SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 11, Issue 4305 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Genocide Memorial Unveiled in France Celebrates 22nd (PanArmenian.net) — The French Roquebrune-sur-Argens commune in the Var department hosted an unveiling ceremony on September 21 of a memorial for victims created by architect Antranik Anniversary of Republic Zakarian. The ceremony opened with the music by Jean Marc DerMesropian and Charles Aznavour, with sis - (Combined Sources) — On ple in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, come, as a plight and pledge for its nation - ters Fabienne and Laurence Chanoyan performing September 21, in Armenia as on the joyous occasion of Armenian al awakening.” songs. well as around the world, celebrated the Independence Day. On this glorious day in From the US, Secretary of State John Mayor Luc Jousse, members of the French 22nd anniversary of the independence of 1991, we re-established an independent Kerry issued a statement. “On behalf of National Assembly and representatives of the the Republic of Armenia. Messages poured Armenian State. We solemnly celebrate this President Obama and the American people, Armenian embassy in France attended the ceremo - in from leaders near and far. day, vanquishing the struggles and sacri - I extend my warmest wishes to the people ny. Armenian President Serge Sargisian, for fices of our generations in obtaining it. of Armenia as you celebrate your Former Presidential the occasion, signed decrees to confer high Placing faith in God, our people always Independence Day on September 21. The state awards, honorary titles and high mili - hoped that the blessed daybreak would see REPUBLIC, page 3 Candidate Sentenced tary ranks upon a group of representatives in the fields of science, education, health, YEREVAN (PanArmenian.net) — Former presiden - economy, arts and culture. The award tial candidate Vardan Sedrakyan was sentenced to recepients were from Armenia and the dias - Armenia Opens Embassy in the Vatican 14 years in prison for the murder attempt of his pora. opponent, Paruyr Hayrikyan. He also issued a statement, in which he VATICAN (Pubilic Radio of Kachatur Poghosyan and Samvel Hartyunyan, congratulated those who had received Armenia) — ’s Palazzo who were ordered to assassinate Hayrikyan, by awards. “While the state itself is strong della Cancelleria hosted a Sedrakyan, according to the charges, were sen - with persons like you, who through their reception dedicated to the tenced to 14 and 12 years, respectively. work and service are providing a strong opening of the Armenian According to the investigation, in early January, momentum to state structures and our soci - Embassy at the , the Sedrakyan ordered the murder in order to stop ety. Moreover, the state is the people and 22nd anniversary of Hayrikyan’s political activity. The perpetrators first of all, capable people. The more you Armenia’s independence and received money to purchase a revolver. can do in your areas, the stronger we will the launching of the “St. Hayrikyan was shot on January 31. He was taken be as an entity and as a state. I congratu - to the hospital where doctors removed the bullet. Gregory the Illuminator: Officials attend the opening of the Armenian Embassy late you on receiving the high state awards. Common Christian Heritage” The politician travelled to Holland for further treat - Certainly, it is gratifying. However, this real - exhibition. ment. ity does not make your job easier: on the The reception hosted by the Armenian Armenian and Italian MPs, ambassadors contrary, you are assuming a greater Ambassador to the Vatican featured accredited to the Vatican, heads of Sculptor of Friendship responsibility. You have become exemplary, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the prefect of European and Italian NGOs, businessmen worthy persons whose services to the state the Congregation for Eastern Churches, and representatives of the Armenian com - Monument Files Appeal and people are significant.” Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secre - munity. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II in tary for Relations with States, clergymen of “This is a symbolic day, as Armenia — the (Armenpress) — Turkish sculptor his statement said, “We extend greetings the Armenian Apostolic Church, represen - first nation to adopt Christianity as state Mehmet Aksoi, the creator of the now-dismantled and blessings from the Mother See of Holy tatives of the , religion — is opening a diplomatic represen - “Friendship Monument” on the border of Turkey Echmiadzin and congratulate all our peo - high-ranking clergy from the Vatican, tation in the Holy See,” Armenian Foreign and Armenia, has appealed to European Court of Minister Edward Nalbandian said in his Human Rights. opening remarks. The , which was intended by Aksoi to be “Our cooperation has deep historic roots. a symbol of friendship between the two countries, Christian belief has served as a basis for was dismantled in 2010 because Turkish Premier these special ties,” Nalbandian said, adding Recep Tayyip Erdogan called it “grotesque” in 2009 that prominent figures like St. Nerses during his visit to Kars. Erdogan visited Kars in Shnorhali, Mkhitar Sebastatsi and others October 2009 after signing protocols on establish - see VATICAN, page 16 ing relations between Armenia and Turkey. In an interview with Haberler , Aksoi said, “Turkish courts today are not free and impartial. How can a piece of art be called ‘grotesque?’ It is Vicar General of an obvious abuse. This monument was being built Armenian Patriarchate for three years. The meaning of the monument is friendship with Armenia. But Erdogan destroyed it. Of Constantinople, Abp. It means that Erdogan, who wished for peace, was against it. We appealed to all kind of Turkish courts Svajian, Dies which was like a comedy theatre. Now we will appeal to European Court of Human Rights,” he ISTANBUL (Combined Sources) — One said. of the prominent spiritual leaders of the Armenian community of Turkey, the vicar Partial view of the southwestern chapel general of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, Archbishop Shahan Svajian, died in the Armenian Hospital of INSI DE Holy Savior at the Monastery Carved out of Rock age of 87 on September 22. Discovered in Historic Armenia Archbishop Iran Shahan Svajian CHUKURAYVA, Turkey (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The ancient Armenian was born on monastery complex Tzarakar has been discovered near the village of Chukurayva, September 15, Architect five kilometers south-east of the fortified town of Kechror, modern-day Turkey 1926 in Page 10 (the old Gabeghiank district, Ayrarat province of Greater Armenia), reports the Constantinople. website peopleofar.wordpress.com. His father, Toros, What remains of it are the interior cut-in-rock structures, while the exterior was from Caesarea, buildings are irretrievably lost. and his mother, The monastery consists of a church with several entrances connected with Martha, came from INDEX each other, at least six chapels and other adjoining buildings. It is remarkable for Kharbert. He Arts and Living ...... 10 received his prima - Archbishop Shahan Armenia ...... 2,3 its very interesting structure and extended lapidary inscriptions. Despite the Svajian uniqueness, however, until recently neither specialists nor topographers had ever ry education in Community News...... 5 Constantinople Editorial ...... 14 paid any attention to it. International ...... 4 see MONASTERY, page 16 and continued with his education in Jerusalem. see SVAJIAN, page 4 2 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Lord Byron School Reopens Armenian Cheese With New Heating System Banned in US YEREVAN (ARKA) — Armenia’s State Food Safety GUMRI, Armenia — On September Service, an affiliation of the Ministry of 13, the Lord Byron School celebrated Agriculture, said it had certified a batch of the opening of the school year with the Armenian cheese Lori, produced by a Gumri-based unveiling of its new heating system. company AMM as safe before it was shipped to US Byron students had previously braved and banned there for consumption. cold classrooms due to a lack of a mod - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ern heating system. said the Armenian cheese appeared to have been The Lord Byron School was opened contaminated. On September 13, the FDA pub- with the aid of the British government lished a list of cheeses imported from 28 countries after the 1988 Spitak earthquake dev - which an FDA examination found to have microbi- astated the city. The official opening of ological contamination. It said the Armenian Lori the school was in 1990, with the par - cheese contained E.Coli (Typical). ticipation of Prime Minister Margaret “The entire batch of 1000 kg of the cheese (N69- Thatcher, who was then taking her first A), was produced in May 2013 with a shelf life of trip to the Soviet Union. six months before being exported to US. The batch At the time, the school was a state- was found to be safe and was given a certificate on of-the-art building with modern facili - June 18 based on laboratory examination,” the ties and furniture. Unfortunately, Armenian agency said. The FDA had earlier banned Byron students could not enjoy the the import of some Armenian soft drinks and innovations for many years to come UK Ambassadors to Armenia Jonathan Aves and Katherine Leach with Vartan Ouzounian and staff at the reopening of the Lord Byron School. sweets because they contained coloring agents. after its opening. The country faced new disasters such as the war, block - ade, energy and economic crises. As a UNHCR Armenian Rep. result, all of the facilities including school. Lord Byron School Headmaster Visits Armenia the heating system, went into disar - Grigor Haroutunian, on behalf of the ray. The number of students gradual - staff, schoolchildren and parents, YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian Minister of Diaspora welcomed the Armenian office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) Kristoff Frederick Otto Biervirti. The head of the Coordinating Center on Syrian-Armenian issues NGO Lena Halajyan was also present at the meeting. Hakobyan underlined Armenian positions on the issue of Syrian-Armenians and the programs that have been implemented. She also noted that the Ashatarak Armenian government is currently con- structing the suburb of New . Biervirti thanked the minister for her presenta- tion and support, noting that both sides had com- mitted to working together to help those affected by the Syrian crisis. Cutting the ribbon to the newly- Hovhannes Chilinkiryan reopened school Vartan Ouzounian speaks at the program. Receives Medal of Honor the school achievements and would pro - mote education. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian President In his welcoming speech, Ouzounian Serge Sargisian hosted Catholicos of All Armenians thanked all the supporters of the pro - Karekin II and French-Armenian publicist and his- ject and particularly mentioned that the torian Hovhannes Chilinkaryan on September 14 to extra funds would be spent on the thank them for their efforts in opening the Ruben Byron School repair. He added that Sevak House-Museum in Echmiadzin dedicated to TCF has always been willing to cooper - the Genocide survivor and poet. ate with other charity organizations; During this dinner, Sargisian awarded and, based upon its experience, knowl - Chilinkiryan with a medal of honor. edge and funds it is ready to implement Chilingaryan expressed gratitude to Sargisian for other educational projects. awarding him with the honor and Karekin II for The UK ambassadors, who had supporting his implementation his vision for the turned to Tekeyan Centre Fund for museum. cooperation and support, played a sig - nificant role in the realization of the Requiem Service for heating project. Aves delivered his wel - coming speech in Armenian and speci - Victims in Syria fied the importance of the project. ECHMIADZIN — On September 22, following the The students perform for the dignitaries. Leach thanked all the people devoted Divine Liturgy, a prayer for peace in Syria and a to the Lord Byron School who tried to requiem service for all the Christian victims in contribute to the project even with Syria were offered under the aegis of Karekin II, ly decreased, as the school teetered expressed deep gratitude to those who small amounts. Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All on the verge of closure. implemented the project and assured The event concluded with a reception Armenians, in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin. After 16 years of challenges, the that warm winters would contribute to and tour of the building. The catholicos addressed the faithful gathered at school can now enjoy improved facili - the Mother Cathedral, emphasizing that Syria is ties. The project to provide gas, water dear to the Armenian people, where especially fol- and a heating system for the school, lowing the Armenian Genocide, thousands of was realized thanks to the British Armenian children found shelter and an opportuni- Embassy in Yerevan, Tekeyan Centre ty to build their spiritual and cultural life, creating Fund (TCF), London Tekeyan Trust, as a prosperous life within the safety of the churches. well as benefactors both in Armenia Reflecting on the current state of Syria and the and the diaspora. needs of the Armenian community there, he said, Several dignitaries attended the “We exhort and urge you, dear children of Armenia, opening, including UK Ambassadors to to support your brothers and sisters in need. We Armenia Jonathan Aves and Kathy encourage you to pray more, because your prayers Leach, Chairman of Tekeyan Centre will bring them comfort and reinforce their spirit to Fund Vartan Ouzounian, TCF Director overcome all their hardships.” Armen Tsulikyan, the Governor of He led a prayer for the safety of all nations and Shirak region Felix Tsolakyan and people, and prayed in addition for Christian victims other guests. who have died during the conflict. Leach opened the ceremony by cut - ting the traditional red ribbon. Byron students then put on a concert for all UK Ambassadors to Armenia Jonathan Aves and Katherine Leach the benefactors who had saved their S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Armenia Celebrates 22nd Anniversary of Republic

