JULY 20, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 1, Issue 4295 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the Since 1932 France Armenian Armenian Man Diocese Leader Resigns PARIS (Armenpress) — Leader of France’s Diocese Charged with of the Armenian Apostolic Church Norvan Zakaryan has submitted his resignation to the Causing One of Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Karekin II. ’s Deadliest According to Nouvelles d’Armenie , the letter by Zakaryan was submitted to Echmiadzin on July 1. The mandate of Zakaryan as leader of the French Crashes Diocese was scheduled to expire in 2014. MOSCOW ( Now and Russia A member of the Parish Council of the Armenian Times) — Armenian diplomats are following Apostolic Church in Paris refused to comment on the fate of Hrachya Harutyunyan, a 46-year- the resignation. Zakaryan became the leader of the old citizen of Armenia charged with last France Diocese in 2007. weekend’s deadly bus crash near Moscow. Harutyunyan reportedly crashed a truck Ex-Turkish President loaded with gravel into a bus near the city of Podolsk, killing 18 and injuring more Describes Armenian Prof. Peter Der Manuelian than 60 passengers, was currently in the hospital with minor injuries. Genocide as ‘Lawful Act’ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs told local Harvard Egyptology Professor Merges (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Former media that the Armenian embassy in Turkish President Kenan Evren said that he con - Moscow is in touch with Harutyunyan’s Ancient Discoveries with New Technologies sidered the to be “a just and defense attorneys. lawful act.” Earlier, footage had appeared on the CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard’s Philip J. King Professor of Egyptology Peter The report, titled “’s Internal Threat” and Internet, showing Harutyunyan in his Der Manuelian first discovered his passion sent to the court in connection with the hearing on arraignment wearing a women’s flowered for all things Egypt during a fourth grade the 1980 coup led by then-Chief of the General dressing-gown, prompting Armenian By Gabriella Gage history class at the Belmont Day School. Staff Erven, accuses Armenians of treason and says authorities to suggest he was purposely Mirror-Spectator Staff “I remember that as the first class that that “what happened to them was a just and lawful being humiliated. actively grabbed my attention,” said act.” Armenian Ombudsman Karen Manuelian. The report says that 50,000 to 100,000 Andreasyan formally wrote to his Russian From there, he was hooked. Luckily, young Manuelian was able to foster this inter - Armenians died while the number of Turks killed counterpart, Vladimir Lukin, this week, est locally at the famous Egyptian collection at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). was much greater, according to Radikal . bringing the human right defender’s atten - He is the university’s first Egyptologist in more than half a century. Evren and Gen. Tahsin Sahinkaya, former com - tion to this circumstance as well as asking see MANUELIAN, page 13 mander of the Turkish Air Force, are currently on him to look into this instance of humilia - trial for their role in the 1980 coup. tion and take action aimed at providing assistance to the citizen of Armenia within the scope of his powers. Turkish MFA ‘Displeased’ Harutyunyan faces up to seven years in Armenian Diocese in Canada in Disarray prison for what has been qualified as Editor’s Note: A crisis erupted at the scores. With Armenian manslaughter — breaking traffic rules Diocesan Assembly on May 25, 2013, when Eventually, Bishop Galstanyan returned Prosecutor Remarks resulting in an inadvertent killing of two or the delegates voted to elect a new Primate to Echmiadzin, where he was assigned to a more persons. in the person of the Very Rev. Aren new position. Fr. Jebejian resigned grace - ISTANBUL (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Turkish The case has elicited great response Jebejian. Partisans of the former Primate fully, preferring not to get involved in a cri - Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Turkey across Russia, with calls made for stricter Bishp Bagrat Galstanyan took the waves of to which he was not a party. Catholicos “strongly rejects” Armenian Prosecutor General control over foreigners working as drivers electronic media, trying to reverse the deci - of All Armenians Karekin II dispatched Aghvan Hovsepyan’s remarks claiming that lost with licenses issued by their countries. sion of the delegates. Adding fiction to Archbishop Nathan Hovhanissian to Armenian territories should be returned to A local news website wrote that facts, they tried to expand the scope of the Montreal to serve as a interim locum Armenia. see CRASH, page 4 crisis reviving old grudges and settling tenens, until tempers cool and the Diocese Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Levent convenes for its annual assembly to elect a Gümrükçü said “it must be known that nobody can new Primate. dare to claim territory from Turkey.” It is understood that neither Gümrükçü said “the remarks of Armenia’s Hovhanissian nor Galstanyan will run as Prosecutor General reflected the problematic men - candidates. tality prevailing in Armenia on Turkish-Armenian A group of sober-headed members of the relations and its neighbor Turkey’s territorial church have released a statement focusing integrity.” on the real issues plaguing the church com - “The statement also contradicted the obligations munity in Canada. Had these facts been of Armenia to the international organizations it is known earlier, the majority in the commu - affiliated such as the United Nations and nity would have perhaps reacted in a more Organization for Security and Coordination in balanced way. Europe,” Gümrükçü said. Here below we reproduce that statement.

The community must now be informed that Bagrat Serpazan ’s conduct has had two opposite facets. Most have known one INSI DE only. They now need to know the whole story. Vehapar is announcing an appropriate Pontifical arrangement for our community. Park for Archbishop Nathan Hovhanissian will LAS VEGAS — The Knights of Vartan’s 95th Annual Meeting con - oversee the Canadian Diocese Operations cluded last weekend, during which it was reported that the orga - Bagrat Serpazan ’s conduct has disqualified City nization has made more than half a million dollars in contribu - him from future posting in Canada. This tions to the Armenian communities of US and constructive contri - text has been prepared based on informa - Page 5 butions through humanitarian programs in Armenia and tion gathered from a number of well- Karabagh. During the four-day convocation of the Daughters of informed sources Vartan and Knights of Vartan, Nigoghos Atinizian II was reelect - It is very sad to witness the turmoil cre - ed as commander of the brotherhood. In the photo, the new ated within the Canadian community, fol - INDEX Grand Council members are, seated from left, Armen lowing the Diocesan Elections of May 25, Arts and Living ...... 10 Mahserejian, Commander Nigoghos Atinizian II and Nelson which were held in exceptionally orderly Armenia ...... 2 manner with strict compliance with the pre - Stepanian; standing from left, Robert Avakian, Michael Community News...... 5 vailing bylaws of the diocese. Unfortunately, Editorial ...... 14 Guleserian, Kevork Marashlian and Jean-Jacques Hajjar. A full however, vicious statements are continuing International ...... 3 report will follow in an upcoming issue. to be spread on the Internet, all instigated see CANADA, page 16 2 S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Egoyan Meets Tumo Students, Selects Winning Logo — World-renowned film - maker Atom Egoyan and his wife actress Arsinée Khanjian spent more than two Hranush Hakobyan Hosts hours with students at Tumo this past Saturday discussing 14 short works of Thessaloniki Mayor animation produced by participants in the Ego Film Arts logo project. GUMRI (Armenpress) — Minister of Diaspora “What I saw in the submissions was Hranush Hakobyan hosted a delegation headed by so beyond what I could have ever the Mayor of Thessaloniki Yanis Butaris. dreamt of,” said Egoyan about the 10- Hakobyan welcomed the guests and said to to-15-second, student-made animations Butaris, “I am glad that you stress the role of youth of his company logo. “I mean I was in in your programs. They have great potential to tears when I watched all of this.” deepen cooperation in economic, educational, cul- For three months, a group of 22 tural, touristic and other fields.” Tumo students conceptualized and pro - Butaris, in his speech said, “The Armenian com- duced original visual animations of munity in Thessaloniki has an important place in Egoyan’s emblematic logo. Working the social life of the city. I hope to improve rela- with animation professional Edward tions between our two communities.” Filmmaker Atom Egoyan visits Tumo for the first time with his wife, actress Arsinée Artinian via Skype and Tumo staff Khanjian, and speaks with students in the Ego Film Arts logo project. At the end of the meeting, Hakobyan and the member Mariam Poghosyan, the stu - mayor exchanged souvenirs. Butaris arrived in dents developed unique renderings of Armenia to establish closer contacts with its sister the logo with themes and narratives mated logo in one of his upcoming pro - emerging form of storytelling where city, Gumri. they felt represented the award-winning jects. multiple media platforms are combined Switzerland Will Invest director. The visit was Egoyan’s first to the to tell a single story. “Each of you have found something learning center and he took time to $30 Million in Armenia from Atom’s personal life, whether engage in conversation with the stu - knowingly or not,” affirmed Khanjian dents about both his personal journey YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Switzerland will double Montserrat Caballé as she accompanied Egoyan in the dis - as a filmmaker, as well as his excitement its investments in the South Caucasus. In Armenia cussion with the students. “You put about the potential Tumo holds for the Calls Artsakh a alone, Switzerland will invest $30 million. things together and really summed up future. The regional director of the Swiss Cooperation his essence.” “We, as a people, are extraordinarily ‘Cradle of Office in the South Caucasus, Rudolf Shokh, From an homage to Egoyan’s famous creative,” stated Egoyan. “We are amaz - addressed these new strategies, saying, “Based on Christianity,’ Sings at glasses, to a 360-page hand-drawn - ing artists and you are all a part of this the experience of previous years, the new strategy mation sequence, and various abstract amazing heritage. Now, with this build - will reflect the wide initiatives of Switzerland formulations of the logo, each anima - ing and these resources, we have the directed to mediatory missions and positive devel- tion was constructively appraised one- ability to express that.” STEPANAKERT (RadioLur) — World- opments in the region.” by-one during his visit. Egoyan returned to Tumo on Monday renowned soprano Montserrat Caballé During the coming four years, Switzerland will In the end, Khoren Matevosyan, to participate in a special panel discus - described Artsakh as a “cradle of implement investments in three main fields. Shokh Hakob Muradyan and Robert sion organized in conjunction with the Christianity.” “The most important is said, “The largest financing will be implemented in Voskanyan’s “Hands” submission was Golden Apricot International Film that this cradle of Christianity has been economic development and employment. The other selected as the winning project. Egoyan Festival. The three-person panel maintained in the region. This is the two fields will include management and public ser- indicated that he would use the ani - explored the topic of Transmedia, an greatest impression from my visit,” vices and human security and protection.” Montserrat Caballé said, speaking on Artsakh Public TV. Golden Apricot Film The world-famous soprano per - Top OSCE diplomat calls for more active formed ’s Krunk at Gandzasar Festival Concludes Monastery. Caballé said she admires Efforts on Karabagh Settlement the harmony of Armenian music and YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Armenian President Serge Sargisian late on Tuesday met with the hon- YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — The Representative of the OSCE orary guests and film industry professionals from chairman-in-office of the Organization Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Armenia and different countries of the world who for Security and Cooperation in Europe Andrzej Kasprzyk, did not rule out are participating in the 10th International Film (OSCE) has urged international media - that an Armenian-Azerbaijani meeting Festival, Golden Apricot, in Yerevan. tors to work more actively towards the “at the highest levels” would be orga - The participants of the meeting spoke with the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh nized by the end of the year. Armenian head of state about the history and suc- conflict as he held meetings with The co-chairs said that they and the cesses of Golden Apricot as nominations in this Armenian officials in Yerevan. ministers “continued ongoing discus - year’s festival. They spoke about the reputation of Speaking at a joint press conference sions on the substance of the peace the Golden Apricot Festival growing from year to with Foreign Minister Eduard process, focusing on means to reduce year, the range of its participants expands, and the Nalbandian on Monday, Minister of tensions between the sides and create Foreign Affairs of Leonid conditions for a meeting at the highest Montserrat Caballé with Archbishop number of movies increases too. The film festival kicked lasted through July 14. Kozhara said: “Ukraine supports the levels later this year.” The theme of the festival was “Crossroads of activities of the OSCE Minsk Group, Speaking in Yerevan, Kozhara also Cultures and Civilizations.” but we believe that the mediators urged Armenia and to devel - . She was should work more actively, as no inter - op contacts on the civil society level, inspired by the stories told by the national conflict has yet been solved emphasizing that Ukraine was ready to Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Apricots Exported Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Around the World Pargev Martirosyan. “This is a very important moment, YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net ) — Armenian apri- because it’s a great blessing to be in cots remain popular not only domestically, but this island of Christianity. Christianity internationally, with 26,800 metric tons of apricots sits very deep in my soul. All this is like already exported to Russia this year, Deputy a miracle,” she said, confessing that she Agriculture Minister Robert Markaryan said. had similar emotions in and “In addition, 3,800 tons were exported to Vatican. and about 76 tons to the Netherlands, Norway and Montserrat Caballé was in Artsakh Belarus. For the first time, Armenian apricots were for a private visit. She visited exported to Zimbabwe,” Makaryan added at a news Stepanakert, Gandzasar, Shushi and conference in Yerevan. had a meeting with NKR President Bako Sahakyan. Sahakyan noted that she had a great PM Congratulates Biden number of admirers in the republic and On Independence Day underlined that cooperation with Foreign Minister of Armenia Eduard Nalbandian, right, with his Ukranian counter - famous artists would greatly contribute YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Armenian Prime part, Leonid Kozhara to the development of culture in Minister Tigran Sargisian congratulated US Vice Artsakh. President Joe Biden on occasion of the American NKR Culture Minister Narine Independence Day celebrated on July 4. within the framework of conferences or offer a platform for holding such meet - Aghabalyan said the private visit will be “On behalf of the Armenian government, I con- meetings.” ings and roundtable discussions and followed by practical steps. There are gratulate you on this holiday and with the In a statement issued from Vienna, work as far as possible to eliminate the plans to organize master classes next American people peace and welfare. The Armenian- Austria, on Saturday, following yet humanitarian consequences of the con - time, she said. American relations have been developing during another round of talks with the foreign flict. “Montserrat Caballé’s visit to the recent year, helping strengthen our country’s ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, After his meeting with the Armenian Nagorno Karabagh was a great honor security and economic stability,” Sargisian said in the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk foreign minister and their joint press and great joy to us. I’m confident it will his message. Group, Ambassadors Igor Popov of the conference the OSCE chairman-in-office have an influence on both the develop - Russian Federation, Jacques Faure of reportedly headed for a meeting with ment of culture in Nagorno Karabagh France, and Ian Kelly of the United Nagorno-Karabagh Republic President and the recognition of Arsakh,” she States, as well as the Personal Bako Sahakyan. added. S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL International News Moldovan Ombudswoman in Hot Water over Statements in Armenia YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Igor made her speech from the tribune. Grigoriu returned to the Moldovan Petition Launched to Korman, the speaker of the Moldovan The statements drew an angry capital of Chisinau where she is fac - parliament, has accused response from both the Armenian ing backlash this time from her col - Prevent Destruction of ombudswoman Aurelia Grigoriu of hosts of the event and many interna - leagues in parliament. damaging the country’s reputation by tional delegates attending it. Grigoriu’s According to the Moldovan news Houses in Mush delivering a controversial speech in assurances that she was not explicitly website publika.md, Grigoriu risks ISTANBUL (PanArmenian.net) — An Istanbul the Armenian National Assembly last serving the interests of Azerbaijan did losing the support of members of the Armenian group has launched a campaign to col- week as part of an international con - not convince most of the observers as country’s parliament as Speaker lect signatures on imzakampanyam.com to protest ference held in Yerevan. the Moldovan jurist’s ties with the oil- Korman said that she is to testify the destruction of historical Armenian houses in Grigoriu, one of the delegates rich nation could easily be tracked via before the parliamentary human the town of Mush. attending the conference on European online social networking sites. rights commission over her behavior The petition claimed that the majority of the standards for the rule of law that was Meanwhile, media in Azerbaijan in Armenia. municipal council members responsible are repre- organized by the Council of Europe in gave a new dimension to the story by “This was a serious mistake. This sentatives of the ruling Justice and Development the Armenian capital on July 4-5, claiming Grigoriu was pressured in shouldn’t have happened,” said the Party (AKP) led by Prime Minister Reçep Tayyip accused Armenia of continuing the Yerevan because of her comments — top Moldovan legislator. Erdogan. “The Genocide that started in 1915 con- “occupation of 20 percent of something that the Armenian side Meanwhile, the Armenian Diaspora tinues till today as cultural and economic Azerbaijan’s territory” and of having has vehemently denied, blaming in Moldova demands that Grigoriu Genocide,” wrote the petitioner author. So far, the committed a “genocide” against the Azerbaijan for fueling another anti- resign before her parliamentary man - petition has been signed by 679 people. Azerbaijani people during the 1992- Armenian hysteria. date formally expires in three months’ 1994 war in Nagorno-Karabagh as she After the conference in Yerevan time. New Iranian President Sends Letter to Library of Alexandria Wins Calouste Gulbenkian Prize Sargisian

