MAY 12, 2018 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVIII, NO. 42, Issue 4537 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Russian Base in Armenia Necessary for A Full Revolution Bilateral Relations – President Sarkissian YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenia is interested Pashinyan Becomes in the preservation of the Russian military base in the country, President Armen Sarkissian said in an Prime Minister interview with Echo of Moscow radio station. According to him, the presence of the Russian base in Armenia is necessary for Armenia and YEREVAN (Armenpress and RFE/RL) — the Armenian-Russian relations. The President The Armenian parliament voted to elect underlined that the base is necessary for the opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan prime preservation of the border between Armenia and minister on Tuesday, May 8, nearly one Turkey. “The Armenian army is very identical to month after he launched sustained anti- the Russian army. Russia supplies Armenia with government protests that led to resignation technical equipment. Armenia and Russia are of Armenia’s longtime leader, Serzh members of the same security organization,” Sargsyan. (See related story, page 4.) Sarkissian said. Pashinyan was backed by 59 of the 105 According to the President, the future prime members of the National Assembly. They minister must seriously engage in efforts to included 13 lawmakers representing ensure the security of the borders. Sargsyan’s Republican Party of Armenia Speaking about Pashinyan, Sarkissian empha- (HHK). Forty-two other HHK deputies sized that his meetings with the latter were very voted against him. constructive. “He is young and talented. He feels The HHK’s parliamentary leader, Vahram and manages the emotions, thoughts and desires of Baghdasarian, made clear just before the young and non-young people in a genius way. But vote that his party still has serious doubts Pashinyan and his inner circle after he was elected (Armenpress photo) this is one feature, but time will show what kind of about Pashinyan’s ability to govern prime minister he will be,” Sarkissian said. Armenia but will nonetheless help him become prime minister in order to restore “I will serve the people of Armenia and widely anticipated rise to power. “political stability” in the country. the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan Addressing the parliament before the Former Prime Minister “Mr. Pashinyan, you will be elected prime declared immediately after the vote which vote, Pashinyan pledged to implement minister … God willing, you will dispel the sparked jubilant scenes in Yerevan’s “very serious reforms” that would democ- Resigns, Congratulates lingering concerns of the HHK faction,” Republic Square where tens of thousands ratize Armenia, strengthen the rule of law said Baghdasarian. of his supporters gathered to celebrate his see PASHINYAN, page 3 Pashinyan YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Acting Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan applied to President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Boston Renaissance Sarkissian with the request to terminate his duties as Acting First Deputy Prime Minister of Discusses Events in the Republic of Armenia. Karapetyan also asked to consider as terminated the fulfillment of his Armenia duties of Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. In an earlier Facebook post Karapetyan By Aram Arkun thanked everyone for criticism, for inspiring Mirror-Spectator Staff words and support. He expressed gratitude to the “descent and patriotic” government team, all professional, BELMONT, Mass. — The Armenian “daring and effective” young people that entered Renaissance movement Boston the state governance system during his tenure. chapter organized a discussion on the dra- “I congratulate the new Prime Minister. I sin- matic developments in Armenia on April 30, cerely wish him and all future Prime Ministers a day prior to a first attempt at parliamen- success, good results and tenure void of crises,” tary elections of a new prime minister. Five Karapetyan said. speakers, four living in the Boston area and “Aware of the hard and responsible work of the one from Armenia via Skype, provided their Gov. Charlies Baker, left, with host Raffi Festekjian Prime Minister, which requires lack of careless insights into the situation. days and nights, I offer our compatriots, jour- Martin Haroutunian, the representative nalists, social network users and political forces Boston Armenians Thank Governor Baker, of the Boston chapter of the Renaissance to criticize the Prime Minister without referring movement, which was formed about two Recognize Dr. Diran Apelian’s Achievements to their private life and family, but give advice years ago, welcomed the audience. and encourage him,” Karapetyan noted. WINCHESTER, Mass. — Armenians in the Haroutunian explained that Armenian By Aram Arkun Boston area gathered at the home of Raffi and Renaissance is a diasporan grassroots move- ment supporting the Founding Parliament Mirror-Spectator Staff Nina Festekjian on May 1 to thank Gov. Charles Baker for his support of the Armenian in Armenia and the current movements in community at the annual Armenian Genocide Armenia such as My Step and the INSIDE commemoration at the Massachusetts State House, concerning Armenia, and Revolution of Love and Solidarity, and advo- on many other issues. see BAKER, page 20 cating the release of all political prisoners in Armenia. The Boston chapter is part of a see RENAISSANCE, page 10 Tales of

Diocesan Assembly Elects First American-Born Primate Passports WEST HARRISON, N. Y. – Mamigon Kiledjian did the same Page 13 The 116th Assembly of the By Aram Arkun afterwards, leaving only Very Rev. Eastern Diocese of the Mirror-Spectator Staff Oshagan Gulgulian as a candidate Armenian Church of America for the position of Primate, two on May 4 elected Very Rev. new candidates, Archbishop INDEX Daniel Findikyan as its new Primate. The elec- Vicken Aykazian and Findikyan, were proposed. Arts and Living ...... 13 tion took place at the Renaissance Westchester The assembled clergy endorsed all three candi- Armenia ...... 2-4 Hotel near White Plains. dates equally. Community News...... 6 After Archbishop Khajag Barsamian unex- None of the three candidates were able to Editorial ...... 17 pectedly withdrew his candidacy a little over a achieve a majority in the first round of voting, International ...... 5 week ago, and second candidate, Very Rev. see PRIMATE, page 20 2 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia New Dean of General Education

Georgia Sends And Director of EPIC Announced

Congratulations YEREVAN — AUA is pleased to Kouchakdjian has joined AUA as its Start-Up/Business Plan competition in announce the appointment of new Director of Entrepreneurship and Armenia, which gave a number of TBILISI (Public Radio of Armenia) — Georgia’s Sharistan Melkonian as AUA’s first Product Innovation Center (EPIC). Armenia’s first startups the opportuni- Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has congratulat- Dean of General Education. “Michael is the ideal person to lead ty to be born soon after independence. ed Armenia’s newly-elected Prime Minister Nikol Born in Massachusetts, Sharistan EPIC. Over the years he has consider- Kouchakdjian earned his MBA from Pashinyam. Melkonian has lived in Los Angeles, able start-up and venture experience in the University of California, Los “Congratulations to the newly elected Prime New York, and Boston, where she was both Armenia and the US. He has an Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. I wish you all actively involved with a number of impressive track record of successfully Management in 1992 and his PhD in the best in your future endeavors. Georgia firmly sup- organizations, including St. Stephen’s executing the most challenging of pro- biochemistry and molecular biophysics ports and stands by brotherly Armenia. I believe Armenian Elementary School, the jects,” noted AUA President Dr. Armen from Columbia in 1990. He assumed strong ties and friendship between our countries will Armenian National Committee of Der Kiureghian. his position as director of EPIC on further deepen,” Kvirikashvili said in a Twitter post. America, Youth Policy Action Center, Kouchakdjian is a professor in AUA’s March 15. and Campaign for Youth. She spent College of Business and Economics Aurora Cofounders eight years as Legislative Director for teaching management and entrepre- YouthBuild USA, neurship. Congratulate Premier a national non- “Dr. Michael Kouchakdjian, while Pashinyan Aide profit organiza- teaching in the CBE, will be assuming YEREVAN — Aurora Prize co-founders Ruben tion providing the position of director of EPIC. Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan have Reassures education, coun- Priorities will be to ensure synergies congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on his seling and job between the Center and all Colleges, election as Prime Minister of Armenia. Armenian Tycoons training to unem- engage experts in the public and pri- In a statement released on their website, the two ployed youth. vate sectors in mentoring student wrote, “We congratulate Nikol Pashinyan on his elec- YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — A close asso- Before joining teams, increase the number of external tion to the position of Prime Minister of the Republic ciate of Nikol Pashinyan has insisted the American commercial projects coming into EPIC, of Armenia and share the sense of urgency and deter- that wealthy businesspeople linked to University of and increase mination demonstrated by the Armenian people Sharistan the outgoing Armenian government Armenia (AUA), grant activities to throughout the process that culminated with this Melkonian will not risk losing their assets after the Melkonian led support and election. opposition leader’s widely anticipated the Armenian grow current ini- “Together with many Armenians within and out- appointment as the country’s prime Volunteer Corps, Armenia’s premier tiatives,” wrote side Armenia, we stand ready to support and propel minister. volunteer placement organization. the provost in an Armenia’s just and peaceful development. With this Ararat Mirzoyan said that the new “I am tremendously excited to work email message to turning point, we have an opportunity to bring Armenian leadership will only strive to side by side with such dedicated and the AUA commu- together the skills and enthusiasm of Armenians break up economic monopolies, boost inspiring faculty to lead the university’s nity. across the globe who are able to contribute to accel- competition and separate business general education efforts, especially at In the US, erating Armenia’s and Artsakh’s growth and pros- Dr. Michael from government. this moment in Armenia’s develop- Kouchakdjian’s perity.” Kouchakdjian “There is going to be no property ment. The University’s general educa- career was in the The statement noted that it was with those consid- redistribution because that would tion program is a cornerstone of its lib- biotechnology eration that they initially started the organization mean building the state from scratch, eral arts undergraduate education. industry: first, at Antigenics, Inc., one Armenia2020 almost two decades ago. which would be fraught with very Students both hone their skills as spe- of the first immuno-oncology biotech “Since then, through our many joint socio-econom- unpredictable consequences,” cialists in their chosen fields of study as startups in the world, where his roles ic development initiatives — the National Mirzoyan said. “The fact is that there well as grow into conscientious leaders included business and corporate devel- Competitiveness Foundation, the IDeA Foundation, are people who own particular busi- and problem solvers with a broad foun- opment, alliance management, as well the Tatev Gateway complex, UWC Dilijan, the Aurora nesses. We are not going to wrest any- dation of knowledge and skills and a as mergers and acquisitions; then, as Humanitarian Initiative, Foundation for Armenian thing from these people. These people commitment to lifelong learning,” said founder and president of Blue Stream Science and Technology — we are learning how to will continue [to own their assets.]” Melkonian. Laboratories, Inc. in Cambridge, rebuild Armenia towards its historic greatness and “But the rules of the game will With AUA since 2011, Melkonian Massachusetts, which he exited in beyond, one initiative at a time.” change,” he stressed in a weekend joined the university as director of 2016 following acquisition by a multi- They continued, “Today, the young Republic of interview. “Nobody will have a monop- assessment and accreditation and was national pharmaceutical services com- Armenia has a new leadership, entrusted with the oly in any sector.” part of the development team for the pany. mandate of its citizens to build a healthy and pros- Mirzoyan specifically referred to launch of AUA’s undergraduate pro- This isn’t the first time Kouchakdjian perous country, rich with humanitarian values, and wealthy individuals who have been gram. She is currently in charge of is working in Armenia. He first came to committed to justice, freedom and equal opportunity linked to former President Serzh accreditation, assessment, and institu- AUA in 1992, one year after its found- for all.” Sargsyan’s Republican Party (HHK) tional research. Melkonian successfully ing. From 1993 to 1997, he was direc- and have long relied on government co-leads collaborative university efforts tor of administration, establishing and connections in doing business. Jailed Oppositionist to earn reaffirmation of accreditation for overseeing the day-to-day operations of “Everyone [in the HHK] can rest nine years, through a US Department of the newly established university under assured that nothing threatens their Freed Educationrecognized regional accredi- President Mihran Agbabian. businesses and their, their family mem- tation agency. She is also a member of Simultaneously, Kouchakdjian was YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — An Armenian opposition bers’ and friends’ physical safety,” he the University’s Strategic Planning director of AUA’s Center for Business activist was released from custody on Monday, May 7, said. Steering Committee. Research and Development (CBRD) pending a verdict in his trial on charges of aiding “Let the business owners serenely “On behalf of the university, I can where he directed over three-dozen gunmen that seized a police station in Yerevan in take care of their businesses. They will state that we are confident that not research and consulting projects 2016 to demand then President Serzh Sargsyan’s not need to hold parliament seats or only will she enthusiastically embrace throughout Armenia. At the time, resignation. any state positions in order to secure this role, but she will be a strong cham- CBRD was distinctive for being the The activist, Andrias Ghukasian, was one of the their businesses,” added Mirzoyan. pion for the program and its liberal first and only source of “western”-style organizers of demonstrations held in support of the Pashinyan likewise reiterated on arts agenda,” said AUA Provost Dr. business research and consulting ser- armed members of a fringe opposition group. The Monday that he will not wage “vendet- Randall Rhodes. vices in Armenia. charges levelled against him stem from one of those tas” against the HHK leadership or Melkonian is in charge of faculty pro- “I see EPIC as a conduit for AUA’s rallies organized on July 29, 2016 in Yerevan’s Sari tycoons close it if the Armenian parlia- fessional development related to teach- supporters and, more broadly, the dias- Tagh neighborhood close to the besieged police base. ment elects him prime minister on ing and learning. She has presented at pora and beyond, to channel knowl- Riot police used tear gas and stun grenades to dis- Tuesday. “The page of political and eco- several international conferences in the edge, expertise, and finance to our perse the protesters after they refused to march back nomic persecutions in Armenia has United States, Europe and Armenia on most ambitious student entrepreneurs. to the city center. Several organizers of the protest been turned,” he told reporters. teaching, learning, and assessment. I believe the start-up venture ecosystem were arrested and charged with provoking “mass dis- “The new rules of the game will be She served on the inaugural in Armenia is approaching critical turbances.” All of them except Ghukasian were sub- the rule of law,” Pashinyan said when Accreditation Committee of the mass. With EPIC serving as a platform sequently released from custody. asked about policy changes that will National Center for Professional with its best-in-class facilities and equip- The 47-year-old also stands accused of planning to affect the business community. He Education Quality Assurance ment, unmatched technical and busi- have the protesters break through a police cordon, would not say whether he will order Foundation, Armenia’s national accred- ness expertise, and top-flight students, join the gunmen and thus prolong their standoff with high-profile inquiries into lucrative itation agency. AUA will be at the forefront,” said security forces, which left three police officers dead. firms that have long been suspected of Melkonian is currently earning a doc- Kouchakdjian. He denies the accusations as politically motivated. tax evasion. torate in higher education manage- In the mid 1990s, Kouchakdjian was Ghukasian offered to post bail shortly after he went Some Armenian tycoons have ment at the University of Pennsylvania. responsible for the construction and on trial in August last year. The judge in the case already publicly voiced strong support She also holds a BA in communica- startup of the AUA Business Center on turned down the request as “unfounded,” prompting for Pashinyan’s opposition movement. tions from Worcester State University, Alex Manoogian Street, one of the first strong criticism from the defendant and his lawyer. They include tobacco magnates Mikael and an MA in comparative and interna- foreign development projects of that Ghukasian was freed in the courtroom this time Vartanian and his brother Karen. The tional education with a concentration scale in Armenia. The AUA Center has around in return for a written pledge not to leave Vartanian family is one of the richest in in economics and education from provided a critical revenue stream for Yerevan until the judge, Vartan Grigorian, hands the country. Teachers College, Columbia University. the university for almost 20 years. down a verdict in the case. A trial prosecutor object- Another tycoon, Gagik Tsarukyan, She assumed her position as dean of While at AUA in the early period, ed to his release. has struck an alliance Pashinyan. general education on February 21, Kouchakdjian established the first Tsarukyan’s Prosperous Armenia Party 2018. Entrepreneurship and New Venture boasts the second largest faction in the In addition to Melkonian, Dr. Michael program at AUA as well as the first parliament. S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA A Full Revolution: Pashinyan Becomes Prime Minister

