JULY 28, 2012

THE ARMENIAN

Mirror -Spe ctaItn Ouor Mirror -Spe ctatror 80th Year Volume LXXXIII, NO. 2, Issue 4247 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Sandcastle Girls Oprah Karabagh Blog Book of the Week CHICAGO — Oprah Winfrey’s Blog declared New An Olympic Love Story York Times best-selling author Chris Bohjalian’s novel on the Armenian Genocide, The Sandcastle President ANDREW SCHWARTZ PHOTO Girls , as the must-read Book of the Week, reported the Armenian National Committee of America By Megan Finnegan (ANCA). The announcement was first posted on Re-Elected NEW YORK (New York Press) — For Oprah.com, where the editors of O and Oprah.com Michael Gostigian and Sharon Monplaisir, informed their fans about “the newest releases that the Olympics have always been a beacon they couldn’t stop reading.” This week, The Monitors Praise Vote for of strength, perseverance, competition — Sandcastle Girls was at the top of their list. Transparency and true love. The married Upper West Oprah.com’s Nathalie Gorman said, “Best known Siders are both former Olympians, and for his thrillers like Midwives , Chris Bohjalian has STEPANAKERT (Combined Sources) — they credit the games for bringing them come out with a different kind of page turner — a Incumbent Karabagh (Artsakh) President together almost 20 years ago. searing, tautly woven tale of war and the legacy it Bako Sahakyan won re-election on Gostigian competed in the pentathlon, leaves behind.” She also said, “This rendering of Thursday, July 19, taking 66.7 percent of an Olympic event in its 100th year this one of history’s greatest (and least known) the votes. Runner-up Gen. Vitali Balasanyan summer that includes swimming, cross- tragedies is a nuanced, sophisticated portrayal of got 32.5 percent of votes, while Arkadi country running, pistol shooting, fencing what it means not only to endure, but to insist on and show jumping. He had trained as a hope.” swimmer as a teenager in the Philadelphia This is not the first time Winfrey has singled out area and caught the eye of millionaire a book by Bohjalian; she picked Midwives as her John Dupont, who was putting together a Michael Gostigian and Sharon book of the month in 1998. pentathlon team. He learned to shoot and Monplaisir run on Dupont’s estate, then trained with an 80-year-old Hungarian fencing master. Komitas Memorial at Gostigian competed in fencing tournaments while training for the pentathlon, Berlin University which is how he first encountered the woman he would marry. “We would cross paths at various fencing tournaments around the world,” BERLIN (Hetq) — A memorial plaque dedicated to Gostigian, 49, remembers. “In the ’92 Olympics, we were there together. She came Komitas Vartabed Soghomonian will be placed on see GOSTIGIAN, page 16 one of the walls at Berlin University, noting that the Armenian musicologist and ethnographer stud - ied there from 1896 to 1899. official data, scored only 12.53 percent. Nara Mendelyan was chosen to design the plaque Thus, 80-90-percent victories were consid - House Defeats Bill after winning a competition held by the Republic of ered to be the norm in Karabagh, however, Armenia Ministry of Culture. things have changed and “the bar is lower” Giving Turkey The bronze plaque will be unveiled this fall. now and Sahakyan has cleared it with 67 Preferential Treatment President Bako Sahakyan cast his vote in percent. Sargisian Heads to Stepanakert. The lack of an opposition was actually On US Tribal Lands the reason why two years ago the Freedom London for Olympics House organization ranked Karabagh “not WASHINGTON — This week, the House Soghomyan received 0.8 percent votes. free,” removing it from the list of “partly of Representatives defeated a measure that LONDON (Combined sources) — Armenian In 2007, Sahakyan won by 85.12 percent, free” countries. singled out Turkey for preferential treat - President Serge Sargisian left for London on while his main opponent Masis Mailyan, by see ELECTION, page 2 ment to engage in economic development Thursday, July 26, and, together with other invited projects on tribal lands in the United presidents, he attended the opening ceremony of States, reported the Armenian Assembly of the games on July 27. America. The measure did not receive the No official send-off ceremony was held for the two-thirds majority required and failed by a members of Armenia’s Olympic team because most vote of 222 in favor to 160 against. are training in European countries. Representatives Doc Hastings (R-WA), The National Olympic Committee announced on Tom Cole (R-OK), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Monday that any member of the Armenian Olympic James Moran (D-VA), Dan Boren (D-OK) Team who medals in the upcoming games in along with Delegate Eni Faleomavaega (D- London will be rewarded in cash for his/her medal. American Samoa) spoke in favor of the bill, A gold medal will be worth $100,000; silver, HR 2362, the Indian Tribal Trade and $75,000 and bronze, $50,000. Investment Demonstration Project Act of According to the Committee’s general secretary, 2011, while Representatives Frank Pallone Hrachia Rostomyan, the government has also Jr. (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and John promised additional bonuses of $50,000, $37,000 Sarbanes (D-MD) led the charge against the and $25,000 for the corresponding medals. legislation. Armenia has sent 25 athletes in nine categories During the debate, bill sponsor Cole to the games, which will conclude on August 12. noted that he was approached by the Turkish Coalition of America about the leg - islation. According to campaign contribu - tion records, Cole has received $6,000 in INSI DE Turkish PAC money this cycle while Foxx From left, Baydzig Kalaydjian, Dr. Nubar Berberian and Hagop Vartivarian received $10,000. Cole argued that HR 2362 does not grant Turkey preferential treatment. Story of Armenian Caucus Co-chair Pallone, who Zartonk Editor Visits East Coast indicated his support for “efforts to bring BOSTON — Baydzig Kalaydjian, the editor of Zartonk daily, the Armenian economic prosperity to Indian Country,” Repatriates Democratic Liberal (ADL) Party’s publication in Lebanon, visited Boston and New voiced his strong opposition to the bill: “To York as part of her tour of the US. Kalaydjian was accompanied by Hagop put it quite simply, there is no good reason Page 10 Vartivarian, the ADL Press Committee co-chair. for passage of this legislation. In fact, there During her visit to Boston, Kalaydjian met with the editor of the Armenian Mirror- are a whole host of reasons why this legis - Spectator, Alin K. Gregorian; Dr. Nubar Berberian, secretary of the Tekeyan Cultural lation should fail today.” Citing a litany of concerns, including Turkey’s denial of the Association (TCA) Central Board of Directors; and Kevork Marashlian, executive sec - INDEX retary of the TCA Central Board of Directors. She also visited Hairenik editor Zaven Armenian Genocide and “illegal occupation of Northern Cyprus,” Pallone urged his col - Arts and Living ...... 10 Torikian and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Archives Institute Armenia ...... 2, 3 Director Vatche Proudian, as well as Armenian Cultural Foundation Executive leagues to vote against it. Hellenic Caucus Co-chair Maloney called Community News...... 5 Director Ara Ghazarians. Editorial ...... 14 During her visit to Boston, Kalaydjian was feted at a reception held in her honor the bill unnecessary, given that Congress International ...... 4 on Monday, July 16, at the headquarters of the Mirror-Spectator . has already adopted a more comprehensive measure, the Hearth Act (HR 205). see LANDS, page 4 2 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Karabagh President Re-Elected

ELECTION, from page 1 deep gratitude to citizens of Artsakh for democratic presidential elections. It is Village Civilian Shot The traditionally negative approach partaking in the elections, to my sup - heartening to see their continued dedi - of the international community towards porters who entrusted high confidence cation to peaceful democracy. On While Farming near elections in Karabagh has seen some in me as well as those who voted for the September 2, 1991 the Nagorno changes. Despite the fact that Baku and other Presidential candidates. For me Karabagh Republic declared the forma - Azerbaijan Border Ankara made critical statements that as the Artsakh Republic President there tion of an independent, democratic NERKIN KARMRAGHBYUR, Karabagh they do not recognize the elections, is no greater and binding power than republic. On December 10, 1991 a ref - (ArmeniaNow) — A resident of this border village in Russia, France and the US refrained my nation’s confidence and responsibil - erendum on the independence of the the Tavush province was wounded by shots from from making any statements. Georgia ity for our country’s future. We are Nagorno Karabagh Republic took place across the Azerbaijani border last week. He is in did not hold back, however, announcing ready and resolute in carving this and was overwhelmingly approved. I am stable condition. through its Foreign Ministry, that it future.” pleased the Republic continues to hold Gor Parsyan, 25, said he was working in his farm, “wishes to reaffirm the Georgian gov - Several members of Congress issued regular parliamentary and presidential some 800 meters from the borderline when he was shot. ernment’s unequivocal support for statements of support for the elections. elections that have previously been “We were reaping the grass in one of the fields Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), a senior viewed as free and fair by international near the village when suddenly they [Azeris] start- integrity” and that it “does not recog - member of the House Foreign Affairs observers.” ed shooting. There was no place to hide. One of the nize the so-called ‘presidential elec - committee, released a statement on the Royce concurred, noting “I commend bullets came down near me, and the shrapnel tions’ which were held in Nagorno- July 19 presidential election in the people of Nagorno Karabagh for wounded my elbow,” Parsyan said. Karabagh.” Karabagh. holding peaceful and honest elections. “They [Azeris] calmed down after shooting for European Parliament members “I congratulate President Bako Throughout the years we have seen a about 15-20 minutes. My grandfather came to take Ewald Johann Stadler from Austria and Sahakyan of the Republic of Nagorno trend of its electoral system working in me to the hospital by car. They started shooting Daniel Walder Stup from the Karabagh on his reelection,” Sherman proper fashion and the most recent elec - again, but fortunately they did not manage to tar- Netherlands observed the elections. said. “Since independence, Artsakh has tion maintains that precedent.” get the car,” Parsyan said. The observer mission from Europe developed a democracy and a vibrant Armenian political scientist Yervand Nerkin Karmraghbyur is around 200 kilometers included also experts from Bulgaria and civil society despite remarkably difficult Bozoyan said the elections bode well from Yerevan. The village has become a routine tar- Poland. Also monitoring the election challenges. I also congratulate the peo - for Karabagh. “The world must realize get of attacks, especially in the past few months. was a delegation from the Canadian ple of Artsakh on their record of democ - that Karabagh, which has much more Early last month, another resident of Nerkin House of Commons and several ratization. I will continue to work in the democratic and legal authorities, can - Karmraghbyur, 52-year-old Vachik Melkumyan, was Russian members of parliament. House Foreign Affairs Committee to not be subjected to an authoritarian wounded by an Azeri sniper in his vineyard near Russian Liberal-Democrat Party repre - make sure our foreign policy is sup - country,” he said, adding that these the Armenian-Azeri border. sentative in the Russian State Duma portive of the independence and pros - elections seem to be far more democra - A spokesman from Armenia’s Defense Ministry, Alexander Balberov stated: “The people perity of the Nagorno Karabagh tic than the ones in Azerbaijan. Artsrun Hovhannisyan, said that: “We will not leave have a right to decide which country to Republic.” The official international observer unanswered Azerbaijan’s action against an live in and under whose leadership, and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co- mission of the International expert Armenian civilian, however, our actions will not be which way of development to take.” chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Ed Center for Electoral Systems (ICES) aimed against civilians.” A total of around 80 international Royce (R-CA) congratulated the repub - considers the presidential election observers were present, from the US, lic on its July 19 presidential elections. process in Nagorno-Karabagh — or Russia, Canada, France, Germany, “We join with Representatives Artsakh — as an established democratic ‘Three Apples Fell from Austria, Czech Republic, Ireland, Pallone and Royce in commending the act of expression of will by the repub - Poland, Cyprus, Hungary, Bulgaria, people of Nagorno Karabagh as they lic’s citizens, an act which is consistent Heaven’ Festival in Argentina, Uruguay and others, as well exercise their right to choose their own with international norms, the aforesaid September a delegation of officials from Armenia. government through democratic elec - mission’s chief Alexander Tsinker stat - Artsakh Republic President Bako tions,” said ANCA Executive Director ed during a press conference on YEREVAN (Hetq) — The Armenian Ministry of Sahakyan issued an address on occa - Aram Hamparian. “As we reflect on the Friday. Culture and the Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum have sion of presidential elections. He said, Artsakh vote, we are reminded of the The observers also noted that falsifi - teamed up again to hold the fourth “Three Apples “These elections marked a new victory words of our own late President John F. cation of election results was not Fell from Heaven” contest/festival, which is about on the path of building a legal state and Kennedy, who, on the day of his inau - recorded at the polling stations and the art of telling fables in a variety of dialects. realizing our national aspirations. They guration said: ‘We observe today not a when the records were being submitted The event will run September 28 to 30 at the are another manifestation of the victory of party, but a celebration of to the Central Electoral Commission. Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum in Yerevan. nation’s high civil stance and wisdom. freedom.’” The international observers visited 52 All participants are welcome to enter the contest; The people of Artsakh once again In a statement Pallone noted, “As the polling stations. all fables must be under seven minutes and told in reconfirmed their adherence to interna - co-chair of the Congressional Caucus the original dialect. tional norms and standards, their irre - on Armenian Issues, I wish to extend (Stories from Armenpress, Members of the Assyrian, Russian, Greek, versible determination to build a free, my congratulations to the Nagorno ArmeniaNow and news.am were used Ukranian, Belarus, German, Polish, Kurdish and independent and fair state. I express Karabagh Republic on their exercise of to compile this report.) Jewish communities will be invited to attend along- side Armenian storytellers. Sargisian Visits French Embassy on Bastille Day American University of Armenia to Launch YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serge Sargisian visited the French Ambassy on Bastille Undergraduate Program in Fall 2013 Day, July 14. According to the president’s press office, Sargisian congratulated the ambassador, YEREVAN — The American blind admissions policy: This means ment in the vicinity of 1,200 by 2017. Henri Renaud, the embassy staff and the whole University of Armenia (AUA) that students are admitted strictly on The new undergraduate program will nation of France. announced the launch of its four-year the basis of their academic merit, offer the following majors in addition Sargisian sent a congratulatory message to undergraduate program. Throughout regardless of their need. Institutions to a solid general education compo - French President Francois Hollande on the occa- its 20-year history, AUA has been a that are both full-need and need-blind nent: sion of the national day of the Republic of France. graduate institution, granting only mas - are rare anywhere in the world,” • Computational Sciences: This The message reads in part, “Dear Mr. President, I ter’s degrees. With the launch of the Boghosian said. degree will include topics in applied warmly congratulate and send best wishes to you undergraduate program, AUA will “Thanks to the generous support of mathematics and computer science, as and the friendly people of France for the national expand its impact, educating the lead - our Board of Trustees and our support - well as courses in computational tech - day of the Republic of France, July14. ers of tomorrow in Armenia and ers around the world, we are able to niques for the simulation and modeling “I am confident that due to our joint efforts the beyond. offer scholarships and tuition assistance of systems of relevance to science and high-level political dialogue between Armenia and In making this announcement, AUA to our undergraduate and graduate stu - engineering. France, the close cooperation within European President Bruce Boghosian noted, “All dents,” noted N. Dennis Leavens, AUA’s • Business: This degree will include a institutions and international sphere, as well as the of us at AUA are excited about reaching newly-installed provost. “I invite all solid grounding in economics, finance, economic connections, inter-parliamentary and this new milestone — to offer a high- interested students to begin preparing accounting, marketing, management decentralized cooperation will strengthen and get a quality undergraduate education to the to apply for the Fall 2013 Semester,” and business communications. new stimulus in favor of deepening friendship future leaders of Armenia and the added Leavens. • English and Communications: This between our peoples. region.” He added, “We remain commit - The new undergraduate program has degree will include courses in journal - “Taking this opportunity, I once again thank for ted to offer rigorous academics and an already received accreditation by the ism, public relations, writing, transla - the important mission France implements as an American education and look forward Western Association of Schools and tion and other aspects of communica - OSCE Minsk Group co-chair country for the peace- to a vibrant, international faculty and Colleges (WASC). This approval indi - tions. ful settlement of Nagorno-Karabagh and the peace, student body from Armenia and cates endorsement that the undergrad - All three programs will be taught in stability, security and cooperation endorsement. abroad.” uate program maintains the highest English. These new majors will comple - Armenia highly appreciates the conflict peaceful Boghosian re-iterated AUA’s dedica - educational standards of quality and ment the seven master’s degree pro - resolution efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co- tion to providing accessible education effectiveness. The undergraduate pro - grams that AUA currently offers. chair countries’ heads, the joint statement made by of the highest caliber. “AUA has a ‘full- gram has also already received a license Entrance requirements, including the the presidents of France, the Russian Federation need’ financial aid policy: That is, we from the RA Ministry of Education and standardized examinations necessary and the United States on June 19 in Los Cabos.” are committed to the principle that no Science. for admission and other admission Armenian student will ever be denied Enrolling approximately 300 stu - requirements, including details about an AUA education because of inability dents per year, AUA’s undergraduate tuition, are on the web page, to pay tuition. AUA also has a need- program aims to have a total enroll - www.AUA.am/Undergraduate. S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Tekeyan Centre Fund Hosts Summer Camp in Lori