LISBON — The Library of Alexandria, served in a number of capacities at the was made a member of the French TEHRAN (PanArmenian.net) — Iranian President one of the most prestigious centers of World Bank, including as Vice President Order of Arts and Letters in 2011. Hassan Rouhani has replied to the congratulatory knowledge worldwide, and its director for Environmentally and Socially The Calouste Gulbenkian Prize Jury message Armenian President Serge Sargisian sent Ismail Serageldin are the winners of the Sustainable Development (1992-1998) is made up of Sampaio (Jury President), on the occasion of the Iranian elections. 2013 Calouste Gulbenkian Prize, which and for Special Programs (1998-2000). Vartan Gregorian (Carnegie “We are hopeful that the efforts being exerted by amounts to 250,000 euros ($326,000). He has published over 60 books and Corporation, USA), Paul Brest both sides will help the promotion of bilateral rela- “The Library of Alexandria is a cul - monographs and over 200 papers on a (Stanford Law School and former tions in all directions. We will expand our coopera- tural reference point around the variety of topics including biotechnolo - President of the Hewlett Foundation), tion with Armenia through mutual understanding, Mediterranean resulting primarily from gy, rural development, sustainability, Commander Pedro Pires (former presi - trust and respect,” wrote Rouhani in the letter. the vision, the commitment and the tire - and the value of science to society. He dent of the Republic of Cape Verde), less work of Ismail Serageldin,” stated holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Princess Rym Ali of Jordan (founder of Supplies Distributed to the jury for the international Calouste engineering from Cairo University and the Jordan Media Institute), António Gulbenkian Prize, attributed annually Master’s degree and a PhD from Nóvoa (rector of the University of Armenians to an institution or a person, that stands Harvard University and has received Lisbon) and Mónica Bettencourt-Dias out for their role in defense of the val - several honorary doctorates. Among his (researcher at the Gulbenkian Institute ALEPPO (Armenpress) — Aleppo Armenians con- ues essential to humanity. many other distinctions and honors, he of Science). tinue to live under war conditions. Emergency and From among the 70 nominations recovery organizations continue to supply families received, the jury presided over by Jorge in need. According to Zarmik Poghikyan, a reporter Sampaio chose to honor the Library of from the Gandzasar newspaper, “Various organiza- Alexandria, an Egyptian institution of tions help Armenian families in need.” learning and knowledge that last year Gordon Brown Awarded Raoul The blockade of the city continues despite efforts completed its 10th anniversary, and its of the governor. On July 16, some supplies of veg- director Ismail Serageldin, an “academ - Wallenberg Centennial Medal etables were delivered to local markets, though at ic and cultural activist of excellence.” increased prices. “The supply of electricity and In the words of the jury: “The Library STOCKHOLM, Sweden — In June, from a neutral country, Wallenberg vol - water has been improved compared with previous of Alexandria is unique in the sense that Gordon Brown was awarded the Raoul unteered to go and do what he could to days. Dozens of cars with fuel have entered the it represents a large Egyptian library, Wallenberg Centennial Medal for his help. This story of courage beyond city,” said Poghikyan. international in scope, endowed with services to educating young people endurance is a story that must be told According to further reports, Aleppo Armenians the mission of serving as a center of about the Holocaust and its rescuers. for generations to come.” are doing their best to continue with day-to-day life. learning, tolerance, dialogue and under - At a ceremony hosted at the residence As chancellor in 2005, Brown allocat - The Syrian pan-national regional department has standing between cultures and peoples of the Swedish Ambassador Nicola ed funds to the Holocaust Educational organized events for Armenian children and other as well as a leading institution in the Clase, Eduardo Eurnekian, chairman of Trust (HET) to allow British school young people called “Life Goes On.” Poghikyan digital era.” the International Raoul Wallenberg pupils to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau said, “These are Aleppo Armenians with Armenian On the site where once stood the Foundation (IRWF) presented Brown concentration camps. So far, 18,000 culture.” ancient Library of Alexandria, October with the award. The ceremony was pupils have visited the site where over 2002 witnessed the inauguration of a attended by a number of Holocaust sur - one million people perished at the Air Arabia Returns to complex making up the modern Library vivors and rescuers, including Sir hands of the Nazi regime. In 2009, of Alexandria. Today, this vast complex Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Czech shortly after visiting the camp himself, Armenian market receives about 1.5 million visitors every children before the outbreak of the war the British Hero of the Holocaust year. In addition to caring for millions of in September 1939 by evacuating them Award was also established to recognize SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates (Arminfo) — The books and providing the intellectual and aiding them in rebuilding their the heroism of British nationals during low-cost carrier Air Arabia is returning to the center point to many important region - lives. the Holocaust, with Nicholas amongst Armenian market and will launch Sharjah-Yerevan- al and international networks, the The Centennial Medal is awarded in its recipients. Sharjah flights on August 16, Husam Raidan, Air Library of Alexandria furthermore honor of Raoul Wallenberg, who used Presenting the medal, Eurnekian Arabia airline head of the Corporate Clients and hosts a number of institutions and his position as Sweden’s special envoy said, “This award is bestowed upon Customer Relations Department, said at a press incorporates a vast digital archive, six in Budapest, Hungary to protect the Gordon Brown in recognition of his conference on Tuesday. specialized libraries, four museums, a lives of tens of thousands of Jews near lifelong commitment to promote story Raidan said that the flights will depart from planetarium, eight academic research the end of the Second World War. of Raoul Wallenberg. The award is Sharjah International Airport on Tuesdays and centers, 15 permanent exhibition facili - Wallenberg was detained by the Soviet also a recognition to the brave British Fridays arriving at Zvartnots International Airport. ties, four art galleries for temporary Army in 1945 and disappeared in their rescuers of the Holocaust – one of Return flights will depart on the same days. exhibitions and a conference center in custody in suspicious circumstances. whom is here today, Sir Nicholas Raidan said that August 16-30 the tickets for addition to other infrastructures. While his actual fate remains unknown, Winton, who turned 104 last month. Yerevan-Sharjah-Yerevan flights will cost $175. The Serageldin also chairs the Boards of his legacy has been preserved by the We hope this award elevates the return ticket for Yerevan-Sharjah-Sri Lanka flights Directors for each of the library’s affili - IRWF, which promotes the values of recognition of such honorable and will cost $550. Air Arabia said they had a “special ated research institutes and museums. “solidarity and civic courage” through courageous actions.” surprise” for the media representatives — a 30-per- He serves as Chair and Member of a education and public awareness cam - The Swedish ambassador said, “As cent discount on tickets if professional identifica- number of advisory committees for aca - paigns. we remember Raoul Wallenberg’s life tion document is presented. demic, research, scientific and interna - Speaking at the ceremony, Brown and work, as well as other heroes´ When asked by reporters why the company had tional institutions and civil society said, “To be here with Sir Nicholas courageous actions, we reaffirm our decided to return to the Armenian market after an efforts. He was Chairman of the today is a huge privilege. For 40 years common aspiration for moral under - unsuccessful run, Raidan replied, “Return to the Consultative Group on International he sought no award or recognition. standing and justice in the world. His markets is the model of the company’s business.” Agricultural Research (1994-2000); Only later was the full extent of his brav - story will forever live and inspire future To note, Air Arabia entered the Armenian market in founder and former Chairman of the ery known. He really is a hero of our generations.” 2005 and stopped the flights in 2006. Raidan point- Global Water Partnership (1996-2000) country.” Brown has long been vocal about the ed out that the market has changed for the better and the Consultative Group to Assist Accepting the medal, he continued, Wallenberg story. He profiled and that the company will contribute to tourism the Poorest (1995-2000), a microfinance “This is an award that should have gone Wallenberg in his 2007 book, Courage , development. program; and was Professor at Collège to my father. He inspired me to think of describing him as “an inspired leader de France, Paris, and Distinguished the sacrifice of people in the Holocaust whose strength of character summoned Professor at Wageningen University in and made me aware very early in life of others to his cause and whose bravery the Netherlands. Serageldin has also the story of Raoul Wallenberg. Hailing defied all logic of self-preservation.” 4 S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Diyarbakir’s Surp Giragos Church to Have Museum

ISTANBUL (Hürriyet Daily News) — A part of Concerning the objects to be displayed, Ayik He said the collected belongings would be sands of years” and had built a “big kingdom.” the Surp Giragos Armenian Church in said belongings from Armenian artistic, cultur - transferred to the inventory of the foundation “I wish with my whole heart that the hap - Diyarbakir will be opened as a museum for the al and economic life, including old letters, com - pending the signing of a protocol for the museum. piness and positive mood deriving from invig - history of the Armenians from the southeastern mercial documents, music pieces, household Ayik said that until four years ago, the only orating the past that was fading into oblivion province. appliances, clothing, paintings, carpets and remaining trace of Diyarbakir’s Armenians was and paying the debt of conscience we owe to Ergün Ayik, head of the Surp Giragos Church rugs, stalls and craftsmen’s tools, would be two ruined churches in the city, adding that our ancestors will be felt by a greater part of Foundation, said that a building within the exhibited in the museum. Armenians had lived in the region for “thou - our society,” Ayik said. church’s complex would be transformed into the Diyarbakir Armenians History Museum. Ayik said that upon his meetings with Diyarbakir Mayor Osman Baydemir and the Diyarbakir Culture and Tourism Directorate, Karabagh President Slams Baku over ‘Destructive the Armenian Culture and Arts section of the Diyarbakir City Museum, which is to open in a newly renovated historical building, would Policy’ Hampering Conflict Resolution be opened within the Surp Giragos Church. The church was renovated and opened for YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Nagorno- mitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk, other services two years ago thanks to donations Karabagh Republic (NKR) President Bako within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. officials attended the meeting in Yerevan. from the Armenian community and Diyarbakir Sahakyan accused Baku of pursuing ‘destructive He stressed the necessity of restoring the negoti - Meanwhile, on Monday Kozhara was also Metropolitan Municipality. Stating that the inte - policy’ obstructing peace in the region as he met ating format approved at the Budapest summit of received by Armenian President Serge Sargisian. rior design of the Armenian museum would be a top Organization for Security and Cooperation the OSCE, adding that it is impossible to reach a Sargisian reportedly hailed the visit of the dele - handled by the municipality, Ayik said the in Europe (OSCE) official visiting Armenia on comprehensive resolution without the NKR’s gation headed by the OSCE Chairperson-in- museum’s security would also be provided by Monday. direct participation in the negotiating process. Office, which he said showed the Ukrainian chair - the same office. During the meeting between Sahakyan and Sahakyan charged that official Baku’s destruc - manship’s attention towards the South Caucasus. “The cleaning, electricity and water costs will OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ukraine’s Foreign tive policy is becoming more dangerous over time During the meeting both sides expressed their be catered by the municipality, as well as the 24- Minister Leonid Kozhara that took place in and is the main obstacle to the settlement of the full support for the Minsk Group’s mission in the hour surveillance of the church complex,” said Yerevan the sides reportedly discussed a number conflict. This position must be given an appropri - Karabagh conflict settlement. They also discussed Ayik. “Thus, our foundation will be freed of an of issues related to the settlement of the ate assessment from the international communi - the recent developments in the Karabagh peace important amount of costs.” Karabagh conflict. ty, he emphasized. process and touched upon the issues of interna - The foundation president said the museum According to the NKR president’s press office, NKR Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan, tional agreements on arms control, the presiden - would be formed from personal belongings and Sahakian emphasized official Stepanakert’s com - Personal Representative of the OSCE tial press service said. called for the Armenians, who possessed objects from their ancestors, to send them to the Surp Giragos Church Foundation. He added that as the building was going to be con - structed according to the collected objects, St. Movses Khorenatsi Kindergarten Graduates potential donors should make haste in shipping their belongings. TBILISI — On June 29, in the Calouste Armenian Diocese, Boris Saakov, said that he Petrosyan, presented the St. Movses Khorenatsi Gulbenkian Hall of the Hayartun Center of the appreciated the evening’s activities and that his Kindergarteners with course completion certifi - Armenian Diocese in Georgia, a farewell mati - support had been well-utilized. cates. nee of St. Movses Khorenatsi Kindergarten Mirzakhanyan blessed the audience and After the graduation, a christening ceremony President Addresses senior group students was held. The clergy, praised the kindergarteners’ activities and their of the kindergarten students and the parents of Armenian Genocide teachers, parents, guests and representatives of spirit of Armenian culture. two children took place at the Surb the Tbilisi Armenian community all gathered Anna Petrosyan, the wife of the Hayartun Etchmiadzin Church in Avlabar under the lead - during Visit to for the festivities. Center Board of Trustees member Nelson ership of Mirzakhanyan. Children in festive attire opened the holiday Concentration Camp with a prayer after receiving a blessing from the In Poland head of the diocese, Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan. Mkhitaryan joins Dortmund for 27.5 million euros WARSAW (ArmeniaNow) — President Unlike previous events, the graduates them - Serge Sargisian of Armenia addressed the selves welcomed the audience and hosted the BERLIN — Champions league runners-up issue of the Ottoman-era Genocide entire matinee and also recited the alphabet, Borussia Dortmund have paid 27.5 million against Armenians as he visited a World sang songs and performed dances. euros ($35.38 million) to buy Armenian inter - War II concentration camp in Poland on Ten of the 16 St. Movses Khorenatsi kinder - national attacking midfielder Henrikh Wednesday as part of his official visit to garten graduates will start the new school year Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk, the the country. in the local Armenian school. Principal of Ukraine side said on Tuesday. The Armenian leader visited Majdanek School No. 104 Irina Zhamkochyan and a rep - “Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia have settled located near Lyublin, which now serves as resentative of the Armenian Embassy, Vahagn all matters on Henrikh Mkhitaryan transfer to the a memorial complex. After laying a Afyan, assessed the students’ preparation level German club. Transfer fee is 27.5 million euros,” wreath in the mausoleum of the complex and the kindergarten teachers’ contributions. Shakhtar said in a statement on their website. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and paying tribute to the memory of the The headmistress Eugenia Markosyan, song Mkhitaryan, capped 37 times by Armenia, tens of thousands of victims which were and dance teachers Lala Gevorgyan and Narine had an impressive season as he helped exterminated by the Nazis in this concen - Ghushchyan and the spiritual supervisor Shakhtar win the Ukraine league title and Michael Zorc told Dortmund’s website. tration camp, Sargisian made a speech, in Deacon Gevorg Antonyan all aided in the cre - reach the Champions league last 16 where they Mkhitaryan, who scored 46 goals in 106 which he shared his emotions and feel - ation of more opportunities for students and a were knocked out by Dortmund. games after joining Shakhtar in 2010, is ings as well as called for the condemna - strong foundational Armenian education for “We are delighted that we got a fantastic new Dortmund’s third signing of the close season tion and prevention of similar crimes in them. signing for the attacking midfield role in following the arrivals of Sokratis and Pierre- the future. Benefactor of the Hayartun Center of the Henrikh Mkhitaryan,” BVB sporting director Emerick Aubameyang. “From hushing up and denying the reality up to criminal silence and noncha - lant connivance — these are the condi - tions in which the gravest crimes in Armenian Man Charged with Causing One of Russia’s Deadliest Crashes human history are taking place. Majdanek might have not happened if the first geno - CRASH, from page 1 road turn “for reasons that so far remain days. cide of the 20th century perpetrated Harutyunyan chose migrant work in Russia to unclear,” causing his truck to fall on one side Degtyaryov said transit plates allow drivers against the Armenians had received uni - earn money for a tombstone for his son who and most of the gravel to fall into the bus, grave - to avoid punishment for violating traffic rules versal condemnation and had the perpe - reportedly had been killed while serving in the ly injuring passengers. because they are not included in a unified data - trators received their due punishment,” Armenian army. The truck may have been overloaded and also base of the national traffic police. said the Armenian leader, according to his Armenian President Serge Sargisian sent a may have had faulty brakes, the official said. Saturday’s crash will speed up enforcement press office. telegram of condolence to his Russian counter - Harutyunyan reportedly committed seven of legislation that would oblige holders of for - “It would be remiss of me if I did not part, Vladimir Putin, over the tragic bus crash. traffic violations last year, including crossing eign driver’s licenses to obtain Russian licenses, recall the words of the one of the greatest According to the presidential press service, into an oncoming lane of traffic and driving Mikhail Bryachak of United Russia, who is first sons of the Polish nation, a person utter - Sargisian asked Putin to convey his condo - a car in improper operating condition. deputy head of the Duma’s Transportation ly devoted to the all-human values and lences to the families and relatives of those On Monday, State Duma Deputy Mikhail Committee, told Izvestia. That law will take solidarity among the people - John Paul killed in the crash. He wished a speedy recovery Degtyaryov of LDPR proposed a bill that would effect in the fall, Bryachak said, without elabo - II, ‘The Armenian Genocide had become a to the injured. increase the maximum fine for driving with rating. prelude to the horrors which were to take On July 13, a KamAZ truck ploughed into a expired transit plates, which are temporary Vitaly Yefimov, another first deputy head place during the two World Wars, in the bus in a Moscow suburb. As a result, the bus numbers given to a new car or one that is up of the Transportation Committee, told concentration camps and countless split in half. for sale, from 800 rubles ($25) to 10,000 rubles The Moscow Times that before Saturday’s regional conflicts, claiming millions of In the wake of the deadly bus crash, State ($306) for a first-time offender. For repeat crash, the law banning foreign licenses had lives.’” Duma deputies Monday proposed tightening offenders, a 5,000-ruble ($153) fine would be been set to take effect on November 1. He continued, “There is no condemna - both traffic regulations and punishment for vio - replaced by suspension of one’s driver’s license It was unclear on what date the law will now tion without prevention and there is no lating them. for up to three months. take effect. prevention without condemnation.” An unidentified police official told Interfax The bill would also reduce the allowed period Monday, July 15, was declared a day of that the driver exceeded the speed limit at a for driving with transit plates from 20 to 15 mourning for the victims. S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 CommCuOMMnUNITiY NtEWyS Ne ws

Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway Nish Boyajian ‘Commemorates, Memorial Contributes to the Foundation Entire City’ Barbecue Raises BOSTON — “Memorials are tricky …” writes Spirits and Funds Karen Cord Taylor in Downtown View (June 18, 2013). “The most successful examples are, QUINCY, Mass. — On what turned out of course, Lincoln’s, Washington’s … The to be a beautiful Memorial Day Sunday, Armenian Genocide Memorial on the Greenway, May 26, saw the 10th annual Nish is another success. I was skeptical … (but) Boyajian Memorial Foundation Barbecue. Armenian Heritage Park turned out to be love - With well over one hundred people in ly and interesting. It evokes an experience attendance, the annual fundraiser was a beyond the catastrophe it commemorates. It resounding success. Those attending contributes to the entire city, not to a single enjoyed traditional Armenian, Greek, group of people.” Arabic and Irish music played superbly by Since Armenian Heritage Park on Boston’s Dr. Harry Papazian, Garo Papazian, Mal Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway opened on Barsamian, John Berberian, Hagop May 22, 2012 so many visit, spend time, and Garabedian, Joe Koumjian and Costas meet family, friends and colleagues. The Park’s Maniatacos. Armenian and Middle two features serve to engage all ages: an Eastern delicacies, drinks, and desserts Abstract Sculpture, a split dodecahedron, rest - were in abundance, as well. With plenty of ing upon a Reflecting Pool and a Labyrinth. Pictured center left to right: Dearborn Mayor Michael A. Guido congratulates delicious food, music and hospitality, this This year on the first Sunday in April, the Westborn Market founder George Anusbigian and his son, Anthony Anusbigian is always a special day. on their 25th anniversary at the original Westborn location in Dearborn. Sculpture was reconfigured for the first time. The event has been growing steadily The annual reconfiguration – one of over twen - each year, and this year a record amount ty - celebrates the immigrant experience, all was raised, enabling the foundation to who were pulled away from their country of ori - build much-needed playgrounds in outly - gin and came to these Massachusetts shores, Westborn Market establishing themselves in new and different ways. The Sculpture is “dedicated to lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-23 and Celebrates 50th all genocides that have followed,” the words etched on the base of the Reflecting Pool upon which the Sculpture rests. Its waters wash over its sides and reemerge as a single jet of water at Anniversary the Labyrinth’s center, representing hope and rebirth. The white flowers blooming in late DETROIT (Free Press) — The Anusbigian family continue the Westborn tradi - PETER VANDERWARKER PHOTO tion 50 years after opening in 1963. It started 50 years ago as a fruit stand at Michigan and Oakwood in Dearborn where George and Jeanette Anusbigian sold produce. Fans came in a variety of ages. Westborn Market is still located at that inter - section, but the fruit stand has been replaced by ing villages in Armenia, such as By Carol Cain a sprawling 25,000-square-foot building where Akhuryan. In the last year, playgrounds the family still sells produce as well as meat, have been built in Arevic, Ghugasayan dairy, deli, wine, flowers and much more. and Mrghayan, all through the direct The company has grown to include stores in Berkley and Livonia and is run by financial and logistical support of the the couple’s three sons — Mark, Jeff and Anthony. They have 300 employees in all. Nish Boyajian Foundation, and the help (Jeanette Anusbigian died in 1989 and George in 1994). of new board member and point person in Westborn Market has continued to grow amid fierce competition in the special - Armenia, Rev. Dajad Davidian. ty market — produce still being the name of the game for the family-owned oper - Foundation head Richard Boyajian ation. was very pleased with the turnout and “We have two buyers at Detroit Produce Terminal (near Ambassador Bridge said, “as always, a debt of gratitude is where produce is brought in each day) at 3 a.m. who carefully pick out produce owed to the generous people who make for our stores,” said Bryan Bandyk, marketing manager of Westborn Market. this such a tradition, successful in so The produce is taken directly to its many ways.” stores to make sure the product is as Raising funds for the foundation’s char - fresh as possible. itable works in Armenia is the corner - “Fresh blueberries or right-in-season stone of the barbecue, always held on cherries are the backbone and DNA of Memorial Day Sunday, and with that goal our company but that freshness has extended to different areas as well,” said The Armenian Heritage Park Anthony Anusbigian. “We are also looking for fresh ways to support our local farmers and artisans. April pay fitting tribute. This mission has helped us to stay rele - On the evening of April 23 this year, a vant in an extremely competitive retail Candlelight Vigil, hosted by the AGBU Young world,” he added. Professionals with the AYF-YOARF Greater He cannot remember a time in his life Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter, fittingly commemo - when he didn’t work at the market. rated the 98th anniversary of the Armenian “The lines between where home life Genocide with poetry, prayer and song as can - started and work life ended were mostly dles flickered in the rain’s mist. blurred,” Anusbigian said. Seated outdoors, attendees enjoyed good The Labyrinth, an ancient pattern of concen - “It’s not really a career, it’s a total food and company. tric circles, celebrates life’s journey. Art, lifestyle commitment,” he added. “We Science, Service and Commerce are etched feel as if our patrons really are entering Westborn founders George and in mind, the Belmont Senior Quilting around its outer circle in recognition of accom - our home and we are forever attempting Jeanette Anusbigian Circle donated quilts for needy children of plishments made. to create a warm and inviting experi - Armenia as well as one that was raffled In collaboration with the Labyrinth Guild of ence.” for the foundation. Also copies of the New England, monthly labyrinth walks are held Westborn has been successful by keeping its focus on all things local. book The Astrologer of Karabagh, pub - at the Park on the third Wednesday of the “We have more than 3,000 Michigan-based items in our stores,” he said. “We lished by the Armenian Cultural Center month from May-October at 7:30 a.m. and have developed annual ‘Meet Michigan’ food festivals that we host at our stores and edited by Ara Ghazarians, were sold noon. and we’ve partnered with the Michigan State University Product Center on their with a portion of sales going to the foun - The Park’s Labyrinth is the only labyrinth on ‘Making It In Michigan’ marketplace food show.” dation. public land in the northeast. People travel The next MSU marketplace show will be held November 12 in Lansing. For more information visit worldwide to walk a labyrinth. “Labyrinth see MARKET, page 7 www.boyajianmemorialfoudation.com designs have been found on ancient coins, see PARK, page 7 6 S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

