,600 ed by this grant were fruit trees, which Ambassador to the Organization for Security and trees have been planted at the school. will help sustain the people in these Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), said he is exclud- After years of concerted efforts by communities,” continued Harutyunyan. ing a military solution to the Nagorno Karabagh philanthropists and other prominent This fall, ATP began a new initiative conflict. He made his comments when he was advocates led by Fund for Armenian to help Syrian-Armenian refugee fami - speaking about the upcoming meeting of the Relief (FAR), the new Octet Music lies in Artsakh. Thousands of Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers, sched- School opened in Gumri on September Armenians from Syria have fled to uled to be held on December 5-6. 20. Until the opening of the school, Armenia over the past two years as a Among other things Baer underscored: “There is music students had been attending ATP’s CTP program planted more than result of the ongoing conflict. The no military solution to the Karabagh conflict. In classes in the metal trailers that were 27,000 fruit and decorative trees this majority of these refugees settled in fall, including 120 trees with students at this respect the meeting of the presidents of the meant to be temporary shelters after Yerevan, or near the city, but there are Yerevan’s Ohanyan School two countries was a significant step. We are glad the Spitak earthquake of 1988. ATP several families who have chosen to that this meeting will have a continuation. The provided 312 evergreens and 23 deco - move to Artsakh. Two families in Foreign Ministers of the two countries will have an rative trees for the schoolyard, which 665 trees to help green the park. In Berdzor and 21 in Kovsakan, a village opportunity to meet each other.” were planted during the opening by Armavir, ATP partnered with Children in the very south, will receive 300 pear, Previously it was reported that the OSCE Minsk guests including British Ambassador of Armenia Fund (COAF) to plant deco - plum, apple, sweet cherry, apricot and Group Co-Chairs had issued a press statement Jonathan Aves, representatives from rative trees and shrubs at four school quince trees to help them start over in regarding the results of the recent meeting of the FAR, and Armenian President Serge gardens. In the villages of Shenik, Karabagh. President Armenia Serge Sargisian and President Sargisian. Karagert, Argina, and Lernagog, 880 ATP’s mission is to develop Armenia of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The president was joined by Deep Syrian roses, ash trees and poplars were through community-based tree planting The Presidents agreed to give a new impetus to Purple lead singer Ian Gillan and Do planted this season. “These communi - and environmental education. ATP the negotiations aimed at reaching a peaceful solu- Something founder Jon Dee, who have ties were chosen because COAF has seeks to reverse the loss of Armenia’s tion. As a follow up, the co-chairs will organize had a special connection with this pro - rebuilt schools in each village, and ATP forest cover and to advocate for the sus - working meetings with the ministers on the side- ject and with Armenia dating back to continues to support their efforts to tainable use of our natural resources. lines of the OSCE Ministerial Council which will the tragic earthquake 25 years ago. help the villages prosper,” explained ATP’s three major programs are tree take place December 5-6 in Kiev. Approaching the building, Gillan com - CTP program manager Arthur planting, environmental education, and mented that he had tears in his eyes Harutyunyan. sustainable development initiatives. For Bust of Artsakh War upon seeing the school. “I already hear Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs more information, visit the website Hero Ghevondyan the music which will come from the has also been a leading partner, with a www.armeniatree.org. Unveiled STEPANAKERT (Hetq) — The bronze bust of Sistema Music Program Struggles to Find Instruments Artsakh War hero Petros “Peto” Ghevondyan was officially unveiled last week at the Srkhavend YEREVAN — Fifty children between the them use teaching methods that are indi - which was founded 38 years ago in a Motorized Artillery battalion base in Karabagh. ages of 9 and 17 are waiting in line to join vidualistic, lacking the ability to work parking garage in Venezuela with 11 The unveiling of the bust, which replaces a tem- the Sistema Armenia Youth Orchestra together for a common goal. That is children. It now teaches music to porary gypsum model installed three years ago, (SAYO). With two cellos, four basses and where Sistema comes in. Sistema 400,000 of Venezuela’s poorest children, coincides with the 22nd anniversary of the battal- four violas the existing SAYO group of 40 Armenia builds a community atmosphere demonstrating the power of ensemble ion. young musicians can nearly double in where children learn to work together to music to dramatically change the lives of Starting in 1989, Ghevondyan actively participat- size. Non-profit organization, create art. It also breaks away from old thousands of youth while transforming ed in the defense of Armenia’s border villages and ONEArmenia is using crowdfunding to methods of teaching one on one in the the communities around them. all across the territory of Artsakh in the liberation buy them the instruments they need so classroom into the streets where art Sistema Armenia has only just begun war. In January 1993 he downed an enemy super- they can stop waiting and start playing. becomes public and for the people. and has the potential to grow indefi - sonic MIG-25 fighter. He handed over the prize Music schools are very common in “Armenia is so focused on soloists and nitely — creating jobs and building com - money awarded by the Artsakh army to the families Armenia. However, the vast majority of doesn’t give our kids much of an oppor - munities with youth orchestras popping of friends killed in combat. tunity to work together,” said Anna up all over Armenia. Who wouldn’t Ghevondyan was killed in action on February 14, Mikaelian Meschian, founder and execu - want to be a part of that? 1994 in Karvatchar. There was a wounded soldier tive director of Sistema Armenia. “Playing To learn more or contribute, visit alone on the battlefield. The army ambulance Correction together in an orchestra is a very special http://igg.me/at/onearmenia-music. refused to advance because the road had been and joyful experience, which requires us ONEArmenia is a non-profit organi - Due to a production error last mined. Ghevondyan got behind the wheel and to listen to each other, to care about zation that crowd-funds and crowd- week, the last line of a story on picked up the wounded man. He died from a mine details, to communicate and to overcome sources innovative projects that shift Sahan Arzruni’s performance in blast. all kinds of difficulties together. Armenia’s educational, environmental, New York City, ended mid-sen - Ghevondyan was posthumously awarded the title Experiencing the power of a moment cre - humanitarian and cultural progress for - tence. The co-chairs of the orga - “Artsakh Hero.” ated in unity with others is really all the ward. The ONEArmenia network seeks nizing committee were Louise kids need. The hunger for this sort of way to not only raise money for a project Tezel and Hilda Melconian. of thinking, working and living is palpable based in Armenia as a worldwide com - We regret the error. in Armenia.” munity, but to also transparently report Meschian was inspired by El Sistema, progress of projects from start to finish. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Barricades Erected by Russian Guards International News Armenia faces Russia in In Georgia, Say EU Monitors World Chess Team TBILISI (The Guardian) — Tina and mineral water, under trade embargo ouflaged base built into the cemetery at Championship Bidzinashvili and her husband have har - since 2006, were allowed back on to the Zemo-Nikozi, on the hills overlooking vested apples, quinces and peaches from Russian market. More than 10 million the South Ossetian capital of ANTALYA, Turkey (Armenpress) — The Armenian the orchard behind their house since bottles of wine have made their way Tskhinvali. The police labels attached to national chess team is participating in the World the perestroika years, when they were across the border since the summer, their military fatigues fool nobody. On Chess Team Championship here. In Round 1 given it by the local collective farm in according to Georgian data. An agree - the South Ossetian side, Russia has Armenia will play against Russia – one of the reward for hard work. But one morning ment appears forthcoming that would built 19 border guard bases. Technically favorites of the tournament. The matches are as fol- recently, she woke up to find armed also allow citrus fruits back into Russia, not soldiers, the border guards are nev - lows: Vladimir Kramnik-Levon Aronyan, Sergey Russian border guards erecting a which would provide a stimulus for ertheless heavily armed, and part of Movsisyan-Sergey Karjakin, Alexander Grischuk- barbed wire barricade around one side Georgia’s largely agrarian economy. Russia’s FSB security services. Vladimir Hakobyan and Gabriel Sargsyan-Ian of the orchard. But the conciliatory noises from An EU monitoring mission, set up Nepomniachtchi. Her house might be in the Georgian Tbilisi, and the gradual restoration of under the ceasefire agreement that The World Team Championship will be held from village of Gugutiankari, the Russians trade relations, has been overshadowed ended the war brokered by then French November 26 till December 5.In 2011 the explained to her, but her orchard is in by the fence-building and by the president, Nicolas Sarkozy, patrols the Armenian national team was crowned world chess the territory of South Ossetia, a small Russian government’s decision to invite borderline where Russia is erecting the team champions in China, and are defending this province that the international commu - a military pilot who bombed Georgia fences. But the monitors have little real title. nity believes is part of Georgia, but during the 2008 war to be one of its power. They are unarmed, and are not which since the Russia-Georgia war of high-profile torch bearers in a 2014 allowed to cross into the South 2008 is recognised as an independent Winter Olympics ceremony. There is Ossetian side. Instead, they make daily Topchyan Receives country by Russia. public pressure in Georgia to boycott missions in their armoured Land The wire is part of a process of “bor - the Olympics, which take place in Sochi, Cruisers along the rutted dusty tracks Italian Order of Merit derisation” by Russian border guards, just a few miles from the border with on the Tbilisi-administered side of the For Contributions during which EU monitors claim about Abkhazia, another breakaway province fence, reporting back satellite co-ordi - 40 kilometers of fencing or barbed wire of Georgia that Russia has recognized nates of the new constructions. In some YEREVAN (Hetq) — Conductor Eduard Topchyan have been erected, augmented with hi- as an independent state. places the fence cuts off villages from has been awarded the Italian Order of Merit for tech surveillance cameras mounted on “Taking part in the Olympics was a neighboring settlements they have visit - Labor signed by President Napolitano for his poles. The fence follows a Soviet admin - difficult decision for us, but we decided ed for as long as anyone can remember; “exceptional achievements” in culture. The order istrative boundary that was never previ - it was the right one,” the Georgian gov - in other places it cuts off families from was presented to Topchyan on November 20 by ously applied in practice, and which ernment’s point man for relations with the graves of their loved ones. In Italian Ambassador Bruno Scapini. runs through villages, and in some Russia, Zurab Abashidze, said. “But extreme cases, such as in Gugutiankari, Also, in attendance was First Lady Rita Sargisian. cases, through individual houses. For these provocative actions make it diffi - it runs through individual houses. residents, it is the equivalent of a fence cult for us. If it continues in this way, it “They told us that if we continue to being erected to demarcate Kent and is possible that we will have to rethink.” farm our orchard, we’ll be taken to Armenian Serviceman Sussex. A veteran political analyst, Alexander Tskhinvali and put in prison,” said Tina The process has received a sudden Rondeli, said the recent events proved Bidzinashvili of the border guards, who Killed in Syria flurry of attention as Georgian presi - president Mikheil Saakashvili, whose put up the barbed wire fence that has DAMASCUS, Syria (Armenpress) — An Armenian dential elections approach this Sunday. government sparked the 2008 war with cut off her orchard from her house. soldier in the Syrian Army was killed in the district Locals say that the fence-building has Russia, was not entirely to blame for “They said the only option is if we enter of Harasta near Damascus on November 18, accord- been going on for months, but now with poor relations with Georgia’s northern South Ossetia through a legally recog - ing to the Facebook page of Berio News. Hakob Ter the vote approaching, being tough on neighbor: “Ivanishvili did everything to nised checkpoint.” Ghazarian was born in Aleppo on September 14, Russia is important and politicians are please them and what is the result? The nearest checkpoint is miles away 1988. He worked at one of the major military cen- rushing one after another to travel to Russia hasn’t liked any of our presi - and difficult to cross. Getting to her ters in the district, and was bombed by the opposi- the affected villages and show solidarity. dents. For us, normalization of relations own back garden would entail tion rebels. The two buildings of the center were Georgian politicians say the border means being good neighbors, for them, Bidzinashvili making a six-hour round completely collapsed as a result of the explosion, construction is one part of an increas - it means turning Georgia into a satel - trip each day. The house itself is unin - causing dozens of deaths and injuries. The identity ingly provocative policy towards the lite.” habitable – it was bombed during the of some victims was difficult to ascertain because country from Moscow, despite the vic - Both sides of the border are milita - war, and the family are living six to a of the intenseness of the explosion. tory in elections a year ago of Bidzina rized, even though the ceasefire agree - room in the former local school, now a Ivanishvili, a billionaire oligarch who ment forbids it, which leads to fears that shelter for people who lost their homes. made his fortune in Russia and a small misunderstanding or scuffle Their last hope was the orchard, and promised to improve Georgia’s relations could spark something much larger. On now that has gone too. Charles Aznavour Hands with its northern neighbor. the Georgian side, heavily armed men in “We have worked hard all our lives,” Prize to Baroness Cox in This year, exports of Georgian wine military fatigues keep guard at a cam - she said. “And now we live like pigs.” Geneva GENEVA (Armenpress) — British House of Lords Egypt Expels Ambassador from Turkey, Downgrading Diplomatic Ties member Baroness Caroline Cox received the Charles Aznavour Prize for the outstanding CAIRO (New York Times) — Egypt down on the Brotherhood, angering departure from the administration’s ear - achievements in the promotion of Europe-Armenia announced on Saturday that it was Egyptian officials by expressing solidar - lier, critical statements, Secretary of relations. “Aznavour personally gave Cox the prize. downgrading its diplomatic relations ity with protesters and criticizing the State John Kerry has taken to flattering Ambassador Hans- Jochen Schmidt and Deputy with Turkey and expelled the Turkish arrests of senior Brotherhood leaders. Egypt’s interim leaders and denigrating René Rouquet, as well as representatives of the ambassador because of “provocative” Erdogan’s comments on Thursday the Brotherhood. international organizations in Geneva and the criticisms of Cairo by Turkey’s prime were the last straw, according to the For Turkey, the diplomatic turnabout Armenian Diaspora also participated in the cere- minister, a spokesman for Egypt’s for - Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman, was further evidence of Erdogan’s fal - mony held in Club Suisse de la Presse in Geneva. eign minister said. Badr Abdel Aty, citing statements in tering bid for regional influence that She is a director of the Educational Research Egypt also said that its ambassador to support of Morsi and his criticism of the relied on cementing alliances with Trust, the Andrei Sakharov Foundation and the Turkey, who was withdrawn in August, former president’s trial on murder Islamist movements, including those in Centre for Social Cohesion. In 2006 she received would be permanently recalled, all but charges. Libya, Syria and Egypt. As Syria and an honorary law degree from the University of severing relations with a regional heavy - Egypt said it was not completely sev - Libya descend further into chaos and Dundee and was installed as the Chancellor of weight that had been one of Egypt’s ering ties between the countries, but with the Brotherhood swept from Liverpool Hope University in the same year. most prominent allies before the ouster downgrading the relationship to the power, Turkish officials seem to have Cox is the chair of the British Armenia All-Party of President Mohamed Morsi last July. level of chargé d’affaires. It was a fur - shifted to a more pragmatic approach Parliamentary Group. She is also a strong support- In retaliation, Turkey declared the ther sign of the country’s rapidly shift - focused on economic interests, and er of self-determination for the Armenians of absent Egyptian ambassador “persona ing foreign policy since the military more in line with the government’s Nagorno-Karabagh. Paying tribute to Cox’s dedica- non grata” and also downgraded diplo - takeover, as officials have pursued new long-held policy of “zero problems” with tion to the Armenian cause, Frank Pallone Jr., the matic relations. Turkey’s prime minister, alliances and lashed out at old friends neighbors. co-chairman of the US Congressional Caucus on Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was unapolo - who have voiced any criticism. Erdogan, though, who has made his Armenian Issues, called her a “true Armenian getic, calling Egypt’s government a “pro- Egypt’s relations with the United opposition to what he calls the “coup” nationalist who would give her life for Armenia and coup administration” and saying “we States, its closest Western ally, were against Morsi a personal crusade, has Karabagh.” On February 15, 2006 she was awarded never respect those who do not respect troubled for months after the Obama been in no mood to mend fences with the Mkhitar Gosh Medal by the President of the people’s right to sovereignty.” Ties administration spoke out against the Egypt. On Thursday, in the comments Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharian. between the two countries had been violent suppression of Morsi’s support - that caused the diplomatic break, She was president of Christian Solidarity fraying for months. Erdogan had culti - ers, including the killing of hundreds of Erdogan hailed Morsi as a “real democ - Worldwide until 2006, thereafter remaining as its vated a strong relationship with Morsi, a protesters by Egypt’s security services. rat” and denounced the interim rulers, patron. Between 1997 and 2000, Christian leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, as The frosty relations led Cairo to rekin - saying they had no respect for “people’s Solidarity Worldwide directly intervened to buy the part of Erdogan’s wider bid for regional dle a friendship with Russia, in what sovereignty.” freedom of alleged slaves, and in a letter to The leadership anchored by support for was seen as a swipe at the United “All should have stood up against Independent on Sunday Cox claimed to have Islamist allies. States. Egypt’s isolation has further what has happened to Morsi, but they redeemed 2,281 slaves on eight visits to Sudan. After Morsi’s ouster and arrest by the eased, as the Obama administration’s didn’t,” he said. military, Erdogan became one of the own internal feuds about its Egypt poli - (Kareem Fahim reported from Cairo, most vocal foreign critics of the crack - cy have come out into the open. In a and Sebnem Arsu from Istanbul.) 4 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Young Deacon AGBU Alex & Marie Begins Ministry at Manoogian School St. Sarkis Church Celebrates Armenian Culture By Florence Avakian SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Alex and CHARLOTTE, N.C. — “My calling started Marie Manoogian School, on Thursday, October even before I was aware of the Armenian 24, featured a celebration of Armenian culture. Church,” says Benjamin Rith-Najarian, recently As in previous years, this year’s program was appointed deacon-in-charge at the St. Sarkis devoted to the anniversary of Armenia’s inde - Church. pendence and to the Armenian Cultural Month. In this new assignment, he says he is filled Elementary students, as well as graduating with “mixed emotions. I have spent the past seniors, who played a major role in the pro - eight years preparing for this. With anything gram, had sensed the importance of the day, new, there is always a little anxiety. Every day, not only for the school, but also for the com - there is something new. It’s a learning experi - munity. On that day, in addition to the 400 stu - ence. In the short time that I’ve been here, it dents and some 45 faculty and staff, there were has been exciting to meet people, and listen to many parents who came to the high school their ideas for the church, all of which is bring - auditorium. ing us closer to God.” The celebration was divided into two parts. Born in Philadelphia, Rith-Najarian and his From left, Tamar Kevonian, Sona Zeitlian and Baydzig Arabian Kalaydjian The morning program was designed for ele - family moved to Syracuse when he was 1, then mentary school students, while the afternoon to Ojibwe, a town in northern Minnesota when program was devoted to middle and high he was 5. His grandparents were born in the school. There was an unexpected guest, Armen US, but his great-grandparents, from Shabin- Ananyan, a videographer for a popular travel Karahisar, were killed in the Armenian Hye Geen Group Tackles program sponsored by the AGBU and Viva Cell Genocide, with the exception of his great- and broadcast weekly on Armenia’s H1 channel, grandmother who survived the death march. Topic of Keeping Culture, who taped the program, to be shown in the His father, Steven, served in the US Navy and near future. later settled in Minnesota, where the family The morning program began with welcoming still lives. Language in the West remarks by Elementary and Middle School In his childhood, the nearest Armenian Principal Dyana Kezelian. Then, Sebouh Church was in Wisconsin or Chicago, a 10-to-12- PASADENA, Calif. — On November 2, the Armenian General Benevolent Union Avedikian, head of the Armenian Department at hour drive away. But his mother, Janet, who is (AGBU) Hye Geen group organized its fall luncheon at the AGBU Vatche and the school, introduced the program. Under the of English and German background, and his Tamar Center, titled “The US Armenia Diaspora Should Replicate the Success of affectionate and proud gaze of their parents, father had instilled in him Christian values, and the Middle East,” tackling the issue of preserving Armenian-ness in the West. elementary-age students collectively recited he had attended Christian services from a For almost 100 years, the diasporas in the Middle East have kept alive the Armenian poems. They watched Armenian young age with his parents. “My mother was Armenian language and traditions. Yet videos dedicated to Armenia and the Armenian very involved in the area’s Christian churches. today, cultural centers in the Middle East alphabet. She read the Bible, visited nursing homes, and are in dire straits. Cairo has lost its lus - Everyone was waiting with anticipation for brought food to the homeless,” he said. By Sona Yacoubian ter, Aleppo is devastated by war and the play that the fifth-grade class had prepared. When Rith-Najarian graduated from St. Beirut is in decline. Cities which had For the past two years, Avedikian’s students John’s University in Minnesota in 2004, with a once been the hub of politics, arts and literature, are now fighting to survive. had performed two works (“The Stupid Man” major in the natural sciences, he met the Very Two speakers shared their thoughts about the subject. and “Gigos”) by Hovhannes Toumanian. This Rev. Daniel Findikyan, at the time the dean of Baydzig Arabian Kalaydjian is the executive secretary of the Tekeyan Cultural year, as well, the students staged another clas - St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. He says Association in Boston. She has extensive experience in teaching in Beirut and sic Toumanian work, “A Drop of Honey,” spiced Findikyan inspired him to attend the seminary’s Cyprus, and for a time worked as the editor of the Zartonk newspaper in Beirut. college conferences — a program that would Kalaydjian shared her outlook of the situation based on the dispersion of change the course of Benjamin’s life. Armenians around the world. She explained that there are 7 million Armenians in “I didn’t go to St. Nersess to become a priest, the world. 2.5 million Armenians live in Armenia and Karabagh and the rest are but to be more involved in the Armenian dispersed in 60 countries around the world. Emigration from Armenia is an end - Church and the Armenian language,” Rith- less exodus for greener pastures, and as she put it, 90 percent of the next genera - Najarian said. But he soon realized that “all of tion of Diaspora Armenians will see themselves as descendants of Armenians and the background, the Christian love that I had not as Armenians. been taught in my childhood, fit with being a Kalaydjian also stressed that Western Armenian has been listed as an endangered priest. My parents had told me the story, but it language since 1999. She explained that a language cannot be preserved and remain was Fr. Daniel who planted the seed and was vital if it is not used daily for business, school, social activities, creativity and plea - the moving force.” sure. Kalaydjian pointed out that in 1970, there were 250 Armenian schools in the Rith-Najarian became interested in learning diaspora while currently there are only 170, with around 30,000 students. What is more about the Armenian Church, its theology, more, the numbers are shrinking year after year. Parents, as well as students, reason history, and people. “All of it was new for me,” that learning Armenian is a waste of time as later in life it would hardly be useful in he said. “I was realizing more and more that ser - The fifth-grade students get into the act. the business world. An additional complication is that there is a shortage of vice was crucial, and that is where I was being Armenian-language teachers because the demand is not there and communities do called.” In 2004, Rith-Najarian went to Armenia not have Armenian-language institutes in the diaspora to prepare young teachers. and served for a month with Habitat for up by the music of Alexander Spendiarian and This decline is truly a shame, she said, because Kalaydjian said she firmly believes Humanity. He later enrolled at St. Nersess Avet Terterian. The students performed incredi - that not only do Armenian schools provide an excellent education but they also mold Armenian Seminary and completed his course bly in Armenian on stage. They not only had students into strong and exemplary individuals. of study in 2010. thoroughly understood the subject matter, but The good news is that all is not lost this is the time to engage in serious dia - Following his graduation from St. Nersess, he also, with their ethnic costumes, looked like logue and explore different options for keeping the Armenian heritage alive. and his wife, Chicago-born Danielle Der they had just arrived from Armenia to share Sona Zeitlian, a long time AGBU Hye Geen board member, as well as a respect - Asadourian, whom he had met at the St. this amusing, but deeply thoughtful, story to ed writer and lecturer, also took the podium to share her analysis of the day’s Nersess summer conferences, traveled to their brothers and sisters. dilemma. Jerusalem for 10 months. At the conclusion of the program, Kezelian She pointed out that Armenians in the diaspora usually settle in large and cul - Returning to the US in June 2011, the young thanked the Armenian faculty, composed of turally-active cities, as they have in Los Angeles. They benefit from the excellent couple moved to New Jersey, where he started Tamissa Dakissian, Sona Vandevelde, and education offered in those centers where work opportunities are more available. an internship at St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn. Dickran and Anahit Toumajan. She reserved While there are multiple societies and associations in the community, unfortu - For two years he worked with the parish pastor, special accolades for Avedikian for organizing nately their agendas are not planned to pursue the ultimate goal of guarding the the Rev. Diran Bohajian. such beautiful programs. Armenian spirit and heritage. These entities need to initiate programs to enhance “It was everything a priest does to run a The afternoon program began with the longevity of the communities through their activities, she said. parish.” In January 2012, Benjamin began visit - Avedikian’s 12th-grade students reflecting Zeitlian said that it is estimated that in about 10 years, the majority of youth ing St. Sarkis Church once or twice a month. upon the importance of the creation of the and those under 18, will hail from ethnic minority populations. Zeitlian stressed He is now the full-time deacon-in-charge at Armenian alphabet and of the friendship that in this maze, the success of retaining Armenian youth within the community the parish. He considers his work “a special between Armenia and the United States. A and preventing total assimilation will be dependent on a well-thought-out and coor - journey.” He added, “A priest is first and fore - video was shown, demonstrating this friendship dinated strategy. most a servant of God. As a spiritual leader in and cooperation, featuring US Ambassador to see PRESERVATION, page 7 the community, he is a role model and someone Armenia John Heffern and his wife participat - who steps forward and helps his flock in time ing in a flash mob dance scene with young of need.” see CULTURE, page 7 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Medical Fund USA: A Year in Review

