JULY 21, 2012

THE ARMENIAN

Mirror -Spe ctaItn Ouor Mirror -Spe ctatror 80th Year Volume LXXXIII, NO. 1, Issue 4246 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 By Nancy Kalajian Cardinal Discusses Special to the Mirror-Spectator ‘Brotherly Ties’ with Prof. Akçam Muses on Turkish- Armenian Church ECHMIADZIN (RFE/RL) — A high-ranking envoy Armenian Relations and Genocide of Pope Benedict XVI called for the strengthening of “brotherly relations” between the Roman Catholic and Armenian Apostolic Churches during tion of his book, A Shameful Act , in 2006. a visit on Monday. By Aram Arkun The appearance of this book led him to Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Catholic Mirror-Spectator Staff become the target of an organized hate Congregation for Eastern Churches, met with campaign coordinated from Ankara by the Catholicos Karekin II, the supreme head of the paramilitary semisecret organization Armenian Church, at his official residence in NEW YORK — Dr. Taner Akçam, in an Ergenekon. This in turn seems to have Echmiadzin. interview with the Armenian Mirror- helped dissipate fears and suspicions about “Cardinal Sandri … addressed the Roman Spectator after receiving the Man of the him within Armenian communities in the Catholic Church’s brotherly relations with the Year Award from the Knights of Vartan in diaspora. Armenian Church, expressing hope that they will on July 7 (see story below), expanded on Akçam said that of course he also has become even closer and deeper,” read a statement some points of his speech and made inter - changed in the past 20 years, especially issued by Karekin’s press office. It said Sandri, esting new observations on the course of politically. He gave an example of how he is whose congregation oversees Catholic communi - Turkish-Armenian relations and the now more open and relaxed than before: ties in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, passed Armenian Genocide. Akçam is the Robert “When I first came to the United States, in on Benedict’s “warm greetings” to the top Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian, and Stephen 2002 or 2003, an Armenian group in New Armenian cleric. and Marion Mugar Chair in Armenian York wanted to give me an award. I Karekin, for his part, spoke of his “brotherly Genocide Studies at Clark University. declined. I was scared. Also, I was very care - love” for the pontiff and “particular warmness” He said that the turning point in his rela - ful not to make certain political demands, between the two “sister churches.” “His Holiness tionship with Armenians was the publica - such as the recognition of the Armenian Dr. Taner Akçam receives the Man of the emphasized with satisfaction the importance of the Year Award from Dr. Dennis Papazian. existing productive cooperation between the [Armenian] Mother See and the Vatican in the edu - Genocide by the Turkish government. … I cational and social spheres,” said the statement. was cautious and scared because of the Sandri was scheduled to meet with Foreign NAASR Founding Chairman attacks against me. I tried not to be a pub - Minister Eduard Nalbandian on Tuesday. The car - lic intellectual but a simple academic as dinal was accompanied by Archbishop Rafael much as possible.” Minasian, the spiritual leader of the Armenian Manoog Young Dies see AKÇAM , page 9 Catholic minorities in Armenia, Georgia and Eastern Europe. BELMONT, Mass. — Manoog Soghomon Young of Belmont, the founding chairman of the National Association for Armenian Knights Honor Taner Turkey PM Calls Syria Studies and Research (NAASR) and its chair - Akçam, Ragip Zarakolu at man until 2001, died on Tuesday, July 3, at Massacres ‘Genocide’ the age of 94. New York Convocation ANAKARA (AP, DPA) — Turkey’s prime minister He is survived by his wife of 49 years has warned Syrian leaders that the Syrian people Barbara (Johnson) Young, children Armen will “make them pay” for massacres like the report - Young of Littleton, Mass., and Adrina Young By Florence Avakian ed killing of dozens in a farming village by govern - Gobbi of North Billerica, Mass., and grand - Special to the Mirror-Spectator ment forces this week. children Jake and Mariah Gobbi and Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls the killings an Christopher and Lauren Young. attempted “genocide” and says such acts of vio - NEW YORK — For the first time in its Prof. Gerard J. Libaridian has aptly called lence are “the footsteps of a regime that is on its nearly 100-year history, the Knights of Young “the father of the Armenian Studies way out.” Vartan honored two internationally distin - movement,” and this begins to give a sense of World leaders have heaped criticism on President guished men of Turkish origin — Dr. Taner Young’s role in ushering into existence the Bashar Assad’s regime for the mass killings Akçam and Ragip Zarakolu — with the field of Armenian Studies in America and his Thursday in the village of Tremseh. “Men of the Year” awards. This unique half-century working to advance it. One of Activists say they have confirmed the deaths of event took place at the conclusion of the the founders of NAASR, which led the effort more than 150 people at the hands of regime Manoog Young in 1995 94th annual Knights of Vartan Grand in the 1950s and 1960s to establish perma - forces. Many more remain missing. The government Lodge convocation in the ballroom of New nent programs in Armenian Studies at says 50 were killed but denies its troops caused the York City’s Marriott Downtown Hotel dur - American institutions of higher learning, starting with Harvard University, Young deaths. ing a banquet on Saturday, July 7. served as chairman of the Board of Directors from its inception in 1955 until 2001. Also on Saturday, opposition activists reported The gala event capped the almost week - During these decades both NAASR and the field of Armenian Studies continued that at least 12 people were killed Saturday when a long convocation of the Knights and to evolve and expand. car bomb exploded in central Syria. Fifteen others Daughters of Vartan, under the General see YOUNG, page 6 were injured in the attack, which occurred in the Chairmanship of Antranik Platyan. Among district of al-Karameh in the central province of see CONVOCATION, page 9 Hama, they added. Hayrapetyan Resigns from Parliament INSI DE Following Death of Beating Victim 65 Years

YEREVAN (Hetq) — Parliament member back. But I can’t,” said the tycoon, who has Ruben Hayrapetyan announced his resig - the nickname Nemetz Rubo, in his public Of Service nation from parliament last week out of a resignation from the parliament. sense of “moral responsibility” he feels over The move comes after a wave of public Page 5 the June 17 beating of military physicians protest, both in the streets and on the inter - at the Harsnakar Restaurant he owns on net, charging Hayrapetyan with creating an the outskirts of Yerevan. environment in which such a savage attack The army doctors were beaten by restau - was possible and demanding that he resign. rant employees and a personal bodyguard There is an on-line petition calling on INDEX of Hayrapetyan. One of the physicians, UEFA and FIFA to call for Hayrapetyan’s Arts and Living ...... 10 Vahe Avetyan, never regained conscious - resignation as the president of Armenia’s Armenia ...... 2, 3 ness and died in a hospital a few days later. Football Federation. Community News...... 5 “I would give everything to have been “I should have prevented such a tragedy Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 4 there on that terrible evening and stopped but wasn’t able to. Such incidents should the tragedy with my own hands. I would not be possible in establishments owned by Ruben Hayrapetyan give everything to be able to turn the clock see RESIGNATION, page 3 2 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Golden Apricot Film Festival in Full Swing

present their films, features six full- and has arguably not been fully appre - By Gayane Mkrtchyan length feature films, five short feature ciated in our own days either. Karagheusian films and 15 documentaries. In addition to the competition pro - Arsen Gasparyan, one of the film - gram, the festival also presents films in Foundation Director YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — A week - makers participating in the festival, pre - other “non-competitive” categories — long international film festival that sents a short film called “New Jugha: To Yerevan Premieres, Retrospective Receives Medal began on Sunday is presenting a total Be… .” The film tells about the rich cul - Screenings and Tribute. STEPANAKERT — On May 27, Dr. Walter of 170 features, short feature films and tural heritage of Nor Jugha (New Julfa), The Book and Film program imple - Bandazian, executive director of the Karagheusian documentaries, with 65 of them includ - Foundation, received, on behalf of the ed in the competition program. Karagheusian Foundation, the Medal of Gratitude, Prizes at the ninth edition of the in recognition of the foundation’s many years of Golden Apricot will be in four sections providing health, medical and social assistance to — feature films, documentaries, short the children in Karabagh. films (a category called Stone) and President of Karabagh Bako Sahakian presented Armenian films (Armenian Panorama). the medal. Present were Dr. Sergei Movsessian, On July 7, many representatives of minister of health, and former minister of health, the cinema world who had arrived in Dr. Zoya Lazarian. Dr. Gamo Ter Petrossian, the Yerevan for the festival attended the foundation field director in Armenia, accompanied most spectacular part of the opening Bandazian. ceremony — the blessing of apricots at St. Zoravor Church. The red-carpet ceremony for the offi - Nansen Museum cial opening of Golden Apricot later that day took place in Yerevan’s Charles Construction Worries Aznavour Square near the Moscow Environmental Activists Movie House — the main festival venue. “Cinema is a worthy celebration for YEREVAN (Arminfo) — Environmental activists in the city and the Armenian people, During the opening ceremony, Tekeyan Cultural Association Central Board Vice Armenia are worried about the construction of the because during the nine years we have President Edmond Azadian, (second from left) as diaspora advisor to the Minister of new Fridtjof Nansen Museum, proposed to be built proved that Armenians are very fond of Culture, Minister of Culture Hasmik Boghosian (fifth from left) and Mayor of Yerevan in the park adjoining Nansen Street. cinema art,” said filmmaker Harutyun Daron Markarian, next to Boghosian A web page dedicated to opposing the construc- Khachatryan, the founding director of tion, titled “We are the owners of this city” on Golden Apricot. “The young people Facebook, has been discussing the actions of the who have grown up on the nine years of the Armenian quarter of Isfahan, Iran, mented on the occasion of UNESCO’s municipality. this festival have now themselves where more than 150,000 Armenians declaration of Yerevan as World Book The Yerevan Municipality has responded to the become full-fledged cinema profession - fleeing Ottoman persecutions in Jugha Capital presents the screenings of green activists, saying that on March 22, the als and present new films at various (Julfa) in Nakhichevan took refuge at works by Armenian and foreign classi - Commission of Architecture voted to implement the international festivals.” the beginning of the 17th century. cal and modern writers. project and that it would not be built on any por- As part of the festival opening cere - “It portrays the Armenian community The festival will conclude with an tions of the park. Instead, the statement said, it will mony two Paradjanov’s Thaler prizes that has lived and created in Nor Jugha exclusive show of Michael Haneke’s be built on the paved ground in the park. were awarded to noted Spanish director for more than 400 years, keeping its reli - movie, “Love,” that won the Golden Nansen, a Norwegian explorer and public figure, Victor Erice and Georgian filmmaker gion, church, school, as well as customs Palm at the Cannes film festival this year. saved the lives of a total of 320,000 Armenians, Eldar Shengelaya, respectively. The and traditions. Emigration is the focal Ralph Yirikian, general manager of who were able to receive shelter and gained citi- prizes were handed to the winners by point of the film,” said Gasparyan. VivaCell-MTS, the festival’s main spon - zenship in various nations due to having Nansen Roman Balayan, a well-known The characters of Vahe Yan’s film, sor, praised the festival, calling it a passports. Ukrainian-Armenian filmmaker. “Two Roads,” are two deaf persons pre - means of raising Armenia’s prestige in Twelve films are presented in the fes - sented in their daily life. The filmmaker the world. tival’s feature films section. Erice, a tries to give the audience a glimpse of “Artists come to Armenia every year Artsakh President Meets Cannes Festival prize winner, heads the the colorful world of the deaf. for this festival and our country is OSCE MG Co-chairs jury to decide the winner in this cate - Hayk Kbeyan’s film, “Kostan Zaryan: becoming recognizable...this is the rea - gory. As many as 39 short films are The Lonely Soul of Armenian son why we stand next to this festival, STEPANAKERT (PanARMENIAN.Net) — On July 11, competing in the Stone section. Literature,” presents the image of the because we know well that every year Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakian met The Armenian Panorama competi - great writer and intellectual who was this festival reaches higher levels,” said with co-chairs of the Organization for Security and tion, in which Armenian filmmakers not understood by his contemporaries Yirikian. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, Ambassadors Robert Bradtke (US), Igor Popov (Russia) and Jacques Faure (France) to discuss the Nagorno Karabagh conflict settlement. Sahakian referred to Azerbaijan’s destructive pol- Trophies Presented at Fourth Annual AGBU- icy and distorted negotiation format as the main obstacles for the conflict resolution and called on Sponsored Interschool Chess Tournament the co-chairs to work towards peaceful resolutions. Acting Foreign Minister Vassily Atajanyan, repre- sentative of the OSCE chairman-in-office Andrzej YEREVAN — The winners of this rounds before receiving their titles. gic approaches over the course of the Kasprzyk and other officials also attended the year’s AGBU-sponsored Republican The first phase is held within schools; tournament. It was rewarding to see so meeting, reported the Office of the Artsakh Interschool Chess Tournament have in the second phase, schools from the many students from various schools Republic president. been announced, marking an end to same community compete; through come together for the occasion,” not - the annual eight month-long competi - the third phase, winners of different ing that more than 1,000 schools were tion that attracts thousands of talent - communities from the same region represented. Armenia Wants Closer ed youth across Armenia, Artsakh and participate, and, lastly, the finalists The awards ceremony, which was the Armenian schools in Javakhk, arrive at the regional level. This year, held on May 5, at the Chess Academy Ties with Canada Georgia. the number of student participants, of Armenia in Yerevan, will likely be YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian Foreign The winning schools, Vanadzor whose ages range from 6 to 17, totaled the first of many such honors for the Minister Eduard Nalbandian received several mem- more than 5,000. participants. Since it began in 2008, bers of the Canada House of Commons, Canada- The tournament’s the Interschool Tournament, which is Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group Vice widespread populari - an initiative of the Armenian Chess Presidents Alexander Bulrisis and Jim Karajanisy. ty indicates the stu - Federation, under the auspices of the The ministry reported Nalbandian stated dents’ commitment Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of progress has been made during the recent years, to, and passion for, Education and Science, has produced which pertain to various fields of cooperation with the game, which many players who graduate to the Canada. He added that Armenia attaches great Inessa Margaryan, professional level and take home pres - importance to the strengthening and deepening of the AGBU Armenian tigious awards from Armenia’s Youth relations with Canada. Representation Chess Championship, the Republic of Nalbandian noted parliamentary diplomacy as an Special Projects Armenia Chess Championship and important factor for the development of relations Coordinator who the international Vladimir Dvorkovich between states and welcomed the efforts of coordinated the Cup in Moscow. For now, the recent matches, witnessed winners of the AGBU-sponsored com - Canadian parliamentarians. Students go head to head in Yerevan during the final Nalbandian also emphasized the participation of firsthand, and said, petition will enjoy prizes such as rounds of the AGBU-sponsored Interschool Chess “watching the pupils chess sets, chess clocks and projec - Canadian parliament members as observers in the Tournament, which drew more than 5,000 participants in its sit across the chess - tors for their schools, as well as sou - upcoming elections due to take place in Artsakh, fourth year. which will enable the chance to get an unbiased pic- boards, we could venirs from the Chess Academy and ture concerning the electoral processes and their sense their high their local municipality. Those tools compliance with international standards. School # 5, Gumri School #3 and level of concentra - will keep them engaged while they Yerevan School #55, which placed in tion and focus on the game. They continue to hone their expertise and first through third place respectively, moved each piece with intention and skills and prepare for the fifth tour - progressed through four challenging care, and had clearly developed strate - nament set to begin in October. S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Italian Restorers and Armenian Art Students Team up to Save a Minas Avetisyan Mural