as well as two preaching missions in Armenia. Father Garen Gdanian He was a well-loved, kind, gentle and intelli - gent man. His passion for his church and for the LATHAM, N.Y. — Father Garen Gdanian, 88, married the former Zabelle Kludjian and togeth - people he served never ceased to be a second died on Thursday, June 27, 2013, surrounded er they had three children. priority. His family was always number one. As by his family. In September of 1957, he became pastor of a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and He was the second child of the late Kevork St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church great-grandfather, he filled his family’s lives and Siranoosh (Tavookjian) Gdanian. He was in . Archbishop Mampre Calfaian, with knowledge and joy that will stay with them born on February 1, 1925 in Aleppo, . His who was the Primate at that time, made the for a lifetime. As an important figure in the baptismal name was Sarkis. He attended local change in assignment. He stayed in this second Capital District community and throughout the Armenian schools, first, the Nersessian School, parish for 13 years, until 1970. Eastern Diocese, he will be dearly missed. then Zavarian, and later Gertaisratz School. At He was elected pastor of St. Peter Armenian He is survived by his wife, Zabelle (Kludjian); the age of 13, he entered the Armenian Church of Troy, NY and began serving this com - daughter Arpy Gdanian Ernest, son Kyn Seminary of and studied there six munity in September 1970. The parish was (Maureen), daughter Garyn Ahearn (Brian); six full years. In 1944, he returned to Aleppo and building a new church sanctuary in Watervliet grandchildren: Katrina Ernest Mayba taught at the Zavarian Armenian School for one and in two months’ time, the church communi - (Christopher), Lucy Gdanian Stoyles (Gregory), year. From 1945 to 1947, he studied at the ty moved from Troy to Watervliet. He faithfully Naomi Gdanian, Anna Gdanian, Josiah Gdanian Armenian Theological Seminary of Antelias, served this third parish for 19 years. (Chelsea) and Gregory Gdanian and two great- Lebanon. In the year 1947, Father Garen came Following his retirement in September 1989, Fr. Garen Gdanian grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves behind to the United States as a student upon the invi - Gdanian continued to serve the St. Peter parish several nieces, nephews and cousins. tation of then Primate, Archbishop Tiran and community as pastor emeritus up until the He was pre-deceased by two brothers and one Nersoyan. He studied at the Episcopal time of his death. and Siena College in Loudonville, NY. He was a sister. Theological School in Cambridge, Mass., where In 1977, he received his floral Pilonium and member of the Watervliet Clergy and Capital The funeral service took place on Tuesday, he received a Master of Divinity degree in 1950. in 1984 he was elevated to the rank of Avak Area Clergy Support Group. He also published July 2, in St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, He continued his studies one more year by Kahana or arch priest. He served on the several inspirational books based on his ser - Watervliet. Interment followed in Albany Rural attending the Harvard Divinity School. Diocesan Council from 1971 to 1975. mons and life experiences. Cemetery, Menands, NY. In lieu of flowers, Gdanian was ordained a deacon in January of The St. Peter Parish and Eastern Diocese of Although retired, he always helped out by fill - donations may be made to St. Peter Armenian 1948 and was assigned to Lowell Armenian the Armenian Church of America honored and ing in as a priest when needed in the Diocese, Apostolic Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 196, Church as deacon-in-charge. On December 19, celebrated his milestones of ordination to the including the nearby Springfield and Watervliet, NY 12189. Visit 1948, Nersoyan ordained him as a priest at St. priesthood in 1973 (25 years), 1988 (40 years), Binghamton parishes. He also travelled to serve www.parkerbrosmemorial.com to leave a mes - Vartanantz Church of Lowell, Mass., giving him 1998 (50 years), and 2009 (60 years). parish communities in Texas, Ohio and Florida, sage of condolence. the priestly name Garen. He served this parish Gdanian continued his studies by joining var - nine years as its pastor. It was at this parish that ious workshops and seminars and by attending he met his soulmate, Zabelle. In 1952, Gdanian courses at the University of New York at Albany Donations Aram Hagop Kalikian In memory of Arsen Demerjian, Arman and Marilyn Norehad donate $100 to the Armenian . FREDERICK, Md. — Aram Hagop Kalikian, He was also a fine model maker, and many of Mirror-Spectator 88, formerly of Cranston RI, died on July 1. his jewelry creations earned top prizes and *** Born on October 20, 1924, to Hagop (born in awards. In memory of her father, Garabed Hovespian, and godfather John Bogosian, Ruth Swisher and Agn, Turkey) and Haigouhi Artinian-Kalikian Aram Kalikian and Vassilica Effeian met her husband, Wilford, of Newington, Conn., donate $100 to the . (born in Bucharest, ) he grew up in each other in Yerevan, and after a brief Armenian Mirror-Spectator Bucharest, with his sister, Louisa (1921) and courtship were married on April 25, 1954. brother Garabed (1923). They moved to New York City in August 1973 Due to the early and prolonged illness of his with their two sons, Hagop and Varoujan. Telephone (617) 924-7400 father, young Aram Kalikian became an appren - Soon after his arrival, Aram Kalikian opened tice to a master jeweler in order to help his fam - a small jewelry business on 47th Street, in ily. Hardship followed him, as he lost his parents Manhattan’s jewelry district. Here again, he Aram Bedrosian and brother in soon became recognized as an honest and the early 1940s. hardworking master jeweler. In 2007, the Funeral Home, Inc. However, by couple moved to Cranston, RI. They were in hard labor and the process of moving to Frederick when he Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 honest applica - succumbed to illness and passed away at tion of his trade, Frederick Memorial Hospital. MARION BEDROSIAN he was able to He is survived by Vassilica, his wife of 59 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN survive the years; their two sons, Hagop and Varoujan, and WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN tough years dur - their spouses, Armine and Aida; four grandchil - ing World War II dren, Arpi, Aram, Arman and Narek; his sister in Romania and Louisa of Salem, Mass, and two nieces, immigrated to Haigouhi and Araxi, and their spouses, Onig Armenia in 1948 and Richard, and their children Ara, Manoug, Nardolillo Funeral Home with his sister Hasmig, Anahid and Karine. Est. 1906 Aram Hagop Kalikian Louisa. Despite having limited education, he loved to Unbeknownst read and was able learn on his own to read, John K. Najarian, Jr. to him, the same ship which transported him to write and speak three other languages, in addi - Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Armenia was also carrying his future bride, tion to his native Romanian. He succeeded in Vassilica Effeian. learning how to read and write Armenian, 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 In Armenia he quickly earned a reputation as Russian, and finally at the age of 50, he made a 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 a trusted and well respected master jeweler, and special effort to learn English. trained many young apprentices along with a The funeral service was held on Saturday, www.nardolillo.com few of his fellow recent emigrants from the dias - July 6 at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, pora. He was instrumental in establishing the followed by burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery. first fine jewelry manufacturing factory in the The family asks that in lieu of flowers, dona - then-Soviet Republic of Armenia. The facility tions be made in his memory to St. Mary went on to become one of the major fine jewel - Armenian Apostolic Church, 4125 Fessenden ry production facilities in the former USSR. St. NW, Washington, DC 20016. Azad Nakashian Torikian GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC COSTA MESA, Calif. — Azad Nakashian Mark J. Giragosian Torikian died on July 4, after a long illness. She Funeral Counselors was 64. She was born in Cairo on November 29, 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 1948. www.giragosianfuneralhome.com She leaves her husband, Varoujan Torkian; daughter and son-in-law Maral and Ara Dakessian; daughter Aleen Torikian and son Garen Torikian; granddaughter Dahlia Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Dakessian; sister Ani (and husband Hratch) Torikian of Montreal; mother-in-law Lucine Torikian; sister-in-law Rose Kassardjian and fam - ily, as well as members of the Nakashian, Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Dakessian, Mazmanian, Demirdjian, Bilemdjian, Titizian, Mouradian and Terzian families. Funeral Chapel Funeral services were held on Thursday, July Serving the entire Armenian Community 11 at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Costa Mesa. Internment followed church services Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 at the Memory Garden Memorial Park, Brea. Memorial donations in her memory may be Azad Nakashian Torikian Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 sent to St. Mary Armenian Church, Costa Mesa. S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Heritage Westborn Market Celebrates 50th Anniversary Park on the Greenway ‘Commemorates, MARKET, from page 5 At the event, budding vendors and creators Contributes to the of local products gather to learn more about Entire City’ the business. As part of the festivities, a com - petition is held and one person will win a PARK, from page 5 chance to have their product featured at the embossed on pottery, etched onto cave walls three Westborn Market locations for a year. through the Renaissance... ,” reports Cheryl “Buying and supporting local is less of a Balian Scaparrotta in “Labyrinths Exploring strategy and more of a core philosophy of the Path of Life,” WestonWellesley Magazine, how we operate our business each and Winter 2012/2013, which profiled with photos every day,” Anusbigian said. Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway. Catering is another booming area as World Labyrinth Day, an international initiative Westborn has been providing party trays, of The Labyrinth Society, was held for the first fruit baskets, floral designs to families and time at the Park on Saturday, May 1. Each year corporations. on the first Saturday of May at 1 p.m., people From wines to special cheeses, they often worldwide “walk as one in peace and harmony.” special-order products for customers. Public programs at the park are offered in col - “With a bigger focus on helping keep laboration with the Mayor’s Office of Art, employees healthy, we are now also deliver - Tourism & Special Events and the Greenway ing fruit to over 30 companies each day,” Conservancy with the Friends of Armenian Bandyk said. Heritage Park. Bandyk, who has been with the company Corporate walks and meetings at the Park also for seven years, admits one challenge has providing opportunities to engage. Several cor - been overcoming the stereotype that porations an the Boston Elderly Commission because the store is smaller, its products are have been building awareness of the health and Pictured, left to right: Anthony Anusbigian, with his wife and two children, Mark more expensive. team building benefits of walking a labyrinth. Anusbigian, center, with his wife and two sons, standing in the truck and Jeff Anusbigian, Many have observed that although the Park is in “That’s just not true,” Bandyk said. “We with his wife and two daughters. are competitive and in some cases, even less the middle of the city, there is a unique sense of expensive. We keep our finger on prices and quiet and calm felt by visitors. we know our customers do as well.” tion, the company is featuring events in all more on those events, see westbornmar - Fourth graders from the North End’s Eliot As part of its 50th anniversary celebra - three stores through the end of the year. For ket.com. School recently met with the park’s archi - tect/designer at the park to learn about how a geometric shape becomes art, how the split dodecahedron was constructed and is reconfig - ured annually — and its meaning. For Boston By Foot and other walking and Bone Marrow Registry Sponsors Walk of Life in Watertown on September 28 bus tours, the park has become a popular desti - nation. WATERTOWN — On Saturday, September 28, life,” said ABMDR President Dr. Frieda Jordan. extremely difficult to find suitable bone marrow During Labor Day weekend, Armenian the New England Chapter of the Armenian The walkathon will take participants on a 2.2- matches among the existing international bone Heritage Park — its sculpture and labyrinth — Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) will mile route that begins at the Armenian Cultural marrow donor registries, the ABMDR’s data - will be highlighted in the Boston Arts Festival host its second annual Walk of Life walkathon and Educational Center (ACEC), 47 Nichols base serves as a vital resource when crisis at Christopher Columbus Park. here. Funds raised through the walkathon will Ave., and concludes at the Faire on the Square strikes,” said Jordan. On October 24, 2013, the fourth annual support the work of the ABMDR, which helps town celebration on Main Street, where partici - “Whether you choose to walk or sponsor a Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Armenians worldwide survive life-threatening, pants can enjoy the festivities, including local walker with a monetary contribution, you can Hall will take place. An endowed public pro - blood-related illnesses by recruiting and match - food, music and dance. make a huge difference in someone’s life so gram, the purpose of the endowed series is to ing donors to those requiring bone marrow “Every step taken during the walkathon, we‘d like to urge the entire community to sup - advance understanding of human rights issues stem cell transplants. brings hope for a long-awaited bone marrow port this event.” said Alvart Badalian, chair of and societal abuses worldwide, and to increase “Bone marrow transplanting procedures are match for a fellow Armenian struck with a life the New England chapter of ABMDR. To regis - awareness of the work of individuals and orga - now as simple as a blood draw, and pose little threatening disease like leukemia or other ter for the walkathon, sponsor a walker or for nizations so that we are all more actively or no pain, so raising funds to recruit bone mar - blood-related illness — and since the unique more information, visit www.abmdr.am/ne- engaged. The annual lecture at Faneuil Hall has row donors is a key first step toward saving a genetic make-up of Armenians, makes it walk/. been inspired by the New England women and men — intellectuals, politicians, diplomats, reli - gious leaders and citizens — who from 1895- 1918 at Faneuil Hall heard the eyewitness accounts of the atrocities taking place against the Armenian minority of the Ottoman Empire and spoke passionately about the urgent need for intervention. Distinguished Bostonians, among them Julia Ward Howe, Clara Barton, Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Alice Stone Blackwell, heard these accounts and were moved to assist the Armenians. Philanthropists nationwide raised over one hundred million dol - lars. The American Red Cross launched its first international mission with Clara Barton bring - ing aid to the Armenians. America’s first inter - national human rights movement was launched, as told in Peter Balakian’s The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America’s Response (HarperCollins, 2003). Construction of the park and its endowed public programs have been made possible because of the commitment of supporters. The Armenian Heritage Foundation, sponsor of Armenian Heritage Park, comprises representa - tives from 42 Armenian-American parishes and organizations within Massachusetts. The foun - dation has now embarked on the last phase of the campaign to build the endowed fund for the park’s ongoing care and maintenance. That the park be impeccably cared for is critically impor - tant. There are several ways to support and par - ticipate. Contributions may be made on line at www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org/DONATE or by mail. For a Sponsor Form, email [email protected]. A few naming opportunities at the park remain. For further information, call James Kalustian (617) 899-4309, Charles Guleserian, (617) 484- 6100 or Haig Deranian (617) 489-9465. All sup - porters will be acknowledged in the Commemorative Book. For further information, visit ArmenianHerigtagePark.org or email [email protected]. 8 S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O

and Sts. Tarkmanchants School. The ACYOA Central Council Walking Alongside the Lord presented Manougian with a check for $1,000, as part of the organization’s annual contribution to the Armenian Patriarchate. This year, the pilgrims also presented three checks on behalf of other organizations: $20,000 was contributed by St. In the Holy Land John Church of Southfield, Mich.; $6,000 was collected by the Women’s Guild Central Council for Sts. Tarkmanchants School and $5,000 was raised by the Knights and Daughters NEW YORK and JERUSALEM — of Vartan for the school. They stretched their heads above Following lunch with members of the St. James the crowd and peered through the Brotherhood, the young people took part in an evening ser - heavy incense smoke rising in the vice at Sts. James Cathedral. They received a formal tour of sanctuary, as a rare ceremony the Patriarchate and enjoyed social time with local Armenian unfolded before them. Here, in the youth at Sts. Tarkmanchatz School. dimly lit interior of Sts. James “One of the most important things I learned on this pil - Armenian Cathedral, a group of 27 grimage was about the Armenians of Jerusalem,” said Aaron young pilgrims from the Eastern Derderian of St. James Church of Watertown, Mass. “I saw for Diocese caught their first glimpse myself how much they love and cherish our presence here.” of the ancient Armenian presence On Saturday morning, June 8, the pilgrims visited the in Jerusalem. Armenian Seminary of Jerusalem, where they met with local The young people were among clergy and youth for a discussion on the ways they can live the pilgrims attending the out the teachings of the Gospels. The conversations resonat - enthronement ceremony of ed with this year’s Diocesan theme “Living the Gospel of Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Christ.” the 97th Armenian Patriarch of “This trip really inspired me to be a better leader in my Jerusalem, on Tuesday, June 4. church,” said Alex Manucharov of St. Sarkis Church of They had arrived in Jerusalem just Charlotte, NC. “The experience of being in Jerusalem showed a day earlier to take part in this me how unique our church is, and moved me to become more year’s Diocesan youth Pilgrims with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian at the Jordan River. involved in our community.” to the Holy Land. Rising before 4 a.m. on Sunday, the young pilgrims made Under the leadership of Diocesan their way through the Old City to the Church of the Holy Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the Rev. Mardiros upon which Jesus prayed on the night of his arrest. During a Sepulcher, the site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and glorious Chevian, the young people spent 10 days tracing the footsteps Bible study session, they examined Jesus’ anguished prayer in resurrection. Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. of Christ, deepening their understanding of biblical history, the garden, and discussed the importance of both individual Another highlight of the journey was a stop at the Jordan and learning about the history of Armenians in the Holy and communal prayer. River, where Christ was baptized by . Land. The pilgrimage was made possible through a contribu - “Being at the Garden of Gethsemane helped me to realize Barsamian and Chevian performed the “Blessing of Water” tion by Aso Tavitian of New York, who has supported a num - that Christ became truly human for mankind,” said Tamar ceremony. The olivewood crosses that were used during the ber of Diocesan youth programs. Pounardjian of St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, ceremony were presented to two pilgrims whose birthdays “The enthronement of Archbishop Nourhan Manougian Ohio. “He suffered and he endured pain, and knowing this were closest to the date of the visit to the Jordan River: was a special moment that I am proud to have witnessed,” said gives us hope when we encounter times of crisis.” Crystal Densmore, of St. Mesrob Church of Racine, Wis., and pilgrimage participant Sevak Marout. He added that At the Church of Dominus Flevit on the Mount of Olives, Marcus Dalakian, of St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ. Archbishop Manougian had served as a pastor in his home where Jesus wept for Jerusalem, the group sang Der Other sites the pilgrims visited were the Mount of parish of St. Kevork Church of Houston, Texas. “The fact that Voghormya and Hayr Mer. Later they visited the Pater Noster Temptation, Upper Room, Pool of Bethesda, Jericho, Qumran the Patriarch knew me and my family made it an unforget - Church and found the “Lord’s Prayer” inscribed in Armenian, Caves and the Dead Sea. They also saw sites sacred to other table privilege to attend the ceremony,” he said. as well as in more than 130 other languages. They concluded faiths present in the Holy Land, including the Dome of the Earlier on June 4, the pilgrims took part in the celebration their third day in Jerusalem by joining the local Armenian Rock and the Wailing Wall. of the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Nativity in community for a reception to celebrate Manougian’s Their journey came to a close at the very site from which Bethlehem, where they served on the altar and sang the enthronement. sacred hymns of the badarak. Traveling outside “Today we embark on a journey that has the power to Jerusalem, the group head - shape us, and direct us, throughout our lives,” Barsamian said ed to the region of Galilee, in a sermon that morning. “As we learn more about our Lord, where they visited the we will also learn more about ourselves, and we will recognize Church of the Beatitudes. the great potential that lives within each of us — which Christ During a Bible study led by wants to draw out of our hearts.” Fr. Chevian, they reviewed He went on to outline the qualities that Christians should the Beatitudes of Jesus strive for: humility, outreach, forgiveness, sacrifice, compas - and considered how these sion, and love. “Our mission is to follow Christ,” Barsamian teachings can help them said, “and then to encourage others to listen to his call, and become better leaders in follow him.” their parishes. At the conclusion of the service, the group proceeded to the “As we were discussing Armenian monastery and later walked through the the Beatitudes, I realized Shepherds’ Field, where the angels passed on the joyous news that we were doing the of Christ’s birth. exact same thing that The next morning, the pilgrims traveled to the Church of Jesus did thousands of the Tomb of the Blessed Virgin, where Chevian celebrated the years before us,” said Alexis Davitian of St. Mary Church of Hollywood, Fla. “It was the most moving and beautiful epiphany I have ever had.” Standing in prayer at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. “It’s uplifting for me to witness the spiritual growth in our young peo - ple as they discover their Armenian Christian identity while Jesus ascended into heaven after giving his disciples the Great walking in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ and experi - Commission. Here, at the Church of the Ascension, the pil - encing the strong and historic Armenian presence in the Holy grims attended a pre-festal service, or nakhadonag, for the Land,” Fr. Chevian said. “It’s always a blessing for me to help Feast of the Ascension. The service was presided over by them in that discovery.” Archbishop Manougian. A boat ride took the group across the Sea of Galilee. The “To spend our whole trip following in the footsteps of Jesus young people enjoyed a period of quiet meditation, and later and to end our trip where Jesus ended his time on earth with sang and exchanged the “Kiss of Peace.” They also saw the his disciples was remarkable,” said Chelsea Kress of St. Leon A Bible study at the Pool of Bethesda. site where Jesus multiplied the fish and the bread to feed a Church of Fair Lawn, N.J. “You can read about these places in crowd of 5,000 people, and traveled to Nazareth to visit the the Bible, but to visit them brings it full circle. This trip was Church of the Annunciation, built over the well at which Mary life-changing and deepened my faith in God.” Divine Liturgy. Armenians hold services daily at the church, received the news that she would conceive a child. At Mt. On their final evening in Jerusalem, the young people gath - which marks the site where Mary was buried by the apostles Tabor, they saw where Jesus was transfigured before the apos - ered at a local Armenian restaurant, where they celebrated before her assumption into heaven. tles Peter, James, and John. the new friendships formed during the pilgrimage and reflect - “Witnessing the Armenian presence at the Church of St. ed on what they had learned in the course of the trip. Mary was a moving experience, and it gave me a great sense Visiting the Armenian Patriarchate “This trip changed me for the better,” said Aaron Derderian. of pride,” said Danielle Malconian of Holy Trinity Church of The next portion of the pilgrimage was spent at the “I just graduated from college, where for the past four years I Cambridge, Mass. “I felt the strength of our roots in the Holy Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. At the cemetery of the experienced a bit of a separation from my faith and the Land, and began to understand the dedication of those who Patriarchate, Barsamian and Chevian performed a requiem Armenian Church. After my pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I preserve our heritage here.” service for the souls of past patriarchs. feel more rejuvenated and eager to reconnect with God and At the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All The group met with Manougian, and had the opportunity my church.” Nations, the pilgrims kneeled and prayed before the rock to learn more about the Patriarchate, Sts. James Cathedral, — Kathryn Ashbahian contributed to t his report. S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O Camp Nubar Hosts 50th Anniversary Celebration, Open House