REPUBLIC, from page 1 Totah. “Governor O’Malley has helped Maryland the Republic of Armenia. On September 21st, tourists and businessmen who visit that country. United States and Armenia have a strong rela - Armenians prosper and has worked tirelessly to 1991 Armenia gained its independence from Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin tionship based on historic ties and mutual make Maryland one of the top states in the the Soviet Union and the Caucuses region saw congratulated his Armenian counterpart and all respect. I am proud and grateful for the endur - country. It’s been a real pleasure for me working new opportunities as well as new challenges. I the citizens on the occasion. Putin praised ing friendship of many in the Armenian com - with him and his administration.” am proud to say that the Republic of Armenia Armenia’s successes in the socioeconomic, sci - munity. As someone who for three decades rep - Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), in his statement has taken on those opportunities and chal - entific and technological and cultural fields and resented Massachusetts, which boasts one of said, “I’m so glad to join with the vibrant lenges with great success and is now an impor - pointed to the country’s growing standing in the largest populations of Armenians outside of Armenian community that I represent and tant democratic ally of the United States. the international arena. Armenia, I have special firsthand knowledge of proudly say ‘Urakh Ankakhutyan Or’ (Happy Eighteen years ago, I helped found the He also stressed that Russian-Armenian rela - the contributions that you have made to Independence Day) as we celebrate the 22nd Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and tions have risen to the level of an allied part - America’s culture, democracy and economic anniversary of the Independence of the have served as a co-chair of the caucus since nership and will continue to develop. vitality.” Republic of Armenia. The road to independence that time. Together, our two countries contin - In addition, Putin expressed the conviction He continued, “Today our two countries are has not been easy, but time has proven that ue to work towards developing greater eco - that with joint efforts Armenia and Russia will working together on a dynamic bilateral and Armenians are survivors in the truest sense of nomic ties including trade and investment and strengthen the bilateral ties and expand the regional agenda. Through forums such as the the word, survivors of foreign domination, sur - seek to build regional stability. Here in cooperation, including in the context of US-Armenia Economic Task Force, we look for - vivors of the first genocide of the 20th century. Congress, the Armenia Caucus is working Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union ward to further strengthening the economic “ continue to illustrate towards these ends. I ask my colleagues in (CU). and commercial bonds between our peoples. I what a valuable asset they are to our society, Congress to join me, along with the Armenian This very same Customs Union brought a wish all Armenians a joyful and prosperous breaking new grounds economically, socially people and Armenian Americans across the group of demonstrators to the streets of Independence Day, with peace and happiness in and politically across the nation, and enriching country in celebrating 22 years of Armenian Yerevan, in protest of Armenia joining the the coming year.” our customs, traditions and the quality of life. independence.” Russian-led CU. Close to Washington, DC, Maryland’s Gov. “Over the years I’ve been privileged to work In Tokyo, Japan, the Armenian Embassy orga - March organizers released a statement argu - Martin O’Malley issued a proclamation recog - hand in hand with many individuals in the nized an official reception at the Okura hotel ing that Sargisian does not speak for all nizing September 21, 2013 as Armenian Armenian community in a wide variety of issues on September 21, where more than 180 guests Armenians and that Armenia should not join Independence Day in Maryland. that concern the community such as securing gathered, including members of the Japanese any outside union that threatens its sovereignty. “I am very thankful that the governor of our aid to Armenia and Artsakh, supporting self- parliament, ministries, other state agencies and The marchers, from various political affilia - great state has issued this proclamation cele - determination for the people of Artsakh, ending the diplomatic corps. tions and stripes, assembled in Yerevan’s brating Armenia’s 22nd independence day,” stat - the US Government’s tragic failure to recognize Armenian Ambassador to Japan Hrant Liberty Square and then made their way down ed Armenian Assembly Board Member Annie the Armenian Genocide.” Poghosyan spoke, underscoring that the Northern Boulevard to Republic Square. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), co-chair and Armenian government wants stronger and clos - As the ranks of the marchers swelled, they founder of the Congressional Caucus on er ties with Japan. took over one half of Amiryan Street. Armenian Issues, made the following statement A congratulatory address was also delivered A number of minor scuffles broke out Armenia Says on the floor of the U.S. House of by a Japanese parliamentarian, Kazuyuki between the marchers and police along the Representatives to commemorate the Hamada. He noted that Armenia has been an protest route. Made no Effort to Anniversary of Independence for the Republic attractive country for the Japanese people of Armenia: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recog - because of its history, culture and tradition. The (Stories from Panorama.am, Armenpress Resolve Friction over nize the 22nd anniversary of independence for proof, he said, is the great number of Japanese and Hetq were used to compile this report.) Azeri Murderer YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Over the past year, the Hungarian government has made almost no effort to resolve the friction that California Delegation Meets with President resulted from the repatriation of an Azeri mur - derer who was freed after arriving home. YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — President Serge ening of the Armenian-US Azeri officer , who was sen - Sargisian received a delegation headed by relations. tenced to life imprisonment for killing an California State Assembly Speaker John A. Both parties praised the Armenian in in 2004, was transferred Perez last week, the presidential press service role of the large Armenian back to his home country on August 31, 2012 reported. community of California in under an extradition agreement. Although Welcoming the guests, Sargisian underscored the state’s social, political, Azerbaijan formally pledged that the life sen - that Armenia aspires to strengthen its tradi - economic and cultural life tence handed down in Hungary would be con - tionally friendly relations with California. as well as in enhancing the tinued when he was returned to his homeland, According to the president, these relations are bilateral relations. the Azerbaijani president granted him clemency due to the close historical ties of the two Sargisian expressed his immediately upon his arrival. Armenian nations and presence of a large Armenian com - gratitude to the authori - President Serge Sargisian announced on the munity in the US, as well as a common under - ties of California which same day the suspension of Armenia’s diplo - standing of the ideas of democracy and free - have adopted resolutions matic relations with Hungary. dom. Sargisian noted that the Armenian- on the state and local lev - Two days later State Secretary of Foreign American relations are currently at their els, paying tribute to the Affairs Zsolt Nemeth summoned the strongest level. Stressing that US plays an memory of the victims of Azerbaijani ambassador to his office and con - important role in preserving security and sta - the Armenian Genocide President Serge Sargisian receives the California delegation. demned the Azerbaijani step as unacceptable to bility in the region and provides great assis - and strongly condemning Hungary in a diplomatic note. tance to Armenia in the process of reformation, that crime. According to The head of the Armenian self-government in Sargisian expressed gratitude to the govern - the president, such a position speaks to their about the forthcoming economic programs, Hungary Sevan Serkisian told the press that it ment and people of the US. adherence to all human values. reflecting on the prospects of development of is still not known what advantage Hungary had Sargisian expressed hope that the visit of the Sargisian stressed the importance of the visit the Armenian-American economic coopera - gained from the repatriation of Safarov. The delegation headed by Perez will become an of the members of the delegation to Nagorno- tion. European Union could put pressure on additional impetus to opening new prospects Karabagh which will allow them familiarize oth - Perez expressed his thanks to the President Azerbaijan through the Eastern Partnership for the development of cooperation between ers with that ancient Armenian land, its rich of Armenia for the warm reception, open and programme but Hungary has taken no steps to Armenia and California which would undoubt - heritage and recent achievements. frank discussions and a detailed presentation of achieve this, he added. According to Serkisian, edly create favorable prerequisites for the deep - At the guests’ request, the president spoke Armenia’s position on a number of issues. the “total lack of interest” demonstrated by Hungary in this matter is “shocking.” The Foreign Ministry said in response that the Hungarian government had taken several steps to restore Hungarian-Armenian diplomat - Leadership School Looks to Train Future Leaders ic links, for instance Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi sent a letter to Armenian counterpart YEREVAN — According to the Leadership UK, Japan and the US have been represented in that graduates have close to a 100 percent job Eduard Nalbandian about this on September 7, School’s founder Samvel Movsisyan, the school the past. rate. 2012. The ministry also sent a diplomatic note has a “distinct vision for the students of this Founded five years ago, the school receives Past lecturers have included John Heffern, to the Armenian ministry to confirm the wish young republic.” Taking experience from South about 150 applicants for a spot in the program US ambassador to Armenia, Ken Hachikian, to restore relations. Korea and other countries with rapid develop - each year, with approximately 20 students chairman of the Armenian National Committee The Foreign Ministry initiated dialogue with ment phases, Leadership School officials said being selected. of America, as well as several international busi - the officials of the self-government of ethnic they recognize that investments in education Tuition fees are nominal and are typically nessmen and businesswomen from the US, Armenians in Hungary right after the repatria - hold the way forward for Armenia. applied to second semester projects aimed at Brazil, UK and Israel. tion of Safarov, the statement added. “The main goal of the Leadership School is to providing an opportunity to develop self-made The Leadership School offers internships for “It is in Hungary’s interest that Hungarian- support the development of future Armenian projects, which can eventually materialize into both international Armenian and non-Armenian Armenian friendship should further deepen and leaders,” Movsisyan said. “With the insight and start-up businesses or public-benefit initiatives. students. Past students have hailed from cooperation between the two countries should support of prominent Armenian and interna - In each graduating class, roughly half of the schools such as Stanford, the London School of strengthen and broaden in every field of life, tional leaders, thinkers and organizations, we students go on to create their own start-ups in Economics and Australian National University. including diplomatic relations,” the ministry have fostered an environment for expansive Armenia, in sectors such as finance, medicine, Knowledge of Armenian is helpful but not said. growth opportunities.” information technology and even fashion. The required for interns, as courses are taught in The ministry also said that the standing of Foreign professionals travel to Armenia each other half of the student body, according to both Armenian and English. For more informa - diplomatic links between Hungary and Armenia year to administer the admissions process and the Leadership School, have a good chance to tion regarding opportunities, visit the must not, and does not, have any effect on the to share their diverse visions as guest speakers land a competitive job. Employment numbers Leadership School website at http://leader - situation of ethnic Armenians in Hungary. into the school year. Countries such as Finland, provided by the Leadership School indicate shipschool.am/en/visiting_students.php. 4 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Turkey Presses for UN Action in Syria