LORI, Armenia — Once again the Tekeyan mative, were also held. Centre Fund (TCF) created a fun haven for 60 TCF also organized a trip to Dsegh, to Tekeyan students from Yerevan, Gumri, Hovhannes Toumanian’s home-museum, where Stepanavan, Karbi and Berdzor, from June 29 the children learned about the poet’s life. to July 6, at the summer camp, Gugarq, located During the days in Gugarq, students enjoyed along the river, Debed, surrounded by moun - hiking to the mountains, walking tours and an tains and forests. The natural beauty of the area excursion to Haghpat Monastery built in the and warm welcome of summer camp staff made 10th century. for an unforgettable summer experience for the On July 4, the camp solemnly celebrated its children. 54th anniversary. Many guests, amongst who The days in the camp were full of various was the managing staff of the South Caucasian programs and events. The sounds of the Railway, were present at the ceremony. Tekeyan trumpet, morning exercises, swimming, line- students together with other children in the up and marching were a part of the daily camp held a music and dance festival to enter - drills. Campers participated in sports, danc - tain the guests and to celebrate the event. ing, song clubs and achieved the best results On the last day, the Tekeyan students had a at the competitions. Various intellectual farewell party with typical camp traditions, quizzes, which were educational and infor - which was followed by speeches and messages

Morning exercises got the day started.

of thanks. As the teachers noted, “children from five different schools arrived at Gugarq, but they left as members of one big family — the Tekeyan family.” This was due to the efforts of the teachers and the camp staff that did their best to create a peaceful and friendly atmosphere. It was difficult for stu - dents to leave their friends from the camp which was Circle dancing at the camp called the “magic planet of Campers and teachers visit Haghpat Monastery. childhood.”

Gumri Mayor Resigns Ruling Party Post Re-opening Stepanakert Airport Discussed In April 2007, Ghukasian narrowly survived By Satenik Vantsian, Astghik Bedevian an apparent assassination attempt when STEPANAKERT (ArmeniaNow) — unknown gunmen opened fire on his motor - Karabagh President Bako Sahakian last GUMRI (RFE/RL) — Gumri’s controversial of the HHK, declined to specify whom the rul - cade outside Yerevan, seriously wounding him month received civil aviation officials from Mayor Vartan Ghukasian has resigned as a ing party will support in the ballot. Eduard and killing three of his bodyguards. Yerevan to discuss the re-opening of an air - regional leader of the ruling Republican Party Sharmazanov, the chief party spokesman, said Ghukasian, 51, has also been repeatedly port near Stepanakert that has been of Armenia (HHK) amid growing signs that the on Monday that the HHK leadership has made embarrassed by his notoriously unruly elder delayed several times. government in Yerevan does not want him to no decision to that effect yet. son, Spartak. The latter was sentenced to 18 According to the press office of the run the country’s second largest city any more. “When the right time comes you will know months in prison in 2007 for provoking a street Karabagh leader, the meeting with the del - Ghukasian, in office since 1999, was relieved egation from the Armenian Government’s of his duties as chairman of the HHK branch in General Department on Civil Aviation, also the Shirak province, of which Gumri is the cap - attended by Karabagh Prime Minister Ara ital, at a weekend party meeting chaired by Harutunian, focused on the development of Parliament Speaker Hovik Abrahamian. civil aviation in the unrecognized Armenian Abrahamian insisted that the mayor resigned republic and possibilities of cooperation the party post “at his own request” and was not between the corresponding agencies of the forced out. “He has done a very good job,” he said. two Armenian states. “I’m not a partisan figure by character,” Authorities in Karabagh have repeatedly Ghukasian said. “I want to spend some time promised that the region’s only airport suit - away from these political things a little.” able for civil aviation will soon open for Ghukasian’s political future has been a sub - flights despite threats by Azerbaijan to ject of media speculation since Armenia’s May 6 shoot aircraft down. parliamentary elections. The HHK won the vote The airport has been closed since 1992 by a landslide. Still, it was defeated by the rival when hostilities began in the area. Its Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) in all three reconstruction was launched in 2009 and electoral districts covering Gumri. originally it was expected to go into opera - Various Armenian media outlets reported in tion in 2010. But the opening of the airport the following weeks that the HHK leadership in was delayed several times because the news Yerevan holds Ghukasian responsible for those President Serge Sargisian (left) and Gumri Mayor Vartan Ghukasian visit a construction site in Gumri of imminent flights from and to Karabagh defeats and will not support him in the next elicited a hostile reaction in Azerbaijan. mayoral election scheduled for September 9. Some officials in Baku went as far as threat - Some news reports last week said that the rul - the party’s official position,” Sharmazanov said. gunfight between two groups of young men in ening to bring down the civilian planes fly - ing party headed by President Serge Sargisian “There is no secrecy. The issue simply hasn’t Gumri. He was granted parole after serving one- ing into or out of Karabagh. has decided to endorse Samvel Balasanian, the been discussed.” third of the sentence. The Karabagh military have given assur - BHK candidate for Gumri mayor, as part of a Ghukasian, meanwhile, would not say if he Media reports over the weekend claimed that ances that all measures would be taken to confidential deal with the BHK. The latter left will run for reelection. “We will see,” the mayor Spartak Ghukasian shouted abuse and threats ensure the safety of flights. No precise date Armenia’s governing coalition after finishing said. outside Balasanian’s Gumri house after it was of when the Karabagh airport is to serve second in the parliamentary elections. Ghukasian has been dogged by controversy announced that the businessman will run for the first flight has been indicated yet. Still Balasanian on Monday confirmed reports throughout his political career. Critics have mayor on the BHK ticket. Balasanian said that in March 2011, amid threats from Baku to that he met Sargisian shortly before being offi - long accused him of leading a business clan “eyewitnesses” informed him about the inci - shoot down Karabagh-bound civilian air - cially nominated by the BHK last week. He that controls much of the local economy and dent. “It looks like there is an attempt to create craft, President Serge Sargisian said he was claimed that the meeting had no connection tolerates no competition. He has also earned tension,” he said. going to be the first passenger of a Yerevan- with the Gumri election. notoriety for his flamboyant behavior that has Ghukasian denied the allegations through a Stepanakert flight. Abrahamian, who is also a deputy chairman occasionally turned violent. spokeswoman later on Monday. 4 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News