DELANCEY, N.Y. — On Sunday, July 28, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Camp Nubar will hold its annual open house, which will serve as a platform to celebrate its 50th anniversary on campgrounds. Open House has traditionally offered an opportunity for campers to showcase to their parents and friends the skills learned through - out the summer, such as horseback riding, water-skiing, performing arts and Armenian dance and song. It also showcases friendships made in an Armenian environment set against the backdrop of the Catskill Mountains. For for - mer campers and their children, Open House is an excuse for informal reunions among friends and former campers. This year, the tradition will be extended and enhanced through activi - ties tailored to engage everyone visiting on this occasion. The highlight this year will be the rededica - tion of Lake Arax in a blessing ceremony presided by Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), along with Rev. Vertanes and Yn. Anahid Kalayjian, who are remembered by gen - erations of campers for their active and pro - longed involvement with the camp. “We have to encourage every Armenian parent This year’s campers are already excited about AGBU Camp Nubar’s Open House. to visit with their children that wonderful place where a miracle is carried out every day, where the Armenian identity is developed amid games, director for many years. “Open House will be an environment as Camp Nubar.” “We look forward to welcoming visitors to activities that include ceramics and other crafts, opportunity for parents to see why they have to “Camp Nubar has left unforgettable, sweet Open House each year, but on this occasion, we horseback riding and water sports,” said send their children there. I cannot think of any memories in me,” said Kalayjian, former camp are even more excited to have alumni from so Vertanes Kalayjian, who served as the camp’s place in the United States with such an edifying nurse and spiritual guide every Sunday. “I’m many generations and so far away join us,” said happy I served for 25 years toward our Camp Director Jennifer Omartian. “The teenagers’ physical, moral and cultural develop - campers eagerly await this important ceremony ment.” and the new achievements they will share with Camp Nubar creates the opportunity to edu - their parents and friends. We hope many famil - cate the new generation, strengthening their iar and new faces will come see our beautiful young bodies, souls and minds,” continued grounds and witness the amazing bond of this Kalayjian. “There, our children get acquainted community.” with our culture, our language, Church, songs, Group transportation for Open House has dances, traditions and customs. They learn been arranged for Sunday, July 28, departing what Vartavar is about, how Armenians tradi - from New York City (Midtown East Courtyard tionally celebrate weddings, Christmas and New by Marriot,Third Avenue and 53rd St.) and New Year. Every morning, we gathered around the Jersey (Dwight-Englewood School, 315 E flagpole and I would teach them a parable with Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ). Vans will leave a moral, so that they would reflect on it the early in the morning and return in the evening whole day.” the same day. This year, Open House has been structured Festivities begin the night of Friday, July 26 as a family day and will include bounce houses, with the 50th anniversary celebration at face paint, games, relays, hikes, special snacks Guastavino’s in New York City. and other activities, which will be free of For more information and tickets, visit camp - charge. There will be a fee for lunch. nubar.org/50.

Peter Balakian Appointed Nikit and Eleanora Ordjanian Visiting Professor at Columbia University for Fall NEW YORK — Prize-winning writer and Lifelong Learners (people over the age of 65) scholar Peter Balakian has been appointed the will be $800. Registration may be done online Nikit and Eleanora Ordjanian Visiting Professor at www.ce.columbia.edu/auditing. in the Department of Middle East, South Asian This course will be an investigation of the and African Studies at Columbia University for impact of genocide on the self and the imagi - the Fall of 2013. He is the Donald M. and nation’s representations in literature, film, and Constance H. Rebar Professor of the video testimony. Primary texts will include poet - Humanities in the department of English at ry, memoir, video testimony, film and visual art. Colgate University, where he has taught since The course will concern itself with the after - 1980. math of two 20th-century genocides — that of Balakian was also the first director of the Armenians in Turkey during World War I Colgate’s Center for Ethics and World and that of the Jews in Europe during World Societies. War II — both seminal events of the 20th cen - Balakian’s nine books include Black Dog of tury that, in various ways, became models for Fate, which won the PEN/Albrand Prize for ensuing genocides. memoir, and The Burning Tigris:The Armenian The Visiting Professorship program at Genocide and America’s Response, which won Columbia is made possible by an endowment the Raphael lemkin Prize and was a New York established by the late Dr. Nikit and Eleanora Times best seller. Ordjanian in 1998. Previous Visiting Professors The pioneering scholar, in English, who have included Levon Abrahamian, Vardan opened up in Anglo-American literature the Azatyan, Melissa Bilal, Beorge Bournoutian, field of Armenian Genocide trauma and memo - Seta Dadoyan, Helen Evans, Roberta Ervine, ry studies, Balakian will be teaching a course Rachel Goshgarian, Arman Grigoryan, Robert titled “The Armenian Genocide and the Hewsen, Ara Sarafian and Khachig Tololyan. Holocaust: Memory and Representation.” The Fall 2013 Ordjanian Visiting Professorship This course has been approved to satisfy received additional support from the Armenian Columbia University’s Global Core requirement General Benevolent Union (AGBU). — a first for any courses offered through the The Visiting Professorship is one of several Ordjanian Visiting Professorship Program. programs of the Armenian Center at Columbia, The seminar-style course (G4326, Call # the organization that raised the initial funds to 86035) will be taught on Thursdays from 2:10 – establish a Chair of Armenian Studies at 4 p.m. and is open to auditors as well as matric - Columbia in 1979 and which continues to pro - ulating students. Registration is from August vide funds for scholarships, library acquisitions, 26 to 30 and classes begin September 5. academic publications, lectures, conferences Tuition for auditors will be $2,500 and for and symposia. 10 S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Photography Exhibit Love Lure , New Reveals Gleaming, Book of Poetry, Gritty New York Debuts at Diocese WAKEFIELD, Mass. — Local photographer, Ara Hagopian, is currently showing his photo - graphic exhibit, “New York 72 Hours: Street By Florence Avakian Photography” at Creations Café, 400 Main St. through August. Hagopian spent three consec - NEW YORK — In his new book of poetry utive days and nights photographing in New titled Love Lure , author Kevork Kalayjian Jr. York City last month to complete the project. has written, “A table appears in different shapes “New York is a city of big idea, important peo - and diverse dimensions from different perspec - ple and renowned landmarks,” said Hagopian. tives. Similarly, the feeling of love is shaped “One of my favorite pairings is the Cyndi from different perspectives — the maternal, Lauper photograph and the shot of the crude paternal, procreational, sibling and friendship tile floor with the single star inlay. In New York, and other perspectives. In Armenian, the sound there are stars among millions of non-stars and and utterance of Love Lure translates to ‘good those two photographs show the dramatic news,’ another perspective from which to range of that basic idea.” understand love and its many promises.” The exhibit also features a write up for each On Thursday evening, June 20, at the Diocese photograph. In “Silver and Gold,” Hagopian’s of the Armenian Church (Eastern), the Zohrab study of light and shadow, he wrote, “As the sun Information Center, and the Armenian Studies sets, varieties of tone mover across the city’s face. Program sponsored the debut of Love Lure . Fortunes migrate with time. Gold is here and Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian, Coordinator of the gone. Silver spreads and sheds. Darkness knits Diocese’s Armenian Studies Program welcomed and takes it over — it’s also on its way out.” the audience. Familiar landmarks are shown in new and inno - Born in Azez, Syria, Kalayjian, whose vative ways. Time Square was shot in black, white descends from Genocide survivors, graduated and red. The Rockefeller building is presented using from the Melconian Educational Institute in 20 organic tints under intricately cut layers. Radio Nicosia, . Continuing his education in City Music Hall was shot at night, but with a high America, he received a BA in political science Nora Armani and Mike Camoin and economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University, an MEd in counseling psychology from William Patterson University and a CPA from Pace University. However, his chose his profession as an audi - Rated SR New York Film tor for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. To round out his multi - faceted interests, he has written that he is “pas - Festival Shines New Light sionate about painting, writing and gardening, and plans to raise bees in his backyard beside his vegetable and fruit garden.” On Film Violence Kalayjian comes from a large, well-known family, which includes his wife Maral and three NEW YORK — Nora Armani, founding artistic director, announced this week a sons; brothers Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, former new film festival that will launch in New York City and Rensselaerville, NY, March long-time pastor of St. Mary’s Armenian Church 14-20, 2014. in Washington, DC, and Vasken Kalayjian, a Titled “Rated SR” for Socially Relevant, the festival is a response to the prolifera - painter and designer; sisters Dr. Annie “Cyndi’s Eyes” by Ara Hagopian tion of violence and related social ills in today’s movie industry. The fest aims to sat - Kalayjian, an international human rights isfy a market need to concentrate more on everyday positive human stories seeking activist, and Zarmine Boghosian, principal of an audience. the Holy Martyrs Church Armenian Day exposure value so the neon sits evenly with the The Downstate-Upstate event will provide festival attendees and public alike with School, who shared fond remembrances of their buildings’ natural tones. the best of both worlds: the buzz of Manhattan and the rural setting of early family life. Hagopian, 48, is an artist, writer and photog - Rensselaerville. The main goal of the festival is to support filmmakers who are pro - The book of poetry has been designed and rapher. He has exhibited work in 30 solo shows ducing films that tackle the tough social and environmental issues of the day with - edited by Kevork’s son, Aramazt, and his wife, since 2004. His pen-and-ink “The Magnificent out relying on gratuitous violence or sensationalism to draw in an audience. Ani, respectively, both of whom will be spending Recovery” was selected by the Museum of Fine “Rated SR aims to show that socially relevant films can be of high artistic value, a year in Armenia volunteering their services in Arts, Boston for their 2008 summer art auc - educate, enlighten, but most of all equally entertain and be commercially viable,” several villages under the auspices of the tion. Hagopian’s book, What Happened to said Armani who holds extensive festival organizing and curatorial skills honed from Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). Both Kevork Vicky Lee? A Collection of Short Stories, will decades of experience in the United States and overseas markets. Armani organized Kalayjian and Ani read a number of poems from be released this month. film weeks at London’s ICA, Cine Lumiere, AFI in Los Angeles and Kennedy Centre, the book which has been divided into three sec - collaborated with Paris’s Pompidou Centre, The Edinburgh and Cambridge Film tions – “Love Lure,” “No Comment” and Festivals and the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Armani had her films in the “Requiem.” A memorable segment of one of the Arpa International Film official selection of the Cannes Film Festival and is invited to attend the Producers poems reads, “You still always wonder it ever Network at the Cannes Film Festival this year. exists, the warmth, the tears, the jealousy, the Festival Call-for-Films Armani is joined in organizing “Rated SR” by Mike Camoin, founder of the festi - aggression, the beauty…Love.” val’s Filmmaker’s Lab that will take place March 18-20 during the Upstate portion LOS ANGELES — The Arpa International Closing the literary event, the Very Rev. of the fest. Camoin is an Albany-based filmmaker, producer and director with a num - Daniel Findkyian, director of the Zohrab Film Festival is currently hosting a call for film ber of completed documentaries and shorts. Camoin is currently in post-production submissions for the upcoming 16th annual fes - Information Center at the Diocese, called with “An American Life: The Journey from Violence to Hope,” centered on mental Kalayjian “a man of enormous depth, a tival to be held September 26-29 at the illness and criminal justice featuring David Kaczynski. Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Renaissance man, aware of love and beauty. The Armani and Camoin met serendipitously in Rotterdam during the fest’s synerget - work displays our Armenian heritage and iden - “We encourage all filmmakers to take advan - ic industry forum and quickly discovered a mutual interest in non-violent story - tage of Arpa Film Fest as a launch pad to a tity, both with a biting edge, and enormous telling. It is this synergy they want to carry over to New York with “Rated SR.” strength and vitality.” career in filmed entertainment and production Joining Armani and Camoin is Carol Ash, president of the Carey Center for Global arts,” said Festival Director Alex Kalognomos. Love Lure can be purchased in the bookstore Good, in Rensselaerville, which will host the Upstate section of the Festival on its of the Armenian Diocese, 630 Second Ave. “We have hosted many notable premieres of 100-acre campus. “The Carey Center for Global Good’s mission is bringing together films that have gone on to commercial success, innovative and dynamic people from around the world to seek creative solutions to distribution and VOD. Currently, ‘Lost and the most pressing challenges of the day. Rated SR’s theme of non- violence make Found in Armenia,’ which had its US premiere this partnership particularly unique,” said Ash whose facility began hosting dia - at Arpa last year, is enjoying consecutive sold logues through film in 2012. out screenings nationwide. Other success sto - “We’re quite fortunate to have found a partner in the Carey Center for Global ries include ‘My Uncle Rafael’ and the interna - Good,” stated Camoin. tionally acclaimed film, ‘Venezzia,’ which had Keeping with the tradition of the institute, the Upstate retreat center is an ideal its world premiere at Arpa,” said Kalognomos. facility for filmmakers to gather in a supportive environment and move their respec - This year’s festival will focus on the feature tive and significant stories to completion. “The screening and lab components are film genre and industry programs aimed to help designed to be complimentary,” he noted. filmmakers develop their projects. Armani is a seasoned actor and filmmaker who notably draws her inspiration, Kevork Kalayjian (third from right) with family The 2013 event will also include an anniver - see FESTIVAL, page 12 sary screening of “Khachaturian” at the members at last week’s book celebration American Cinematheque. S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Sayat Nova Dance Company Enjoys Busy Summer