NEW YORK (Today’s Zaman) — Top “I hope it will be a first step in the Al-Qaeda and other radical groups Armenian Police to officials in Turkey — one of the coun - formation of a security architecture to have started to play an increasingly tries most affected by the Syrian crisis ensure the elimination of all weapons prominent role in the current power Provide Security to Sochi — pushed for a tougher stance on the of mass destruction in the Middle vacuum in Syria, aiming to transform Syrian regime by the United Nations. East,” said Gül, although he added that the country into a proxy battlefield as Olympics During talks at the UN General the deal must not allow the regime to the revolt against the Assad regime SOCHI, Russia (Armenpress) — Representatives of Assembly’s 68th meeting, a Turkish del - avoid responsibility for its other crimes. escalates. the Russian Federation Internal Affairs and egation of high-level diplomats pushed The Turkish president also noted Turkey, which has been a staunch Armenian Police are currently working on a securi- for greater UN involvement. that the Syrian crisis has evolved into a supporter of the Syrian opposition ty cooperation policy to ensure safety for the Sochi On his way to the US, Turkish real threat to regional peace and secu - fighting to topple Assad, is accused of Games. President Abdullah Gül said that the rity, adding that any recurrence of the providing logistical support to al- Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian conflict in Syria is the top item on proxy wars of the Cold War era would Qaeda-linked groups. However, Ankara Federation General Vladimir Kolokoltsev and the Ankara’s agenda for the UN General plunge Syria into further chaos. has made its position clear, saying it is head of the Vladimir Gasparyan Assembly meeting, and that it is con - “Once extremist groups take root in not taking any part in the ongoing informed announced plans for the cooperation pol- sidered the most important foreign pol - a state, they form autonomous struc - fighting. icy at a recent press conference. icy and national security issue for tures and become a real threat to secu - Davutoglu noted that there was not The Sochi Winter Olympic Games will be held Turkey. rity, not only at home but also abroad. sufficient data for optimism in Syria. February 7-23, 2014. On Tuesday, Gül spoke at the UN We must be aware of this threat and “The situation is really tragic. Assembly, questioning the UN’s reti - realize that with each day we lose in Therefore, we have no enough data in cence to end the crisis in the war-torn indecision, the more remote the hand to be optimistic at the moment. Armenian Team Medals country. prospects for a peaceful Syria become,” We are making great efforts. But we Gül said that a lack of action from said Gül. have concerns as the international com - In Powerlifting the UN Security Council (UNSC) only In the wake of an al-Qaeda affiliated munity has failed to pass the test in Championships emboldens aggressive regimes. “We group’s seizure of a town near the Syria so far,” said Davutoglu. need a UN capable of forcing the per - Turkish-Syrian border, Gül recently said If elected, Turkey will bring an inde - EGER, Hungary (Armenpress) — The Armenian petrators of brutal actions to submit to the country had taken all the necessary pendent voice to UNSC, said Gül. national powerlifting team competed in the 2013 justice and the rule of law. Decisive measures against such terrorism. The Syrian issue aside, Turkey con - World Powerlifting and Benchpress Championships. action is the only way that the UN sys - Gül also blamed international inac - ducted lobbying for its UNSC candida - The Powerlifting Federation of Armenia tem will remain relevant and credible. tion on Syria for the rise of extremists. cy in the 2015-2016 term during meet - announced that in the 67.5 kilogram category, To face this new reality, we need a “There were no extremists in Syria. If ings at the UN. Sevak Manukyan took first place, with a result of Security Council which is truly democ - things are left on their own in Syria, Speaking at the UN Assembly meet - 157.5 kilograms. In the 75 kilogram category, ratic, representative, effective and people will become extremists first, ing, Gül noted that Turkey is a candi - Sergey Asaturov captured gold, with a result of accountable,” added Gül. then radicals and then terrorists. We date for a non-permanent member seat 167.5 kilograms. Gül held a meeting with UN should have been much stronger in our of the UNSC in the term of 2015-2016, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on reaction at the very beginning, but this saying that: “If elected, Turkey will Monday, in which he stressed the need was not done,” he said in an interview bring an independent voice to the Kicdaroglu Pledges to for a political strategy to overcome the with the Washington Post . “If things go Security Council, one that listens to all Protect Armenian Village crisis in Syria. on the way they have been going, then and tries to find comprehensive and During his talks, Gül also stepped up in six months or a year from now, we lasting solutions through dialogue.” In Turkey his criticisms of the UN’s ineffective - will see the emergence of very well- As part of this lobbying activity, ness, saying the world body has to take established, well-structured groups Davutoglu separately met with the for - VAKIF, Turkey (Armenpress) — The head of the concrete action to avoid damaging its with quite high numbers of people eign ministers of Barbados and main oppositional Republican People’s Party of reputation any further. involved, and it will be very difficult to Trinidad and Tobago. Turkey Kemal Kicdaroglu stated this week that he “It is a disgrace that the UNSC has disperse them. Those who allow this to Apart from the UNSC lobbying, will do whatever required to protect Vakif, the sole failed to uphold its primary responsibil - happen will have a burden of responsi - Davutoglu had bilateral talks with Armenian village in the Hatay Province of Turkey, ity in this case. It is deeply regrettable bility in terms of what happens in other foreign counterparts, including from losing its cultural independence. that political differences, balance-of- Syria.” US Secretary of State John Kerry, The population of the village expressed their con- power politics and geopolitical consid - He, however, declined to point a fin - Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos cern with a new Turkish law that states their vil- erations have prevailed over the imper - ger at any country when asked if he Venizelos, Jordanian Foreign Minister lage will be united with the Hatay Province as a dis- ative to end this tragedy,” said Gül. blamed the US. Nasser Judeh and the foreign ministers trict, and that its Armenian culture will subse- Previously, Gül noted that the UN’s Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ahmet of Kosovo and Malta. quently disappear. stature has lessened in the eyes of the Davutoglu, who came to New York with The Turkish foreign minister also Kicdaroglu told the Armenian villagers that his people and the credibility of the world Gül, drew attention to the rise of denied claims that Turkey is isolated by party will present a legislative proposal so that vil- body has dropped. Gül recently urged extremist groups in Syria, saying the its foreign policy choices, saying that lage will keep its status. the UNSC to listen to Turkey, one of number of al-Qaeda terrorists is at risk these are only a myth created by some the countries that is most affected by of increasing next year. circles. Sargisian Condemns Pro- the Syrian crisis. Davutoglu noted that due to a failure “Both in Turkey and abroad, there According to Gül, Turkey is frustrat - to take measures previously, there is were some circles that tried to create Azeri Statements on NKR ed by the stalemate in the 15-nation now a power vacuum in the war-torn this myth. Many foreign ministers are UNSC, where permanent members country. lining up to talk with me at the UN. SOCHI, Russia (ArmeniaNow) — Armenian Russia and China have blocked “If Assad left power two years ago, What kind of isolation is this? The ones President Serge Sargisian criticized allies for their attempts to pass a resolution criticizing today there would not be al-Qaeda in that created such a myth aimed to statements regarding Nagorno-Karabagh (NKR) the Syrian regime for the bloodshed in Syria. This year there is a much larger shake the paradigm that Turkish for - during a session of the Collective Security Treaty the country. group. Next year there is a risk of it eign policy has gained in recent years. Organization (CSTO) Council on Monday. Gül also maintained that the problem growing larger. As long as this contin - Some are trying to create this kind of Sargisian, who was on a working visit to Russia in Syria was not only about chemical ues, the risk increases. Assad being in perception. Some may want to push accompanied by Foreign Minister Eduard weapons, and that a comprehensive power is not a precondition for the sta - Turkey out of some processes. When Nalbandian, said that “contrary to the decisions political strategy must be found to put bility of Syria, rather it is a handicap,” you become a big country, you are not adopted by ourselves, some Member States at other an end to the crisis. “There has to be a said Davutolu. [always] appreciated,” said Davutoglu. platforms and in other organizations make state- sound strategy with well-defined and ments on the same matter that are not consonant well-calculated objectives for a peaceful with the decisions made within the framework of solution,” he said. Vicar General of Armenian Patriarchate of the CSTO.” “Were it not for the use of chemical “Let me give you just one example: in our docu- weapons, would the international com - Constantinople, Archbishop Svajian, Dies ments, including in the Moscow statement issued in munity have continued to turn a blind December last year, we underlined the importance eye to the deaths of more than 100,000 SVAJIAN, from page 1 of settling the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict peaceful- people? For how long can we afford to He was ordained to the diaconate in 1951 by Bishop Zareh Payassian, ly through the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group evade our moral responsibility to the becoming a member of the Brotherhood of St. James. In 1954, he was co-chairs on the basis of the UN Charter, principles people being killed even as we speak? ordained as a celibate priest by then-Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop and norms of international law that specifically This conflict neither began with the Yeghishe Derderian, and given the priestly name of Shahan. Upon his ordi - relate to the nonuse of force or threat of force, use of chemical weapons, nor will it end nation, Father Shahan lectured at the Holy Translators school of the equality of peoples and self-determination and ter- with an agreement to eliminate them,” Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. His first pastoral assignment was to ritorial integrity,” said Sargisian. maintained Gül, adding that such an serve the Armenian faithful in Haifa as their spiritual pastor. Sargisian made the statement perhaps taking approach ignoring the killing of people In 1957, upon the invitation of then-Patriarch of Constantinople Karekin into account the fact that three of the CSTO mem- is immoral and totally unacceptable. Khachatourian, he came to Constantinople and was appointed to serve as the ber states, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Gül also stated that he considers the vice dean of the Holy Cross Seminary of the Armenian Patriarchate of Tajikistan, are also members of the Islamic US-Russian deal to destroy Syria’s Constantinople. Conference organization, which has a distinctly chemical weapons to be a useful oppor - In 1963, his ministry led him to education and the further enlightenment pro-Azerbaijani position in the Karabagh issue. tunity. of the faithful. He served as a lecturer for 23 years on Armenian religion, lan - Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are also members of Russia and the US put aside their dif - guage as well as ethics at the colleges of Gatekiugh and Firekiugh. the union embracing Turkic states and their offi- ferences and announced an agreement He received the rank of Senior Archimandrite (Dzayraguyn Vardapet) by cials have stated in Baku that the Karabagh prob- under which Syrian President Bashar Derderian, in 1961. He was consecrated as a bishop by the Catholicos of All lem must be settled within the framework of al-Assad will account for Syria’s secret Armenians, Vasken I. Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. chemical weapons stockpile and permit In 1991, by the Pontifical Encyclical of Vasken I, he was elevated to the international inspectors to destroy it by rank of archbishop. mid-2014. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Saints Vartanantz Eight Defendants Plead Armenian Church Guilty in Los Angeles Will Celebrate 35th In Armenian Gang Case WASHINGTON — Four members and associ - ates of the Armenian Power gang and four Consecration other individuals pleaded guilty late yesterday to charges relating to the activities of the Anniversary Armenian Power criminal enterprise, including racketeering conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravat - CHELMSFORD, Mass. — On Sunday, October ed identity theft, drug trafficking and illegal 13 the Saints Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic possession of firearms. Church will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of The guilty pleas were announced this week the consecration of the church. The celebratory by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili event will be officiated by Archbishop Khajag Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Division, U.S. Attorney André Birotte, Jr. of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). Central District of California and Assistant “The celebration of the 35th anniversary of Director in Charge Bill L. Lewis of the FBI’s the consecration of the church in Chelmsford is Los Angeles Field Office. truly a blessing. It provides us with the oppor - The following defendants pleaded guilty tunity to once again offer praise and glory to before US District Judge Dean D. Pregerson in the Lord for blessing us with a house of wor - the Central District of California: ship,” said Reverend Khachatur Kesablyan, pas - •Karo Yerkanyan, aka “Guilty,” 32, of Tujunga, tor of Saints Vartanantz. pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, bank The church will begin its celebration at 9 a.m. fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to with the Divine Liturgy. Barsamian will preside, possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and along with Kesablyan. Following the Divine felon-in-possession of a firearm Liturgy, the ordination of a sub- and •Arman Tangabekyan, aka “Spito” and “Thick acolytes will be performed. Recipients of the Neck,” 34, of Encino, pleaded guilty to racke - honor will be sub deacon Jeremy Oldham and teering conspiracy, bank fraud and aggravated acolytes Gregory Chekmeyan, Benjamin Clark, identity theft Dominic Sampson and David Arakelian. •Artur Pembejian, aka “Cham,” 36, of The activities, lead by the 35th Consecration Burbank, pleaded guilty to racketeering con - Anniversary Chairwoman Sandra Boroyan and spiracy her committee, will continue in Kazanjian •Raymond Tarverdyan, aka “Rye,” 35, of Memorial Ballroom, with a Fellowship Montrose, pleaded guilty to racketeering con - Reception at 1p.m. and the Commemorative Parishioners express their devotion to the Relic of St. Vartan, during the 45th spiracy and bank fraud anniversary Divine Liturgy at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral. •Simon Antonyan, aka “Simo,” 38, of Hollywood, pleaded guilty to aggravated identi - ty theft •Khachatur Arakelyan, aka “Khecho,” 39, of St. Vartan Cathedral Glendale, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft •Vartenie Ananian, 29, of Tujunga, pleaded guilty to bank fraud Celebrates 45th •Adam Davoodian, 32, of Glendale, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana Anniversary The defendants who pleaded guilty on September 10 were among 70 individuals Sandra Boroyan, chairman of the 35th charged in a 140-count indictment in July 2011 Consecration Anniversay Committee and NEW YORK — More than 200 parishioners and friends gathered in Haik and for criminal activities associated with the Reverend Khachatur Kesablyan, pastor of Saints Alice Kavookjian Auditorium on Sunday, September 15 to celebrate the 45th Armenian Power gang. The indictment accused Vartanantz Church working on the final details anniversary of the consecration of St. Vartan Cathedral. 29 defendants, including four of those who of the event. The event took place following the celebration of the badarak by the Primate of pleaded guilty yesterday, of participation in the the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Archbishop Kahajag Armenian Power RICO conspiracy. The RICO Barsamian on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The names of more conspiracy charge alleges a host of illegal activ - Banquet following at 1:30 p.m. than 150 departed St. Vartan godfathers and Cathedral Project committee mem - ities, many of which involved sophisticated The Sunday afternoon event and program bers were read in a special requiem service during the services. fraudulent schemes of identity theft, bank will include special guests Matt Hanson, chair - In his homily, the Primate recounted fraud, credit card skimming, manufacturing man of the Chelmsford Board of Selectman and the spiritual importance and symbolism counterfeit checks, and laundering criminal pro - James Kalustian, chairman of the Diocesan By Avakian of the cathedral — not only for the ceeds, often electronically. In addition, defen - Council. It will also feature the presentation of Armenian community, also for dants were involved in a variety of violent the Diocesan “Saint Vartan Award” to parish Americans who have come to pray and crimes, such as extortion, kidnapping, and see CHELMSFORD, page 7 light candles throughout countless occasions. He especially singled out the tragic firearms offenses. Among the schemes charged day of September 11, 2001, when hundreds of people entered the sanctuary to in the racketeering indictment is a bank fraud find solace and comfort in the wake of the terrorist attack on New York. and identity theft scheme that victimized hun - The Primate also expressed great appreciation to the Catholicos of All dreds of customers of 99 Cents Only Stores Armenians Karekin II for his gift to the Eastern Diocese of the 1,500-year-old relic throughout Southern California. Through the of St. Vartan the Brave, in honor of this 45th anniversary. The relic, a piece of scheme, defendants caused more than $2 mil - stone encrusted with the blood of St. Vartan, is encased in a hand-crafted silver lion in losses when they secretly installed cross, which was sanctified in Echmiadzin in a special ceremony in late August, sophisticated “skimming” devices to steal cus - and brought to St. Vartan Cathedral. It was unveiled for the first time on Sunday tomer debit card account information at cash in a procession led by members of the Knights of Vartan. registers and then used the skimmed informa - Opening the luncheon and program in Kavookjian Hall, Archbishop Yeghishe tion to create counterfeit debit cards to steal Gizirian gave the invocation after which Commemoration Committee co-chair Paul money from victims’ bank accounts. Zakian offered a toast to “all who sacrificed for this sacred place.” The eight defendants who pleaded guilty yes - Mistress of Ceremonies Arpine Barseghian, a medical student, speaking in terday played various roles in the activities of English and Armenian, introduced the keynote speaker: Mark Movsesian, profes - the Armenian Power gang, including participat - sor of Law at St. John’s University and an authority on the nexus of law and reli - ing in bank fraud, drug distribution, access gion. device fraud, identity theft, and illegal firearm In an inspiring address, Movsesian related that this cathedral which was conse - possession. crated by the late Catholicos of All Armenians Vasken I “required vision, skill and Yerkanyan, a member of the Armenian Power courage, and has been part of the fabric of this city.” Modeled in part on the conspiracy, participated in a bank fraud scheme ancient St. Hripsime Church in Armenia, it is not only a “monument to antiquity, that obtained the personal identifying informa - but a living spiritual and cultural center.” tion and account information of victims. He and He recounted many milestones that have taken place in the cathedral, including his co-conspirators used the information to the liturgical celebrations, events for young people, families and the elderly, open fraudulent bank accounts, loans, and lines Recipient of the Saint Vartan Award, Patricia see ANNIVERSARY, page 8 of credit at HSBC Bank and Bank of America Amboian of Andover without the knowledge of the victims. see GANG, page 7 6 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS OBITUARY Aram Avedisian LONDONDERRY, N.H. — Aram G. Avedisian, Avedisian was a longtime member and former 59, formerly of Auburn, Mass., died on deacon at Grace Free Presbyterian Church of September 10 surrounded by his family at the Litchfield. Arbors of Bedford, after a lengthy illness. Members of the family include his wife of 32 Avedisian was born April 28, 1954 in Boston, years, Kathleen M. (Kille) Avedisian of and was a son of the late Aris and Annie Londonderry; a son and his wife, Scott and Katey (Kachagian) Avedisian. Avedisian of Goffstown; a daughter, Sabrina He was raised and educated in Watertown Avedisian, of Londonderry; his grandson, Jason and had been a resident of Auburn for 22 years, Aram Avedisian; a sister, Margaret DeFreest of prior to relocating to Londonderry three years Hooksett and a large extended family. ago. A Funeral Service was held at Peabody Avedisian was employed as a senior technical Funeral Homes on September 13 and intern - database designer at Fidelity Investments of ment followed at Pillsbury Cemetery. In lieu of Marlboro, Mass. for 16 years. He was also flowers, memorial donations may be made to instrumental with organizing a hockey league Grace Free Presbyterian Church, Attn: with Fidelity employees during this time. Missions, 11 Colby Road, Litchfield, NH 03052. Dr. Aramayis Pashayan

WATERTOWN — Dr. Aramayis Pashayan died Susanna Pashayan of Yerevan, Gagik Pashayan on September 11. and his late wife Marina Pashayan of Las Vegas, Pashayan was the husband of Ofelya Nev. and Nora Khazarian and her husband DETROIT — The recent Soiree Musicale concert at the Birmingham Gasparian and father of Anoush Pashayan and Aghassi of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also Unitarian Church sponsored by the Tekeyan Cultural Association, fea - her husband Rouben Bagdassarian of leaves seven grandchildren and four great- turing pianist Karen Hakobyan and violinist Henrik Karapetyan, and Watertown, Mushegh Pashayan and his wife grandchildren, as well as a sister, Vera Pashayan dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Garabed Belian, was a great of Los Angeles. success. (A story and photos appeared last week in the Mirror- Pashayan was born on June 5, 1920 and lived Spectator .) Above is a photo of the committee members. They are, a life of 93 years and 98 days, enduring the full standing back row, from left, Garineh Koundjakian, Karen Hakobyan spectrum of human experience and emotion, (musician), Henrik Karapetyan (musician), Hagop Minassian, Marina ranging from early childhood hardships when he lost his mother at the age of 11, to young Papasian and Captain Jack Alexanian; seated, from left, Edmond adult years of faith and discipline surviving — Azadian, Leslie Balian Bush, Chairman Nora Azadian, Eric Bush and Ara against all odds — the violent and destructive Belian. years of WWII as a medical soldier on the front lines. He reached his middle adulthood years of hope, dedication and new beginnings marked by his marriage to his wife and the arrival of their children, followed by his relaxing and Telephone (617) 924-7400 rewarding years of late adulthood, when he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Aram Bedrosian and great grandchildren. Services were held at St. James Armenian Church on Saturday, September 14, and inter - Funeral Home, Inc. ment followed at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Aramayis Pashayan Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to St. James Armenian Church. MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN George Hurant Kevorkian WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN SUDBURY, Mass. — George Hurant Kevorkian died on September 2. He was the husband of the late Malina (Shahlamian) Kevorkian; father of Marguerite Kevorkian- Nardolillo Funeral Home Birkner and her husband Jeff Birkner of Est. 1906 Norfolk, Edward C. Kevorkian and his wife Mary-Jo Kevorkian of E. Northport, NY, John K. Najarian, Jr. Thomas P. Kevorkian and his wife Ivy Brown Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Kevorkian of Bethesda, MD and George P. Kevorkian and his wife Lynn Kevorkian of 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 Milford. George Kevorkian was also the grand - 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 father of Stephen, Lilit, Diana, William and www.nardolillo.com Jonathan Kevorkian; brother of the late James, Henry and Peter Kevorkian and father-in-law of the late Kathleen Kevorkian. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Services were held at St. James Armenian Church in Watertown on Saturday, September 7. Interment followed at the Mass. National Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Cemetery in Bourne on Monday, September 9. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his Funeral Chapel memory to St. James Armenian Church or the George Hurant Kevorkian Serving the entire Armenian Community charity of your choice. Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088