Aram I Expresses Solidarity with Armenians in Syria ANTELIAS, Lebanon (Hetq) — Catholicos Aram I of the See of Cilicia, who has been following the situ- ation in Syria with the community leadership in Syria for the past year, expressed his solidarity with his people, making the following statement: “I have been monitoring the situation in Syria with the Executive Council of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, and we urge the Armenian community to remain united in these difficult times. AGBU leaders and guests celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Milan Chapter. From left, Alexis Govciyan, Europe District chair; Ani “We have directed the church authorities to assist Balian, committee member of the Italian Armenian Association; Krikor Istanboulli, Europe District member; Gueguel Khatchadourian, needy families. The leadership of the community Milan Chapter Chair; Bruno Dapei, governor of Milan Province; Berge Setrakian, AGBU president; Joseph Oughourlian, Central Board should help families living in dangerous neighbor- member; Sona Attamian, Europe District member, and Baykar Svazlian, chair of the Italian Armenian Association hoods move to safety. Armenians in Syria and in the diaspora should not forget that the Syrian people welcomed the survivors of the Armenian Genocide by the Turks and accepted them as co-citizens. Systems AGBU Celebrates Milan Chapter’s Centennial may change, but people stay. “Having been informed of the difficulties of the MILAN, Italy — The 100-year anniver - Following his words, pianist Nune Armenians across the country have Armenian Schools in Syria, I instructed the dioce- sary of the Armenian General Hayrapetyan performed the works of carved a space for themselves, preserv - ses under the jurisdiction of the Catholicosate of Benevolent Union (AGBU) Milan Aram Khachaturian, Arno Babadjanian, ing their heritage while integrating into Cilicia to assist the schools.” Chapter brought together several distin - Sergei Rachmaninoff and other com - Italian culture. Setrakian noted at the guished guests, including AGBU posers. When it came time to cut the cel - conclusion of Saturday evening, “AGBU President Berge Setrakian, to look back ebratory cake, Mr. and Mrs. Karnig is an organization with a universal phi - Concern Mounts for on the highlights of Italy’s vibrant Yacoubian, AGBU benefactors, were losophy, aiming to preserve our identity, Armenian Community as Armenian Diaspora community and plan invited to do the honors. our church, our language and culture. for AGBU’s future both in the country The AGBU Milan Chapter was one of The Milanese Armenian community is Fighting Reaches Aleppo and across Europe. the many that the organization estab - small in size, but great in its importance The occasion of the centennial also lished across Europe in its founding and achievements,” and went on to DAMASCUS, Syria (ArmeniaNow) — While fighting served as an opportunity for AGBU years, as it expanded rapidly to meet the thank the Milan Chapter for organizing continues to rage in Syria, its residents, including Europe to convene a board meeting, and growing needs of the Armenian diaspo - the weekend’s memorable ceremonies. Syrian-Armenians, continue to escape. According to from April 27 to April 29, a series of con - ra. Then and now, the Armenian For all those present, the occasion a United Nations survey, about 120,000 people ferences were held alongside cultural Diaspora community represented a small marked the end of one century of have left Syria, most of them for Turkey, Iran, Iraq, events. Each was attended by Setrakian, minority of Italy’s population. AGBU’s work in Milan and the start of Jordan and Lebanon. members of the AGBU Central Board Nonetheless, over the past century, yet another. During the recent few days, there were heated and Council of Trustees and members of clashes in the capital city Damascus, as well as near the AGBU France and Paris Boards. The Aleppo, where about 45,000 Armenians live. weekend commenced with a meeting led It is reported that Syrian-Armenians are being by the governor of Milan, Bruno Dapei, kidnapped and ransoms are demanded to set them who greeted the delegation and gave an House Defeats Bill Giving Turkey free. overview of themes concerning Milan’s Preferential Treatment on US Tribal Lands Despite these disturbing reports, on Sunday, a Armenian community and Armenia as a video appeared on YouTube where one of the gen- whole. His remarks were followed by a LANDS, from page 1 Nations Security Council, Turkey voted erals of the Syrian free army, reporting about the dinner attended by more than 100 guests “liberation” of Aleppo, which is considered to be Further, Maloney recognized the oppo - against sanctions on Iran to thwart its at one of the oldest restaurants in Milan. sition of the ranking members of the nuclear weapons program. the main base for President of Syria Bashar al- On the second day, the AGBU Europe Assad’s supporters, said that the religious and eth- House Natural Resources and Foreign In addition to speaking on the House Board arrived at the Armenian House of Affairs Committees, Representatives floor, Sarbanes spearheaded a letter nic minorities, including Armenians, had no reason Milan ready to discuss a number of items to be worried about military actions there and that Edward Markey (D-MA) and Howard along with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) as on their agenda that included AGBU Berman (D-CA), respectively, and also did Representatives Berman, Gary they would defend all of them. activities in Europe, Armenia and The Syrian-Armenians who came to Armenia, leav- raised concerns about Turkey’s human Ackerman (D-NY), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Karabagh and youth programs globally. rights record and restrictions on reli - Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Markey, ing members of their families, relatives or friends in As the centennial celebration drew to Aleppo, are worried that the Aleppo-Yerevan flights gious freedom. Pallone, Maloney, Nikki Tsongas (D-MA) a close on Saturday, April 28, guests Sarbanes closed the debate for oppo - and Brad Sherman (D-CA). are limited; the prices of tickets have risen, and were treated to a special evening pro - therefore it is difficult to travel to Armenia. nents of the bill stating he did not “We commend our friends and sup - gram filled with music and festivities. believe that providing preferential treat - porters, especially Representatives There are two airlines that carry out flights The night began at the Armenian House, between Aleppo and Yerevan weekly, Armenia’s ment to one country, Turkey, can be Markey, Pallone, Sarbanes and Maloney where chapter chair Gueguel “justified.” Echoing the sentiments of for leading the charge against this Bill,” national air carrier, Armavia, and Syrian Airlines. Khatchadourian delivered a speech Both are sold out of tickets up until September. Representatives Pallone and Maloney, stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan applauding the hard work and dedica - Sarbanes raised concerns about Ardouny. “We also appreciate the strong Last week Armenia’s Diaspora Ministry asked tion of former Milan Chapter chairmen, Armavia to increase the number of flights and Turkey’s increasingly hostile actions to support of Representatives Ackerman, and introduced guest speaker Fr. Levon US allies, including Israel, Cyprus and Berman, Berkley, Engel, Sherman and lower ticket prices. Armavia has not officially Zekian of the Mekhitarist Congregation responded yet. Armenia and called for a recorded vote. Tsongas. Today’s vote upholds our cher - of Venice, who spoke of the importance Sarbanes also cited that two years ago, ished values and reaffirms America’s com - of charity in Armenian culture. Armenia to Ratify Free while serving as a member of the United mitment to human rights.” Trade Area Agreement YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — This fall Turkey’s Erdogan Says Syrian People ‘Close to Victory’ Armenia will ratify the Free Trade Area agreement within the framework of Commonwealth of ISTANBUL (Reuters) — Turkish to Turkish territory. Erdogan also issued a new warning to Independent States (CIS), Armenian and Russian Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said the “We believe that the Syrian people Syria, calling on it to heed Turkey’s firm parliament speakers said. uprising against Syrian President are closer than ever to victory,” state- response to the shooting down of the “I was pleased to learn that Armenian authorities Bashar al-Assad is “closer than ever to run Anatolian news agency quoted Turkish military reconnaissance aircraft have already developed documents on Free Trade victory” and warned that Turkey will Erdogan as saying at a dinner for ambas - on June 22 off the coast of Syria. Area agreement, with the latter to be ratified at the respond firmly to any hostility from sadors in Ankara on Monday evening. “If the Syrian regime does not learn Republic of Armenia National Assembly’s fall ses- Syria. The Turkish prime minister also criti - the lesson of these developments and sion,” State Duma Speaker Sergey Naryshkin said. Turkey has called for Assad to quit cized the faltering peace plan drawn up continues its hostile behavior, Turkey “We hope Armenia will become the third country after he failed to heed calls for reform by international envoy Kofi Annan after will not hesitate to give as good as it to ratify the document after Russia and Belarus,” and the country has harbored Syrian the UN Security Council voted on gets,” Erdogan said. Naryshkin said. rebels and tens of thousands of refugees Friday to extend for 30 days the man - Syria says it shot down the F-4 jet in The prime ministers of the CIS member states along its border with Syria. date of the UN monitoring mission in self-defense without knowing that it was signed a free trade agreement on October 18, 2011. Tensions between the two countries, Syria. a Turkish aircraft after it flew into its air The agreement eliminates export and import duties which previously enjoyed warm ties, “The Annan plan, which the interna - space at high speed and low altitude. on a host of goods. It also contains a number of rose sharply last month when a Turkish tional community including Turkey has Turkey has said it violated Syrian air exemptions that will ultimately be phased out. The jet was shot down by Syrian air defens - supported in good faith, has become a space accidentally for a few minutes but agreement was signed by all the CIS states except es. vehicle for exploitation by the Assad maintains its plane was shot down by a Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Ankara subsequently increased its regime in its current form. The interna - missile without warning in international military presence, sending anti-aircraft tional community must take more air space off the Syrian coast. missiles to the border and scrambling responsibility when faced with the (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by planes when Syrian aircraft came close unfolding developments,” he said. Angus MacSwan) S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Knights and Armenian Higher Daughters of Education Initiative Completes 2012 Vartan Hold Summer Program Convocation in ARLINGTON, Va. — The Armenian Higher Education Initiative (AHEI) completed its inau - gural summer humanities program. New York City Undergraduate university students of Armenian heritage came together from Georgia, Artsakh, as well as universities in Gumri, Kavar and Yerevan for an intensive program in the humani - By Aram Arkun ties and social sciences. The aim of the course was to stimulate critical thinking and provide NEW YORK — The Knights and Daughters of sound fundamentals in the participants’ areas of Vartan held their 94th annual Grand study, as well as to deliver valuable insights into Convocation from July 4 to 7. Members came subjects to which students would not otherwise have had exposure. from lodges throughout the United States and The Arax Hamazkayin Dance Ensemble performed for the crowd. Canada to participate in workshops and plan Core courses consisted of methodology semi - strategies and activities for the future. Along nars in political science and history, and they with meetings, they enjoyed various social activ - were complemented by lectures in a variety of ities, which culminated in an evening banquet other subjects given by local specialists. in downtown New York. The Grand Classroom space was provided by Yerevan State Convocation was hosted and organized by the Armenia University and Counterpart International. local Mamigonian Lodge and the Anahid Otyag AHEI staff members Asbed Kotchikian, of Brooklyn. Hamazasp Danielyan, Gayane Vardanyan and In addition to the substantive two days of Arshak Balayan led the program, and visiting lec - meetings, Grand Commander Dennis Papazian turers included art historian Lilit Sargsyan, Lara and Grand Matron Agnes Sahagian hosted an Aharonian of the Women’s Resource Center in Fest 2012 Yerevan, ethnologist Tigran Matosyan, Artak inaugural reception at the Trinity Place Bar and Restaurant for the participants where they Kirakosyan of the Civil Society Institute, nation - could observe New York’s world-famous fire - alism studies expert Mikael Zolyan and media works on July 4. The next day, workshops were Bigger and Better Than Ever expert Gegham Vardanyan. Danielyan and Ara followed by a boat cruise around New York City Sanjian led the methodology courses, preparing and dinner at the Water’s Edge Restaurant students for long-term research projects that will accompanied with music by DJ Alan, while ROYAL OAK, Mich. — It’s one of Metro Detroit’s finest moments, the annual take place in the coming months. Friday’s entertainment included a luncheon community-wide event called Armenia Fest now into its fifth year organized and The program was sponsored by the Open hosted by the Daughters of Vartan and a “kef supported by the Armenia Fest Committee and the Knights of Vartan Nareg- Society Institute (OSI). OSI alumni participated night” at Kavookjian Hall of the Armenian Shavarshan Lodge. It took place on Saturday, July 14, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the in a debate with the AHEI group, and also gave Diocese accompanied with dinner. Despite a downtown Farmer’s Market on presentations on their public service activities long day, the attendees, including many in their Eleven Mile Road with free parking alongside AHEI final presentations at the end of 70s and 80s, danced up a storm to the By Betty Apigian Kessel and admission. the course. Armenian music. The culmination of the week - Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were Participants had the opportunity to travel to end was a banquet on Saturday night at the conducted outdoors where tents Echmiadzin, where they met with members of Marriott Downtown, the New York base for the hosted thousands from the late afternoon sun. The gods of Mt. Ararat produced a the Cross of Armenian Unity NGO. In addition, convocation’s activities. perfect day for the crowd who watched Co-chairs David Terzibashian, Corinne students met with members of the Armenian The 2012 convocation was the culmination of Khederian and Ed Bedikian welcome all. They offered a traditional Armenian Volunteer Corps/Birthright Armenia, where the activities of the last year under the leader - greeting of Parev yev Paree Yegak . they shared their respective experiences and ship of Papazian. The motto of his two-year Terzibashian greeted compatriots warmly thanking the city of Royal Oak and its agreed to cooperate on issues such as finding administration was modernization. As Papazian mayor for again welcoming Armenia Fest to his city. He brought to memory Edgar host families for one another and exchanging declared later, the goal was “to bring the Hagopian, who passed away a year ago, whose vision it was that began the idea of information on local organizations. Towards the Knights of Vartan into the 21st century. To an Armenian festival with the dream of bringing together the Detroit Armenian end of the program, students attended a seminar accomplish that, I wanted to adopt all sorts of community in unity. He said, “God bless you, Edgar.” with Jirayr Libaridian, former advisor to modern communication techniques to make Deacon Rubik Mailian sang the American and Armenian national anthems on a President Levon Ter-Petrossian, in which they our operation more efficient and bring our peo - stage flanked by flags of both countries. discussed Armenia’s current and future political ple together, somewhat parallel to the Attending dignitaries and politicians were introduced to the audience but it was situation. Facebook model, through constant contact, the popular and talented Arax Hamazkayin Dance Ensemble they were waiting to AHEI participants expressed overwhelming videos, and virtual visitations, while protecting see perform. It was worth the wait. The dance troupe is going strong with new satisfaction with the course and have already cre - the venerable traditions of the organization.” A members joining as time goes on. ated active online networks with one another. national office was donated to the brotherhood The Arax Troupe has it all perfected with beautiful, colorful costumes for male The AHEI aims to create strong bonds between in Peabody, Mass., by Knights member Aurelian and female alike. Heavy applause greeted the conclusion of each dance. Then mem - its staff and participants and provide alumni with Mardiros and Daughters member Anahid bers of the troupe pulled folks from the audience and danced with individuals as valuable information and opportunities for Mardiros and a new national clerk was appoint - the Big Band All Stars under the leadership of Vaughn Masropian played on. future academic pursuits. ed. A digitalization process for the voluminous Masropian is the festival’s music director, emcee and the director of the Sunday For further information about the Armenian archives of the Knights was initiated. The orga - Armenian Radio Program. It was his fine voice you heard on vocals during the Higher Education Initiative, contact Sarah nization’s journal Avarayr was brought up to evening. Ludwig, executive director, at [email protected] date. Smiles were on everyone’s faces. The “Tomzara” had couples stomping and or visit www.armhei.org. Furthermore, the Knights and Daughters twirling just like in the old days. How fun it was to watch. continued their programs to provide scholar - Alice Derderian was attending for the first time and preferred the coolness of ships for Armenian Americans, and college the indoor area where she sat with family and friends, welcoming me to sit with assistance for young people in Armenia, while see FESTIVAL, page 7 AGBU 2012 World Games contributing to Armenian internships in Washington DC, the construction of homes in Set to Begin in Los Angeles Armenia and the rehabilitation and renovation of schools there. The Knights reviewed a year of LOS ANGELES — More than 500 young ath - tremendous financial contributions, despite letes from around the world are heading here dire economic times. During the year, the this week as the countdown draws near for the Knights provided financial contributions to a AGBU World Games. Set to begin on Saturday, broad spectrum of charitable institutions, activ - July 28, the event promises excitement and ities and programs both in the United States, thrills both on and off the court, as the organi - Canada and Armenia. The Daughters also con - zation’s youth take part in various sports com - tributed to various charities. petitions, social events and excursion tours as The Knight’s Armenian School Support part of an Armenian General Benevolent Union Program (ASSP), which in conjunction with the (AGBU) tradition that dates back to 1955. World’s Bank 90/10 Program, supports school The World Games’ weeklong series of activi - ties will start at the opening ceremony on construction projects in Armenia. Because the The Armenia Fest 2012 Committee members World Bank matches each dollar contributed by Sunday, July 29, at the Pasadena City College the Knights with nine from its fund, to date, the Stadium. There, actor David Foster, as well as see KNIGHTS, page 6 see GAMES, page 6 6 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Knights and Daughters of Vartan Grand Convocation in New York City

KNIGHTS, from page 5 year’s meetings. Sahagian explained, “When the Knights have raised, with matching funds from men were going to have the installation of offi - the World Bank, more than $21 million for cials, I went alone but one of the girls from school construction and renovation in Armenia. Boston wanted to join, so I said of course. Then Grand Matron Agnes B. Sahagian of I decided that if I let one come all should be able Worcester declared that the Daughters of Vartan to come with me. … The men, I believe, were hon - had a new project, the support of the St. ored to have us there. Then the men came to our Tarkmanchatz School of Jerusalem. Though a meeting hall to watch my reinstallation and the new otyag or chapter was established in Costa installation of other officials.” Mesa last year, declining membership poses a This year’s convocation was important for the challenge for the future. future direction of the Knights and Daughters. Sahagian commented afterwards that she was Nigoghos Atinizian began his term as the new able to meet with many present and past officials grand commander for the period 2012-2013. He of the Daughters of Vartan in fruitful meeting at stated in his speech, “Today we mark a new this year’s convocation. She exclaimed, “It was beginning, a new beginning for the next hundred wonderful!” Significantly greater unity was years. It is of vital importance that leaders, not achieved between the men and women in this only within the Knights, but as Armenians,

AGBU 2012 World Games Set to Begin in Los Angeles GAMES, from page 5 and on Friday, August 3, the AGBU Ardavazt Armenian singers Silva Hakobyan and Theater Group will perform their comedy “Ser Hovhannes Shahbazyan, will take the stage Yev Dzidzagh” (“Love and Laughter”). and welcome participants, who are traveling After the winning athletes collect their from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, medals, the World Games will come to a close Egypt, France, Uruguay and the United States. at the Victory Ball on Saturday, August 4. The Seated from left, Avak Ter Sbarabed Nelson Stepanian, Avak Sbarabed Nigoghos D. Atinizian II and The event, which is free and open to the public, celebration, which will be held at the University Avak Yeretz Armen Mahserejian; standing from left, Avak Araroghabed Robert Semonian, Avak is expected to draw thousands. In the days that Studios Backlot (New York Avenue), will fea - Argughagal Michael Guleserian, Avak Tbrabed Kevork Marashlian and Avak Ted Jean Jacque Hajjar follow, the athletes will compete in basketball, ture London-based entertainer Kev Orkian and chess, soccer, swimming, track and field and singers, Hakobyan, Armenchik, Joseph volleyball, relying on skills they have developed Krikorian, as well as other special guests. regardless of organization, think where we want Papazian later declared, “It was a landmark throughout the year with their local AGBU The AGBU World Games 2012 Committee is to go as a people, to make the greatest contribu - meeting because the torch was passed to a new chapter teams. led by Shahe Seuylemezian, who commends all tion, as Armenians. Let us not trap ourselves in generation. Those of us who served long and When they are not on the courts or in the of the volunteers for their hard work and adds, the quicksand of history. Let us always take one hard needed to bring in the younger people, and field, participants will have a chance to mingle “I am proud to say that we enjoy the dedication step forward, followed by another step forward, we did. We have a very strong group taking over. with their peers at many social gatherings. The of hundreds of individuals who have been work - but always together, as one. Let us not live in the They have energy; they are excited and inspired. AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles ing the extra mile for over a year to welcome mistakes of the past. … Our legacy begins They have new progressive attitudes and tech - (YPLA) has planned a summer soiree at the their fellow AGBU teammates and supporters tonight.” niques.” Sheraton Universal Hotel rooftop, for the for an incredible week of good sportsmanship evening of Tuesday, July 31; a private beach and fun.” To learn more about the AGBU World party will take place on Wednesday, August 1; Games, visit: www.agbugames.com.