BOSTON — In the past 27 years, many all-volunteer dancers, is apparent and carried young women and men have passed through out during each dance number. At SNDC, the doors of Sayat Nova Dance Company of members perform alongside life-long friends, Boston (SNDC). On any given Sunday, one siblings, cousins, spouses, classmates, and can hear the music at Abaka School for the some, with their own offspring. This is what Performing Arts in Watertown, as a vibrant sets Sayat Nova Dance Company apart from group of dancers continue to rehearse tire - most other dance groups. The intimate rela - lessly, to keep the tradition of Armenian folk tionships between members allow this group dancing alive. They represent the Armenian to function as a large family, depending on community of Watertown in many different one another, surpassing all expectations with venues ranging from the West Coast to each and every show. Montreal, Canada and as far away as Armenia Dances such as “Zankezour” or “Jahel and Artsakh. Locally they have performed on Sirds” characterize the beauty of Armenian prestigious stages such as the Cutler Majestic women through graceful dancing while the Theatre in the Theater District of Boston, strength of Armenian men comes through in Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown and dances such as “Kochari,” an old folk dance most recently took part in the Jacob’s Pillow that has been performed in the Armenian Dance Festival, in the beautiful Berkshires in highlands for over a thousand years. Western Massachusetts. The Boston community will have yet anoth - Being given the opportunity to perform er opportunity to see SNDC perform as they and take part in the Jacob’s Pillow have received an invitation to represent the Inside/Out Dance Festival on July 4 was one Members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company at the Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Dance Festival Armenian community in Boston’s first annual of the most significant events in SNDC histo - Outside the Box arts Festival. This free, one- ry. A national historic landmark and hour performance, is taking place on July 19, America’s longest-running dance festival, the highest arts award given by the United tion-and-answer period that followed the per - at 7 p.m. at Boston Common’s Park Street Jacob’s Pillow has hosted more than 50 pro - States government. formance, it was apparent that they were mes - Stage, located near the Park Street T stop. fessional dance companies from around the SNDC performed for 45 minutes, to a merized by the program. Recruitment of new members has begun as world. It has been awarded the National capacity audience who was intrigued, and The hard work and dedication that direc - SNDC opens its doors to new members. Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama, based on the questions asked during a ques - tor/choreographer Apo Ashjian instills in his — Shushan Yegoyan

Mayreni Publishing AGLA New York Hosts Inaugural Benefit Issues Khodorchur: Lost

NEW YORK — Some 30 guests attended a March that it participates in. One of the night’s literature...[he] embodied them and worked for Paradise, Memories of May 23 event at the home of Veken Gueyekian guest speakers, Maria Mahl, a human rights them in a meaningful way.” Agabian read two A Land and its People and Hrag Vartanian in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, advocate who currently works at the United excerpts from her own books where she men - to celebrate Armenian gay, lesbian, bisexual and Nations on women’s security and peace build - tioned Stambolian, Princess Freak and Me As MONTEREY, Calif. — A new book, titled transgendered unity and to raise money for spe - ing and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Her Again. Khodorchur: Lost Paradise, Memories of a cific organizational goals. (SOGI) rights, commented on the importance of The event raised close to $2,000. Atamian said, Land and its People , is about the steadfast Specifically, the benefit targeted three areas, the work that AGLA NY does, saying, “It is espe - “There are so many established benefits already in people and beautiful land of Khodorchur chairman and Armenian Gay and Lesbian cially important now given the backlash against New York and in the Armenian community, but (now Sirakonaklar, Turkey), a cluster of his - Association (AGLA) New York board member LGBT people that we have seen of late.” everyone reacted beautifully and understood the toric Armenian villages referred to as Little Christopher Atamian explained, “We’re begin - A third goal of the benefit was the creation of importance of our organization and its activities.” Rome in the late 18th century. Its pages ning a small ‘Emergency Fund’ to help lesbian, the George Stambolian Memorial Scholarship Particularly for Armenian LGBT youth and bring to life the customs and traditions of a gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in for LGBT students or those of Armenian origin. community members who sometimes feel ostra - hardy people who toiled to keep their land need both in Armenia and the diaspora — for Stambolian was a beloved professor of French cized in a conservative community, AGLA NY and identity against all odds and who were example to help rebuild a bar like DIY which literature at Wellesley College, one of the says they want to provide a lifeline of hope and eventually deported and nearly completely was firebombed in a recent hate crime, or to founders of LGBT Literature and the editor of friendship to its members and allies. From its annihilated by the Turkish state during help with legal fees for LGBT people in need.” the famed Men on Men writing series. beginnings in 1998, AGLA NY continues to World War I. A second aim was simply to raise funds to help Stambolian passed away from AIDS in 1991. grow. “In memory of this group of Armenian with the everyday expenses of running the One of Stambolian’s former students, Nancy For more information or to donate to pro - Catholics, isolated in their mountainous organization and the many meetings, confer - Agabian, spoke of him, saying, “[He was] aware jects such as the Emergency Fund or the range north of Erzurum, we have only a few ences and events such as New York’s PRIDE of and appreciated the paradoxes of life and of Stambolian Scholarship, visit www.aglany.org. photographs and this famous work pub - lished by the Mekhitarist fathers — a memo - rial that is indispensable.” Raymond Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2013

Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 and reached out to 4,440 teachers and school workers in Armenia and Karabagh.

£

K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have the teacher’s name and address. K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— Name Kevorkian, historian, author of The Address Armenian Genocide: a Complete History . City State Zip code This hushamadean book is a complete Tel: translation of the original with enhance - ments. The volume contains 652 pages, 18 Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 pages of plates, new maps, an update of the Mail your check with this form to: dialect, and an addendum on travel to the region by a survivor’s son. TCA Sponsor a Teacher 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Published by Mayreni Publishing, based in Monterey, it is currently available from Your donation is Tax Deductible. NAASR bookstore in Belmont, Mass., and on amazon.com. 12 S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Friends and Supporters Celebrate during the Children of Armenia Fund’s Summer Soiree

NEW YORK — The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of children in rural Armenia, celebrated the beginning of summer with its third annual Summer Soiree on Tuesday, June 25. COAF Board Member Khalil Barrage served as the evening’s host, welcoming guests who gathered at the PH-D Rooftop Lounge of the Dream Downtown Hotel. Friends and supporters of COAF came together and celebrated the organiza - tion’s recent accomplishments and raised funds for water projects in Armenia’s rural villages. The evening featured multiple fundraising opportunities, which helped COAF raise more than $30,000. Guests moved to the tunes of DJ Ellison Robinson and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres as well as mini-cupcakes provided by Baked by Melissa, one of the evening’s sponsors. Other sponsors of the event included Duggal Visual Solutions, who provided all of the print and visual materials for the event, as well as Yerevan Magazine. For more information, visit coafkids.org. COAF is an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental 501(c)(3) organization.

Enjoying the rooftop portion of the reception

Rated SR New York Film Festival Shines New Light on Film Violence

FESTIVAL, from page 10 among others, from the work of Sherry Lansing, Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela. Armani studied drama and sociology in England and currently divides her time between London, Paris and New York. Her most recent work, “Moving Stories,” screened at the Monaco Film Festival in the official selection in May 2013. Khalil Barrage, left, with Garo Armen Camoin is founding member and former President of Upstate Independents, Inc. He is an advisory board member to The New School of Radio and Television, and serves as a consul - tant to the Albany Film Commission. He has appeared on Vox-Pop with WAMC’s public radio Alan Chartock discussing all things independent motion pictures.

From left, Larry Feinberg with Maryam and Khajag Keledjian

Guests enjoyed mingling. S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Harvard Egyptology Professor Merges Ancient Discoveries with New Technologies

MANUELIAN, from page 1 no longer possible even at Giza itself.” He added, share of misconceptions. The most common to preserve history and share it with the public. The last Egyptologist at Harvard was George “Imagine how much more preservation a 1904 ones, according to Manuelian, are: the notion “I hope archaeological legacies all over the A. Reisner (1867–1942), whom Manuelian photo of a painted tomb wall scene or hiero - that “Hebrew slaves — or better yet, aliens! — world, whether in Armenia, in Egypt or else - described as “one of the greatest archaeologists glyphic inscription will show you than one taken built the pyramids,” the misconception that where, will receive the care and preservation and Egyptologists of his generation.” in 2013.” Egyptian hieroglyphs are just pictures, not a they deserve, through both the good times and “I feel honored and privileged to try to help A collection this large called for an efficient grammatical language and that “there is a curse the challenging ones,” said Manuelian. reawaken Harvard’s glorious archaeological lega - method of organizing and record-keeping. of the pharaohs, thanks to King Tut. Oh, and cy of work in Egypt. There is indeed great pas - According to Manuelian, the expedition archive archaeologists tend not to carry around guns sion for the subject here, and I’ve been support - struggled with the weight of its own scale and and whips, unlike Indiana Jones.” ed on every level,” said Manuelian. the difficulty of “finding what you need.” When he is not researching or teaching, ADAA Arts Panel and Paul Manuelian grew up in Belmont amidst the This was a case where ancient history required Manuelian enjoys simple pleasures such as guitar Awards at WGA Beverly Boston area’s thriving Armenian community. His the help of present-day technology. “When I music, cats, architecture and graphic design, and grandmother fled Istanbul during World War I worked at the MFA, we had the good fortune to admits he has an “unholy addiction” to Apple Hills on November 8 and found her way to Boston, where she married secure more than $3 million in support from the products. a fellow Armenian and started a family. Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to digitize and Manuelian approaches his work with enthusi - BEVERLY HILLS — The Armenian Dramatic Manuelian attended Harvard University as an cross-reference online all the Giza materials.” asm and a sense of humor, always keeping the Arts Alliance (ADAA) will present a panel dis - undergraduate before earning his doctorate in Thanks to the Mellon funding and the work of issue of accessibility in mind. cussion on November 8, 7 p.m. at the Writers’ Egyptology from the University of Chicago. He more than 500 students, docents, volunteers and He has contributed to several academic jour - Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, titled “Make the also studied in Germany at the Universität supervising Egyptologists, anyone can view the nals, including the Journal of Egyptian Connection: Linking Armenians in the Tübingen. materials today at http://www.gizapyramids.org. Archaeology and the Journal of the American Entertainment Industry.” While immersed in his studies, Manuelian The Giza Project is an ongoing international Research Center in Egypt. As far as other publi - The panel will discuss relevant topics for began what would prove a longstanding rela - collaboration. Manuelian explained, “Our aim is cations, Manuelian noted, “My books have long, Armenians in the entertainment industry, tionship with the MFA, as he embarked on his to become the central repository for this most boring names, such as Slab Stelae of the Giza including those who are just starting their first volunteer summer at the MFA in 1976. In famous archaeological site in the world. We hope Necropolis; Studies in the Reign of Amenophis careers. This event will address issues that 1977, he accompanied the MFA team to Egypt to to recreate that historic collaboration between II; Mastabas of Nucleus Cemetery G 2100; and artists are faced with today and feature a con - begin his field research in archaeological projects Harvard and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Living in the Past: Studies Archaism of the versation on how Armenian artists can over - in Giza. two great institutions that share a unique archae - Egyptian Twenty-sixth Dynasty […] My chil - come challenges and maneuver their profes - He continued his work with the MFA and ological legacy.” dren’s books, such as Hieroglyphs from A to Z, sional journey in the industry. became a full-time member of the curatorial staff The project has also teamed with Dassault might be a bit more fun.” On the same evening, ADAA will be awarding in 1987 and his formal relationship with the Systèmes of Paris and Waltham and adopted Manuelian is currently working on a biography it its fourth Biennial Paul Screenwriting museum continued through 2011. immersive 3D computer technologies for model - of his predecessor, Reisner, and various projects Award, with its $10,000 grand prize for a Prior to joining the Harvard faculty in 2010, ing of the Giza Pyramids, tombs and temples. related to his work at the Giza Pyramids. He is screenplay on an Armenian theme. The prize is Manuelian taught at Tufts University for 10 These elaborate models and teaching tools can also producing a short introduction to his field administrated by ADAA with a grant from years. be viewed at http://giza.3ds.com. called “The 30-Second Ancient Egypt,” he noted, Varnum and Lillian Paul via the Western His research interests include ancient Egyptian “This is ‘publishing’ in the widest sense of the “for those who don’t have a lot of time!” Diocese of the Armenian Church, under the history, archaeology, epigraphy, the development word. But it is expensive, and this project, too, is From a fourth grader with a blossoming inter - auspices of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, of mortuary architecture and the iconographic in need of continuous support,” he noted. est in history to Harvard’s first professor of Primate. nature of Egyptian language and culture. He has While there is a wealth of information and Egyptology in more than 60 years, Manuelian A wine and cheese reception will follow at the also researched New Kingdom temples at Luxor interest in Egyptology, popularity brings its fair exudes the same passion for his field and hopes Writers’ Guild. (Epigraphic Survey, Oriental Institute, University of Chicago) and the Predynastic site of Naqada. “I don’t know of another civilization that so beautifully blends art and writing, writing and art together into a seamless expression of the entire culture. And to last four millennia or more, well that means you’re doing something right,” C A LENDAR he said. C A LENDAR While Manuelian’s job is to document and make sense of the distant past, he is attentive to the future of the field and utilizes current tech - nologies to uncover and document this rich past and share this information with others. “As direc - tor of Harvard’s Semitic Museum, I have set in motion plans for a new Egyptian gallery and we MASSACHUSETTS are currently seeking the funds to build an excit - ing, state-of-the-art display that will wow both our students and the general public as well,” said AUGUST 4-10 — PACE [Parent and Child Experience], Craigville Manuelian. Retreat Center, Cape Cod. Private accommodations in Craigville’s One of the significant contributions Manuelian historic Inn with privileges to newly renovated beach club with has made to the field has been his ongoing work access to private ocean beach, tennis lessons, courts, evening as the founding director of the Giza Archives. concerts, and more. Babies, grandparents, teens and all in After 40 years excavating 23 different sites in between welcome! Contact [email protected] Egypt and Nubia (ancient Sudan), the joint SEPTEMBER 8 – Sayat Nova Dance Company performs at Harvard University and MFA Expedition had Peabody International Festival with favorite dances from their amassed a huge archaeological archive of tens of repertory; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members of the Dance Company thousands of glass plate excavation negatives, manning dessert booth featuring homemade delicacies; notes, plans, drawings, manuscripts and diaries, Peabody Square on Lowell Street. For details, call Peabody Town as well as actual artifacts themselves. Hall. “In the case of the Giza Pyramids, just west of SEPTEMBER 8 — Picnic Festival, St. Gregory Armenian modern Cairo,” said Manuelian, “this priceless Church, 158 Main St., North Andover, 12:30-5:30 p.m., featur - archive allows scholars to study the site in ways ing Armenian music by Leon Janikian, Jason Naroian, Joe Kouyoumjian, John Arzigian, along with Siroun Dance Group; On September 8, Sayat Nova Dance Armenian food and pastries. For more info, visit Company will perform at the Peabody www.saintgregory.org. International Festival on Lowell Street in OCTOBER 19 — Hye Kef 5 featuring Leon Janikian, Joe Peabody Square with favorite dances Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken Kalajian, Bob Raphalian and from their repertoire from 11-5 p.m. Jay Baronian, Haverhill, MA, 7:30 p.m., Michael’s Function Hall- Members of the Dance Company will also 12 Alpha Street, Tickets: $40.00 Each Students $30, includes individually-served mezza platters. Proceeds to benefit all be manning a dessert booth featuring Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley and New Hampshire. homemade delicacies. For details on the Call either John Arzigian, 603-560-3826; Sandy Boroyan, 978- Festival, contact Peabody Town Hall. 251-8687; Scott Sahagian, 617-699-3581, or Peter Gulezian, 978-375-1616. Organized by Armenian Friends’ of America.