Alice Melkonian Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 WATERTOWN — Alice (Mulkigian) Melkonian was born on October 15, 1930 Melkonian died on September 22. and worked as an accountant. She was the wife of the late Michael Melkonian; mother of Mark Melkonian and his wife Natalie Melkonian of Wilmington and Robert Melkonian and his wife Genie Melkonian of Lexington. She was the grandmother of GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Aleena, Michael, Shant and Tania Melkonian; James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC sister of Agnes Gazelian and Pat Guluzian both Mark J. Giragosian of Watertown and the late Gary Mulkigian and Funeral Counselors companion of the late Charles Hatabian. 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Services were held at St. James Armenian www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Church on September 26 and interment fol - lowed at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to St. James Armenian Church or The American Stroke Association, PO Box 417005, Check us out at www.mirrorspectator.com Boston, MA 02241. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Hye Pointe Armenian Church Picnic Draws 700 Ararat Armenian Church Holds Annual By Robert Serabian Supper on Sept. 28

SALEM, N.H. — The Ararat Armenian HAVERHILL, Mass. — On Sunday August Congregational Church is scheduled to 25th the Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye hold its annual Shish Kebab Supper on Pointe held its annual picnic to a crowd of 700 Saturday, September 28 from 4:30 to 7 people on the grounds of the American Legion p.m. The dinner takes place at the church, Farm. which is located at 2 Salem St. The picnic began with a Jashou service on The Ararat Church is New Hampshire’s the picnic grounds followed by a Requiem ser - only Armenian church. In the late 1800s, vice in memory of departed members of the Armenian refugees came to America in Hye Pointe Parish. Picnic attendees enjoyed order to establish themselves in a place prepared by the church’s where they could work and live in a free cooking crew. society. These newcomers wished to prac - Music for the event was provided by Hye tice their religion as well as nurture and Pointe’s own seven-piece Jason Naroian preserve their precious Armenian culture. Ensemble, with guest vocalist Haz Essegian and In 1912, a group of individuals in Salem Mal Barsamian on his saxophone. We were sur - met to establish a church where they prised by a visit from Jay Baronian who sang could nurture their faith and maintain and played a few songs. The church raffle had and preserve their Armenian culture and prizes totaling $1,000, as well as gift certificates traditions. Help was attained from the to area restaurants and boutiques. Congregational Conference (today known Representatives from area clergy and city gov - as the United Church of Christ), and a ernment were in attendance to meet the crowd, Guest vocalist Haz Essegian with the Jason Naroian Ensemble land grant was obtained from the sample the cuisine, and enjoy the day. The Northeastern Street Railway Company. Parish Council had an informational table on Within a short time the church was built, upcoming church activities, as well as plans for side of the cities. Each year the picnic attracts munity. and the building was dedicated in the new church complex. a larger following, which can be attributed to During the past year, the church has held a November 1913. For nearly a century, the The picnic drew attendees from the the spirit and dedication of its parishioners, as number of dinners which have been well attend - church has participated in the life of Merrimack Valley, North Shore, Metro Boston, well as the quality cuisine and generous por - ed by the community. These dinners will be Salem’s community and shared its cultur - New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode tions. The picnic provided an opportunity for held periodically throughout the year. For fur - al heritage by hosting an annual shish Island and even a few from New York! The Hye friends, family, and Armenians in the ther information on the Armenian Apostolic kebab supper. Pointe church picnic reflects a tradition when Merrimack Valley to come together and connect Church at Hye Pointe, visit Church moderator John Janigian picnics were held in wooded areas or parks out - for the love of their church, culture, and com - www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org. reported that all church members partici - pate in hosting the shish kebab supper. Children assist with cleaning up, setting tables and serving soda and coffee. Adults Eight Defendants Plead Guilty in Los Angeles in Armenian Gang Case work the grill, make the pilaf, fill the plates and sell tickets. Every household GANG, from page 5 ciates regularly carry out violent criminal acts, contributes to the bake sale. Tangabekyan, a member of the Armenian Power including murders, attempted murders, kidnap - Janigian also noted that the Ararat conspiracy, participated in a bank fraud scheme pings, robberies, extortions, and witness intimi - Church will host a 100th birthday cele - by obtaining personal information and account dation in order to enrich its members and asso - bration luncheon at the Tuscan Kitchen information for victims and then obtaining or ciates and preserve and enhance the power of restaurant on November 3. transferring over $475,000 in funds. the criminal enterprise. Yerkanyan also participated, along with The defendants are scheduled to be sen - Davoodian, in a scheme to steal approximately tenced beginning on November 25, 2013. Saints Vartanantz 207 pounds of marijuana, worth approximately Yerkanyan faces a maximum penalty of 102 $450,000, from another drug distributor. years in prison. Tangabekyan faces a maximum Armenian Church Will Pembejian, a member of the Armenian Power penalty of 52 years in prison. Tarverdyan faces conspiracy, abetted the illegal possession of a a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. Celebrate 35th firearm by a leader of the Armenian Power Ananian faces a maximum penalty of 30 years gang, Mher Darbinyan. in prison. Pembejian and Davoodian each face a Consecration Anniversary Tarverdyan, an Armenian Power member, maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. CHELMSFORD, from page 5 and Antonyan, Arakelyan and Ananian partici - Antonyan and Arakelyan each face a maximum ioners, Patricia Amboian of Andover and pated in the scheme to install secret skimming penalty of two years in prison. George Simonian of Chelmsford, recognizing devices at the 99 Cents Only Stores in order to Fifty-one defendants have previously pleaded their stewardship of the Armenian Church and obtain victims’ account information. guilty for their roles in the activities of the for their years of dedicated service. According to court documents, the Armenian Armenian Power gang. An Armenian Power tattoo on a gang member Entertainment will be provided by soloist Power street gang formed in the East Hollywood The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Victoria Avetisyan and pianist Levon district of Los Angeles in the 1980s. The gang’s Attorneys Martin Estrada, Elizabeth Yang, and Hovsepian. membership consisted primarily of individuals of state law as a criminal street gang and is believed Stephen Wolfe of the Central District of Armenian descent, as well as of other countries to have over 250 documented members, as well California and Trial Attorney Andrew Creighton within the former Soviet bloc. The Armenian as hundreds of associates. According to court of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Power has been designated under California documents, Armenian Power members and asso - Gang Section. Visitor Services Associate Armenian Library and Museum of America, Watertown, MA The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) is seeking a Visitor Services Associate. This individual will be responsible for handling the front Recipient of the Saint Vartan Award, George desk and the gift shop during the museum’s open hours: Saturday through Simonian of Chelmsford Sunday, 12-6 p.m., greeting museum visitors and tour groups in a friendly and positive manner, coordinating membership sign-ups and renewals, “For the past 35 years, Saints Vartanantz has ensuring that the appearance of the gallery and gift shop is well main - attended to the spiritual needs of her flock by tained, preparing weekly visitor and gift shop reports and performing other bringing the living word of the Lord to his faith - ful, nurturing their faith and proclaiming His duties as assigned. Qualifications: Good communication skills, basic com - message of salvation. And this is what we cele - puter skills and a professional appearance and mannerism required. The brate today,” said Kesablyan. “It is a joyous Entertainment Fridays ability to work during all or most of the museum’s open hours. occasion for all.” and Saturdays To apply please send resume and cover letter to Howayda Affan. howay - For more information or to attend the event, [email protected]. No phone inquiries please. contact: [email protected]. Saints Vartanantz is located at 180 Old Westford Road. 8 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O St. Vartan Cathedral Celebrates 45th Anniversary

ANNIVERSARY, from page 5 persecution in Azerbaijan in the 1980s; and musical performances, art exhibitions, spiritual even the Copts who also have suffered persecu - and educational workshops and ecumenical tion, conduct services here, he related. gatherings. The name of St. Vartan is a reminder that in Dedicated to Vartan the Brave whom, in pre - other parts of the world, especially in Syria serving Christianity for Armenia, achieved a today, Armenians “continue to pay a price for “moral victory,” the history of St. Vartan “res - their faith,” Movsesian declared. “We must do onates with the concept of religious liberty that what we can to help our brothers and sisters is so fundamental to American culture-the argu - who are persecuted for their religion - our reli - ments of waves of immigrants who came here,” gion-and welcome them as our ancestors did. he continued. “Many of these immigrants came May the cathedral be a symbol of hope for so that they could worship God free from state them.” compulsion.” To the delight of the audience, St. Vartan The story of Avarayr is one of “blood and sac - Armenian School students Erik Assatryan, Valentina Assatryan, Marar Makarian, Ariana Pamoukian and Jano Tokatiyan recited several beloved Armenian poems in clear and proud voices. Violinist Sami Mardinian and pianist Riko Higuma offered selections from Komitas, Khachaturian and Edgar Baghdasarian. A video presentation was shown outlining the cathedral building’s history and consecration, produced by Artur Petrosyan and narrated by the Diocesan Communications Director Chris Zakian. Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian stated that for Armenians who live outside of Armenia, the cathedral is “a piece of the homeland. It is not only a peaceful sanctuary, but also embodies the strength of our faith, our spiritual and cultural heritage, and symbolizes the memory of our history and our reconstructed identity.” He recalled how during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with Armenia struggling after the devastating earth - quake, war, blockades and a depressed econo - Mistress of Ceremonies Arpine Barseghian, a my, St. Vartan Cathedral and the diocese served medical student, at the cathedral 45th anniver - as a launching point for many of the relief sary luncheon efforts to support the “vital programs” in Armenia and Karabagh.

Diocesan Primate Khajag Barsamian presents the Relic of St. Vartan to the congregation, during the Divine Liturgy honoring the 45th anniversary of New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, on September 15.

“I Have a Dream” speech of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “This dream became a reality for us in this country of equality and opportu - nity. The dream of the Armenian immigrants — 60, 70, 80 years ago — became a reality. Here, we welcomed the first ambassador of a free Armenia, and here we now see the young peo - ple reciting in Armenian.” That was the dream of those who built this cathedral, and “we express our deep apprecia - tion to them. The dream now is to see that the younger generation feels proud of their identi - ty,” the Primate stated. “It’s our mission to keep the dream alive now and in the future.” Expressing appreciation to the members of the Commemoration Committee, and to Nazarian who “represents for us the strength of our Prof. Mark Movsesian of St. John’s School of country,” the Primate declared, “May the ties Law, keynote speaker at the St. Vartan between Armenia and the diaspora always and Cathedral 45th anniversary luncheon, on forever grow stronger.” September 15 The closing prayer by Gizirian, and the singing of the Hayr Mer by all present closed a day of reflection and grat - itude. The Commemoration Committee was under the auspices of the Primate and under the direction of Members of the Mid-Atlantic Knights of Vartan escort the Relic of St. Vartan into St. Vartan the Cathedral Dean, Rev. Cathedral, on September 15. Mamigon Kiledjian. Committee members included Paul and Berta Zakian, co-chairs; Araks rifice, of martyrdom and survival, emblematic The mission of the church today, the ambas - Yeramyan Andrews, Talene of our history as a Christian people from the sador continued, is “revival and renewal of our Baroyan, Sona beginning,” he said. The Genocide survivors religion and social lives. The Armenian Haratunian, Dr. Kevork were the founders of this cathedral, Movsesian Apostolic Church has always been, is, and will Niksarli, Shoghik noted, and “associated this new American be our solid pillar of faith and love towards each Oganesyan, Avedis Yeghishe Gizirian speaks with cathedral 45th anniversary committee co-chair Paul Zakian (left) and keynote speaker Mark Movsesian (right). cathedral with the message of survival and other, and towards the homeland.” Ohannessian and Vartges rebirth.” Many have since come having survived Closing the evening, Barsamian recalled the Saroyan. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Noyan Tapan Group Celebrates 22nd Anniversary of Armenian Independence

which delighted the audi - By Florence Avakian ence were several beloved Armenian songs sung by Anoush Barclay, NEW YORK — The 22nd anniversary of the accompanied on piano by independence of Armenia was celebrated by the Lucine Vahradyan. Noyan Tapan (Noah’s Ark) organization, at a Hripsime Harutyunyan, gala reception held at the Kavookjian Hall of one of the Brooklyn the Armenian Diocese (eastern), on Sunday, Armenian School teach - September 22 with more than 200 in atten - ers, recited selections of dance. It took place under the auspices of the Armenian poetry. And Armenian Diocese and the Armenian Mission to singer Maria Sahakyan, the United Nations, and was sponsored by the accompanied by Lina Knights of Vartan, the Armenian Assembly of Pantilova on piano, America and the Tekeyan Cultural Association. shared classical numbers. The event was organized and presented by A video presentation, three founders of Noyan Tapan —Tigran titled, “Armenia- Sahakyan, Artyom Sahakyan and Vadim Independent State,” Kalashian — who have been formulating, pre - focused on the military senting and financing these gatherings for 10 might of Armenia, show - years. The hall was decorated with flower-laden ing waves of soldiers and tables, and huge Armenia and Artsakh flags military hardware. The flanking the stage with Armenia’s state symbol Antranig Dance as a centerpiece. Ensemble in colorful cos - With the representatives of several Armenian tumes echoed the pride organizations present, the festive occasion was and strength of the inde - opened with a prayer by the Very Rev. pendent republic. And Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of St. Vartan one of the dancers sang a Cathedral, and the American and Armenian robust rendition of the national anthems sung by Vagharshak popular Hayastan receiv - Ohanyan, accompanied on the piano by Dr. ing a cheering reception. Lloyd Ariola. Welcoming the guests, Master of Armenia’s Ambassador Ceremonies Tigran Sahakyan introduced to the United Nations From left, Taniel Koushakjian, Bryan Ardouny, Artyom Sahakyan, Ambassador Garen Nazaryan and Tigran Sahakyan Artyom Sahakyan who pointed out the signifi - Garen Nazarian, in a cance of the organization, and the importance reflective address in both of the event. Armenian and English, called independence, cratic values and human rights. Today our philosophers, architects, writers, artists, musi - Communications Director of the Armenian “the materialization of our dream and today 22 country is advancing, and progress means that cians. Everyone’s heart is tied to our mother - Assembly of America Taniel Koushakjian, who years later, we are justly proud of our many there is a force pushing us forward. This is land and its progress.” was present with the Assembly’s Executive achievements as an independent Armenia. being done not only through the contributions Armenia, he continued, “is our country, our Director Bryan Ardouny, noted that “in chart - During the past 22 years, which is a very short of our compatriots, but also through each of responsibility so that it will always flourish. ing this new course of independence, Armenia time for state-building, Armenia has become a us. And that makes this celebration a proud What country doesn’t have its faults? I salute is filled with pride, hope, accomplishments, but country with an ever-growing tendency holiday,” he declared to sustained applause. our country, its people and its institutions. It is also with uncertainty.” Calling this journey “a towards deepening market reforms, democratic Closing the memorable event, Archbishop the root that is important, and it’s advance - work in progress,” he said that it would take transitions, and international integration.” Yeghishe Gizirian gave the benediction, and in ment on its own soil. Branches will spread out years of hard work. “Armenia has to overcome With emphasis, he stated that “Genocide recog - an inspiring message, related that for centuries everywhere, but the roots are what count and many obstacles.” To counter the oil petrodol - nition and prevention, the protection of peace Armenia’s attributes as a noble nation has are crucial. Our homeland will always perse - lars of the enemy, the strength of the human in our complex region, are vital foreign policy been heard in songs and poems. “Our enemies vere as long as its roots are strong.” spirit is needed, he related. “We must all unite issues for us.” have wanted to obliterate us, but we will always Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian stated, “I not only for the coming of the 100th anniver - Nazarian noted that “in sharing the values at be here. From the time of our great figures, salute the Armenian nation, the president, its sary of the Genocide, but also for the progress the core of the United Nations, Armenia con - including Noah, Dikran, Vartan, Mesrob, people and its institutions. May our homeland of Armenia’s future.” tinually demonstrates its commitment to the Komitas, etc., Armenia’s great culture, history live forever, strong, healthy and progressive,” Among the many cultural presentations maintenance of peace and promotion of demo - and accomplishments have been related by its he declared to a standing ovation.