OBITUARY GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Haig Basdekian James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Haig Armenag Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). Funeral Counselors Basdekian died on June 14. He was 81. In October 1957, he married Mary Ann 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 He was born January 15, 1931 in Kalyjian of Philadelphia. They were married for www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Washington, DC, and had three siblings, 40 years until she passed away in 1988. The Edward, Naomi and Mary. couple had two daughters, Andrea, who now As a young man, he was a member of the Boy lives in Washington, DC, and Ani, who now lives Scouts of America and later the ROTC. He also in New York City with her fiancée, Scott Yeckes. got involved in the Armenian community and In 1969, the family relocated to Ft. ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS the Armenian Church Youth Organization of Lauderdale. He continued his career as a America (ACYOA). He was a founding member mechanic, opening Ike’s Auto in Ft. Lauderdale. D D S of St. Mary’s Armenian Church of Washington, He continued this business right up until his Cemetery Monuments DC and served as its first Parish Council chair - last days, for the last 15 years with his colleague man. and close friend, Hrair “JR” Alboyadjian. Specializing in He was a member of the Knights of Vartan Service to his Armenian Church and commu - Armenian Designs and Lettering for 50 years and was instrumental in starting nity was always a mainstay of his. He was a the Knights of Vartan Lodge in Washington, founding member of what eventually became 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 DC. He was a founding member and past com - St. David Armenian Church, from its earliest (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com mander of Hayasdan Lodge in Boca Raton, Fla. years in Ft. Lauderdale. For the past 14 years, He was also a founding member and life charter he was a faithful and committed member and member of the Ft. Lauderdale chapter of the supporter of the St. Mary Armenian Church of Hollywood and was one of the Godfathers of Telephone (617) 924-7400 the church, representing the Knights of Vartan. His presence was a constant at St. Mary’s, Sonya Ourfalian always supporting the church financially as a Aram Bedrosian benefactor for many church projects include WATERTOWN, Mass. — Sonya the playground, and physically with his contin - Funeral Home, Inc. (Kouyoumjian) Ourfalian, of Watertown, died uing volunteer efforts whenever called upon to on July 20. serve. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 She leaves her husband, Kevork Ourfalian; In addition, he was a benefactor and sup - children, Sarkis Ourfalian and his wife, Seta; porter of the Diocese’s Ararat Center, the MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET Seta Jaklian and her husband, Garbis; Missak Armenian Tree Project and in Armenia, where PAUL BEDROSIAN Ourfalian and his wife, Angelique; and Nora he donated a patient room to the Children’s WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Halibian and her husband, Vasken; grandchil - Hospital in Yerevan. dren, Kevork, Alex and Sonia Ourfalian, Nina In addition to his service to his Armenian and Ara Jaklian, Natalie and Ani Ourfalian and church and community, he has always been a Melanie and Angelina Halibian; and siblings, dedicated and devoted family man, always avail - Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Adour Kouyoumjian and his wife, Anahid; able with his love, his support, his encourage - Georgette Kradjian and her husband, Vahe; and ment and guidance to not only his children, but Maro Nasr and her husband, Elias. also his siblings and his many nieces and Funeral service were held at St. Stephen’s nephews. In recent years, he was a family man Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Armenian Apostolic Church, Watertown, on for Cookie Devers and her family, son Lloyd, July 25. daughter-in-law Ivy and their children, Andrew LicensedFinuNneweYrorak landCNhewaJperseey l Interment was at Ridgelawn Cemetery, and Tatiana. 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside, NY Watertown. The funeral service was held on June 16 at St. 11361 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Hollywood. Service any hour, (718) 224-2390 or toll made to the church or to St. Stephen’s Fr. Vartan D. Joulfayan and Rev. Nersess any distance free (888) 224-6088 Armenian Elementary School. Jebejian officiated. S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Armenia Fest 2012: Armenian Heritage Park Hosts Early Morning Walks Bigger and Better BOSTON (Boston Globe) — Early risers can enjoy the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Than Ever Greenway before the heat of the day sets in by participating in a walk around the FESTIVAL, from page 5 labyrinth inside the Armenian Heritage her to get acquainted. That is one of the bene - Park. fits of this festival, meeting new Armenians. Beth Burnham Mace, founder and presi - Unfamiliar faces were everywhere. dent of the Labyrinth Guild of New England, Attorney Marjorie Nanian, a professor who will host a series of monthly 7 a.m. labyrinth teaches at Schoolcraft College had this to say, walks on the following Wednesdays: August “We are so lucky to have these young Armenian 15, September 19, and October 17. (One dancers to remind us of our culture.” Nanian took place on July 18, also.) knows Armenian history and has lectured Mace formed the guild in 1999 to cele - extensively on the subject of the Armenian brate labyrinths across the region and create Genocide at the college. a community of those who enjoy walking There is no doubt our hearts remain in the labyrinths and exploring their meanings, Highlands of Hayastan. There is no doubt the according to the guild’s website. 1915 Genocide survivor generation knows tra - The Armenian Heritage Park, located dition is being honored. Village music and northwest of Mercantile Street between dance still remain the favorite type of Armenian Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Christopher entertainment for the majority. Columbus Park, celebrates Armenian immi - It still seems strange to those of us who have gration to the US with an abstract sculpture attended all the festivals to not see our beloved representing the immigrant experience and a On July 18th, people explore the labyrinth inside the Armenian Heritage Park. Edgar proudly surveying the throng approving - labyrinth that represents life’s journey. ly moving from table to table engaging in con - The sculpture, a dodecahedron split and versation with one and all. One fact must never mounted in a reflecting pool, can shift its Armenian Heritage Foundation, a coalition our Armenian community and our be forgotten — it was Edgar Hagopian who tried position to represent the re-shaping of immi - of more than 35 Armenian-American reli - Commonwealth,” said Patrick, according to valiantly to bridge the community, to heal old grant communities in a new land. gious, cultural, educational and philanthrop - a press release. wounds and to partially accomplish that with The labyrinth honors the achievements of ic organizations from around the “It is a tribute to those who have, against this festival and other events. He remains irre - Armenian immigrants, listing names of many Commonwealth. many odds, contributed so much to placeable. Some folks are, you know. who achieved success in the arts, sciences, At the park’s opening in late May, Gov. Massachusetts, and a marker for future gen - The outdoor tents filled to capacity, so too business, education and public service. Deval Patrick spoke of its symbolic value. erations to see our state as a place to reach was the vast cool market building. Families and The park was built by the non-profit “This is a proud symbol of resilience for for their dreams,” he added. friends occupied tables where they filled plates with an array of Armenian food by Gary Reizian’s Uptown Deli. There was the usual lah - majoun , meat balls, cheese boereg , spinach pie and much more. In addition to the regular booths selling books, pastry, specialty items, etc, there was a new addition of an art exhibit featuring differ - ent artforms from talented local Armenians organized by Ani Kasparian. The artists were Leda Seyranogly, Levon Kafafian, Rina Movsisyan and Michael Stamboulian. Proceeds raised from Armenia Fest are desig - nated for Armenian humanitarian projects. What do you say to a group of Armenians who put their hearts and souls into a full year’s planning to bring the focus of the Hye commu - nity to Armenians and non- Hyes alike with the capability to get along well and perform their assigned duties to a “t”? You say a big “thank you.” They are Corinne Khederian, David Terzibashian, Ed Bedikian, Hagop Alexanian, Ara Belian, Ray Boujoulian, Ken Khezarjian, Paul Kulhanjian, Shirley Sarkisian, Madeline Thomasian, and the glue that really holds it altogether, the lovely Pam Coultis, who has a personality that never ends. She was the dedi - cated administrative assistant to Edgar Hagopian. She is still with his company in Birmingham. Isabel Kazarian had this to say, “I’m having a great time, loving every minute of it. I’m proud, very proud to be Armenian.” Armenian Fest is self-supporting but acknowl - edgement must be given to those who respond with their support. They are: the Ajemian Foundation, Mark Artinian’s Bosco’s, Debbie and Tom Krikorian, the Jane and Richard Manoogian Foundation and the Mardigian Foundation. The impressive ad booklet contained the names of predominately Armenian profession - als and businesses. The community is urged to support them for their generosity. Happily this event was attended by a great many Armenian youth of all ages, but the youngest had to be darling little Sevana Derderian, no more than six-weeks-old sitting comfortably in her stroller gazing out at admir - ing faces as proud parents, Armen and Teleen Derderian, took congratulations on their first born. Sevana represents the future. The beat goes on. Winner of the hand-knotted rug made in Armenia containing the Hyegagan Alphabet was Ray Boujoulian. The raffle was sponsored by Hagopian World of Rugs. May those gods on Ararat be kind to us all so that we can attend next year’s sixth annual Armenian Fest in a continued effort to fulfill ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR Edgar Hagopian’s vision of a united metro Detroit-Armenian community. 8 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O Trip to Holy Land Helps 33 Young Adults Find Deeper Connection to their Christian and Armenian Roots

liest examples of the Armenian written language. By Kiersten Johnston Its powerful inscription reads: “To the memory and salvation of the souls of Armenians, whose names are known to God alone.” NEW YORK — As they traced the footsteps of With these words in mind, the pilgrims made Christ during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land this their way back to Jerusalem via the Mount of month, a group of 33 young leaders had an Olives, walking the path that Christ did on Palm opportunity to strengthen their faith and gain a Sunday. In Jerusalem they paused at the Pool of deeper understanding of biblical history. During Bethesda, where Christ healed the paralyzed the nine-day journey, June 9-18, pilgrims man, before walking the “The Way of the Cross.” engaged in thought-provoking Bible study ses - As it did for Jesus, that trail ended for them with sions, took part in badarak services and learned the site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resur - about 1,600 years of Armenian presence in the rection — enshrined within the Church of the Holy Land. Holy Sepulcher. The pilgrimage was led by Archbishop Khajag “The pilgrimage came to an end and begin - Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the ning here,” explained Jonathan Pelaez, an Armenian Church of America (Eastern). ACYOA Central Council member from the St. Assisting the Primate were Rev. Mardiros Mary Church of Livingston, NJ. “This was where Chevian, dean of New York’s St. Vartan Jesus died and rose. This was the end of our pil - Armenian Cathedral and Deacon Justin Ajamian, grimage — and the beginning of a new perspec - deacon-in-charge at St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, tive on life.” Texas. That evening, the pilgrims had an opportunity “I felt blessed to have another opportunity to to meet with local youth in the Armenian travel with a group of Armenian pilgrims to the Quarter. They joined together in dancing and Holy Land, which is the birthplace of our Archbishop Khajag Barsamian gives a sermon at the Holy Grotto in Bethlehem. singing and viewed a strongly contested soccer Christian faith the holy apostles Thaddeus and match that energized the entire group. Bartholomew brought to Armenia,” Chevian Before their departure from the Holy Land, said. America (ACYOA) Central Council member from The tour concluded with lunch alongside some they would meet with the local Armenian com - The pilgrimage began in the birthplace of the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church in White of the members of the Brotherhood of Sts. James munity once more for a farewell celebration at Jesus: Bethlehem. The bustling early morning Plains. and after that a vespers service in Sts. James the Shahanian family residence located within hours were spent celebrating the Divine Liturgy Experiencing this physical aspect of Christ’s Cathedral. There, in the holy atmosphere of one the Armenian monastery. They also engaged in a at the Church of the Holy Nativity, where the ministry instilled a new appreciation and humili - of the cathedral’s many altars, the pilgrims had discussion on the Armenian presence in young pilgrims served as the choir, as they would ty in everyone. The group found relief from the their most memorable experience of the day, Jerusalem with resident historian Kevork suffocating humidity in a visit to the when they saw one of their peers, Noel Dawood Hintlian. The pilgrims expressed their gratitude Dead Sea, where everyone relaxed in of the St. George Church of Waukegan, Ill., to the local community for the warm welcome the water and reveled in its history. receive the sacrament of chrismation from and hospitality.

Helping the Patriarchate In Jerusalem’s Armenian Patriarchate, the ACYOA Central Council presented a check for $1,000 to Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the patriarchal vicar. The Diocesan youth organization makes such a contribution to the Armenian Patriarchate every year, to honor those who sustain the Armenian presence in Jerusalem. “Any little bit we can do to help is Pilgrims prepare for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee beneficial,” said Ani Grigorian, a Central Council member from St. Mesrob Church in Racine, Wis. throughout the services in the days to come. “Knowing that the ACYOA Central Council is giv - In his words that morning, Barsamian set the ing back what they can and playing a part in that tone for the journey awaiting the group: “The is a very fulfilling feeling.” ground we are standing on is where Christ’s jour - On a tour of the Patriarchate, the pilgrims saw ney began.... When the baby Jesus opened his the Calouste Gulbenkian Library, home to count - eyes for the first time, to look up at the night sky, less rare volumes, and the Holy Archangels he was looking upon the stars that he had creat - Church, site of the prison where Jesus was tor - ed, untold ages before. With those same eyes, our Lord spent his earth - ly ministry looking at the landscape Pilgrims pose for a group photo outside the Church of the Nativity of Christ. around us, with many of its land - marks still in place since that time.” “Now, you too have reached this Barsamian. Early the next day, the group returned to place,” the Primate continued. “You A day trip took the group two hours north of the Holy Sepulchre. Traveling in silence are having this experience. And we as Jerusalem, to Jesus’ home province of Galilee. through dark alleys and under ancient arches, a group will be able to share that They visited Mount Tabor, the mountain of the they arrived at the tomb of Christ, where experience, as we embark on a jour - Transfiguration; the Church of Beatitudes on the Barsamian celebrated the badarak at 4 a.m., ney that has the power to shape us, site of the Sermon on the Mount; Nazareth, the with several of the pilgrims serving on the and direct us, throughout our lives.” town where the Holy Family lived; Capernaum, altar alongside him, and the entire group join - Following the service the group the home town of the disciple Peter; Cana where ing their voices together in the singing of the proceeded to the Armenian Christ performed his first miracle at a wedding sharagans . monastery and later walked through and Tabgha, where Christ multiplied the loaves In an unexpected final ceremony which lifted the Shepherds’ Field, where the and fishes. their spirits even higher, Barsamian performed a angels passed on the joyous news of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian performed the “Blessing of The last stop was the Sea of Galilee — an traditional ring-blessing ceremony over fellow pil - Christ’s birth. the Water” ceremony and presented the cross used for the important site throughout Jesus’ ministry, where grims Nadia Silk and Vache Soghomonian, who The Jordan River, where Christ ceremony to Enna Tunyan, a pilgrim from St. Sarkis Church he walked on water and saved his disciple Peter had become engaged during the pilgrimage. was baptized by St. John the Baptist, of Charlotte, NC. from drowning. The boat ride on the Sea of “The entire pilgrimage was surreal,” said was the first destination of the fol - Galilee sparked powerful spiritual feelings in the Soghomonian, who hails from the St. Sahag and lowing day, where the pilgrims took pilgrims. In that atmosphere Chevian led them in St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, Penn. “We do part in the “Blessing of the Water” ceremony led tured before his crucifixion. Tradition identifies a meditation. As the sun moved over the sea not understand the magnitude of our journey, by Barsamian. nearby tree as the one to which Christ was tied towards the horizon, the group listened closely until we pull away from it.” Still tracing Christ’s footsteps, the group for scourging by the Roman soldiers. to his words on the storms of life, and how faith His new fiancée, from Holy Trinity Church in braved the desert temperatures to view the The pilgrims especially enjoyed their glimpse can overcome doubt. Cheltenham, Penn., said she would always carry Mount of the Temptation. “We felt the intensity into life at the Sts. Tarkmanchats School. The with her a concern for the welfare of her coun - Endings and Beginnings of the heat for only a few hours. But we could school holds its students to high standards trymen in the holy city. “Every Armenian that we On the next day the pilgrims visited the never imagine what Christ experienced during which include learning a minimum of four lan - talked to, whether lay-person or clergy, said the Chapel of St. Polyeuctes, site of a sixth-century the long days of his time,” said Olivia Derderian, guages. Most of the students also participate in best thing we could do was pray for Jerusalem, Armenian mosaic that represents one of the ear - an Armenian Church Youth Organization of sports, with soccer being a particular favorite. as Jesus did.” S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Summer Interns Arrive at the Diocese AMAA Organizes Kids’ Camps in Armenia, NKR