NEW YORK Free Calendar Submissions NOVEMBER 23-24 – TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group The Mirror-Spectator accepts calendar submissions free of celebrates 15th Anniversary with production of Hagop charge. Calendar entries of a maximum of five lines can be Baronian’s “The Perils of Politeness” (Kaghakavaroutyan submitted to [email protected]; entries exceeding five lines Vnasneruh) directed by Gagik Karapetyan from Armenia; Dwight will be subject to charge. We encourage readers and com - Englewood High School, 315 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ. Nov. 23, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Nov. 24, Sunday at 4 p.m. For munity members to submit their events so that we may pro - Entertainment Fridays tickets; $50, $35, $25; call Marie Zokian (201)745-8850 or vide readers with a comprehensive calendar of events. and Saturdays Missak Boghosian at (212)819-0097 or (347)365-6985. 14 S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY T HE A RMENIAN Mirror- Fate of Armenia in the Balance

sor by forcing or begging countries to blame Armenia as a “perpe - Spectator trator of Genocide” in Khojaly. The last victim of that propaganda By Edmond Y. Azadian was the largest Moslem country of Indonesia, whose recent past is tainted with the murder of 500,000 ethnic Chinese and crimes Ever since Armenia’s independence, Turkey and Azerbaijan have against the people of East Timor. been engaged in a war of attrition against Armenia by blockading Azerbaijan, pushing the envelope further, was recently engaged in Established 1932 the latter and by forcing upon it an arms race. Azerbaijan’s President war games with Turkish armed forces using the Azeri mainland and Ilham Aliyev only recently remarked cynically that Armenia’s popu - the exclave of Nakhichevan. According to the Turkish daily Milliyet , An ADL Publication lation was dwindling rapidly and pretty soon the country would be that was Ankara’s tacit response to Aghvan Hovsepian, Armenia’s ripe for takeover. prosecutor general who recently made a reference, during a confer - Following Azerbaijan’s disastrous defeat in 1994, the Baku gov - ence of jurists, about Armenia’s territorial claims from Turkey. EDITOR ernment seemed willing to settle the conflict with the return of On the heels of all these developments Azerbaijan’s defense min - Alin K. Gregorian seven Azeri regions around Karabagh, kept under Armenian military ister contributed his share of tension, reiterating Aliyev’s claims: control for security reasons. As Azerbaijan’s petrodollars began “Azerbaijan has no other way but to liberate the occupied territory ASSISTANT EDITOR flooding the country, the government’s arrogance rose commensu - by strengthening its army,” said Safar Abiyev during the visit of a Gabriella Gage rately and the Baku leadership began demanding the return of the Korean parliamentary delegation to Baku on July 12.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR entire territory of Nagorno Karabagh itself. Adding insult to injury, Against all these odds, Armenians were lulled to believe that they Aram Arkun President Aliyev’s ambitions reached a new high by demanding the enjoy some security thanks to a strategic alliance with Moscow. But entire territory of Armenia as “historic Azeri” land. that guarantee proved hollow as Moscow began arming Azerbaijan. ART DIRECTOR Azerbaijan’s arrogance is fed by the indifference — or, rather the Moscow’s actions will do nothing except to escalate the tension in Marc Mgrditchian encouragement — of the international community. All ceasefire vio - an already-volatile region. lations by the Azeri forces are routinely ignored by the Organization Should war break out, it will be an existential conflict for Armenia. for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) representatives, In view of the growing dangers, one would think that Armenians SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: who, during their seasonal visits to the region do nothing but spin themselves should sober up and raise the level of their defenses. But Edmond Azadian their wheels. Their respective governments — France, the US and unfortunately, over there people are engaged in self-flagellation, con - Russia — issue annual declarations insisting that the status quo is no cocting scandals and sapping the vitality of the nation. Electronic CONTRIBUTORS: longer tolerable, but the status quo continues to remain exactly that, media in Armenia, employing locals, is mostly financed by self-serv - Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune year after year, because those declarations are not backed by any ing outside sources who can only add more fuel to the existing tin - Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. meaningful actions. This all means that Azerbaijan uses its petrodol - der. Some people are alarmed but the majority is indifferent. The Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der lars to buy sophisticated armaments and political influence, shield - dangerous trend of depopulation continues and everybody blames Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork ing its authoritarian rule from any outside criticism. someone else, but that does not add a single number to the statis - Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , Recently 317 delegates from 42 US states went on a junket tics nor does it tackle ways to keep the population at home and Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop bankrolled by the Baku government. The delegation included 11 sit - happy, i.e. jobs, housing, rule of law, etc. Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian ting members of Congress and 75 state representatives. An article It looks like Armenians are infected with the rare disease of self- destruction. CORRESPONDENTS: by Larry Luxner in the Washington Advocate , describing the trip, stated: “Plouffe, Messina and Gibbs were all called out in a Historic precedents do not inspire much hope, since in the middle Armenia - Hagop Avedikian of the 11th century Armenians voluntarily surrendered the bustling Boston - Nancy Kalajian Washington Post story that was published at the height of our trip. Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian The article, ‘For Obama’s Ex-aides, It’s Time to Cash in on metropolis of Ani to Byzantium. In 1375, they were so engaged in Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Experience,’ said all three were given five-figure checks to speak at court intrigues and internecine quarrels that the Cilician Kingdom the forum as part of Azerbaijan’s charm offensive to woo fell easily to the Mamluks and in 1920 the infighting was so intense Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair Americans.” and senseless that the independent republic was taken over by the Hovsepian After such large-scale and blatant bribing, is there any other expla - Soviets. nation as to why the Obama administration continues to grant dis - But then again, one thing we are good at, is creating heart-wrench - pensation of the Freedom Support Act whose Section 907 refers to ing songs about freedom and independence and singing them nos - penalties on Azerbaijani misbehavior? talgically for six centuries. The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Azerbaijan is on a media offensive to portray Armenia as aggres - Is it time to be sarcastic or to sober up to face the impending war? Baikar Association, Inc. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Telephone: 617-924-4420 LETTERS FAX: 617-924-2887 www.mir rorspectator.com storm survivors alike. so needed. E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com A Lesson in Humility Our work at the MARC was the process to The tornado survivors treated me with the For advertising: [email protected] helping victims begin their recovery by assist - utmost respect and kindness whenever we Learned in Oklahoma ing from the initial registration and progress - talked or counseled over their issues, needs To the Editor: ing through exploration of the various and future plans to recover including where to I came from Edgecomb, , as a disaster resources at their disposal. On average 25 live, with the goal of returning to work and a SUBSCRIPTION RATES : mental health worker for the Red Cross to help agencies provided services to these needy vic - sense of normalcy. Their goal was to take con - in the Oklahoma tornadoes’ relief. tims: Red Cross, FEMA, Catholic Charities, trol and once again live their lives and reclaim Upon my arrival on May 27, the damage wit - Southern Baptist Ministries, Salvation Army, the many roles they had to assume. U.S.A. $80 a year nessed was more than one could have imag - Veteran Administration, Vet Centers, In their time of need, these wonderful Canada $125 a year ined. Miles and miles of devastation: homes, Oklahoma Housing Authority, local counsel - Oklahomans offered tremendous spirit, love, businesses, schools, and even a hospital, all ing agencies, food banks, shelters and local caring and humility. They were an example of Other Countries $190 a year destroyed or damaged beyond belief. Homes, churches of all denominations. A formal resiliency, stamina and belief that was both cars, trucks and trees were left as piles of rub - process of assistance was established from inspirational and meaningful to this private ble and debris in every direction. identification of the person, validation of their individual and professional in midst of their © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator My deployment began in Shawnee as a team losses, and then assignment of assistance. environment. I went to Oklahoma as a Red Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA member going out in the community to help Tornado survivors received help from the vari - Cross Volunteer and returned home having and additional mailing offices. homeowners and citizens in their environ - ous agencies. Agencies offered funds, tempo - witnessing humility, caring and strength that I ment. Shortly thereafter, I was assigned to rary housing, food, clothing, medical services, could not imagined. ISSN 0004-234X West Moore High School (WMHS) in Moore. prescriptions, legal services and the like. To these wonderful people of Oklahoma I POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Moore is the community that was ambushed Throughout my time at WMHS approximately owe tremendous thanks. In essence, they gave Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, by the EF-5 tornado on May 20, suffering 500 victims were helped everyday by some 100 me hope and belief in people and an under - Watertown, MA 02471-0302 major devastation. The high school became volunteers and paid staff from all the resources standing of the “Oklahoma Standard” which Other than the editorial, views and opinions the Multiple Agency Resource Center (MARC). present. My role was to be a supportive mental made them strong and resourceful in their expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily The MARC was one of four resources in health worker available to provide support, belief in people, caring, love and God. They eflect the policies of the publisher. Oklahoma helping people to recover and begin encouragement, grief counseling and healing make Oklahoma strong, viable and able to to heal from their losses. Losses included loved for the trauma victim’s experienced. begin their recovery and healing. ones: spouses, children, relatives, neighbors What was most amazing as I worked with May we all learn from the humility and and pets. Losses also included homes, cars and these people, men, women, children of all eth - humanity witnessed and experienced in possessions of all kind, ranging from sacred nic backgrounds, faiths, cultures and beliefs, Moore. I pray this humility and humanity items to every belonging owned. was that they thanked me “For being there affects all of us throughout this wonderful Copying for other than personal use or While there, we experienced four more tor - from Maine to help us ”. What I experienced country of ours. As a result of my Red Cross internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright nadoes from May 28 through May 31. was a sense of humility, caring and love from deployment, I grew as a person and came owner. Address requests for reprints or Volunteers were exposed to the threat of people who suffered and lost everything home with a” lesson in humility” as taught by back issues to: destruction and physical harm from winds including their children, relatives, loves ones, these fine Oklahoma people to whom I am so Baikar Association, Inc. over 200 miles, massive thunder and lighten - pets and possessions. They were spiritual, reli - indebted. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 ing, plus six inches of rain which only served gious, giving people who demonstrated toler - to hamper movement and created emotional ance, stamina, strong resiliency and spirit for — Jack Sarmanian, EdD, LCSW crisis, anxiety and fear for volunteers and their survival through a belief system that was Edgecomb, Maine S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Church the miraculously still standing Armenian churches ity will be doomed. This greatest crime against humanity and properties in Turkey, and give back the ‘lost territories’ must be recognized and condemned once and for all, and to the Republic of Armenia.” first of all, by Turkey itself.” Prosecutor General Hovsepyan insisted that unless In keeping with the government’s new policy orientation, Armenians adopt this bold approach, they will not accom - Constitutional Court President Gagik Haroutyunyan My Turn plish any concrete results in the next 100 years, just as they announced that a special committee will be formed to pre - did not in the last 100 years. He proposed a thorough legal pare the legal documentation necessary for the pursuit of By Harut Sassounian review of all international agreements regulating Armenia- Armenian Genocide claims. Turkey relations, from the Berlin Treaty of 1878 to the At the conclusion of the conference, the participants signed but not ratified protocols of 2009. He also declared issued a joint statement asserting that the priority for In Major Policy Shift, Armenia that the region of Nakhichevan is “an inseparable part of Armenian lawyers is not proving the self-evident facts of Demands Lands from Turkey Armenia, albeit occupied by Azerbaijan.” Hovsepyan urged the Genocide, but preparing a comprehensive legal docu - the assembled lawyers from around the world to prepare ment “to remedy the consequences of the Armenian Ever since independence in 1991, Armenia’s leaders have the legal case for territorial demands from Azerbaijan and Genocide.” been reluctant to make any concrete demands from Turkey Turkey and present it to the Armenian government for This is a welcome development in terms of arriving at a beyond recognition of the Armenian Genocide. eventual submission to the International Court of Justice consensus between the Armenian government and the Only in recent years, Armenian officials have begun to (World Court). Diaspora on the objectives to be pursued for the 100th speak about “the elimination of the consequences of the Statements made by a prosecutor general usually do not anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. genocide,” without specifying the “consequences” and the carry much weight in international affairs, if it were not for However, in order to move beyond mere emotionally means for their “elimination.” the fact that several other high-ranking officials, including inspiring statements, the Armenian leaders must take two Earlier this month, however, a major shift was President Serge Sargisian, President of the Constitutional immediate steps: announced in Armenia’s foreign policy vis-à-vis Turkey, Court Gagik Haroutyunyan, Minister of Diaspora Hranush 1) Withdraw the Armenian government’s signature from when Aghvan Hovsepyan, the Prosecutor General of Hakobyan, Armenia’s Minister of Justice Hrair Tovmasyan the counter-productive Armenia-Turkey Protocols. On the Armenia, called for the return of historic Armenian territo - and Minister of Justice of Artsakh (Karabagh) Ararat eve of the Genocide Centennial, it would be inconceivable to ries at an international conference of Armenian lawyers in Tanielyan, also made remarks on restitutive justice at the move forward with fruitless efforts to improve relations with Yerevan. This is the first time that a high-ranking Armenian lawyers’ conference. It was clear that the Prosecutor Turkey, while preparing to file a lawsuit for restitution. government official has made such a public demand from General was the designated spokesman of the Armenian 2) Form a team of international law experts to begin Turkey. government to articulate its new tougher line toward structuring the legal case against Turkey in the World In a lengthy and comprehensive speech, Hovsepyan stat - Turkey in advance of the Genocide Centennial. Court and/or the European Court of Human Rights. ed that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by vari - P, using more circumspect language than the Prosecutor While skeptics may not take seriously the recent policy ous countries is simply a moral and emotional issue. General, told the lawyers’ conclave: “The international pronouncements of the Armenian authorities, the Turkish Calling for a switch to “the legal field,” the Prosecutor recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, Foreign Ministry has no such doubts. Last week, Ankara General indicated that “to eliminate the consequences of and elimination of its consequences will always remain a denounced the Armenian territorial demands, announcing the Armenian Genocide” Turkey must “pay compensation salient issue. As long as the Armenian State is in existence, angrily that “nobody can dare to claim territory from to heirs of the Armenian Genocide, return to the Armenian all efforts to deny and send into oblivion this historical real - Turkey!”