77th Annual Festival To Be Presented by St. Leon Armenian Church in October FAIR LAWN, N.J. — Bringing the sights, sounds and tastes of Armenia stateside, St. Leon Armenian Church will present the 77th annual Armenian Food and Arts Festival, October 18–20 on the church grounds. The event is free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available for pur - chase. From dining and dancing to art exhibits and cooking classes, the Armenian Food and Arts Festival offers cultural fun for the family. Event highlights include performances by Zulal and the Arekag Chorus, dance performances by both the Akhtamar and Antranig Dance Ensembles and an exclusive art exhibit show - casing award-winning Armenian artists; cook - ing classes and hands-on demonstrations led by Armenian culinary experts in a professional on- site kitchen; a tavloo (backgammon) tourna - ment and a clinic for novice players; 3-on-3 bas - ketball tournament for children ages 10 and up; a gift shop featuring authentic handmade items crafted by Armenian artisans and a tour of the Church sanctuary with a historical overview of Armenian Apostolic traditions of worship. The festival runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is ample, though early arrival is advised. The church is located at 12-61 Saddle River Road. 10 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Lillian and Varnum Paul 2013 Screenwriting TALINN GRIGOR, 1999 One Student’s Award Finalists and Jury Indebtedness Announced

LOS ANGELES — The Armenian Dramatic To a Former Arts Alliance (ADAA) announces the three final - ists of the 4th Biennial Lillian and Varnum Paul 2013 Screenwriting Award: “1915,” by Garin K. Professor Hovannisian and Alec Mouhibian; “The 13th Image,” by Yervand Kochar in collaboration with Jeani Di Carlo and “The Second Journey,” By Tom Vartabedian by Levon Minasian and Eric de Rocquefeuil. Screenplay submissions were received from MEDFORD, Mass. — When I sent my across the United States, Europe and Armenia. son off to Tufts University in 1988, I Entries were required to be full-length, unpro - offered him a lot of fatherly advice: “Study duced film scripts written in English and based hard, enjoy the campus life, and don’t lose on Armenian themes. The screenplays submit - sight of your Armenian heritage.” ted were of high quality, which made the selec - I had no doubt about the first sugges - tions difficult for tion, considering his Advanced Placement the first round classes in high school and high SAT judges, all of scores. Or the second recommendation, whom are indus - given his athletic ability and Eagle Scout try professionals. credentials. The three final - I did have some reservations about the ist screenplays Detail of Holy Cross Chapel, Ararat Stadium complex, Tehran, Iran third proposal, however. As a parent who will be evaluated tried to raise his children Armenian, he by a jury com - had been introduced to the Armenian posed of Anahid Youth Federation, church activities and Nazarian (pro - language school. ducer, American Rostom Voskanian’s But much too often, these ideals get Zoetrope lost in transit when a teenager fosters a Productions), Yervand Kochar in collabo - ration with Jeani Di Carlo life of independence as they get older. Michael Goorjian Architectural Legacy I thought he would lose his identity in (Emmy-winning college. actor) and Hank “Think about joining the Armenian Saroyan (Emmy-winning TV producer). TEHRAN, Iran — The architecture of Rostom Voskanian can be described as a sober, club at school and get acquainted with The winner of the $10,000 grand prize will be real and deeply persuasive answer to the wide-ranging dilemmas of modernism announced at ADAA’s awards event on between the 1960s and the 1990s. Primarily working in a rapidly-developing Iran, November 8, at the Writers Guild of America Voskanian’s architecture was born out of Theater in Beverly Hills, along with a panel dis - a Beaux-Art tradition that helped trans - cussion for young artists navigating their By Talinn Grigor, PhD form and define Iranian as well as dias - careers in Hollywood, “Making the Connection: poran Armenian modernism. Linking Armenians in the Entertainment Voskanian was born into a Christian Industry.” The panel will feature industry pro - Armenian family from Tabriz. He was picked as the fifth recipient of the prestigious fessionals from film studios. A wine and cheese Paris scholarship for architects who were sponsored by the state to study in France. reception will follow. Tickets are $10/person Graduating from the l’Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1964, he returned to Tehran and available on University as an assistant professor, initially working with renowned Iranian archi - http://www.itsmyseat.com//events/232924.ht tect and educator, Houshang Seyhoun. Voskanian soon became the dean of Tehran ml. University’s School of Architecture after Seyhoun and chaired it until the temporary Dr. Lucy Der Manuelian built up a venera - The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance’s mis - closing of the university in 1980. In an interview some 10 years ago, Voskanian ble portfolio with her students at Tufts sion is to make the Armenian voice heard on University. TALINN GRIGOR, 1999 noted, “Those who returned from Europe the world stage through the dramatic arts of had considerable influence.” theatre and film. The Lillian and Varnum Paul Seyhoun, himself one of the earliest Screenwriting Award is administered by ADAA Beaux-Art architects in Iran, was critical of others of your kind,” I mandated. “Maybe through the generosity of the Paul Family the “design of Armenian architects,” there’s a nice Armenian coed out there through the Western Diocese of the Armenian namely leading first-generation architects just waiting to meet you.” Apostolic Church, under the auspices of Vartan Hovanessian and Gabriel “Dad …” Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Guevrekian, because, as Voskanian noted, I heard that before. The more you push, Western Diocese. “they were after modernism.” the more they pull away in this ethnic tug- In addition to the Paul award, ADAA admin - In the mid-1960s, trends were changing of-war. I was comfortable knowing I had isters the $10,000 William Saroyan Prize for swiftly in Iran and Voskanian was initially done my best, along with my wife, in rais - Playwriting, the deadline for which is April 15, a witness to and soon an instigator of ing our children well. The rest was up to 2014. these stylistic transformations. By the fate. For more information about ADAA, visit early 1970s, “the university saw the birth The first Armenian to greet my son was Rostom Voskanian in his home-studio, www.armeniandrama.org. of Regionalism, cultural sensitivity,” main - Mr. Jumbo himself, the late John Glendale tained Voskanian, adding, “Finally, we Baronian, who introduced him to the gave up Formalism.” The discourse on Tufts Armenian Club and treated his Iranian architecture had shifted from the International Style of the 1930s and the young protégés to dinner one night, in Beaux-Arts principles of the 1950s to the reinvention of a new modern and local getting them properly acquainted. architecture of and for Iran. It wasn’t until his junior year as I recall In 1973, Voskanian made a specal visit to the office of architect Louis Kahn and when he came home from semester break examined his large-scale works that paid particular attention to details. Kahn’s mon - with the news that he was taking an umental regionalism had a particular influence on Voskanian’s subsequent archi - Armenian course. I had no idea. tecture. Kahn was proposing to the world a new modernism that was regional and “It’s an elective,” said my son, an engi - modernistic; a tradition that Voskanian carried forward in Iran. At the time, he could neering student. “Sounded very exciting not have known that the last two decades of his creative life would be spent not too and right up my alley.” Eric de Rocquefeuil and Levon Minasian far from Kahn’s masterpiece, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla. The subject was “ & In 1974, Voskanian became the head of the architectural department for the fol - Architecture” and it was being taught by lowing three years, when the revolutionary movement forced him to resign his post. Dr. Lucy Der Manuelian, an engaging sto - Championed and often sponsored by Empress Farah Pahlavi, notable examples of ryteller whose excitement for her subject this new regionalism included praiseworthy examples in Tehran: Kamran Diba’s was contagious. In 1989 — the same year Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (1976); Amanat’s Shahyad Aryamehr my son had arrived at Tufts — Der Monument-Museum (1971-74); Nader Ardalan’s Iran Centre for Management Studies Manuelian was named to the first (1974) and Voskanian’s Holy Cross Chapel on the grounds of Ararat Sport Complex endowed chair in the field of Armenian (1987). These outstanding works of architecture represent the originality, produc - art ever established at any university. tivity, and stylistic richness that existed in modern Iran. I had read about her pioneering efforts see ARCHITECTURE, page 11 to uncover hidden treasures in Armenia Garin K. Hovannisian and Alec Mouhibian see DER MANUELIAN, page 12 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Rostom Voskanian’s Architectural Legacy

ARCHITECTURE, from page 10 PHOTO BY ROMINA KATCHI.DB, 2013 Voskanian left behind a legacy and a tradition in Iranian-Armenian modern architecture Of the Master piece when he left Tehran in 1988. By so doing, he Voskanian undertook his largest commission also left behind his architectural practice. in 1971 for the Ararat Armenian Cultural Moving to Southern California, he showed an Organization: a 10,000-seat athletic stadium in exceptional ability to adapt. With his Beaux- northern Tehran. The two-hectares-plus land Arts training, Voskanian dropped the ruler and had historically belonged to the Armenian picked up the brush, perhaps because to a community as a Christian cemetery from the Beaux-Arts-trained architect, and 17th century. A six-member committee was sculpting are sub-processes of the artistic pro - formed to manage the establishment of this cess. He restlessly produced works of art in his massive project. A design competition was home-studio in Glendale. This resulted, over organized, wherein Voskanian won first prize. the last two decades, in a series of very suc - He had been a longtime member of the Ararat cessful one-person and group exhibitions in organization and a veteran sportsman and various North American cities. mountaineer. That he was one of the leading Yet at his core, Voskanian remained a mod - architects of Iran sealed the selection. But ernist architect. His matur embodies one of there was something else at play here; the few examples of Armenian contemporane - Voskanian was above all a man of integrity, a ity in architecture; an exquisite answer to the people’s architect. history of architecture’s modernism, to Corbu, Unlike postmodernists, modern architects Mies, Gropius, and Kahn. The matur is a mas - believed in changing the world for the better terpiece. With the skillful pouring of concrete, for everyone. The welfare of ordinary people with its protruding three-dimensional crosses, was always at stake, always at the forefront of with its low modernist interior reliefs, and with priority. For Voskanian this was of essence. its quadrupling of design, it is an answer to And like Voskanian, this priority has come and “how does modern gone. look?” An answer to the Modern Movement, of That Voskanian won the bid was indicative which Voskanian was a faithful follower. of the populist spirit of the project. Chairman Simultaneously, his works belong to the rich of central broad of directors and head of con - Holy Cross Chapel at the Ararat Stadium Complex repertoire of Armenian architectural tradition. structions of Ararat, Vachik Gharabegian, was His legacy is the persistence of the modern pivotal to inseminating among the Armenian and the traditional in Armenian art history. community of Iran, the idea of ownership. Of offices, classrooms, meeting halls, storage sculpture or a sculpted architecture, the chapel Therein rests his work’s genius. The matur , as owning one’s land, one’s culture and thus rooms, shops, camping areas, parking ameni - stands as the most powerful symbol of the all his other architectural and fine-arts cre - one’s destiny. An essential aspect of that will to ties, and a world-class swimming facility. In the endurance of Armenian identity as both ations, stands tall as a brilliant manifesto of his ownership was the realization of the Ararat following years, the stadium was used for sig - ancient and contemporary. intellectual powers, his profound philosophy, project. Donations were collected from the nificant community and national events as a Voskanian’s avant-garde architecture was his artistic talent and his unique instinct and community. The architect and his team were result of its successful spatial configuration, highly progressive and revolutionary, then and insight. supported by the board of directors in this solid construction, and forward-looking engi - now. Finding the proposal, as it were, “too That both King Gagik’s cathedral on the politically and financially sensitive undertak - neering. modern and unorthodox,” the Armenian Akhtamar island and Voskanian’s chapel on ing. At the end, Voskanian’s design successful - Voskanian’s Holy Cross Chapel on the south - prelate ordered the imitation of a church in the grounds of Ararat stadium are named Holy ly rose to the expectations of the will of the eastern corner of the campus was an addition Antioch, Syria, dating from the 19th century. Cross is prophetic. Both stand proud as repre - people, of openness, transparency and commu - after the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which “Your holiness, I am either building this or sentative masterworks of Armenian architec - nal ownership. certainly encapsulates not only the architect’s nothing at all,” Voskanian replied. ture, one of the Middle Ages and the other of A topographically difficult terrain with a dif - artistic and architectural brilliance, but also A man of integrity, of principles. A modern the modern era. Gagik’s exquisite high reliefs ference in elevation of 26 meters, did not his lifelong commitment to both the people man of the people; a true modernist architect. on the surface of Holy Cross are echoed by the phase Voskanian, who instead managed to and to a local modernism: the modern To this, the stadium’s chairman, Baghdik Der equally exquisite minimalism of the poured turn it into a series of highly functional and Armenian religious structure. The Iranian Grigorian had added, “Clearly sir, you don’t concrete of Voskanian’s Holy Cross. One could spatially effective agglomeration arranged Revolution that took an Islamic turn in 1980- around the soccer field and each maintaining 82, gave urgency to the construction of an PHOTO BY TALINN GRIGOR, 1999 their individuality and independence. The mod - explicitly Christian icon in the existing stadium ernist design of the structures went hand in complex. Iranian identity framed by the hand with the choice of the material and func - authorities in terms of religion compelled tion: pure concrete, brick, and glass. The peo - minorities, including Armenians, to represent ple’s stuff. The complex was ready for partial themselves as religious minorities. Although use as of 1975; the project was handed over to initially the complex was designed and used as the Executive Board of Ararat in late 1976. a secular space, Ararat’s governing committee The project’s implication for the Armenian judged it best in the early 1980s to erect an community not only in Tehran, but also all Armenian Apostolic chapel in order to contin - around Iran and Asia, has been vast since the ue to preserve the complex as a property inception of the project. This space has belong to the Armenian community. become a sanctuary for Christian Armenians As many properties were being seized dur - in order to survive as an independent cultural, ing the chaos of the revolution, the governing committee peti - tioned for an urgent approval of the design of the pro - posed chapel by the Armenian Apostolic Prelacy of Iran. Voskanian’s scheme was a masterpiece Detail of Holy Cross Chapel, Ararat Stadium Complex, Tehran, Iran. of modern Armenian architec - ture: a reinterpreta - grasp the real implication of this monument, touch both surfaces and grasp the artistic spir - tion in poured con - skirmishing over its style.” it of its time. Both speak so sincerely of their crete of the best The architect tirelessly supervised the com - Zeitgeist (spirit of the age), of their place, of examples of plex and unique construction process of the their artistic foresight. Visionary and deeply medieval Armenian matur (chapel, in Armenian) during the fol - true. churches, trans - lowing months. In September 1987, the matur To have lost one’s context in which one had formed into an was consecrated. made his name, yet to persistently continue to interwoven system “I never approached the chapel as a political create original, thought-provoking, and critical Louis Kahn, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Calif. of supports, open - work,” Voskanian told me decades later. “That work of art is a mark of an exceptional mind, a ings, and suspen - which has been built, is a reality that remains; pure heart, and a true artist. Voskanian was that sions. While people change their political views, which have architect-artist. To have lost that artist to cancer ethnic, religious and linguistic minority in the remaining true to the symmetric and central no influence on my art.” The matur has helped is the loss of not one but two nations, if not the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Ararat Sport floor plan of domed architecture of medieval maintain the stadium as an essential aspect of entire artistic world. Not one, but two nations Complex has provided Armenians the space in Armenian churches, for instance that of Saint the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage are at a loss today. Not one but two nations which to practice their cultural and linguistic Hripsimeh in Ejmiatsin or the Holy Cross in Iran. ought to mourn today. One of unmatched talent, heritage and to preserve its ethnic and reli - (Surb Khatch) on the island of Akhtamar, one of integrity and honor, one who believed in gious distinctiveness. The masterful architec - Voskanian carves out a novel form that boldly Of the Legacy the project of modernity and with his creation, ture of the varied spaces of the complex has incarnates the elevation and section of tradi - As most revolutions do, the Iranian became one with it. May he rest in peace as his been since its construction the key to this tional churches into an allegorical representa - Revolution has taken away from artists and art endures onto eternity. preservation: a large open-air stadium, several tion of the Christian cross: simultaneously architects their livelihood and peace of mind, (Talinn Grigor is a professor of art history indoor and outdoor sports halls, tennis courts, ancient and avant-garde. An architecture of as well as their guarantee of posterity. at Brandeis University.) 12 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING / BOOKS Avik Derents Deyirmendjian Presents New Book of Poems