By Marine Madatyan

YEREVAN (Hetq) — “Armenian Pastoral,” a 1973 mural by Armenian artist Minas Avetisyan that was destroyed in the 1988 earthquake is being painstakingly restored under an agreement signed by the cultural ministries of Italy and Armenia. The Italian and Armenian experts restoring the mural are being led by Fabrizio Iacopini, a lecturer at the Palazzo Spinelli Art and Restoration Institute in Florence and a renowned restorer in his own right. The material used to put the pieces of the wall mural back together is a mysterious Italian concoction made by boiling bull bones until the right consistency is achieved. The Armenia student restorers joke and say it is like khash (a meal made of boiled pig’s or sheep’s feet and other innards). The teams work all day in close proximity and a lively exchange of ideas and chatter fills the work room. It turns out that the Armenian students want to visit Italy to hone their skills, while the Italians want to remain in Armenia. Italian restorer Philip Morelli tells his Armenian counterparts that Armenians are great hosts and his Italian colleagues chime in that “Armenia is out of this world” and that they love the food and hospitality. For some of the Armenian students select - “Armenian Pastoral,” by Minas Avetisyan, is currently kept in the canteen of the former electro-technical plant of Gumri. ed by the Minas Avetisyan Foundation to take part in the project, it is their first time actu - ally restoring a damaged artwork, let alone Division), says she found out about the com - one that embodies such artistic and cultural petition to participate two days after the significance. It is a golden opportunity for application deadline. them to contribute to the restoration and “I applied anyway but didn’t think I had any gain valuable professional experience. chance. But I was accepted. I was thrilled,” Anahit Galstyan, who studies at the Yerevan she says. State University’s Faculty of History (Art Hasmik Hakobyan, a student at the Panos

Davit Saribekyan, Gevoryan Theological Seminary student

Terlimezyan Art College, says she is so To date, “Birth of Toros Roslin,” “Spinning impressed by the skills of the Italian restorers Thread,” “Meeting” and “Next to a Khachkar” that she wants to continue her education in are some of Avetisyan’s murals that have been Italy. restored. Hasmik Hakobyan, Panos Terlimezyan State College of Fine Arts student “I have always been attracted to art restora - tion but the field sadly has no future in Armenia,” says Hakobyan. Another member of the team that arrived from Italy is Davit Saribekyan, a student at Hayrapetyan Resigns from the Gevorgyan Seminary in Armenia. Parliament Following Catholicos Karekin II is sponsoring his edu - cation at the Florence Restoration Institute Death of Beating Victim where Fabrizio Iacopini is one of his teachers. “In 1966 a flood hit Florence and many RESIGNATION, from page 1 works were damaged and in need of restora - myself and my family members. I cannot forgive tion. Many schools specializing in mural and myself and do not know how to ask forgiveness fresco art were opened. They differed greatly from others,” Hayrapetyan’s statement reads. from those dating back to the 1800s,” says Hayrapetyan then goes on to ask forgiveness Saribekyan. of those who voted for him in last month’s par - The seminary student says that there are liamentary election since he can no longer jus - many murals in Armenian needing immediate tify their expectations. care. “Many such iconic works now being kept Despite the public anger and related protests in churches also need preserving,” Saribekyan that have been taking place in Yerevan and else - says. “You can say that I am studying at the where regarding the beating death of, the best such institute in the world. I have come authorities remain silent. to realize what we have in Armenia and what There has been no news as of yet regarding have been our deficiencies. The institute is a charges. So far, five of the 15 or so individuals Philip Kron Morelli, Italian art restorer fabulous place to learn but I will definitely who savagely beat Avetyan and his friends have return to Armenia.” been arrested. 4 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News UK Benefactor Ouzounian Donates 30 Contemporary Paintings to TCA London Boys’ Team of Armenian YEREVAN — In March, the Tekeyan with more than 150 people present was event. Through their extensive involve - College Wins Centenary Cultural Association (TCA) of London, on May 27. The ceremony started with ment, the exhibition was a great achieve - Plate affiliated with the London charitable Ouzounian’s brief speech. The president ment. organization, the Tekeyan Trust, revital - welcomed all the guests and detailed The opening ceremony continued KOLKATA, India — On July 7, the Mother See of ized the TCA mission and activities in the exhibition which was the first one with Hovhanessian and then Kazinian, Holy Echmiadzin’s Armenian College and promoting Armenian culture and bridg - within the last 15 years. Ouzounian also with brief congratulation notes. They Philanthropic Academy (ACPA) Rugby Team record- ing Armenian Diaspora communities thanked all those who contributed both commended the fruitful activities ed an impressive victory over the Maidan Hazards with one another and with Armenia. in the finals of the tournament for the Centenary The exhibition of contemporary paint - Plate. ings from Armenia was the first major On the June 23, in the Plate semifinals, the team cultural event organized by the TCA beat Frank Anthony Public School with a score of London after its rebirth. The two-week 35:05. exhibition was held at the Polish Cultural The final match was a display of impressive rugby & Social Centre in London, where 45 skills from both teams. While the opposing team paintings by 25 well-known Armenian performed well, in the end, they had to succumb to artists were displayed to entertain not the ACPA team who played with greater determi- only the members of the Armenian com - nation and skill. munity but also hundreds of foreigners. ACPA won the Plate final with a score of 27:05. The paintings were by: Armen Agnouni, Armenian College Rugby Team will participate in Rouben Manoukian, Samvel Maroutian, two more tournaments this year, Calcutta Cup, Slavig Baronian, Lyusia Samvelian, after a few weeks, and the All India Cup in Seiran Khatlamadjian, Armen September. Khodjoyan, Hrant Tatevossian (Tatoss), Khatchig Haroutunian, Seta Bekarian, Rouben Aroudtchian, Vilig Zakarian, Vrej Some of the paintings on display Armenian Pilgrims to Tamazian, Antranig Giligian, Ashod Visit St. Thaddeus Tatevossian, Kevork Djavroushian, Edward Vardanian, Hrant Karakhanian, extensively to the success of the event, of the TCA and its devotion to the Church in Iran Anatoli Krikorian, Pakrad Krikorian, particularly, the TCA art team, including Armenian nation and emphasized the Hampartsoum Baghdasarian, Felix Nairi Sahakian, an experienced gallery importance of the organization in the TEHRAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Iran’s Qara Kelisa Hagopian, Volotia Matevossian, Artiom manager, Edmond Aivazian, a noted national and spiritual life of Armenian will honor the memory of Saint Thaddeus and his Tovmassian and Armen Krikorian. Armenian painter based in London, communities as well as in the prosperi - faithful followers during an upcoming ceremony in Thirty paintings were fully donated by Nerces Yerissian, an architect and art ty of the British-Armenian Diocese and the northern province of West Azarbaijan, accord- Vartan Ouzounian, the president of the expert, and Nairi Afrikyan, a young in the development of the British- ing to Press TV. TCA London, from his private collec - artist from Armenia currently working Armenian relations. Scores of Armenians, Assyrians and Catholics tion. The paintings were on sale to raise in the UK, a great talent in bringing the After the speeches the exhibition was from Iran and other countries will attend the annu- funds for the TCA activities in the UK paintings to their best condition for dis - open to guests who also enjoyed a al event as part of their pilgrimage on the Day of with many forthcoming major cultural play. Afrikyan received a bachelor’s in reception while viewing the paintings. St. Thaddeus. projects. fine arts (with honors) at Central Saint The exhibition of contemporary paint - Qara Kelisa, also known as the St. Thaddeus The exhibition was under the aus - Martin’s College of Art & Design from ings from Armenia, a charity project, Church, is one of the oldest and most notable sur- pices of Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, 2007-2011. was a great success, since within the viving Christian monuments in Iran that carries Primate of the Armenian Church of the The president also mentioned TCA two weeks the public was very excited great significance for the country’s Armenian United Kingdom and Ireland, and committee members Rosette and reacted very positively by buying Orthodox community, the report says. Karine Kazinian, ambassador of Ouzounian, Sossi Yerissian, Garen and considerable number of paintings and Armenians hold that Qara Kelisa is the world’s Armenia to the UK. Sevag Arevians for their intensive and contributing to the further activities of first church and was constructed in 68 AD by one The official opening of the exhibition considerable work in organizing the the TCA London. of the apostles of Jesus, Saint Thaddeus, who trav- eled to Armenia, then part of the Persian Empire, to preach the teachings of Christ. Qara Kelisa, which literally means Black Church, has been registered as the ninth Iranian historical- AGBU Young Professionals of Montreal Join Forces with ANC cultural heritage site on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Professional Network to Tackle Assimilation Issues (UNESCO) World Heritage List. MONTREAL — Questions of assimila - emphasis was also placed on the impor - of the AGBU Montreal Alex Manoogian tion have long dominated the public dis - tance of activism among today’s young Center, raised important issues concern - Russia’s Internet Control course within the Armenian Diaspora. At generation to ensure public representa - ing the challenges now facing the a recent May 3 panel discussion co-hosted tion and visibility of the Armenian Armenian Diaspora. The question-and- Law Could Be Precedent by the AGBU Young Professionals of Diaspora community. answer portion of the night quickly Montreal (YP Montreal) and the Part lecture and part interactive forum, turned into a constructive debate on ways For Armenia Armenian National Committee the discussion was moderated by Lalai young Armenian professionals could MOSCOW (ArmeniaNow) — A bill on making work in solidarity to increase participa - amendments to the law on information adopted at tion in both the public and private sec - the State Duma of Russia last week will enable the tors. YP Montreal Chair Sarine Chitilian legal limitation of Internet content. and ANC PN Chair Hrag Darakdjian were The supporters of the draft amendments believe very satisfied with the outcome of the that it will be possible to control unsavory content. event. Chitilian commented, “It was a Those who are against the draft bill believe that pleasure to watch and listen to the young it will result in censorship, because the control will audience members engage with each be enforced by companies authorized by the gov- other, and brainstorm how to become ernment. more active in the community. Many Websites such as the Russian version of shared personal anecdotes on the ways Wikipedia and Life Journal bloggers’ service are they have successfully assimilated: by among the opponents of the bill. embracing the local culture while main - The Armenian Internet Society NGO is also taining their Armenian identity and her - against the draft law and hopes that Armenia will itage; stories that were inspiring to all.” not copy Russia. Before opening the floor to the audi - “In 2006, Armenia along with 40 countries, signed ence, Tanachian cited facts and figures that set Armenian culture and history the convention against cyber crimes, according to YP Montreal Chairwoman Sarine Chitilian (fourth from left) and ANC PN Executive apart, notably that the Armenian alpha - which no limitation can be imposed on a website with- members Nora Gunjian and Vana Nazarian (fourth and second from right) who out a court decision,” said Grigor Saghyan, deputy organized the “What’s Next: Assimilation?” panel stand with the event’s speakers, bet is one of only 21 alphabets in the chairman of Internet Society NGO, adding that block- Chahé Tanachian of the AGBU Alex Manoogian School, (far left), former government world. Turning to Armenians’ contribu - ing a website without a court decision is against affairs director of the ANC, Apraham Niziblian (fifth from left) and PhD candidate tions to the arts, he reminded the audi - Armenia’s Constitution, too. Lalai Manjikian (sixth from left) and attendees. ence that 2012 marks the 500-year According to Saghyan, restrictions over Internet anniversary of the Armenian printing content has become a daily issue and the matter is press. Niziblian then took the podium being discussed on the international level, and Professional Network (ANC PN), new Manjikian, a PhD candidate at McGill educating attendees on the significance some countries even suggest passing the Internet answers were considered by the very lead - University, and featured speakers Chahé of peaceful activism and discussing how content control to the International ers who will help turn these ideas into a Tanachian of the AGBU Alex Manoogian effective advocacy has led to the recogni - Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is part of reality. The event, titled “What’s Next: School and Apraham Niziblian, former tion of the Armenian Genocide by several the United Nations (UN). Assimilation?” prompted young profes - government affairs director of the nations. sionals to strongly consider their roles Armenian National Committee of To learn more about YP Montreal and and responsibilities in the preservation of America (ANCA). Following their presen - its upcoming events, email yp.montre - Armenian culture and language. An tations, the audience, who filled the seats [email protected]. S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