Kanaker, the Goris Hospital and the Karagerd and administrative departments. The second regions with the highest rates of TB prevalence. By Dr. Herand Markarian hospital under the auspices of COAF. floor will include the departments of surgery, The percent of TB-HIV/AIDS co-morbidity therapy and gynecology. The hospital’s elec - among the participants was 4.7 times higher Martuni Hospital tric substation and heating and air-condition - than among all TB patients in Armenia. NEW YORK — The Armenian Medical Two years ago the organization was ing systems will allow the hospital to run AMF-USA, the Center of Health Services Fund, USA (AMF-USA) is a US-based 501C approached by Armenia Fund, USA about the more efficiently. The complex will also feature (CHS) of the American University of Armenia organization. It is the only Armenian organi - idea of building a new hospital in the Martuni a sizeable beautifully landscape for patient (AUA) and the Ministry of Health of Armenia zation in the world that is totally focused on region. The group had worked there before use and the aging road leading to the hospi - (MOH) have embarked on a critical area of supporting Armenian and international successfully, renovating the women’s ward in tal will be leveled and repaved with new major health concern to Armenia, namely Tuberculosis (TB) institutions and sanatori - the Shushi hospital and building a TB diag - asphalt. Working Migrants and TB in Armenia. ums that are involved in combating and con - nostic center in Stepanakert. The executive director, Dr. Gasparyan, stat - The study was an operational research trolling the spread of TB. AMF-USA was The city of Martuni is located in the ed, “this is a great leap forward and it fills a focusing on cross-sectional assessment of TB founded in New York in 1953 by John province of Martuni in the northeastern part critical healthcare need in the region.” He’s related knowledge, attitude, and practices Torigian, Mihran Kalayjian and Mihran of Nagorno Karabagh. It has a population of also hopeful that the new hospital will finally among migrant workers throughout Armenia, Karageuzian. The aim of the founders was to 5,000. The original Martuni hospital was built allow him to complete his medical staff by hir - who have had TB in the past four years and support the National Armenian Sanatorium in 1965 and was dilapidated, ravaged by age ing an obstetrician-gynecologist, an ear-nose- worked outside Armenia for more than three at Azuniyeh, Lebanon, which was established and sustaining heavy damage during the throat specialist, and a neuropathologist. months. in the 1920s to take care of the needs of Artsakh liberation struggle. “Once our equipment and staff shortages are The project also looked at migrants’ access Armenian TB patients. The sanatorium was A team of dedicated doctors, nurses, and addressed, we will be able to offer a broad and utilization of TB services in Armenia and founded and initially supported by the other health workers unwaveringly attended spectrum of medical services, right here in in a host country of work. Armenian Apostolic, Evangelical and Catholic to the nearly 5,000 residents in the town and Martuni.” Future plans include to have a phys - The Center for Health Services Research churches. The latter resigned and the task of 23,000 people living in Martuni province. The ical therapy department. The hospital will be and Development (CHSR) of the American keeping and supporting the Sanatorium hospital took care of an additional 30 rural able to accommodate up to 22 patients and as University of Armenia (AUA) implemented the befell on the Apostolic and Evangelical communities in the province. The hospital in much as 60 outpatients a day. Household TB Infection Control Pilot Project churches up to this point. Martuni serves over 1,300 patients and “The new Martuni Hospital is the second in 2012, in collaboration with the National TB From 1953 up to this point, AMF-USA con - 18,000 outpatients annually. With the dilapi - medical facility to be built in Artsakh through Control Program (NTP) of the Ministry of tributed monetary aid, renovated buildings, and dated condition of the hospital, it could not the efforts of the Armenian community of the Health of the Republic of Armenia and with supplied modern diagnostic equipment to the face the pressing needs, approximately 40-per - Eastern United States,” said Ara Vardanyan, support from the Armenian Medical Fund, sanatorium. The aid has well exceeded the $1 cent increase in the upcoming years. the executive director of the Hayastan All- USA. million mark. The need to have a new hospital was press - Armenian Fund. “The first such facility was In total, 136 TB patients and their family After the independence of Armenia, it ing. The cost of building a new hospital was the Stepanakert Polyclinic, which ever since members participated in 90-minute interac - became apparent that Armenia was facing seri - estimated to be $1.2 million. To realize the its construction nine years ago, has played an tive counseling sessions conducted for each ous health issues with regard to TB. AM-USA, project, the government of Karabagh con - invaluable role in the health maintenance of family using a training manual designed for working closely with the Ministry of Heath of tributed $600,000, the Armenian Medical the local population. We are extremely grati - the training and counseling, a flipchart, sup - Armenia, mapped Armenia and assessed the Fund, USA and Armenia Fund USA, each fied that the future Martuni Hospital will in plemental materials, and TB brochures. needs and issues associated with the devastat - agreed to participate with $300,000. turn benefit the communities of Martuni and On behalf of the Board of Directors: Vahe ing disease. The goal was to make the hospital state of surrounding areas.” Balouzian, president, Andrew Torigian, vice From 1990 on, aid was given to: The Abovian the art, equipped with pediatric, surgery, president, Mesrob Odian, PhD, treasurer, TB Hospital (the central TB hospital in infectious disease (including thoracic and pul - TB Among Workers Heading Abroad Herand Markarian, PhD, executive secretary, Armenia), the Gumri, Kapan, Goris, TB hospi - monary diseases) departments, as well as In 2010, the number of newly-diagnosed TB George Dermksian, MD, Khoren Nalbandian tals. The Vanadzor hospital was fully renovated. therapeutic and auxiliary departments in cases was 41.3 per 100,000 population; it was RPh, Greg Toufayan, and Kim Hekimian, PhD One of the two residential buildings of the addition to laboratories, diagnostic units and estimated that approximately 9.4 percent of , the Armenian Medical Fund, USA expresses Dilijan Children’s Sanatorium was fully reno - radiology screening. these new cases were multi-drug resistant TB it deepest thanks to all those who have made vated. Aid was also given to the pulmonary divi - Construction began in November 2011 and (MDR-TB). Moreover, approximately 43.0 per - donations. sion of Ttoojur hospital. Diagnostic equipments the opening was celebrated in May 2013. cent of previously treated TB cases became The Martuni Hospital needs furnishing, were donated to: The Mikaelian Hospital in The new hospital consists of a two-story MDR-TB in 2011. According to the World diagnostic equipments and laboratory instru - structure with a total area of 2,470 square Health Organization (WHO) statistics for mentations. meters. It will be a state-of-the art facility, fully 2011, 21 cases of extremely-drug resistant TB The expansion of the migrant workers TB equipped to provide a range of modern health (XDR-TB) were found in Armenia. WHO has study to cover all the provinces of Armenia is services. The basement of the new hospital classified Armenia as having a high rate of a crucial health determinant. will house various storage and service rooms. DR-TB. Those interested in contributing may get in The first floor will host a reception hall, an With regard to migrant workers, 91 percent touch with AMF-USA either by email: armed - emergency room and an intensive-care unit, of migrant workers of Armenia work in the [email protected] or by mail: 160 Waters Edge, and polyclinic, diagnostic, infectious disease Russian Federation (RF); many of them work in Congers, NY 10920.