ARLINGTON, Mass. — The Armenian publish books, especially a book of poems in Independent Broadcasting of Boston (AIBB), Armenian. on Saturday, September 21, organized a dou - Mezzo-soprano Victoria Avetisyan and ble celebration of a new book of Armenian tenor Yeghishe Manucharyan presented pop - poems by Avik Derents Deyirmendjian and ular Armenian songs accompanied on the the 22nd anniversary of the independence of piano by Lilit Shugarian. the Republic of Armenia. Silva Youzbashyan of Armenia, noted for The title of the book is Khachartsan (cross her recitations of poetry, was especially invit - monument). ed for this event. She recited many poems The celebration took place at Armenian from the book and announced that the book Cultural Foundation. Garbis Zerdelian, presi - is already translated into Georgian. dent of the AIBB, welcomed the audience Rev. Father Avedis Boynerian of the and introduced Dr. Ara Ghazarians, master Armenian Memorial Church of Watertown of ceremonies and the Armenian Cultural made the closing remarks before the cere - Foundation’s executive director. mony of Kinetson , or blessing of the book Khajag Megerditchian introduced and pre - with Armenian wine being poured Haiguhi and Avik Deyirmendjian with Yevkine Gharibian, director of the Armenian Independent sented the book. He noted that in this era of on it. Broadcasting of Boston, during the Kinetson ceremony facebook and twitter it is a courageous act to A reception followed.

Coffeetown Press Announces Release of Beyond the Two Rivers

SEATTLE — On December 1, Coffeetown deportation from the during moil of 1958 and flashes back to where the first was certainly happier than most. It had its Press will release Beyond the Two Rivers: The and after World War I. Historians estimate that book left off in 1922, when Mannig travels to the moments of fear and tragedy, but she was tough; Continuing Story of Mannig the Heroine of between 1.5 and 2 million Armenians perished. desert castle of her in-laws. As a young mother, anyone who survived what she did as a child had Between the Two Rivers (246 pages, $15.95, Critics had high praise for Between the Two Mannig moves from one isolated farming village to be. I think many will find it fascinating to ISBN: 978-1-60381-151-4), by Aida Kouyoumjian. Rivers : “From the first page of Between the Two outpost to another while her engineer husband relive those years with her, in an Iraq that strug - Beyond the Two Rivers is the sequel to Rivers , your attention will be captured,” wrote makes the desert bloom. Mannig, Mardiros and gled to find its place in the twentieth century, fell Between the Two Rivers: A Story of the Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views . “Readers their three children eventually settle in Baghdad, into the hands of a dictator, and now continues Armenian Genocide , the account of the real-life won’t be able to put the book down. You will hiss where the tumult of World War II has soured to reel as violence breaks out in surrounding saga of Kouyoumjian’s mother Mannig, who as a at the villains and cheer for the underdogs,” she relations between the various tribes who have countries. What’s going on in Syria these days is young girl was one of a small minority of added. shared these lands peacefully for centuries. so reminiscent of what has been happening in Armenians who survived the massacre and In ForeWord Reviews , Elissa Mugianis wrote, Whether hobnobbing with royalty or escaping the since the beginning of human “With this writing, Kouyoumjian joins authors from angry Bedouins, Mannig retains her history — in Babylon, which is only a few miles Thea Halo and Peter Balakian, whose finely resilience and joie de vivre. This is an Iraq that from where I was born.” penned accounts of family members’ survival of no longer exists, except in memories and imagi - Kouyoumjian was born in Felloujah and raised One Student’s Indebtedness the Ottoman atrocities are essential reads for the nations. and educated in Baghdad, Iraq. In 1952, she To a Former Professor understanding of these genocides.” The author explained, “Ever since Between came to Seattle to attend the University of “An absorbing account that confirms the the Two Rivers was published, I’ve been asked Washington on a Fulbright Scholarship. She DER MANUELIAN, from page 10 adage, ‘Truth is stranger than fiction,’” said about a sequel. Did the Cinderella of married an American and eventually settled on and dangling off cliffs and helicopters to get her Mary Terzian, author of The Immigrants’ Mesopotamia get to enjoy a Happily Ever After? Mercer Island. pictures. The boy was in good hands. Daughter . Well, the answer is complicated, as you will see. For more information on her, visit She handed out the most challenging of Between the Two Rivers won first place She certainly had a wonderful husband, who also www.ArmenianStory.coffeetownpress.com. assignments, one that lifted an eyebrow with its (Washington State) in the National Federation of became a loving father to his children. But those Beyond the Two Rivers is currently available intensified research. Press Women (NFPW) At-Large were turbulent years, and what began as a luxu - for pre-order on Amazon.com. After December 1, “I want you to go out and do a paper on Communications Contest in the nonfiction: his - rious idyll in the castle of her husband’s family it will be also be available in eBook and print edi - Armenian churches throughout Greater tory category. soon turned into an itinerant existence far from tions on Amazon.com,Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de Boston,” she proposed. “Focus please on the Between the Two Rivers was a true Cinderella her friends, her in-laws and her sister.” She and Amazon Japan. Bookstores can order whole - architectural concepts, the construction pro - of Mesopotamia story. Young Mannig rose from added, “During my childhood, my father’s engi - sale through Ingram, Baker & Taylor or by con - cess, tied with any religious institutions in starving Armenian orphan to the teenage bride neering work took us from one remote outpost tacting [email protected]. Libraries can Armenia and ultimate resolve.” of a wealthy philanthropist. Beyond the Two to the next, and eventually we had to flee for our also order through Follett Library Services or It took a semester. Out he went, visiting such Rivers begins in Baghdad amid the political tur - lives. Mannig’s life was full of adventure and it Midwest Library Services. sites as Holy Trinity, St. Stephen’s and St. James, taking copious notes, interviews, art - work and icons that enhanced the sanctuary. The final result proved commendable. Moreover, it was everything his professor had expected — and more. Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2013 Two years later, he graduated from Tufts and made his way into the world, losing touch with his professors and most fellow students. He set - tled into a life of his own, secured work in his Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor field, raised a family and became entrenched in community life. a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 Whether the assignment he had received from Der Manuelian did any good materialisti - and reached out to 4,440 teachers and cally remains to be seen. If anything, it broad - ened his concept of Armenian art and architec - school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. ture. More than once, he’d pass along a com - ment during our travels together. For 20 years, distance had kept them apart £ until one day recently. I was giving a presenta - tion at the Armenian Library and Museum of K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue America (ALMA) on 50 years of journalism and helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have there in the front row sat Dr. Lucy Der the teacher’s name and address. Manuelian. Her appearance lent an auspicious air to the audience. K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— My son was handling the video presentation Name and was unaware of her presence until I told Address him. City State Zip code “Do you know that woman over there?” I Tel: said, pointing to a corner of the room. “You had her at Tufts. She gave you that church assign - Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 ment.” Mail your check with this form to: In a moment marked by time, the two con - verged in a warm and tender embrace. TCA Sponsor a Teacher 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 “I appreciate all you did for me and others at Tufts,” he said. “You gave me a deep perspec - Your donation is Tax Deductible. tive of my heritage. I’m forever grateful.” S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