TCA Arshag Dickranian Archbishop School Honors Morris Sarafian for His Gizirian: Achievements 65 Years LOS ANGELES — Having excelled in his stud - ies and extra-curricular activities, graduating student Morris Sarafian was honored as the “Student of the Decade” at Tekeyan Cultural Of Service Association (TCA) Arshag Dickranian School’s commencement ceremony, which took place on CHELTENHAM, Penn. — More than 200 peo - June 23. ple gathered at Holy Trinity Church here on Valedictorian Sarafian graduated with a GPA Sunday, June 17, to mark Archbishop Yeghishe of 4.28 and obtained a score of 2010 in the SAT Gizirian’s 65th anniversary of ordination into tests this year. Passing the five main Advance the holy priesthood. Placement (AP) courses of English literature and Gizirian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. A lun - composition, art history, US history, environ - cheon and program followed the service in the mental science and calculus AB, Morris will be church’s Santerian Hall. granted the AP Scholar with Distinction title Messages were read from Karekin II, the After hiking and exploring the outdoors, students of the AGBU Alex and Marie from The College Board. With his remarkable supreme patriarch and catholicos of All Manoogian School pause to admire Mount Ararat. achievement, Sarafian has been accepted to the Armenians, and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, University of California at Los Angeles, the Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church University of California at Berkley, University of of America (Eastern). California at Irvine, University of Southern “In all the aspects of your ministry, you have California, Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount University. He will attend UCLA with an $80,000 From Michigan scholarship, majoring in political science. Sarafian was also involved in various compe - titions. He is a medal holder of the LA County Science Fair, an ADS team member winning To Armenia first place in the Franklin Lu Hands-On Competition and a member of a water polo team that has participated in the Florida Manoogian School Students Embark on International Championship, winning first place twice and being named World Champions for 10-Day Educational Journey players age 16 and under. He has been a mem - ber of the school choir and theatrical programs DETROIT — This year’s annual trip to Armenia spent touring the country’s and became ADS’s Student Council President historic sites and taking in its natural beauty will be remembered by students of the 2010-2011 academic year. of the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School in Michigan as a highlight of He is the son of Mona Saakyan and has two their high school career. The trip was one of the many initiatives the school twin sisters, Ani and Lilly, who attend offers to complement its courses, earning it the title of one of America’s best Dickranian School. high schools, according to the U.S. News & World Report ’s annual ranking, released just last month. The AGBU-organized trip was attended by students in the school’s junior and senior classes, forming a group of 30 peers who had spent months prepar - Armenian Bar Leader Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian celebrated the ing for the 10-day excursion. Led by principal Dr. Hosep Torossian and teach - Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church on June 17. ers Anahit Toumajan and Sebouh Avedikian, it was the students themselves, Garo Ghazarian Elected the majority having never before visited the region, who acted as the group’s Vice Chair of Glendale tour guides. Every student had devoted the semester to conducting in-depth always kept your priestly promise to our research on the various people and places that have shaped Armenia’s history Civil Service Commission Heavenly Father, and shown your love and ded - and as they traversed the country, each engaged fellow classmates and ication to the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin,” impressed their teachers with their vast knowledge. Avedikian, the head of the GLENDALE — Garo Ghazarian is the chairman the catholicos wrote. “May our almighty Lord school’s Armenian Department, said, “It was a great pleasure to watch and lis - of the Board of Governors of the Armenian Bar keep you strong and protect you.” ten to the students lead us all and narrate the different chapters in Armenia’s Association, which boasts members throughout Barsamian expressed his appreciation to history. They demonstrated a deep understanding of their studies and were the United States, Canada, Armenia, Europe, Gizirian for his dedicated service. “The holy clearly inspired by what they had the opportunity to experience firsthand. As South America, Asia and beyond. priesthood is an unbroken chain linking us educators, we very much enjoyed seeing Armenia through their eyes.” Just seven months after being unanimously back to Christ; and this spiritual truth is clear - The students’ itinerary was filled from the moment they stepped off the appointed by the City Council of Glendale to ly evident in Archbishop Yeghishe,” the Primate plane on April 26, and to a midnight dinner party, to the day they made their the City’s Civil Service Commission, Ghazarian wrote. “His preaching is done with such author - way back home, on May 4. On the days in between, students enjoyed a cultural was nominated to the position of vice chair of ity; yet his personal example is one of humility immersion experience, visiting sites including the St. Gregory the Illuminator the commission by Commissioner John Gantus, and quiet grace. He is a leader of great inner Cathedral, the Geghard Monastery, Holy Echmiadzin and Lake Sevan and the a two-time former chair strength and conviction; yet his greatest AGBU Nork Children’s Center, where they watched performances by its tal - and a 12-year member of strength is the tender compassion he shows to ented students. Prior to the trip home, the students paid tribute to their her - the commission. On June all — a quality that has made him beloved wher - itage by visiting the grave of the creator of the Armenian alphabet, Mesrob 27, Ghazarian was unani - ever he has served.” Mashdots. mously elected by his fel - Other clergy spoke about the humility and Anticipation for the trip mounted after the students took part in an online low commissioners and devotion that Gizirian has brought to his min - conference and virtual tour with their peers from the AGBU Marie Manoogian assumed his post as vice- istry. The Rev. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of St. Institute (MMI) in Buenos Aires on April 11. The virtual tour was made pos - chair of the commis - Gregory the Enlightener Church of White sible by the AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC), which was launched three sion. Also on June 27, Art Plains, NY, who studied with Gizirian at the years ago and has proven to be an invaluable resource for AGBU’s schools, Devine, the incumbent Garo Ghazarian seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, spoke about supplementing the material for the course “Armenian Language, History and chair of the commission their close friendship and their ministry in the Culture” — which was a pre-requisite for the Michigan trip. Guided by Hasmik was nominated by Eastern Diocese. Khalapyan, academic director of AVC, and Arpine Tavakalyan, AVC program Ghazarian to serve another term as chair. The Rev. Hakob Gevorgyan, pastor of Holy coordinator and instructor, both groups of students took a virtual tour of the Devine was also confirmed by a unanimous Trinity Church, said that Gizirian has been a inside of the Matendaran Institute and some of the thousands of medieval vote of the commissioners. mentor to him and to other young priests in the manuscripts that it houses. Following the tour, the students exchanged ideas In addition to his nationwide criminal defense Diocese. “He carries love in his heart, and and shared their positive experiences using AVC, realizing that despite their law practice, Ghazarian is also the dean and a shares it with everyone he meets,” Gevorgyan distance, they had a common interest in their cultural heritage. With the help professor of law at Peoples College of Law in Los said. “He is a role model and a source of inspi - of Torossian and MMI teacher Rosita Youssoufian, they also asked each other Angeles. Ghazarian has lectured extensively to ration for young seminarians and newly- questions in Armenian, English and Spanish, practicing their language skills. law enforcement agencies and is a former guest ordained priests.” The video conference offered a preview of Armenia’s celebrated monuments, instructor at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. Remarks were also made by the Very Rev. not only for the students from the Alex & Marie Manoogian School, but for He is a board member of the Mexican American Oshagan Gulgulian, pastor of the nearby St. Sahag the Argentinian students as well, who will embark on their own trip to Bar Association - Political Action Committee and and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, Penn., who Armenia later this summer. serves on its Judicial Evaluations Committee. He reflected on Gizirian’s tireless service. If the experience their Michigan-based counterparts had is any indication, also is a board member of The Armenian Center The program included a video highlighting they are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime and continue to enrich for National and International Studies, a his path to the priesthood, produced by the their studies. research and educational institute which pro - Diocese’s Communications Department, as well motes the rule of law and civil and human rights see SERVICE, page 8 in the Republic of Armenia. 6 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY NAASR Founding Chairman Manoog Young Dies

YOUNG, from page 1 Margot Stern Strom, co-founder and execu - Affiliations and Many Honors After stepping down as chairman, Young tive director of Facing History and Ourselves, of Young’s many affiliations include the follow - remained on the NAASR Board and maintained which Young was a longtime Board of Trustees ing: founding member, chairman of the Board a keen interest in the development of the orga - member, cited Young’s lasting impact on that of Directors and honorary life member, NAASR; nization he had led and the field he helped bring organization: “He was an unsung hero for me member, Board of Trustees, Facing History and into being. On the occasion of his 90th birthday and for Facing History and Ourselves. His deep Ourselves National Foundation; Honorary in 2007, he stated that the Armenian communi - commitment to preserving the history and lega - Board member, Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City ty must take pride in the creation and advance - cy of the Armenian Genocide for future genera - Association; chairman, AGBU Elementary ment of Armenian Studies, “because you are tions was inspiring and a critical part of Facing School Board, Watertown; chairman, American responsible for it. I was one small cog in the History’s work.” Veterans Committee Council of Massachusetts; whole thing. I’d like to be here a hundred years Young was born in Boston, in 1917, to founding chairman, London School of from now and see all that has transpired.” Soghomon and Aghavni Malyemezian Young. Economics Foundation of America; co-chair - His successor as NAASR chairman, Nancy R. Both parents were born in Kharpert, in the man, United Armenian Observance Committee Kolligian, remarked that “the Armenian com - Ottoman Empire and emigrated to the US prior of Greater Boston for the 55th and 60th munity, not only in this country, but worldwide, to the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Young was Anniversaries of the Armenian Genocide; mem - will always be indebted to Manoog Young as the raised in Boston’s South End. He received a BS ber, Armenian Students’ Association of driving force behind the creation of an organi - in mathematics and physics from Northeastern Americamember, Society for Armenian Studies. zation in the US that was essential in order to University and a MA in history and internation - Among the many honors bestowed upon promote our rich Armenian culture and histo - al relations from Clark University, where he Young are the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob ry. He and his colleagues worked tirelessly to wrote a thesis, titled “Russia and the Medal from Catholicos of All Armenians advance this virtually non-existent field at the Manoog Young in 1955 Armenians, 1700-1923: Growth of Russian Vazken I, for outstanding service to the university level and the first chair in Armenian Interest in Armenia, its Character and its Armenian Community and Leadership in Studies was established [at Harvard] in 1959, a Relation to the Straits Question.” He also took Promoting Armenian Studies (1986) and the mere four years after the establishment of flourish, a testimonial to his legacy.” courses at MIT, Boston University and the Arthur H. Dadian Armenian Heritage Award NAASR. That achievement would not have James R. Russell, Mashtots Professor of London School of Economics. During World given by the Armenian Students’ Association been possible were it not for the vision and end - Armenian Studies at Harvard since 1992, com - War II, Young served in the 8th and 9th Air in “recognition of his outstanding contribu - less devotion and energy of Manoog S. Young.” menting on Young’s “long life of extraordinary Forces in Europe. tion to the preservation of the rich Armenian Current Chairman Raffi P. Yeghiayan stated, and visionary labor in the service of the Young taught physics and applied mechanics heritage.” “Manoog Young guided the development of Armenian people and of human scholarship,” at the University of Massachusetts; taught inter - Funeral services were Tuesday, July 10, at St. Armenian Studies with the highest academic observed that “it is not just that we have him to national relations at Northeastern University James Armenian Church, Watertown. standards and instigated the establishment of a thank for the very existence of university chairs and history and government at Brookline High Expressions of sympathy may be made in his multitude of endowed chairs at top universi - in Armenian studies in this country. He is a School. In the early 1950s, he worked as an edi - memory to St. James Armenian Church, 465 ties. The Armenian community in the United part of American-Armenian history itself, and as torial assistant at the Armenian Mirror- Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, or States, and indeed worldwide, owes a great debt it’s now almost a hundred years on from the Spectator newspaper. He served as business NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA, of gratitude to Manoog for the advancement of Genocide and dispersion, the history of manager and bursar at the Franklin Institute in 02478. Armenian Studies. The achievements he Armenians in this country is a very important Boston for more than 27 years. accomplished are ongoing and will continue to part of Armenian history.”

Telephone (617) 924-7400 Beatrice (Nargizian) Dulgarian Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Inc. PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Beatrice (Nargizian) training at the Hamilton House, Providence. Dulgarian, a speech pathologist and pianist, of She was an accomplished classical pianist who Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Cranston, and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., died on studied in New York and performed as a guest Monday, July 2. She was the wife of the late Earl artist in the New York area and Rhode Island MARION BEDROSIAN S. Dulgarian, with whom she was co-founder of until her retirement. She was a state vice presi - 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN the College Hill Book Store and vice president of dent of the Rhode Island Federation of Music WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN the Avon Cinema, both in Providence. Clubs, a past president of both the Chaminade Born March 27, 1925, in Brooklyn, NY, she was and the MacDowell Music Clubs and a member of the daughter of the late Alfred and Gladys the Chopin Club of Rhode Island. She was schol - (Memleketian) Nargizian. After beginning a liberal arship chairman of the Chaminade Club. Years arts program at Brooklyn College (City University ago, her husband had established a scholarship in of New York), she transferred to the University of her name, to benefit talented young musicians. Southern California, where she received her bache - She was a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and was a frequent lecturer and GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E guest speaker for civic and church groups. She James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC was a member of Meshanticut Park Community Mark J. Giragosian Baptist Church. She served as church moderator, Funeral Counselors chairman of the Diaconate, chairman of the Board of Christian Education and was a member 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 of the Pastoral Relations Committee. She was www.giragosianfuneralhome.com active in community affairs in Rhode Island and an active participant in fund-raising drives for the United Way, Rhode Island State Council of Churches and the Meeting Street School. She was a member of the Sts. Sahag and Nardolillo Funeral Home Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, the Women’s Guild and the Daughters of Vartan, Est. 1906 Lodge No. 10 and lectured throughout the state John K. Najarian, Jr. on Armenian culture. She was a life-long member of the Armenian Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director General Benevolent Union. 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 She leaves three sons, Robert E. Dulgarian and Beatrice (Nargizian) Dulgarian his wife Janis of Cumberland, Richard K. 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Dulgarian of Cranston, Kenneth R. Dulgarian and www.nardolillo.com his wife Gretchen of Providence, and one daugh - lor’s degree in speech pathology. ter, Joyce C. Swedberg, and her husband, Steven, She was one of the founders and a charter of Danvers, Mass.; four grandchildren, Scott member of the Providence chapter of Self-Help Swedberg, Madison, Morgan and Harrison Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a for Hard of Hearing People. She was a field coor - Dulgarian; her brother Richard Nargizian, and his dinator for aural rehabilitation and a hearing and wife, Margaret, of Franklin Square, NY and her speech therapist with the Sargent Rehabilitation sister, Jean Nargizian, of North Andover, Mass. Center of Providence. Previously, she was a pro - The funeral was held on Friday, July 6, in The Edward D. Jamie, Jr. fessional speech reading instructor and speech First Baptist Church in America, Providence, fol - therapist at the New York League for the Hard of lowed by interment at Swan Point Cemetery in Hearing in New York City, an audiologist for Dr. Providence. LicensedFinuNneweYrorak landCNhewaJperseey l Julius Lempert, the famed otologist who pio - In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside, NY 11361 neered the “fenestration” ear operation, and was be made to: Hamilton House, 267 Angell St., (718) 224-2390 or toll audiologist at the Manhattan Ear, Nose and Providence, RI 02906. Service any hour, Throat Hospital, New York City. Since 1974, she Visit www.nardolillo.com for information and any distance free (888) 224-6088 taught a program of lip reading and auditory online condolences. S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 OBITUARY Edward N. Costikyan, Adviser to New York Politicians, Dies at 87