Entertainment Fridays and Saturdays 6 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Ararat Church Welcomes New Pastor

SALEM, N.H. — The Ararat Armenian of them still maintain family farms in Salem. Congregational Church, located at 2 Salem Much has changed over the past 100 years. St., celebrated its 100th anniversary and wel - Farmland was replaced by shopping malls; the comed a new pastor and his family to the com - Lawrence church merged with the Salem munity. church and eventually services were conducted In the late 1800s and early 1900s, several in English instead of Armenian. But the church Armenian families purchased farms in Salem. continues to serve its parishioners. The church Traveling the long distance to attend church in boasts an active youth group. Some of its mem - Lawrence, Massachusetts was a hardship for bers are sixth generation Americans, who proudly honor their Armenian faith and her - itage. On Sunday November 3, the church wel - comed Pastor Sam Katchikian. The pastor with his wife Jen Katchikian and their newborn daughter relocated to Salem from Canada. Present for Katchikian’s first sermon were rep - resentations of the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ, the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America and the Armenian Missionary Association of America. Following the church New pastor Sam Katchikian, middle, with Rev. service, a celebration John Mokkosian, left, and Rev. Dr. Ara Heghinian banquet was held at the nearby Tuscan Kitchen restaurant. Guests them. In October 1912, a meeting of all enjoyed a hearty buffet Armenians in the area took place, and a build - and danced to musical ing committee was formed. The Northeastern selections by the The church today and in 1913 Street Railway Company granted a parcel of Boston Kef Ensemble. land on Salem Street and the NH Conference of Sarah Gilman, a fifth- the United Church of Christ provided financial generation member of assistance. Construction was completed in July the Ararat Church, presented an overview of The presentation was prepared by Salem High church into its second century. of 1913 and the church was dedicated on the church’s history. Throughout the after - School student Jack Brunelle, who collected New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan November 12, 1913. noon, guests enjoyed a slideshow of more than photos from church members. issued a commendation, recognizing the Ararat Many of the church’s present members are 500 photos from events in the life of the church Katchikian thanked those gathered for the Church for its faithful service and dedication to descendants of the original 19 founders; some which played on the restaurant’s many screens. warm welcome and the opportunity to lead the its community and state. OBITUARY ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS Margaret M. (Maggie) Zakarian D D S Cemetery Monuments PAXTON, Mass. — Margaret M. (Maggie) Margaret Zakarian was born in Worcester to Zakarian formerly of Paxton and Highland Kachador and Anna Manooshian. She was a Specializing in Beach, Fla., passed away November 9, on her graduate of Commerce High and Becker Jr. Armenian Designs and Lettering 89th birthday, with her family by her side. College. She spent her early career with She was predeceased by her husband of 65 Massachusetts Blue Cross and Blue Shield, ris - 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 years, Asbed “Ozzie” Zakarian. She leaves her ing to the position of executive supervisor. She (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com niece, Susan Atamian, and her husband, was the corporate treasurer and instrumental in the founding and success of Wirefab, a wire and metal products manufacturing company established by her husband in Worcester, soon to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She and her husband loved to travel together. She played the violin and was an accomplished baker. GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E She was active in the Armenian Church of James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Our Saviour in Worcester, where she chaired Mark J. Giragosian many Diocesan Assemblies and was Women’s Funeral Counselors Guild chairperson. She and her husband were 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 recognized by the Catholicos of All Armenians www.giragosianfuneralhome.com for their service and generosity to the Armenian Church, receiving the Saint Nerses Shnorhali Medal, and the Saint Gregory Medal and Encyclical, the highest honor bestowed upon a lay person by the head of the Armenian Church. Telephone (617) 924-7400 In addition to dedicated service to her church, she supported the Armenian Assembly, St. Aram Bedrosian Vartan Camp, St. Nersess Seminary, Fund for Armenian Relief, Armenian Library and Museum of America, the Armenian Mirror- Funeral Home, Inc. Spectator, Armenian Heritage Park and the Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Edward, of Shrewsbury; niece Melanie Samsel The family thanks Rev. Aved Terzian, pastor MARION BEDROSIAN and her husband, James, of Sutton and nephew, of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, for his 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN James Jamgochian, and his wife, Marilynn, of love and support over these many years. WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Milford, Conn. She was also a member of the Daughters of Maggie and Asbed Zakarian were like second Vartan, Santoukht Oytag Worcester for 45 parents to James, Melanie and Susan. years and Nakhgin Avak Treasurer (1977-1979) Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a In addition to her nephew and nieces, she and Dirouhie (matron) of Santoukht (1979- leaves her sister, Shamiram “Rose” Jamgochian, 1981). six “grandchildren,” Cristina Feden and hus - Her funeral was held on Thursday, November band, Jeffrey, Elizabeth Beck and husband, Ray, 14, at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour. Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Lauren Fletcher and husband, Eddy, Rick Funeral services were presided over by Jamgochian and wife, Grace, Ross and Kirk Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Patriarch of Funeral Chapel Atamian and “great-grandchildren” Aubrey, Jerusalem, and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Serving the entire Armenian Community Preston, Kenley Margaret and Elizabeth. She Primate, Diocese of the Armenian Church of Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location was predeceased by nephew Richard America (Eastern). Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 Jamgochian, brother-in-law Hagop “Jack” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jamgochian and sister-in-law Berjoohie the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Zakarian. Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609. Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School Celebrates Armenian Culture

CULTURE, from page 4 Aznavour’s famous song, Dance in the Old their classmates Irene Petou, Celine Hana, lated all the participants. Armenians in the center of Yerevan. This was Fashioned Way, was being played and sudden - Rvanda Shammamie, Tamar Kalandjian and For the second time in a row, the Manoogian followed by a group recitation by Anahit ly, 12th-grade students Chris Kourtjian, Tamar Krikorian to dance on the stage. high school has been recognized as one of the Toumajan’s eighth-grade students who present - Jonathan Kakos, Viken Yeranosian, Ethan At the conclusion of the program, High best secondary schools in America by US News ed Maro Markarian’s “Armenian Letters” and Stepanian and Chris Aznavour politely invited School Principal Dr. Hosep Torossian congratu - and World Report. Vahan Tekeyan’s “Poem in Homage of the Armenian Language.” Then, 12th graders Ani Papazian and Celine Hana recited Yeghishe Charents’ “My Sweet Armenia.” The second half of the program was devoted to the French-Armenian singer, composer and actor Charles Aznavour. Four graduating seniors (Grace Torossian, Jonathan Kakos, Ethan Stepanian and Irene Petou) recited trans - lations of Aznavour’s songs in English, after which the student body watched performances of the chanteur at various stages in his career. The excitement reached a fever pitch when Hye Geen Group Tackles Topic of Keeping Culture, Language in the West