NEW YORK — The Diocese of the Armenian NEW YORK — When the first warm Church of America (Eastern) will have two days of summer come, most people are interns — Kiersten Johnston and Maral eager to get outside and bask in the sun Firkatian Wozniak — joining the Diocesan team and/or find relief in a cool body of water. for an eight-week summer program. Each year, it also means thousands of The interns will assist with projects in the children in Armenia and Karabagh know Diocese’s Communications Department and the the time for summer camp is drawing Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). In addition, near. The camping missions of the they will take part in a spiritual and education - Armenian Missionary Association of al program, which includes morning prayer, America (AMAA) not only enrich the chil - Bible-study sessions, weekly lunch meetings dren’s lives spiritually and physically, but with area clergy and Armenian-language also provide relief from the hot summer instruction. sun. Campers enjoy leisure time in a Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan wholesome environment created especial - Primate, and members of the Diocesan Council ly for them while they learn about the welcomed the interns to the Diocese on love of God. Camp ministries continue to Tuesday, June 26. “It’s wonderful to have young be one of the most effective methods to people who are interested in learning about our bring children closer to God. church join our Diocesan family for the summer A donation of $70 will help a child be months,” Barsamian said. “The internship pro - able to attend an overnight camp this gram is a good opportunity for participants to summer and a donation of $40 will help build on their skills while gaining a deeper a child attend a day camp for a week. understanding of their faith and a familiarity The AMAA operates two overnight with the operations of the Diocesan Center.” camps in Armenia and Karabagh, Camp Johnston, 18, of St. Leon Church of Fair Kiersten Johnston (left) and Maral Firkatian Wozniak with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian at the Diocesan Center Sheen Shoghig in Hankavan, Armenia Lawn, NJ, will work in the Communications and Camp Bedrosian in Shushi, Department, where she will write for the Karabagh — and 46 day camps in other Diocesan e-newsletter, blog and website, and areas throughout the homeland. learn about video production. will write articles and blog posts about the to not only strengthen my own relationship Campers come from impoverished fami - An English and communications major at organization’s programs in Armenia. She also with my Armenian roots, but to help others do lies, thus the AMAA does not charge Fordham University in New York, Johnston will do writing for the Department of Christian so as well.” them any fees and instead relies on dona - attends services at St. Vartan Armenian Education. Nancy Basmajian, executive secretary of the tions. Cathedral in Manhattan during the academic Wozniak hails from Bloomfield, Conn., and Armenian Church Youth Organization of AMAA encourages financial support as year. She has volunteered for the Fuller Center attends the nearby St. Stephen Church. A grad - America, is overseeing the summer program, it makes a huge positive impact for the for Housing Armenia, where she helped build a uate of the University of Hartford, Wozniak which the Diocese offers annually in partner - children attending the camp. house in a village in the Armavir region. studied creative writing and minored in French. ship with the Armenian General Benevolent For more information about the sum - This summer she hopes to learn more about She is a member of her local church choir and Union. Johnston and Wozniak are living in stu - mer camps and how to help, call the her heritage. “An internship with the Armenian has taken part in Camp Hayastan and the dent housing at New York University, along AMAA or go to the website at Diocese seemed unique,” she said. “I liked the Eastern Prelacy’s Datev Institute. with some 30 summer interns participating in www.amaa.org. idea of a work environment immersed in an “I want to give back to the community that the AGBU internship program. They will join Armenian atmosphere.” has always supported me and made me feel like AGBU interns for several educational, cultural Wozniak, 22, will intern with FAR, where she I was part of something,” she said. “I am eager and social activities throughout the summer. 10 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Rev. Bedros Shetilian Conducts in Now St. Petersburg, Russia Embarking: INDIAN ORCHARD, Mass.— Rev. Bedros Shetilian is the pastor of St. Gregory Armenian An Artistic Apostolic Church in Indian Orchard, Mass. and Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church in Troy, Interpretation of the NY, but before becoming a clergyman, his first calling was music and conducting. 1947 and 1949 He received his initial musical training at Armenian Repatriation Yerevan Musical College and then at St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia under Yuri Temirkanov. Shetilian has worked with many orchestras, including both the St. Petersburg By Hazel Antaramian-Hofman Philharmonic and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra. He has also participated in a number was born in 1960, in Yerevan, of international music festivals including the Armenia, yet spoke little Moscow Easter Festival and the Borgholms Armenian and what I did speak Music Festival in Sweden. In addition to his was Western Armenian. As a work in Russia, Shetilian has toured extensive - young child, I always wondered ly in Europe and received critical acclaim. He why I came from such an exotic was awarded both a medal and diploma of the I place when my father was born Russian Cultural Foundation for his achieve - in Kenosha, Wis., and my mother was ments in conducting. Shetilian is also the from Lyon, France. Only after years of founder of the Troy Orchestra in Troy, and he hearing stories did I realize that I was recently participated in the St. Petersburg Chris Bohjalian has launched an aggressive national tour to promote his new book on the product of two Armenian Diaspora Palaces International Music Festival in Russia. the Genocide, titled , considered to be his most poignant work. The Sandcastle Girls post-World War II repatriate children, Currently, Shetilian combines both his callings, who were compelled by their father and being a clergyman and a conductor. He regu - mother’s emotive sense of hayrenik to larly writes on a number of topics for the leave one known cultural and ideological Armenian newspapers. His wife is a music edu - ground for another. cator and their daughter is a senior at Harvard Chris Bohjalian Brings The post-WWII repatriation move - University. ments uprooted many Armenians from Q: Can you give us more information about all over the world: France, Lebanon, the festival? Theme of Armenian Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Syria, Bulgaria, Shetlian: The festival is called the St. Romania, Palestine, the United States, Petersburg Palaces International Music Festival even some from Sudan, Iran, Iraq, India, and was founded in 1990 by a directive from Genocide Mainstream Uruguay, Argentina and China. It was an Vladimir Putin, who was the deputy mayor of orchestrated campaign to repopulate what fraction that remained of a vast BURLINGTON, Vt. — Chris Bohjalian is the kind of author who grabs you by the land well-documented as the ancestral heart and refuses to let go. How he can manipulate several plots simultaneously, home of Armenians from the time of travel cross-country to promote his Darius the Great. But the repatriates work, raise a family and enjoy a private were headed not to the romanticized, By Tom Vartabedian life either is a supreme juggling act. vast ancient land of their forebears, but Of the 15 books he has written, his lat - to a “Sovietized” Armenia under Stalin. est — The Sandcastle Girls — could very It was a migratory event complete with well be his best. If not the ultimate, it is at least the most ambitious and personal personal and spiritual dispossession and novel in a career that has spanned more than 25 years. If anything, it is a testament cultural disparity. to his Armenian ancestry, which is often exemplified on his many tours. The Republic of Armenia was in a The work is not merely a historical love state of extreme poverty after World War story, but a sweeping saga set in the caul - II. By November 1945, Stalin authorized dron of World War I, a tale of love and the return of Armenians to Soviet loss — and a family secret that has been Armenia with the incentive of bringing buried for generations. in new life in the construction, vitaliza - The book enhances Bohjalian’s stature tion and economic development to a des - Rev. Bedros Shetlian conducting in Russia in the world of Armenian-American litera - titute Soviet Republic. Armenian nation - ture and makes it a must read for anyone alistic organizations, political parties and in search of adventure. religious leadership organized efforts of St. Petersburg at that time. There was a break One of his first novels, Midwives , was a the repatriation. The Armenian in the festivals between 1994 to1997, so that is number one New York Times best seller. Repatriation Committee stressed the why this year is the 20th anniversary. It was cel - Bohjalian’s work has been translated need to nationally support the country ebrated with a concert and a banquet in the into more than 25 languages and three of Armenia while downplaying the reality Russian president’s Konstantinovsky palace in have been turned into movies. He lives in that Armenia was now a Soviet-dominat - St. Petersburg and a congratulatory letter was Vermont with his wife and daughter. ed country. received from President Putin. The Sandcastle Girls is dedicated to The basic repatriation story is riddled Q: Is this the first time that you have been the memory of his mother-in-law Sondra with individual twists and turns, but in invited to conduct for the festival? Blewer (1931-2011) and his father Aram most cases, there was a common thread: Shetilian: In 1997, when I was still living in Bohjalian (1928-2011). more often, a nationalistic, or at times, a Russia, I conducted the Italian International “Sondra urged me to write this novel socialist-leaning decision was made by a Orchestra during the festival. and my father helped to inspire it,” he patriarch or a matriarch, who uprooted Q: What orchestra and choir did you conduct noted. their family in response to an emotional for this program? A question-and-answer session with the author follows: global appeal encouraged by Soviet pro - Shetilian: The orchestra is called Tom Vartabedian: What prompted you to write The Sandcastle Girls ? paganda. The call to Armenians world - Konstantinovsky. It is named after the Russian Chris Bohjalian: I’ve been contemplating a novel about the Genocide for most of wide was a maneuver to attract young president’s Konstantinovsky palace in St. my adult life. I tried writing one in the early 1990s between Water Witches and people of child-bearing ages; to secure Petersburg and it functions under the festival’s Midwives . But it was a train wreck of a book. If I’m going to be kind, I might sim - skilled workers and professionals from management. The name of the choir is Smolny ply call it “apprentice” work. But “amateurish” would be fitting, too. (Scholars and developed countries; and to obtain new Choir and it is under the auspices of the masochists can read the manuscript in my alma mater’s archives.) technologies and products. Encouraged Smolny Cathedral. Smolny is a beautiful 18th- A few years ago, my Armenian father grew ill. And as we visited, we pored over by promises of free housing, land to century Russian cathedral in St. Petersburg, family photos together and I pressed him for details about his parents who were build upon and job opportunities, those built by the famous Italian architect, Rasterelli. survivors from Western Turkey. I also asked him for stories from his childhood. who left the diaspora made their life- The church was closed during the soviet era After all, he was the son of immigrants who spoke a language that can only be altering move with false hope. Upon and is still not consecrated. It functions as a called exotic in Westchester County during the 1930s. their arrival, they witnessed unimagin - concert hall. Finally, a good friend of mine who is a journalist and Genocide scholar urged me able social and economic conditions, Q: You have conducted one of most impres - to try once again to write a novel about what is, clearly, the most important part of with no opportunity to leave the Soviet sive pieces of the classical music repertoire, my family’s history. So I did. And this time, it all came together. bloc Armenia or regain their confiscated Mozart’s Requiem . What is your impression? see BOHJALIAN, page 12 see REPATRIATION, page 13 Shetilian: First, this was not the first time see CONDUCTOR, page 11 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Fundraising Concert Held at Havertown Church to Benefit Avedisian School AMAA Program Features Jazz Musician Grace Kelly

By Eileen Chopourian Stephey

HAVERTOWN, Penn. — The Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Church hosted a bene - fit concert on June 2, which featured the Grace Kelly Quintet. The concert raised money and From left, Tom Momjian, AMAA Board member awareness for the Khoren and Shooshanig and concert co-chair, with Edward and Pamela Avedisian School in Yerevan, Armenia. The Avedisian evening, co-chaired by Eileen Chopourian Stephey and Tom Momjian, was supported by the Armenian and local communities with more ily are active supporters of the Avedisian than 200 attendees filling the sanctuary. Light School building project and performed at a refreshments were provided before the concert. fundraising concert in Lexington, Mass. in Grace Kelly’s Quintet performed the hymns January for the school. Blessed Assurance, Amazing Grace and Sweet Pamela and Ed Avedisian attended the con - Hour of Prayer from her CD, “Grace.” cert, and Ed Avedisian spoke briefly about the Saxophonist Kelly also sang some of her own award-winning Avedisian School and invited the Gracy Kelly performs. compositions. The musicians, which included audience to participate in this project with their Jason Palmer on trumpet, Evan Gregor on bass, financial support. Groundbreaking for the new Pete McCann on guitar and Jordan Perlson on school took place on June 22. This school will The Armenian Missionary Association of in Worcester, Mass. and was incorporated in drums, quickly established a warm rapport with employ state-of-the-art, energy-efficient technol - America (AMAA) serves the religious, educa - New York in 1920. AMAA is a 501(c)(3) non- the audience and received a standing ovation ogy in its construction and become the first tional and social needs of Armenian communi - profit organization. following their final number. Kelly and her fam - LEED-certified building in Armenia. ties around the world. It was founded in 1918 For more information about Kelly, go to www.gracekellymusic.com. For more information about the Avedisian School Building Project and ways to help, go to Little Singers Make Big Impression in Japan www.amaa.org.

TOKYO — The Armenian Little Singers choir The singers — 40 girls, aged 11 to 18 — are all the Komitas State Conservatory in Armenia, in — whose repertoire includes classical songs, students of music schools in Yerevan. The 1992, and it has since won many awards at modern music, jazz and bossa nova — are tour - group was originally founded by Tigran international chorus competitions, according to ing Japan for the first time. Hekekyan, professor of choral conducting at Min-On Concert Association, the choir’s Japan tour organizer. It also tours Europe and the United States every year. For this extended tour of Japan — which includes 16 venues, some of which have already sold out — the girls are singing several hymns such as Ave Verum Corpus , as well as a George Gershwin medley, The Girl from Ipanema, In the Mood and other pop - ular songs. Thus far, crowds have been dazzled, packing the halls and cheering on the young performers. The concerts got underway on July Entertainment Fridays 13 at the Sano Culture Center in Tochigi, with performances in Kita and Saturdays Kyushu, Marugame Civic Hall in Kagawa, Nitori Bunka Hall in Sapporo, July 23; Iida Cultural Hall in Nagano, July 26; and will include upcoming dates in Acros Fukuoka, July 30; Mizayaki Municipal Culture Hall in Miyazaki, August 1; Nagasaki Brick Hall in Nagasaki, August 2; Watanabeo Kinen Kaikan in Ube in Yamaguchi, Some of the members of the Little Singers on tour in Japan August 4, and Ishikawa Ongakudo in Kanazawa, August 8.