appointed Costikyan to a special panel inves - After his first marriage ended in divorce, By Dennis Hevesi tigating ways to prevent corruption. Costikyan married Barbara Heine, a freelance In 1994, Guiliani, by then the mayor, asked writer, on March 6, 1977. Four days later, he Costikyan to draft a plan to eliminate the announced he was running for mayor. He MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (New York city’s central Board of Education and place joined a Democratic field that would grow to Times) — Edward N. Costikyan, a former the school system under mayoral control — a include Koch and Bella Abzug; Representative adviser to New York governors and mayors reorganization realized under Mayor Michael Herman Badillo; Percy Sutton, the Manhattan who as a Democratic Party insurgent in the R. Bloomberg. borough president; Cuomo, then New York’s early 1960s took over the leadership of “He was the go-to guy for politicians of both secretary of state; and Mayor Abraham D. Tammany Hall as it rooted out a century of parties,” Moss said. “Throughout his career, Beame, who was seeking re-election in the bossism, died on June 22 at his home here. He he was a forceful advocate for modernizing face of rising crime and a worsening economy. was 87. government and the decentralization of urban Two months later, short of money and sup - His daughter, Emilie, confirmed the death. services, though he wasn’t always successful.” port, he pulled out of the race to become co- It was in March 1962, four months after the Edward Nazar Costikyan was born on chairman of Koch’s campaign. Koch went on ouster of the imperious party boss Carmine September 14, 1924, in Weehawken, NJ. His to win the mayoral election. G. De Sapio, that Costikyan was elected father, Mihran, an Armenian immigrant from The Parking Violations Bureau scandal, in leader of Tammany Hall — a party organiza - Turkey, was a rug merchant. Costikyan’s which officials accepted hidden partnerships tion tainted since the 1860s by the prodigious mother, Berthe, was a teacher at the Horace and bribes in exchange for granting contracts corruption of Boss William Tweed. Mann School in the Riverdale section of the to fine-collection agencies, drew Costikyan After Costikyan’s two years as leader, many Bronx. Costikyan graduated from that school back into public service as a member of the Manhattan Democrats, including Costikyan, in 1941. special commission on corruption formed by said that Tammany Hall was no more. All that In World War II, as an Army first lieutenant, Edward N. Costikyan Governor Cuomo and Mayor Koch. Its report remained, they said, was simply the New York he saw action on Okinawa, then served as the called for changes in campaign financing, County Democratic Party. military governor for a small district in Korea. ethics rules, judicial selection and contracting “He was a transitional link from the col - He graduated from Columbia University in age based on party loyalty — would give the practices. lapse of Tammany Hall to the modern-day 1947 and earned his law degree there two Republicans a powerful issue in the next elec - In spring 1994, Giuliani asked Costikyan to Manhattan party structure,” said Mitchell L. years later. Within a year he had become law tion. The reformers were supported by Mayor come up with a plan for replacing the city’s Moss, a professor of urban policy at New York secretary to Judge Harold R. Medina of the Robert F. Wagner, a Democrat. schools chancellor with an education com - University. “It went from warlord to a series of United States District Court in Manhattan. In fall 1961, De Sapio was deposed. On missioner. The mayor had engaged in a long would-be bosses.” In 1951, he joined the law firm of Paul, March 2, 1962, Costikyan was elected feud with the central board and several chan - In 1964, Costikyan resigned from his party Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and he Tammany leader and began a balancing act of cellors. Then, on July 10, 1995, in a sharp post. But over the next three decades, he was became a partner in 1960. trying to democratize the party while still escalation of the tension, Giuliani formed a repeatedly pulled back into the political fray. In 1950, Costikyan married Frances dealing with its old guard. Indeed, reform commission — with Costikyan as chairman — Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller, a Republican, Holmgren, and the couple moved to East 53rd Democrats criticized him for being too willing to investigate criminal activity in the system chose him as chairman of a commission that Street. He waded into clubhouse politics and to compromise with the party regulars. and the effectiveness of the central board in in 1972 called for the decentralization of New in 1955 was elected Democratic leader of the Municipal reform remained a concern after maintaining school safety. The next day, York City’s government. In 1986, at the Assembly district in his East Side neighbor - he resigned from his party post and went into Schools Chancellor Ramon C. Cortines height of the city’s Parking Violations Bureau hood, placing him on Tammany Hall’s execu - private law practice. As chairman of resigned. scandal — involving a bribery and kickback tive committee. Rockefeller’s 1972 task force on city govern - Costikyan’s second marriage also ended in scheme that brought down powerful Stirrings of reform were being heard. ment, Costikyan recommended that the city divorce. In addition to his daughter, he is sur - Democratic politicians and raised the profile Costikyan joined other reformers in 1960 to be carved into 25 to 40 districts, each with its vived by a son, Gregory; his brother, Andrew, of Rudolph W. Giuliani, then a Republican circulate a petition calling for De Sapio’s own “locality mayor” and council administer - and five grandchildren. prosecutor — Gov. Mario M. Cuomo and ouster, saying that his “bossism” — overseeing ing services like street cleaning, schools and Costikyan also made a mark, though a less - Mayor Edward I. Koch, both Democrats, a strict precinct-based structure with patron - even police patrols. (Some said the governor er one, in music. For more than 30 years, up created the task force because of his rivalry to 80 lawyers, relatives and friends of lawyers with Mayor John V. Lindsay, a Republican — all amateur musicians and singers — would turned Democrat who had campaigned as a gather for the Christmas concert of the reformer.) Occasional Oratorio and Orchestral Society, a Costikyan acknowledged that decentraliza - group founded by Costikyan and a fellow tion was no cure-all for inaccessible govern - Columbia Law School graduate, William M. ment agencies. But political clubs no longer Kahn, in 1950. held sway in the television era, he said, and On the conductor’s podium, at not quite that left a vacuum: nothing to mediate five-foot-five, Costikyan would bob and weave between neighborhoods and the bureaucra - to the strains of Stravinsky and Handel. cies downtown. Criticism of his report, During the society’s 1982 concert at the City Costikyan said, was based on fear among the Bar Association building in Manhattan, “liberal-intellectual middle class” that poor Costikyan was heard urging, “OK, cellists and people were incapable of self-government. bassists, plenty of schmaltz.”

Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2012

Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor a Teacher’ program has raised over $518,000 and reached out to 4,064 teachers and school workers in Armenia and Karabagh.

£

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Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Mail your check with this form to: TCA Sponsor a Teacher 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056

Your donation is Tax Deductible. 8 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Return to Asbury - Bringing KEF Back to the Beach

ship donation from the Fereshtian family of By Robin Barone and Kim Yacoubian Philadelphia. The couple, Harry and Seran, met at the Seventh Avenue Beach in Asbury Park around 1950. Harry Fereshetian was a member of ASA and active ASBURY, N.J. — Sitting just north of the Seventh Benevolent Union (AGBU) Young Professionals from organizer of events at their chance encounter. Avenue Beach in Asbury Park, a small group of New Boston and Washington, DC reached out to her too. Additionally the event is a fundraiser for the following York-based Armenians began plotting the return of an Soon Barone began to connect with other friends Armenian summer camps: AGBU Camp Nubar, Saint Armenian Kef scene in July 2011. The lead organizer, whose loved ones had spent their summers in Asbury. Vartan and Camp Haiastan. Barone, an alumni of Camp Robin Barone, spent every summer visiting her aunt By mid June, “Return to Asbury” Armenian Kef Nubar and Saint Vartan, explains, “I met some of my and uncle who have vacationed in the area since the Weekend was scheduled for August 10-12, 2012. In closest Armenian friends at camp during the summer. 1960s until present day. short order, an eager and active committee was in place, Those experiences were integral in making me proud of It has been nearly 40 years since Armenians held an the hotel was booked, two bands committed to perform, my heritage and establishing lifelong friendships.” event in Asbury Park. But for Armenians on the East a website was opened, and ticket sales came rolling in. The event is coming together thanks to the sponsor - Coast in the 1950s and ’60s, Asbury Park was the place The location of the main event on Saturday, August 11, ship of the ASA who were the initial organizers of KEF to come together on summer weekends. Days were is the Berkeley Hotel where many Armenian Student events in Asbury Park. The event is supported by a con - spent on the beach and in the water, and at night every - Association (ASA) dances had been held in the past. The sortium of Armenian nonprofits that include: AGBU one would gather at places called the Hye Hotel, the weekend is complemented and supported by the recent YPGNY, AGBU YP Philadelphia, AGBU YP Boston, Van Hotel, the Sunset Lounge and the Hye-Da-Way kef rebirth of Asbury Park’s waterfront itself. With package Armenian Network New York, Armenian Network DC, room. as well as à la carte tickets available, Armenian families Society for Orphaned Relief (SOAR), Knights of Vartan Initially, Barone set out to organize a simple beach can pick and choose to participate in all the activities Philadelphia, Armenian Church Youth Organization of party of 50 people around Memorial Day Weekend. She offered that weekend, or for instance, meet at the America (ACYOA) Philadelphia and Armenian Youth intended to invite friends between New York City and Seventh Avenue Beach in Asbury Park on Saturday, join Federation. There is an extensive committee of volun - Philadelphia-Armenians living off the New Jersey the tavloo tournament run by the Philadelphia Chapter teers from Boston to Washington DC assisting in the Turnpike. However, the immediate response that she of the Knights of Vartan. planning and marketing of this epic event as well. received was overwhelming. She started to receive With “Return to Asbury,” this group of enthusiastic During the weekend, the committee hopes to inter - emails and phone calls that all contained the same mes - young Armenians hopes to provide a forum for young view people who remember the “glory” days of Asbury sage, “I was thinking about trying something like this” Armenian musicians as well as an opportunity for and create a short film to document the past. They are or “I was wishing that someone would start something Armenians to socialize in a casual and summer setting actively looking for Armenians to submit photographs like this?” at the beach. Currently, the two bands scheduled, the and stories to [email protected]. It was then that she decided to reach out to all the Artsakh Band and the Michael Gostanian Ensemble, To learn more go to www.returntoasbury.eventbrite.com Armenian non-profit organizations and churches in New comprise an exceptional roster of young Armenian and www.facebook.com/returntoasbury. York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Sister organizations musicians from New York to Philadelphia. To share a story or photographs from the past, submit of the Armenian network and Armenian General Last week, the event received its first major sponsor - them to [email protected].

Archbishop Gizirian: 65 Years Of Service SERVICE, from page 5 He came to the United States in 1951, where as a musical performance and poetry recita - he served as the pastor of the Holy Cross tions. Antranig Garibian served as the master of Church of New York City; St. John the Baptist ceremonies. Church of Miami, Fla.; Holy Mother of God In his remarks, Gizirian shared memories Church of Newark, NJ; the Holy Saviour Church about his ministry and about the people who of Worcester, Mass.; St. John the Baptist Church have inspired him. He also spoke about the of Detroit; Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of importance of carrying forward the mission of Wynnewood, Penn. and Holy Trinity Church of the Armenian Church and keeping alive its Cambridge, Mass. ancient traditions for new generations of faith - In 1982, Gizirian was ordained a bishop in ful. the Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin by Vasken I, “Despite all the disappointing events of our the late Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of time, we Christians strongly believe that there All Armenians. In March of that year he began is an everlasting source of strength and hope in serving as Primate and Pontifical Legate of the this divine institution that we call the Church,” Armenian Church of England. In 1993, he was he said. “The basis of everything is the love of elevated to the rank of archbishop. God, and the Armenian Church was established After 20 years of service in the United on that divine love.” Kingdom, he retired and returned to the United Also attending the program were guests from States, where he divides his time between visit - the Armenian Martyrs Congregational Church ing parishes, representing the Diocese at official and the Armenian Sisters’ Academy. functions and serving as the spiritual father of Papken and Anahid Megerian Mark A native of Damascus, Syria, Gizirian studied St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New at the Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia Rochelle, NY. 50th Wedding Anniversary in Armenia in Antelias, Lebanon. He was ordained a celi - For a video on Gizirian’s ministry, visit the bate priest in 1947 by the late Bishop Terenig Diocese’s website at www.armenianchurch- ECHMIADZIN and PHILADELPHIA — Papken and Anahid Megerian of Poladian. ed.net. Philadelphia marked their 50th wedding anniversary on June 28 in Holy Echmiadzin, during a ceremony officiated by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. Present for the celebration were the couple’s three children and their spouses, Garo (and Annette), Aram (and Carla) and Tanya (and Nerces) and their grandchildren, as well as extended family members. In addition to family, present were Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian, pastor of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Wynnewood, Penn., as well as Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Western Diocese of America, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian.