OCTOBER 26 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, First Armenian MASSACHUSETTS Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont. Noon – 8 p.m. SEPTEMBER 28 — Story SLAM workshop with Nora Armenian delicacies - manti, choreg, kufte and Dooley of Massmouth. 4-6 p.m. at ALMA, 65 Main St., more. Enjoy kebab dinners (lamb, beef or chicken with Watertown. Learn to tell a story! Topic will be objects that pilaf and salad,) losh, boreg, paklava, pastries and more in have special meaning in our lives, so bring an object or our festive hall or takeout. 617-484-4779, or heirloom to discuss. $5 donation appreciated. www.firstarmenianchurch.org. Handicapped and MBTA SEPTEMBER 28 — Smithsonian Magazine’s Annual accessible. Museum Day: Free Admission to ALMA. Admission tick - NOVEMBER 16 — Second annual Mer Doon Benefit ets available for download on the Museum Day Live! Dance, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Charles Mosesian Culturla Website. One ticket admits one person, plus a guest; 65 and Youth Center, 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown. Main St., Watertown. Featuring John Berberian, Bob Mougamian, Mal SEPTEMBER 28 — Annual “Walk of Life” Walk-a-thon, Barsamian. For tickets and table reservations, please call New England Chapter of the Armenian Bone Marrow Mark at 61-256-5358. Donor Registry (ABMDR), in Watertown. To register or NOVEMBER 16 — Armenian Women’s Welfare donate, visit http://www.abmdr.am. Association (AWWA) 38th Annual Luncheon/ OCTOBER 1 — Winchester Reads presents Armenia’s Auction, 11 a.m. at the Burlington Marriot, 1 Burlington Living Legacy: Armenian History and Today, 7:30 Mall Road. Event kicks off with a silent auction and bid - p.m.; panel discussion with Gail O’Reilly, owner of Made ding; Visa and MasterCard accepted, tickets $60. For in Armenia Direct; Gary Lind-Sinanian, curator of ALMA; On October 5, ALMA will present reservations, contact [email protected]. DECEMBER 6 AND 7 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Jim Kalustian, president of the Armenian Heritage “Inheriting the Light:” In Friday, 3-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Holy Trinity Foundation and Robert Mirak, president of the Armenian Conversation with Diana Der Cultural Foundation. Steve Boodakian will moderate the Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Hovanessian and Nancy Kricorian, 5- panel discussion and there will be a display of Armenian crafts. Free and open to the public; Pond Room, Jenks 7 p.m. Poet Der Hovanessian and NEW HAMPSHIRE Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester. novelist Kricorian will engage in a OCTOBER 3 — Avak Luncheon at St. Gregory Armenian dialogue about how family and com - SEPTEMBER 28 — Shish Kebab Supper at the Ararat Church, 12 p.m., with speaker Vartus Varadian on munal history have inspired and Armenian Congregational Church, 4:30-7:30 p.m; tick - “Fighting Cancer Through Chinese Art;” 158 Main St., shaped their writings. A $5 donation ets at the door; 2 Salem St., Salem. North Andover. appreciated. ALMA is located at 65 NOVEMBER 3 — Ararat Armenian Congregational OCTOBER 5 — Fall Reunion Dance hosted by the St. Main St. Watertown, MA. Church Celebrates 100 Years: 1913-2013. Join the his - James ACYOA Seniors, Watertown, St. James Armenian toric Armenian American community of Southern NH for Church, 465 Mount Auburn St., Charles Mosesian a celebration lunch at Tuscan Kitchen restaurant, 67 Main Cultural and Youth Center, Keljik Hall, Featuring Markos St., Salem; 1 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship opportuni - and the Hayasa Band! All ages welcome. Mezze will be ties, contact [email protected]. served. Tickets: $35 in advance/$40 at the door, $20 School, 458 Main St., Winchester. Sponsored by Children 12 and under. Tables of 10 may be reserved with Winchester Reads, a volunteer-based town-wide “Read” NEW JERSEY advance payment. Tickets: Aaron program. Derderian [email protected] 781-264-8680 OCTOBER 18 and 19 — St. James Annual Bazaar! NOVEMBER 23-24 – TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical OCTOBER 5 — “Inheriting the Light:” In Conversation Delicious shish, losh, kheyma and more! Fabulous pas - Group celebrates 15th Anniversary with production of with Diana Der Hovanessian and Nancy Kricorian, tries, manti, kufte and toorshi! Children’s activities, ven - Hagop Baronian’s “The Perils of Politeness” 5-7 p.m., ALMA, 65 Main St., Watertown. Poet Der dors galore, farmer’s market. Fun! Friends! Family! 11 (Kaghakavaroutyan Vnasneruh) directed by Gagik Hovanessian and novelist Kricorian will engage in a dia - a.m. to 9 p.m., daily, at the church hall, 465 Mount Karapetyan from Armenia; Dwight Englewood High logue about how family and communal history have Auburn St., Watertown. School, 315 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ. Nov. 23, inspired and shaped their writings. $5 donation appreci - OCTOBER 19 — Hye Kef 5, featuring Leon Janikian, Joe Saturday at 8 p.m. and Nov. 24, Sunday at 4 p.m. For tick - ated. Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken Kalajian, Bob ets; $50, $35, $25; call Marie Zokian (201)745-8850 or OCTOBER 13 — Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Raphalian and Jay Baronian, Haverhill, 7:30 pm., Michael’s Missak Boghosian at (212)819-0097 or (347)365-6985. Chelmsford will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its Function Hall, 12 Alpha St. Tickets $40, students $30. consecration. His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Includes individually-served mezza platters. Proceeds to RHODE ISLAND Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian benefit all Amrenian churches in Merrimack Valley and Church of America (Eastern) will preside. Following divine New Hampshire. Call either John Arzigian, 6-03-560-3826, OCTOBER 20 — Program in honor of the dedication of liturgy, ordination of sub- and acolytes will be con - Sandy Boroyan, 978-251-8687, Scott Sahagian, 617-699- the 100 anniversar y of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob ducted. Fellowship reception at 1 p.m., followed by dinner 3581, or Peter Gulezian, 978-375-1616. No tickets will be Armenian Church, with the Cultural Committee and at 1:30 p.m. Donation $35. At the banquet the Primate sold at the door. For advance tickets, please call a com - ACYOA presenting the Shushi Ensemble will present the St. Vartan Award to Patricia Amboian and mittee member. Organized by Armenian Friends of in a program titled “Song and Dance.. Seta Paskalian - George Simonian, for their years of dedicated service to America. Kantardjian, artistic director and Choreographer; the church. Advance reservations requested by September OCTOBER 24 — K. George and Carolann S. Najarian MD Andranik Mouradian, musical director, Armen 25. Contact Rose Amboian at (978) 256-3430 or Patty Lecture on Human Rights: In Our Midst: Slavery Hovhannisyan and Salbi Mailyan, vocalists from California. Kayajanian at (978) 937-9379. Unmasked; 7 p.m., Faneuil Hall, Boston, with keynote 3 p.m., Roberts Hall, Rhode Island College, 300 Mt. OCTOBER 16 — Meet the Author: Chris Bohjalian dis- speaker Siddharth Kara, fellow at the Carr Center Program Pleasant Ave., Providence. Donations: Adults $20, cusses NY Times Bestseller Sandcastle Girls, 7:30 p.m. on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery, Harvard Kennedy Students $10, children under 12 free. Tickets available at Winchester Town Moderator John Sullivan will introduce School of Government. Contact Barbara Tellalian for more the Church office (401) 272 7712, The Deli (401) 461 the author. Free and open to the public; McCall Middle info: 617-332-1880. 4774, Sonya’s Market (401) 941 9300.

Massachusetts and Michigan as well as to the Tootikian Book Looks at Armenian Faith and History classrooms of Harvard University, Andover Newtown Theological Seminary and the comprises 31 articles divided into three sections the Armenian Genocide, problems and solutions University of Michigan. By Philip Tavlian — “Holidays and Observances,” “Views on Issues,” in the modern Republic of Armenia, the 2009 Given recent tragic developments in the Near and “Armenian Issues.” The initial section Armenia/Turkey Protocols and the interdepen - East and other points around the globe, the includes thoughtful pieces relating to the Advent dence of Armenia and the diaspora. informed reader is well-advised to acquire this A leading pastor of the Great Lakes State has and Lenten seasons as well as Independence Day The Armenian-language portion of the volume estimable volume and keep it within arm’s reach just published his 35th volume, a readable com - in the American Republic. is titled, “Nertashnagootyun” (meaning “harmo - in the trying times ahead. pendium of inspirational essays in the English “Views on Issues” surveys the underpinnings ny”), consists of 10 articles dealing with religious Inscribed copies may be ordered from the and Armenian languages, titled Keeping the of the Christian faith, from the imperative of out - and patriotic subjects. The author acknowledges Armenian Heritage Committee, 3922 Yorba Balance . reach to the friendship and nonconformity exem - that not “all Christians and all Armenians think Linda Boulevard, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073- Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, pastor emeritus of plified in the life of Jesus of Nazareth to the dis - alike, feel alike, worship alike or act alike.” He 6455. the Armenian Congregational Church of Greater tinctions between Divine Knowledge and human nevertheless urges that “in spite of their differ - (Philip Tavlian is Past President of the Detroit, has prepared a bilingual work emphasiz - wisdom. Essays dealing with the pilgrimage of ences, they must united and create harmony, Armenian Theological Students’ Aid, Inc.) ing “a balance between one’s personal salvation life — storms, weaknesses, good and evil, love, much like a choral group, with different voices and the social implications of one’s religious expe - rejection, prayer and religious education — are of blended together, creating beautiful music.” Keeping the Balance. By Rev. Dr. Vahan H. rience.” As the author states in his preface, special benefit to 21st-century readers. “Balance” is the rich literary harvest of a gift - Tootikian. Royal Oak, Mich.: Armenian “[W]ithout faith a person’s good works are futile The section addressing Armenian issues elo - ed scholar whose five and one-half decades of Heritage Committee, 2013. Pp. 160 and without good works one’s faith is dead.” quently examines theological diversity among Christian ministry have taken him from Beirut, ISBN 1-891583-15-8. $25 plus $3.25 The English-language portion of the volume Armenian Evangelicals, the 98th Anniversary of Lebanon and Damascus, Syria to pulpits in shipping and handling. 14 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

THE ARMENIAN Into the Minotaur’s Cave of Diplomacy: Mirror How Russia Became Syria’s Deterrent

was obvious from the start that he believed All along, Muallem had insisted that Syria Spectator By Robert Fisk that Obama was going to strike their country. wanted to sign the treaty banning chemical This was not good news, especially when weapons. Yet everyone — not least the Lavrov made it clear that the operation would Russians — knew that Syria’s chemical arsenal The Syrian delegation to Moscow left “definitely” take place. There was some dis - was its only deep strategic defense if the coun - Damascus on the night of Saturday, cussion before Muallem stated his own coun - try faced a doomsday war with Israel. Still September 7, as much to find out its fate as to try’s position: that “if the real reason for the Muallem did not know what was in store for Established 1932 negotiate. proposed aggression against Syria was the him. He and his colleagues had not slept for 36 An ADL Publication The US President Barack Obama and the chemicals, then diplomatic means have not hours. Lavrov was worried for different rea - Russian President Vladimir Putin had been been exhausted”. The Syrians like Lavrov — sons. If the Americans hit Syria, they would hatching their plan to prevent American mis - they believe (with what proof I have no idea) destroy Bashar al-Assad’s army, Islamists

EDITOR sile strikes and Walid Muallem, Syria’s that he writes poetry in his spare time, some - might storm into Damascus and Russian Alin K. Gregorian extremely shrewd Foreign Minister, had no thing which would naturally appeal to a people forces — with a naval base and marines in the idea what it was. Far from bringing specific who often learn Arabic poetry by heart before Syrian port of Tartus and other warships at

ASSISTANT EDITOR proposals to Russia, he wanted to know what they can write. “He is a good friend to the sea in the eastern Mediterranean — would be Gabriella Gage the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Arabs,” is a constant refrain in Damascus. “forced to react.” This, at least, is the Russian knew — if he knew anything at all. Readers must be left to decide if this is true. version of events. ASSOCIATE EDITOR It was a weird situation. Syria did not want Digging like a sleuth for the details of Now Lavrov told Muallem of Putin’s deal: all Aram Arkun to be attacked by the US after sarin gas was Russian-Syrian diplomacy — never mind the Syria’s chemical weapons to be monitored, ART DIRECTOR used in Damascus on the night of August 21, extraordinary military relationship — is like details handed over within days, all stocks to Marc Mgrditchian but it must have been clear that the Syrian wandering the cave of the Minotaur. A wrong be under international control within a year. regime — the principal target of American turning can put you in danger, a long-standing And the Russians would be most grateful if cruise missiles — had been cut out. Russia was friend lost forever, a contact angered, an offi - Muallem — at a press conference that evening SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: making the decisions. cial enraged by an understanding lost in trans - — would be good enough to agree. Muallem Edmond Azadian Muallem and his team — who are well-known lation. So as your correspondent in Damascus called Damascus. He talked to the government in the Arab world and especially in Iran (and in tip-toes through Russian and Syrian sources, and of course to Syrian President Bashar al- CONTRIBUTORS: the good old days, in London, Washington and he must remember the risks. This is the best I Assad. He agreed. And so a long-faced, Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune Paris) — arrived at Sheremetyevo airport can do and I have every reason to believe it is exhausted Muallem appeared in front of the Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. exhausted at dawn on Sunday, September 8, spot on. It is a story that tells you about the world’s television cameras — apparently almost Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der checking in, as they always did in Moscow, at the future Syrian state. overwhelmed with exhaustion — to “say yes” Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork President beside the Moskva river, a cavernous In any event, Lavrov broke off the conversa - (in the words of the Russians). Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop and soulless hotel from the Brezhnev era. Their tion by telling Muallem that he was going at Syria wanted to save its people from aggres - Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian appointment with Lavrov was set for Monday at once to see President Putin at the Kremlin. “I sion and placed complete confidence in its the Russian Foreign Ministry and Muallem and will get back to you,” he peremptorily told the Russian friends. One of his assistants, CORRESPONDENTS: his delegation, still tired from their overnight Syrians. Muallem again insisted that “diploma - Bouthaina Shaaban — who is also an adviser to Armenia - Hagop Avedikian flight, talked to Damascus and watched the satel - cy is not exhausted.” He must have hoped he Assad — looked equally overwhelmed. Boston - Nancy Kalajian lite television shows out of Washington. was right; after all, if he was wrong, he might Afterwards, Muallem told Lavrov that the Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian This was a moment in Syria’s history of not have a Damascus airport to return to. agreement took from Syria its “No 1” weapon. Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach which Muallem and his colleagues were all too The Syrians returned to the bleak President And Lavrov replied: “Your best weapon is us.” Contributing Photographers: aware. The foreign policy of Syria — or perhaps hotel for lunch. In Washington, John Kerry And that was it. Syria’s strategic deterrent Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair its military policy — was being decided by oth - was blathering on with more threats. Syria had become Moscow. Kremlin rules. Hovsepian ers. And so it came to pass that on 9 must hand over chemical weapons. They only (This column by Robert Fisk originally September, Muallem sat opposite Lavrov in had a week to hand over an inventory. At 5 appeared in The Independent newspaper’s the ministry. The Russian Foreign Minister p.m., Lavrov called Muallem. They should meet September 22 edition. Fisk is the Middle East The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published bluntly told the Syrians what he thought. It in an hour. There was to be a press conference. correspondent for The Independent .) weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Baikar Association, Inc. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Telephone: 617-924-4420 FAX: 617-924-2887 Not the New Year’s Honors List www.mir ror spectator.com E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com Does an opera singer become a fierce and could all of us 335 nominees ever do together. For advertising: [email protected] By Odette Bazil dangerous enemy of Azerbaijan if invited to sing Maybe I should place Aliyev’s name higher in Karabagh? than that of Safarov’s in that list, for it was the Does a parliamentarian who is visiting president who bought Safarov’s freedom with SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Traditionally, before every New Year, the Karabagh to discuss peaceful means of solving its “oil dollars and caviar diplomacy” and it was British Government publishes a list of the — diplomatically and not militarily — the thorny the President who showed to the international names of people to be honored for their contri - issues created by the Azerbaijani aggression of community at large that murder is accepted, bution to the welfare and good of Britain and U.S.A. $80 a year Karabagh and the ensuing war become an rewarded and encouraged in Azerbaijan. for their exceptional personal achievements in enemy of the Azeri State? And now, nearing election time in Azerbaijan Canada $125 a year various fields, and many British Armenians What is the criteria that can help anyone to and Aliyev seeking a third term in office, what have been bestowed with that great honor, but receive the honorable accolade of being includ - would serve his purpose better than another Other Countries $190 a year the “Honors List” I am referring to in this arti - ed in that List? aggression of Karabagh, a new war to keep the cle has not been published by the British I personally believe that instead of listing us people of Azerbaijan busy and engrossed with Government, nor does it refer to positive 335 people as enemies, the Azeri government the spoils of war and, while suffering and bleed - © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator achievements for the good of anyone: it has should invite each one of us to Baku, treat us ing, attempting to save their families and just to Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA been issued by the Azerbaijani Government — with the same “oil and caviar diplomacy” used survive, they will be made powerless and unable and additional mailing offices. not to honor or appreciate — but to single-out in their everyday dealings with dignitaries and to hold or rally any opposition to the president. ISSN 0004-234X with hatred each and everyone who is “black strategically important people, show us cour - By taking his people to war, by creating the listed” and labelled “persona non grata” in tesy and consideration and try to put forward opportunity for everyone in the world to think POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Azerbaijan. their own views and arguments, logically, that maybe all Azeris are (like Safarov) potential Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, I have the great honor to be included in that Watertown, MA 02471-0302 patiently, rationally and truthfully. criminals — although I do not believe that — list and — although I am not a journalist — to be Although I do not read Azerbaijani, the pic - Aliyev deserves the highest honor and place in Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily described as such. tures published helped me realize that there are the list published by the Azeri government. eflect the policies of the publisher. I have also the great honor of having my two very important names missing from that list I am pleased and grateful that the Armenian name listed alongside the names of very impor - of enemies of Azerbaijan: the two names of and Karabagh governments are using their tant and universally acclaimed and respected Ramil Safarov and President Ilham Aliyev. For media (TV, newspapers, radio and diaspora persons, placing all of us 335 lucky individuals these two individuals have and are harming media) to publicize and encourage visits to named in that list in very good company indeed. Azerbaijan far more than an opera singer or a Armenia and Karabagh by internationally The Azerbaijani “Honors List” includes peo - benefactor could. famed dignitaries, scholars, journalists, politi - ple from all walks of life and different as jour - By killing savagely in his sleep an innocent cians and by doing so, are creating a list of nalists, politicians, artists, writers, scholars, his - Armenian man purely because of that man’s well-wishers and friends of Armenia and Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without torians, academicians, benefactors, TV presen - ethnicity and by being returned to Azerbaijan to Karabagh. express permission of the copyright ters, opera singers, diplomats, etc. from coun - receive praise, honours and gifts, the Azeri May both lists “Friends of Armenia and owner. Address requests for reprints or tries as far as Japan or Argentina and even as Safarov proved to the world that crime and mur - Karabagh” and “Enemies of Azerbaijan” grow back issues to: close as Turkey, affirming that Azerbaijan has der are accepted, are rewarded, are encouraged everyday, include thousands more names, gath - Baikar Association, Inc. enemies all over the world. and are the norm in Azerbaijan. Safarov must er momentum and when published again 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 What is the common factor that links all of us hold a place of distinction in the Azeri “Honors (maybe next year) show to the world the differ - 335 fortunate people together in this public dec - List” because by his criminal action he did more ence of culture that exists between Armenia and laration of animosity and discrimination? damage to Azerbaijan’s image in the world, than Azerbaijan. S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