Rev. Bedros Shetilian Conducts in St. Petersburg, Russia

CONDUCTOR, from page 10 the program? Church, each one has had its part in this con - that I conducted this masterpiece. I conducted it Shetilian: The Russian Orthodox Church’s cert. I think this was a wise project accom - on April 24, 1995, for a memorial concert at the external relation’s department chairman, plished by the festival. Such initiatives also help St. Petersburg Philharmonia big hall, dedicated Metropolitan Hilarion, is also a composer. As a to create a positive opinion about the to the 80th anniversary of the Armenian composer he is well known in Russian. For the Armenians. I call it Big Politics when a nation Genocide and sponsored by the Armenian first part of the concert I conducted his recent - not only pursues a political agenda, but also Apostolic Church in St. Petersburg. What can I ly composed piece, Stabat Mater. That was a uses its other treasures (such as religion, cul - say about this masterpiece? The only thing that premier performance of this piece in St. ture, arts, etc.) in the process. In the long run, I can think of is that such works are created not Petersburg. Stabat Mater is a Catholic Church I think this approach is more productive. only by the efforts of human beings, but also by ritual and it is about the suffering of the Mother Q: In the booklet of the festival there were inspiration from above; in other words by inspi - of God during the crucifixion. some Armenian names. Could you please tell us ration from Holy Spirit. Of course, Mozart was a Q: Was the concert dedicated to a special more about Armenians who were part of the genius, a very big and a unique genius. This work occasion? festival? was his last one. In contrast to his early years, Shetilian: Yes, it was a charity concert. Shetilian: Sure. Maria Safariants is a violinist Mozart had religious feelings in his latter years. Before the concert started there was a presen - and she is also the artistic director of the festival. It is believed that when he received the sugges - tation of a new charity center, whose construc - She is a well-known artist and a cultural activist tion to compose a Requiem he said, “I am going tion started in St. Petersburg. It belongs to the in Russia. Konstantine Orbelian is a conductor to compose my own Requiem.” To finish about Russian Orthodox Church. Before the and is the founder of the festival and its former the Requiem, I want to mention that the sopra - Bolsheviks such tradition existed in Russia. director. He is the nephew of a well-known musi - no soloist for the Requiem was the famous Now they are renewing it. Actually, Armenians cian with the same name, who was for many Italian singer, Chiara Taigi, from La Scala. and the Armenian Apostolic Church, the years, the artistic director of the Armenian Pops Q: What other pieces have you conducted for Russian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Orchestra during the Soviet era. 12 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Bohjalian Brings Theme of Armenian Genocide Mainstream

BOHJALIAN, from page 10 TV: How long did it take you to write? CB: I started the novel in the summer of 2010 and finished it in the fall of 2011. TV: Was the story factual or fictional — or a cross between the two? CB: Oh, it’s a novel. Absolutely. Nevertheless, my narrator Laura Petrosian is a fictional ver - sion of me. Her grandparents’ house was my grandparents’ house. But Elizabeth Endicott and Armen Petrosian were not my grandpar - ents. But I hope the history is authentic. I did my homework. I hope my characters’ stories are grounded in the particular ring of Dante’s Inferno that was the Armenian Genocide. I hope I have accurately rendered that moment in time. TV: Any Turkish resistance to the book? CB: Not yet. TV: Any chance of this being promoted to television or Hollywood? CB: One can always hope. If you know any producers, let me know. The group of high school finalists at the Armenian Library and Museum of America with curator Gary Lind-Sinanian, Acting Director Berj TV: How has it been received by the Chekijian and Board Chairman Haig Der Manuelian Armenian reading public? CB: Early reactions have been very encourag - ing. And here, I think, is the reason why. A few years ago, I heard the incredibly inspir - High School Finalists on Holocaust Essay Contest Visit ALMA ing Gerda Weissmann Klein speak at the University of Texas Hillel. Gerda is a Holocaust WATERTOWN — On Wednesday, June 27, Armenian culture. They were amazed to lection. survivor and author of (among other books) All 10 high school finalists from all over the learn that Armenia was the first nation to The finalists were treated to various other But My Life . Someone asked her, “What do you country, along with five teachers and two adopt Christianity and the many references sights in the Boston area as well as further say to people who deny the Holocaust?” She representatives from Facing History and to Armenia in the pre-Christian era by Greek classroom instruction. The final prize win - shrugged and said simply, “I tell them to ask Ourselves, paid a visit to the Armenian scholars. Some had never heard of the ners were announced at a banquet at the Germany what happened. Germany doesn’t deny Library and Museum of America (ALMA). Armenian Genocide. Eagerly, they asked for John Joseph Moakley United States it.” Two representatives from the international various explanations, which were provided Courthouse in Boston. As Armenians, we have a Genocide in which law firm of Holland & Knight LLP also by ALMA’s curator Gary Lind-Sinanian, Berj Der Manuelian also participated in a pro - 1.5 million people were killed — fully three-quar - accompanied them. They were all involved Chekijian, acting director, and Haig Der gram the following day, Thursday, June 28, ters of the Armenians living in the Ottoman in the annual Holocaust Essay Contest of Manuelian, chairman of the board as well as at the Boston Public Library as part of a Empire — and yet it remains (to quote my narra - that law firm, which this year was pro - a senior partner of Holland & Knight. four-member panel dealing with issues tor in The Sandcastle Girls ) “the slaughter you grammed by its Boston office. Two students were so impressed that they involving the Holocaust, the Armenian know nothing about.” It is largely unrecognized. Although they made their visit to ALMA asked why Armenian history was not being Genocide and the Rwandan Genocide. And so when Armenians have read advance in order to see the permanent Armenian taught in high schools in America. Others Holland & Knight, with offices on three copies of the novel, they have been deeply appre - Genocide Exhibit and the Ukrainian were surprised to learn that more than 35 continents besides numerous offices ciative of the story and the way it tells our peo - Genocide Exhibit, they took pleasure in emperors of the Byzantine Empire were of throughout the United States, has a major ple’s history. viewing ALMA’s other exhibits of artifacts Armenian blood and that one of them, a commitment to perform pro bono services My point? We are hungry for novels that tell as well as the “Who are the Armenians” woman, was the chief executive officer of annually. In addition, one of their charitable our story — that tell the world what our ances - exhibit. that vast empire for almost two years. activities is the sponsoring each year of a tors endured a century ago. They were able to see and get a taste of Representatives from Facing History and national high school competition for essays TV: How has the book benefited you in terms artifacts representing 3,000 years of Ourselves commented on ALMA’s rich col - on the Jewish Holocaust. of promoting your own heritage and culture? CB: It has helped me to understand more about who I am — the geography of my own soul. TV: Was there a correlation between the char - Lecture at NAASR by Shahkeh Setian on Humanity in the Midst of Inhumanity acters and those in actual life? CB: The big connection is that the Armenian- BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Shahkeh Setian not simply numbers but were breathing, liv - dren and five grandchildren and lives in Cape American novelist at mid-life who narrates parts will discuss her book, Humanity in the Midst ing, women, men and children. Cod. She lived for a year as an independent of the novel, Laura Petrosian, is a female version of Inhumanity , which provides stories sub - Some brave Muslims — Turks, Kurds and volunteer in post-war Nagorno Karabagh of me. mitted by 16 descendants of survivors who Arabs — risked their lives to save Armenians. (Artsakh). She has taught at Springfield TV: How does this relate to your other works? were saved by Muslims during the 1915 Humanity in the Midst of Inhumanity features College, Cape Cod Community College and CB: Pure and simple, the best book I will ever Armenian Genocide, on Thursday, August 9, many stories of such individuals, as well as mis - Artsakh State University, and has facilitated write — and the most important. I know this in at 8 p.m., at the National Association for sionaries and others who came to the aid of workshops and presented talks about geno - my heart. Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) suffering Armenians. Despite the threat by the cide, injustice and values. TV: During its conception, was there any con - Center, 395 Concord Ave. government against such actions, brave indi - More information about Setian’s lecture or nection made with notable Armenian historians Setian graphically presents the vicious viduals acted out of their humanity. Lives were NAASR and its programs for the furtherance and writers like Peter Balakian? treatment of victims in order to convey the saved, but a nation was lost. of Armenian studies, research and publica - CB: The epigraph is from one of my favorite horrors committed by government officials The daughter of Genocide survivors, Setian tion may be had by e-mailing [email protected] Balakian poems. And Khatchig Mouradian and out-of-control citizens in order to illus - is a graduate of the University of or writing to NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., (Armenian Weekly editor) was more generous trate that the victims of the Genocide were Massachusetts, Amherst. She has three chil - Belmont, MA 02478. with his time than you can imagine. I learned so much from him. And I still do, even though the novel is finished. TV: Who might your favorite Armenian writer ment would certainly be nice. It would also be 70 percent of Armenians don’t live in our home - Obviously, like many post-Soviet nations, be? encouraging to see a sitting American president land. And yet, somehow, we have retained a Armenia has a lot of monumental economic CB: I am deeply appreciative of the work ren - acknowledge what happened and use that national identity. hurdles. And those hurdles are exacerbated dered by Nancy Kricorian, Mark Mustian, Carol dreaded “G” word. Seriously, what does I think that whoever wrote, “We are still the by its place in the Caucasus region. But, my Edgarian, Peter Balakian, Micheline Aharonian, “realpolitik” get us with this issue? Regardless, I mountain,” wanted the sentence to be interpret - Lord, is it beautiful! I have never been better William Saroyan and Eric Bogosian. Pick one? expect poignant and powerful observances ed two ways. Certainly, he meant Musa Dagh: cared for and felt less like a stranger in a Not a chance! around the world. Attack again if you want, we are still those war - strange land. TV: Whatever happened to the first Genocide TV: Living in rural Vermont, do you feel iso - riors. But he also meant Ararat. Even here in TV: You are scheduled to appear at the book you wrote 20 years ago? lated from the Armenian community? How has Lebanon, we are still Armenians. Armenian Library and Museum of America, July CB: It exists only as a rough draft in the it impacted your heritage and that of your fami - And so for me, even though I am in Vermont, 26. What might we come to expect? underground archives of my alma mater. It will ly? I am still a part of that mountain. CB: Stand-up comedy. Free T-shirts. A never be published, even after my death. I spent CB: I love Vermont, I really do. But I think the TV: What are your impressions of Armenia? PowerPoint presentation. Family slides. You over two years struggling mightily to complete a fact I live in Vermont was one of the reasons CB: I was so happy there this spring. My hotel know, the sorts of things you might see at any draft and I never shared it with my editor. The why my visit to Beirut’s Armenian quarter and was on Abovyan Street and it intersected with literary gathering. manuscript should either be buried or burned. I Yerevan was so meaningful this spring. Aram Street two blocks away. Well, Abovyan was TV: Will there be a sequel to The Sandcastle couldn’t bring myself to do either. But neither I try to remind myself of something I saw writ - the first modern Armenian novelist and Aram Girls or another work related to Armenian liter - did I ever want the pages to see the light of day. ten as part of a Musa Dagh mural on a column was my father’s name. He passed away last year ature? TV: Collectively, as a diaspora, what can be in Anjar, Lebanon — where the survivors of and his death made my journey to Armenia all CB: I don’t know if there will be a sequel. I done to observe the 100th anniversary of the Mush Dagh were resettled: “Let them come the more important to me. To see his name have never written a sequel. But there will be Armenian Genocide in 2015? again. We are still the mountain.” intersecting with a great Armenian novelist was more Armenian or Armenian-American-set fic - CB: Well, recognition by the Turkish govern - The reality of the Armenian Diaspora is that a wondrous and unexpected blessing — a gift! tion. That’s very, very likely. S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING An Artistic Interpretation of the 1947 and 1949 Armenian Repatriation