Friends of Holy Trinity 1000 Club to Host Barbecue CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Friends of Holy “One-time” numbers will be sold the night of Trinity 1000 Club of the Holy Trinity the dinner at $5 each. Armenian Church will host an “All American Armen Skenderian, co-chair of the 1000 Barbecue” on Thursday, July 26, in the Club, said, “Everyone is welcome. For only Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall of $5.99, you’ll enjoy a hot dog, hamburger, the church complex at 145 Brattle St., begin - beans, coleslaw and watermelon dinner. If ning at 6:30 p.m., followed by their monthly you have a 1000 Club number or buy one drawing at 8 p.m., with a chance to win that night, you’ll have a chance to win $1,000. $1,000.” Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian (center), Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan (left) and Fr. Karekin Kasparian (right) The 1000 Club, established in 1976, holds Dinner tickets will be on sale at the door. with choir members and altar servers following services at Holy Trinity Church on June 17. a monthly drawing on the last Thursday of For more information, contact the church each month, awarding $2,000 in cash prizes. office at [email protected]. S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Knights Honor Taner Akçam, Ragip Zarakolu at New York Convocation

CONVOCATION, from page 1 Armenian Genocide, Turkey is not monolithic, Knights of Vartan) at the University of the guests of honor attending were Archbishop but rather that there are distinct signs of Michigan. He delved into research, took on var - Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Armenian change and hope for the future.” ious posts, and is now the chairman of the Diocese (Eastern), who gave the invocation and Zarakolou, who grew up with members of the Armenian Genocide Studies program at Clark the closing prayer, Armenia’s Ambassador to Greek and Armenian minorities in Turkey, and University in Worcester, Mass. the United Nations Garen and his wife, Nana has been imprisoned in Turkey several times for In his powerful address, Akçam spoke about Nazarian, honoree Dr. Taner Akçam, and James his courageous human rights and publishing the “long road.” He urged the audience to think Seref Holle, representing honoree Ragip activities especially in regards to the Armenian back to 20 to 30 years ago, and “what we Turks Zarakolou. Genocide, was not present for this honor. He is and Armenians used to think of each other. For During the event, scholarships were awaiting trial in Turkey for yet another you, a Turk was some who murdered your announced for six students, with recipient Lori trumped up charge by the Turkish government. ancestors, who represented the murderers, and Sanag accepting hers in person. Avak Dirouhie He was represented by his stepson Seref Holle supported the policy of denial that the Turkish Agnes B. Sahagian who was introduced by who accepted the award on his behalf. government promotes today. And for the Turks, Sister Christina Gazarov spoke about the many Akçam, who has also written extensively on Armenians were the stereotyped figures of Ankara’s propaganda, the ‘traitors’ and ‘back - stabbers’ who plotted against the Ottoman regime and murdered our innocent diplomats.” Both groups have been burdened with these concepts, unable to accept each other as a human being, he continued. “For a long time, we viewed each other through prisms, and prej - Prof. Dennis Papazian with James Seref Holle, udices. Now we are breaching the barricades, represetnting his step-father, Ragip Zarakolu dismantling the walls brick by brick, but there are many reasons that hinder the two commu - nities from reconciling completely.” Armenians, Armenian.” he said still live in this tunnel as victims of He added, “This is how we will “keep the Genocide “which started in 1915 and still con - legacy of the Armenian Genocide alive. The tinues because of the denial. For you the past Armenian Genocide was a crime in human his - IS present and occupies today. We, most of the tory, and whoever cannot condemn it has no Turkish people, as descendants of the perpetra - moral right to denounce such crimes occurring tors, have no sense of history whatsoever.” today. Together we have to work and do what - One side is frozen in the “tunnel of history” ever is necessary to prevent and increase the and the other side is completely unaware of its awareness against genocide and mass crimes. existence, Akçam said, adding, “this is what we We have to fight for a better future not only for need to get past, and this is what this award sig - Turks or Armenians, but for all of humanity.” nifies for me — that the two sides are coming The evening had begun with the singing of closer and we are in the process of creating the American, Armenian and Canadian national From left, Prof. Dennis Papazian, Prof. Mary Papazian, Prof. Taner Akçam and Archbishop Khajag something new — a new cultural space, a new anthems by St. Vartan Cathedral choir soloist Barsamian language and a new discourse. In this new Hasmik Meikhanedjian. To the delight of the space and time, the meaning of Turks and audience, 14-year-old gifted pianist Arthur Ipek Armenians has a different meaning — we claim played selections from Khachaturian, as well as dedicated projects of the organization, includ - the Armenian Genocide, escaped a 10-year and reclaim your destroyed and our stolen past a medley of well-known Armenian composi - ing the funding of the Armenian school in prison sentence in Turkey as a leftist student and merge it with the present in a different way, tions. All attendees received a complimentary Jerusalem. and received political asylum in Germany where thus building a beautiful future.” book by Akçam on the Armenian Genocide, Avak Sbarabed Dr. Dennis Papazian who he eventually received a doctorate. With a rec - Quoting the assassinated journalist Hrant titled, The Young Turks’ Crime Against introduced and made the presentation to ommendation from his mentor, Genocide schol - Dink — a close friend — who stated, “I am a Humanity , made available through Argentine- Akçam, declared, “the awards to Dr. Akçam and ar Dr. Vahakn Dadrian, he was brought to the Turk, I am a very good Turk,” Akçam declared Armenian benefactor Eduardo Eurnekian, Mr. Zarakolou, two acclaimed humanitarians US in 1999 by Papazian, then director of the both in Turkish and English to lengthy chairman of the International Raoul recognize the fact that 100 years after the Armenian Research Center (supported by the applause, “I am an Armenian; I am a good Wallenberg Foundation.

Taner Akçam on Turkish-Armenian Relations and the Armenian Genocide

AKÇAM, from page 1 are basically state bureaucrats. These kinds of the crimes committed by the Committee of with the military bureaucracy.” Changes in Turkish society allowed Akçam Turks, belonging to the ATAA [Assembly of Union and Progress and the policy of terror of Part of the problem with the government is, to become more open on political issues and Turkish American Associations] and other Ergenekon today.” Akçam said, that Turkey, like some Latin become more of a public intellectual. The groups are the ones who organized the hate In the US, they want to have good peaceful American countries, is in a transitional period assassination of Hrant Dink was one of the campaigns against me.” Akçam felt that they relations with Armenians as with all other between an authoritarian state and a democ - main causes of the changes in Turkey. Akçam came to the US with a positive identity as parts of American society, not as a movement racy. He thought “it is stuck now because the said, “Until Hrant’s assassination we were in a Turks and the shock of learning about the “from Turkey” but as a part of American soci - governing party thinks that it controls every - defensive position. They, the government and Armenian Genocide for the first time led them ety. Secondly, Akçam feels, “they want to learn. thing. It does not need to push democratiza - Deep State (generals and bureaucrats in to become initially defensive in terms of their They want to deal with this problem. They may tion anymore.” Ankara) were attacking us. They were hunting identity, but then aggressive against not agree [with what they hear], but I think One more factor that makes Akçam pes - us. They were dragging us from courtroom to Armenians. They became utterly anti- this is what we call dialogue.” simistic is Azerbaijan’s influence on Turkey. courtroom. We were psychologically the Armenian. This is a part of their identity now. Meanwhile, the Turkish government, Akçam He said, “Turkey’s government consists of very underdogs. After the assassination the psycho - Akçam likes to call the second group of feels, might be preparing “something” for the pragmatic individuals. They are invested in logical attitude of society shifted. I would say Turks in the US the “normal Turks, people 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Azerbaijan, with pipelines and other big invest - there is a shift in the mentality today, and we who came from Turkey as simple workers or in 2015. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu ments, and they don’t give a damn for moral have the upper hand. The state’s position did with their own financial means to study or gives some interesting hints in his speeches, he issues. Azerbaijan can easily buy Turkey in its not change, but how we talk on Armenian work.” Most of these people are more religious said, suggesting one possibility is publicly own fight against Armenians, and this is what Genocide has altered. Talking about the than the largely secularist first group, and announcing that Diaspora Armenians can we experienced with the Protocols. It was Armenian Genocide in Turkey today is not many are connected to the Fethullah Gülen receive Turkish citizenship. Azerbaijan that killed the Protocols.” something for which others would attack you movement. This group is to a degree in conflict On the one hand, Akçam said, “I don’t think The Azerbaijani factor will also help Turkey as a traitor.” In particular, Akçam noted that with the first group. The Gülen movement, that the Turkish government has a compre - use Karabagh and Khojaly in a campaign of progressive and leftist organizations which lately in the news because of some controver - hensive plan, idea or strategy of how to deal “your genocide, our genocide.” Akçam fears a were previously ignorant on the Armenian sy about its schools in the US, is trying to with 1915.” Nevertheless, there has been a radicalization of such actions, including an Genocide now have made this issue part of make contact with Armenians in certain parts change in policies concerning the Armenian attempt to mobilize Turkish and Azerbaijani their platforms, and he feels their support of this country. In Turkey, some of its repre - Genocide. diasporas against the Armenians until 2015. strongly. sentatives participate in the activities of Hrant He explained, “This has something to do Akçam spoke about the state of the field of While the development of civil society in Dink Foundation, and one public figure of the with the character of the AKP [the Justice and Armenian Genocide studies. His main problem Turkey, which is supportive of Akçam and oth - movement publicly apologized for the events Development Party in power in Turkey]. AKP was “the disinterest in the Armenian commu - ers who work on the Armenian Genocide and of 1915, though without using the word geno - is a categorically different elite and political nity. We need more students, and we need various human rights issues is a big change, cide (which is still very common in Turkey). power than Ergenekon and the military financial support for graduate programs.” Akçam cautioned, “We should also not exag - Akçam thinks that this movement “has bureaucracy. It felt persecuted by the military The prolific Akçam is working at present on gerate this, as it is still limited. It is in particu - begun to understand the connection between bureaucracy. Originally a religious group, it is a new project dealing with the confiscation of lar localized only in Ankara and Istanbul.” Ergenekon and the Armenian Genocide. more open to religious issues. As a result of Armenian properties during the Genocide. He His relationship with Turks in the United Ergenekon, which is responsible for Hrant Islamic values, it cannot shut down churches said, “I’m trying to read the existing laws and States remains complicated due to what he Dink’s assassination and other political assas - or be aggressive against Christian demands regulations as a historian, not as a legal schol - perceives as a schism in this community. There sinations in Turkey, was also the archenemy of because of the tolerance understanding of ar. I try to make the argument that legally, is an older group of Turks in the US, which is Gülen. … In the process of fighting against Islam.” This is one explanation for why it is ren - according to the Turkish judicial system, primarily upper middle class. Akçam said, “We Ergenekon for liberty and democracy, the ovating some Armenian churches or returning Armenians’ rights to their properties have call them the white Turks. They are national - Gülen movement realized that there is a strong them to Armenians. Akçam also feels “it is never been categorically denied, so that they ists, Kemalists and very anti-Armenian. They connection between past and present, between using all these issues as part of the bargaining can claim them back.” 10 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Armenians Opera Stars to Help Celebrate Have Got Der-Hovanessian’s 25th Book of Talent Poetry CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Two Armenian opera stars, Victoria Avetisyan and By Charles K. Der Kazarian Yeghishe Manucharyan, will join Cambridge poet Diana Der-Hovanessian on July 22 at 4 p.m. at the Longfellow WORCESTER, Mass. — Armenians have got National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St., talent — and how. Any doubts about this were to celebrate the publication of Der- dispelled by the parishioners of the Armenian Hovanessian’s 25th book of poetry, Church Of Our Saviour with their talent show, Armenian Poetry of Our Time , from titled “Armenians Got Talent!” Presented in the the Press at California State University. church’s Cultural Center on Saturday, June 2, Many of the poems will be sung and performers of all ages got to strut their stuff in then read in English translation by the a wide variety of musical acts with singing, translator and several poets from New dancing, poetry readings and solo, duo and England Poetry Club. group instrumental performances. Reviewing her first volume of transla - Parish Council Chairman Ed Atamian wel - tions in 1980, The London Times comed the crowd of 225 to the special program Literary Supplement called Der- designed to showcase Armenian artistic and From left, Angelo Ghailian (APS), Hasmik Agemian (silent auction winner) and Yuroz Hovanessian “a brilliant poet who has cultural talents. But, as the Armenian tradition opened up the book of her people to the dictates, food is the first order of business: the English speaking world.” She has gone Men’s Club prepared a chicken dinner (with on to translate 13 other books of desserts by the Women’s Guild and Senior Armenian poetry including The Other Avaks), which was served by the Armenian Voice , poems by Armenian women, as Church Youth Organization of America A Night of Art, well as volumes by Yeghishe Charents, (ACYOA) Juniors with table decorations by the Sayat Nova, Gevorg Emin, Vahan Tekeyan Sunday School. During the meal, entertain - and Vahan Derian. ment was provided by the trio of Gabe For her own poetry she has won the Kazarian, Stephen Kheboian and Luis Pizzaro, Paterson Prize, plus awards from who performed rock selections by Iron Maiden Food and Wine American Scholar, Prairie Schooner, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. NEA, Poetry Society of America and from Talent Coordinator Linda Bullock was the Columbia emcee for the evening and kept the flow of the University acts moving at a crisp pace. The show got off to With Artist Yuroz both Armand a good start with a rendition by the Hot Babes Erpf Award (Mary Atamian, Ani Kapur, Margo Masmanian, and the Betty Orsi) of Let Me Entertain You . They set LOS ANGELES — The artist Yuroz opened his studio doors to the Armenian Anahid prize. the cheerful, light-hearted and accomplished Professional Society (APS) earlier this summer. Guests indulged in food and wine, During the tone for the entire program. catered by Ladybugz, while taking a private tour with Yuroz through his art gallery. post-earth - Solo instrumental performances included the As he walked the guests through his gallery and studio, he showed them the grand quake years, following: Andrew DeMauro (cello); Elizabeth United Nations Mural and gave a detailed description for his process in the devel - she and DeMauro and Lily Balkin (violin); Ryan Smith opment of this piece. Michael (guitar); Emily Habib (viola); Daniel Bullock, A slide show presentation by Kermoyan, Yuroz followed, which reviewed his singer-actor, pieces for Dubai, Guatemala and the and later Vatican. Vahan Yuroz became internationally rec - Khanzadian, Diana Der-Hovanessian ognized through his United Nations tenor, toured Murals depicting the plight of many universi - refugees, “Respect for Refugees,” ties with a musical play written by Der- and his mural. His piece, “Human Hovanessian, “The Secret Of Survival,” Rights,” has been shown worldwide for earthquake relief. This last year, two Yuroz was invited to paint portrait of a saint, creating awareness and teaching new books appeared, Now I See It and newly-canonized by Pope Benedict XVI people about the continued fight Dancing at the Monastery , from Sheep for human rights. Meadow Press. Yuroz became part of a very elite Singing many of the poems will be two group of artists spanning the last 800 years to be commissioned by the pope and of the most sought after soloists in this the Vatican to create a painting for Saint Arcangelo Tadini, Italian priest and country, tenor Manucharyan and mezzo see YUROZ, page 11 soprano Avetisyan who won the Young Artist Award at her Kennedy Center debut. Both artists were born in Yerevan, Armenia. Avetisyan graduated with a master’s degree in vocal performance from Komitas State University and began her career at the National Opera. She made her American debut with the Boston Lyric Opera where she appears frequently. Manucharyan made his debut Eric and Anthony Migridichian, the “dueling” at Carnegie Hall followed by joining the saxophonists Metropolitan Opera Company. NewsDay has praised the “purity, power and flexi - bility of his voice.” He graduated from Andrew DeMauro, Elizabeth DeMauro, Arsen the Tchaikovsky Central Music School Gulbankian, Lori Manoukian, David Sepplin and Komitas State Conservatory of and Stephen Shamgochian (piano) and Music. Matthew Sivalzian (guitar). Duos were Marti Du The Friends of Longfellow and New Lac (flute) and Linda Bullock (violin), and England Poetry Club are making the pro - Anthony and Eric Migridichian (saxophone). gram possible. It is free and open to the Group instrumental was the Yalanche String APS Executive Board with Yuroz, from left, Ani Petrossian, Lily Kazarians, Angelo public. Ensemble (Daniel Bullock, Jeremy Bullock, Ghailian, Yuroz, Seta Khajarian and Taline Hanna The July 22 reading and concert is free Linda Bullock and Alexandra Sivazlian) playing and will be followed by a book signing. Thine Be The Glory . see TALENT, page 13 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Project SAVE Honors its Volunteers and Staff