Leonid Brezhnev in order to remain in power. How Azerbaijan Is Like ‘The Godfather’ Gorbachev’s rise in Moscow coincided with this Heydar’s eclipse in Baku. He subsequently became first the de facto head of the republic, planet, with retail, commercial and investment Ataholding is 51-percent owned by a Panama- as the USSR was falling apart, and then the By Michael Weiss arms in 19 countries, including the United registered shell company called Hughson first president of post-Soviet Azerbaijan in 1993. States. It has been, and continues to be, dogged Management, Inc., of which, as the Ataholding Heydar ruled until 2003, which is the year he by civil lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions financial statement for 2009 informs us, Heydar died. That would have made it difficult — Few developments speak so well of how far because of its issuance of loans that have led Aliyev has the controlling interest. At least though probably not impossible given that Caucasian dictatorships have come since the High Court justices to wonder “what, if any, due that’s in the iteration of the statement I Azerbaijan one of the world’s most corrupt grey days of the as the fabulously diligence“ was carried out beforehand. VTB has received. countries — for him to be found owning banks wealthy and incredibly investment-savvy 15- been accused to being little more than a vehicle Curiously, and perhaps owing to the diligent five years later. The elder Heydar was immedi - year-old male heir of Azerbaijan’s ruling family. for the enrichment of its executives and for the spadework of Andrew Higgins, the Ataholding ately succeeded by his son Ilham, the State When he was a mere 11 years old, Heydar Kremlin’s “economic diplomacy” in luring for - statement currently hosted on the company’s Department’s Michael/Sonny metaphor whose Aliyev, the son of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham eign direct investment to Russia — a Putinist website does not include the notes section of own “election” in 2003 Human Rights Watch Aliyev, purchased $44 million in luxury man - Lehman Brothers. In 2011, it took in about the earlier copy, which features this disclosure: characterized as the rotten fruit of “bureau - sions on Palm Jumeirah, the elite artificial arch - $712 million in German and French pensioner The group’s immediate parent is Hughson cratic interference and political intimidation ipelago built by Dubai and known for housing deposits, and earlier this year, it featured promi - Management Inc., tax resident of Republic of against the opposition [which made] a free and both holidaying British soccer players and nently and unflatteringly in the Cyprus credit Panama (2008: Hughson Management Inc., tax fair pre-election campaign environment impos - thieving Russian tax officials. implosion,given the $13.8 billion in assets it resident of Republic of Panama). The group is sible.” Terms limits for presidents were abol - In the words of the Washington Post ’s had tied up in the Mediterranean country long ultimately controlled by Mr. Heidar Aliyev ished in 2009, the same year the regime Andrew Higgins, who broke the story in 2010, rumored to be a money-laundering haven. (2008: Mr. Heidar Aliyev). clamped down on domestic press freedoms and $44 million is “roughly 10,000 years worth of Embattled Russian opposition leader Alexey Hughson Management is still currently listed took the BBC, Radio Free Europe/Radio salary for the average citizen of Azerbaijan.” Navalny is particularly fond of exposing VTB’s as the majority owner of AtaBank. Liberty and Voice of America off the air. But young Heydar wasn’t the only member of dodgy history; in September 2012, his Now, there have been exactly two prominent Here’s how the US embassy in Baku described his family engaged in Gulf property speculation. Foundation for Fighting Corruption published Heydar Aliyevs in Azerbaijan’s recent history. Ilham Aliyev in 2009: “Azerbaijan’s President His two older sisters, Leyla and Arzu, were also a comprehensive report examining some of the The first was a KGB chief turned Communist Ilham Aliyev utilizes distinctly different approach - listed as owners in Dubai’s Land Department highlights (full disclosure: I edited it). ruler of the Soviet autonomous region (1969- es to foreign and domestic policies. He typically registry. Together, the three Aliyev children The second problem is that in May of this 1982) and was the kind of Stalinoid satrap-cum- devises the former with pragmatism, restraint invested in $75 million in Dubai real estate, year, Azerbaijan’s sovereign wealth fund invest - mafia kingpin who found it necessary to bribe see GODFATHER, page 16 which certainly is impressive considering that ed $500 million in VTB’s secondary public their father’s official annual income as a public offering (SPO). It was joined by Qatar’s and servant is just $228,000. When asked for com - Norway’s sovereign wealth funds and, collec - ment by Higgins, who showed how the date of tively, all three gobbled up 55 percent of the Christopher Walker Responds to birth and name for the listed Dubai owner was SPO. According to Herbert Moos, VTB’s chief the same as Ilham’s dauphin, Aliyev’s financial officer, “We have been working with Article in New Internationalist spokesman Azer Gasimov replied: “I have no the [Azerbaijani sovereign wealth fund] on a comment on anything. I am stopping this talk. real estate investment in Moscow, their first British Historian and author Christopher Walker sent the following letter to the New Goodbye.” investment, and they have a 20 percent alloca - Internationalist in response to an article titled “Reintroducing Serge Sargisian,” which The reader will therefore understand why I tion to Russia so they made a strategic decision appeared in the June issue. The letter by Walker appears in the July/August issue of the didn’t bother to try to reach Gasimov to explain to invest in us and become a business partner.” New Internationalist . Heydar’s other high-profile but low-recognition Good thing Heydar has ample real estate investment. Now 15, the Aliyev son and likely experience, otherwise his father’s regime might Re: “Reintroducing ,” NI 463, The Armenian population “vulnerable to heir to Azerbaijan’s political dynasty has also have balked at the prospect of throwing a cool Islamophobic manipulation?” The Armenians are not vulnerable to any manipulation, least of got himself a sideline in commercial banking, half a billion into a bank heavily owned by the all Islamophobic: they have good connections with (where they have an established com - judging from corporate filings I’ve obtained. baby of the Aliyev family. munity), as well as Lebanon, Syria (even now), Egypt and Jordan. Their problem with Turkey These documents show that he controls a par - Here’s what we can prove from open-source lies in the planned mass killing of 1915, which amounted to genocide against them. This was ent company that owns, through an offshore financial filings and Panama’s surprisingly help - only peripherally “Islamic;” the organisers of the killings (which took place in the old subsidiary, almost half of Russian mega-bank ful corporate registry. On November 9, 2009, Ottoman Empire) were professed atheists. VTB’s Azerbaijani subsidiary. Ataholding, an open joint-stock company that Nor did Armenia seize Nagorno Karabagh from Azerbaijan in 1994. The majority people Nothing wrong with that, you say. It’s a fine manages AtaBank, one of the biggest commer - of the enclave were and are Armenian, and they had demonstrated and voted for separation idea to give a pubescent a solid education in the cial banks in Azerbaijan, purchased 48.99 per - from Azerbaijan since 1988. When Azeri forces intervened to shut them up, local Karabagh credit industry, what with all global shenani - cent of VTB’s Azerbaijani subsidiary. The self-defence force threw them out (as imperialist aggressors). Armenia itself, so recently inde - gans that have taken place in the last five years. remaining 51 percent is owned by VTB and pendent, had no army to speak of at the time. That of the Azeris simply collapsed in June There are only two problems. thus mostly owned by the Russian government. 1993. The separation of Nagorno Karabagh from Azerbaijan should be hailed as a victory The first is that VTB, which is the second- As of December 31, 2009, AtaBank’s invest - for independence, liberty and self-determination, against alien aggression, cultural chauvin - largest bank in Russia and is 75 percent-owned ment was valued at 10,887,310 Azerbaijani ism and imperial bossiness. by the Russian government, is also one of the manats, which at today’s exchange rate is — Chris Walker fastest-growing financial institutions on the around $13.8 million. 16 S ATURDAY , J ULY 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR How Azerbaijan Is Like ‘The Godfather’

GODFATHER, from page 15 he evidently does a bit more than that. In surveillance wires that had been installed in the years of war with Armenia. AIMROC, widely and a helpful bias toward integration with the August 2011, this State Department cable walls and ceilings of her home kitchen, bath - thought by angry Chovdar residents to be a West, yet at home his policies have become named Mestelan as one of the “top Azerbaijani room and bedroom, apparently while she was British company, is in fact owned by four sepa - increasingly authoritarian and hostile to diversi - officials...of particular interest” to the US gov - out of the country just days after RFE/RL pub - rate shells, only one of which (Globex ty of political views. This divergence of approach - ernment owing to these officials’ cozy relation - lished her piece. The government’s “investiga - International) is British. RFE/RL found that es, combined with his father’s continuing ships with Baku’s first family, chiefly President tion” of the tapping of Ismayilova’s residence Globex International was itself owned by three omnipresence, has led some observers to com - Ilham and his wife Mehirban Aliyeva. was a whitewash. Panama-registered companies, each of which pare the Aliyevs with the fictional ‘Corleones’ of These are not relationships that Aliyevs wish Of further interest is the fact that, according listed Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva and Olivier Godfather fame, with the current president to see explored by muckraking journalists. to Hughson’s more recent governance filings, Mestelan as senior managers. As of this writing, described alternately as a mix of ‘Michael’ and Following her exclusive, Ismayilova was target - Olivier Mestelan left the company as secretary Mestelan is also listed as a member of the “ ‘Sonny.’ Either way, this Michael/Sonny dichoto - ed by a particularly nasty campaign of state in April 2012, about a month before second supervisory board“ of Ataholding, the company my complicates our approach to Baku and has harassment, which included her being sent an RFE/RL report — this one co-written by that owns AtaBank and half of VTB’s the unfortunate effect of framing what should be envelope filled with “pictures of a personal Ismayilova — demonstrated how the Aliyev Azerbaijani subsidiary. a strategically valuable relationship as a choice nature” and a message reading: “whore, behave, regime had assigned the Azerbaijani I’ll do the State Department a favor and cast between US interests and US values.” or you will be defamed.” These images were International Mineral Resources Operating Mestelan as the “Tom Hayden” of the Aliyev What else do we know about Hughson later published in Azerbaijani newspapers asso - Company, Ltd (AIMROC) the right to develop a family. Management, the parent company of ciated with the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, of gold mine valued at $2.5 billion in Chovdar, a Ataholding? Well, the president and treasurer of which President Aliyev is also the chairman. mountainous village in the Nagorno-Karabakh (This article originally ran in the Atlantic in it are, respectively, little Heydar’s older sisters, Ismayilova later discovered and documented region of Azerbaijan, which was ravaged by its July issue.) Arzu (now aged 24) and Leyla (who just turned 28 last week). Arzu and Leyla were linked to a highly lucra - tive Azerbaijani telecom company called Azerfon in a much-discussed piece of investiga - Armenian Diocese in Canada in Disarray tive journalism conducted by Khadija Ismayilova of RFE/RL in June 2011. Ismayilova CANADA, from page 1 ty destroying action? ordering those around him to get into a succes - found that Azerfon was owned by three and fed by Bagrat Serpazan and his collabora - It is being said that on the Internet thousands sion of incomprehensible actions leading to the Panama-registered entities, another company tors. are asking him not to leave. A good number of waste of several hundreds of thousands of dollars registered in a Caribbean tax haven jurisdiction, This year was the regularly scheduled elec - the latter are genuine in the expression of their from funds raised at the expense of well-meaning and Azerbaijan’s state-owned Aztelekom com - tion or re-election time of the Primate in feelings, but ignorant of the causes that led parishioners of the Laval Holy Cross church. pany. The three Panama-registered companies Canada. Bagrat Serpazan did not obtain the Bagrat Serpazan to lose the elections. A number When out of funds, he arranged and forced to each owned a 24 percent stake: one of these majority of votes; therefore, according to the of others bear grudges and find this to be a con - make loans left and right. The church now is was Hughson Management. And although universally accepted system in the Armenian venient opportunity to get at the dedicated pas - under the burden of over $1 million in debt. Ismayilova cited the governance structure of Apostolic Church, he is now to be replaced. tors and at the prominent architects of our com - A detailed accounting was given at the joint Hughson in her article, she did not disclose that This is not an unusual event by any means. munity who have impeccable track records. meeting of the Laval Parish Council with the the owner was Heydar Aliyev, which adds tele - Like in any other election in a civilized com - Canadians must realize that a very large num - Diocesan Council and the Board of Trustees. com mogul to his real estate and banking port - munity, the loser congratulates the winner and ber of the Facebook writers are from any place Our readers should ask for the official reports. folio. (Just wait till he gets to college.) continues his journey without leaving destruc - on the planet such as Russia, Israel, Australia, It was only one year ago that those involved She did, however, connect Hughson to a mys - tion behind him. Armenia, Azerbaijan, and quite a few use fake in the daily operations of the Laval project have terious third party, a Swiss financier and art Archbishops Aris Shirvanian, Sion names. sounded a desperate alarm to intervene and collector named Olivier Mestelan, who owns the Manoogian and others lost elections, and they In previous statements, we asked that the stop the senseless actions in the Laval project Kicik QalArt gallery in Baku and founded the acted gracefully. They moved back to comments by the two sides stop in order to stop which were led by the insistent permanent bul - Art ex East Foundation. He was profiled promi - Echmiadzin and eventually were reassigned the issue from expanding further. lying of Bagrat Serpazan , even though he, as a nently in the Moscow-published “style maga - other positions. However, insults, lies and incriminations con - Primate, actually should have stayed entirely zine” Baku, the editor-in-chief of which is none Why did Bagrat Serpazan choose instead to tinued to be spread. So-called interviews by out of such primarily financial and legal issues other than Leyla Aliyeva, who is very style-con - instigate a violent and vicious social media and unknown individuals continue to spread poison which are outside his domain. scious indeed. The Mestelan profile stated that Internet campaign, slinging mud and slander - in our community. They have to be stopped. To cite only one of these actions, it was the Swiss national owns property in Azerbaijan ous accusations left and right? Why did he insti - Therefore, the community must now know revealed that Bagrat Serpazan had pushed at and visits the country several times a year. But gate, and still continues to feed, this communi - that Bagrat Serpazan had two very different one point, the financially desperate parish, to types of conduct in this community. accept a $100,000 loan that he personally had He was, and could indeed be, friendly when arranged at an extravagant interest rate of 36 and where he wanted. He could be a very pleas - percent. This is unheard of! A few months later, ant dinner companion, travel and concert orga - he told them to not pay that outrageous inter - nizer, a very close family friend for some. Those est. How about the consequences…? Nothing, as who have been exposed to this side of him are far as he is concerned…! In his judgment such understandably quite upset by his departure. things are “small” matters. Those who find this But they should not hope for his return. hard to believe should ask for the details from Papken Suni Indeed Serpazan ’s other type of conduct is the Laval Parish authorities. known only to those who have been involved in How do Serpazan ’s admirers feel about such the pursuit of the serious daily business of the behavior? diocese. Should one still talk also about a recently dis - He has been arrogant and bullying with his covered performing artists promoting private Agoump subordinates; he was equally arrogant and company, registered in Quebec, of which Bagrat uncommunicative with those who would nor - Serpazan , as vice chairman, is one of the main Armenian American Social Club mally be his colleagues. You could either agree officers? Was that part of his religious mission with him or be classified in his book as an as Primate of Canada? enemy. In conclusion, Bagrat Serpazan ’s failure to Hall available for parties and His judgment in serious matters of gover - be elected is the normal result of all of the • nance of the community have been proven to be above and many more of his acts, nothing else. functions wrong or even worse, very costly and cata - No personal vendetta, no political party inter - strophic, and yet he would turn down any and vention, none of the latter; those are convenient Catering on site and off, all advice in those very serious matters, when labels to cover up his very serious problems. • advice was given to him beforehand. Legally-elected delegates have legally voted Maximum 100 guests Our community must know that due to his him down because of his very serious actions unwise but stubborn actions, where he found a that are only partially exposed above. few willing accomplices, this community came It is sincerely wished that he learns from his • Featuring traditional Armenian to the brink of losing for good our beautiful St. mistakes in order to serve the Armenian and Middle Eastern foods Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. Do his Church elsewhere in a more responsible way in “admirers” realize what that means? the future. Indeed, he has driven secretly and illegally Coming back to our community, it is now Social Club open six days according to our bylaws, together with his known that given the incredible and highly-dis - • accomplices, the financial negotiation to mort - turbing turmoil that has been created in our a week gage this church. The prepared documents of diocese, Vehapar is taking the appropriate this transaction, bearing the names of the par - extraordinary pontifical measures to bring rem - ticipants, with the Chomedey Caisse Populaire edy to our community. The legally elected are available. It was stopped only because of the Primate Arèn Jebejian does not deserve to be prompt action of a few conscientious parish - exposed to the hostile atmosphere. For information on prices, menu ioners who asked for an extraordinary general In spite of all of the above, the primary inter - meeting where the illegal plot led by Bagrat est of our community now is to heal the and availability, call Manager Serpazan was exposed and stopped. wounds and get back to constructive work, all Kevork Boyajian at (617) 921-1415 The above mortgaging plot was actually together. Or (617) 924-9678 prompted by Bagrat Serpazan trying awkward - We appeal once more to all to stop further ly to bring his kind of fast “remedy” or cover up exchanges on this matter. Let us get together to to an even bigger financial blunder in the Laval repair what is broken and continue to work to project. the benefit of our outstanding Canadian com - 76 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472 Unknown to many, he actually was, as usual, munity.