REPATRIATION, from page 10 collect stories and photographs for my project. I citizenship papers. The collective social memo - went to Yerevan to visit an old family acquain - ry of many hayrenadartsner was one of betrayal tance and her family. She was not part of the and deceit under the guise of a patriotic call. repatriation, but during her younger years she Those who survived the times would later tell had befriended many Armenians who came from stories concerning backward social economics, America and France. As we gathered for our disease, discrimination, psychological anxiety evening meals, neighbors or workplace friends, and physical brutality encountered under the people who either remembered stories of repa - Soviet system. Zabel (Chookaszian) Melconian, a triates or were themselves children of repatriates 23-year-old New York native left the United but never had an opportunity to leave the coun - States in 1947, to support her father’s decision try, came to tell stories. The most interesting sto - to move to Armenia. After experiencing abysmal ries shared were those of the unrecognized con - living conditions, she recalls trying to warn her tributions in technology and specialty trades relatives in America not to come to Armenia by that Armenians from the diaspora made to sending them cryptic messages in outbound let - Armenian society. All in all, the cosmopolitanism ters, which were routinely censored. of Yerevan was born from those Armenians who Scholarly articles, lectures and testimonial came from the outside. documentation have only begun to shed light on I have just begun my artistic journey of the this period in Armenian history. Crosby Phillian, postwar Armenian repatriation. From my visits a native New Yorker, who left the United States thus far I have collected over 45 black and white in 1949, at the age of 16, says that “survival” was photographic images of repatriate children and the sole mantra of many repatriates who when families taken in Armenia from 1947 to 1966. living in Armenia had to sell their personal The photographs collected are to be complied in belongings on the black market for a few rubles a database for my artistic interpretation as well in order to eat for the week. The sale of goods on as archival documentation. In a mélange of draw - the black market became a ritual every Sunday. ings, paintings and installation art scheduled for Anxiety-ridden akhbars were at the mercy of Repatriates in Yerevan 1950-51 with the Antaramian American Nash Ambassador (known as the car exhibition in spring/summer 2013, the imagery those who had some money and knew how to with the visor) will be used to interpret the cultural, social and work the system. Phillian, who currently lives in economic situations of that period. I am also doc - France, also notes that the unwritten law in the umenting short stories that narrate the circum - Soviet Union at the time seemed to be standing the time, Virginia (Hekimian) Antaramian, who lace. Virginia heard about other children who stances and emotions of the people who experi - in long lines to buy basic food items, such as was born in France to foreign born parents, were placed in a similar situation. They were enced the events during this particular episode bread, meat or cheese. Bursting crowds, argu - recalls several sketchy events of that day. She covertly taken to the main ship in small boats in in Armenian history. Clearly, it is another facet of ments and physical fights were not unusual remembers being surreptitiously guided to the the middle of the night to get on board without the social aftermath of the Armenian Genocide. occurrences in these lines. There was even an ship by her communist Uncle Hagop Chiljian like knowledge of the French authorities, or were (Hazel Antaramian-Hofman is interested in col - occasional death. Phillian remembers when a many other French-born children of French- carted in large crate boxes to the Pobeda. lecting more photographs and interviewing more man who was trying to simply buy some cheese Armenians, then waiting in hiding onboard Ultimately, those who were not originally given people for their stories. If readers are repatriates was killed by a woman’s shoe heel striking his expecting to be joined later by her parents. For permission to sail from Marseilles were allowed or know of others, they can contact her at haze - head. the French, who lost many citizens in the war, it to leave France. [email protected], with “repatriate pro - My own personal memory of life as a child in was a matter of safeguarding their young popu - In March 2012, I took my second journey to ject” in the subject line.) Armenia is limited and untainted by the social conditions experienced by my elders. Later in my life, when I listened to family stories, I knew that there was a painful difference in the cultural experiences of my parents between the times they grew up as youth outside of Armenia and later as they matured during their formative years in Armenia. Upon reflection, I can only CC AA LLEENNDDAARR imagine the culture shock witnessed by those who grew up in the late 1940s in the United States, where the sounds of Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Frank Sinatra were popular, and the faces of Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Lana Turner and Loretta Young dominated the silver MASSACHUSETTS screen. To understand and to retell the story, I turned to ethnographic research and to my art. AUGUST 1 — Emmy-nominated documentary “Orphans of the In 2010, I began personal interviews and the col - Genocide,” will be presented at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic lection of family photographs, memoirs and trav - Church Hall, 1 Artsakh St., Watertown, by filmmaker Bared el papers. Based on these sources along with his - Maronian, at 7 p.m. The film recounts the story of more than torical documentation, my interest was to cap - 150,000 orphans and their stories. ture this multi-faceted story through paintings, OCTOBER 25 — K. George and Carolann S. Najarian Endowed drawings and installation art, as an expression Lecture on Human Rights. Speaker: Ambassador Edward P. and interpretation of social experiences. When Djerejian, founding director, James A. Baker III Institute for Public author and family friend Tom Mooradian visited Policy, Rice University and former US ambassador to Israel (1992- Fresno in the fall of 2009 (and then later in 1994) and the Syrian Arab Republic (1988-1991). Faneuil Hall, 2011), during the promotion tours of his mem - Boston. Thursday, 7 p.m. An endowed public program of Armenian oir, Repatriate: Love, Basketball and the KGB , I Heritage Park. Free and open to the public. found that we shared each other’s understanding that there were more personal histories that On August 26, the Armenian Church at Hye needed to be documented. But as I indicated to NEW JERSEY Pointe will hold a picnic at American Legion Tom, my goal was not to write people’s individu - AUGUST 10-12 — Return to Asbury, Armenian Kef Weekend at Farm, 1314 Main St., Haverhill, Mass. from al biographies, but to use imagery and text to the Beach. For tickets and information, visit returntoas - noon to 5 p.m., featuring the Jason Naroian narrate the story of the late 1940s repatriation bury.eventbrite.com. The event is sponsored by the ASA. Ensemble, pictured here, as well as Armenian within the manifold of 20th-century Armenian OCTOBER 5 — Save the date. His Eminence Archbishop Khajag cuisine, raffles and gift certificates. Bring your history. Not only would I better understand my Barsamian, Primate, Diocese of Armenian Church, invites everyone to own lawn chairs. For more info, visit own early personal story, but I would be able to attend a tribute banquet in honor of Hrant Gulian. Details to follow. www.hyepointechurch.org or call (978) 372- collect oral history to artistically interpret the OCTOBER 21 — The Armenian American Suppor t and Educational culture shock, loss of freedom and the ideologi - 9227. Center, the Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniversary. Bergen cal turmoil that shaped the historical time of the County Academies, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, with the par - akhbars . ticipation of Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble of the Hye Doon, Arev In December 2011, I traveled to Paris, France, Armenian Folk Ensemble of Hamazkayin of Boston and other talent - to make contact with old family friends who had ed guest performers. repatriated in 1947 and left Armenia in 1966. NOVEMBER 18 — TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group Cast Stories about the post-war departures from OCTOBER 28 — Save the date. The Armenian American Support Party and tribute to Karnig Nercessian on the occasion of the France to Armenia were convoluted, depressing and Educational Center, Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniver- 15th anniversary of the group. Special program and dinner, with and at times surreal. Over six decades have sary. Felician College, Lodi. With the participation of Akh’tamar Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of passed since a bizarre stand-off at the Marseilles Dance Ensemble and other talented guest performances. Details to the Armenian Church, presiding. St. Thomas Armenian Church, port just days before the Russian repatriation follow. Tenafly. Donation, $30. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig ship set sail on December 24, 1947. Stranded NOVEMBER 17-18 — Musical theater presentation by TCA Mher Atamian. aboard the Pobeda, 300 French-Armenians await - Megerdchian Theatrical Group, Yervant Odian’s “Love and ed their travel plans. They were denied permis - Laughter” (Ser yev Dzidzagh), directed by Krikor Satamian, with NEW YORK sion by French authorities to sail from Marseilles more than 20 actors participating. Dwight Englewood High School, and subsequently told to disembark. The ship Englewood Cliffs, 8 p.m., Saturday and 4 p.m., Sunday. $25, $35, SEPTEMBER 29 — Save the date. Armenia Fund 20th Anniversary eventually set sail with 1,122 Armenians, without $50. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig Atamian. Gala, 7 p.m. at Gotham Hall in New York City. the 300 French-Armenians who the French con - sidered part of their citizenry. Twelve-years old at 14 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Karabagh Marching towards Democracy munity will certainly be interested in dealing to deal with authority By Edmond Y. Azadian elected by the people of Karabagh, especially in view of the fact that Spectator the Minsk Group’s agenda has mandated such a prospect.” Continuing his comments he said, “the people of Karabagh once Whether the international community recognizes it or not, more proved their determination to achieve their destiny through a Karabagh is marching towards democracy and self-determination. democratic process.” The international community has another agenda, which certainly Even a few US congressmen hailed the process and the outcome does not include the security and the well being of the population in at these elections, including Howard Berman, Adam Schiff, Frank Established 1932 that trapped enclave. It is up to that population to determine its Pallone and Ed Royce. future and to guarantee its rights and prosperity. The latter commented that the “electoral process is working in An ADL Publication It seems to be perfectly acceptable to that very same interna - Karabagh. The voting proved that democracy is active there.” tional community the transfer of power from father to son in It would have been too good to be true had the Minsk Group rep - Azerbaijan, in a dynastic set-up, thumbing their noses at interna - resentatives given the same positive assessment. Instead, they issued EDITOR tional law or democratic norms, as long as they can have access statements underlining that no country recognizes Karabagh’s inde - Alin K. Gregorian to the rich energy reserves. pendence and that these elections do not have any bearing on the

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Karabagh was an autonomous oblast , even during the Soviet peri - ongoing negotiations, nor on their outcome. However, there is a pos - Aram Arkun od, and it was allowed to elect its own rulers. itive element in their statement that “the co-chairs of the Minsk In the wake of the collapse of the Soviet empire, Karabagh exer - Group accept the need for the de facto authorities to regulate the life ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian cised the same procedures prescribed in the Soviet Constitution to of the people through these democratic processes.” secede from the Union as did Azerbaijan, a process that does not Once again mischief comes from Armenia’s only fellow Christian COPY EDITOR impinge on Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, contrary to what the lat - nation in the Caucasus, Georgia. Indeed, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry Dilani Yogaratnam ter is arguing in various world bodies. issued a statement on the site of Gruzia online that it does not rec - As the negotiations have been continuing for two decades, ognize the “so-called presidential elections” in Karabagh. Karabagh’s people did not have to wait for the outcome of those Had the Georgian authorities been satisfied with that state - SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: negotiations to elect their leaders and to develop the infrastructures ment, no sinister intention would have been inferred, because Edmond Azadian of their government. observers know that is a position of principle for Georgia, as CONTRIBUTORS: Besides, when the time comes to involve Karabagh in the negoti - Tbilisi has lost two regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Nor has Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, ating process, certainly these elected representatives should be invit - Tbilisi recognized Kosovo’s independence, despite the decision of Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune ed to participate in those negotiations on behalf of the people of the International Court of Justice on July 22, 2010 that Kosovo’s Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. Karabagh. independence does not violate international law. By the same Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der The people of Karabagh elected their president on July 19 through token, the Tbilisi government has not recognized the indepen - Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork a democratic process. The participation of voters was significant: dence of South Sudan. But the Georgian authorities have gone Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , 73.4 percent of the eligible voters cast their ballots. Incumbent further to betray their perennial animosity towards Armenia by Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop President Bako Sahakian garnered 60 percent of those votes, while stating: “The Georgian Foreign Ministry unequivocally supports Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian his top challenger Vitali Balassanian received 32.5 percent of the Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and does not recognize the so- CORRESPONDENTS: votes and Arakady Soghomonian came in third. called ‘presidential elections’ in Karabagh.” Dozens of international observers characterized the elections as Every time, the authorities in Yerevan come out with statements Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian free and fair, despite some irregularities which ultimately did not that relations between Armenia and Georgia are improving, the lead - Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian impact the outcome of the elections. ership in Tbilisi manages to torpedo those positive statements by cor - Of course, opinions are divided on these elections and their out - responding acts of enmity. Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair come; Armenians in Karabagh and Armenia believe that the elec - The people of Karabagh have beaten their oppressors in a war Hovsepian tions have resulted in a new political situation, which places forced upon them. They maintain their vigilance and combat readi - Karabagh on an irreversible course of democracy, while the ness for any eventual danger while they build a democratic society Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk which could never have existed under Azeri rule. Group representatives and Armenia’s neighbors have other opinions. The people of Karabagh have expressed their will through the The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, after congratulat - recent presidential elections and they are marching towards democ - ing the people of Karabagh, commented: “The international com - racy in unison. Baikar Association, Inc. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Telephone: 617-924-4420 FAX: 617-924-2887 “crimes against humanity” was coined as a Confronting the past is closely linked to www.mir rorspectator.com Turkey’s Human legal term and first used on May 24, 1915, in security, stability and democracy in the Middle E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com response to the genocide against Armenians East. Persistent denial of historical injustices For advertising: [email protected] Rights Hypocrisy and other Christian civilians. not only impedes democratization but also Britain, France and Russia initially defined hampers stable relations between different Ottoman atrocities as “crimes against ethnic and religious groups. Christianity” but later substituted “humanity” This is particularly true in former Ottoman SUBSCRIPTION RATES : By Taner Akçam after considering the negative reaction that lands, where people view one another in the U.S.A. 2nd Class $75 a year such a specific term could elicit from Muslims cloaks of their ancestors. In addition to the 1st Class $120 a year in their colonies. reverberations of the Armenian Genocide, Canada A new political order is emerging in the Today, Mr. Erdogan is seeking to be a glob - mass crimes against Kurds and Alevis in Air Mail $125 a year Middle East, and Turkey aspires to be its leader al spokesman for Muslim values. In June 2011, Turkey, violence against Kurds and Arabs in All Other Countries by taking a stand against authoritarian regimes. he told thousands gathered to celebrate the Iraq and Christian-Muslim tensions in Syria Air Mail $190 a year Earlier this week, Turkey’s prime minister, landslide victory of his Justice and and Lebanon continue to poison contempo - Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch Recep Tayyip Erdogan, went so far as to Development Party, known as the AKP: rary politics. denounce the Syrian government’s continuing “Sarajevo won today as much as Istanbul; The popularity of the AKP in Turkey and massacres of civilians as “attempted genocide.” Beirut won as much as Izmir; Damascus won the Muslim world affords Mr. Erdogan an Turkey’s desire to champion human rights in as much as Ankara. Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, opportunity to usher in an era of tolerance. By the region is a welcome development, but Mr. the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza won as acknowledging the genocide against © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Erdogan’s condemnation of Syria is remarkably much as Diyarbakir.” Christians and crimes against other groups, Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA hypocritical. As long as Turkey continues to Speaking in support of oppressed Muslims the Turks can become leaders in the realm of and additional mailing offices. deny crimes committed against non-Turks in the has earned him popularity. But if Mr. Erdogan human rights. But Turkey’s efforts to paint ISSN 0004-234X early 1900s, during the final years of the aspires to defend freedom and democracy in the itself as a beacon of freedom and democracy Ottoman Empire, its calls for freedom, justice region, he must also address the legitimate fears will fail so long as Turkey refuses to atone for POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, and humanitarian values will ring false. of Christians in the Middle East. Just as the Ottoman sins. Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Turkey’s attempt to cultivate an image as European powers opted for universalism in Moral purists and hard-nosed realists mis - Other than the editorial, views and opinions the global protector of Muslim rights is com - 1915 by denouncing “crimes against humanity,” takenly believe that pursuing justice and expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily promised by a legacy of ethnic cleansing and Mr. Erdogan must move beyond his narrow national interests are mutually exclusive. But eflect the policies of the publisher. genocide against Christians and terror against focus on “crimes against Muslims.” All acknowledging historical wrongs is not a zero- Arabs and Kurds. Memories of these crimes oppressed peoples deserve protection. sum game. are very much alive throughout former It isn’t a coincidence that many Christians In the Middle East, the past is the present. Ottoman territories. And Turkey cannot serve and other minorities in Syria support Bashar And truth and reconciliation are integral to as a democratic model until it acknowledges al-Assad’s Baath Party; they are willing to sac - establishing a new, stable regional order that brutal violence, population transfers and rifice freedom for security. While Turkish founded on respect for human rights and dig - Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without genocide underlie the modern Turkish state. rhetoric appeals to the Sunni Muslim majori - nity. Turkey should lead by example. express permission of the copyright Using documents from the Ottoman gov - ty’s demand for freedom in Syria, it does not (Taner Akçam, a professor of history at owner. Address requests for reprints or ernment archives in Istanbul, which were once relieve Syrian Christians’ anxiety about their Clark University, Worcester, Mass., is the back issues to: classified as top secret, I have sought to pull future. On the contrary, Syrian Christians lis - author of The Young Turks’ Crime Against Baikar Association, Inc. back the veil on Turkey’s century of denial. tening to Mr. Erdogan and his denialist Humanity: The Armenian Genocide and 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 These documents clearly demonstrate that rhetoric are reminded of 1915, and that makes Ethnic Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire . Ottoman demographic policy from 1913 to Turkey look very much like a security threat This piece originally appeared in the New 1918 was genocidal. Indeed, the phrase to them. York Times on July 19.) S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