PASHINYAN, from page 1 law-enforcement authorities in July 2009 and and radically improve the domestic business was subsequently tried and sentenced to seven environmental. years in prison on charges stemming from the “All people are equal before the law, period!” unrest. Like other Ter-Petrosian allies, he was he said. “There will be no privileged people in released from jail in May 2011 under a general Armenia, period! Elections will not be rigged amnesty declared by the Sargsyan administra- and vote bribes will not be handed out any- tion. more, period! There will be no artificial eco- A year later Pashinyan was elected to the nomic monopolies, period! Human rights will National Assembly on the ticket of Ter- be protected, government will not be a means Petrosian’s Armenian National Congress for making money, and corruption will be root- (HAK). He subsequently fell out with the ex- ed out, period!” president and set up his own party, Civil Pashinyan made clear at the same time that Contract. he will not wage “vendettas” against members Civil Contract and two other opposition par- of the HHK and the previous governments and ties, Bright Armenia and Republic, set up an will preclude any “redistribution” of economic alliance called Yelk (Exit) ahead of Armenia’s assets and properties. last parliamentary elections held in April 2017. Also, he again ruled out major changes in Yelk won 9 parliament seats. Armenian foreign policy. In particular, he reit- Both Bright Armenia and Republic refused to erated that Armenia will remain part of the support Pashinyan when he embarked on his Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union and the campaign aimed at preventing Sargsyan from Collective Security Treaty Organization PM Nikol Pashinyan and President Armen Sarkissian becoming prime minister and thus extending (CSTO). “We regard military cooperation with his decade-long rule. They said that he will fail Russia as an important factor of ensuing to attract large crowds. Armenia’s security,” he said, adding he will also Minister is elected in the second elections and 2018. By assuming the post of the PM I Pashinyan began the unexpectedly successful strive to deepen Armenia’s ties with the again the action plan isn’t approved, the parlia- announce that I serve the Armenian people, the campaign in Armenia second largest city of European Union and the United States. ment is dissolved and snap elections take place. citizens of Armenia, the Republic of Artsakh Gyumri on March 31. He returned to Yerevan Pashinyan further reaffirmed his plans to There are 4 factions in the Armenian parlia- and the Republic of Armenia. Long live free- on foot on April 13 after walking more than 200 kilometers through the country’s northern and central regions in an effort to drum up pop- ular support for his cause.

Congratulations from Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday swiftly congratulated Pashinyan on becoming Armenia’s prime minister and said he expects Russian-Armenian ties to grow even closer. “I expect that your work as the head of gov- ernment will contribute to further strengthen- ing the friendly, allied relations between our countries, our partnership as part of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization,” Putin said in a congratulatory message to Pashinyan cited by the Kremlin. Russia has closely watched the political tur- moil in Armenia. Putin telephoned Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian and acting Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan in the immediate after- math of Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation. He and other Russian officials have been careful not to publicly take sides in the Armenian standoff. “We hope that in any case the allied, warm and constructive Russian-Armenian relations Crowds in Republic Square in Yerevan will remain a constant for both the foreign pol- icy of our country and the foreign policy of Yerevan,” Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry push for fresh parliamentary elections. But he ment. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the dom, long live the Republic of Armenia, long Peskov, said late last week. gave no possible dates for the conduct of such ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the live we and our children who already live in free Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that he will polls. It remains to be seen whether the HHK, 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia – and happy Armenia”, the PM said. not pull Armenia out of the Eurasian Economic which continues to control the majority of seats known as the National Assembly. The ARF fac- The rally, which also featured speeches by Union (EEU) and the CSTO. He told visiting in the parliament, will agree to them. tion – (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka two prominent artists supporting the protest Russian parliamentarians on April 29 that The idea of fresh elections is also supported Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan movement, was followed by a live concert. Russian-Armenian ties will only deepen as a by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan’s alliance and faction has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 Pashinyan, is a for- the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. Both seats. mer journalist who political groups have backed the Pashinyan-led edited the newspaper street protests against Sargsyan’s attempt to Meeting the President Haykakan Zhamanak, extend his rule, which began in Yerevan on Pashinyan had his first meeting as Prime from 1999 to 2012. April 13 and intensified dramatically in the fol- Minister with Armenian President Armen He also has a long lowing weeks. Sarkissian on May 8 in the President’s Office. history of political Sargsyan, who served as Armenia’s president “I would like to wish you that you form the activism. He first ran from 2008 to 2018, stepped down as prime min- government as soon as possible and engage in for the parliament in ister on April 23. the solution of all the issues which face our 2007 as the top can- Pashinyan declined to shed light on the com- state, government, entire people and this coun- didate of an opposi- position of his cabinet when he spoke to try — the Republic of Armenia. My best wishes tion group that chal- reporters moments after being elected prime to you and good luck,” Sarkissian said, con- lenged then minister. He said his ministers will be chosen gratulating Pashinyan at the meeting, the President Robert “as a result of discussions” with his allies and President’s Office said. Kocharyan. The other political groups. group called As required by the Constitution, a new gov- Celebrating in the Streets Impeachment failed Serj Tankian, left, with Nikol Pashinyan on May 7 ernment must be formed within 15 days after Pashinyan, who will turn 43 on June 1, to win any parliament electing a Prime Minister. received a hero’s welcome when he headed to seats. An elected Prime Minister must nominate Republic Square, the main venue of the Pashinyan went on to play a major role in a result of regime change in Yerevan. deputy Prime Ministers and ministers of his protests, later in the afternoon. “You won broad-based opposition movement launched by Pashinyan had previously harshly criticized Cabinet to the President within five days after today,” he told the jubilant crowd chanting former President Levon Ter-Petrosian, the main Armenia’s membership in both Russian-led taking office. After the formation of the gov- “Nikol!” and “Victory!” opposition candidate in a hotly disputed presi- blocs. “We now have new political realities and ernment, the Prime Minister must present his “The victory is not my being elected prime dential election held in February 2008. The must reckon with them,” responded Pashinyan. Cabinet’s action plan for parliamentary debates minister,” he added. “The victory is the fact that vote marred by reports of serious fraud formal- A “drastic” change in Armenia foreign policy within 20 days. Lawmakers have seven days for it’s you who have decided who must be prime ized the handover of power from Kocharyan to would only hurt the country, he said. debating the action plan. minister of Armenia.” Serzh Sargsyan. Pashinyan reaffirmed his commitment to In the event of the parliament’s rejection of “From now on the people must take care that Pashinyan went into hiding following the “strategic allied relations with Russia” when he the action plan, the elected PM resigns and new all officials honestly serve the people, other- deadly suppression on March 1-2, 2008 of post- again addressed fellow lawmakers just before elections of PM take place. If a new Prime wise, they will take their step as they did in election protests in Yerevan. He surrendered to Tuesday’s parliament vote. 4 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA

A sea of Armenians (Aram Arkun photo) Armenia Assembled and Rejoiced at Pashinyan’s Election as Prime Minister

with their parents to the elderly. flags of a few political parties, and even a few countries like By Aram Arkun The crowds would break into chants or yell encouragement as France, were being waved in support of the popular movement. Pashinyan addressed them prior to the vote. Later, the speakers People held up banners from a few different villages and cities, Mirror-Spectator Staff at the parliamentary session prior to the actual vote was broad- as well as from places as far afield as Poland and Belgium. cast, and again the crowds voiced their approval of speakers on In breaks between speakers, lively patriotic or traditional YEREVAN — Well-behaved crowds of over 100,000 people Pashinyan’s side. When leaders of the Republicans spoke, the music was played, as well as songs directly connected to in Yerevan’s central square were hopeful in the morning and masses screamed their disapproval, often turning their backs on Pashinyan’s campaign. Many swayed or even danced to the early afternoon of May 8 while they awaited the results of the their images on the large screens and displaying their middle fin- music. The crowds stayed there for the most part from late morn- parliamentary election. Many wore shirts or hats with slogans gers in anger (see brief video ing till late afternoon, when heavy rain led many to seek cover. or pictures supporting Nikol Pashinyan’s candidacy for the (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VemKG48QXWk&fea- The central part of the city next to the square was blocked to office of prime minister. Occasional drizzles of rain did not ture=youtu.be). traffic, while cars throughout the city honked their horns in jubi- mar the occasion nor dampen spirits, though only a few had The tricolor was ever-present, on shirts, hats, scarfs, cars, and lation for hours. It was like a mass street party after the parlia- umbrellas. There were people of all ages, ranging from infants even as long banners which people held overhead. In addition, mentary election of Pashinyan.

Pashinyan supporters in Yerevan sit in the trunk of a car. (Edmond Y. Azadian photo) A small car with a big message and many passengers (Aram Arkun photo)

A party mood in the streets (Aram Arkun photo) Walking to Republic Square (Aram Arkun photo) S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Towards Transnational Remembrance International News And Reconciliation Council of Europe Congratulates Pashinyan their own history. Raising the question of ly supported the genocide policy, there By Muriel Mirak- whether or not we have witnessed cultur- were Germans like Johannes Lepsius OSLO, Norway (Public Radio of Armenia) — Weissbach al progress over the past decades, he and Armin Wegner who mounted a Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Special to the Mirror-Spectator pointed to the continuing violence, expul- resistance. Jagland made the following statement: “On behalf of sions and killing taking place in Syria; the To present his concept of transna- the Council of Europe, I congratulate Nikol crimes of the past are being repeated. tional remembrance, Prof. Knigge took Pashinyan on his election as Prime Minister of FRANKFURT, Germany — Armenians The commemorative speech was the example of Stephen Hill, a British Armenia. who gathered in Frankfurt’s historic delivered by Prof. Volkhard Knigge, Jew who survived Büchenwald. Hill “Today’s decision by the Armenian Parliament Paulskirche this year for the traditional director of the Büchenwald Memorial worked with others on the Declaration shows that the constitutional reform, which is being commemoration of the 1915 genocide Foundation. Prof. Knigge developed the of Human Rights and called for a carried out with the help of our organization, has were among the first to join in prayer transnational dimension of remem- “transnational suffering remembrance,” started to be implemented. This process should con- with the new Primate of the Armenian brance culture, drawing comparisons whereby one derives self-consciousness tinue, in line with the wishes of the Armenian peo- Church in Germany, Archimandrite between the Armenian Genocide and from one’s own past of suffering, trans- ple. Serovpe Isakhanyan. He was elected as the Holocaust. In Büchenwald, he said, posing it to a transnational level. In this “The Council of Europe is ready to provide any fur- the successor to Archbishop Karekin they have succeeded in identifying connection he recalled the mass demon- ther assistance to the Armenian authorities in this Bekjian on April 15, and confirmed by strations of Turkish citi- very important process based on human rights, Catholicos Karekin II on April 19. zens in honor of Hrant democracy and the rule of law.” Another novelty was the presence of Dink. two representatives of the Armenian At the conclusion of youth community. And a very special the main address, EU Issues Statement on guest was Hrachuhi Bassenz, world Hrachuhi Bassenz sang famous opera singer. Antuni by Komitas, and Pashinyan Following a piece by Komitas, she was followed by two Shushiki, performed on the piano by young Armenians. BRUSSELS, Belgium — The High Diana Sahakyan, opened the solemn Vardan Lulukjan Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini ceremony on a stern note; he spoke of focused on the task of and Commissioner Johannes Hahn of the European criminals who today continue to deny the younger generation Union issued a Joint statement on the election of the genocide occurred, and character- to keep the memory of Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister of Armenia: ized the ongoing expulsion of Kurds as the past alive, and to “The Armenian Parliament has elected Nikol Pashinyan as the new Prime Minister of Armenia in a continuation of the tragedy the Prof. Volkhard Knigge address contemporary Armenians suffered a century ago. As crimes, like those perpe- accordance with the Constitution. The European the cases of Hrant Dink and persecuted trated against Christians Union looks forward to working with him and his German-Turkish author Dogan Akhanlı 35,000 names of victims and among in Syria as well as government on the implementation of the EU- show, he said, the perpetrators are still them have found 30 Armenians – who Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar or Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership active. To be sure, Germany has recog- had previously been misidentified as Yezidis in Iraq. Berta Arapoglu focused Agreement signed last November, with a view to fur- nized the genocide officially, in 2016, Turks. Citing the oft-quoted remark by on the implementation of the genocide ther consolidating democracy, the rule of law and but the clauses of that act of Parliament Hitler, in his plans to exterminate the resolution, listing 5 concrete demands: respect of human rights, and to creating a prosper- await implementation. Concretely he Jewish population, to the effect that no genocide instruction in schools, banning ous and resilient country for the benefit of all citi- called for a genocide monument to be one remembered the Armenians, he speeches by denialists, genocide monu- zens of Armenia. erected in Berlin and for study of the traced a line of continuity from the ments in major cities, fighting injustice “To achieve these important goals, a comprehen- Armenian Genocide to become part of genocide to the Holocaust. There were and supporting democracy in Turkey. sive dialogue among all political stakeholders in the school curriculum. some survivors of Büchenwald, he said, Diana Sahakyan performed Tsirini Armenia, including civil society, remains crucial.” Mayor Uwe Becker said, with refer- who, upon liberation from that concen- tsar by Komitas, after which ence to the 2016 landmark resolution, tration camp, swore a solemn oath to Archimandrite Isakhanyan gave a mov- 5 Armenians Elected to that it proved one cannot rewrite histo- the effect: “We want to build a new ing speech, before concluding with ry. One must learn from history, he said, world of peace and humanity.” solemn prayers. As a Christian, he said, Lebanese Parliament with a view to the ongoing plight of the As for the German role in the geno- he believes in a God of reconciliation, people of Afrin, and urged Europe not cide, Knigge distinguished between forgiveness and righteousness. Turks BEIRUT (Armenpress) — Five ethnic Armenians to remain idle. those diplomats like Ambassador von are not to be our enemies eternally, we have been elected MPs of the parliament of Lebanon, Bassenz presented Garuna and Hov Wangenheim who opposed the mas- will be able to forgive not only as according to the preliminary results of the May 6 Areq by Komitas, after which sacres and those like Chancellor Christians but as human beings. elections. Ambassador Ashot Smbatyan spoke. Bethmann-Hollweg, who accepted them Forgiveness, he said, is a step towards “Hakob Bagratuni, Hakob Terzyan and Alexander Denial of the genocide, he said, is some- as part of the price for the wartime healing sickness, the sickness of Matosyan from the ARF (Dashnaktsutyun), Jean thing that is damaging also to the alliance with the Young Turk regime. If hatred which was expressed in the Taluzyan from the Lebanese Forces party and Pola Turkish people, in the sense that it hin- military officers like Fritz Bronsart von assassination of Hrant Dink. This must Yakubyan nominated by the civilian movement cir- ders them from dealing truthfully with Schellendorf and Hans Humann active- be overcome. cles, have been elected lawmakers of the Lebanese parliament”, editor-in-chief of Lebanon’s Aztag Daily Shahan Gantaharian told ARMENPRESS. The candidates nominated by the Ramgavar (Armenian Democratic Liberty Party) and the Erdogan Speech in Turkey Backfires, Leading Hunchakian party have not been elected. (The Central Committee and Supreme Council of the ADL/Ramgavar Party did not endorse those mem- To Widespread ‘Enough’ Hashtag bers who participated as Ramgavar candidates.) The ARF nominated 4, the Ramgavar – 3 and the ISTANBUL (Reuters) — More than Enough!” said another. riorating record on civil rights and have Hunchakian -1 candidates for the parliamentary elec- half a million Turks piled onto social Erdogan’s rivals in the presidential voiced concerns that the NATO member tions. media to call time on President Tayyip polls also jumped in, with the “tamam” has been sliding further into authoritar- Erdogan on May 8, making the word tweets from three of his main oppo- ianism under Erdogan. “tamam,” which translates into nents together garnering more than Thousands from all walks of life have Qatari and Chinese “enough,” a trending topic worldwide 10,000 retweets. been jailed for alleged ties to a move- Businesses Interested in after he promised to step down if the “Time is up. Enough!” tweeted ment that resulted in a 2016 coup people wanted it. Muharrem Ince, the candidate of the attempt. Armenia Energy Field “If one day our nation says ‘enough,’ main opposition, the Republican The government says the measures then we will step aside,” he said in a People’s Party (CHP). are necessary due to the security YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Acting Minister of speech in parliament. The most popular Meral Aksener, leader of the Good threats it faces. Energy Ashot Manukyan received Qatari and Chinese — and divisive — politician in recent Party, and Felicity Party Leader Temel After the June vote, Turkey will switch businessmen Saif-Ur-Rehman Khan, executive direc- Turkish history, Erdogan has ruled for Karamollaoglu also joined in the fray on to the powerful, executive presidential tor of Redco International and Song Dongsheng, 15 years, overseeing a period of sharp social media. system narrowly approved in a referen- President of PowerChina International Group, on economic growth and a widespread More than 480,000 tweets with the dum last year. May 7. crackdown against his opponents. word “tamam” were posted by the late Lawmaker Bulent Tezcan of the CHP Manukyan stated that there is already a productive Last month, he declared snap elec- afternoon. last week announced an alliance in a bid cooperation with Chinese companies. He spoke about tions for June 24, bringing the polls for- Social media has become the primary to weaken the ruling party’s 16-year Armenia’s 2036 energy development strategy and ward by more than a year. Soon after platform for opposition against the gov- dominance in parliament. His secular touched upon the projects in renewable energy field the speech, the #Tamam hashtag swept ernment in Turkey, where traditional party is joining forces with the newly- with investment attractiveness. He said the primary across Turkish-language Twitter, then media is saturated with coverage of founded nationalist Good Party, the goal of these projects is to increase the energy pro- became a global trending topic. Erdogan and his ministers. Erdogan’s Islamic-leaning Felicity Party and the duction capacities directed for export . “We want democracy so we say speeches, usually two or three a day, are center-right Democrat Party. Song Dongsheng spoke abou his company’s priori- #enough to Erdogan. Please leave your all broadcast live on major channels, The parties have nominated their own ties, as well as discussed the cooperation opportuni- seat. You did insane things to our coun- while opposition parties get little to no presidential candidates to run against ties with Armenia in the energy field. try and people. Enough,” said one user. coverage. Erdogan, but will run as an alliance for “You will not step aside quietly. You Rights groups and Turkey’s Western the parliamentary election, which is will give account for the things you did. allies have criticized Ankara for its dete- scheduled for the same day. 6 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Peter and Irene Women’s Vosbikian Legacy Empowerment Honored at Sold In Action in Out Celebration Armenia and In Philadelphia The Diaspora WASHINGTON — Philadelphia Community members, former interns and friends represent- WASHINGTON — Challenges and successes ing a diverse cross section of the community in advancing equal rights for Armenian women attended the Armenian Assembly of America’s drew an attentive audience at a recent recep- sold out Philadelphia Celebration honoring Life tion on “Empowering Armenian Women” at Trustees Peter and Irene Vosbikian, who were the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., spon- awarded with the Global Humanitarian Award. sored by the National Association for The Celebration took place on Saturday, Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) on April 28, at the National Constitution Center April 26, 2018, and hosted by Judith Saryan of overlooking Independence Hall and the Liberty Cambridge, Mass. and Arlene Saryan of Bell, the birthplace of our nation’s democra- Washington, DC. cy. Guests traveled from across the country, for Sarah Ignatius, executive director of the event. NAASR, welcomed the many women leaders in Host Committee Chairman and Assembly the room, as well as the men, and explained Board Member Alex Karapetian welcomed that the Cosmos Club was the perfect setting guests and thanked the Host Committee - com- with its tradition of thoughtful discourse and posed of fellow Board Member Bianka Kadian the fact that it had been a male-only club until Dodov and the Philadelphia trifecta: Celeste 1988, thereby illustrating the power of advoca- Ayjian, Jake Der Hagopian, and Silva Santerian cy for equal treatment. She explained how - as well as the Assembly staff, sponsors, and NAASR’s programming not only looks at donors for helping to make it an unforgettable Armenia’s past but focuses on contemporary evening. Armenian topics, expanding its reach to college Karapetian shared his experience during and university students as well as the general the Assembly’s summer internship in public, with support from the Calouste Washington, DC and applauded the intern Gulbenkian Foundation. She also described alumni in attendance. The Honorary Host Committee, which was mostly composed of for- mer alumni, includes Ani Acopian (‘14), Adam Azarian (‘09), Alexander Azarian (‘14), Michael Maj. Sargis Stepanyan visiting a wounded soldier in Armenia Azarian (‘05), Cissy Der Hagopian (‘79), Mark Hoplamazian (‘83), Edele Hovnanian (‘80), Leslie Azarian Karapetian (‘02), Julia Mirak Kew (‘87), Raffi Manoukian (‘97), Mark Momjian (‘79 & ‘80), Melineh Momjian (‘85), Armenian Army Hero Paul Sookiasian (‘05), Erika Hajatian Torosian (‘05), and Linda Yepoyan (‘81). Former Assembly Board Chairman Michael Saves Lives Off and On Haratunian and former Assembly Board Member Harry S. Cherken, Jr. were also part of the Honorary Host Committee, alongside their The Battlefield

NEW YORK — When Maj. Sargis Stepanyan realized a fellow soldier was trapped among landmines during a special operations forces mission in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), he did what the best military commanders on the battlefield do — he By Taleen Babayan risked his own life trying to save him. Special to the Mirror-Spectator That rescue attempt would ultimately cost him his two legs and right arm, but helped him fulfill a greater calling through the Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund (AWHF) and its life-saving mission. Anna Kalshyan Hailed as a war hero since that fateful day in 2014, Stepanyan has continued to devote his life to the Armenian Armed Forces and has discovered a new purpose NAASR’s plans to transform its headquarters of raising awareness for the medical emergencies soldiers face on the front line in into a global center for Armenian Studies, with Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as providing counsel to other wounded soldiers, inspir- construction starting this month, and encour- ing them. aged people to consider becoming part of it In his first-ever trip to the United States, Stepanyan spent time in the New York through their support. metro area as well as in Las Vegas and Los Angeles to garner support for the Armenian Assembly Board Member and Host Maro Matosian, the executive director of the AWHF’s US Military-Grade Kits that have allowed soldiers to become their own Committee Chairman Alex Karapetian Women’s Support Center (WSC) had been slat- medics on the field in the crucial moments after they’re hit. ed to speak as a key presenter but had flown During his time in New York, Stepanyan was recognized by the Knights of back to Yerevan the previous weekend to par- former Board colleagues Edele Hovnanian and Vartan in a special award ceremony at the Times Square Armenian Genocide ticipate in the demonstrations, thereby Mark Momjian. Commemoration on Sunday, April 22. He also participated in awareness events embodying through her actions women’s During his speech, Karapetian stated: that week at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City; St. Vartanantz empowerment in Armenia. Standing in her “Tonight, we are not only celebrating the 41st Armenian Church in Ridgefield, NJ; an Armenian Genocide Flag Raising Ceremony stead was Antranig Kasbarian, executive direc- anniversary of the Assembly’s summer intern- in Fort Lee, NJ; Hovnanian Armenian School in New Milford, NJ and the home of tor of the Tufenkian Foundation, who for many ship program but we are also honoring two of James and Maral Sahagian in Mahwah, NJ before heading west. years has worked with Matosian to advance its most devoted stewards and staunch pillars of women’s rights and civil society. Kasbarian the Philly community, Peter and Irene Saving More Lives, Buoying Spirits explained how WSC, under Matosian’s leader- Vosbikian, with the Global Humanitarian His story is not only inspirational but also connects the diaspora to the ongo- ship, serves victims of domestic violence and Award. Congratulations to both of you and ing conflict in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and the sacrifices being made to their families and has become a model organi- thank you for all that you have done and con- protect the historic land. When the landmine detonated on Stepanyan, he was zation actively training social workers, thera- tinue to do for the Assembly.” rushed to the hospital in Stepanakert, which didn’t have enough blood stored to pists, police officers, and victims of domestic Karapetian also encouraged everyone to par- sustain his severely injured body. Fellow soldiers with his blood type donated their violence to make productive decisions about ticipate in the Assembly’s upcoming National blood through the dangerous method of direct transfusion. During the aftermath their own lives. WSC also promotes gender Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC, of the explosion, his heart stopped three times. equality through its larger advocacy work, which will take place on September 23-25, “It must have been God’s will for me to remain on this earth,” said Stepanyan, which complements the domestic violence 2018. “We cannot sit on the sidelines and see HERO, page 7 work. He presented WSC in the context of the expect others to act on our behalf. If you want growing social justice activism in see VOSBIKIAN, page 9 see EMPOWERMENT, page 9 S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

was transferred to a hospital in Yerevan by heli- Armenian Army Hero copter and during the flight Stepanyan began Saves Lives Off and On to feel better, perhaps because he was accus- tomed to being elevated high in the air during The Battlefield his military training and operations. Arriving in Yerevan, Stepanyan knew it HERO, from page 6 would be hard on his parents to see their son 35, who was born and raised in Yerevan before in his condition, so he made it a priority to help joining the Armenian Armed Forces and subse- ease their agony and distress. quently its Special Operations Forces. “My parents were very upset when they saw Doctors credit his survival to his tremendous me,” said Stepanyan. “I knew I had to make athletic shape, thanks to his years of training as them feel comfortable otherwise it was going to a soldier and paratrooper. Once stabilized, he be very difficult for all of us.”

Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich presenting Maj. Sargis Stepanyan with a plaque during the city’s flag raising ceremony in honor of the Armenian Genocide on Saturday, April 21.

Stepanyan worked hard to maintain his men- they were heavy and foreign to his body but he tal and physical strength to recover from his says he was “determined for normalcy.” injuries. He persevered, his competitive nature Stepanyan soon looked for a sport in which kicking in, to recover as quickly as possible to he could compete and “one that I could win.” leave the hospital bed and resume daily life to He chose arm wrestling and selected a coach the best of his ability. with the mindset of “training towards victory.” At the behest of Karekin II, Catholicos of all As he prepared for the European Para-Arm Armenians, Stepanyan traveled to Calcutta, Wrestling World Cup competitions, he met India for his prosthetic surgery, under the care Razmig Arzoumanian, one of the founders of of the Armenian Humanitarian College of the Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund (AWHF), AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian Armenian School students arm wrestle with Maj. Sargis Stepanyan in Calcutta, which operates under the auspices of with whom he forged a close relationship. Los Angeles on Thursday, April 26. the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin. At first he AWHF is committed to the overall betterment had difficulty adjusting to his prosthetics as of Armenia’s heroes and it sponsored Stepanyan’s participation in the competition. Most recently Stepanyan became the world champion, winning two gold and one silver medal last November in Poland. Founded in response to the April 2016 war in Artsakh, AWHF’s mission is to supply troops with first-aid kits on the front line in order to prevent the three leading causes of combat deaths, which include lacerated lungs, airway obstruction and hemorrhaging. Delivering every dollar donated, the organization has already sent thousands of kits to the front line in its short history and trained soldiers on how to use the devices and supplies. The organiza- tion’s current goal is to cover the eastern front of Artsakh, working in tandem with Armenia’s Ministry of Defense. Stepanyan’s presence in the diaspora, partic- ularly in New York City, illuminated the signifi- cance of the Armenian Armed Forces, who risk their lives every day to protect the homeland. According to Stepanyan, it is their duty to do so and it is a duty they fulfill with pride. “We are an intelligent nation,” said Stepanyan. “I want our country to become stronger and have an even stronger Army.” In Stepanyan’s eyes, it is through that pow- erful army that Armenia will flourish and not be subject to other catastrophic attacks on its people. “I feel great pain for the one and a half mil- lion Armenians who were massacred during the genocide,” said Stepanyan. “But by strengthen- ing the country’s army, that kind of tragedy will never occur again.” He sees the potential in the younger genera- tion of Armenians, both in the homeland and in the diaspora, where he had a chance to engage with the youth, particularly at the Hovnanian Armenian School. “I was very impressed with the curiosity of the students,” said Stepanyan. “They asked mature questions and I in turn encouraged them to never forget the Armenian language and the Armenian nation.” Through his ongoing work with the Armenian Armed Forces and the AWHF, he hopes to bring continued awareness to impor- tant causes and to improve the quality of life for amputees and disabled soldiers by building a gym and recreational center. “I want the gym to be free of charge and accessible to the disabled, where the wounded can train and also work,” he said. “It gives them a new life and shows the world that the Armenian people are a strong people.” As for the future of the country that he, his parents and grandparents have physically fought for, he says he wants to “witness the return of Artsakh to Armenia and for more Armenian chil- dren to be born on the Armenian soil.” 8 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARIES Bob Colombosian Family Popularized Yogurt in North America

ANDOVER, Mass. (Boston Globe) — Robert unteer for 15 years at Lawrence General “Bob” Colombosian, 92, a longtime resident of Hospital, retiring on his 90th birthday. Andover, died at home with his family by his He also believed in giving back to the com- side on April 30, 2018. munity and was a generous contributor to a Born on December 8, 1925, Bob was the son scholarship fund at Bentley University and to of Sarkis and Rose (Krikorian) Colombosian, several Armenian organizations. He had served who were the founders of Colombo & Sons as a Parish Council Member of the Holy Cross Creamery, incorporated in 1929 as the first Armenian Apostolic Church of Lawrence, and yogurt dairy in America. He graduated from was a member of the Sts. Vartanatz Armenian Punchard High School, Andover class of 1944 Church, Chelmsford. and attended Bryant & Stratton College of Bob was also a renowned race car driver and Boston. member of the Sports Car Club of America He was also a proud Word War II Army vet- from 1957-1967 where he was New England eran. champion for many years. He drove modified He married Alice (Amboian) of Detroit, Mich. sports cars and competed at raceways through- in 1947 and they celebrated 61 years together out the Northeast and eastern Canada as well until her passing in 2008. Their wedding pre- as at Sebring Raceway in Fla. and at Watkins sent from his parents was a milk route, where Glen, N.Y. After his racing career ended, he was they delivered milk door-to-door around frequently seen driving around his beloved Merrimack Valley under the name “Wild Rose Andover in his red mini cooper.

Robert “Bob” Colombosian (Photo: Ann Hermes/The Eagle-Tribune)

Creamery.” True to his historical roots, he also spent his He was a true entrepreneur with a creative last few years making yogurt on his kitchen spirit who started and cultivated many busi- stove using an original family recipe from nesses such as Colombo Yogurt, Inc., Autolab Armenia and would deliver home-made yogurt Imports in Woburn, Grumpy’s Restaurant in and string cheese to his many friends. Boston, Colombo Frozen Yogurt Shoppe at He is survived by his daughters Karen Faneuil Hall and Sweet Scoops in Salem, Mass. Colombosian of Charlestown, Linda He was central to the development of Colombosian of Newburyport, Nancy (Mike) Colombo Frozen Yogurt “The Cultured Cow.” In Czlonka of Hinsdale, IL and Robin 2003, he was coaxed out of retirement by Colombosian of North Andover. He was pre- ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS General Mills, the owner of Colombo yogurt, and deceased by his wife Alice and daughter Valerie. became an integral part of their television adver- He also leaves three grandsons, Myles and D D S tising campaign. In 2004 accompanied by his Robert Couyoumjian and Michael Czlonka, sis- Cemetery Monuments wife, Alice, he appeared in the commercials com- ters Ann Hallahan (Bill) of Sutton, NH and memorating the 75th anniversary of Colombo Mary Webb of Newbury, N.H., and was pre- Specializing in Yogurt. That same year he received a proclama- deceased by his loving Brother John “Beep” Armenian Designs and Lettering tion by Governor Mitt Romney, was recognized Colombosian of Andover. In addition he leaves by Mayor Thomas Menino at Boston City Hall several nieces, nephews, brother and sisters-in- 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 and received a key to the Town of Andover for law, and countless extended family and friends. (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com his contributions to the local community. Funeral services were on Monday, May 7, in Post-retirement Bob remained active as a vol- the Armenian Church at High Pointe, Haverhill. George Kapriel Omartian Active in Local Armenian Community F UNERAL H OME WATERTOWN — George Kapriel Omartian, Giragosian James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC 82, died on April 29, 2018 in Watertown. Mark J. Giragosian He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Zoya Funeral Counselors Agavelyan Omartian, who was by his side during his convalescence and at his passing. 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Additionally he leaves his sister, Sara www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Omartian of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dertad K. and Gulkhatir Omartian, his brother, David, his sister, Areknaz, and just last month, by his Telephone (617) 924-7400 cousin, George Gabriel Omartian. In addition, he leaves his nieces and Goddaughters, Lisa Omartian of Springfield Aram Bedrosian and Lauren Omartian of Watertown. He was born on April 6, 1936 in Springfield Funeral Home, Inc. and attended Springfield Public Schools. In 1958, he graduated from the University of Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science degree. MARION BEDROSIAN A wake and funeral were held on May 4, at St. He was active in the Boston-area Armenian 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN community and attended church services in Mark Armenian Church, Springfield. Interment WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Belmont, Cambridge and Watertown. followed at Oak Grove Cemetery. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Peter and Irene Vosbikian Legacy Honored at Sold Out Celebration In Philadelphia

VOSBIKIAN, from page 6 to see change, you need to be an advocate. Every single person who is here tonight is already an advocate...It’s because of you that the Assembly can continue to grow and make positive change for Armenia on the Hill,” he said. The guests of honor, Peter and Irene Vosbikian, invited everyone as well to join the Armenian Assembly at its National Advocacy Conference in September. “When I served as chairman of the Assembly 16 years ago, Turkey’s lobbying efforts in the U.S. were in their infancy. Today, they are spending millions to whitewash their tarnished past,” Peter Vosbikian said. Noting that the Armenian Assembly serves as the voice for Armenians, urged everyone to come to Washington, D.C. “Let’s walk up the Hill together!” he concluded. Assembly Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian praised Peter and Irene Vosbikian for their passion, tireless support, Peter and Irene Vosbikian with Armenian Assembly Board Members, Host Committee, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian and vigilant commitment to the Armenian- American community. “Peter and Irene are the perfect example of Armenian Apostolic Church of America at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in with special musical guest Kevork Artinian and activism and leadership, as well as a role model Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan gave the Cheltenham, Hieromonk Fr. Raphael His Band, who reside, and are well known, in for the global Armenian community, which is Invocation for the evening, and Diocesan Stontsitskyy at St. Mark’s Armenian Catholic the Philadelphia region. Church in Wynnewood, and Sisters Emma “We would also like to extend our apprecia- Moussayan and Narine Simonian of Armenian tion for the Host Committee, under the enthu- Sisters Academy in Radnor. siastic leadership of Alex Karapetian, for their The celebration featured the vibrant and hard work and dedication planning this event eclectic culture of Philadelphia, known for its alongside the Armenian Assembly’s staff,” Co- rich history. As guests were entering the Chairs Barsamian and Krikorian stated. “We National Constitution Center, they were greet- are now planning a third major advocacy con- ed with Philadelphia-native impersonators, ference to take place in Washington, D.C. this Rocky Balboa and Benjamin Franklin. Those in September around Armenian Independence day attendance were also surprised with a live per- to bring the Armenian American community formance of the Aqua String Band, consisting and leadership in large numbers to meet with of the traditional Mummers known for their Washington policymakers to make a bigger dif- elaborate costumes. The evening concluded ference together.”

Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, Armenian Assembly President Carolyn Mugar, Peter and Irene Vosbikian, and Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Van Krikorian why they are so deserving of the Legate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Armenian Assembly’s Global Humanitarian America Archbishop Vicken Aykazian provided Award. Their commitment to advocacy and phil- the Benediction. Also in attendance were clergy anthropy is what sets them apart, and their from the Philadelphia region, including Rev. Fr. ongoing efforts are admirable and inspiring. We Nerses Manoogian of St. Gregory the are proud to have them part of our organiza- Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church tion,” Assembly Co-Chairs Barsamian and in Philadelphia, Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian of Krikorian said. Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Peter and Irene Vosbikian’s grandchildren Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Church in Wynnewood, Rev. Hakob Gevorgyan Women’s Empowerment in Action in Armenia and The Diaspora

EMPOWERMENT, from page 6 stem from deep-rooted structural inequities; Armenia and the increasing tendency of the however, Armenia has demonstrated progress diaspora to engage in rehabilitative and particularly regarding the recent passage of developmental assistance to Armenia. legislation to criminalize domestic violence. Anna Kalashyan of the World Bank provid- Seven years ago, the press in Armenia barely ed a global framework for the challenges and covered this issue. Now there are thirty to opportunities faced by developing countries forty articles in the media every week on when addressing the empowerment of domestic violence. women and human rights. She discussed how The audience, composed of women and men other countries have worked on these chal- from the age of 12 to 97, was clearly engaged lenges and how Armenia can learn from in the topic and raised numerous questions them. Kalashyan joined the World Bank during the Q & A. “We need more programs Group in 2016. She conducts research and like this one,” said one audience member. “We analysis on the legal and regulatory frame- have very few events in Washington D.C. work affecting women’s ability to get jobs about contemporary topics.” and start businesses, with a focus on provid- To learn more about NAASR, visit ing incentives to work. She also supports www.naasr.org. Matosian’s presentation research for other units at the World Bank, regarding domestic violence in Armenia at a including the Education Global Practice. previous panel discussion on “Armenian Previously, she worked at the Open Society Women: Leadership, Empowerment, and Foundation and UN Women. Human Rights,” on April 11, hosted by the Kalashyan and Kasbarian both shared their Tufts Armenian Club at Tufts University and thoughts about laws and policies needed to organized by the NAASR/Calouste strengthen the role of women in the work- Gulbenkian Foundation Series on place and the role of men in changing power Contemporary Armenian Issues, is available From left, Sara Ignatius, Anna Kalashyan and Antranig Kasparian relations. Many of the challenges in Armenia on the website. 10 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Boston Renaissance Discusses Events in Armenia

RENAISSANCE, from page 1 disseminated by opponents of the movement. not simple processes. It is not clear as to what ment.” He found that what was happening network of chapters all around the globe. The second speaker was scholar and writer happens to the people who run them. They may there was the culmination of an organic process He introduced the moderator, Berge Dr. Jirair Libaridian, who was advisor and then end up radicalized or even authoritarian, some- which matured over years. Ayvazian, co-chair of the Board of Trustees of senior advisor to the president of the Republic times to ensure the success of the movement. Kotchikian said that the sense of activism in the First Armenian Church. Ayvazian said that of Armenia from 1991 to 1997 and First Deputy Despite his words of caution, he concluded that Armenia started back in 2007, often concerning the evening’s event was designed to dissemi- Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1993 to 1994. nate information so people become aware of Before his thoughts on the current develop- (ARAM ARKUN PHOTO) what is going on right now in Armenia and pro- ments, he interjected that though the public mote dialogue. The talks were primarily in square’s capacity might be 150,000 people, this English, but the discussion also at times took was at any one given time, but people were con- place in English. stantly streaming in and out, meaning that the Writer and photojournalist Roubina total must be much higher there. Margossian, the first speaker, joined via Skype Libaridian was impressed by the decentral- from Yerevan and described the present situa- ized nature of the movement, where streets tion in Armenia. Margossian, born and raised in were being blocked in various parts of the Lebanon, was a correspondent for Kuwait TV street by small numbers of people. The demon- from Lebanon and in Armenia previously strators were able to peacefully and calmly act, served as the English-language editor at and argue with logic with the police. CivilNet. At present, she is the managing editor Libaridian made four primary points. First, at EVN Report. although the movement is political, the strug- As someone who has attended nearly all the gle is not just between political forces. rallies and has been out on the street every day, Libaridian said that the core issue is that oli- Margossian said that the atmosphere was garchs have found it cheaper to become politi- almost “post-apocalyptic,” when in the early cians themselves instead of buying off politi- days of the protests people slept in the streets, cians. The consequences for oligarchs to give with heaters. The situation began changing so up their power are graver than that of ordinary quickly, she said, that news agencies were not politicians, if the people attempt to pursue jus- able to keep up and provide analyses. Attitudes tice against them. in the general population have changed, espe- His second point was that the Republican Berge Ayvazian cially toward girls and women, she continued. Party is behaving almost the same way as the All the past opposition movements in Armenia Communist Party of Armenia in 1988. Popular have left their traces on this one. pressure forced the Communist parliament to Pashinyan “is the candidate of the people and environmental issues, like the Save Teghut ini- Detentions stopped after a while and the last elect Levon Ter-Petrosian as president of the we will support him.” tiative, as in the Soviet period. He rattled off the week has been relatively calm, with few deten- presidium. The Republican Party made the The next speaker, Dr. Asbed Kotchikian, pro- names of a set of movements which followed: tions. Ayvazian and Haroutunian asked same mistake as the Communists 30 years later fessor of political science and international rela- the Mashtots Park movement in 2012, the Margossian a number of questions. She said by underestimating a popular movement as just tions at Bentley University and academic coor- protests against the mashrutka or bus price that the maximum capacity of the public square another opposition movement. dinator for the Armenian Higher Education hikes in 2013, Electric Yerevan protests in 2015 150,000 people, but since the movement is a Initiative, said he has spent much time in against electricity price hikes, and the Sasna Velvet Revolution Update network movement, there are similar demon- (ARAM ARKUN PHOTO) Tsrer hostage crisis of strations in other cities of Yerevan so there is The third point was that as has happened in 2016. Kotchikian no accurate total figure for the demonstrators. Armenian history before, the sides in a domes- observed that Pashinyan According to the leaders of the movement, this tic conflict appeal to foreign patrons or powers. did not have a plan in

(ARAM ARKUN PHOTO) The Republicans tried to Electric Yerevan or Sasna get the Russian govern- Tsrer. The demonstrators ment to save them by at the time feared that he making them think that would hijack these Russian influence was demonstrations for his being threatened. Also, own political goals and the government begins to denied him access. start talking about However, Pashinyan Turkish and Azerbaijani learned from these threats, so that the non- actions to not be central- resolution of the ized and stay in one place. Karabakh conflict is used Pashinyan also learned as a scare tactic to quiet from Raffi Hovannisian’s the populace. errors in the 2013 presi- Libaridian stated that dential campaign, where, this has happened before. Jirair Libaridian Kotchikian said, he sud- He then made the contro- denly “just disappeared,” versial claim that two sorely disappointing peo- years ago in April 2016, it Armenia over the last 10 years. Kotchikian ple who were following him. was the Armenian gov- spoke about the process that led to the current Kotchikian thinks that Pashinyan’s actions Martin Haroutunian ernment which “started situation, citing the work of the American aca- over the past few weeks were planned. He start- action on the border and demic Gene Sharp, author of From ed walking and others joined him in increasing then said that the Dictatorship to Democracy (1994), a work numbers, due to growing discontent and politi- (ARAM ARKUN PHOTO) Azerbaijanis are attack- translated into more than 30 languages. cal frustration. ing.” The situation today, Kotchikian saw similarities in the present situa- An important point to understand, he point- he said, was similar, when tion in Armenia with various movements ed out, was that this movement is governed by the government starts described by Sharp, and described the situation youth. Real change in any country comes from talking about Azerbaijan as “a textbook democratic revolutionary move- continued on next page and Turkey. Armenian Defense Minister Vigen (ARAM ARKUN PHOTO) Sargsyan has been talk- ing about the threat to Armenia recently, though nothing unusual has been happening on the border. The Azerbaijanis, he said, are afraid the Armenian government may use inci- dents in order to scare and blame the demonstra- tors. Libaridian’s final point Roubina Margossian projected on the big screen via Skype was that there is no guar- antee as to what will hap- is not a “color revolution,” but is “color-blind,” pen next. On the one she said. hand, he said, there will be huge popular pres- Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan has sure on the parliament until Pashinyan is elect- turned practically into a figure of a savior, ed prime minister. However, even if he is elect- Margossian declared. One of the specific char- ed, he still has to present a cabinet and pro- acters of this movement is that the leaders are grams to be approved by the same parliament, in touch directly with the people showing up at and eventually he will need to change the elec- Asbed Kotchikian the protests through social media. This coun- toral code to ensure free parliamentary elec- ters various rumors and deliberate “fake news” tions. Libaridian cautioned that revolutions are S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS

Two Students to Graduate from St. Nersess on May 19

ARMONK, N.Y. — Since its establish- ment, St. Nersess has graduated outstand- ing young men and women who are serv- ing the Armenian Church faithfully as priests and lay leaders for the Dioceses of North America. This year, two students will graduate from the seminary on May 19. Deacon Arman Galstyan, who is origi- nally from Yerevan, Armenia, and has lived in both Canada and New York, will be graduating from the St. Nersess the Great Program for Late Vocations. This summer he will continue his parish internship at St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, NJ. “It is my hope and dream to carry the torch of light, love, and knowledge that St. Nersess has given me and bring it to our parishes, and to every family and person I will come across throughout my ministry,” Dn. Michael Sabounjian commented Gasltyan. Deacon Michael Sabounjian, who is from Framingham, Mass., and is the son of that St. Nersess has equipped me with the the Rev. Krikor and his wife, Yeretzguin tools to continue as a life-long learner of LuAnn Sabounjian, will be graduating the riches of the Armenian Church,” from the Armenian Church Studies Sabounjian said. Program at St. Nersess Seminary. He will “We are proud of our graduates’ accom- be receiving his Master of Divinity at St. plishments and look forward to the fruits Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary of their education and training in service earlier in the day. In the fall, he will con- to the Armenian Church,” remarked Fr. tinue his studies at the seminary of the Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess. The Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin for 10 public is invited to attend the graduation months. ceremony honoring the two seminarian “I am able to appreciate the depth of graduates. beauty and wisdom found within the The ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Armenian Orthodox Theological Tradition St. Hagop Chapel on the campus of St. in a new light because of my St. Nersess Nersess Seminary, followed by a reception. education. And though I can confidently To RSVP, email [email protected]. Dn. Arman Galstyan say that my theological education has not St. Nersess is located at 486 Bedford come to a close, I am equally confident Road, Armonk, NY 10504.

with the ruling Republican Party. is important not to confuse the government plined in keeping it nonviolent. Boston Renaissance Yengibaryan declared that he might be in the with the state, especially when one is outside of She also pointed out a technical advantage to opposition, but that he and his comrades would Armenia. not calling it a revolution, because using this Discusses Events in not do anything to harm Armenia. On the con- Yengibaryan praised Pashinyan as a great word immediately leads Western and Russian trary, he said, he is proud to be a citizen of the patriot and a great leader who will strengthen media to try to give it a geopolitical coloring. Armenia Republic of Armenia, which he knows has a Armenia’s relations throughout the world, with- Ohanyan’s second important point was that very bright future. He is even prouder now with out bribery or fraud and with a government this instance of transition provides the people from previous page the unified movement of all Armenians in favor chosen by free elections. He cited Pashinyan’s with an opportunity regardless of what happens within, and it is due to this new generation of democracy, not just in Armenia but through- declaration on the occasion of April 24 that we tomorrow. She said, “It already created a great in Armenia. Kotchikian said that the best in out the diaspora. As a Christian nation, he said, are no longer a nation of victims, but a nation political opening for Armenians to seize on this people came out, with protectiveness and even Armenians had to oppose dictatorship. of victors, as an important step for Armenians. and start a process of democratic consolida- love for one another. For example, ad hoc com- He said that it is necessary to be objective Yengibaryan ended his talk optimistically by tion.” In the cases of successful transitions, mittees distributed food and blankets to the and recognize the achievements of Armenia, pointing to something great which the other movements were incremental. participants. such as its diplomacy in joining both the Armenian people already achieved. He said, Therefore, Ohanyan suggested that even if The fear of a foreign hand in this movement, Eurasian Economic Union and in a fashion the “We defeated the greatest enemy of our nation, Pashinyan did not win the election on May 1 as mentioned by Libaridian, is a common element European Union. Yengibaryan concluded that it hopelessness…Whenever the fear is gone, when- prime minister, and parliamentary snap elec- appearing in many revolutions, but Kotchikian ever there is hope, every- tions later were held under the control of the felt “that is an insult” to the people involved. (ARAM ARKUN PHOTO) thing will be good.” Republican Party, people should still go out The participants have specifically declared, he Dr. Anna Ohanyan, the and cast their ballot, and the results could be said, that this is an internal, domestic move- Richard B. Finnegan quite favorable in maintaining the momentum. ment, and Pashinyan gave speeches attempting Distinguished Professor of Her last point concerned the Nagorno to clarify that this is not a “color revolution.” Political Science and Karabakh conflict. The authoritarian President Viktor Yengibaryan, a representative of the International Relations at Aliyev certainly would not like to see a democ- Yelk Alliance, was the next speaker. One of fif- Stonehill College, was the ratic society next door, so there may be an indi- teen fellows this semester at the Tavitian final speaker. She said that rect coordination between the authoritarian Scholars Program of the Fletcher School at she prefers to call what powers of Armenia and its neighbors. As far as Tufts University, he currently works as an advi- took place a movement, not Russia is concerned, Ohanyan said that the gov- sor to a member of parliament of Armenia and a revolution, because of two ernment of Armenia, unable to control its oli- is the chairman of the Yerevan council of the reasons. What took place garchs and its domestic politics, has become a Bright Armenia Party, one of the three political was much bigger than a rev- liability for Russia. parties composing the Yelk Alliance. olution, as it is civil disobe- A period of often impassioned questions Before entering into the substance of his pre- dience, decentralized, on a and statements from the audience and sentation, he expressed his strong disagreement mass scale, within an exist- responses from the panelists followed the with Libaridian’s analysis of the April War of ing constitutional order. talk. Among other things, Libaridian argued, 2016, finding it a “great offense to every She said, “The beauty of contrary to Ohanyan, that the movement was Armenian” to state that Armenia and not the movement is that peo- actually revolutionary in some elements Azerbaijan started the war. ple really came out to because even though it was nonviolent, it was Yengibaryan then made a series of obser- defend the institution, no challenging the system and its goal was to vations. Like Kotchikian before him, he point- matter how flawed…there replace the parliament, which was not truly ed out that the present movement was pri- was a referendum, there representative. Kotchikian remarked that the marily led by the youth, people under 30, was a constitution…It ruling party worked by the existing laws, who now are demanding their own rights. demonstrates the maturity while the movement had popular support While the Yelk Alliance has nine members in of the people. As civil dis- outside of the existing institutions and is an parliament, Yengibaryan said, it did not have obedience, it has been spec- agent of change. the staff or power to make any serious impact tacular. It has been a text- In answer to a question, Yengibaryan on decision making there until now. book application of nonvio- declared there can be no planning during a rev- Secondly, oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan’s party, lent civil disobedience.” She olution, but the Yelk Alliance’s parliamentary Prosperous Armenia, is only formally an said that she was impressed platform can give some idea of what Pashinyan Anna Ohanyan opposition like Yelk, but actually is allied that the people were so disci- and the movement will attempt to achieve. 12 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School Offers ‘Taste of Spring’

WATERTOWN — Each spring the Parent- Teacher Organization of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) holds a fund-raising event to benefit the school. For the second consecutive year, the event was held at Stonehurst, the Robert Paine Estate, in Waltham. The outpouring of support expressed for the school is a testament to the vital role it holds in the Armenian community of Greater Boston. The attendees on April 12 enjoyed the music of the Ken Field Jazz Trio, food catered by Anoush’Ella Saj Kitchen and wines from all over the world. Guest Artist GP Vahan attract- ed a great deal of attention with his live paint- ing that was subsequently auctioned at the end of the event. School board member, Ara Balikian Esq. thanked the members of the “Taste of Spring” Committee headed by Seza Seraderian and Nanik Yacubian, the Parent Teacher Organization, the School Board, the principal, the staff and the fac- ulty for their collective efforts. Then, he invited the community at large to follow their lead in sup- porting the school, reminding everyone that SSAES is the only Armenian day school in New England. He then conducted a very lively auction. Exhilarated by the success of the evening, parents and friends of the school danced late School Board member, Ara Balikian Esq. addresses the attendees. into the night to the sounds of DJ Argishti.

From left, Tamara Tokadjian, Barbara Mnatzakanian, Nanik Yacubian, event co-chair, Principal Houry Boyamian, PTO Chair Taline Kebadjian, Talin Abidian and Seza Seraderian, event co-chair

From left, Nina Festekjian, Seza Seraderian, Nicole Hajjar

From left, Seza Seraderian, Karen Behbahani, and Dr. Talin Farra holding the Improper magazine Bostonian

From left, SSAES Alumni, Nayiri Krafian, Ani Moushigian, Araxi Krafian and Dr. Alina Bahlavouni From left, Dr. Haig Inguilizian, Hratch Iskenderian, Levon Barsoumian, School Board Chair and Artist with Principal Houry Boyamian GP Vahan. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 Arts & Living

Armenian Night at Pops Music of Boyadjian to To Feature BSO Concerto Be Performed by Pianist Competition Winner, Beriyeva at Menotomy Mark Independence Concert Series Anniversary ARLINGTON, Mass. — The final concert in BOSTON — The Friends of Armenian Culture the Menotomy Concert Series 2017-2018 sea- Society will present the 67th annual Armenian son will take place on May 18 at Arlington Night at the Pops at Symphony Hall on Town Hall. Saturday, June 9 at 8 p.m. The evening will fea- The concert will feature pianist Yelena ture Belmont native violinist Haig Hovsepian as Beriyeva. In a first for the Menotomy Concert soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, per- Series, Beriyeva will perform short piano forming the Sibelius Violin Concerto under the works of composers who are not only still liv- direction of Keith Lockhart. Also on the pro- ing, but will all be in attendance at the con- gram will be Edgar Hovhannisyan’s Sardarapat cert. Some of the pieces were composed espe- in a newly-arranged orchestration by conductor- cially for her and most will be world-pre- composer Ruben Asatryan, to mark the 100th mieres. Composers whose music will be per- anniversary of formed include, Hayg Boyadjian, Michele the founding of Caniato, Seth Hamlin, Xue Jiang, Betsy the First Schramm and Pasquale Tassone. Republic of Furthermore, Hamlin, Schramm and Tassone Armenia. are Arlington residents. The concert will take Hovsepian is place on Friday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. at a rising sopho- Arlington Town Hall. more at the Beriyeva is making her second appearance C l e v e l a n d as a soloist in the series. Hailed as “the Institute of paragon of the concert pianist” by the LA Music. He start- Examiner and “a standout performer” by the Boston Musical Intelligencer, Georgian-born ed his violin Passports on display at Harvard’s Houghton Library through August 18. studies at age 4 American pianist Yelena Beriyeva continues with Narine to hold esteem as one of the finest artists of Dolukhanian, her generation. Edgar Hovhannisyan then Mark Beriyeva made her solo debut at the age of Lakirovich and Harvard Passports 5 with the Tbilisi State Symphony Orchestra. Anna Korsunsky. After joining the New England Since then, she has performed extensively as Conservatory (NEC) Prep Department in 2013 a recitalist, chamber musician, and orchestral he studied with Jason Horowitz, Kyoko soloist in the Republic of Georgia, Armenia, Exhibition Highlights Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Canada, Mexico, Horowitz, Sam Ou, Daniel Getz, Lynn Chang, and Angelo Xiang Yu, and performed in Master and the United States. While pursuing her classes with Tony Woodcock (former NEC pres- master’s degree at the New England ident) and David Coucheron (Concertmaster of Armenian Materials Conservatory, she was no stranger to Jordan Atlanta Symphony). He was the recipient of the Hall where audiences could hear and watch her perform works by Mozart, Beethoven, Alice and Violet Ohanasian/Friends of the CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A new exhibition called “Passports: Lives in Transit” is Armenian Culture Society scholarship at NEC. Mendelssohn, Schubert, Chopin, Barber, on display at Harvard University’s Houghton Library from April 30 to August 18. Bartok, Berg, Stravinsky, and others. At age 11, Hovsepian received his first award It provides an unusual way of thinking at the MMTA competition, followed by a Gold Beriyeva has been featured as a guest artist about the urgent issue of massive global at the prestigious Great Romantics Festival of Medal at the “Classival” International By Aram Arkun migration in a historical perspective. It uses Competition (Canada), second prize at the Canada in collaboration with Celebrity Mirror-Spectator Staff passports, visa applications and other docu- “Young Promise” International Competition Concert Series at the McMaster University, on ments associated with travelers, emigres and Sundays with Liz Walker at WBZ TV Channel (MA) and the “Armenian Youth Talent refugees to symbolize what the organizers Competition” (NY). 4, as well as in a piano duo with Alexander fear is “the ruins of a modern dream now in terminal crisis — the dream of a glob- Korsantia on Boston’s WGBH radio. In 2015 and 2016, he won a series of concer- alized word.” The exhibition includes a section showcasing the Armenian to competitions including the NEC, the Concord She has also been featured as a guest artist Genocide as an exemplar of 20th century exile and escape. at a Georgian International Festival “From O r c h e s t r a , The exhibition materials are B r o c k t o n Easter to Ascension” that takes place in Tbilisi drawn from the collections of every year. Over the past two years, she per- S y m p h o n y , Houghton Library, Widener W a l t h a m formed Rachmaninov’s 1st , 2nd and 3rd Piano Library, Harvard University Concertos with orchestras in Mexico, as well as Philharmonic, Archive, Radcliffe Institute’s and Belmont Arizona. Most recently, Beriyeva has been Schlesinger Library, Harvard appointed by the Clark University of Worcester High School Business School’s Baker Orchestra. He as a director of Chamber Ensembles as well as Library, and Harvard-Yenching Distinguished Artist in Piano. also appeared as Library, and are connected a soloist with The Menotomy Concert Series had its first with the United States, either season during 2006-2007 when it coincided the Nashua as a final refuge or destination, C h a m b e r with the festivities celebrating the bicentennial or as a place to flee. Its high- of the Town of Arlington. The town was found- O r c h e s t r a . lights include the passport During the ed with its original name, Menotomy, in 1807. from 1857 of George Francis Further information is available at 2016-2017 aca- Edgar Hovhannisyan Train, who claimed to be the www.migidamusica.org demic year he inspiration for Jules Vernes’ received the character Phileas Fogg Max Reger Ambassador Award, earned the title in Eighty Days around the of laureate at the Renaissance International World, Leon Trotsky’s exile Competition (Gyumri, Armenia), and became a papers, physicist Gertrude winner of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Neumark Rothschild’s pass- Concerto Competition. ports, African-American activist In addition to the Armenian segment, the (and wife of W. E. B. Du Bois) Boston Pops will present “Dance to the Movies,” Shirley Graham Du Bois’s pass- where top choreographers bring to life classic ports and letters, and Timothy movie dances of yesterday, starring the Boston Leary’s fake passport photos. Pops, Dancing Celebrity Pros, “So You Think A display case, bearing the Poster for orphan aid (Houghton Library, US You Can Dance” top finalists, and singing stars title “Seeking Asylum,” uses 102.12 (5)) from “American Idol” and “The Voice.” The con- the Armenian case to focus on cert will include new interpretations of memo- the World War I period and in rable moments from movies particular the first major genocide of the 20th century. Hundreds of thousands of like “Grease,” “Chicago,” “Singin’ In the Rain” Armenians were displaced and had to seek asylum throughout the world, includ- and “Moulin Rouge.” Lesley Ann Warren, leg- ing in the United States. The case includes a 1922 telegram from US President endary film and television actress, will join the Warren G. Harding to Dr. James L. Barton concerning relief work in the Near East. cast of dancers. see EXHIBIT, page 14 Tickets for this concert are available from Yelena Beriyeva www.FACSBoston.org. 14 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Harvard Passports Exhibition Highlights Armenian Materials

EXHIBIT, from page 13 to connect and that is why I very much like the today without making people think it is a com- scholarly and public programs. According to the It has a bilingual passport originally printed passport. It allows me to at least start conceiv- pletely new issue. Furthermore, the US has a information presented for the exhibition, Eze is by the Republic of Armenia but modified by ing of the level of fragility and the vulnerability longstanding tradition of receiving people who British of Nigerian and Jamaican parentage, Soviet authorities to indicate that the issuer is to which they were subject when they were trav- are seeking asylum.” spent her formative years in Italy, moved to the the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. The eling like this.” When they did a survey of the collections of US to further her career, is married to a holder, Ohaness Orberian [Vorperian] of Bitlis, In addition, Mertehikian said, it raises the the various Harvard libraries they found a rich- German, and is a Brexit refusenik. also known as Hovhannes Hairabedian, trav- question of where home lies for people like his ness of items, which researchers at Harvard The exhibition includes a multimedia art eled with it from Yerevan to Constantinople and grandfather. He was born in Lebanon but did usually overlook, in their search for letters, jour- installation by Mertehikian and Del Rio created then to the United States. The organizers of the not feel Lebanese. He fled the aftermath of the nals, books, manuscripts and other legal docu- from used passports, including some issued by genocide thanks to the ments. Mertehikian said, “We had to leave out no longer existing countries, bought on e-com- French authorities but did many interesting things. For example, there is a merce sites. not feel French in any way. collection of passports He lived for most of his life in belonging to Argentina and became large- American nurses who ly Spanish speaking but did went to the front right not fully feel Argentine. before the end of the When asked about the First World War and unusual transliteration of after. We chose the the Armenian surname 20th century as the Mardigian, Lucas replied, focus, after beginning “My last name is spelled in briefly with the one hundred different ways. 19th century.” My grandparents are buried There are also con- next to one another and my tributions to the exhi- grandmother’s last name is bition from fellow From right, Rodrigo Del Rio, Lucas Mertehikian, and Anne-Marie Eze (photo: Aram Arkun) not the same as my grandfa- Romance Languages ther’s, since they were and Literatures doc- spelled differently in the doc- toral student Anthony exhibition would be interested to know if any uments.” Otey Hernandez and readers might be aware of the subsequent The last item in the exhibition case is a poster architectural designer details of the life of Hairabedian/Orberian in issued around 1918 by the predecessor of the Haydee Casellas. the US. They have found that, according to a Near East Foundation, the American Everyone involved in notice in the newspaper Hairenik, accessed Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief, this exhibition has through the Armenian Immigration Project, in requesting donations for assistance to starving some personal connec- 1919 Misak Baghdasarian of Manchester, New orphans. tion with the issues Hampshire was seeking him. In a separate case, a medieval Gospel lec- being raised therein. There is further information on a Hovhanes tionary in Syriac is displayed which is disfig- Mertehikian, born Hanabedian [Hairabedian], possibly the same ured by what appears to be a bullet hole on one in Argentina, is of person, coming to Manchester, New Hampshire side and a crater on the other. It most likely was Italian and Armenian in 1922, and on the same individual studying at desecrated during the Hamidian massacres of descent, and his the University of New Hampshire in Durham in 1895-96 near the city of Mardin (today in south- Armenian grandfather 1924. eastern Turkey), and bears witness to earlier was born in Lebanon. Another interesting item on display is the tem- attacks on Armenians and Assyrians in the Del Rio, like porary passport of 18-year-old Suschan Ottoman Empire. (For more information, see Mertehikian, came to Suschan and Mardiros Mertehikian passport (loaned by exhibition co- Mertehikian [Shushan Mardigian] of Sivas the article “Slash and Burn” in the April 28 the US from South curator Lucas Mertehikian) (Sepasdia) and her son America for graduate Mardiros, aged 16 months studies. Born in Chile, and born in Lebanon in 1922, he has traveled to various parts of Latin The exhibition, cosponsored by Houghton issued by the High America. Hernandez, born and raised in the Library and Harvard University’s Department Commission of the French Bronx, is of Costa Rican and Greek-Chilean of Romance Languages and Literatures, is free Republic in Syria and descent. He prepared a case in honor of his and open to the public at the Edison and Lebanon. Suschan had met mother who passed away in 2017. Casellas is a Newman Room of Houghton Library, near the her husband Ardashess in Puerto Rican designer based in Boston. Quincy Street entrance. All photos used above Lebanon while he was serving The process of preparing the entire exhibi- except that of the organizers have been provid- in the French army. He had tion took place under the guidance of Anne- ed courtesy of Harvard University’s Houghton joined the French Foreign Marie Eze, Houghton Library’s director of Library. Legion but had already moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he awaited the rest of his family. In 1924 they joined Mardiros. Mardiros passed away in Buenos Aires in 2013. This passport is on loan from one of the organizers of the exhibition, Lucas Mertehikian, who explained how it helped to inspire him. Around a year and a half ago, he was listening in a course to lectures on the end of world unity, with the problems of immigration US President Warren Harding telegram to Dr. James L. Barton, bans in the US, the Syrian 1922 (Houghton Library, American Board of Commissioners for refugee crisis, and Brexit. Foreign Missions Archives, 1810–1961, ABC 16.9.1 (v.2)) Mertehikian made a presen- tation on a novel dealing with passports for the class, and immediately issue of the Mirror-Spectator.) remembered this passport. The passports exhibition is guest curated by He explained that Suschan Mertehikian is his Lucas Mertehikian and Rodrigo del Rio, friends great-grandmother, and that the document was and fellow doctoral students in Harvard’s only recently discovered by his father after the Department of Romance Languages and death of Mardiros in 2013. Lucas had never met Literatures. Del Rio was also enrolled in the Suschan, unlike his grandfather, because she same class as Mertehikian which sparked their died before Lucas was born. And by the time interest in passports, and while the two were Lucas was born, the family had been largely taking a later class at Harvard with Professor assimilated into Argentine culture, with the Jeffrey Schnapp, founder of metaLAB, they grandparents of Armenian ancestry speaking came to the decision to do this project. Spanish and not Armenian to one another. Mertehikian specializes in Latin American stud- Lucas said, “This was the first time that I saw ies and his academic work is not directly con- anything related to their history of traveling nected with the exhibition. and displacement. This is something that we Mertehikian declared, “I thought that we don’t really talk about in my family. My grand- could address some of the contemporary issues father would not talk about it.” Evidently his on forced travel or migration by looking at the family possessed little else connected with this history of the passport. Rodrigo and I kept past, and Lucas said, “For me, it is very difficult thinking of how one could render this situation S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING Zaven Ovian Stars in Production at Underlings Theatre in Chelsea

CHELSEA, Mass. — The Underlings Theatre Co. presents the world premiere of “The Tour,” Recipe by Canadian playwright Alice Abracen. Directed by Lelaina Vogel, “The Tour” follows a Canadian pilgrim and a local tour guide as they visit ancient ruins on the Iraqi-Syrian bor- der one week before ISIS is expected to march Corner through and destroy them. But each character has a secret they are keeping from the other. This incisive, strikingly contemporary two- person play ranges in tone from farce and phys- ical comedy to political intrigue and sacrifice. It by Christine Vartanian Datian explores important questions about privilege, as well as the place we save for history in our day- to-day lives, as The Pilgrim and The Guide debate on what it means to have a voice in Cream of Cauliflower and times of strife, and what it means to use that voice on behalf of another. Leek Soup Appearing in the role of The Guide is Zaven Ovian. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory, INGREDIENTS Ovian has performed in productions across New 1 large head cauliflower, washed, cut into florets or roughly chopped England, including “Shakespeare in Love,” “Big 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth Fish” (SpeakEasy Stage), “The Winter’s Tale” 2 cups whole milk or half and half or heavy cream (to taste) (Seven Stages Shakespeare), “The Tale of the 1 cup chopped leeks, white and light green parts only, washed well. Allergist’s Wife,” “Water by the Spoonful” (Lyric 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced Stage), “Barnum!” (Moonbox Productions), “Billy 2 medium stalks celery (and tops), diced Elliot” (Ocean State Theatre), “In the Heights,” 1 large baking potato, boiled and mashed (remove skin) “The Heresy of Love” and “Threepenny Opera” 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 teaspoon ground cumin Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, tarragon, and paprika to taste 2-3 tablespoons flour 3-4 tablespoons butter Dash of red pepper (to taste) Olive oil Dried or fresh parsley, minced Sour cream

PREPARATION Zaven Ovian In a large pot, steam cauliflower until done. Drain well. Cut away excess stock. Coarsely mash or put in blender. Drain again and set aside. (Boston Conservatory). In the same pot, sauté leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic in 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil for a few minutes until onions are translucent. The Underlings Theatre Company specializes Toss flour over this mixture and stir. in classical and classically-inspired productions Add milk (or cream), broth and butter and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, until bubbling, stirring. Add the mashed entered around diversity, inclusivity and gender cauliflower and potato, stir, and bring to light boil. equity, approaching old texts with contempo- Add seasonings (to taste), bouillon cube, and more milk (or cream), if desired. Cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occa- rary context in mind to give them the same sionally. Watch not to over boil. immediacy and intimacy that they had for their At this point, using a hand blender, blend soup until medium smooth and stir again. first audiences. Add more salt or pepper, if desired, and serve. “The Tour” runs through May 12 at the Garnish with parsley, pepper and sour cream, and drizzle with olive oil, if desired. Chelsea Theatre Works Black Box Theatre, locat- *Can be stored in refrigerator in glass for up to one week. Makes half gallon. ed at 189 Winnisimmet Street, Chelsea, MA. Serves 6-8. Tickets for The Tour are available at under- lings.ticketleap.com/the-tour/ and at the door. *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee newspaper, Sunset magazine, Cooking Light magazine, and at General admission is $20. For more information http://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ about the production, visit underlingstheatre.com. Holy Trinity Talent Shines in Show

behind the scenes, but also served as an adroit master of cere- By Aram Arkun monies, with quips, praise and encouragement ready for all cir- cumstances. He and his Black Sea Combo, part of the 15- Mirror-Spectator Staff piece Black Sea Salsa world music group, provided additional music for the evening outside of the talent show performances. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Charles and Nevart Talanian Performers in addition to ACYOA members included the Manti Cultural Hall of Holy Trinity Armenian Church was transformed Crew, a group of Holy Trinity adult volunteers under the direc- by its Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYOA) Junior and tion of Becky Hintlian, who injected some Armenian humor and Senior members, together with parent volunteers, into an ele- manti-connected dance moves to turn the Village People’s Macho gant setting for a talent show on the evening of April 28. Man into Manti Man. Members of all ages of the Trinity community performed on Yn. Arpi Kouzouian, Holy Trinity Youth Director, thanked all musical instruments, sang, recited Armenian poetry and danced the performers and volunteers at the end of the evening for their in order to raise money contributions to making the evening a success. for the youth and adult ministry programs of the parish. Headlining the show was Boston magician and juggler Robert Clarke, whose feats of legerdemain and humor mesmerized the crowd in the non-literal sense of the word. Musical director Dan Teager not only guided Van Teager playing bass accompanied the talent show from Boston magician and juggler Robert Clarke with a volunteer from by father Dan Teager the audition process to Manti Crew of Holy Trinity singing Macho Manti Man the audience its final performance 16 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Armenian Museum Of America Inaugurates Exhibition of Odabashian’s Art, Commemorates Armenian Genocide

WATERTOWN – On Tuesday, April 24 the Armenian Museum of America held a joint com- memoration of the Armenian Genocide and opening of a new exhibition. At 6 p.m. the Museum opened to welcome visitors into the first-floor gallery, where the exhibition halls were lit by candle light. With the historic changes currently occurring in Armenia, visi- tors were encouraged to reflect on the past, pre- sent, and future of the country and their shared heritage. “We really wanted to invite the Armenian and non-Armenian community into the galleries to observe this important day, open our new show, and to let people know about the new gallery we are renovating that will tell the powerful story of Armenian history through the unique objects in our collection,” said Jennifer Liston Munson, the museum’s executive director. At 7 p.m., the conversation continued in the third-floor contemporary galleries with the opening of “Skins,” an exhibition featuring the work of Marsha Nouritza Odabashian. Born to Armenian parents in Boston, Odabashian shared her childhood bedroom with her grandmother — somehow absorbing her experience of the Genocide by occupying that space as they slept. The intuitive rawness

Martha Nouritza Odabashian speaks at Skins exhibition opening, with Jennifer Liston Munson behind her of Odabahsian’s work seeks to connect with that buried pain by materializing an unspoken history. By applying traditional Armenian onion skin dyes to textured paper, she reveals the hidden bruises and marks that lie within. Her surface drawings trace a more deliberate narrative connecting personal experience to historical record. The finished pieces serve as visual recovery rooted in the creative desire to challenge the darker impulses of human nature and history. In addition to Odabashian’s works on paper, low relief sculpture from the Reliquaries series is hung in the gallery. This series was inspired by the stone carvings on the 10th century Armenian cathedral of Aght’amar and the mag- ical drawings of Armenian illuminated manuscripts. Reliquaries is dedicated to the memory of Genocide victims and survivors, and evokes both the fragility and monumental- ity of memory. Visitors explored the works on display, then were treated to an engaging talk by the artist. A lively question and answer session followed, which demonstrated that there is much for vis- itors to connect to within the works. Skins is on display until June 3. For more information, see https://www.armenianmuse- um.org/skins. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LL EE NN DD AA RR

MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA JULY 18 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston. Wednesday, 5- 6:30 p.m. JANUARY 20-27, 2019 — Armenian Heritage Cruise Meet & Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea XXII 2019. Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal Imports and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the Labyrinth. For Caribbean’s Allure of the Sea. Traveling to Nassau, first-time walkers introduction to walking a labyrinth at Cozumel, Roaten, Costa Maya. Cabin Rates, starting from 5:30 p.m. RSVP appreciated. $949/person based on double occupancy, including port [email protected] charges and ACAA registration fee. Government rates of AUGUST 15 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage $137.45 are additional. Armenian entrainment, Park on The Greenway, Boston, Wednesday, 5-6:30 Armenian cultural presentations, Armenian Festival Day, p.m. Meet & Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tavlou and Belote Tournaments and much more. Call Tea Imports and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the Travel Group International at 1-561-447-08750 or 1-866- Labyrinth. For first-time walkers introduction to walking a 447-0750 ext. 108, contact person Janie. labyrinth at 5:30 p.m. RSVP appreciated. [email protected] MASSACHUSETTS SEPTEMBER 16 — Sunday Afternoon at the Park for Families & Friends. Armenian Heritage Park on The MAY 14 — Trinity Men’s Union Dinner and 9th Annual Greenway. 2-4 p.m. Enjoy Boston Hye Guys Ensemble Tavloo Tournament, 6:15 p.m., Social Hour and Dinner, with Ron Sahatjian, clarinet; Joe Kouyoumjian, oud; Art Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy Trinity Chingris, percussion. RSVP appreciated. Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., [email protected] Cambridge. Open to all. Donation for Losh Kebab and NOVEMBER 14 — Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Kheyma dinner is $15 per person. RSVP requested by Historic Faneuil Hall, Boston Wednesday. Doors open May 13 to the Holy Trinity Church Office, 617.354.0632, The Friends of Armenian Culture at 6:45pm, Program at 7:30pm. Reception follows at The or email [email protected]. Tavloo Tournament to fol- Society will host the 67th annual Bostonian Hotel An endowed public program of low dinner; entry fee, $5. All levels welcome. To sign up, Armenian Night at the Pops Armenian Heritage Park on The Greenway. Details forth- please contact David Dorian at [email protected] or on Saturday, June 9, at 8 p.m. at coming. call 617.501.4300. Symphony Hall in Boston. violin- May 18 – Holy Week in Jerusalem – An Inspirational ist Haig Hovsepian, a winner of the NEW JERSEY Pilgrimage presented through a multimedia travelogue by 2017 Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Ara and Milka Jeknavorian. Dinner and Program. Donation Concerto Competition and a rising SEPTEMBER 30 — Save the Date! Armenian Fund USA $15 – adults, students – $5. Sponsored by the Sts. Vartanantz sophomore at the Cleveland and Ardzagang Armenian TV are proud to present Adult Education Committee. Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Artash Asatryan and band, guest singer Grisha Institute of Music, will appear Church, 180 Old Westford Rd. Chelmsford. 7:00 p.m. Asatryan, from Armenia! The concert is dedicated to Reservations required. Please contact Milka Jeknavorian at as soloist with the Boston Pops Armenia’s and Artsakh’s independence celebration. 978-251-4845, [email protected]. Orchestra under the direction of Don’t’ miss the performance by the son and grandson of MAY 18-19 — Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair, Keith Lockhart. He will perform the the legendry singer Aram Asatryan. Proceeds to benefit Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave., Sibelius Violin Concerto in D-minor . Fruitful Artsakh Project. 4 p.m. Bergen PAC, 30 N. Van Watertown, Friday, May 18, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, May 19, The Pops will present Dance to the Brunt St., Englewood. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Armenian kebab meals served, Armenian Movies with Dancing Celebrity delicacies, silent auction Pros, So You Think You Can NEW YORK MAY 19 — Hai Guin Scholarship Association Annual Dance top finalists, and singing stars Luncheon & Fashion Show, Saturday, 11:30 a.m., at from American Idol and The Voice. APRIL 21 - MAY 13 — Off-Broadway production by Pan Montvale Plaza, Stoneham. Fashions by Soft Tickets $95, $70 and $35, available Asian Repertory Theatre of Joyce Van Dyke’s play, Surroundings of Chestnut Hill, MA. Tickets: $60 per per- DAYBREAK: the lyrical story of two Armenian women at: www.FACSBoston.org son. Please call Lisa at 781-729-6333; Becky at 508-651- friends, survivors from 1915, who are transported with 8893;or Marilyn at 978-818-9098 for tickets. their families into the 21st century future. Performances MAY 21 — 19th Annual St. James Open Golf at the Beckett Theatre (on Theatre Row), 410 W. 42nd Tournament – Oakley Country Club, Watertown. St., New York, Tuesdays through Sundays; weekend mati- Scramble format. Raffle, Auctions and dinner following nees. Discount tickets for seniors, students and groups. the tournament. For more information visit JUNE 10 — St. James Armenian Church Festival Annual For tickets and information: www.telecharge.com or call www.stjameswatertown.org or contact the church office Picnic! Join us for a fun-filled festival! Delicious (212) 239-6200. For discount tickets: www.telecharge- at 617.923.8860 [email protected]. Armenain food, live Armenian music, children’s activities offers.com or call (212) 947-8844. Or contact the the- MAY 31 — Annual Spring Dinner and Drawing spon- with moon bounce, face painting, and more! Rain or atre: [email protected], (212) 868-4030. sored by the Friends of Holy Trinity 1000 Club, 6:30 shine. St. James Armenian Church, 465 Moutn Auburn p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy St, Watertown. For more info, visit www.stjameswater- MRAHSSODAECH ISULASENTTDS Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle town.org or call 617-923-8860. St., Cambridge. Open to all. You don’t have to be a mem- JUNE 18 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf MAY 18 — Book presentation by Adrienne Alexanian ber of the 1000 Club to join us for a delicious losh kebab Tournament, sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian (editor) of her father’s memoir Forced into and pilaf dinner, $9.99 per person; tickets on sale at the Church of Greater Boston at the Marlborough Country Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the door. Regular monthly raffle drawing at 8 p.m., plus 5 Club, Marlborough; 9:30 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., Ottoman Turkish Army. 7 p.m. Sts. Sahag and Mesrob $25 door prizes. “One-time” numbers will be sold on the “Shot Gun.” Join us for a day of golf - player’s fee: $175 Armenian Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence. (401) night of dinner; special offer: purchase five “one-time” (includes hospitality, lunch, dinner, green & cart fees, 272-7712. Book signing during reception to follow. All numbers for $20, save $5. For further info, contact the prizes and gifts) – or just dinner and a social evening proceeds to be donated to the church. Holy Trinity Church office, 617.354.0632, or log ($50 per person). Limited to 128 players. Tournament MAY 19 — Knights of Vartan Arax Lodge 100th ontowww.htaac.org/calendar/event/560/ and tee sponsorships available. RSVP deadline, June 11. anniversary Armenian Radio Hour of Rhode Island JUNE 1-2 — Armenian Food Festival Sponsored by the To register or for further information, log onto 70th anniversary celebration fundraising dinner/dance. Hye Pointe Church Women’s Guild, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 www.htaac.org/calendar/event/562/ call the Holy Trinity Sponsored by the Knights of Vartan Arax lodge May 19, p.m. Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe, 1280 Church Office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. 2018 at the Egavian Cultural Center of Sts. Sahag and Boston Post Road, Haverhill. Chicken Kabob, Losh Kabob, JUNE 20 — Tea & Tranquility, Armenian Heritage Park Mesrob Armenian church, 70 Jefferson Street, and Kheyma Dinners, Armenian Delicacies including on The Greenway, Boston, Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m. Providence. Music by Joe Zeytoonian Ensemble. Dinner at Lahmejoon, Cheese Beoreg, Spinach Pie, Tourshi, Meet & Greet! Enjoy Tea & Desserts hosted by MEM Tea 6:30 pm, dance beginning 8:30 pm. Admission for dinner Cheoreg, Kataif, Paklava, and many more delicious items. Imports and The Bostonian Hotel. Walk the Labyrinth. For and dance $30, dance only $20. Dinner reservation is For more information call the church at (978) 372-9227. first-time walkers introduction to walking a labyrinth at required, please call Ann Ayrassian 401-529-5210. JUNE 9 — The Friends of Armenian Culture Society will 5:30 p.m. RSVP appreciated. Sponsors are appreciated. Please contact Leonard host the 67th annual Armenian Night at the Pops [email protected] Arzoomanian 508-958-7391 arzoo623@webrightser- on Saturday, at 8 p.m. at Symphony Hall in Boston. JUNE 28 — Under a Strawberry Moon, Armenian vices.net All proceeds will be donated to the Armenian Talented violinist Haig Hovsepian, a winner of the 2017 Heritage Park on The Greenway, Boston, Thursday, Radio Hour. Deadline for dinner reservation, and dona- Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition and 8:30– 9:30 p.m. Meet & Greet! Moonlit Labyrinth Walk. tions to be listed in the program book, is May 13. a rising sophomore at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Enjoy chocolate-dipped strawberries, hosted by Vicki will appear as soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra Lee’s and Ice Teas, hosted by MEM Tea Imports. RSVP under the direction of Keith Lockhart. He will perform the appreciated. [email protected] Sibelius Violin Concerto in D-minor. The Pops will pre- JULY 7 — Save the date! Armenian Church of Cape Cod Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer sent Dance to the Movies with Dancing Celebrity second annual Kef Time dinner and dancing at the than 5 lines. Listings should include contact infor- Pros, So You Think You Can Dance top finalists, Cape Club, 125 Falmouth Woods Road, North Falmouth. mation. Items will be edited to fit the space, if need and singing stars from American Idol and The Voice. Leon Janikian Band with DJ and special appearance by be. A photo may be sent with the listing no later Tickets $95, $70 and $35, available at: Harry Minassian. Details to follow. than Mondays at noon. www.FACSBoston.org 18 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror A Reluctant Revolution Dawns over Armenia

Clinton, National Security Advisor Susan Rice and United Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian Nations Ambassador Samantha Power who forced their “human- itarian” commission of the mission on a reluctant president who wished to avoid a new senseless adventure. It is very refreshing to be in Armenia these days, to breathe In view of all the above atrocious political acts, Armenia can the fresh air of the spring and feel the happiness and euphoria teach a lesson of political civility to countries suffering from which are palpable everywhere. There is a carnival atmosphere. political uncertainty. EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 Even the cab drivers who serve as volunteer political commen- Before the votes were counted in the parliament, a few mem- tators for their passengers have changed their tune only to bers took the podium. The most important message was given An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication praise the brotherly love and mutual respect which are on dis- by Vahram Baghdassarian, who was ceding power to Pashinyan play. on behalf of the Republican Party. His main point was that the They swear that people have never celebrated any precedent current revolution has reduced the values in the society to the occasion like this one, neither the declaration of independence narrow choice of black or white, and that a hatred is being gen- EDITOR nor the liberation of Shushi has been celebrated with this level erated in the news media and on social platforms. Alin K. Gregorian of jubilation. Pashinyan replied that his goal is to end all hatreds in Armenia and then thanked all the parties who voted for him to ASSISTANT EDITOR People who know Nikol Pashinyan are happy and even those Aram Arkun who do not know him, are happier with the turn of events. They become the new prime minister. He was subdued and humbled have all flooded Yerevan from the villages and provinces with and did not demonstrate his characteristic exuberance. ART DIRECTOR flags, honking their car horns, to contribute to the cacophony Now the political games begin. The constitution allows only Marc Mgrditchian which is a pastoral symphony for the general public. 15 days for the new prime minister to form his government and May 8 will remain in Armenian history as the beginning of a submit it to the president for his approval. If the new cabinet is new political revolution which began in the streets to gain its not approved, there will be a second chance. If again it is not legislative validation in the national parliament. The parliamen- approved, then the parliament must be dissolved. tary session was carried out very smoothly. Some lingering In his acceptance speech, Pashinyan alluded to holding a snap SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: doubts about political maneuvering and machinations in the election after a “reasonable span of time.” Edmond Y. Azadian dark were soon dissipated. Given Armenia’s current political atmosphere, Pashinyan can CONTRIBUTORS: The votes were already counted in the streets during the polit- win by a landslide. However, time is against him. At this point, Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun ical bargaining which was taking place out in the open. The Pashinyan’s cabinet will serve as a minority government. The Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, head of the Republican faction of the parliament, Vahram purse strings are still in the hands of the Republican Party Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Baghdassarian, announced that the party had decided to cast 11 which has 55 members in the parliament. Gagik Tsarukyan’s Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, votes for Pashinyan, which brought the figures in parliament for Prosperous Armenia Party, which voted in Pashinyan’s favor, Naomi Zeytoonian him to 59 votes, with 42 against. The number required for his holds sway over 31 candidates. The ARF (Dashnaktsutyun) has seven members. It was part of the coalition government but CORRESPONDENTS: win was 53. Ironically, even the 42 negative votes may be taken as a symbol that defected to Pashinyan’s camp when victory seemed imminent Armenia - Hagop Avedikian for the “Velvet Revolution.” The new prime minister will cer- Boston - Nancy Kalajian the takeover of the government was not a total surrender. New York/New Jersey - Taleen It was a textbook case of regime change which can make tainly evaluate the political value of that mid-stream defection. Babayan every citizen of Armenia very proud that political civility is in Elections at this time favor only Pashinyan’s bloc, called Yelk, Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach our culture, especially in view of the recent takeovers of gov- which has only nine votes in the parliament. The Republican ernments in the region in the post-Soviet era. The Maydan Party will lose miserably after the central election committee is Contributing Photographers: Jirair Hovsepian Revolution in Ukraine divided the country after President reformed and depoliticized. Viktor Yanukovych escaped Kiev in the dark of the night in The ARF members in the parliament were a gift courtesy of 2014. The mob invaded his residence to make an ugly show of the Republican Party, which cannot be repeated in fair elections. his golden bathroom in the media. With Pashinyan’s victory, the revolution now begins rather The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Georgia experienced two revolutions; during the first one, the than ends. The challenges lie ahead. The existing problems will weekly, except two weeks in July and the first republic’s first elected president, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, took tem- not disappear overnight but he has won huge capital in the form week of the year, by: porary refuge in Armenia to save his skin, before seeking a safe of national unity. In those conditions of political adulation, he Baikar Association, Inc. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Telephone: 617-924-4420 FAX: 617-924-2887 www.mirrorspectator.com E-Mail: [email protected] For advertising: [email protected]

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the policies of the publisher. haven elsewhere. And later, the Rose Revolution of Mikheil can pass through any reform. Saakashvili overnight reduced incumbent President Eduard Among the problems facing the country, the following must Shevardnadze to a political cadaver. be highlighted: Of course, the worst scenarios took place Iraq and Libya. In •The national debt ceiling, which stands at $7.5 billion. Copying for other than personal use or the first case, the loss of a million-plus civilians after regime •Reform of the economy, which has direct bearing on emi- internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright change must weight on the consciences of former Vice President gration and the fair distribution of wealth. The latter will lead to owner. Address requests for reprints or Dick Cheney and his disciple, President George W. Bush. No one bringing into the realm of the law the illegal amassing of wealth, back issues to: is taking responsibility over the continuing bloodbath in Iraq in which will impact the oligarch caste. Ironically, some major oli- the last 15 years. garchs were in Pashinyan’s camp and yet touching their wealth Baikar Association, Inc. Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi suffered the torturous fate will pose a serious dilemma. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- of Edward II of England (1284-1327), namely a sadistic and pro- •Dealing with the diaspora. The first question is whether the continued on next page 1509 tracted public execution, courtesy of Secretary of State Hillary S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

state, surrounded by aides who kept heaping praise on them Nikol Pashinyan to vent their frustration. and reassuring them that everything was marvelous in the Fortunately, the massive outpouring of anger was kept in country, remained unaware of the public’s miserable situa- check by Pashinyan’s constant exhortation not to commit any tion. violence and to respect the Police forces. A series of blunders Over the past 27 years, during hundreds of hours I spent by Prime Minister Sargsyan and his Republican Party mem- My Turn privately in meetings with the three successive presidents of bers in Parliament followed, when Sargsyan met with Armenia, I brought to their attention the various problems Pashinyan and walked out after three minutes. In a few hours, By Harut Sassounian existing in the country, from corrupt aides and government despite his Parliamentary immunity, Pashinyan was arrested ministers to unfair court judgments based on bribery, fraud- and kept in an undisclosed location by the Police, turning him ulent elections, etc. These presidents told me that they were into a greater hero. Due to escalating protests, Pashinyan was How Not to Run a Government, hearing about these issues for the first time. Very few people released from incarceration, and unexpectedly, Prime And Get Dethroned by the People had the courage to bring them to their attention. Minister Sargsyan announced his resignation, confessing: “I I dared to tell President Kocharyan to his face that was wrong, Nikol was right.” The recent events in Armenia surprised and impressed both Armenia’s population hated him. He disagreed with me, but I On May 1, the parliament met to elect a new prime minis- Armenians and non-Armenians worldwide because a leader insisted, challenging him to stand one night in a street corner ter. After a lengthy deliberation, the Republican Party major- thought to be irreplaceable by his supporters was replaced by disguised in a hat and overcoat and ask passers by what they ity almost unanimously voted against Pashinyan’s candidacy. a newcomer without any violence or bloodshed. Furthermore, thought of the President. I warned him that he would hear On May 2, the crowds blocked all major streets, highways, and what is taking place in Armenia is much more than unseating very abusive comments. paralyzed the trains, subways and the road to and from the a particular leader. A regime entrenched for two decades was I also recall telling President Sargsyan on the eve of his first Yerevan airport. The following day, the Republican Party offi- overthrown almost overnight! election not to ignore the common people and not to appear cially announced that it will not block Pashinyan’s planned To understand what took place in the last few weeks in on TV at weddings of wealthy oligarchs and the ribbon-cut- election on May 8 as Prime Minister. At the time of writing Armenia we need to go back to 1991, the date of Armenia’s ting of their businesses. I suggested that he make a surprise this column on May 7, barring any surprising developments, independence from the Soviet Union. Since then, Armenia visit once a month to the home of a poor family without his Pashinyan is expected to be elected prime minister by the has had three presidents, none of whom cared about the peo- aides and bodyguards, and inquire about the family’s employ- Parliament. ple and ruled the nation democratically. Power was concen- ment, income, and health; to show that he cared about the Pashinyan’s election probably would not resolve Armenia’s trated in their hands as well as the military leadership and oli- poor people who were the majority of the country. multiple problems. In the following 15 days, he will select his garchic clans. Unfortunately, he did not once make such a visit. Cabinet of Ministers and present his government’s agenda to While a handful of autocrats sat at the top of the pyramid I also told President Sargsyan that he should appoint an the parliament for approval. There will be then a lengthy of power, the overwhelming majority of the people were independent group of advisers from wise and experienced debate on amending the election laws, followed by new deprived of the basic necessities of survival, such as food, individuals who were not government employees. They would Parliamentary elections in several months. Despite the trans- clothing, medicine, and of course, money. In the past quarter be able to give him their honest advice without any fear of get- formation in leadership, Armenia will continue to suffer from of a century, over a million Armenians left the homeland and ting fired. Regrettably, this suggestion was also ignored! blockades by Turkey and Azerbaijan and the military conflict resettled wherever they could find a job and feed their fami- To make matters worse, the public never forgot or forgave involving Artsakh. lies. Many of those who could not leave, barely survived on President Sargsyan for the killing by the police of 10 protesters We have to wait and see whom Pashinyan will appoint to funds sent by relatives and friends overseas. in 2008, and with each fraudulent election and continuing eco- key ministerial posts as Foreign and Defense Ministers. What Under these pitiful circumstances, the anger and resent- nomic misery, their frustration increased. When the constitu- kind of compromises will be made between Pashinyan’s ment of the population against the authorities, particularly tion was being modified in 2015, President Sargsyan reassured minority members and the Republican Party’s majority in the the head of state, kept on rising. In addition to abject pover- the people that he had no intention of staying in power in 2018 Parliament while changing the election laws? Only then new ty, people suffered because of corruption, fraudulent elec- when his second term of presidency would be over. Most peo- parliamentary elections will be held. Assuming the new elec- tions, unfair courts, unemployment, censorship and periodic ple did not believe him and suspected that he would remain in tions will be fair and properly supervised by the new govern- police brutality. While those who had the means to get a visa office, switching from the ceremonial president’s chair to ment, it remains to be seen if Pashinyan’s party and his sup- and purchase airline tickets emigrated from Armenia, the rest become the all-powerful prime minister, under the new consti- porting parties will gain the majority in Parliament. The good were forced to keep their mouth shut and put up with the dif- tution. During a private meeting in 2016, I remember asking news is that all of these developments have been taking place ficult conditions. President Sargsyan if he planned to go home at the end of his in line with the constitution, under pressure from the newly- Every now and then there were public protests either chal- term, as he had promised. I was alarmed when he said that he awakened Armenian public-at-large. lenging fraudulent elections or unbearable living conditions, would make a decision based on the results of the 2017 par- Finally, the most important issue now is that the thousands but the police were able to quell the unrest by beating and liamentary elections. of newly-empowered young people, who came out to the arresting the demonstrators. The most violent incident took Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of the people, streets demanding a more democratic state with a great place in March 2008 when 10 people were shot and killed for despite their suspicions, were counting the days and hours for degree of enthusiasm and emotion, should not be disap- challenging the election of President Serzh Sargsyan. the end of President Sargsyan’s term in office. When the pointed. Armenia cannot afford to lose its youth which are While President Sargsyan and his predecessor, President Republican Party’s majority in Parliament elected him to the future of the country. Robert Kocharyan, remained oblivious to the deplorable con- become the new Prime Minister last month, the citizens could Everyone in Armenia and the Diaspora should do every- ditions of the public, their dissatisfaction, resentment and no longer control their anger. Tens of thousands of people thing in their power to ensure stability, peace and prosperity anger against the authorities kept growing. These heads of came out in the streets, led by opposition Parliament member in Armenia under its new leadership.

Reluctant Revolution Dawns over Armenia AMAA President Offers Remarks at Times Square from previous page Ministry of Diaspora will remain. Will all her enthusiasm, former Diaspora (The Executive Director of the Armenian Missionary Association of America Zaven Khanjian, delivered the follow- Minister Hranush Hakobyan dealt mostly with organized communities in ing speech at the Times Square commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in New York on April 22.) the diaspora, soliciting accolades and dispensing medals. Relations with the diaspora need a more studied approach. A state has to resurrect and It has been three years since we commemorated Over the span of time and under the effect of vari- reinvigorate its overseas potential. Except for some personal initiatives, the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. ous conditions and circumstances, which influence nothing was done on a higher level to, for example, awaken dormant It was a solemn occasion, a distinct anniversary. our national path, our priorities, focus and agenda, Armenians in Turkey. Armenian schools in Javakhk are suffering from a An occasion to relive the anguish and yet rejoice the should justifiably remain flexible and malleable. I shortage of teachers and textbooks and only lip service has been paid to miracle of survival. An anniversary that stirred both gladly sense that our collective psyche has moved to help them so far. sorrow and pride in our collective soul. shatter the chains of remaining hostage to the fetters A major community of 3-4 million remains disorganized in Russia. An It was an occasion to reckon that over many of the Genocide. Consequently, until that promised extraordinary situation has been created in the breakaway region of decades since we made the transition from lament- dawn when our collective national soul is able to Abkhazia, today an unrecognized republic. In fact, there are more ethnic ing the agony of the loss to an era we jumpstarted bring the iron ladle home without any impediment or Armenians in Abkhazia (30 percent) than ethnic Abkhaz people, but the our quest for justice, a lot had been accomplished. procrastination we have to continue to focus on country is ruled by the latter. Our collective efforts had raised our national A strong, democratic and innovatively developed Pashinyan’s knowledge of the greater diaspora has proven to be no bet- struggle to an unprecedented plateau of universal Homeland ter. His speeches and comments demonstrate that what he considers to awareness, respect and recognition. A strong, secure and independent Artsakh be the diaspora is mostly Glendale, with its large expat population. We rightfully asked – what next? A thriving, healthy and prosperous Diaspora Foreign policy is another challenge which needs immediate attention. As we stand today, humanity has surrendered The litmus test of a strong and democratic home- President Vladimir Putin’s early congratulatory message and Pashinyan’s three more years to the whirlpool of history in which land lies in a free and proud citizenry with fresh reassuring statements regarding Armenian-Russian relations are not suf- we have not gained much on the road of reparations, dreams and aspirations, indelible integrity, uphold- ficient and need more concrete actions. Russian news outlets are not com- restitution and recognition from the heirs of the per- ing the highest moral values and unblemished repu- fortable with this takeover and certainly discontent is also simmering on petrators. Moreover, sympathy and recognition, in tation, unafraid to advocate social justice, freedom the establishment level domestically. the so-called civilized world have only come with of conscience. Citizenry, who cling to the homeland, Now that Pashinyan has successfully crafted the Velvet Revolution, he impunity lacking any legal muscle. The perpetrator exercise voluntarism, sustain society, respect human needs that revolution over his internal life. continues to lie in a deep self-imposed coma of rights and sacrifice for the homeland. Much lies in In today’s euphoric mood, anything less than a standing ovation for denial. Adding insult to injury, the “civilized” world, the passing of the test. him is considered sacrilege. But, the truth has to be told if the revo- with total acquiescence, turns a blind eye to the con- I have faith in our people. I have faith in our lution can maintain its arc. Under the slogans of love and respect, tinuing crimes committed by the perpetrator, be it youth. there is a rampant hatred towards any detractor. Social media is flood- invading a sovereign neighbor, destroying its own With the hope of such a strong and truly demo- ed with observances and below-the belt retorts and innuendoes. If that democratic institutions and even beating peaceful cratic Homeland and a new Diaspora, where a gen- currant does not stop immediately, it will certainly boomerang and demonstrators as far as on US soil. All the above eration of alert, accomplished, creative youth with a hurt the revolutionaries. The tone of this current was set by Pashinyan have not caused an eyebrow to rise in the West or strong sense of belonging and responsibility is tak- himself, who was once Levon Ter-Petrosian’s lieutenant. His perfor- the East. ing shape, we will perpetuate the faith and culture. mance as the editor of Haykakan Zhamanak was less than stellar. If he In the face of all these challenges, we can only We shall overcome evil with hard work and creativi- does not wish to be on the receiving end of this trend, speedy action depend on ourselves. The realization of our quest ty, song and dance, hope and prayer, smile and joy, is necessary. for justice remains solely on our selfless and sacrifi- all for the Glory of God who said in Romans 12:19 Today, Nikol needs to take care of his inner revolution to complete and com- cial devotion and commitment to the application of ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay”. plement his Velvet Revolution in Armenian society. Khrimian Hayrig’s “iron ladle.” God is faithful; He will deliver the iron ladle. 20 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 8 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Boston Armenians Thank Governor Baker, Recognize Dr. Diran Apelian’s Achievements Diocese Elects First American-Born Primate PRIMATE, from page 1 BAKER, from page 1 Hajjar recognized the achievements of Dr. so the candidate with the lowest number of votes dropped out. In the subsequent round, Robert Avakian, a longtime friend of the gov- Diran Apelian, Alcoa-Howmet Professor of Findikyan received the majority of votes. He remains Primate-elect until confirmed by ernor and member of the latter’s finance com- Mechanical Engineering, founding director of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. mittee, spoke about the governor’s achieve- the Metal Processing Institute and director of Findikyan will be the first American-born Primate of the Diocese. A native of Fort Worth, ments. Baker in turn praised the Armenian the Advanced Casting Research Center of Texas, he is director of the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of the Diocese, community, declaring that it is truly appreciat- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), for his and Professor of Liturgical Studies at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in Armonk, NY. ed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. leadership both as a researcher and an educa- He earned his doctorate from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, and has a This, he said, is why the president of Armenia tor. State Rep. David K. Mouradian, Jr. of the Master’s of Arts degree from the City University of New York in Musicology (1990), and was given the red carpet treatment by the state Ninth Worcester District presented a citation the Master of Divinity (1989) from St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. He has authored numerous academic works. He was ordained a celibate priest in 1997 and served as dean of St. Nersess Seminary from 2000 to 2012. According to a release from the Diocese, in his first address as Primate-elect, Findikyan told the delegates he was “enormously humbled and honored that you have chosen me to be your next Primate.” He thanked Aykazian, calling him “a father to me for decades,” as well as Gulgulian — who served as Findikyan’s sponsor at his elevation to the rank of vartabed. Finally he thanked Barsamian, who ordained him 21 years ago. “You have a large fami- ly of spiritual children, and I am honored to be one of those children,” he said. Barsamian in turn congratulated the Primate-elect, expressing his confidence in him. Air Rights to St. Vartan At the assembly, a potentially extremely significant proposal concerning the Diocesan complex in New York City was presented on May 3. According to Diocesan Council Chairman James Kalustian, “An exciting initiative has been rekindled and well received, concerning monetizing the value of the air rights of the cathedral complex, while main- taining the integrity of the cathedral, the plaza and the sightlines of the complex.” Acting Defense Minister Quits

YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — “I’m confident that I’m transferring a stronger, From left, Robert Avakian, Jean-Jacques Hajjar, Seta Apelian, Rep. David Mouradian, Prof. Diran Acting Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan issued more efficient and more efficient army to my suc- Apelian, Governor Charlie Baker, Prof. Winston Wole Soboyejo (photo: Aram Arkun) a statement announcing his resignation and cessor, transferring an army with a substantially congratulating everyone on the occasion of the extended budget, expanded infrastructures and Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the libera- improved statistics,” Sargsyan added. when he visited several years ago. He said that celebrating Apelian’s induction into the tion of Shushi and the anniversary of formation “It’s a pity that many programs, especially the overwhelmingly bipartisan nature of the National Academy of Inventors from the of the Armed Forces. those in the field of servicemen’s social securi- government in Massachusetts, working to find Massachusetts House of Representatives. “The Minister is a politician, whose work can ty, are in the stage of implementation. I will common ground, was one of the secrets to the Apelian was joined by his wife Seta and Prof. be effective only in a team of fellow-thinkers. give a detailed account of the unfinished pro- prosperity of the state, along with its pragmat- Winston Wole Soboyejo, Bernard M. Gordon It’s a matter of neither professionalism nor the jects to the next minister, pointing to their ic problem-solving nature, investment in educa- Dean of Engineering at WPI. willingness to serve the people: one can and financial sources and legal arrangements. I am tion and research, and public-private partner- The ongoing “Velvet Revolution” in Armenia must be useful to society irrespective of posi- ready to assist him and all future ministers in ships. was one of the topics discussed during the tion and post,” Sargsyan said. He pledged to bringing our country to a higher level of secu- Host committee member Dr. Jean-Jacques evening. continue his service in a different capacity. rity,” Sargsyan stated.