— Preparations for possible international legal action Armenians living in Russia. The September 17 consecra - against Turkey to secure restitution for the Armenian tion ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Armenia Genocide; and Artsakh, Catholicos Karekin II, high-ranking Armenian — Plans for the centennial of the Armenian Genocide; clergymen from around the world and Russian Orthodox — Status of the signed but not ratified Armenia-Turkey Patriarch Kirill. Putin did not attend due to his absence My Turn Protocols; from Moscow. — Superior morale of victorious Armenian soldiers — an On this august occasion, a series of concerts, receptions By Harut Sassounian advantage over Azeris in a renewed war with Azerbaijan; and banquets were held in Moscow hosted by the — Diaspora’s participation in the economic development Armenian Diocese of Russia for the large number of guests Cathedral in Moscow and of Armenia and Artsakh. from throughout the world. In appreciation, Karekin II rec - The conference, organized by the Diaspora Ministry, pro - ognized the two-dozen benefactors of the Cathedral by Conference in Yerevan vided the participants the rare opportunity to offer their bestowing upon them the highest honorific medals of the critical assessment of the situation in the homeland and to Armenian Church. I just returned from a three-day conference in Yerevan openly question Armenia’s and Artsakh’s highest officials. While in Moscow, I attended several jewelry-related events, where 40 Armenian activists, journalists, and representa - The political leaders and their diasporan guests empha - organized by prominent Armenian jewelers in Russia. For tives of political, religious and cultural organizations from sized the urgent need for a framework or structure that the first time in a hundred years, an Armenian, Gagik 18 countries (Argentina, Armenia, Artsakh, Belgium, would coordinate the efforts of Armenians in Armenia, Gevorkyan, president of Estet Jewelry House, was elected Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Iran, Artsakh and Diaspora. During the conference and media head of the prestigious Russian Jewelers Guild. Gevorkyan Israel, Lebanon, Netherlands, Russia, Syria, US and interviews, I proposed the creation of a pan-Armenian com - sponsored the lavish annual Jewelry Charity Ball at his com - Uruguay) attended closed-door briefings from senior gov - mittee which would include representatives from Armenia, pany’s headquarters in Moscow, attended by over a thou - ernment officials. Artsakh and Diaspora, to deal expressly with the critical sand jewelers and their families, including well-known The attendees met with the vice speaker and chairs of all needs of Artsakh, similar to the Centennial Committee for Armenian jewelers from France, Canada and the US. parliamentary committees, president’s Chief of Staff Vigen the Armenian Genocide, except that the Artsakh commit - With a sense of great pride, I watched members of the Sargisian, Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Defense tee would be of a permanent nature. Armenian Jewelers Association from Russia and North Minister , Diaspora Minister Hranush On September 21, the conference participants were invit - America address the distinguished guests at the Hakobyan, National Security Council Secretary Artur ed to attend the special presidential reception in celebra - International Jewelry Economic Forum and display their Baghdasaryan, Constitutional Court Chairman Gagik tion of Armenia’s Independence Day. The evening ended precious handiwork at JUNWEX, the XII International Harutunyan and Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan. with an impressive concert and fireworks show in Republic Jewelry and Watch Exhibition. Since the briefings dealt with sensitive political and Square. Before departing Moscow, I gave several television inter - national security issues and were off-the-record, I can only Prior to arriving in Yerevan, I attended the spiritually views and participated in a panel discussion on Hayk disclose the general topics without attribution to a specific uplifting consecration of Moscow’s Armenian Cathedral, Demoyan’s new book, Turkey’s Foreign Policy and the speaker or participant: which reportedly cost tens of millions of dollars con - Karabagh Conflict . — Armenia’s decision to join the CIS Customs Union tributed by generous Russian-Armenian businessmen. The Despite the hectic schedule, my journey to Moscow and instead of signing the European Association Agreement; magnificent church structure and the nearby community Yerevan opened up important networking opportunities for — Threats to Armenia’s national security and efforts to center are expected to play a critical role in preserving the closer collaboration between Armenia and the two largest neutralize them; and Christian faith for the two-million diaspora communities of Russia and the US. Changing Armenia: The 12-Cent Dilemma

ulation in Yerevan protested. Natural gas prices Palace. Technically, they protest across the quite a lot of endurance. As Thomas Jefferson By Mihran Aroian had just increased by 20 percent, as had the street but still in front of the Palace. For two wrote in the Declaration of Independence cost of electricity. For the month of June, I had hours, they hold up their signs and talk to “…and accordingly all experience hath shewn, spent under $10 for electricity, gas and water. passersby to tell them their stories. The police that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while We have all heard stories of corruption in For the month of July, these same services who watch over them generally mind their own evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by Armenia. We read stories of election irregulari - tripled in cost — and I spent few waking hours business, but one particular week things get a abolishing the forms to which they are accus - ties and how humanitarian aid ends up in the in the apartment each day. How were those cost little testy and the police argued with the tomed.” On the path of least resistance, we will wrong pockets. My involvement with the increases absorbed for families with limited protesting pilots. Perhaps having an American endure a lot of hardship before we demand Armenian government is limited. Aside from incomes? present changes the dynamics of the situation. change. obtaining a travel visa, I have no real experi - The increase in bus fare was simply the last I don’t know. The Karabagh veterans held protest signs say - ence. It was what the government did not do straw for Yerevan residents. The youth took to I was told by a policeman that entry-level ing, “Turkey removed 1.5 million Armenians, that impressed me this summer. the streets. At major bus stops, they told the rid - police officers in Armenia do not receive a but the Armenian Government has removed 2 The government allowed people to protest. I ers to pay only the old fare to the bus drivers. salary until they reach a certain rank. One can - million Armenians.” With a poor economy and saw people protesting in Armenia who I would If everyone held firm, their thinking was that not help but wonder if this lack of salary high corruption, the general belief is that some not have expected to see. I did not see these they would succeed. encourages unethical behavior in young police - 2 million Armenians have left Armenia. The protests last summer. It was all quite civil, but If you kept up with this summer’s news, you men. Does this have an impact on their profes - “brain drain” of Armenia has been going on for people were protesting for what they believed already know that the fare increase was sional behavior as they move up in rank? I decades. Unless Armenia grows strong, will were injustices. Retired pilots, veterans of the reversed. Could this be the start of a new way reminded these policemen that if things do not there be anyone left in Armenia a decade from Karabagh war, and average citizens were for people to gain some level of control? Could change, they could find themselves on the same now? protesting the rise in bus fares. They were all- true democracy be just around the corner? protest line in 30 years, asking the government Still, I am impressed that the Armenian gov - out protesting to bring about change. When a I am impressed that Armenian citizens were why they, too, have not received the retirement ernment lets this sort of protest proceed. It is government allows its citizens to criticize what allowed to protest. Sure, police were often benefits they were promised. important for the citizens of Armenia to voice they see as wrong in society, it is a very positive found at these protest sites, but they were there The Yerevan Opera House was a favorite their concerns. It is also just as important for step in the right direction. to ensure that nobody was hurt. They were not protest site for Karabagh freedom fighters. Armenians in the diaspora to support the com - It would have been very easy for the govern - interfering. Why would the government allow These brave veterans also were promised bene - mitted citizens of Armenia. ment to close down these protests or not allow people to protest? Perhaps the government fits. The signs they held expressed a jarring them to happen in the first place, but they did knows that Armenia must change if it is to sur - though interesting message that set the tone (Mihran Aroian is an instructor at the allow them and they continued. They allowed vive. Perhaps the government recognizes that for their protest. With high unemployment, McCombs School of Business at the University the average citizen to voice their discontent. the people want change. high taxes, increasing energy costs, and increas - of Texas at Austin and the McCoy College of This shows both restraint by the government Every Friday from 10 a.m. until noon, a ing concerns for the future, Armenian’s clearly Business at Texas State University. For the with an attitude toward change. And, one of the group of retired airplane pilots are allowed to want change. How much more will the people past two summers, he has been a lecturer at protests actually did bring about change! hold a protest in front of the Presidential endure before they demand change? Actually, the American University of Armenia in The summer of 2013 was my second summer working in Armenia. In my business ethics class, students asked if it was ethical for them to pay the recent 50-percent increase in the local bus fare. The price had changed from 100 drams to 150 drams — an increase of 12 cents. Notice to Contributors Although I did not think of this as an ethical issue, my students were very vocal in their dis - The welcomes articles, commen - a daytime telephone number. Armenian Mirror-Spectator agreement. I told them that if the price for the taries and community news from our readers. In order to assure — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is noon on fare was posted on the bus and that they were the accurate and timely publication of articles submitted, please the Monday of the week of publication. informed of the new price, that it was unethical to not pay the higher price. They had a choice, note the following policies: — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the pay the higher fee or don’t take the bus. — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) spaced editors and art director. Photos will be returned only if a self- The bigger question was did the bus opera - and printed in a type size large enough to be clearly legible (10 addressed and stamped envelope is included. tors have the right to add a 50-percent increase? point or larger). Submissions that do not conform to these specifi - — The will publish only one article about an upcoming orga - M-S In a free enterprise system, the answer is yes. cations will be assigned lowest priority. nizational event. For major special events, exceptions may be But to some degree, this was seen as a tax on the poor. If you depend on the bus to go to — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions are made only by special arrangement with the editors. work and earn $250 per month, is it ethical to encouraged. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the dis - add yet another “tax” onto the citizens? — All submissions should include the name of a contact person and cretion of the editors) will not be included in press releases. Over the course of the next few days, the pop - 16 S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 28, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Monastery Carved out of Rock Discovered in Historic Armenia

MONASTERY, from page 1 It was only in 1999 that the monument was first visited by a specialist, Scottish researcher Stephen Sim, who took photographs of it and drew its schematic plan. Later it was visited by seismologist Shiro Sasano, who published a small-scale research on it together with several photographs he had taken there in 2009. In this way, these two foreign researchers dis - covered the monastery which is carved into rock. They, however, failed to find out its name and called it after the adjacent village presently inhabited by Kurds. Understanding the importance of conducting comprehensive studies in the monastic com - plex, in 2010 the members of Research on Armenian Architecture conducted scientific expeditions and revealed much about it. The An 11-line inscription as it appears and when traced on paper available sources attest that this newly-discov - ered monument complex is the monastery of Tzarakar, which is mentioned in medieval its glory and was consigned to oblivion to such situated: “…Tzarakar, which is mentioned in “Supposedly, a monastery of this name and a records, and the location of which remained an extent that in now even its location some works by historiographers and geogra - village used to be situated near Kechror, unknown until very recently. remained obscure. phers, is known to have stood in a naturally Gabeghenk District, Ayrarat [Province].” As is known, Tzarakar was one of the In the late 19th century, Ghevond Alishan impregnable site in the vicinity of Kechror: first The colophon of an Ashkharatsuyts (a geo - renowned monastic complexes in medieval used the available sources to point to the area of all, a cut-in-rock monastery was erected…” graphical work), dating back to 1656, also con - Armenia, but in the course of centuries, it lost where the monastery could have possibly been S. Eprikian came to the same conclusion: firms: “…the district of Gabeghenits and the castle of Kaput also called Artagereits — the town of Kechror is situated there together with the cut-in-rock monastery of Tzarakar, where Archimandrite Khachatur Kecharetsi’s grave is found…” This passage reveals two facts of the utmost importance: firstly, Tzarakar Monastery was cut in the rock, and secondly, most presumably, it was situated not far from the town of Kechror. That Khachatur Kecharetsi, an educator and poet who lived between the 13th and 14th cen - turies, was buried somewhere near Kechror, is also attested to by the following note on a map of 1691 compiled by Yeremia Chelebi Kyomurjian: “Town of Kechror, bordering on Basen, and Archimandrite Khachatur’s grave.”

Conchas of the hall

These two records clarify that the monastery of Tzarakar was truly located near the fortress town of Kechror. Every visitor may easily see that the struc - tures of the monastic complex are cut into quite friable masses of rock which are naturally striped and have certain coloring, looking like the parallel circular lines showing the age of a cut tree — evidently, the name of Tzarakar, which in Armenian means tree stone, is condi - tioned by this resemblance meaning a monastery cut into a tree-like stone. The only surviving parts of Tzarakar Monastery are those of its structures which are cut into the rock, and therefore, are difficult to destroy, whereas the others have been irretriev - ably lost.

Armenian Embassy Opens in Vatican

VATICAN, from page 1 have contributed to the development of these relations. The Minister said Armenia highly appreciates the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Vatican in 2000 and its reconfirmation in 2001. “Opening of the Armenian Embassy is an evi - dence of the high level of friendly relations between Armenia and Vatican, but also an expression of the will of the two countries to fur - ther deepen these relations,” Nalbandian said.