If I had to pay for each of these ser - By Tom Vartabedian vices, we would not have survived this long.” According to Thomasian, volun - WATERTOWN — Given a choice between lying teers do everything from hands-on on a hammock in the Caribbean or categorizing work to office cleaning, graphic photographs for Project SAVE, the choice would design and technology. be an easy one for John Kebadjian. “We accomplish so much with so Give him a cubicle inside an overstuffed office very little,” she notes. “People bring — doing what he enjoys best — and he is perfect - their own skills to us and we utilize ly content with life. them. It benefits both sides.” Kebadjian doesn’t consider himself the “ulti - Project SAVE honored its staff mate” volunteer but how else would you and volunteers during an apprecia - describe a 70-year-old who spends five days a tion luncheon June 20 at the week at 65 Main St., working a myriad of jobs Coolidge School Apartments. including that of office manager? Among the highlights was a spe - He documents historic pictures, files them cial award to Arlington High senior accordingly, keeps the donor list updated, han - Anahis Kechejian for her outstand - dles the bookkeeping and supervises other vol - ing creativity and communication unteers like himself. skills in designing and implementing Project SAVE honored its staff and volunteers at a luncheon June 20 in Watertown. From left are, John Kebadjian, “We don’t have another organization like this “Stand Up For Your Survivor” pre - Sarah Murray, Suzanne Adams, Tom Vartabedian (board member), Anahis Kechejian, Ruth Thomasian (execu - anywhere in the world,” he says of Project SAVE. sented April 20 at the Massachusetts tive director), Beatrice Changelian, Hasmig Esserian and Aram Sarkissian. “The history of our ancestors is being preserved State House Genocide and what better way is there to do this than Commemoration. through pictures. We’re a link to the outside The 17-year-old was accompanied by her mom years a new purpose. I started once a week and trative and archival tasks. world.” Linda and brother Antranig. saw the work needed so I expanded my role.” Sarah Murray has spent five years as a volun - Founded by Ruth Thomasian in 1975, Project “I hope to inspire Armenians of my generation Kebadjian spent 50 years as a diamond-cutter teer, logging some 500 hours as an archival assis - SAVE Archives’ extensive and diverse collection to volunteer their time for worthy organizations in the family jewelry business located in down - tant before, during and after her degree work in of more than 35,000 programs and growing like Project SAVE,” said Anahis Kechejian. town Boston. He retired three years ago. library and information science at Simmons library of oral history audio tapes depict all “There’s nothing more rewarding than being Hasmig Esserian has spent the past 11 years College. aspects of Armenian life in the homeland and able to contribute to the Armenian community.” volunteering some 2,800 hours as a translator. Other volunteers singled out were: Taiga Diaspora dating back to the 1860s. She will be lecturing at Camp Haiastan in She started with captions and extended herself Lorena, archives assistant; Marlin Keshishian, cal - As the premiere archive of Armenian pho - Franklin, Mass. this summer to generate added to articles on the Genocide. She was born in endar mailing specialist; Jean O’Kuckan, photog - tographs in the United States, its mission is to interest in her survivor project. In her initial Alexandria, Egypt, spent 27 years living in rapher, and Ani Chilingirian, high school com - collect, document, preserve and present the his - attempt, 50 people took part by holding up Armenia before immigrating to Watertown in munity service. toric and modern photographic record of posters of their loved ones. The results were grat - 1975 — the year Project SAVE was conceived. Two staffers were also paid tribute for their Armenians and their rich heritage. The 26 calen - ifying and emotional from the near-capacity Being fluent in both dialects (Eastern and enthusiasm and pride: Suzanne Adams, for her dars which have emerged forth are another tes - crowd which included four survivors. Western) has been a valuable commodity for the five years as an archivist and development asso - tament to success. Not only was Kebadjian among the volunteer archival center. She started the year after her ciate, and Aram Sarkissian, for his 11 years as an “Our purpose is to make our resources avail - honorees, he took it upon himself to host the lun - husband passed away and it’s helped to fill a void archival assistant, helping to keep photographs able and increase our outreach to the academic cheon. His association with Thomasian dates in her life. and documents organized and accessible. communities, general public and to the greater back nearly four decades. “Ruth kept after me to devote my time,” said The vision becomes obvious and immediate: Armenian community,” said Thomasian. “We “I met her on the street one day and she asked Esserian. “I learn something new each day I’m more resources and an expanded operational wouldn’t exist today were it not for the many vol - me to help her with some bookkeeping,” here. The more I read, the more I translate. It’s base. unteers and donors who have come to our side. Kebadjian recalled. “It’s given my retirement very stimulating. I’d hate to think what would “In order to achieve our purpose, we need full- happen to all these photographs if they weren’t time professional staff operating in a larger office being properly preserved.” space that meets archival standards for tempera - In her seven years and 1,050 hours as a vol - ture and humidity control,” Thomasian said. “We unteer, Beatrice Changelian has served as an need an endowment that will ensure this profes - office assistant, performing a variety of adminis - sional care for our treasured collections.” Night of Art, Food and Wine with Yuroz

YUROZ, from page 10 Botticino. founder of the Congregation of the Worker As the presentation came to an end, guests Sisters of the Holy House of Nazareth, who was sat in amazement of the mastery of such an canonized. Following the canonization of Fr. accomplished artist. Arcangelo Tadini, authorities in Botticino Sera, A raffle was drawn, and the two winners were Italy, his former home, decided to name the invited to have shirts hand painted by Yuroz church in Botticino after him. A large painting himself. dedicated to commemorating Tadini’s life is Yuroz donated two paintings to the APS for planned. Yuroz, who has become known as a a silent auction benefiting the group. respected artist of the people by the Vatican APS is an independent, non-partisan organi - and is well known for his style of Cubism, has zation founded in 1958 to promote fellowship officially been invited to paint the image. In among Armenian professionals. Additional September 2009, Yuroz traveled to Italy and information about the APS and its upcoming met Vatican and Botticino officials to discuss events is available at www.apsla.org. For infor - the details. His painting, “Light of mation, email [email protected], or write to: APS, Compassion,” currently hangs in the church in P.O. Box 10306, Glendale, CA 91209.

Yuroz makes a presentation. 12 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Novel about Armenian Genocide to Be Presented By Chris Bohjalian at ALMA on July 26

WATERTOWN, Mass. — Bestselling author Chris novel since 1992, when he first “tried to make sense of Bohjalian will discuss his eagerly-awaited 15th book, the Armenian Genocide: a slaughter that most of the The Sandcastle Girls , an epic novel set against the world knows next to nothing about.” Unsatisfied with backdrop of the Armenian Genocide, on the evening of this first attempt, he placed the draft aside and vowed Thursday, July 26, at the Armenian Library and that it would never see the light of day. Museum of America (ALMA). The narrative in his only other book not set in New Most of Bohjalian’s book take place in his native New England, Skeletons at the Feast , takes place in Poland England, but his latest, described as a sweeping histor - and Germany during the last six months of the Second ical love story steeped in the author’s World War and deals in part with a fictional family’s Armenian heritage, is set in Syria and complicity in the Holocaust. As he toured on behalf of Books New York. The Sandcastle Girls is the the book in 2008 and 2009, readers would ask him author’s most personal novel to date. when he was going to write about the Armenian Bohjalian’s book talk and reception is sponsored Genocide. jointly by ALMA, the National Association for Armenian The son of an Armenian father and a Swedish moth - Studies and Research (NAASR) and the Armenian er, Bohjalian says that three of his four Armenian great- General Benevolent Union Young Professionals (AGBU grandparents died in the Genocide and First World War. YP) of Boston. The event takes place at the beginning As he tried again, this time successfully, to write a novel of a nationwide book tour that will take the author about the Armenian Genocide, he dug deeper into his across the country, from Los Angeles and San family’s own personal diaspora. The fictional characters Francisco to New England, New Jersey, and to Capitol in The Sandcastle Girls are not his grandparents or Hill, where he will meet with Congressional leaders dur - great-grandparents, he says, “but the novel would not ing the day and have a book signing at the Rayburn exist without their courage and charisma.” House Office Building in the evening of August 1. The talk and reception will take place in ALMA’s Perhaps known best for his novel Midwives , a num - Third Floor Gallery beginning at 7.30 p.m. The museum ber-one New York Times bestseller and a selection of will be open on that day from 12 noon to 8 p.m. for Oprah’s Book Club, Bohjalian has won a number of those who may wish to visit the galleries or to view two writing awards and his work has been translated into current exhibits commemorating this year’s 500th more than 25 languages and has appeared in a variety anniversary of the first Armenian printed book. of magazines. Three novels have become movies. The Armenian Library and Museum of America is Bohjalian has said that he has contemplated his latest located at 65 Main St.

New Book Explores Karsh’s Relationships with His Subjects

Canada and set up his own studio. the dazzling, Russian satirist might have said to By Daphne Abeel A significant aspect of his training and an Karsh to arouse such an unusual and critical Special to Mirror-Spectator experience, which led to the distinctive Karsh reaction. “look” was his work at the Ottawa Drama Some of Karsh’s most notable portraits were League. It was there that he learned about taken in profile and a number of them appear Karsh: Beyond the Camera: Selected with stage lighting and the use of tungsten lamps, here, including the images of Grace Kelly, an Introduction and Commentary which he would use later to great effect in Audrey Hepburn, Georgia O’Keefe and Francois By David Travis. David R. Godine. 2012. 162 developing the deep blacks and dramatic high - Mauriac. He also photographed some very pp. ISBN 978-156792-438-1 lights that would become the signature of his famous couples, including John and Jacqueline photographic work. Kennedy, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Last year, photographer Yousuf Karsh’s repu - It should be added that in addition to pursu - Queen Elizabeth and her consort, Prince Philip. tation in the Boston area received a special ing what would become a highly-successful He was capable of taking some great risks with boost when his widow, Estrelita, made a gift of career, Karsh did not forget his family back in his composition, his photograph of the cellist 27 of his best-known images to the Armenian Syria and eventually succeeded in bringing Pablo Casals being one of them. He pho - Library and Museum of America (ALMA) in them all to Canada, where they thrived, one of tographs Casals from the back, dramatically lit, Watertown. The images, which are now part of his brothers becoming a medical doctor. sitting alone on a stage, playing his cello. ALMA’s permanent collection, ensure that Karsh, early on, encouraged by his uncle, also While the Travis commentaries are always Karsh will have a lasting presence in one of the learned to make use of his personal connec - admiring, they do not, in every case, necessari - Armenian community’s more important institu - tions, and it was his acquaintance with the ly add to the appreciation of a particular photo, tions. Canadian Prime Minister, William Lyon but in some instances, he does add information Now, David R. Godine Publishers, known for Mackenzie King, that led to the capturing of the that causes the viewer to absorb the image in a its high production values, has, again with the iconic portrait of Winston Churchill, widely new way. The portrait of Ernest Hemingway, support and encouragement of Estrelita Karsh, accepted as the most famous portrait ever which was taken at the writer’s retreat in Cuba, assembled a collection of nearly 70 images, taken. According to legend, Karsh, who had shows Hemingway, dressed peculiarly, for the accompanied with a dual text: commentary by only a few minutes with the great man, removed climate, in a heavy, wool turtle necked sweater. Karsh himself on his subjects, and additional the cigar from Churchill’s fingers, thereby Travis provides the information that interpretation and commentary by David arousing the faintly belligerent and piercing Armenians. But you know, the only way to keep Hemingway was, at the time, in great pain, from Travis, the founder of the Department of look he managed to capture so memorably on them healthy and strong is to exterminate them some back injury. Perhaps, the heavy sweater Photography at the Art Institute of Chicago. camera. once in a while.” Karsh, ever the diplomat even provided him with a sense of protection. The comments by Karsh have been extracted The collection of images in the book presents in the face of this shocking comment, conclud - Only a very few of Karsh’s subjects are still from a series of interviews, which were con - much of Karsh’s best-known work, including ed that he did not take offence. “There was no alive. The last portrait in the book is of the ducted in 1988 by Jerry Fiedler, Karsh’s long the Churchill portrait, which graces the cover. menace in it,” he is recorded as saying. great South African leader Nelson Mandela and time studio assistant, who sat down with the We once again gaze at his portrayals of Ernest Karsh, who had considerable skills for was taken in 1990. Karsh died in Boston in master and taped many hours of reminiscences Hemingway, Albert Schweitzer, Edward putting his subjects at ease, never commented 2002. and recollections regarding his subjects and the Steichen, Audrey Hepburn, Georgia O’Keeffe, negatively about them, and clearly went to con - Godine has gone to considerable lengths to conditions in which he made his pictures. Pablo Picasso, Queen Elizabeth, Grace Kelly, siderable lengths to put them at ease and to honor Karsh’s concern for printing and repro - An introduction reviews the essentials of Aaron Copland. And many of these are familiar, photograph them in settings that enhanced duction. The book has been printed in Karsh’s biography, his escape from the but there are also portraits of some who are their stature and persona. Switzerland at Jean Genoud SA, Karsh’s Genocide to Aleppo as a young boy, from less known, such as the physician, Thomas One exception was the novelist, Vladimir favorite printer. The paper, tatami natural paper whence he was sent as a teenager to live with Cullen, and a charming shot of a young Nabokov. Karsh’s portrait of him, reveals the on an acid free sheet, supports the lush black his uncle, George Nakash, a photographer who Armenian boy, Stephen Moomian, taken in writer, not quite in full face, staring quizzically and white tones that characterize the photog - had a successful studio in Sherbrooke, in the 1979, which may have reminded Karsh of him - at the camera and holding up a small drawing rapher’s work. There are critics who can, per - province of Quebec, Canada. Karsh attended self when he was that age. of a butterfly. (Nabokov was a famously enthu - haps, dismiss aspects of Karsh’s work as for - school there, but he also swiftly picked up the The commentaries, while interesting, are not siastic lepidopterist.) About him, Karsh says, mulaic, and it is true that he found an aesthet - tools of the photographer’s trade by working as always especially revealing, although they con - “Nabokov is a brilliant writer and prolific writ - ic and technical strategy that worked for him his uncle’s assistant. tain some surprises. The playwright George er. As a human being, he left much to be over and over again. But when a viewer comes Nakash soon recognized his nephew’s abili - Bernard Shaw, known for his astringent wit and desired. He is among the least attractive men I across an image and identifies it immediately as ties and arranged for him to travel to Boston to observations, had the temerity to say to Karsh, have ever photographed. His manners, his Karsh, we know that he has made his mark as apprentice with yet another Armenian photog - when he learned that he was Armenian, “Oh, thinking, his arrogance, his false behavior [were an artist and a photographer. This volume rapher, Joseph H. Garo. In 1930, he returned to wonderful. I have many friends among the objectionable to me].” One has to wonder what attests to his lasting influence. S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING

industry. They reviewed my music, watched con - Kanun Virtuoso Topouzian Nabs Music Prize cert videos, and ultimately made their decision. TV: What impact does this make in the world of Armenian-American music? Topouzian was selected for his accomplish - about my musical background. I once performed AT: A huge impression. It gives us the recog - By Tom Vartabedian ments as a world music artist, specializing in the for over 1,800 patrons at Detroit Orchestra Hall. nition within the non-Armenian sector that we kanun — an instrument he has played for At a reception which followed, people I interact deserve. Hopefully, it will also show other decades. He was part of a 19-piece world music with at my day job came up to me in utter shock. Armenian-American musicians that our talents FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — What does it group that premiered to a sold-out audience at They were there for the concert and had no idea are not just limited to picnics, dances and wed - take to win a $25,000 Kresge Artist Fellowship the Detroit Orchestra Hall. that would be me on stage. I’ve been playing dings. The joke to some is that we are all “picnic Award for musical excellence? He enjoys sharing his heritage and talent Armenian music for 25 years. band musicians” and I don’t agree with that. For Ara Topouzian, it is the support he has teaching workshops for both children and adults TV: What is the impact of Armenian music Many of us are exceptionally talented musicians. received from his parents, Armenag and Norma, demonstrating various Armenian and Middle upon our society? I look at others like Ara Dinkjian and Mal both of whom have dedicated their efforts to the Eastern instruments as well as folk music. AT: The younger generation isn’t as interest - Barsamian. We’ve successfully branched out to advancement of the Armenian community, both The money will be used to advance his career ed as my generation and that troubles me. I feel play with a variety of musicians and genres. here and abroad. and promote world music to wider audiences. A that as musicians, we have an obligation to More of us can be doing this. “I was always encouraged by my parents to question-and-answer session with the artist fol - teach and preserve our music so that it contin - TV: What projects do you have in the fire strive for more and owe so much to them,” said lows: ues to live. Music is part of our rich history and now? the kanun virtuoso and noted recording artist. Tom Vartabedian: Relate a couple highlights tells an important story. We should never forget AT: I perform quite a bit in Michigan. With “Musically, I have many mentors and role mod - of your career. ‘our’ story. two small children, it’s hard to execute projects. els. I got my start in Armenian music as a child Ara Topouzian: In 1995, I was commissioned TV: What is your favorite recording? I recently completed original music for an sitting with the Voskikian band at the old by the Armenian Relief Society to produce an AT: I have a record label — American upcoming Armenian documentary with Mark Atlantic City kef weekends. I am truly honored album, which benefited a pre-natal clinic located Recording productions — which I founded in Gavoor, another good musician friend. by this award.” amidst Armenian’s earthquake devastation. The 1991. To date, I have recorded 30 albums. TV: Who is your role model? Topouzian was among two-dozen Metro album, “For the Children of Armenia,” raised Among my favorites is “Whispers of Ellis Island” AT: I have several. Aside from my parents, Detroit literary and performing artists to receive over $20,000 for that clinic in memory of my which features Joe Zeytoonian on oud . This was there are others like Mark Gavoor and Jack this award. Each of the 24 fellowships included late mother. In 2002, I produced another album dedicated to the millions of Armenians who Chalikian, a kanun player associated with the an unrestricted prize of $25,000 rewarding cre - that was dedicated to the thousands of children arrived in America through Ellis Island. Another Kef Time Band. Jack took the time to give me ative vision and commitment to excellence with - saved by the Nork Marash Medical Center in is Eastern Winds, featuring a number of local mini-lessons at Kef Time Hartford. I won’t forget in a wide range of artistic disciplines. Yerevan. non-Armenian musicians performing Middle that. I’ve had the good fortune to play with a TV: What exactly is the kanun ? Eastern music. Both have been very popular. variety of musicians over the years and learned AT: It’s one of the most important traditional TV: What does this award mean to you? something special from each of them. instruments used in Armenian and Middle AT: Very humbling. The Kresge Artist TV: How do you feel about commemorating Eastern music. The instrument is the granddad - Fellowship is a prestigious honor that I don’t the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Armenians Have dy of the piano — 75 strings tuned in three- take lightly. It isn’t just about the money. The Genocide? string unison. Fellowship will allow me to show an even wider AT: We have an obligation to commemorate it TV: Tell us about outside work, family and audience my capabilities as a musician and gives to the outside world. Whenever I talk about my Got Talent personal life. me the motivation to learn more music with dif - music, I always mention the Genocide. It has an AT: By day, I work as an economic develop - ferent genres. I plan to utilize the money in ways impact upon the musicians and what we play. TALENT, from page 10 ment director for the City of Novi, one of the that will help advance my career as a musician I’ve always felt our annual commemorations Delightful and moving vocals came from biggest and more growing cities in Oakland while promoting world music to wider audiences. were being directed toward the wrong audience. Du Lac (Someone To Watch Over Me) , County, Mich. I’m married to Della Cassia TV: How did you qualify to receive this? Were We should be educating non-Armenians. The Rachel Mazur (Hallelujah!) , Nikki Penbeyan Topouzian and we have two children, Aline you nominated? number of misinformed people I speak to about (Edelweiss) accompanied by Bullock on vio - Norma, 3, and Alexan Peter, 11 months. AT: I applied for it as you would a grant. It the Genocide is staggering. We have an oppor - lin and Brenda Sicard (Mozart’s Lullaby) . TV: What can you tell us about you that may was a very competitive process with over 450 tunity to commemorate an event to a nation Seta Migridichian danced to Sweet Georgia surprise others? applicants. I was judged by a panel of profes - that may never have heard about the Armenian Brown and the Little Cats Dancers (Lily AT: A lot of non-Armenians do not know sionals within the music and performing arts Genocide. Bialkin, Alissa Der Kazarian, Emilee Der Kazarian, Julie Elbe, Sophia Elbe and Sarah Percifull) wowed the audience with Las Gatitas . Ani Sepplin, Takouhie and daughter, Maral Taoukdjian, beautifully read poetry in Armenian and English. The last listing in the program booklet consisted of two songs by the Armenian Chorus ( Ambee Dageetz and CC AA LLEENNDDAARR Genatz Yerk ). To everyone’s surprise, a “mock” protest from Barry Bilzerian in the audience interrupt - ed concluding comments by the emcee. He asked, “Why are the ‘men’ not performing?” This led to an “impromptu” dance performance NEW JERSEY by five “male dancers” (Ed Atamian, Barry Bilzerian, Peter Der Kazarian, Robert Elbe and AUGUST 10-12 — Return to Asbury, Armenian Kef Weekend at Amar Kapur) to the Village People’s Macho the Beach. For tickets and information, visit returntoas - Man , which brought down the house. bury.eventbrite.com. The event is sponsored by the ASA. Rev. Aved Terzian, pastor of the Armenian OCTOBER 5 — Save the date. His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Church Of Our Saviour, in his closing remarks, Barsamian, Primate, Diocese of Armenian Church, invites everyone to thanked everyone for their participation and attend a tribute banquet in honor of Hrant Gulian. Details to follow. support. He then went to each performer on OCTOBER 21 — The Armenian American Suppor t and Educational stage and had them give their names, the final Center, the Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniversary. Bergen one being Mary Atamian who simply identified County Academies, 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, with the par - herself as “Ed’s mother” which brought the ticipation of Akh’Tamar Dance Ensemble of the Hye Doon, Arev biggest laugh of the night. Armenian Folk Ensemble of Hamazkayin of Boston and other talent - ed guest performers. OCTOBER 28 — Save the date. The Armenian American Support and Educational Center, Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniver- sary. Felician College, Lodi. With the participation of Akh’tamar Dance Ensemble and other talented guest performances. Details to follow. NOVEMBER 17-18 — Musical theater presentation by TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group, Yervant Odian’s “Love and Laughter” (Ser yev Dzidzagh), directed by Krikor Satamian, with more than 20 actors participating. Dwight Englewood High School, Englewood Cliffs, 8 p.m., Saturday and 4 p.m., Sunday. $25, $35, $50. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig Atamian. NOVEMBER 18 — TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group Cast Party and tribute to Karnig Nercessian on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the group. Special program and dinner, with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of the Armenian Church, presiding. St. Thomas Armenian Church, Tenafly. Donation, $30. For tickets, call Marie Zokian or Noushig On October 5, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Atamian. Primate, Diocese of Armenian Church invites everyone to attend a tribute dinner for Hrant Entertainment Fridays NEW YORK Gulian, pictured above, in New Jersey. and Saturdays SEPTEMBER 29 — Save the date. Armenia Fund 20th Anniversary Gala, 7 p.m. at Gotham Hall in New York City. 14 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Oligarchy on the Defensive