dreds of captured Ottoman sailors were dumped on the in Washington DC.” shores of North Carolina by Sir Francis Drake in the Hashaw revealed in his letter that Turkey “sent gifts 16th century! such as water fountains (cesme) to those who deny the Kennedy compiled a long list of “amazing” similarities Armenian Genocide. They have said in the press that between Turks and Melungeons, such as eating beef and they expect our support in Washington, DC. I kept ask - My Turn mashed potatoes, the habit of hugging each other, ing myself: why is the very influential Turkic World Appalachian quilts having Ottoman designs, Anatolian Research Foundation bothering to pay for airfare to By Harut Sassounian folk dancers performing square dance and Turkish send waves of humble Appalachian hill folk from the US music sounding like Bluegrass! He discovered that the to Turkey? We are not a large or affluent people. Why Turkish word “neyaygara” sounds like Niagara, “dilhah do the President and Prime Minister of Turkey give per - DNA Study Busts Myth that One yer” is pronounced Delaware, “tenasuh” means sonal interviews to Melungeons from Appalachia when Million Appalachians Are of Tennessee, “kan tok” is Kentucky and “allah bamya” is they visit? Why are the ATAA and the Istanbul Alumni Alabama! group paying to send Melungeons to New York in order Turkish Descent Kennedy further stated that Turkish scholars have to honor them in recognition for their services to “long believed that a connection existed between them - Turkey?” For decades, Turkish pseudo-historians and propagan - selves and eastern seaboard American Indians, based on Hashaw’s published works regarding the ethnic ori - dists have made bizarre claims about Turks being the both physical appearance and shared words and cus - gins of the Melungeons were validated by a new DNA ancestors of various ethnic groups around the world, toms.” He gathered these “important facts” from study published in the Journal of Genetic Genealogy including Native Americans, African-Americans and the Turkish “historians” during his meetings at Marmara which disproved the “wild claims” that Melungeons are strangest of all — Melungeons — a little-known group of University in Istanbul. “Several hundred Ottoman descendants of Turkish slaves. Instead, the research dark-skinned residents of Appalachia. sailors could exert a powerful genetic, cultural and lin - indicated that they were the offspring of “sub-Saharan To counter Armenian political activities in guistic influence on the 16th-century Native American African men and white women of northern or central Washington, the Turkish government regularly reaches Tribes into which they married,” Kennedy confidently European origin.” Shortly after release of this study, the out to anyone who could be co-opted with all-expense concluded. red-faced leader of a Turkish-American group gave his paid trips, special gifts and other financial inducements, Appalachians, however, were infuriated by the distor - followers the bad news: “Appalachia’s Melungeons are including funding studies and conferences on the tion of Melungeons’ ethnic origin and exploitation of not Turks!” alleged Turkish origin of Melungeons. Even though their history. Historian and award-winning journalist Despite the incontestable DNA evidence, incorrigible these 1 million Appalachians do not carry much politi - Tim Hashaw of Houston, Texas, sent a letter asking me Turkish propagandists may not be deterred by scientific cal clout in Congress, Ankara is interested in claiming to “investigate the tawdry connection between the studies. They will continue to claim that just about them to be of Turkish descent, hoping to strengthen its Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) and everyone on Planet Earth somehow originated from political and economic clout in the United States. the Melungeon Heritage Association.” Hashaw asserted Turks! As Tim Hashaw mockingly wrote: The Turkish initiative faced one “minor” problem: that “Melungeons are an obscure tri-racial (white, black “Abraham Lincoln was a Turk! Elvis Presley was a there was no evidence that Melungeons were descen - and American Indian) community in Appalachia — Turk! American Indians are Turks! Obama’s mama was dants of Turks. This issue was easily resolved when the Virginia and Tennessee. We are not now, nor have we a Turk! Melungeons were born in the country of the Turkish government provided a “research grant” to a ever been, Turkish. Yet, Melungeons are being wrongly Hatfields and McCoys. The blood feud is in our DNA. The Melungeon named N. Brent Kennedy. In April 1995, he exploited by Turkish associations to deny the Armenian Turks do not know yet, but they will regret bribing greedy flew to Istanbul and wrote a book showing that hun - Genocide and to support questionable Turkish agendas ignorant people to deny the Armenian Genocide.” Redefined ‘Diaspora’ or ‘Just Memory’ Strategy: Turkey’s New Perspective on the Armenian Genocide

like a Damoclean Sword over his country,” ed Protocols were not ratified,” wrote already started,” reported Milliyet. By Aris Ghazinyan wrote Harut Sassounian, publisher of the Sassounian. “Realizing that Turkey had to Earlier, in spring, Davutoglu spent sever - California Courier . deal with the diaspora, not just Armenia to al hours in Washington meeting privately It should be noted that after the signing resolve genocide related issues, Davutoglu with several Armenians and non- Since early this year, the Turkish of the Armenian-Turkish protocols in 2009, once again turned his attention to Armenians from the Los Angeles area to Foreign Ministry has been trying to adopt Davutoglu started the development of a Armenian communities worldwide.” discuss Armenian-Turkish reconciliation. a new political course that Turkish Foreign new strategy for relations with the In December 2011, Turkey announced a During the May meeting Armenian par - Minister Ahmed Davutoglu has called Armenian Diaspora. revised concept of the diaspora to include ticipants told the minister that Ankara has “strategy of just memory.” This was conditioned by the fact that the all descendants of Anatolia, regardless of to be persistent in terms of meeting the Today’s Zaman wrote that Davutoglu traditional Armenian Diaspora, unlike offi - their religion or sect. Armenian demand to admit the genocide “wants to contextualize what happened in cial Yerevan, took a tougher position on In an interview published in the Turkish and give compensation, only after which 1915 in the broader framework of a possible reconciliation, especially if it Milliyet on July 7, Davutoglu announced they can talk about “reconciliation.” humanitarian disaster caused by a crum - meant bypassing official Ankara admitting that he has sent a directive to all Turkish “Despite Davutoglu’s seeming sincerity, bling Ottoman Empire.” the Armenian Genocide. embassies in which he redefined the Armenians have reasons not to trust such “In addition to Armenian sufferings, he To pursue this stratagem, in April 2010 Turkish diaspora. initiatives, factoring in that over dozens of wants to refer to the Turkish losses in the Davutoglu met in Washington with “We consider all those who emigrated years Turkey has been denying the Balkans and Caucuses, millions of Muslims Turkey’s ambassadors to the United States from those lands, and not only the Turks, Armenian Genocide and is leading a hostile killed or uprooted from their lands before and Canada and consul generals in to be the diaspora — the Armenians, Jews, policy towards the Diaspora, the Republic and during World War I, the losses at Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Greeks, the people called El Turco in Latin of Armenian and Artsakh,” wrote Gallipoli and Sarikamis as “our shared Toronto. He instructed them to contact America and the Arabs in Argentina… Sassounian. tragedy,” wrote journalist Omer Taspinar. Armenians who are open to dialogue and Those are our people… Those are people He believes that no Armenian organiza - Davutoglu indicated to a group of to avoid “hard-line groups,” according to whose culture and language resemble tion or individual should get involved with Turkish journalists last week to show Today’s Zaman newspaper. ours.” separate negotiations with Turkey. empathy for 1915 as long as the context is “Initially, Turkey registered some success Based on these “redefined criteria,” “Only Armenian officials and credible defined as a “broader framework of a when the Armenia-Turkey Protocols were Turkish representations around the world leaders with diplomatic expertise should ‘shared tragedy,’ where there is also signed by both countries, under the guise of “will now open their doors to those people be negotiating with shrewd and skilled Armenian empathy for Turkish losses.” opening their mutual border. However, this who were once Ottoman subjects, they will Turkish diplomats,” Sassounian concluded. “Although problematic, this is a step in latest attempt to drive a wedge between contact them, and they will even invite the right direction. Talking about a shared ‘soft’ Armenian officials and ‘hard-line’ them to national days. The contacts with (Aris Ghazinyan is a staff writer for tragedy is better than denying what hap - Diasporans also failed, when the much-tout - the Armenian Diaspora are said to have ArmeniaNow.) pened to Armenians in 1915,” said Taspinar. “However, one thing should be clear: unless there is an official Turkish apology for the tragedy of 1915 (no need to call it genocide), similar to the one Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Notice to Contributors articulated for Dersim a few months ago, The welcomes articles, commentaries daytime telephone number. Armenian Mirror-Spectator such a narrative about ‘fair memory’ will and community news from our readers. In order to assure the accurate — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is noon on the fall on deaf ears.” and timely publication of articles submitted, please note the following Monday of the week of publication. Experts in this field admit that the main policies: — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the edi - reason behind this “fair memory” strategy — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) spaced and tors and art director. Photos will be returned only if a self-addressed is the looming 100th anniversary of the printed in a type size large enough to be clearly legible (10 point or and stamped envelope is included. larger). Submissions that do not conform to these specifications will be — The will publish only one article about an upcoming organiza - genocide of Armenians in the Ottoman M-S Empire. assigned lowest priority. tional event. For major special events, exceptions may be made only by “The Turkish Foreign Minister openly — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions are special arrangement with the editors. acknowledged that his urgent efforts are encouraged. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the discretion — All submissions should include the name of a contact person and a of the editors) will not be included in press releases. prompted by the looming 100th anniver - sary of the Armenian Genocide that hangs 16 S ATURDAY , J ULY 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Holy Trinity Sunday School An Olympic Love Story Graduates Seven on May 20 GOSTIGIAN, from page 1 and watched me compete all the time. One of her teammates had a crush on one of my team - mates; she was dragging her to all the events.” exemplary record throughout their years as a Monplaisir had risen through the ranks of women’s fencing after taking up the sport in student of the Sunday School, was awarded to By Seta. A. Buchter high school. Raised in New York City, she looked to fencing as a way to guarantee a college Christina Azarian and Amanda Tabeek. The education and a better way of life for herself. Arsha Sarkisian Award, which is presented to “I tried all the sports,” said Monplaisir, 51. “I couldn’t swim, I couldn’t jump hurdles; they CAMBRIDGE, Mass — Sunday, May 20, was a an “Outstanding Sunday School Student of the didn’t have baseball for girls back then. Fencing was the last one to try and I ended up being day of celebration and pride in the life of Holy Year,” was given to Nerses Haroutunian, a grad - good at it.” Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston. On uating student. She practiced every chance she got and joined the New York Fencers Club, which gave this day, seven Grade 12 students, having com - The Order of Graduates was then presented her a scholarship. By 1984, she had made the Olympic team and competed in Los Angeles. pleted the required course of Christian to Kouzouian. Each graduate received his/her She went on to compete in 1988 and 1992, the year she first really noticed Gostigian. Education as set forth by the Department of Sunday School diploma from Kouzouian and a “He and I were always on a ‘hi, bye’ basis,” Monplaisir said. “And one night I realized how Youth and Education at the Diocese of the gift of the book, Armenia: A Journey through cute he really was!” Armenian Church of America (Eastern), gradu - History , by Arra Avakian. They began writing to each other after the Olympics and had their second date a year ated from the Sunday School in a ceremony in Due to the large size of this year’s graduating later. They called each other every day, racking up phone bills higher than their rents, church at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. class, each graduate’s remarks on “What Monplaisir said, as they each flew around the world for competitions. After three-and-a-half This year’s graduates were Christina Azarian, Sunday School or Church Means to Me” was years of sporadic visits, Gostigian proposed on a Hawaiian beach and the couple settled hap - daughter of Vickie Alani of Belmont and the printed in the Graduation Program along with pily on the Upper West Side. late David Azarian; Daniel Coste, son of Dr. a brief biography of each graduate. Two stu - “In honor of the Olympic calendar, we got married on a leap year [on February 29], so Gerard and Diane Coste of Lexington; Lilit dents, Casey Tellen and Christina Azarian, were every four years, we celebrate our anniversary,” Gostigian said. (His wife asserts that he still DerKevorkian, daughter of Dr. Nazareth and asked to speak on behalf of the graduating buys her anniversary gifts every year.) By then, he had also competed in the Olympics three Lena DerKevorkian of Lexington; Nerses class. Their remarks were a composite of each times. Haroutunian, son of Leo and Narine graduate’s responses to a number of questions. The couple has 9-year-old twins, a boy and a girl, and Gostigian works as a private fitness Haroutunian of Watertown; Caleb Haydanek, Tellen spoke about the people who influenced trainer; he helped train a young Upper West Side fencer who is competing in foil fencing in son of Brian and Renee Tellen of Mansfield; the graduates and what they liked most about this year’s games. He also tried out for the Olympic pentathlon team himself this year, just Amanda Tabeek, daughter of George and attending Sunday School and Church. Azarian for fun, he said, after qualifying for the trials. Audrey Delanjian Tabeek of Dedham; and talked about the graduates’ most memorable “My kids got to watch me compete this year,” he said. “That’s a thrill, to be connected to Casey Tellen, daughter of Brian and Renee moments or experiences, the lessons that have the Olympics. We do watch a lot of the events, because we still know a lot of people at the Olympic levels, especially with fencing and pentathlon.” Monplaisir doesn’t fence much anymore, but said she may get involved in a senior league eventually. “Fencing has given me so much in my life,” she said. “Meeting the most amazing people in the world, great friends, a wonderful husband — what more can you ask for?” MirTher Armo enian r-Spe ctator

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USA /Second Class Mail $75.00 CANADA /Air Mail $125.00 USA /First Class Mail $120.00 J THE SUBSCRIPTION IS FOR ME Sunday School Graduates with Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian and Seta A. Buchter, Sunday School super - NAME intendent ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP Tellen of Mansfield. Serving as ushers and par - stayed with them throughout the years, their ticipating in the graduation ceremony were year of service, and the future. J THE SUBSCRIPTION IS A GIFT FOR: Grade 11 students Rose Arslanian, Nayiri Dan Coste presented this year’s class gift to NAME Ayanian, Ani Hollisian, Allison Jakob, Melissa Kouzouian, which was 14 copies of the Holy Sahagian and Caroline Thayer. Bible, Armenian Church Edition, for the pews ADDRESS The morning began with the graduates attend - in the Church Sanctuary. Lilit DerKevorkian CITY STATE ZIP ing church services, reading the Confession and offered the Bible reading of the day from the receiving Holy Communion. The graduation cere - Book of Proverbs, Chapter 1, verses 1-5. mony, which was presided over by Fr. Vasken The ceremony concluded with the graduating Please make check payable to: The Armenian Mirror-Spectator and mail to: Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, began class, in a symbolic gesture, passing a lit candle 755 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472-1509 with opening remarks by Seta A. Buchter, to the students of Grade 11 with the words, “As Sunday School Superintendent. the 2012 Sunday School Graduating Class of All payments must be drawn on US banks She stated, “We have watched our graduates, Holy Trinity Armenian Church, we pass on to over the years, grow and develop into the won - you this symbol of our faith with our Hope and derful young adults they are today. For each of Love.” The candle, which represents the pass - them, their years attending Sunday School, has ing of leadership from the outgoing graduating been a journey in discovering who they are as class to the incoming one, was passed from SUB SCRIBE Armenian Christians. During this journey, it Haydanek to Hollisian. has been extremely gratifying to witness our In offering the closing remarks, Kouzouian graduates’ strengthening of their faith, their congratulated all the graduates for their com - greater appreciation and understanding of their mitment to learning about their faith since religion, culture and heritage, and their grow - they were young children. He reminded the ing dedication and commitment to the congregation that today’s graduation fell Armenian Church, especially Holy Trinity between two great feast days: The Feast of Armenian Church.” Ascension and the Feast of Pentecost. In Buchter also noted the strong bonds of drawing on a quote from the Bible , friendship this class has developed, not only Kouzouian connected the lives of the gradu - through the Sunday School program, but also ates to their Christian responsibility in life as through the graduates’ participation in the young adults. Kouzouian concluded by ACYOA Juniors program where many served on thanking “the parents of our graduates and TODAY! the Executive Committee over the years, and all the teachers who had a hand in helping through their continued attendance in the St. these young men and women reach this mile - Vartan Camp program. stone in their lives, and most especially, Seta Two awards were then presented. The Buchter, our dedicated superintendent.” Bagdasar and Elmas Garabedian Award, which Following church services, the graduates, recognizes two graduating students of the Holy their families and invited guests were honored ADVERTIZE IN THE MIRROR Trinity Sunday School who have maintained an at a luncheon held in Johnson Hall.