PRESERVATION, from page 4 The seniors at the school She recalled how Armenian women had the courage and wisdom to gather the entire fami - ly and gradually build the foundation of new communities in the Middle Eastern cities right after the Genocide, as in Aleppo, Beirut, Trinity Christmas Bazaar to Be Held in December Alexandria or Cairo, where at the time, Armenian men were few and scarce. She added Candy Shoppe; Books; and dren under 3. Carnival games will include bas - that women have played an important role in By Seta A. Buchter ArmenianVendor.com. New booths this year are ketball, beanbag toss, golf, washer toss, Plinko, supporting the Armenian Church, schools and Made in Armenia Direct and Oak Street the balloon pop and, more. New this year, from cultural activities. History has shown that Embroidery. The Bazaar is the perfect time to 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., is “Curious Creatures” – Armenian women adapt quickly to their sur - CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Holy Trinity Armenian do your Christmas shopping. a live, interactive, educational animal program roundings wherever that might be. Moreover, Church of Greater Boston will usher in the hol - Making his annual visit to the Bazaar is for children featuring a variety of exotic and She stressed that “Women are the mortar iday season with its annual Trinity Christmas Santa Claus who will be stopping by on unusual animals along with many fascinating, between the bricks that hold the community Bazaar, on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, Saturday, December 7, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., fun facts. Admission for the morning’s activities together.” They are capable of bringing people December 7, in the Charles and Nevart to greet children of all ages and to pose for pic - and program is $5 per child. Carnival game tick - together to blend the different generations with Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St. Bazaar tures. ets are 50 cents each or 5 for $2 with prizes for each other as they have done for so long with - hours are Friday, from 3 to 9 p.m., and The Trinity Christmas Bazaar would not be all. Please note that during the “Curious in the family circle. Through the centuries they Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. complete without Armenian gourmet foods, del - Creatures” program, the carnival games will be have developed an innate and keen sense of Bazaar co-chairmen are Gregory A. Kolligian icacies and pastries that will be sold at various closed down. direction towards the betterment of the self as Jr. and Ara Hollisian, chairman and vice-chair - booths. Raffle tickets are available for purchase, $5 well as family and community. Necessity of man of Holy Trinity’s Parish Council, respec - Armenian dinners will be served on Friday each, $25.00 for six or $50 for 12. First prize is a course is the mother of innovations. tively. Along with their committees, they have night from 4 to 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 64GB iPad; second prize, 32GB iPad and third It was a successful event, it was well attended been working tirelessly since the summer to 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kheyma will be offered on prize, 3’ x 5’ Bokhara Persian Oriental Rug. and the presenters had come well prepared. ensure that this year’s Bazaar offers something Saturday only. Take-out meals and an a la carte A limited number of Super Raffle tickets at AGBU Hye Geen will take the initiative and for everyone from the young to the young-at- menu will also be available. $100 each are still available. Only 150 tickets follow the footsteps of the women who fought heart including new booths and menu options. On Saturday, December 7, Santa’s Playland will be sold. First prize is $2,500; second prize, to preserve Armenian identity after the The Bazaar’s traditional favorites will include will provide an array of engaging activities for $1,000; 3rd prize, $500 and 4th prize, $500. Genocide, who gathered their families to the ever bountiful Farmer’s Market with fresh children ages 4 to 12, in the Peter Adamian Tickets may be purchased by calling the Holy rebuild communities. Hye Geen wants to start fruits and vegetables; the “Country Store” with Hall. From 10 to 11:45 a.m., there will be a vari - Trinity church office or emailing with a Coalition of Armenian Women to pledge nuts and sweets; the exciting Sports Silent ety of fun filled activities including painting [email protected]. their support to strengthen the community by Auction, where you will be able to bid on wooden ornaments, decorating Christmas The Bazaar Committee invites the entire trying to resolve common problems. Boston’s favorite team tickets and sports sugar cookies, face-painting, playing musical community. For further information, contact (Sona Yacoubian is the founder and chair - Memorabilia; “Second Time Around;” “The instruments, writing a letter to Santa, the the church office, email [email protected], or log person of AGBU Hye Geen) Punch is Right” for Kids; Jewelry; the Sweet Mystery Walk, and a separate play room for chil - onto www.htaac.org.

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may be negotiable. Call 917-731-4531 479 Main st Watertown MA 02472 or email [email protected]. Tel: 617-744-6681 [email protected] www.watertowndentistry.com 8 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Grammy Award-Winner Arto Tunçboyacyan Headlines AGBU Armenian Jazz Concert

NEW YORK — A glass bottle and a kitchen pot are not typical musical instruments, but the AGBU concert, Armenian Jazz with Arto and Friends, was not your typical event. The evening, organized by the AGBU Performing Arts Department (PAD) and sponsored by the AGBU New York Special Events Committee (NYSEC), brought together Grammy award- winning artist Arto Tunçboyaciyan and rising young talents. Using household items and more conventional instruments, they created a sold-out show in downtown New York. The event, held on Sunday, October 27, was the first of its kind to put Tunçboyacyan, a renowned percussionist, composer and vocalist, on stage with up-and-coming local musicians. They included Noah Garabedian (bass); Michael Sarian (trumpet); Lucy Yeghiazaryan (violin, vocals) and Tatev Yeghiazaryan (keyboards, piano, vocals). Before an audience of nearly 300 guests, the ensemble paid tribute to the late Paul Motian, the celebrated Armenian drummer, bandleader and composer. Regarded as one of the most important jazz musicians of the past five decades, Motian’s presence was felt throughout the night. In between sets, Tunçboyaciyan, who created the genre avant-garde folk music and performed with Motian, stated, “what I expe - An ensemble of emerging artists takes the stage together in New York City for the AGBU event Armenian Jazz with Arto and Friends. From left are, Tatev rienced with Paul Motian and his music was Yeghiazaryan, Noah Garabedian, Lucy Yeghiazaryan and Michael Sarian. that he added his own cultural seasoning. This is the meaning of avant-garde folk music, that you extend your imagination with your life experiences without losing your cultural seasoning.” Praising the concert’s success, he continued, “I think this event was a great step for our culture. Hopefully we can con - tinue to offer a new form of avant-garde folk music.” The artists made their own contributions to the genre, performing pieces that coupled contemporary jazz with more traditional Armenian sounds. Lucy Yeghiazaryan’s ren - dition of Motian’s Owl of Cranston was fol - lowed by her untitled piece based on Armenian folk melodies. Later, Yeghiazaryan presented a jazz interpretation of Nazani by Sayat Nova. Yeghiazaryan, who works with her septet Soundsketch, as well as the ensem - ble the YYsisters, remarked, “I am thankful for my Armenian heritage and love of classi - Grammy award-winning artist Arto Tunçboyaciyan per - cal, jazz and other styles, which shape the forms using a glass bottle.. Tatev Yeghiazaryan, left, and Lucy Yeghiazaryan music I write. It’s always interesting to see what happens when you combine traditional melodies with non-traditional instruments, and playing alongside Arto was wonderful and spontaneous.” For AGBU Performing Arts Department Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2014 (PAD) Director Hayk Arsenyan, the evening was part of a broader effort to bring Armenian music to a larger audience. “Providing opportunities for established and Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor emerging artists of different generations to collaborate is central to the AGBU a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 Performing Arts Department’s work,” he commented. “As we connect Armenian artists and reached out to 4,464 teachers and around the globe with their culture, we are also pleased to help carve out a space for school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. Armenian jazz here in New York City, the jazz capital of the world.” The program was one of many organized £ by AGBU across the US and abroad. On Saturday, December 7, the AGBU New York K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue Special Events Committee will present its helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have sixth Annual Performing Artists in Concert at the teacher’s name and address. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. The event will commemorate the 25th anniversary of K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— the earthquake that devastated Armenia. Name Tickets can now be purchased by calling AGBU, the Carnegie Hall Box Office or by vis - Address iting www.carnegiehall.org. City State Zip code Tel:

Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2014 Advertize in the Mail your check with this form to: TCA Sponsor a Teacher MIRROR 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Your donation is Tax Deductible. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Hassan Çemal: Breakfast Meeting with Turkish Writer At TCA Center in Englewood Cliffs

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — On Saturday, book, specifically over the use of the word “geno - November 9, at the invitation of the Armenian cide,” as he was preparing his speech in Los Democratic Liberal party (ADL), Hassan Çemal Angeles in March 2011. was the guest at a breakfast meeting at the He spoke about how he questioned himself Tekeyan Cultural Association Center. about the reasons why he could not bring him - self to utter the word, as he kept writing it in the margin and crossing it our several times, even though he had signed the petition that apolo - gizes to the Armenians. He said that in his col - umn in Milliyet newspaper on April 24, 2011, the title of which was, “I share the Armenians Grief over 24th of April.” Moreover, he did not think that the act commemorated on April 24 was a genocide. He indicated that the Union and Progress party, which ruled the Ottoman Empire in 1915, had created “The Special Organization” that was considered deep state, did to the Armenians was planned and deliberate. He believed that this constituted a veritable crime against humanity, and that the repudiation of this bloody legacy would not bring honor to Turkey. He still evaded the debate on genocide. He quoted his close friend, Hrant Dink: “I know what happened to my ancestors. Some of you call this a ‘massacre,’ some a ‘genocide,’ some ‘deportation’ and some a ‘tragedy.’ My ancestors called it a ‘slaughter’ in the Anatolian idiom.” He questioned himself about what word to use, by rationalizing “the actions of a state that Hasan Çemal totally destroys its own citizens, and especially the most vulnerable among them, without regard as to whether they are children, women or the Çemal is the grandson of Jemal Pasha, one of elderly, from the land where they have grown the masterminds of the Armenian Genocide. He roots, and hurls them en routes unchartered and presented his book, 1915: Armenian Genocide, unfathomable, and if as a result of this, a great in the Turkish language. There were several rep - part of the people vanish, what aspect of human - resentatives of other prominent organizations, ity would then explain our squabbling over what such as the Armenian Assembly of America and words to use to characterize this state of things.” the Knights of Vartan. A question-and-answer He agonized over the word, and questioned period followed Çemal’s presentation. himself if he had a deep-rooted problem with the Dr. Vaghenag Tarpinian offered opening word “genocide,” and why was he not able to say remarks and welcomed all to the program. The and write what he sincerely believed, in actual prologue of Çemal’s book had been translated terms? Was it because it was taboo or fear from

From left, Dr. Vaghenag Tarpinian, Shoghig Chalian, Vartan Ilanjian, Hasan Çemal, Hagop Vartivarian, Hilda Hartounian, Helen Misk and Harout Chatmajian into Western Armenian and was read by Hagop his own community, Article 301 of he penal code Atamian, who had recently arrived from Syria, or the stigma of treason? The full Western Armenian translation of the Looking back on his 67 years, and for years, book will be published soon by the TCA. defending democracy and freedom of expression, Following this, Hrant Gulian, of the Knights of and yet, here he was, questioning the reasons for Vartan, introduced the guest of honor, who had his difficulty in expressing his opinions. “I recog - presented his book to about 250 attendees the nize your grief, I understand your grief and I am previous evening at St. Leon. here to share your grief over the Genocide,” he The next guest speaker was Sahak Sargsyan of said. the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United This statement had a powerful impact on each Nations. He emphasized the significance of such and every attendee, especially as it came from meetings, to influence the international opinion the grandson of one of the planners of the regarding the genocide of the Armenians, espe - Genocide. cially as the centennial draws near. Hasan Çemal’s daring admission of the Çemal then read a presentation of his book in Genocide of the Armenians, is very much heart - the English language. He started by speaking felt by all Armenians. about his inner conflict regarding the title of his — Shoghig Chalian 10 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Pianist Kariné Hayk Demoyan Poghosyan Makes Discusses Genocide Boston Debut at Museum SOAR Fundraiser Developments

By Laura Michael By Deborah Hay

ARLINGTON, Mass. — The Armenian WINNEPEG, Canada — Dr. Hayk Demoyan, Cultural Foundation (ACF) was the setting on director of the Armenian Genocide Museum November 14 for the Society for Orphaned Institute (AGMI) in Yerevan, was interviewed by Armenian Relief (SOAR) Boston Chapter’s Deborah Hay, program coordinator of the musical evening fundraiser featuring pianist International Institute for Genocide and Kariné Poghosyan. The concert, which was Human Rights Studies (A Division of the Poghosyan’s debut in the Boston area, honored Zoryan Institute) on November 11 during his the 110th anniversary of composer Aram recent trip to Canada. Khachaturian. Ballet transcriptions and solo Demoyan has produced 13 publications, the piano works by Khachaturian were included in most recent of which appeared in Russian, titled the program. Turkey’s Foreign Policy and the Karabagh Poghosyan has been described as “extraordi - Conflict , which is based on his doctoral thesis. nary” and a “larger-than-life” pianist who gets He is also secretary of the State Commission on “to the heart of the the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary music.” New York of the Armenian Genocide Concert Review Deborah Hay (DH): Dr. Demoyan, welcome called her a pianist to Canada. Is this your first visit to our country? who “has that Please tell us about your activities here. spark.” The New Hayk Demoyan (HD): This is my first visit to York-based pianist, Graphic artist, parishioner and Women’s Guild Executive Committee member, Sonya Canada, and it is very important for me, as Moroukian, created all of the artwork for the cookbook, including the cover. who is originally director of the AGMI, to be here for the purpose from Yerevan, daz - of signing a Memorandum of Understanding zled the audience between the Canadian Museum for Human with her exquisite Rights and the Armenian Genocide Museum- performance. She Women’s Guild of St. Institute of the National Academy of Sciences. Kariné Poghosyan played with such In addition, I took the opportunity to also meet exuberance and with local centennial committees formed for the heartfelt emotion Peter Armenian Church commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in that Khachaturian’s masterpieces came alive 2015, as well as Armenian communities at and concertgoers were completely spellbound large, to update them on the work being done and entranced in the melodies. Publishes Cookbook at the AGMI and plans for centennial commem - After the concert, SOAR Boston Chairperson oration activities. Charles Garo Arakelian spoke briefly about the In this respect, I must say that the Zoryan history of the organization, a five-year-old non- WATERVLIET, N.Y. — The Women’s Guild Executive Committee of St. Peter Institute has already made an important contri - profit founded by George and Erika Yacoubian, Armenian Church recently commissioned a cookbook with tried and true, pop - bution towards the 2015 Centennial by facili - Jr. of Philadelphia after the adoption of their ular Armenian recipes, simply titled Armenian Cookbook . tating the relationship between the two muse - daughter from Armenia. Arakelian also thanked More than 200 collected recipes comprise the hard cover, spiral-bound cook - ums. It took the initiative using its good offices everyone for coming as proceeds from ticket book. From breads and breakfast to desserts and all in-between, women from the to bring an official of the CMHR, Dr. Clint sales will be used to purchase much needed parish submitted their family favorites. Curle, to visit the AGMI earlier this year, to supplies for Armenian orphans in Armenia, In addition, there is also a section of acquaint himself with Armenia’s culture and Artsakh, Javakhk, Lebanon and Syria. Women’s Guild specialties in bulk history, and especially the Armenian Genocide. SOAR Boston Vice Chair Laura Michael also quantities such as choreg (rolls), rice From breads and This was very important because the CMHR gave a brief presentation regarding SOAR’s pilaf, bulgur dolma (stuffed peppers), will be one of the most significant places in the Sponsorship Program, which allows an individ - kadayif (cream-filled shredded phyllo) world to have a permanent exhibition on the ual to personally connect with an orphaned and tahin hatz (Lenten bread). breakfast to Armenian Genocide. During the visit, we con - Armenian child or adult. The entire donation Eight tabbed sections make up the firmed that the AGMI and CMHR have so many benefits the sponsored orphan — no funds sup - book. Each tab divider is designed interests in common that it made sense for us port the facilities or SOAR generally, and SOAR with the Armenian tri-color and letter - desserts and all to establish an official working agreement. The assumes the cost of all wiring fees. The donor ing describing the section. The art - Zoryan Institute has been instrumental as a will receive a photo and personal profile of the work for the entire book — including in-between, women facilitator and liaison between the two muse - sponsored individual, updates on his/her the full-color cover that highlights ums and will maintain an ongoing role in that health and notes, drawings or correspondence both the foods and parish — was cre - capacity. I am sure this cooperation will facili - from him/her, at least twice a year. In the case ated by graphic artist and Women’s from the parish tate the development of joint projects between of young children or children with special Guild member, Sonya Moroukian. the AGMI and the CMHR. needs, updates will come from the facility direc - The six-member cookbook commit - DH: How far back do your relations with the tors. If interested in sponsoring an orphan, visit tee, consisting of Valerie Demarest, submitted their Zoryan Institute go? http://soar-us.org/enroll.html Sharon Foley, Lucy Morton, Nellie HD: I first encountered the Zoryan Institute Guests were also invited to enjoy a post-con - Sargasyan-Pittman, Charlotte family favorites. when I met its executive director, George cert wine and cheese reception with the pianist. Sevazlian and Dolly Shamlian, worked Shirinian, in Yerevan in 2005. When I was Wine was donated by Tutunjian Estate Vineyards nearly a year on this publication and said they are proud to have it released in appointed Director of the AGMI, it seemed nat - and hors d’oeuvres by Sevan Bakery. Poghosyan time for the gift-giving season. ural that the two organizations should explore graciously mingled with guests and SOAR board The book also contains a dedication to all those women both living and areas of mutual interest and cooperation. members throughout the reception. deceased, who gave of their time, energy and talents for the benefit of St. Peter Zoryan has always been generous in providing The Boston Chapter, which was originally the Armenian Church; a brief history of the St. Peter Women’s Guild; a poem writ - the museum copies of its publications and has New England Chapter, became part of the ten by Parish Priest, Rev. Stepanos Doudoukjian and Armenian culinary terms. participated in our conferences. In 2012, we SOAR family in February 2009. Several board Towards the back of the book, there are also helpful cooking tips. established an agreement to cooperate in the members have visited various orphanages in “I believe that this well thought-out and beautifully-designed cookbook will be areas of research, publication, and student Armenia, giving the chapter significant insight a favorite for generations to come,” shared Foley. “It will make the perfect gift exchanges. That year, Zoryan provided scholar - into the orphanages and their short- and long- for the holidays and other special occasions.” ships for two student-staff members of the term needs. The Board of Directors is com - These newly published cookbooks are available for $20 each plus $5 shipping AGMI to travel to Canada and attend its posed of Arakelian, Michael, Secretary Talin and handling. Cookbooks will also be available for sale at the annual Women’s renowned Genocide and Human Rights Bekelian, Treasurer Marina Arakelian and Guild sponsored Holiday Bazaar on December 7 and 8. For more information or University Program run at the University of Members Amy Croot, John Elloian, Svetlana to order a book, email [email protected] or call the church office. Toronto. This year, another three of our stu - Javakhyan, Theresa Nibi, Cheryl Ourfalian In 1997, the St. Peter Women’s Guild also published Flavors from Our House dent-staff were sponsored to attend. They all Smith, Bob Semonian, Richard Simonian and on the Hill that included both Armenian and non-Armenian recipes. This new reported that the experience was excellent for Armen Vartanyan. After several successful cookbook is the 100th anniversary edition to commemorate the Women’s Guild them, both academically, and personally. events in 2013, SOAR Boston will host their 1914 establishment in this parish community. Zoryan staff continues to provide materials, next fundraiser in early 2014. For more infor - assistance and advice to AGMI’s researchers. In mation visit http://soar-us.org or email laura - see MUSEUM, page 11 [email protected]. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING California Lutheran University Selects Black Dog Of Fate as Required Reading For Freshmen Ani Batikian Gives London Concert

them learn about what it might mean to partic - LONDON — Ani Batikian gave a By Taleen Babayan ipate in a global citizenship.” concert on November 14 at the Bond said that Balakian’s “elegant, moving EBRD Hall, accompanied by pianist and critical memoir,” fit the program needs per - Roland Roberts. THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — California fectly because it helped demonstrate to stu - The program included works by Lutheran University became the fifth US uni - dents the importance of discovering purpose. Mozart, Dvorak, Khachaturian, versity to use Peter Balakian’s memoir, Black He noted that Balakian’s “younger self” does Bartok, Baghdasaryan and de Dog of Fate, as the requiring book for nearly not occur through one event or moment, Sarasate. She captured the hearts of one thousand incoming freshmen. In recent instead evolving over time and after much London music lovers and critics years, the College of New Jersey, University of struggle, reflection and historical and family with her outstanding performance. Connecticut, Sienna College and Colgate research. The Armenia-born violinist University have also made the book a core text “This process isn’t merely academic or nar - entered Yerevan State or a required first year read. rowly personal,” said Bond. “Both are fused Conservatoire in Armenia at the age California Lutheran University (CLU), a pri - together, as they should be, and that fits our of 15, one of the youngest students vate liberal arts institution located in sense of educating the “whole person.” ever to study there and supported While Black Dog by a local scholarship. At the age of of Fate is a personal 19 she received her undergraduate story, focusing on degree and at the age of 20 a post - Balakian’s life grow - graduate diploma with honors. ing up in American- In 2003 she received a full schol - Armenian family in arship to study at the Royal the 1950s and ’60s, Academy of Music in London, grad - Ani Batikian unaware that his fam - uating with a DipRAM for outstand - ily had been victims ing performance as well as winning of the Armenian the top prize for violin. Later she was a student of Salvatore Accardo in Cremona, Italy. Genocide, Bond Batikian has received numerous awards and prizes. As a recipient of the Dewar Award, remarked that the she performed in The Dewar Arts Awards fifth anniversary concert held in the Scottish memoir went beyond Parliament. She has performed on BBC Scotland Radio and given concerts at such that and helps others recognised venues as Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre, Glasgow Art understand the Club, Pollok House, Cowdray Hall and London’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields. importance of being She has performed as a soloist with Sinfonia Toronto, City of Oxford Orchestra, the aware of one’s past National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, Naregatsi Baroque Orchestra, Katrineholm Close to 1,000 students read at California Lutheran Black Dog of Fate University. “for the purpose of Symphony Orchestra of Sweden, Glasgow Chamber Orchestra and St. James’ Orchestra contributing to a in the UK. higher good.” She is also a winner of national and international competitions. She has performed in Southern California, found Balakian’s memoir “Professor Balakian is showing our students the Music Alp Festival in France, Levon Chilingirian Festival in Armenia, Schleswig- a compelling way to inaugurate its Freshman- one viable and noble way for developing a call - Holstein Festival in Germany and Cadenza International Summer Music School in Year Experience Program, which aims to inte - ing beyond mere self interest, and also one that England. She has performed chamber music with major musicians as Levon Chilingirian, grate students into the school’s academic way engages the self in the context of being a glob - lda and Ani Kavafian, David Watkin, as well as the noted Hebrides Ensemble. of life. al citizen,” said Bond. Batikian organized the Summer Fest at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, involv - “In the First-Year Seminar, we are especially Balakian discussed his book with incoming ing students, professionals and leading chamber ensembles in a series of concerts. committed to assisting students in choosing freshman at CLU at the start of the academic From 2007 to 2012, she was a violin lecturer at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and developing an ethical stance in their aca - year. The book won the 1998 PEN/Martha and Drama. demic and professional commitments,” said Albrand Prize for the Art of the Memoir and Recently she recorded a CD of Armenian and virtuoso violin music. Prof. James Bond, associate professor of has been through dozens of printings. It was For more information about her, visit www.anibatikian.com. English at CLU and director of the Freshman- published in a 10th anniversary edition, with Year Experience Program. “A key emphasis in the addition of two new chapters several years fostering an emerging ethical stance is helping ago. Hayk Demoyan Discusses Genocide Museum Developments

MUSEUM, from page 10 local committees and develop cooperation on a one of the high points of the AGMI’s activities HD: The agreement will trigger the exchange its turn AGMI is very supportive of Zoryan’s common agenda. My visit to Canada is an excel - for 2013. of ideas, experiences, information and materi - researchers with necessary materials and con - lent example of the positive results that can be DH: You have visited Armenian communities als, exhibitions, sharing of research and advice, sultation. achieved when Armenian and Diaspora-based around the world. Do you observe anything dif - cooperation to advance the academic study of DH: Dr. Demoyan, you have been in charge organizations, both academic and otherwise, ferent about Canada? human rights, the Armenian Genocide and its of the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute cooperate. HD: One of the significant differences in effects, and processes seeking justice and rec - for seven years now. Can you give us a brief I’d like to emphasize here that the Centennial Canada is that the government here had the onciliation. It can serve as a model for other overview of the developments of the museum Commission’s role is not to tell the local com - moral fortitude to officially recognize the museums around the world for how to during this time, especially in preparation for mittees what to do or what projects to under - Armenian Genocide, despite political pressure approach the Armenian Genocide through the the Centennial? take. Rather, it is to support them, coordinate to deny it. lens of universal human rights. HD: During my time at the AGMI, I have their efforts, and ensure that all activities are Canada is one of the world’s greatest propo - Because of the enormity of the subject, I am especially stressed three aspects: the education - done under the umbrella of the local centenni - nents of multiculturalism, whereby each of the sure that synergies with the CMHR will benefit al role of the museum, representing the al commemorating committees, represented by many ethnic groups in this country can pre - us in Armenia in conceptualizing new approach - Armenian Genocide in a broader human rights all community organizations equally. Effective serve their particular heritage and lifestyle es and new permanent and travelling exhibits, context, and international cooperation with and cordial cooperation among all community while still being good Canadians. Canada particularly the emphasis on human rights. At other museums and academic organizations. organizations will be crucial for the success of enables and encourages all ethnic groups to the same time, we hope to be helpful to the Parallel to this, a great effort has been made to the 2015 commemorations. share their own history, memory and values CMHR in developing the Armenian section of enrich the museum’s collection with important I’d like to make clear that my activities as with one another. Canada has a significant their exhibits, where the Zoryan institute will and interesting documents and items, in order Secretary of the State Commission and those Armenian community, with churches, political, also be involved in an ongoing role as liaison to include them in conceptually new exhibitions as Director of the AGMI do differ. This is par - cultural and social organizations. You have here and facilitator. we are working on. As the collection grows, and ticularly critical in Canada, where a Canadian an established, international, academic institute This agreement can be seen as a new starting the museum has more and more visitors, the crown corporation, the Canadian Museum for dealing with issues relating to the Armenian point for education of the Armenian Genocide current construction of new blocks for the Human Rights, is involved in promoting human Genocide, Diaspora, and Armenia for the past and for fighting against denial of the Genocide museum will enable us to double our exhibition rights and awareness about five recognized thirty years. My research shows that despite in world history. I hope it may also serve as the and storage spaces. These activities are an genocides, based on strict academic standards. many challenges of assimilation, the Armenian starting point for the establishment of a net - important part of the events dedicated to the We at the AGMI, being also an academic insti - community here is a strong, contributing com - work of museums that deal with genocide and centenary of the Armenian Genocide. Parallel tution, will contribute to the CMHR’s perma - ponent of the Canadian mosaic. human rights. This is especially critical for to this, publishing activities and the develop - nent exhibition from that perspective, providing We were very pleased to see CMHR officials 2014, a year when many countries will com - ment of numerous traveling exhibitions are extensive materials and information about the from Canada visit Armenia in order to strength - memorate the centennial of the WWI, under planned to show in museum halls and other Armenian Genocide. en their understanding of the Armenian cover of which Ottoman Turkey committed the places worldwide. This is not a full list of our The AGMI has been dealing with broad range Genocide. During the visit, we found we had a Armenian Genocide. activities which, for sure, will continue after of topics and activities on the Armenian meeting of minds in our goal of combating the DH: Is there anything you would like to add 2015 with new energy and vision. Genocide for over 18 years, both conducting violation of human rights, and we have now in closing? DH: As the secretary of the State scientific research and representing its many made official the cooperation between our two HD: Yes. My wish is that I come back to Commission on the Commemoration of the aspects in educational displays. Together, the museums. I am sure the exhibits in the CMHR Canada as soon as possible to realize joint ini - 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, AGMI and the CMHR will work on developing will help Canadians learn more about the tiatives and programs, both in the academic you are involved in coordinating activities both new projects, among them new permanent exhi - Armenian Genocide and understand why their field and also regarding community activities in Armenia and the Diaspora. How does your bitions, as a new effort to preserve national government officially recognizes it. related to the centennial. I have no doubt our visit to Canada fit into those overall activities? memory and to raise awareness of the impor - DH: What is the objective of the joint efforts will produce successful results in HD: Among the many duties and responsibil - tance of human rights and genocide prevention. Memorandum of Understanding between the pursuit of our mission. ities of Secretary, I try to establish contact with For this reason, I consider my visit to Canada as two museums? 12 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Zangakner Brings Art and Discipline to Young Charges see ZANGAKNER , from page 1 Konjoyan, who moved to the US from Armenia in 2009, founded the group in 2010 at the Fein Academy in Marblehead, where she works. She has a background in childhood edu - cation and realized that if she wants to reach children, she should start early, as young as age 3, when they start to express themselves well. “It is those years that the children have some - thing to say to the audience,” she said in a recent interview. “The Zangakner project base is song and at the same time, we have acting and dance,” she explained. “The goal of Zangakner is to encour - age children’s multidisciplinary cultivation.” She admits she can be strict with the chil - dren, as she assumes they can understand as much as they are given. She said that children in her older group often come up with ideas on how to interpret stage characters. “We try to do

The Zangakner performers

She sang in the Vocal Instrumental Ensemble Arevik of the State Radio and TV, later in Elegia and Ave Maria Chamber Choirs, as well as in the Chamber Choir of the Armenian Hasmik Konjoyan National Radio. She was a singer, co-founder and manager of the Luys Vocal Quintet, which new interpretations of old tales and stories,” has recorded and produced “Light to the she said. World” (2003) and “Come to Light” (2004) CDs Konjoyan has set ideas about children and in Germany. Later, “Luys” CD (2009), produced what it means to teach them — and it does not in the US, was nominated as a “Best Choral mean talking down to them. “Teaching children Album of the Year” in numerous competitions is a calling. It is about understanding their spir - around the world. She was a conductor of the it. If you work with children, you need to work Children Choir and a winner of the Golden on their level. You need to elevate yourself to Prize in the Pupil Art Competition-Festival in the kids’ level. They mean what they say. They 2006. This was followed by “Children to the have love and they are carefree,” she said. World” CD production in Germany (2007). “I see the result and the children work very Konjoyan was awarded a “Model Teacher” hard,” she said. “The children are very dedicated.” award (Youth Centers, Yerevan, 2007), as well In fact, she said, the role of the teacher is as a “Leading Teacher” designation (Youth vital, and as important as those of parents. “I Centers, Yerevan, 2009). am so grateful to my parents and my teachers. Zangakner has two upcoming performances. Whatever I have, it is thanks to them,” she said. First, on Sunday, December 8, at 5 p.m., at “When the parents and teachers stay connect - Watertown Middle School, it will present “2014: A ed, they can work better.” Musical Odyssey,” featuring the humorous chil - Now after many years as a teacher, Konjoyan dren’s story, Mekneri Joghoveh by A. Khnkoyan After a show last year, the singers and Hasmik Konjoyan enjoy themselves. has the chance to have the role of the parent in (The Meeting of the Mice) in the first part and sea - the equation, with her 20-month-old daughter. sonal music in the second half. The Zangakner motto, she said, is “Faith, “We will present it and all the characters dren’s Christmas concert and tree-lighting cere - am so proud to say they are my students,” she Love and Dedication.” Konjoyan stressed the were chosen by the kids and created thanks to mony. said. “Zangakner is only taking their first steps to To learn more about the group, visit its page the professional stage. There is more to come. I at www.facebook.com/Zangakner Yes, We Have: Expanded Published

LOS ANGELES — Yes, We Have: Expanded, a sweeping overview of Armenian contributions to the US, has been released by the Armenian Arts Fund. The 800-plus-page volume comprises more than 700 short biographies and US patents awarded to Americans of Armenian descent. The book also includes a number of more extensive entries on such luminaries as Oscar H. Banker (Asadoor Sarafian), father of the The members of Zangakner singing on Mother’s Day automatic transmission and inventor of the series, proceeds from the sale of Yes, We multicolor printing press, among others. Have: Expanded will support an ongoing “Even after five years of research, I am still research and publishing project titled The importance of music education for young chil - their creativity,” Konjoyan said. “It is presented pleasantly surprised by the enormous scale Armenian World . dren. “In civilized, educated countries, music in a humorous fashion.” and variety of Armenian accomplishments in Partamian appealed to the worldwide classes are given importance and are even The concert’s second part, she said, “is a cul - America; it’s simply breathtaking,” said Armenian community to support this pro - mandatory at a young age. It has a positive tural trip that shows different ways of celebrat - Stepan Partamian, who compiled the book. ject by purchasing copies of Yes, We Have: influence on a child’s development. Music ing New Year’s Eves across the world, in differ - Yes, We Have: Expanded is the fifth, and Expanded or making a financial contribu - teaches children about feelings, ambition, disci - ent countries. We will present each of those most extensive, installment of a series of tion through www.letuseducate.com. Yes, pline and dedication.” nations’ songs and dances.” books sharing the Yes, We Have title. We Have: Expanded , priced at $40 plus Konjoyan graduated with an honors diploma In addition, Zangakner has been invited to Partamian launched the series in 2009. shipping and handling, is available from from the Yerevan State Pedagogical University, sing at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City As with previous installments of the TheArmenian.com. the Music Department of Aesthetic Education. on December 14 at 4 p.m., as part of its chil - S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

MASSACHUSETTS DECEMBER 6 — Anniversary celebration by Lowell “Aharonian” Gomideh, 6:30 p.m., St. Gregory Church, North Andover; dinner and program honoring 50-year members Steve Dulgarian and Joe Dagdigian; remember - ing the 25th anniversary of the earthquake in Armenia; soloist Nina Hovsepian, accompanied by Mary Barooshian; donation, $20 adults, $10 students. DECEMBER 6 AND 7 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Friday, 3-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Featuring delicious Armenian dinners, a la carte menu and take-out meals; booths and vendors; Armenian gourmet foods, delicacies and pastries; raffles, and more. Saturday only: Santa’s Playland, for children ages 4-12, 10 a.m.-11:45 a.m., “Curious Creatures” animal program, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Admission: $5 per child. Visit with Santa, 1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. DECEMBER 7 — St. Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church of Whitinsville Annual Bazaar, hosted at the Pleasant On December 1, the Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra will perform a Christmas Street Christian Reformed Church, 25 Cross St., 10 a.m.- Holiday Concert at 7 p.m., celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob 4:30 p.m.; dinner served from 11:30 a.m. onward and Armenian Church, Providence, RI at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 175 Oaklawn ample parking available. Avenue, Cranston, RI. The event will feature composer Konstantin Petrossian, conductor, DECEMBER 8 — Taline, Friends and Santa Armenian featured soloists: Narine Ojakhyan, soprano; Giovanni Formisano, tenor and Noune Christmas Concer t for Children, 3 p.m., Regent Karapetian, soprano. The public is warmly invited to attend this complimentary concert. Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. Advance $27. Visit www.talinemusic.com or call (818) 730-3487 for more info. DECEMBER 15 — Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra, 10th Annual Holiday Gala, Cipriani 42nd Street, 110 E. Christmas Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., Holy Trinity NEW YORK 42nd St., New York City, titled “The Next 10 Is 100,” look - Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. ing back on 10 years of accomplishments. Special Guests, Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Earthquake DECEMBER 7 — The Sixth Annual AGBU Per forming youth from Armenian, Master of Ceremonies Andrea in Armenia. Composer Konstantin Petrossian, conduc - Artists in Concert, 8 p.m., Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Martin, Emmy and Tony Award winning actress. Cocktails tor. featured soloists: Victoria Avetisyan, mezzo-soprano, Hall, 154 West 57th St., presented by the AGBU New York and auction at 7 pm.. and dinner at 8, with dancing at 10 and Yeghishe Manucharyan, tenor. The public is warmly Special Events Committee to benefit its performing arts p.m. For more information, visit www.coafkids.org/ invited to attend this complimentary concert. programs in commemoration of the 1998 earthquake in Armenia. Under the direction of violinist Nazig Tchakarian, NEW JERSEY the event will feature arts fellows from Bulgaria, France, RHODE ISLAND Mexico and the US. Tickets: $35, $65, for more info, con - DECEMBER 31 — St. Thomas Armenian Church New tact 212-319-6383 DECEMBER 1 — Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra, Year’s Eve Celebration, 8 p.m., featuring DJ Shant. .DECEMBER 7 AND 8 — St. Peter Armenian Church Christmas Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., Celebrating the Serving extensive appetizers, full course dinner, Viennese Annual Bazaar, 11 a.m., 100 Troy-Schenectady Rd. 100th Anniversary of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian table at 12 a.m. and free champagne! Donation: $65 for Albany, 12189. Vendors, raffles, photos with Santa, cari - Church, Providence at Annunciation Greek Orthodox adults, children 7-12 $20, children 6 & under free, please caturist Phil Singer and musical entertainment. Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston. Composer reserve early, space is limited. Additional entertainment Sponsorship opportunities available. For more informa - Konstantin Petrossian, conductor, featured soloists: for children and gifts from Santa. For reservation contact tion, contact the church office at Narine Ojakhyan, soprano; Giovanni Formisano, tenor and Tanya 201-941-6764, Talar 201-240-8541 or Jacklyn 201- [email protected]. Noune Karapetian, soprano. The public is warmly invited 266-4830, Rt. 9W & E. Clinton Avenue, Tenafly. DECEMBER 13 — The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) to attend this complimentary concert.

Edmond Azadian’s Essay Compilation Published in French

PARIS — A book launch was held on the book along with the Tekeyan Cultural November 13, at the AGBU Alex Manoogian Association. The book has eight chapters and Center here for Perspectives Armeniennes comprises 100 essays extending over 330 pages. (Armenian Perspectives), a collection of editori - All the essays have been published in English al essays by Edmond Azadian. in the Armenian Mirror-Spectator newspaper The evening was hosted by the Chobanian in Watertown, with the majority published also Institute in Paris, which was the co-sponsor of in Montreal’s trilingual Abaka weekly. They were translated by Nicole Papazian, the editor of the French section of Abaka . Some of the essays have also appeared in Europe-Orient Quarterly published by the Chobanian Institute. As the number of the translated articles grew, the founder and director of the Chobanian Institute, Varoujan Sirapian, decided to publish them in book form. At the reception, Sirapian first introduced Azadian and his latest book. He then invited the author to speak. Reading from a French text, Azadian outlined his philosophy as an edi - torialist and thanked many of those who had contributed to the French translation of the book, including Sirapian, proofreader Jean Michele Houssey and Papazian. Some excerpts were read by actor/director Gerald Papasian. Each segment read was followed by a question- and-answer period. Following the formal presentations of the The cover of by book, the author autographed copies which were Perspectives Armeniennes Edmond Azadian bought by the participants of the evening, who From left, Gerald Papasian, Edmond Azadian and Varoujan Sirapian were later treated to a champagne reception. 14 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

THE ARMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror A Quarter-Century Has Not Changed Much Spectator In the Quake Zone Japan, after the devastating tsunami last year. By Edmond Y. Azadian Many international and humanitarian groups came to the res - cue of the Gumri people but since so many national disasters have occurred worldwide, the Armenians have been left to help Established 1932 Many nations celebrate the glorious events of their history, themselves. The Lincy Foundation, the AGBU, the Aznavour Armenians tend to commemorate the more dismal pages of their Foundation, Fund For Armenian Relief, the Armenian Relief An ADL Publication past — the fall of the city of Ani to Seljuks, the Genocide, the Society and other groups have been helping the population of earthquake and other chains of tragedy that form Armenian his - northern Armenia recover from the devastation, but after 25 tory. Ironically, one of the most exhilarating celebrations is the years some numbness has settled in. While many Gumri families EDITOR annual commemoration of the Vartanants War of 451 AD agonize still in domiks , there is obscene opulence nearby. A Alin K. Gregorian against the Persians; a story of a defeat, but one which recent Versailles-style hotel built in the city next to ruins, by an Armenians consider it to be the triumph of spirit over a formi - oligarch is shocking, just as the unfulfilled promises to the strick - ASSISTANT EDITOR dable, Godless enemy. en families. Gabriella Gage Thus, the stage is set to commemorate the 25th anniversary of The second president of the republic, Robert Kocharian, had the Gumri earthquake, which took place in 1988, on December pledged during his 1998 campaign to reconstruct the disaster ASSOCIATE EDITOR Aram Arkun 7, at 11:41 a.m. zone entirely by the year 2001. But today, there are still 4500 The 20th century has not been very charitable to the people still living in domiks, while it is rumored that Mr. ART DIRECTOR Armenians. Armenia was barely recovering from the devastation Kocharian left the presidency with $10 billion in his son’s coffers. Marc Mgrditchian of the first Genocide of the century when in 1925 an earthquake Armenia is located in an earthquake zone, with a fault line hit Gumri. The city was then called Alexandrapol and had running through it. It has been punished by nature many times. become a center of refugee camps. Alexandrapol was called the Besides the 1925 earthquake the records demonstrate that SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: city of orphans, as hundreds of thousands of surviving children earthquakes have taken place in Dvin, in 893, during the Seljuk Edmond Azadian of the Genocide were gathered there under the care of interna - siege of Ani in the 11th century, Cilicia in 1268 and Zangezur in tional relief agencies. Despite the harsh conditions of early 1931. CONTRIBUTORS: Soviet rule, it was a period of hope and reconstruction. The An apocryphal story is told by the prominent architect and his - Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune orphans who had survived the Genocide were hit once more by torian Michael Mazmanian. According to this story, Leonardo Da Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. nature’s fury, exactly like the survivors of Baku and Sumgait Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Vinci had taken refuge in Cilicia in late 15th century, to escape Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork pogroms who had sought refuge from Azerbaijan in Armenia, political persecution in his homeland and while he was in Cilicia, Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , only to be hit by the 1988 earthquake. an earthquake shook the region and the artist was huddled in Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop Children who were born in 1988 are adults today, ready to an Armenian church with other people where he made some Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian form their own families, yet many of them are still condemned to sketches of the church architecture, preserved in his “Armenian live in wretched conditions of domiks (temporary shelters), after Papers.” Mr. Mazmanian believed that Da Vinci’s Armenian draw - CORRESPONDENTS: a quarter century. The epicenter of the 7.8-magnitude earth - ings later had an influence on Renaissance architecture. If the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian quake was near the village of Nalband. The nearby town of story is true, at least one benefit would be generated by the Boston - Nancy Kalajian Spitak was completely razed. All in all, 342 villages were dam - earthquake tragedy. (In a strange aside that shows the workings Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach aged, with 58 them completely destroyed. At the time it was of the Soviet authorities, Mazmanian had designed the KGB reported that 25,000 people had perished, but many witnesses building in Yerevan. On the day of its dedication, after a lavish Contributing Photographers: challenge that figure and place the real number as high as party, the KGB chief asked that the architect stay back. After Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair Hovsepian 50,000. that, he spent the next 17 years in Siberia, his Soviet-style By 1989, 113 countries had provided relief to the tune of $500 reward!) million, while Azeris vandalized some relief trains. Today Gumri still is a gaping wound in Armenia. Its population The tragedy happened during a period of political dissent, in of 220,000 before the earthquake has been reduced to 125,000, The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published the last years of the Soviet Union, when Soviet President Mikhail not necessarily as a result of the earthquake, but also because of weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Gorbachev was visiting Washington. He cut his visit short and emigration. The birthrate of 5,000 per 100,000 of population Baikar Association, Inc. returned to the USSR. before the earthquake has dropped to 2,000. Crime is rampant 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 While visiting the earthquake-ravaged north of Armenia, some and no one is able to control the feud between the oligarchs in Telephone: 617-924-4420 ugly encounters were reported. The Karabagh independence the city. FAX: 617-924-2887 movement had just started and people rallied around the Soviet But the citizens of Gumri have been endowed with an unusu - www.mir rorspectator.com leader to ask for justice for Karabagh. The Soviet leader scolded al sense of humor. Gumri, Leninakan or Alexandrapol, as it has E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com them, saying that in such a devastating situation, people were been known throughout history, has been traditionally a hub of after politics. For advertising: [email protected] Armenian culture. The city has produced theater companies and Gorbachev pledged $8 billion for reconstruction, a pledge put on operas; many poets have hailed from the city. The earth - never fulfilled because of the collapse of the Soviet Empire. quake has created some gallows humor. It is ironic that all three tragedies would hit Armenia at the After so many tragedies and potential tragedies, one may won - SUBSCRIPTION RATES : same time: the earthquake, the war in Karabagh and the collapse der why people still would live in that Godforsaken part of the of the empire. world: the answer is summarized in the statement of a survivor The Metsamor nuclear power plant, which is located 47 miles from called Hrach: “We cannot blame people who have abandoned U.S.A. $80 a year the epicenter of the quake, miraculously survived intact. It stopped our land. Who would take care of it? It’s ours, we have to keep functioning, just as it was designed to do in case of a quake. However, on living, fighting, overcoming, making it prosper, be strong, my Canada $125 a year international atomic energy experts questioned the wisdom of build - children are my greatest treasure, maybe tomorrow their lives ing the nuclear plant so near the earthquake zone. The idea is fright - will be more challenging, but better than ours, that’s for sure.” Other Countries $190 a year ening — just think back to what recently happened in Fukushima, The wisdom of common people always prevails.

© 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. The Church of France Has to Meet the Challenge ISSN 0004-234X POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The itself with the means needed for retaining its munity link. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Armenian nature and its values, but also and It is true that the action of Karekin II will Watertown, MA 02471-0302 By Sarkis Bedoian above all for supporting the great battles of mark the history of the church, as well as that Other than the editorial, views and opinions the Armenian nation. of the entire nation. Upon completion of some expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. The consecration of the Armenian cathedral It was no coincidence that the President of immense projects, the Holy See will again in Moscow, part of a very large complex includ - the Republic of Armenia and the President of become the spiritual center “of the first ing a school, a conference center, a museum Karabagh were there, that the Russian Christian Nation”: the 22 acres assigned to and the seat of the prelacy, is a historic event Orthodox patriarch, Kirill I, was at the altar Echmiadzin are going to become 128; the of political significance. The cathedral, in a typ - alongside the Catholicos, and that almost majority of the 15 historic buildings will be ically Armenian style, is decorated with bas- 1,500 guests attended an evening concert in renovated and 15 new ones will be put up: a reliefs and friezes carved from a traditional Saint-Savior Cathedral to hear Armenian vir - new pontifical see, a Matenadaran (manuscript kind of tuff, accounting for its monumental tuosos and the Holy Echmiadzin choir accom - library), a Vanadoon (clergy housing), a baptis - Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without character. The interior is not affected by this panied by the prestigious Moscow tery, a sports and youth complex, a new mau - express permission of the copyright aspect, since the walls and ceilings are covered Philharmonic Orchestra. It took the determi - soleum church, an open-air altar, a set of owner. Address requests for reprints or by frescoes in the pastel shades giving the nation of the Moscow prelate, Ezras Nersisyan, offices for the economic departments, etc. As back issues to: faithful the impression of floating between appointed in 2001 to head an insolvent dio - to the spiritual and educational aspect, the Baikar Association, Inc. Heaven and Earth, protected by a Christ with cese, to tackle that stagnating project head-on. 120 seminarians will become 250, and there 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 open arms under the cupola, 60 meters high. The catholicos’ charisma was also needed to will be a new seminary in Sevan and then The political meaning of such a structure is fla - make the eminent benefactors aware of the another in Harijavank. Eight youth houses wil grant: the bulk of the Diaspora is equipping essential role played by the church as a com - continued on next page S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

years as Assemblyman (1963-67). In 1988, then Vice earned and retained our respect through more than a quar - President and presidential candidate George H.W. Bush ter century of excellent public service at the highest levels.” considered Governor Deukmejian as a possible vice presi - Governor Deukmejian, a native of the village of Menands, dential running mate. However, Deukmejian asked that his New York, was named Courken at birth. His father, name be withdrawn from consideration in order not to Courken, was from Aintab and mother, Elbiss (Alice), from My Turn leave California in the hands of a Democratic Lieutenant Arapkir. Governor. Had he not declined and had been picked for the Justice Baxter recalled that the Judicial Council of By Harut Sassounian Republican ticket, Deukmejian would have been elected California had decided with a unanimous vote to name the Vice President along with Pres. Bush later that year. new building as the Governor George Deukmejian Subsequently, he could have run for President, and if suc - Courthouse. “This action reflects the bipartisan respect A Proud Moment for Armenians: cessful, become the first US President of Armenian and support” the governor enjoys “throughout this nation Courthouse Named after Gov. descent! and state,” Baxter proudly proclaimed. To honor the governor, over 500 government officials, The 35th governor of California was the last speaker of Deukmejian former colleagues, friends, family members and distin - the evening before unveiling the dedication plaque, sur - guished guests attended the courthouse dedication cere - rounded by his wife Gloria, their children and grandchil - Two prominent Armenian-Americans were recently hon - mony. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by members dren. ored with exceptional accolades, making Armenians proud of the California Supreme Court, Superior Court of Los “So many parties skillfully have combined their talent of their accomplishments. Angeles County, US Congress, State Assembly, Los Angeles and expertise to produce a truly extraordinary new court - In July, the US Navy announced that a future guided-mis - County Board of Supervisors, Mayor of Long Beach, and house building in Long Beach,” stated Governor sile destroyer will bear the name of Paul Ignatius Bar Association of Long Beach. Deukmejian. “It is an outstanding addition to the skyline (Iknadosian), the highest ranking Armenian-American offi - The half million square feet Deukmejian Courthouse and to the fabric of the city, and I am proud and pleased to cial in the Federal Government. He served for eight years includes 31 courtrooms, administrative space, detention have my name associated with it.” He called the dedication in the presidential administrations of John F. Kennedy and facilities, offices for county justice agencies, and compatible ceremony “a wonderful, touching and humbling capstone Lyndon B. Johnson as Assistant Secretary of the Army, retail space. The building features the latest safety and envi - to my life and career in public service.” Undersecretary of the Army, Assistant Secretary of ronmental innovations with functional public spaces for In a jovial mood, Governor Deukmejian made self-depre - Defense, and finally in 1967, Secretary of the Navy. the efficient conduct of business and movement of people cating remarks about his well-known “lack of charisma,” Last week, a new superior court building in Long Beach, throughout the building. and his long Armenian last name which he had never con - California, was named after Governor George Deukmejian. Successive speakers emphasized Governor Deukmejian’s sidered changing or shortening. “My only concern has The official dedication ceremony of the $339 million court strong family values and his Armenian heritage. California been that my name wouldn’t fit” on the courthouse build - complex took place on November 21. Supreme Court Justice Marvin Baxter (Bagdasarian), who ing, the governor joked to the great amusement of the Governor Deukmejian served the State of California with had worked for Governor Deukmejian as Appointments guests. distinction for 28 years. After narrowly winning his first Secretary, mentioned in his keynote remarks that the gov - One would hope that the 85-year-old governor would election as governor in 1982, he was reelected in a land - ernor had “moved from New York to California in 1955, soon make his first trip to Armenia. It is important that the slide in 1986. Earlier, he had served for four years as armed only with his law degree and high principles instilled young generation of Armenians in the homeland get to Attorney General (1979-83), twelve years as State Senator by his Armenian-American immigrant parents…. He was an know him as an outstanding role model and inspiration for (1967-1979) and Senate Majority Leader (1969), and four outstanding legislator, attorney general, and governor. He their future accomplishments.

from previous page l come into being, distributing 1,200 meals a day to the poor - Plush hotels and caviar diplomacy: est part of the population and to old people, and there will be a school in Echmiadzin and an orphanage in Yerevan. The priests’ tasks will be enlarged to take in visits to prisoners and soldiers ... The lay state will approve a law including courses How Azerbaijan’s elite wooed MPs about the Armenian religion in the secondary cycle. This spiritual explosion is going to heighten people’s aware - HancockIt operates from According to leaked US ness: almost 150 new churches will be consecrated during this an exclusive Mayfair address By Jamie Doward and Charlotte Latimer embassy cables: “First lady pontificate, and the ranks of the clergy will expand by more and throws lavish parties for Mehriban Aliyeva appears than 300 members, making a total of 700 servants — half of politicians of all parties. to have had substantial cos - them in the Diaspora — thus meeting the needs of a population Ostensibly an independent trade body, the European metic surgery, presumably overseas, and wears dresses that deprived by 70 years of Communism and disoriented by the Azerbaijan Society (Teas) regularly takes members of parlia - would be considered provocative even in the western world ... sects’ discourse. ment (MPs), members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and “The first lady and her two daughters hosted second lady The sister churches are becoming aware of this new current: government officials on trips to the former Soviet state, where Lynne Cheney for dinner in September 2008. Prior to the sec - in 2001, the Catholicos brought John-Paul II, Alexis II, the they are put up in luxury hotels. ond lady’s arrival, one Secret Service agent asked ‘which one Archbishop of Canterbury together in Echmiadzin — religious On previous trips, members of the Council of Europe visit - of those is the mother?’ Emboffs [embassy officials] and White leaders representing more than two billion Christians in the ing the capital, Baku, are among those to have been treated House staff studied the three for several moments, then an world! France was not absent from this movement, as the dio - royally. According to one insider: “These are real vacations and Emboff said, ‘Well, logically the mother would probably stand cese was created: the democratic by-laws put an end to the elec - there are many expensive gifts. Gifts are mostly expensive silk in the middle.’ ” tion “ad vitam” of the prelate, and the catholicos waived his pre - carpets, gold and silver items, drinks, caviar and money. In The country’s own cosmetic enchancement, crafted by the rogative of appointing the “apostolic delegate.” Baku, a common gift is two kilograms of caviar.” European Azerbaijan Society, has seen it win support in high The destiny of the Church of France was then in the hands But human rights groups are questioning the society’s use places. Prince Andrew is a regular visitor to the country and of the faithful guided by new prelate, Norvan Zakarian, who of “caviar diplomacy” to enhance the image of one of the most last year David Cameron welcomed Aliyev to Downing Street promised “evangelization of the population, organization of the autocratic countries in the world, at a time when it is plagued before the Olympics. catechism and training of the elites.” People expected some ini - by allegations of rigged elections and harsh treatment towards The society is also influential in British business circles. Last tiatives for combatting the sketchiness of the teaching of independent journalists and opposition parties. month it organized a high-profile trade conference promoting Armenian in France, to organize the catechism at national level, The society is accused of being a mouthpiece for the coun - the UK’s involvement in Azerbaijan. BP is one of the main play - to build new churches, to emphasize the priests’ pastoral mis - try’s elite families who own much of its oil and mining inter - ers in a consortium intending to bring Caspian gas from the sion. But nothing happened on those matters — or very little. ests. It is chaired by Tale Heydarov, the London-based son of European border of Turkey to Italy. The absurd Nice conflict should have been settled by direct and Kamaladdin Heydarov, the minister for emergency situations, But critics question whether the UK should focus more on frank dialog, not by sending out lawyers and the same applies who is one of President Ilham Aliyev’s inner circle and is often the country’s human rights abuses than its gas reserves. “The to the situation of the Strasbourg parish, forcing the priest in described as the most powerful man in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani government is engaged in a deliberate, abusive charge there to look for paid employment in order to survive — “On the face of it, Teas may seem to be an independent orga - strategy to limit dissent,” Human Rights Watch said in a fact known to Mgr. Norvan — which should have been man - nization,” said Tom Mayne of Global Witness. “But the fact September. aged by the latter even if that entailed sending that priest back that its chair is Tale Heydarov can only raise questions about Amnesty International recently called on the Azerbaijani to the Holy See if he became “unmanageable.” the society’s impartiality and its aims.” authorities to halt their “crackdown on freedom of expression” But let’s avoid politicization of a micro-phenomenon: when The society, which boasts the well-connected political lobby - after a journalist and a writer who criticized the government a political party begins referring to “the centralizing manage - ist Lionel Zetter as director, provides secretarial support to par - were both jailed. ment, the unacceptable misuse of power” of the Catholicos, it liament’s all-party group on Azerbaijan and has assiduously However, British MPs who were part of the PACE delegation is easy to see the resurgence of the old demons of division of cultivated relationships with politicians from all sides, throw - that observed Azerbaijan’s elections last month, in which the churches championed by that party during the Cold War ing glitzy receptions for MPs at their parties’ annual confer - President Aliyev was voted in for a third term, countered such in order to combat “the Communist propaganda tool, accord - ences. concerns. ing to it. The society has given at least £71,740 to Tory MPs to cover “I have been to at least 10 polling stations,” said Portsmouth For 30 years I served the Church of France as president of trips to the country. It has also spent at least £9,700 on send - South MP Mike Hancock, whose aide and lover was once paid an ephoria, a council or a general assembly. Nobody has ever ing Labour MPs to the country, regularly judged to be one of £3,000 for work she did for the society. “I have not seen even made any partisan suggestion whatsoever to us as concerns the most corrupt in the world by Transparency International, minor shortcomings that people might complain of.” our action, and similarly I never received any voting instruc - while the new Labour pressure group, Progress, has held an Tory MP Robert Walter, who led the team of independent tions whatsoever at the time of the election of Karekin II. The event that enjoyed its sponsorship. In May 2011 a delegation observers and praised Azerbaijan for having “a large presence Church of France must meet the challenge of again instilling of parliamentarians as well as peers went on a five-day visit to of national and international observers for the 2013 presiden - faith in the young generations that do not speak Armenian and Azerbaijan, paid for by the society. tial election”, said that politicians should be suspicious of have distanced themselves from that church, take up its origi - Separately in the same year, Baroness Eccles, and Viscount third-party groups representing foreign powers. nal teaching mission, open up to its faithful in a spirit of dialog Eccles, members of the parliamentary assembly of the Council “I have throughout my parliamentary career avoided associ - concerning the major themes of modern society, and above all of Europe (PACE), the body responsible for monitoring ation with groups funded by or acting on behalf of foreign gov - be in the vanguard of or even initiate the great political strug - Azerbaijan elections, took trips to the country which were ernments,” Walter said. “As vice- chairman of the All Party gles of the Diaspora. Let’s wager that the new prelate will funded by the society. Parliamentary Human Rights Group, I think this has been a accept his task. The often-extravagant nature of the welcome accorded to vis - wise decision.” (Sarkis Bedoian is a director of financial companies.) iting dignitaries seems to flow from the country’s first family. (This analysis originally appeared in the Guardian .) 16 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 30, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Dark Days Recalled on Eve of 25th Anniversary of Quake

QUAKE, from page 1 4,500 children born every year. After the earth - He said with regret that nowadays families do been accomplished, and believes that today’s gen - gone, there were servicemen everywhere… My quake, in 1989-1991, the birthrate reached 5,000. not have more than two children; out of the 2,000 eration is a broken one. He said, “God only knows house was gone, my mom was buried under the The tempo dropped, however, during the dark annual births, only every 200th is a third child. which generation may help reviving it.” ruins, my little son had survived by miracle. From and cold years (after independence, when As an expert in this field, he prescribes his own “Maybe the third? Our grandchildren’s chil - our building only, on Aragats street, 78 died,” the Armenia, still recovering from the earthquake remedy: “To every next child in a family the state dren? After the 1926 earthquake, there were bar - 65-year-old doctor brings to light the memories that took at least 25,000 lives, was in a state of should give 2-2.5 million drams (roughly $5,000- racks, which were taken away only in 1954; it will buried deep in his heart for two and a half decades, war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabagh, in $6,000) at least, to motivate families and reduce take at least 30 years [for the domiks to disap - unwilling to tell more of his personal story, rather an almost complete blockade, challenged with the army of unemployed, because if they have no pear]. There was the Soviet Union then [when the focusing on his professional challenges. energy crisis). The birthrate fell gradually by 200- jobs, how can you tell someone living off social state provided housing], while now we are the In 1988, Grigoryan worked as a chief doctor at 300, hitting a very low index of 1,500 in 1996. benefits to have a second or third child…” ones building out houses,” said Grigoryan, with Akhuryan maternity hospital, 19 km from Gumri. “Three times less than after the earthquake. In Giving his assessment of what’s been done to frustration over the fact that even after all this In the chaos of the earthquake aftermath his pro - 1998-2012, that 1,500 went up to 2,000 and has revive Gumri during all these years after the time there are homeless families in Gumri, living fession was of top importance. He recalled how been steady at that level for the past five years, earthquake, Grigoryan said a lot more could have in temporary tin-houses, somehow resisting the the new wing of Gumri’s maternity hospital had which is normal per today’s 100,000 population,” turned into a pile of stones, while the old wing he said. had collapsed only partially. Fifty one of his col - He offers an explanation of why birthrates leagues died in the ruins of the hospital, as well grew especially after the earthquake. Ties to ADL Imperil Patrick Judge Nominee as 48 mothers and infants; there were some, how - “Gumri had 25,000 human casualties, the ever, who managed to escape, holding their majority of them were children. Those women, JUDGE, from page 1 about the ADL. She said she objected to letters babies in their arms. still in reproductive age, who had no more mater - Berman is a board member of the New the ADL writes to the US Senate Judiciary Still, despite the devastating consequences of nity plans, bore children again to replace the ones England chapter of the ADL. Devaney called the Committee prior to judicial candidate hearings. the natural calamity, life took its course. While they had lost. They were not young, still they did ADL hypocritical because it refuses to recognize Caissie called the letters “bona fide litmus tests” many were looking for their missing family mem - it. Those who had lost two children, had two the Armenian Genocide. She said she has a bias on issues ranging from abortion to the First bers, mourning their losses, new lives were born babies within the following three years, that’s the against the ADL that she would be unable to put Amendment. She said she is troubled by the posi - at the dusk of December 7 in once-beautiful reason why the number of births rose. We had a aside when considering the nominee. tions of the ADL, and criticized Berman for not Gumri (which was then Leninakan), now turned 48-year-old woman delivering a child. In the years Berman, a Weston resident who is a partner at withdrawing from the group. into mountains of stone and concrete, coming to of crisis the births dropped again,” he said. the Boston law firm Looney & Grossman, was Caissie said she was concerned Berman would prove that life would go on against all odds. Still, Since 2001, a new maternity hospital has been questioned for more than four hours by the coun - be an activist judge. life would never be the same again. functioning as the gift of the Polish government cil last week. He graduated from Dartmouth Caissie asked why the governor was postpon - “That day 12 babies were born in Gumri,” to the people of Gumri. College and received his law degree from The ing. “I don’t know of any reason why this nomi - recalled the obstetrician, who was 40 at that time. He recalled the extreme working conditions of University of Michigan Law School. His practice nee should not be voted on today,” she said. Together with the surviving doctors they the years that followed the disaster and makes an focuses on commercial litigation, trying several “This is breaking with the council’s precedence.” offered obstetric assistance in Gumri at the sur - attempt to lighten up the mood with humor. He cases in Superior Court each year. Patrick said the constitution gave him the viving “Railway” hospital building; medical tools tells a funny story that happened at the hospital: Jeffrey Robbins, an attorney at the Boston law authority to set the agenda and “to bring forth from the surgical department were given to the “It was during the dark years. A nurse was sitting firm Mintz Levin and a member of the ADL, said for you the votes when I’m ready for those votes obstetricians, delivery chairs were extracted from in the maternity hospital’s reception room cov - that Devaney and Berman “are exactly in to be taken.” He said the council will have the under the maternity hospital ruins, also the ered with two blankets and a white robe on top. accord,” on the Armenian Genocide, saying chance to vote. undamaged equipment and property from She had a candle as the only source of light. A Berman led the effort of the New England chap - “I am going to work hard to get the votes. I Akhuryan hospital was transferred here. Later pregnant woman came to check-in, the nurse ter in demanding the national organization have not had an opportunity to do that,” Patrick tents were put out and turned into a temporary took out the inquiry form to fill — surname, date change its position. said. “I think this is a candidate who is more than maternity hospital; then the hospital moved to of birth, which pregnancy, and there was a ques - Berman, 49, told councilors he was tempted to ready to serve.” one of the buildings belonging to the Textile fac - tion whether the water had broken. Before the resign from the ADL, but changed his mind because Devaney said she thinks the council members tory; and further moved to a domik in 1989-1990. woman could answer, her husband interfered, say - the organization does great work in so many other will not change their minds. “To prolong this Today chief obstetrician of the region, ing: ‘No, doctor, I let it run not to freeze’ [pipes areas. He thought one commission member resign - serves no purpose,” she said. Grigoryan brings birthrate statistics of Gumri would freeze so people often had to let the water ing would not make a difference, and decided to stay Councilor Terrence Kennedy said he support - from the past 25 years. Before 1988, when run to prevent that]. That’s how we worked,” and work for change from the inside. ed Berman, but added he did not think the vote Gumri’s population was 200,000, there were Grigoryan tells with laughter. Councilor Jennie Caissie had broader concerns would change over the next week.