them as badges of honor.) The bodyguards, allegedly under orders By Edmond Y. Azadian from their boss, gave a beating to the visiting group, killing one, Spectator army surgeon Vahe Avedian. The incident touched off intense public outrage which hit the While the Cold War is intensifying over the Syrian crisis, pitting political scene like an avalanche. again the old warriors against each other, an internal crisis is Last May, Mr. Hairabetian was elected a member of the parlia - brewing in Armenia with broad ramifications; this time the oli - ment on the ruling Republican Party ticket. He is also the head Established 1932 garchy is on the defensive, mind you, not yet on the run. of the Armenian Football Federation. In order to put the crisis in perspective a background flashback To calm public outrage, the president met with Hairabetian, An ADL Publication is warranted here. who, upon leaving the presidential palace, issued an apology and Since Armenia emerged as an independent country, it claimed resigned from the parliament. Despite those steps, vigils are con - to have adopted the system of market economy, replacing the tinuing at the site of the crime and the public is demanding more EDITOR Soviet-style command economy. But it turned out that only the retribution. Hairabetian is being asked to quit his position at the Alin K. Gregorian worst traits of capitalism were adopted and practiced giving rise Football Federation while some maximalists are even asking the to a sharp divide between the rich and the poor. A caste of oli - government to confiscate Mr. Hairabetian’s assets and throw him ASSOCIATE EDITOR garchs evolved, making its own rules of conduct and placing itself in jail. Aram Arkun over the law and the constitution. This time around, the public has had enough of such unruly con - ART DIRECTOR Each oligarch has a fleet of luxury cars driven by a band of duct, which had been continuing over the years with impunity. Marc Mgrditchian bodyguards to follow the movements of their boss, always ready Of course, this incident also became a God-sent golden oppor - to take the law into their hands, at the nod of their bosses. Their tunity for the opposition to use against the ruling Republican COPY EDITOR Dilani Yogaratnam cars have special license plates to intimidate and threaten traffic Party. The incident became a cause celebre for the entire spec - police, who remain mindful of job security and leave alone the oli - trum of the opposition parties. At this point, four political parties garchs and their mafia-type bodyguards to violate all laws with have rallied around the case, asking Hovik Abrahamian, the SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: impunity. Speaker of the Parliament, to hold a special session to discuss the Edmond Azadian At times these oligarchs have killed or driven away foreign issue and take action. investors who inadvertently have violated their business turf. Forty-four members of the parliament need to sign the petition, CONTRIBUTORS: Therefore it is self-evident why Diaspora Armenians or other for - in order for the speaker to call a special session. At this writing Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, eign investors stay away from meddling into the affairs of these the opposition had not garnered that number yet. Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune oligarchs who have instituted a chokehold over Armenia’s econo - But a very important picture has evolved in the process: the Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. my. To buy impunity from any prosecution, these oligarchs are opposition parties thus far had acted in disparate courses, but this Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork keen to be elected as parliament members. time around, they have found a case which warrants their coop - Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , A journalist once asked sarcastically why these oligarchs need eration. Until recently, the Armenian National Congress and the Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop so much protection. They must have hurt somebody that they are Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) were mortal enemies. Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian scared for their lives. Gagik Zaroukian’s Prosperous Armenian Party was a coalition Indeed, the bodyguards of these oligarchs have beaten to death partner with the president’s Republican Party until the parlia - CORRESPONDENTS: many citizens without any consequences. A much-highlighted case mentary elections of last May. At this time, they seem to have part - Armenia - Hagop Avedikian was the killing of a man named Vartan Vartanian by the then- ed ways. All the above opposition parties plus the Heritage Party Boston - Nancy Kalajian President Robert Kocharian’s bodyguards at the Aragast Café. have signed the petition requesting the special session. Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian The oligarchs practice the “Wild West” model of politics. Last The news media is continuing to give extensive coverage to the Contributing Photographers: year, the newly-elected mayor of Yerevan, Gagik Beglarian, beat issue indicating that public anger will not quiet down any time Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair one of President Serge Sargisian’s protocol staff members who soon. Hovsepian had refused to bend the protocol rules to accommodate the whims Meanwhile, some voices from the Republican quarters have of the mayor’s wife. Beglarian was asked to resign but before a been asking not to politicize the issue since the law enforcement year elapsed he was awarded with a ministerial office, rendering authorities and the courts have taken up the issue. One such The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published the government into a revolving door. voice was the Republican member of the parliament Artashes weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Of course the opposition media uses all these incidents to crit - Geghamian. But voices of defense are far and few since no one Baikar Association, Inc. icize the government to no avail. But a recent incident proved to wishes to take the risk of countering public anger, which has 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 be the straw that broke the camel’s back. On June 17, the body - become a cumulative force reflecting anger not just at this inci - Telephone: 617-924-4420 guards of powerful oligarch Ruben Hairabetian (nicknamed dent but the group’s modus operandi. FAX: 617-924-2887 Nemetz Rubo) decided “to teach a lesson” to a group of visitors This time around it seems that public outrage has struck a bal - to the Harsnakar hotel and resort in the suburbs of Yerevan. The ance in the legal system to tame a self-appointed caste and make www.mir rorspectator.com resort is owned by Mr. Hairabetian. (Incidentally, all these oli - it accountable to the court. E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com garchs have nicknames like Nemetz Rubo, Lfik Samo, Dody Gago, For the first time, the oligarchs are on the defensive but not yet For advertising: [email protected] etc. and they don’t resent the nomenclature; they rather carry on the run.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES : U.S.A. is pure folly, if not insanity, in following the cows” unchanged. But others need change in 2nd Class $75 a year dictates of a constitution written decades a changing world. The need for lay participa - 1st Class $120 a year Canada Jerusalem ago giving full power to the brotherhood, tion in Jerusalem affairs has become a Air Mail $125 a year excluding all lay voices, lay input, lay experi - “must” and that includes election of patri - ences and lay participation. archs as well. All Other Countries Just take a minute and view the situation. One change could be the election of a co- Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch By Nubar Dorian The Primate of the smallest diocese of adjutor now and appoint a committee con - Armenians was elected by both lay and cler - sisting of clergy and lay to carefully study the gy combined. All future plans, future actions old constitution and have a single delegate “One does not choose one’s subject, one are debated, discussed and voted upon. Long from every Armenian diocese in the world. submits to it.” - Gustave Flaubert ago, there was lack of transportation, lack of To form an assembly to elect a patriarch and © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Jews, Christians and Muslims all across the funds, lack of education and by-laws and the attend annual or by-annual convention to Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA universe consider Jerusalem the most histor - constitution had to be written accordingly. plan “future” Jerusalem for all Armenians. and additional mailing offices. ical, meaningful, significant city in the world. The Jerusalem Patriachate was to prepare These lay delegates would then present a Very few, including Armenians, know that ISSN 0004-234X the clergy and attend to the needs of the “Jerusalem” item on their assemblies and all some 1,000 acres of the most valuable parcel Armenian community’s religious needs. All Armenians worldwide will be included in POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The of land belongs to Armenians, just a little that has been drastically changed except for being more familiar and more interested in Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, larger than the land owned by Greek and the same old, same old constitution. Jerusalem. Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Catholic communities. All three consider Even a cursory review will convince any We all know that Jerusalem is unique in its Other than the editorial, views and opinions their share inviolate, God-ordained and price - expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily interested soul that the Jerusalem historical, traditional, symbolic way and eflect the policies of the publisher. less. Patriarchate has faced problem after prob - extremely important to all Jews, Christians Now that the Armenian Patriarch, His lem. Fight for power and prestige among the and Muslims. God has destined us to own a Beatitude Torkom Manougian, is seriously ill brotherhood members have been constant. parcel of the most valued soil on earth. It is and unable to function, the situation remains The fate of our Jerusalem — conferred by therefore wrong and contrary to all most critical. Most urgent and most fatefully, Christians — including many Armenians — is Armenian interested to let a handful of it is tragic if not incomprehensive to note the far more than the fate and importance of our brotherhood members have all the right to Copying for other than personal use or complete silence of Armenians, the press, Holy Echmiadzin. To assume that the direct the present and future of this most internal reference is prohibited without newscasts. No community interest, no express permission of the copyright Jerusalem Patriarch is a monastic order, precious gift for all Armenians on Earth. owner. Address requests for reprints or debates, no discussions. It is simply left to means only that we have simply abandoned May the light of God’s pure sun and grace back issues to: the pleasure and whim of some three-dozen this holy God-ordained gift of God. inspire the members of the Brotherhood, to Baikar Association, Inc. clergy to determine the future of the For the longest time, the Jerusalem not only accept, but demand change as well. Jerusalem Patriarchate. What irony. To leave 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Patriarchate stood for piety and principle. the fate, the symbolism, the treasure, our Piety will remain unchanged forever. (Nubar Dorian has served as a Diocesan most precious heritage and proud possession Principle however should have some “sacred delegate for Holy Cross Church, NJ.) S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Turkish authorities, listed the demands that a united Ermish’s swift and positive reaction: Armenian delegation could make, including the demand • This deal is in the mutual interest of both Armenia and that ‘Armenia be given special commercial access to the Turkey. Trabzon would utilize its port capacity more fully, Port of Trabzon.’” Gunebakis confirmed that “Trabzon has while Armenia would save on cargo handling fees, pay given a green light to that request.” lower freight rates, and gain an alternate land access to the My Turn However, the general manager observed: “should the outside world. Turkish government provide us with the necessary permis - • The general manager would not have made a public By Harut Sassounian sion, we are ready. Armenia can easily import and export announcement on the sensitive topic of cooperation with through this location. The $7.5-billion trade volume of Armenia, unless he had advance clearance from Ankara. It Armenia would be an amazing event for Trabzon.” The is possible that the Turkish government is using Ermish’s Turkey Shows Interest in Gunebakis article, headlined “Armenia’s Eyes are on the positive statements as a trial balloon to gauge the degree Armenian Demand for Access to Port of Trabzon,” indicated that most of Armenia’s imports of support or opposition to such a move. While there has and exports currently pass through the Georgian Port of been no negative reaction from anti-Armenian nationalist Trabzon Port Poti circles in Turkey and Azerbaijan, Armenian merchants have Ermish indicated the benefits of using Trabzon instead welcomed the Turkish gesture. In a recent column, I reported that Turkey’s Foreign of Poti. He pointed out that the distance from Trabzon to • Since the Trabzon Port’s manager has announced that Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had indicated an interest in Yerevan is 430 kilometers (270 miles). “While the Port of Armenian cargo can directly cross the currently closed meeting with “diasporan leaders” to discuss Armenian Poti provides the advantage of a railroad link, there is a sig - Armenian-Turkish border rather than being rerouted demands emanating from the Genocide of 1915. nificant delay in shipments. On the other hand, there is a through Georgia, even a limited opening of the border for In response, I suggested that before Armenians consider convenient highway between Trabzon and Yerevan, which cargo shipments would eliminate the need for the highly meeting Davutoglu, he must prove his sincerity by making is available at all hours of the day. From the Port of controversial Armenian-Turkish protocols, once and for all. eight preliminary concessions, one of which is providing Trabzon to Alican [Armenia’s Margara border crossing Finally, a truly sincere gesture of reconciliation by Turkey the Republic of Armenia special commercial access to the point] is 400 kilometers, and from there to Yerevan the dis - would be acknowledging that Trabzon was a major center Turkish port of Trabzon. tance is only 30 kilometers…. Any vehicle that departs from of extermination during the Armenian Genocide. A monu - Last week, the Turkish website Gunebakis and other our location will be in Armenia within six-seven hours, ment should be erected in Trabzon Port in memory of media outlets reported the positive reaction of Muzaffer which is an unbelievable advantage for that country,” thousands of Armenian women and children who were Ermish, general manager of the Trabzon Port: “In a recent Ermish stated. placed in boats and cruelly dumped to drown in the Black article, Harut Sassounian, editor-in-chief of the California The general manager stressed that “Trabzon’s Port Sea. Courier newspaper, pointed out that Turkish authorities capacity is capable of accommodating new projects,” and It should be clear that neither giving Armenia special were actively pursuing the start of a dialog with the that “we have increased the capacity of the Port from 3.9 access to the Trabzon Port nor the erection of a monument Armenian Diaspora, and further contended that they were to 10-million tons. We are only utilizing 25 percent of the could be considered restitution for the Genocide. These are engaged in a series of meetings ahead of 2015, the 100th port’s capacity. We are prepared for any commercial oppor - simply steps Turkish officials must take to prove their good anniversary of the deportation. Sassounian, who advised tunity that might present itself regarding Armenia.” faith before Armenians can sit with them at the negotiating the diaspora not to make conflicting demands from One can draw several conclusions from Port Manager table.

LETTERS

their families. are still present today in the fiber and soul of Violence and Atrocities Must Stop On June 4, a disturbing video appeared on some irrational fanatics, their thinking and You Tube, titled “ Assyrian TV network, An practices. Arab Spring...Muslims Behead Christian Man We must all be vigilant and wise in taking To the Editor: dom viciously killed three Armenian military While Reciting Anti-Christian Islamic necessary actions to assure that we protect For those of us who are on the front lines men who were driving home. A short time Prayers.” His only crime was that he chose to and where possible, advance sane defending our heritage and culture, it is later, Azeris pepper sprayed the local kinder - become a Christian. The video clearly shows Christian and universal humanitarian essential that we are aware and conscious of garten walls and nearby homes with bullets. a young man, who even under the threat of a thinking that allows and promotes religious what is happening on the borders of Armenia Intermittent sniper attacks at random during knife at his neck, did not renounce his tolerance. and Nagorno Karabagh, as well as the horrif - the day and nighttime in these northeastern Christian belief. (If you have a weak stomach At the same time, let us never forget the ic civil war in Syria today. border villages of Armenia are fiendishly cal - do not watch this documentary film, which many good Muslim people and countries in Recently, during my May/June trip to culated to frighten families to abandon their contains graphic scenes.) the Middle East, like Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Armenia, there were confirmed reports of homes. Because of Azeri snipers and land It is essential that we fully understand that Iraq, Iran and Palestine who opened their Azeri military who had sneaked across the mines, farmers can work only 30 percent of the horrors depicted above and similar atroc - borders, welcomed, sheltered and protected Chinari village border at night, and at ran - their lands leading to severe hardships on ities experienced by our people in 1915-1923, destitute Armenians and others during the bitter genocide years. Let us not feel guilty or defenseless in speaking out against radical extremists bent on destruction. Let us speak out against Take Your Grandchildren to the ‘Park’ grave, immoral and violent actions wherever they may be. Let us speak out on issues To the Editor: grandchildren Marianna and Damian Lilla. They the park, and then return for a second time based on religious beliefs, issues, which are When I say park, I don’t mean Fenway — I loved the entire experience. They also met one of to view it in the evening when it is fully illu - critical to the survival of our fledgling mean the Armenian Heritage Park on the the supervisors from Barletta Construction who minated. Both experiences will be highlights Armenian nation and the world at large. Now, Rose Kennedy Greenway. The park is spec - built the park and who explained the workings of your summer! You can cap off your visit more than ever, we must advance through tacularly situated at the cross walk between of the pumps, pools, anemometers, which con - with a ride on the carousel nearby and then our words and actions a platform of specific Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Christopher trol the fountain height, and had them view the a walk into Faneuil Hall Marketplace where initiatives and programs to confront the Columbus Park and the North End. Walk the mechanical equipment vault. They met a Boston there are plenty of street performers enter - immoral, uncivilized, brutal thinking that labyrinth, splash in the fountain, talk about resident, Debra Nashita, who was anxious to join taining children of all ages. underlies atrocities. and explain the significance of the dodecahe - our mini tour and wanted know more about the Come back throughout the year to this We can network, form alliances with dron sculpture and beautiful reflecting pool park which has now become the destination of “pocket park” and spend some time reflect - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, other religious and and read together the inscription: “Boston her early morning walks from Beacon Hill. My ing on its accomplishment and the true non-sectarian groups and humanitarian orga - and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts wife, Mary Ann and I felt like docents, explaining meaning of this gift to the City. For more nizations to raise world public awareness to have offered hope and refuge for immigrants to Bostonians and tourists the significance of the information or to make a donation, see defend and protect our people, and to help seeking to begin new lives.” park, its features and the effort behind its con - www.armenianheritagepark.org. bring peace to our troubled planet. The park is a gift to the people of the struction. (An automated system to provide this Commonwealth and the City of Boston from information is in the works.) — Edward A. Kazanjian — Eva Medzorian the Armenian-American community of If you do nothing else this summer, visit Belmont, Mass. Winchester, Mass. Massachusetts. This sculpture is offered in honor of the one-and-one-half million victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. May it stand in remembrance of all genocides that have followed, and celebrate the diversity of Notice to Contributors the communities that have re-formed in the The welcomes articles, commentaries daytime telephone number. Armenian Mirror-Spectator safety of these shores.” and community news from our readers. In order to assure the accurate — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is noon on the Regardless of your ethnic background, talk and timely publication of articles submitted, please note the following Monday of the week of publication. to your grandchildren about this beautiful policies: — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the edi - gift from the Armenian people to the City of — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) spaced and tors and art director. Photos will be returned only if a self-addressed Boston and your own experiences. Take the printed in a type size large enough to be clearly legible (10 point or and stamped envelope is included. larger). Submissions that do not conform to these specifications will be — The will publish only one article about an upcoming organiza - opportunity to discuss their immigrant M-S grandparents or great grandparents who fled assigned lowest priority. tional event. For major special events, exceptions may be made only by to the United Stated and to Massachusetts — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions are special arrangement with the editors. which promised a new life and opportunity, encouraged. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the discretion as it did for immigrants of all nationalities. — All submissions should include the name of a contact person and a of the editors) will not be included in press releases. We recently took just such a field trip with our 16 S ATURDAY , J ULY 21, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR