OCTOBER 18, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXV, NO. 14, Issue 4357 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Baku Furious Over Armenia’s Eurasian Accession: Security Guarantee the Game Changer French Karabagh Visit to turn down a potential association agree - point to long historical associations with BAKU (RFE/RL) — Azerbaijan is irate over a By Pietro A. Shakarian ment with the European Union (EU). Europe. These include their shared French mayor’s visit to the breakaway Nagorno- The decision by the Armenian govern - Christian roots, the left-to-right direction - Karabagh region. ment has sparked debate in Armenian ality of the Armenian alphabet, contacts The Foreign Ministry in Baku said the October YEREVAN (Hetq) — On October 10, society about the respective benefits of between the old Armenian kingdoms and 4-6 visit by the mayor of the French town of Armenia officially joined the Eurasian the two rival blocs. It is true that the West, and even the very personality of Bourg-les-Valence, Marlene Mourier, was a Customs Union. It was more than a year Armenians have long sought to integrate Charles Aznavour. In fact, to an Armenian “provocation” ahead of a meeting between the ago that the country made its fateful deci - their country with Europe and, like their or Georgian, the idea of possibly joining presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Paris sion to join the Moscow-backed union and northern neighbors the Georgians, they see EURASIA, page 2 later this month. The ministry’s spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev said the visit, and the signing of a Friendship Declaration between Bourg-les-Valence and the town of Shushi in Nagorno-Karabagh, ran “con - New Wave of Opposition Protests trary to French laws and the mediation activity of France.”

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — For the third time in three years, the Armenian opposi - Artsakh and Belgian tion has announced the start of a nation - Universities Sign wide campaign to bring about regime change, or at least wrest significant political Cooperation Agreement concessions from the country’s leaders. Whether this attempt to bring about what STEPANAKERT (Hetq) — On October 13, the one leading figure termed “a velvet revolu - Artsakh State University and Belgium’s Catholic tion as a result of peaceful popular pres - University of Leuven signed a Declaration of sure” will succeed where the previous two Cooperation in Stepanakert. failed is questionable, however. The Declaration was signed in the NKR by At the height of the “Arab Spring” of Rector of the Artsakh State University Manush 2011, the Armenian National Congress Minasyan and in Belgium, by Rector of the (HAK) headed by former President Levon Catholic University of Leuven Rik Torfs. Ter-Petrosian convened a series of four The Catholic University of Leuven was repre - protest demonstrations in Yerevan to sented in Stepanakert by Bernard Coulie, the demand pre-term parliamentary and presi - university’s honorary rector, professor and mem - dential elections. An opposition rally held in the town of Abovian is just one of several Armenian antigovern - ber of the Europe-Armenia Advisory Committee,. Ter-Petrosian never recognized the legal - ment protests planned in the coming weeks. ity of the presidential ballot three years pre - Armenian Killed in viously, in which, according to official returns, he polled just 21.51 of the vote Azerbaijan Buried compared to 53 percent for then Prime YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Karen Petrosyan, the YerazArt Artists Soar on Belmont Hill Minister Serge Sargisian. 31-year-old who had been taken hostage and killed The 2011 protests mobilized up to 35,000 the next day by Azerbaijan last month, was buried BELMONT, Mass. — The quiet of Belmont Hill was shattered on Saturday, people. But, for reasons that were never clar - on October 13 in his home village Chinari. The October 4, not by a wild party, but by two musically gifted performers from ified, Ter-Petrosian failed to capitalize on head of the Chinari community Samvel Saghoyan Armenia and an enthusiastic crowd at a fundraiser and concert for YerazArt. that manifestation of mass support: He advo - told Armenpress that the entire village attended Soprano Mane Galoyan and classical guitarist Lilit Mardiyan thrilled the more cated “caution” rather than “pushing the the burial ceremony. He added that the members of than 80 supporters of YerazArt, who had gathered at the home of Ani and Nelson authorities into a corner.” The talks the Petrosyan’s family are experiencing severe psycho - Stepanian. The two were accompanied HAK subsequently embarked on with repre - logical trauma. by pianist Nune Hakobyan. sentatives of Sargisian’s Republican Party of “They seem to have suffered the death of their By Alin K. Gregorian “We are very happy and proud to spon - Armenia (HHK) ended in deadlock. son for the second time,” said Saghoyan. Mirror-Spectator Staff sor YerazArt and the work they are In the spring of 2014, a year after Petrosyan, who lived in a border village in doing in Armenia for young musicians,” Sargisian’s re-election for a second term, Armenia, was taken captive on August 7 after mis - said host Nelson Stepanian. see PROTESTS, page 16 takenly appearing in the territory of Azerbaijan. Ani Stepanian added, “Being from Gumri, I appreciate the work YerazArt does Shocking images of him being dragged by masked for young Armenians in the provinces. We are happy to support these musicians.” soldiers were distributed to the media by authori - YerazArt Executive Board Chair Nicole Babikian Hajjar thanked the members ties in Azerbaijan, in which Petrosyan was being of the committee and the guests for attending. She also told the audience about President Participates in forced to beg for forgiveness from the president of the success of the previous year’s soloist, Diana Adamyan, who has attended mas - Erebuni-Yerevan 2796 Azerbaijan. The next day, the Defense Ministry ter classes thanks to YerazArt and has been invited to participate on a full announced that he had “suddenly” died of “heart see YERAZART, page 12 Celebration failure.” The circumstances surrounding the death raised serious doubts as to the cause of the death. YEREVAN — President Serge Sargisian, On October 10 Azerbaijan returned his body. accompanied by the mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan, on October 12 toured the capital, which is celebrating its 2796th anniversary. He watched a number of events devoted to the celebration held in INSI DE different administrative districts of Yerevan and talked to the people participating in the celebration. The Armenian president attended a solemn opening ceremony of a Aleppo park located between Nalbandyan and Hanrapetutyun Streets on the capital’s main avenue. The president was presented History the works implemented in a territory that has been neglected and dilapidated for Page 4 decades, as a result of which about 13200 sq. km. of entertainment area has been put in good order. The entrance of the enter - tainment area has been accommodated for INDEX residents with disabilities and ramps have Arts and Living ...... 10 been built. The entertainment area has Armenia ...... 2 been fully equipped with a new outdoor Community News...... 4 lighting system and fountain systems, has Editorial ...... 14 Lilit Mardiyan performs while Katrina Menzigian and Araz Arslanian listen. been landscaped and is furnished with new International ...... 3 benches, pavilions and attractions. see CELEBRATION, page 2 2 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenia’s Eurasian Accession

EURASIA, from page 1 not depend solely on outside forces like Indeed, it is far more likely than the the EU represents the culmi nation of a Brussels as much as it ultimately does standard narrative by the Western Bako Sahakyan and Ara centuries-long quest for Europe. with the people of Armenia. media and pro-Western Armenian oppo - Abrahamyan Participate However, even though an Armenian There are demographic concerns sitionists who claim that Putin simply or Georgian nationalist would never with the EU too. Since joining, many of “pressured” Armenia to join its In Opening of School admit this, it was the Russian Empire in the new Eastern European member Eurasian project. the 19th century that effectively recon - states have experienced massive emi - Instead, it is more probable that STEPANAKERT (Armenpress) — On October 14, nected both Georgia and, at least, east - grations to the more developed Moscow put forward a deal of enhanced President of Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan met ern Armenia with Europe directly for the Western countries. Proponents of the security guarantees for Nagorno with the delegation of the Armenian Union of first time since the Middle Ages. EU point to earlier examples, such as Karabagh, which along with Armenia Russia headed by its president, Ara Abrahamyan. Today, Russia continues to play a Ireland, and argue that such a phenom - itself is constantly being threatened by Issues related to the implementation of different major role in Armenia’s economic and enon is merely temporary. Azerbaijan. This would explain why projects in Artsakh were discussed during the energy sectors. However, the most sig - However, since the Eurozone crisis, Sargisian, himself a Karabagh native, meeting. nificant factor in the Russo-Armenian there are indications that these emi - was grinning at the Moscow meeting, as Sahakyan praised the role of the Armenian Union relationship is security. Russia main - grants are not returning, especially if he had won concessions from of Russia and the World Armenian Congress in tains a military base in Gumri and it because there are so few employment Moscow. He did not appear to be a man strengthening the Motherland - Diaspora ties, guards the country’s borders with Iran opportunities in their native countries. under pressure and, in fact, seemed developing Artsakh and maintaining Armenian and Turkey. It was Russia that served as The emigration rate has been particu - quite pleased. national identity. a deterrent against a possible Turkish larly high in the Baltic states, especially After Yerevan made its initial Sahakyan and Abrahamyan participated in open- incursion against Armenia during the Latvia, which is facing a demographic announcement in September regarding ing ceremony of the new building of N 6 School of war over Nagorno Karabagh in the crisis. A common joke among Latvians its decision to pursue the Eurasian Stepanakert. 1990s. is that when “the last Latvian leaves Union, six days later, Georgia’s Bidzina Russia’s position as Armenia’s securi - Riga International Airport, he or she Ivanishvili announced too that Tbilisi Araks Mansuryan’s Gift ty guarantor remains. It continues to should not forget to turn off the light.” may consider joining the Eurasian act as a deterrent to Turkey, but per - Birthrates are also low in much of Union, provided that it be “advanta - To Her Brother for His haps even more significantly, to neigh - Eastern Europe, while in Russia they geous for our country.” His statement boring Azerbaijan as well. Baku, and its are actually on the rise. was followed by a promising thaw in 75th Birthday authoritarian leader Ilham Aliyev, con - Even more alarmingly, the Eurozone Russo-Georgian relations. tinue to threaten Armenia’s national crisis and the major rise of unemploy - However, interrupted by the crisis in YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On the occasion of the existence on a daily basis. ment have triggered a mass emigration Ukraine, that summit was postponed 75th birthday of composer Tigran Mansuryan, In fact, the arrangement is beneficial of southern Europeans from Greece, indefinitely. Greek, Chinese and Australian performers will take not only for Armenia, but for Russia as Portugal, Spain and Italy to the more Meanwhile, officials in Yerevan part in the concerts in Yerevan and Stepanakert. well. Moscow needs Armenia as part of prosperous West and North, again, moved quickly to ensure the rapid They will perform in Armenian the Mansuryan’s its security structure and views both without any immediate signs of return. accession of Armenia into the vocal series with the lyrics of the writers Kuchak, Armenia and Georgia as its traditional For Armenia, a country already experi - Eurasian Union. However, the process Teryan and Sahyan. pillars in the Caucasus as fellow encing a problem with emigration, it is was slowed by the fact that Armenia His sister, noted opera singer Araks Mansuryan, Christian countries. With the recent difficult to imagine how opening the does not share a common border with made the announcement about the concerts at a turn of Georgia toward Western struc - door to Western Europe will help the the Customs Union and thus had to press conference this week. All the performers will tures, the significance of Armenia in the country. Large numbers of Armenians seek special economic concessions be her former students. region has only increased, though would pack their bags and leave for the from Moscow. Additional complica - “I wanted that on the occasion of my brother’s Moscow hopes to also lure back Tbilisi. West, many never to return to their tions arose when Kazakh President birthday, my pupils perform. For me it was a great Ongoing concerns regarding Islamic homeland. Nursultan Nazarbayev raised concerns idea,” she said, adding that for her foreign pupils it rebels in the North Caucasus and ISIS Most significantly, the EU lacks secu - about the lack of a clear boundary was quite hard to learn Armenian but nevertheless in Iraq and Syria, combined with rity mechanisms to help Armenia in the between Armenia and Karabagh, insist - they accepted the proposal with great pleasure. Western efforts to expand NATO, have case of an attack by its neighbors. Even ing that a customs post had to be only increased Moscow’s need for a if it did, Brussels is too far away, where - erected. Primarily concerned with President Welcomes regional security strategy. Armenia as Russia is not only ready and willing maintaining and securing its position plays a key role in this. to protect Armenia’s security, but is in the Caucasus, Moscow acted as the Serbian Counterpart In contrast, even though the EU also in a geographic position to do so. chief advocate for Armenia in its offers Armenia infrastructural improve - In the end, while faraway Western Eurasian accession process, compro - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — At the invitation of ments and institutional reforms, it is Europe may have a marginal interest in mising with Astana and ensuring that President Serge Sargisian, President Tomislav not a “magic bullet” for Yerevan. In fact, Armenia, Russia and its President Yerevan would ultimately enter the Nikolic of the Republic of Serbia arrived in the the EU is still struggling in its recovery Vladimir Putin would be willing to pay union. Republic of Armenia on an official visit on October from the Eurozone crisis and cannot any price to keep Armenia in its securi - Yet, this saga is not over. If the 10. The official welcoming ceremony of the Serbian afford to over-expand itself without ty structure. Caucasus is to find peace and stability, president took place on October 11 at the threatening the very viability of the Therefore, it is increasingly clear that then Russia and Georgia need to come Armenian Presidential Palace, followed by a private European project. given Yerevan’s geopolitical position, its to the table and begin talks. Only after meeting between the two countries’ presidents. The economies of its newest East simultaneous pursuit of both the EU Tbilisi and Moscow are reconciled can Welcoming the dignitary, Sargisian underscored European member states – Bulgaria, Association Agreement and the there be real security and stability in the deep roots of Armenian-Serbian friendship, Romania, and Croatia – have performed Moscow-backed Eurasian Union was the region, not just for Moscow, which are the basis for deepening and strengthen- horribly since the financial crisis began. likely a gambit by President Serge Yerevan, and Tbilisi, but for the interna - ing present interstate relations. Sargisian All of this indicates that the EU is no Sargisian in order to secure the best tional community as well. expressed the hope that the visit of the Serbian guarantee for the automatic improve - possible terms for Armenia. president will give a new stimulus to promoting ment of Armenia’s state institutions. Judging by the body language at (Pietro A. Shakarian is an MA gradu - political dialogue and bilateral cooperation Simply joining the EU does not make a Sargisian’s Moscow meeting with ate student at the Center for Russian, between the two countries. society “democratic.” It must ultimate - Putin, at which his decision to join the East European, and Eurasian Studies Nikolic thanked Sargisian for the warm reception ly go through this process on its own. Eurasian Union was initially (CREES) at the University of Michigan and noted that since his election as president of Consequently, democratization does announced, this seems to be the case. in Ann Arbor.) Serbia, he has attached great value to developing Armenian-Serbian relations, the current level of which, according to Nikolic, is unsatisfactory. The Serbian president assured that his country would make the maximum possible effort to strengthen President Participates in Erebuni-Yerevan 2796 Celebration Armenian-Serbian interstate ties and deepen coop- CELEBRATION, from page 1 eration. At end of the meeting, Sargisian awarded Afterwards, the Armenian president Nikolic the Order of Glory, while Nikolic recipro- attended an opening ceremony of the cally awarded Sargisian the Order of the Republic memorial complex of St. Mary the Virgin of Serbia. Church and the Fridtjof Nansen Museum, named after the Norwegian Stepanakert Hosts polar explorer, scientist, diplomat, promi - nent humanitarian and Nobel Prize lau - Harvest Festival reate. The memorial includes about 30 monuments and cross-stones dedicated STEPANAKERT — The Harvest Festival that took to the heroic and tragic pages of the place over the weekend of October 11-12 in Armenian history, eminent Armenians Stepanakert’s Renaissance Square was a big suc- and friends of the Armenian people. cess by anyone’s standards. Organized by the In the course of this holiday, Artsakh Ministry of Agriculture, some 400 vendors Sargisian toured the area next to the plied their wares to hundreds of visitors. More than Alexander Spendiaryan State Academic half the vendors were from the district of Opera and Ballet Theater, watched the Kashatagh. The ministry allocates free diesel fuel photo pavilions “Three times,” the to farmers to transport their produce to the mar- national dances at the “Yerevan Round ket. Meat was a big seller this year. Performances took place at the celebration. Dance” in Freedom Square and talked to celebrators in Northern Avenue. In the evening he and his wife were to attend the gala concert “Yerevan My Home” held within the framework of the same Erebuni-Yerevan 2796 celebration in Republic Square. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Anadolu Group Launches $200 Million Hydro-Electric International News Plant in Javakhk; Electricity Destined for Turkey

Tbilisi, and which operates as a sub - ters downstream, and that the plant Armenians Wounded in By Kristine Aghalaryan sidiary of Anadolu Endüstri Holding would ensure an environmentally sus - Aleppo A.S., constructed the Parvani power tainable outflow. plant (located on the river of the same As for the potential socio-economic ALEPPO (Armenpress) — Militants threw a barrel TBILISI (Hetq) — The Turkish-based name), located between the settlements impacts, on the plus side the Report with gas in the Armenian New Village (Nor Kiugh) multinationalAnadolu Group officially of Ahalkalak and Khertvisi about 30-40 notes a steady power supply, the possi - district of Aleppo at midday on October 1, accord- launched the operation at its $200 mil - Km from the Turkish-Georgian Border in bility of employment, and a possible ing to Kantsasar Weekly, the official newspaper of lion Paravani hydro-electric plant in the the southeast of Ahaltsikhe in the west of reduction use of local wood resources. the Armenian Prelacy of Peria (Aleppo). The barrel Armenian-populated Javakhk region of the Tbilisi in Georgia. The Report does not conceal the pos - fell near an Armenian school. As a result a young Georgia. According to the Georgian State reg - sible negative health effects of the trans - Arab man was killed and two Armenians, Shahe On hand at the official opening of the istry, Georgia Urban Energy is 90-percent mission line to neighboring communities. Shahinian and Avedis Solakian, were wounded. 87-megawatt plant, the energy of which is owned by the Anadolu Caucasus Energy When an Akhalkalak community Fortunately, they are expected to survive. to be exported to Turkey, were Georgian Iatimlar (a company of Anadolu Group) leader asked if local residents would be Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and and the European Bank of getting cheaper energy rates due to the Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz. Reconstruction and Development owns plant, Georgian Urban Energy Executive Javakhk Armenians The Parvani hydro plant is the largest the remainder. The bank loaned the Director Nodar Kurtanidze responded built in Georgia in the past 35 years. money for the plant’s construction. the plant would be connected to the Want Georgian In his remarks Garibashvili noted that The Georgian government signed a Georgian electricity grid but that the the plant is yet another example of the Memo of Understanding with Georgian company had nothing to do with setting Residency close cooperation between Georgia and Urban Energy on May 29, 2007. utility rates. TBILISI (Hetq) — A group of Javakhk Armenian Turkey. Construction commenced in 2010. In his remarks at the official opening, intellectuals residing in Akhalkalak has sent a let- Anadolu Group’s official website also In addition to the potential environ - Garibashvili also noted that Turkey was ter to Armenian National Assembly President praises the opening of the plant noting - mental impacts during the construction one of the largest investors in Georgia, Galust Sahakyan (now heading a delegation to “In the history of Turkish Republic, this phase, the Report lists the following especially in the hydroelectric plant con - Georgia) complaining that recent changes to is the first investment that uses the nat - potential environmental risks during the struction sector, adding that such devel - Georgian residency laws have prevented many ural resources of a neighboring country plant’s operation – soil pollution, water opment would bring jobs to the region. Javakhk Armenians from leading normal lives. to fulfill energy demand of Turkey.” pollution, impact of fish movement, But the number of new jobs is tiny. They point to changes that now only allow foreign Georgia Urban Energy LLC, based in impact on terrestrial vegetation, decrease According to the initial plan, 20 full time citizens in Georgia to apply for a residency visa, good of fish species due to reduced flow down - and 10 security jobs were promised. Jobs for just 90 days, after a three month hiatus. stream of the weir, damage to surround - as engineers would go to professionals In essence, the authors of the letter argue that Turkey Won’t ing fauna (birds/bats) due to noise gen - brought in from Turkey. This is a drop in thousands of Javakhk Armenians who renounced erated by transmission line and the cre - the bucket for Javakhk with a population Georgian citizenship and received either Embark on ation of an electromagnetic filed by the of 208,000. Armenian or Russian citizenship instead (in order transmission line. In effect, a Turkish multinational has Adventure in Syria: to travel to Russia for seasonal work after the 2008 During the public hearings held in been given the green light to utilize the Russo-Georgian War), can now only legally reside in 2009 in Aspindza and Akhaltikhe, com - natural resources of Javakhk for a huge PM Davutoglu Georgia for six months out of the year. pany representatives gave assurances hydro-electric plant that poses real health They claim that contrary to Georgian assurances ANKARA (Hurriyet) — Turkey that the plant would not pose any threat and environmental risks, and in return that individuals in such a predicament will be easi- will not embark on an “adventure” to Lake Parvani, since it was 56 kilome - local Armenians might get a job or two. in Syria without certain agree - ly afforded permanent residency status, thousands ments from the international com - have had their applications rejected. munity, Prime Minister Davutoglu They have called on Galustyan to negotiate with said, reiterating Ankara deems President hosts Catholicos and Patriarch Georgian authorities on the matter so that all establishing safe havens and no-fly Javakhk Armenians may be granted permanent res- zones in northern Syria as a must Of Syriac Orthodox Church idency. for Turkish participation in the international coalition. YEREVAN — President Serge peoples and churches having deep his - Memorandum Signed “Turkey will not embark on an Sargisian this week hosted Karekin II, torical roots and considered the visit of adventure [in Syria] at the insistence Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Between Yerevan and of some other countries, unless the All Armenians and Moran Mor Ignatius Church as a mutual desire to enhance international community does what Aphrem II, the leader of the Syriac ties. Qazvin, Iran is necessary and introduces an inte - Orthodox Church and Patriarch of The Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Antioch and All the East. Church said he was happy to be in the YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Yerevan Mayor Taron grated strategy,” Davutoglu told his Margaryan met on October 9 with an official dele- ruling Justice and Development Welcoming the Patriarchs of the country as he has always enjoyed a Armenian Apostolic and the Syriac close friendship with the Armenian peo - gation headed by the mayor of the Iranian city of Party (AKP) parliamentary group Qazvin, Masoud Nosrati. Nosrati was in Yerevan to on October 14. His remarks came as Orthodox Churches, the Armenian ple and the Armenian Apostolic Church. President attached importance to devel - Touching upon the difficult situation participate in the Erebuni-Yerevan 2796 celebra- Turkish and US military officials are tions. scheduled to launch talks on oping relations between the two sister in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, churches and promoting cooperation. the participants noted that both the Yerevan’s mayor thanked Nosrati for accepting Turkey’s contribution to the fight the invitation to participate in the Yerevan festivi- against the Islamic State of Iraq and Sargisian expressed hope that the visit Armenian and Syriac peoples feel of the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox despondent because Syria is a second ty, and highlighted the centuries-long friendship the Levant (ISIL). Turkey is under between Iran and Armenia. pressure to allow the coalition Church will give a new stimulus to con - homeland to numerous Armenians and forces to use its military bases and ducting constructive dialog between Syriacs. airspace, but Ankara has placed a the two sister churches. Sargisian said that since the begin - Defense Minister number of conditions on giving this The interlocutors agreed that rooted ning of the crisis, Armenia has hoped permission. in the same Christian tradition, the for a rapid peaceful resolution based on Complains about “We don’t approve of one-dimen - Armenian and Syriac sister churches nationwide dialogue and it is doing its Tensions Caused by sional policies,” Davutoglu added, have been operating side by side for cen - best to make a modest contribution to again underlining the govern - turies, making a unique contribution to that by permanently speaking out Azeri Forces ment’s position that permanent strengthening ties between the two against the barbarities of Islamic peace in the region will only be friendly peoples. They attached great extremists towards religious and nation - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The tension on the brought if the Bashar al-Assad value to further reinforcing friendly rela - al minorities as a result of the crisis in Armenian- Azerbaijani border is triggered by the regime is toppled. He said Turkey tions between the Armenian and Syriac the Middle East. visit of the Organization for Security and could only contribute to the inter - Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Co- national coalition if the coalition Chairs to the region and by the upcoming visit of agrees to establish a safe haven and the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Paris a no-fly zone in Syria. Germany Follows What Turkey Will Do on at the end of October, Armenian Defense Minister “It should not be misunderstood, Seyran Ohanyan stated at a meeting with lecturers we are not talking about a buffer Armenian Genocide and students of the French University of Armenia. zone in the military sense, but a YEREVAN (Armenpress) — German 2015. Germany has not yet decided with “Tension has been observed on the border prior security zone in which those who Ambassador to Armenia Reiner Morell what format, where and how it will take to different-level meetings within the negotiation flee violence, bombs and chemical this week said that his country is part in the events. Discussions are being process. There are snipers on the front line from attacks can find shelter,” preparing for the commemoration of held on this. I would like to mention the side of the opponents, who violate the ceasefire Davutoglu said, urging the interna - the centennial of the Armenian one more thing. Recently Serge regime. We should realize in this situation we deal tional community that the number Genocide on April 24, 2015 and dis - Sargisian highlighted the issue of the with a neighbor which does not fully realize that of refugees could increase as a cussed how and where to take part in Genocide at the United Nations General the only way to deal with the issue is the peaceful, result of air bombardment. “Turkey the events. Assembly and expressed gratitude to diplomatic way and there is no alternative. It is not seeking to establish a buffer Morell said: “At the same time the countries which have recognized strains the situation instead of creating an atmos- zone for its own interests, but a Germany follows with interest what the Armenian Genocide. I would like to phere of dialogue and trust. It is more unaccept- security zone for civilians and steps Turkey will take on this occasion. note that 10 years ago the Bundestag able for us when that tension is on Armenia’s bor- humanitarian purposes,” he The president of the Republic of adopted a special bill on the Armenian der, as the conflict is in the Nagorno Karabagh stressed in a joint press conference Armenia, Serge Sargisian, has already Genocide. If you read that bill, you will Republic,” said Ohanyan. with visiting Singaporean Prime sent out invitations to participate in the see that the historic events are thor - Minister Lee Hsien Loong. events devoted to the 100th anniversary oughly presented there and that is quite of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, an in-depth report.” 4 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Visiting Armenian Cellist Elizabeth Kalfayan President Addresses Brings Music and Global Tech Conference Musicians to Appreciative Audience at TCA Center By Florence Avakian By Shoghig Chalian NEW YORK — With the world embracing dra - matic progress in technology with each passing ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — On Sunday afternoon, day, Armenia is not only sitting at the forefront, September 14, cellist and author Elizabeth but also advancing with its many programs. Kalfayan presented an audiovisual lecture and On Friday, September 26, an all-day confer - concert to a delighted and appreciative audience, ence took place in New York City at the TKP at the Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) center Conference Center, with 120 in attendance and in New Jersey. 33 speakers. This eighth annual meeting of high This music program, organized by the Greater tech specialists highlighted Armenia’s growing New York TCA Chapter, was introduced by global high-tech industry. The organizers were Shoghig (Chalian) Tarpinian, whose opening the Republic of Armenia, the World Bank and remarks eloquently highlighted Kalfayan’s the Incubator Foundation; sponsors included D- achievements. Link, the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) and Hokedun, Aleppo (photo courtesy Semerdjian) Elizabeth Kalfayan’s presentation of the life Cronimet; partners were Mentor Graphics and and works of three Armenian musician-educators PicsArt; and, supporters were the Armenian and authors — the first of its kind for the New Development Agency, Armenia Fund USA (east - Jersey TCA center’s enthusiastic audience — left ern), Viasphere, Digital Pomegranate and everyone wanting more. Agnian and Fainberg. Glorious Past, The lecture first highlighted Constantinople- Among the attendees was President of born cellist Diran Alexanian (1881-1954). Armenia Serge Sargisian, with an entourage of Alexanian, a renowned musician and pedagogue, ministers and ambassadors from Armenia, received his musical education in Europe’s most including Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Uncertain Future distinguished centers. He was a prominent force Ambassador to the United States Tigran in establishing a new school of cello playing in the United States, under the patronage of Pablo Casals. His book, Technique of Violoncello Semerdjian Lectures on The Armenian Playing: A Theoretical and Practical Treatise of Presence in Aleppo the Violoncello, is considered the encyclopedia for cello playing. BELMONT, Mass. — The terrible torment of the Syrian Armenians is frequently Alexanian’s teaching has influenced a new gen - in the news, at least in the Armenian media, recently, but few know much about eration of prominent cellists throughout the world. the history of the Aleppo Armenian community. Dr. Elyse Semerdjian, a specialist Iranian-born violinist Ivan Galamian, (1903- in early modern Ottoman history and Syria, recently attempted to change this situation. By Aram Arkun She presented a PowerPoint lecture on October Mirror-Spectator Staff 9 at the Belmont, Mass., headquarter of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), providing background to the history of the community starting in the early modern period. Marc Mamigonian, NAASR’s Director of Academic Affairs, introduced her, and approxi - mately fifty to sixty people were in attendance. Semerdjian is Associate Professor of Islamic World/Middle Eastern history at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and in spring 2013 she was the Ara From left: Dr. Vaghenag Tarpinian, Sirvart and Edna Dumanian Visiting Professor in Armenian Studies in the Department of Demirjian, Vartan Ilanjian, Shoghig Chalian, Near Eastern Cultures and Languages at the University of Chicago. Semerdjian is Elizabeth Kalfayan, Hagop Vartivarian, Sarkis Paskalian and Alexander Kalfayan the author of “Off the Straight Path”: Illicit Sex, Law, and Community in Ottoman Aleppo (Syracuse University Press, 2008) and several articles on gender, President Serge Sargisian at the Tech non-Muslims, and law in the Ottoman Empire. With a PhD in history from Conference in New York 1981), was raised and educated in Russia. He Georgetown University (2003), Semerdjian has received a Fulbright award twice. moved to France and taught at the Russian con - She has spent some eleven years working in the Syrian archives. Currently she is servatory of Paris, where he blended the Russian Sargisian and Ambassador to the United writing on the collective memory of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey and Syria. school of playing with the French style of violin. In Nations Zohrab Mnatsakanian. Semerdjian pointed out the US, Galamian was the head of the Violin Opening the discussion and reporting on that most Armenians think of Department at the Juilliard School of Music and, recent developments was President Sargisian, the Aleppo Armenians as also taught at the Curtis Institute of Music in who related that 11,000 people in Armenia are immigrants from the twenti - Philadelphia. His two books, Principles of Violin employed in the technology field, with the gov - eth century. This is because Playing and Teaching and Contemporary Violin ernment in support of this important endeavor. some 100,000 Armenians Technique are still guiding sources for performers He reported that Armenian IT products are pur - came by 1925, so that the and teachers. Among his notable students have chased by foreign companies. majority of the Aleppo been Glenn Dicterow, concertmaster of the New “A number of organizations have established Armenians indeed are relative York Philharmonic, Ani and Ida Kavafian, Joshua their research centers in Armenia. Of greater newcomers. However, the Bell, Itzak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman. importance for Armenia, he stated, is coopera - Armenians have had a pres - Kalfayan, introduced the audience to her two tion with the diaspora. “This year, diaspora ence in Aleppo for many, Multi Touch interactive iBooks, titled CELLO/ Armenians can influence our products world - many centuries. When some Play Smart From The Start, A Handbook for wide with new business links. Our economy is Syrians declare that the Advancing Virtuosity for both intermediate and competitive. Armenia is on the map,” he stated. Armenians are newcomers to advanced players. The books constitute a com - He said that “a small country like Armenia” the region, it is important to plete curriculum for learning to play the cello, has become successful because of the country’s remind the world that this is with detailed video instructions and more than talent. “We are relying on our talent to advance not true—and this is where 200 techniques to improve virtuosity and musi - in this sector.” Though the tech industry has knowledge of earlier cality. It includes original exercises and teaching grown by 10 percent, it needs more people in Armenian history can come techniques that Kalfayan has developed from her order to increase this percentage, he said. “We in handy. many years of teaching and performing experi - have the demand and the interest,” he noted. The period in Armenian ence. The iBooks are sold in 52 countries. The US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern history between the 14th cen - Dr. Elyse Semerdjian at NAASR The program culminated with a vibrant per - noted that the “American role in the private sec - tury collapse of the Cilician formance of Adamian and Khachadourian com - tor has been critical. We are trying to find insti - kingdom of Armenia and the positions by Kalfayan on cello and Olga tutional linkages to deepen the Armenian work rise of Armenian nationalism from the late 18th century on has remained com - Stepanova on piano. force and push it to the next level,” he related. paratively unexplored, as, Semerdjian feels, Armenians tend to be more interested Having experienced this well received lecture This includes digitizing other sectors in the in modern history and issues that appear on the surface to be immediately rele - concert, the Greater TCA New York chapter is economy which will lead to a more effective vant. This in fact was the period of Semerdjian’s own research. inspired to continue to bring such high quality market, and changing and innovating certain see ALEPPO, page 5 musical programs to our community. This center areas such as banking, travel, etc. An has never presented such high quality music pro - see ARMTECH, page 6 gram as this one before. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Elyse Semerdjian Lectures on ‘The Armenian Presence in Aleppo’

ALEPPO, from page 4 When Armenians began to come in increas - Semerdjian illustrated this during the question prior to the recent war that there were 100,000 While preparing her first book, she encoun - ing numbers in the early modern period, and answer session at the end of the talk Armenians in Syria. Historian Simon Payaslian tered Armenians in archival documents who Aleppo’s Christian quarter was rapidly expand - through a court case from the 17th century. estimated that in fact there were only some had applied to sharia (Islamic law) courts in the ing. Semerdjian said that the city’s architecture Apparently, Armenian men and women had 57,000 Armenians prior to the 2011 uprising. early modern period. They were buying, selling itself shifted to accommodation of trade. been gathering around the entrance door of the Though they generally were well off, many had and registering property, contesting the poll tax Institutions were established to increase the Forty Martyrs church before and after cere - already left due to the oppressive regime, stag - (jizya) , appearing in criminal cases such as possibility of sociability inside the Christian monies, talking. Some Muslims complained that nant economy, and a desire to avoid the draft. breaches of public morality, and in conversions quarter. Greek Orthodox Christians and Jews these mixed gender gatherings were offensive, Semerdjian described the loss of life and to Islam. They were buying and selling slaves, were also coming to Aleppo from Iran and Asia and tried to force the Armenians to make a sec - structures due to rockets, bombs and attacks, silk and broadcloth. Minor. ond door of the church to be opened so that and said that many neighborhoods have formed Though some historians like Dickran Soon, Armenians from Sasun immigrated to men and women have separate entrances. The self-protection groups. Kouymjian characterized the 15-16th centuries Aleppo. They were known for breadmaking, and Armenians were able to obtain a fatwa or legal She showed a picture of the Armenian the dark age of Armenian history, others like had their own guild, which was the sole guild opinion from a mufti or qualified jurist saying Catholic Church of the Martyrs in Raqqa, which Avedis Sanjian called the 1550-1700 period an named after an ethnic minority there. Armenian golden age in Syria. Sanjian focused Arapgir Armenians became commercial on economic ascendancy and cultural activities agents and bankers, serving over 100 cara - such as a scriptorium in Aleppo. His study was vanserais or khans in the city. Cilician published in 1965. Armenians also left their mark. Semerdjian thought that after nearly 50 Semerdjian described how Armenians in years it was time for the mantle to be picked up particular settled in the Judayda Quarter in again, and wanted to see if she could build on relatively large numbers. It was composed Sanjian’s work. She primarily has used Syrian originally of two neighborhoods which and Ottoman archival sources, the latter from merged into one. Outside of the walls of the the Prime Ministry Archives in Istanbul. city, it was not that well protected, unlike Though she has used some archival and pub - the places where affluent Muslims lived, but lished Armenian sources, she expressed her dis - Judayda became a bustling commercial zone appointment that Armenian archives, including by the sixteenth century, and by the 16-17 those held by the Armenian Church, were not centuries when Armenians were there, it more accessible. She said, “I look for regional rivaled the inner Muslim quarters as a zone push and pull factors bringing Armenians to of influence and affluence. Aleppo in the early modern period.” Economic Armenians began to play key roles in opportunity, including trade in silk, clothes, tex - leadership in Aleppo. They were in charge tiles, and slaves, attracted Armenians from both of collecting the poll tax for all Christians, the north and the east. not just Armenians, and for 30 years, they Semerdjian found that in fact there were six dominated the lucrative position of cus - major waves of immigration to Aleppo from the toms chief. They had their own churches, early modern era to the twentieth century. The including the 15th century Forty Martyrs first was in the late 16th century due to climate Cathedral. According to one story, when change (the “little Ice Age” from the 1590s to Sultan Murad IV was passing through 1610) and crop failures in Asia Minor/Western Aleppo in 1616, he was invited to dinner by Armenian Genocide Memorial, Forty Martyrs Church, Aleppo (photo courtesy Semerdjian) Armenia. Then the Ottoman-Safavid wars and Khoja Bedig, a wealthy Armenian mer - in particular the fall of Julfa led Armenians to chant. The food was served on fine china immigrate from the east. The Julfan merchants plates, and after the dinner, the plates were that the Armenians can continue to use a single the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria confiscated often have Persian names not easily identifiable smashed. The sultan, upset that such plates door. However, the judge overruled this and and turned into its headquarters. When she as Armenian. At one point, they had such power were being wasted, asked why. The answer was sided with the Muslim neighbors. Thereafter, showed a slide of the Armenian Genocide that the archbishop of Aleppo was a Julfan, and that no one was more worthy than the sultan Armenian men and women had to use separate Memorial Church of Der Zor in ruins, even the Armenian catholicate was moved to eat on them. This impressed the sultan so doors. Semerdjian exclaimed, “I’m not someone who is briefly to Aleppo. A third wave began in the much that supposedly it led to the granting of Semerdjian showed slides of parts of the city usually speechless, but this leaves me speech - 18th century from Ottoman Cilicia and Asia permission for the brother of the host, Khoja either named after Armenians or built by less.” Minor. The fourth wave was due to the late Sanos, to renovate the cathedral. It was these Armenians — for example, the Hokedun Semerdjian said that there was a new suburb 19th century massacres and persecutions two brothers who, at different times between (“Spiritual House”), a place of rest for Armenian of Yerevan called Nor Haleb (New Aleppo) under the Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid II, the 1610 and 1640, controlled the office of cus - pilgrims going to Jerusalem, belonged to the being developed by the Armenian government fifth due to the Armenian Genocide and its toms chief. Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and was for Syrian-Armenian refugees. So far 16-17,000 aftermath, and the sixth due to the withdrawal Despite all their successes, the local donated by a prominent Julfan Armenian in the have come to Armenia according to the govern - of the French from the district of Alexandretta Armenians were still subject to the religious 17th century. Sisi Street was named after the ment, but already at least 6,000 have left (the Sancak of Iskandariya) in 1939. and social constraints of Ottoman Arab society. Catholicosate of Sis. Sisi House was gentrified Armenia for other countries. into a fine dining facility and hotel relatively Semerdjian ended by raising concerns of recently, while across the street remains an what will happen to these new emigrants, who Armenian orphanage run by the prelacy. may not be able to stay in an Armenian envi - Before World War I, there were only approxi - ronment due to the various difficulties of life in mately 5,000 Armenians, who were mainly Armenia. Aleppo like Beirut is one of the major Catholics and assimilated with the local Arab centers of the production of literature in  3HOKDP 5RDG /H[LQJWRQ 0$  population. The huge influx of 100,000 due to Western Armenian. These places also produce 7HO -- the Genocide led to the creation of new build - teachers for Western Armenian. Without ings and quarters with an Armenian nature. Aleppo, and with only Beirut, what will happen Semerdjian said that all these historical to Western Armenian in the future? Semerdjian Armenian sites are at risk due to recent events. said, “It is an emotional, tough conversation, E Preschool The Armenian Prelacy of Aleppo estimated but there is a lot at stake.” S & AMAA Exec. Director/CEO Khanjian, Haigazian President U Haidostian Will Address Celebratory Banquet O Kindergarten BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — The newly-appoint - from the Princeton Theological Seminary in ed Executive Director/CEO of the Armenian Princeton, NJ. He will come from Beirut. H Missionary Association of America (AMAA), Agbabian, the founding president of the October 23, 2014 Zaven Khanjian, and the President of Haigazian American University of Armenia (September 21, University in Beirut, Lebanon for the past dozen 1991) and president emeritus of the same insti - N 9:00 am { 11:00 am years, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, two articulate tution, and Phillips, veteran Los Angeles attor - leaders, have been asked to address the audience ney, have served on the Boards of both the E at the November 15 Celebratory Banquet of the AMAA and Haigazian University. Agbabian is a AMAA and Haigazian University scheduled to world-renowned authority in seismic engineer - P take place at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The event ing, while Phillips specializes in tax law and will pay tribute to Dr. Mihran Agbabian and estate planning. O George R. Phillips, Esq. All four of the above- The evening’s two honorees will be intro - mentioned leaders have promoted education in duced by Savey Tufenkian and Joyce Stein, their personal and philanthropic efforts and both recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Preschool, through their support of both institutions. Honor and long-time colleagues of Agbabian Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School Khanjian, a businessman, author and speak - and Phillips through their joint affiliation with er, who recently relocated from California with numerous philanthropic organizations. his wife, Sona, will travel from Paramus, NJ. The AMAA is directed by Zaven Khanjian $FFUHGLWHG E\ 1($6& Haidostian, a Haigazian graduate himself, from the Paramus. The West Coast director is $,61( 0HPEHU received his Master of Divinity degree from the Levon Filian and the Armenia representative is ZZZDUPHQLDQVLVWHUVDFDGHP\RUJ Near East School of Theology and Master of Harout Nercessian. The current President of the Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees AMAA is Dr. Joseph Zeronian of Pasadena. 6 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS AEF Supporters Raise $140,000 to Build New School in Arevedasht Village Visiting Armenian President Addresses ArmTech Conference GLENDALE — The Armenian Educational Cabraloff also recognized Neshan Peroomian, Foundation (AEF) held its Donor Appreciation Armenia Projects Chair, for his hard work and ARMTECH, from page 4 (GITC), detailed G-tech solutions with high- Dinner on September 7, at the home of Armen effort in successfully leading AEF’s school ren - example of this, he said, is civil aviation, tech service offers. and Silva Golnazarians. This year, the funds ovation projects for the last 15 years. with flights and passengers up by 30 per - At its launch in 2005 there was a large raised will be used to construct a new school in Peter Baghdassarian, AEF Board member, cent. “More jobs will be created. Though pool of talent in Armenia, but there was no Arevadasht Village in the Armavir Region of presented a short overview of the Arevadasht Armenia is small, diasporan Armenians can reliable internet or computer access, as well Armenia. Arevadasht is near the Turkish bor - School and its current deplorable and make a difference,” he declared. as no qualified instructors, or concept of IT unhealthy condition. In addition to this first panel, other groups use for business, education or social life. An emotional video, focused on regional development, and innova - The main priority was to build a new school produced by Christina tion. Levon Grigoryan, Chief of Staff of the and culture, she said. Shakarian, showed the Artsakh Republic, pointed out that IT in the Today, the achievements of GITC are plen - heart wrenching condi - country is based on its local conditions, geog - tiful, she recounted, including 140 special - tions the students of raphy and environment. It seeks to have IT ists with diplomas from GITC in soft and Arevadasht School cur - development for its infrastructure, and access hardware, and almost all graduates getting rently attend classes in, to international markets. Education is crucial, jobs in the industry. In Gumri alone 70 per - and how important the he said, with an IT Center founded in Artsakh cent have been employed. Even before they new school will be for to establish start-up companies and create graduate, 130 GITC students have found the students and staff. new jobs. work in IT companies. In addition, George The business, environmental develop - In 2013, a spin-off was opened with GITC Jorjorian was honored ment, tax system and the economic situa - opening its own business called G-Tech for his support of AEF tion are becoming more viable, he said. The Solutions. Its goals is to find and select and the education of most important question for Artsakh is the clients in Armenia and the U.S., and bring students in Armenia, military sector, he stated. “We seek your outsourcing businesses to G-Tech. To pro - Armen & Silva Golnazarians (left) with Melody Petrossian, 2014 Artsakh and Anjar, and active collaboration, and we hope to host mote the G-Tech’s potential, a “mass mar - Fundraising Chair, and Al Cabraloff, AEF President for establishing a the ArmTech Congress in Artsakh in 2015,” keting campaign has begun in the US,” she $250,000 endowment Grigoryan said. revealed. (See Armenian Mirror-Spectator, fund to provide full During the panel discussion on educational October 11 issue, page 1) der and is located a few kilometers from tuition scholarships to 24 students graduating research and professional development, For those interested in contacting Sardarabad. from high schools in Gumri, Alaverdi, Spitak, Amalya Yeghoyan, executive director of the GITC/G-Tech Solutions, the address is AEF President Al Cabraloff opened the Etchmiadsin, Dilijan, and Stepanakert. Gyumri Information Technologies Center www.gitc.am. evening by thanking the Golnazarians and In closing, Melody Petrossian thanked the those present for their support. Cabraloff gave Golnazarians for opening their home for this a brief update report on AEF. Some of the event. She also thanked the fundraising com - highlights included the completion of over 200 mittee for their hard work and all the donors school renovation projects, most recently village for their part in the success of the evening. schools in Darbas, (Lori Region), Nngi, For more information or to make a donation, Nardolillo Funeral Home (Artsakh) and Issakyan (Shirag Region). email [email protected]. Est. 1906 John K. Najarian, Jr. Wisconsin Hye Notes Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 BY NAOMI BASDEKIAN ZEYTOONIAN 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Wisconsin weather is so very unpredictable. We did not have much of a summer, www.nardolillo.com and fall is speeding by and we are already heading for winter. The good part is we had no real high temps in the 90s and were able to stay pretty cool this summer. In August (always the first Sunday in August) St. Mesrob hosted their annual Armenian Fest downtown at festival hall on beautiful Lake Michigan. The fest was a complete sell out this year with standing-room-only the entire day. So many items to sell and of course the food and pastries were so delicious. To add to that there were many children’s games and of course live music and dancing under the big top out - side. Even the boaters docked their boats and joined us for lunch etc. GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Unfortunately we missed the other great picnics in the Midwest for one reason or James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC another; St. Hagop’s in Racine because we were in Boston at the time, Evanston’s Mark J. Giragosian St. James Street Fair and Chicago’s St. Gregory Armenian Church, all of which are Funeral Counselors fantastic events. Congratulations go out to Stan Sheridan and his lovely bride, Macrina Aivazian. 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 the wedding was performed at St. Gregory Armenian Church in White Plains. Stan www.giragosianfuneralhome.com attended St. Nerses and is a sub-deacon in the church and Macrina is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Aivazian. Life’s moments — some are happy and some are sad. We have lost several parish - ioners in the Racine and Milwaukee communities. We offer our sincere condolences Telephone (617) 924-7400 to the families on the loss of their loved ones, Trudy Kaprelian in South Milwaukee; Katherine Kaprelian in Racine, Nazareth Kaprelian, from Racine, but more recently Aram Bedrosian in Florida. Our sympathies also to our New Jersey family on the loss of their moth - er, sister, aunt and grandmother on the loss of Armine Sapah-Gulian. To Randy and Corrine and the entire Markarian and Sapah-Gulian families — our prayers are with Funeral Home, Inc. you all. Here in Racine we have lost dear friends, Mary Kalashian and Anne Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Samuelian. Mary was the wife of the late Nazar and a real fun lady and will be sore - ly missed by everyone who knew her. MARION BEDROSIAN Anne Samuelian was the previous owner of Kelly Services, an avid golfer and for - 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN mer ambassador for Wisconsin for the Armenian Heritage Cruise. Our deepest sym - WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN pathy to her husband, Sam, and her children Jason and Jodie and her family. Our choir director and matron of the Daughters of Vartan, Terry Hadjinian Peterson passed away in June and she will be missed by all her otyag sisters and her Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a many friends and family. Our sympathies to her father and brother. St. Mesrob will sponsor a book fair at the Barnes and Noble store on October 25 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and again in December. This is a fundraiser and scrip cards can be used which earn 9 percent for the church. We have a great scrip program which Edward D. Jamie, Jr. is a good means of income for our parish. While I am writing this I am looking out on Lake Michigan. It is a beautiful after - Funeral Chapel noon and the sailboats are out on the lake like a mini-flotilla and in their midst I see Serving the entire Armenian Community a pontoon boat as well. It’s a gorgeous day for a sail. Oh, if only I had a boat!! Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Speaking of sailing, with the forecast of a brutal winter ahead, I’m going to garage Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 my car, pack my bag and set sail for the Caribbean on the Armenian Heritage Cruise. The MSC Divina is a beautiful ship and there is sure to be lots of fun and great Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 entertainment for us Hyes on board. The more the merrier and remember to find me Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 on board !! So come on everyone hit the high seas with the AHC. Happy birthday and happy anniversary to all the October people and a happy fall, y’all!!!! ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR-SPECTATOR S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Archbishop Barsamian also ordained nine Altar Servers parishioners as acolytes: Brandon Ajamian, Christopher Cetin, Armen Demirjian, Vartan Esenyan, Andrew Halajian, Gregory C. Manuelian, Robert Naldjian, Stephen Ordained in Sirounian, and Andrew Yenicag. He blessed the veils of four choir members — Hilda Haroutunian, Tamar Kayserian, Hilda Bayside Sheshedian and Meline Yaziciyan — and blessed the vestments of the parish’s new choir co-direc - tor, Ruthann Turekian Drewitz. BAYSIDE, N.Y. — Parishioners at Holy “Beginning our quest to serve the Lord Martyrs Church of Bayside, N.Y., welcomed together, I never thought we would all be Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan rewarded with the honor and responsibility of Primate, on Sunday, October 5, who traveled to serving the Armenian Church as sub-deacons,” the church to ordain young altar servers. said sub-deacon Armen Arsenian, reflecting on Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, the training he and the other parishioners have with the Rev. Abraham Malkhasyan, parish pas - undergone in preparation for their new voca - tion. Fr. Malkhasyan has been meeting with the altar servers weekly over the past year to Karnik Kiliciyan (left) and Alexander Calikyan were ordained to the diaconate. familiarize them with the ser - vices of the Armenian Church and to help them learn the the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All and Clara Zohrab Information Center, and has appropriate parts of Armenians, in commendation of their service to taken part in the Deacons Training program at the badarak. the Armenian Church. St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. “I am very proud of all our Barsamian congratulated all the parishioners “In the weeks leading up to my ordination, I altar servers and choir mem - who were ordained and honored on Sunday. realized that being a deacon is not just about bers,” he said. “They are all “Today, we have been blessed to witness these holding a prestigious position within the dedicated individuals who young men become servants of the Lord’s altar. have worked hard to learn our Each has spent many months studying, practic - ancient rites and to continue ing, and praying for this moment,” Archbishop the rich legacy of the Barsamian said. “It is my humble privilege to Armenian liturgical tradition ordain them, and I pray that their young souls here in America.” will continue to grow in service to the Holy He went on to emphasize Altar.” The ordination of acolytes at Holy Martyrs Church. the importance of parents A celebratory luncheon followed in the encouraging their children to church’s Kalustyan Hall. Among those in atten - participate actively in the life dance were a number of young people from sis - tor, assisting. of the church community. “These young people ter parishes who gathered to congratulate their Master pianist Sahan Arzruni rendered the have accomplished so much, in part because of friends on their ordinations. sacred music on the organ during the Divine their parents’ commitment,” Malkhasyan. “They Deacons Kiliciyan and Calikyan expressed Liturgy. have instilled in their children our Armenian their gratitude to the entire community for sup - Dn. Hagop Yagliyan receives an encyclical Two parishioners — Alexander Calikyan and Christian values, and have served as strong role porting them in their journey to the diaconate. issued by Catholicos Karekin II. Karnik Kiliciyan — were ordained to the dia - models for them.” Dn. Kiliciyan recently moved to the Bayside conate. Five others — Ara Arsenian, Armen At the conclusion of services, two longtime area, and has been serving on the altar for the Arsenian, Nicholas Calikyan, Vahe Gemdzian, deacons, Hagop Sason Demirjian and Hagop past two years. Dn. Calikyan has spent the last and Arthur Ipek — became sub-deacons. Yagliyan, received encyclicals from Karekin II, few summers interning at the Diocese’s Krikor

Dn. Hagop Sason Demirjian receives an encycli - cal issued by His Holiness Karekin II.

Armenian Church. It also involves representa - tion outside of the Armenian community,” Calikyan said. The Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, director of the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, spoke about the significance of ordina - tion. “Being ordained is not gift, but rather a responsibility to serve God, the church, and our people,” he said. Jennifer Morris, director of the Diocese’s Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, was a special guest at the luncheon and spoke about the impact of the Diocese’s youth programs. From summer camps to ACYOA retreats, she said that such programs help nourish the spiritual growth of young peo - ple across the Diocese. To conclude the program, the newly ordained altar servers presented Malkhasyan with a hand cross in appreciation of his guidance.

Seeking Advertising Representative The is seekingA ram epnairatn-ti mMe irardovr-eSrptiesicntga tosar les representative, starting immediately. Salary will be based on commission only. Hours are flexible. If interested in the position, contact Hasmik Saroyan at 617-924-4420 or email resume and contact information to [email protected] 8 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Cheltenham Parish Marks 80 Years

By Jeanette Der Hagopian

CHELTENHAM, Penn. — Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, Pa., marked the 80th anniver - sary of the parish’s establishment last Sunday, September 28. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained two young men to the dia - conate. Antranig Garibian and Krikor Andonian have been serving at Holy Trinity Church for years. Both grew up in the parish and are now raising their own families in the church community. “It was a very emotional moment for me as I accepted the call to service in front of a com - munity whom I love very dearly, and has given me so much more than I will ever be able to give back,” Andonian said. Garibian, who also serves on the Diocesan Council, said “being ordained as a deacon meant that my community was giving me a sacred trust. I felt the souls of my grandparents and loved ones with me and guiding me. It is an honor — but more so, an enormous responsibility.” Sunday’s diaconate ordination was the first one at the church in 25 years, and parishioners Clergy and altar servers pose for a group photo following services. said they look forward to seeing other young men take up the vocation in the coming years. Archbishop Barsamian was assisted on the Shnorhali medal to Dr. Garo Garibian for his Haigazoun Melkonian in the 1980s and 1990s; director of St. Vartan Camp, and executive sec - altar by the parish’s young and energetic pas - years of service to the parish and the Diocese, and the new chapter begun by the parish’s cur - retary of the ACYOA Seniors. tor, the Rev. Hakob Gevorgyan. Also participat - as well as to Holy Echmiadzin and the rent pastor. The honor was bestowed at the initiative of ing in services was Archbishop Vicken Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Dr. Garibian also reflected on the life of St. the Primate, and took the honoree by surprise. Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director. An encyclical from His Holiness Karekin II, Nersess Shnorhali, the 12th-century Armenian “If I think of myself as a symbol of all the Taking part in the subsequent activities was the the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all catholicos who instituted major reforms in the women of faith who came before me—teachers, Very Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian, pastor of St. Armenians, was read by Gevorgyan. Armenian Church, and encouraged parish - choir members, the women who nurtured and Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood. True to his humble spirit, Dr. Garibian said he ioners to take inspiration from his life and work. fed our communities, literally and figuratively— Later that afternoon, some 400 parishioners was accepting the honor “on behalf of all those A second award — the St. Sahag and St. then I feel truly blessed to be able to share it and guests gathered for a festive banquet in the who have helped build and serve our church Mesrob medal — was presented to Nancy with them,” Basmajian said. church hall. They reflected on the history of throughout the years, as well as the two newly Basmajian. She currently serves as the director The program continued with the presenta - Holy Trinity Church, honored longtime parish - ordained deacons.” of Adult Christian Education at Holy Trinity tion of the Diocese’s St. Vartan Award to five ioners, and commended the young generation He went on to speak about the three defining Church. Prior to that, she served the Eastern parishioners who were involved in the church of Armenians who are carrying forward the periods in the life of the parish: the arrival of Diocese for more than three decades in various since its earliest years. Harry Andonian, Albert founders’ vision. the young Very Rev. Torkom Manoogian in capacities, including as co-director of the Kapeghian, Harry Mirijanian, Jack Vishab and Barsamian presented the St. Nersess 1946; the leadership of the Very Rev. Department of Religious Education, program continued on next page S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

Recipe Potato and Lamb Moussaka PREPARATION 1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium By Christine Vartanian Datian heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add one- “Sometimes I top this casserole with crum - third of potato slices to pan; cook 3 minutes bled feta or diced Jack cheese before bak - on each side or until lightly browned. ing. I like serving it with a simple Greek Transfer potato to bowl. Repeat procedure salad, pita bread, and a great red wine.” with cooking spray and remaining potato slices. Antranig Garibian (left) and Krikor Andonian were ordained to the diaconate by Archbishop Khajag Yield: 6 servings 2. Preheat oven to 350°. Barsamian. 3. Recoat pan with cooking spray. Add INGREDIENTS onion, garlic, and lamb to pan; cook 3 min - 2 pounds peeled baking potato, cut into utes or until lamb begins to brown. Add bell from previous page Holy Trinity Church was established in 1934, 1/4-inch-thick slices peppers, tomato sauce, salt, cumin, black Berj Yeretzian have all served on the parish when the Armenian community of north 1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium) pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and parsley; council, as well as a number of other church Philadelphia first began to make plans for a per - 2 garlic cloves, chopped cook 10 minutes. committees and organizations. manent house of worship. The first church, locat - 1 pound ground lamb 4. Arrange half of potato slices in a 13 x Archbishop Aykazian, who visited the parish ed in Philadelphia, was consecrated in 1942. 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 9–inch baking dish coated with cooking in the years when Holy Trinity Church did not Four years later, parishioners welcomed the 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper spray. Arrange lamb mixture over potatoes; have a permanent pastor, spoke about the Very Rev. Torkom Manoogian, a young priest 1 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce (more to top with remaining potato slices. Combine warm and hospitable spirit of the community. who injected new vigor into the parish in the taste) milk and eggs in a small bowl; pour over He said he felt at home among the Armenians years following World War II. (Manoogian went 1 teaspoon sea salt potato mixture. You can top with chopped of Cheltenham, and enjoys returning to the on to lead the Eastern Diocese as its Primate, 1 teaspoon ground cumin Feta or diced Jack cheese, if desired. church on various occasions. and later became the 96th Armenian Patriarch 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 5. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until Another highlight of the celebration was the of Jerusalem.) and dried oregano top is golden and set. Remove from oven; let screening of a short video overview of the In 1964, the church in Philadelphia was 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon stand 10 minutes before serving. parish’s past and its vision for the future. destroyed by fire. Services were held at the Odd 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Fellows Orphanage while 1 cup 1% low-fat milk This recipe by Christine Vartanian the parish’s building com - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten Datian originally appeared in Cooking mittee drew up plans for a Feta or Jack cheese (optional) Light’s September 2008 issue. new house of worship. Land was purchased in the suburb of Cheltenham, and in September 1966, the present church build - and young people became increasingly involved in the life of our church,” said parish council ing was consecrated by the in parish life. vice chair Jeanette Der Hagopian. “Our parish parish’s former pastor, by Gevorgyan, who became the parish pastor in is multi-generational and we are working that time Bishop Torkom 2010, described Holy Trinity Church as a place together to grow in our faith and follow the Manoogian. where “our faithful find love, comfort, peace, teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The community contin - joy, and hope.” He spoke about the persever - The anniversary committee was comprised of ued to grow in the ensuing ance of the church’s founders, and stressed that Ara Shakarjian, Nancy Basmajian, Jeanette Der The day’s honorees, from left, Albert Kapeghian, Harry Mirijanian, years. Under the guidance a new generation of Armenians must now “pro - Hagopian, Barbara Harmon, Leslie Movsessian, Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, Nancy Basmajian, Archbishop Khajag of the late Very Rev. vide the oil—our time, our talent, and our trea - Merle Santerian, Anne Terkanian, and Lisa Barsamian, Dr. Garo Garibian, and Berj Yeretzian. Haigazoun Melkonian, the sure” to keep alive the flame lit 80 years ago. Viarengo. The banquet was co-chaired by ACYOA was re-energized “This was a day that will long be remembered Pauline Chapjian and Margo Silk. 10 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

‘We Sing Church Julia Zerounian Songs’ Album to To Bring World Be Released Cabaret Magic to NEW YORK — Award-winning artist Nvair Kadian Beylerian, who is known professionally Regattabar Bar as Nvair, will release her latest album, “We Sing CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Julia Zerounian Armenian Church Songs (Badarak Hymns for and the Zerounian Ensemble will perform Children),” on October 18. familiar and exotic songs from around the Her latest compilation teaches the hymns of world on October 21 at the Regattabar. the Armenian Divine Liturgy to the younger According to the Boston Globe , “The generation. Produced by Beylerian, creator of soulful vocalist is a one woman United the HYEfamily children’s song series, and co- Nations of Cabaret,” singing in French, produced by educational consultant Andrea Italian, Armenian, Russian, Persian, Arpiarian Carden, superintendent of the St. Yiddish and Latin in addition to American Leon Armenian Sunday School in Fair Lawn, Songbook classics. She will perform NJ, the album serves to make the Armenian alongside her husband, pianist Sarkis Divine Liturgy more accessible to children and Zerounian leading the versatile and tal - their families. Each song is recorded in both ented ensemble of musicians. Featured Armenian and English and includes liner notes performers will include Menuhin competi - explaining the significance of each hymn dur - tion winner from China, Angelo Xiang Yu ing the church service. on violin; from Macedonia Goran “This album is about bringing our Armenian Ambassador Hovhannisyan signing his book, The Mandylion Daskalov on saxophone and accordion; Church life into our daily lives,” said Beylerian, the seasoned Klezmer music specialist who has a master’s degree in education and has Grant Smith on percussion; and from been involved in “edutainment,” combining Argentina, Berklee College of Music pro - both education and entertainment elements for Armenians Make a Strong fessor Fernando Huergo on bass. children, since 2001. “It’s a reminder of who we With her evocative voice, she tran - are.” scends language and culture to express “We want the kids to feel comfortable in Showing at Frankfurt Bookfair church,” said Carden, who holds a master of FRANKFURT, Germany — Frankfurt plays host to the most important and the arts degree and is a special education specialist oldest book fair in the world. This year 7,400 exhibitors from more than 100 coun - in the New Jersey Public School system. tries joined to present their most recent publications and other cultural products. “Feeling that connection and experiencing that Finland was the guest coun - familiarity gives them a reason to want to be try this year. there.” The Republic of Armenia could The album consistis of seven hymns includ - By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach not be absent. With a large stand ing Hayr Mer/Our Father, Hamenaynee/In Special to the Mirror-Spectator exhibiting books from Zangak, All Things, Soorp Soorp/Holy, Holy, Marmeen the Cultural Ministry hosted sev - Deroonagan/The Body Of The Lord, Kreesdos eral events, among them the presentation of a new Armenian cookbook in German. Ee Mech/Christ In Our Midst, Amen Their special guest was Armenia’s Ambassador to Germany Vahan Hovhannisyan, who Yegheetsee/Blessed Be and Ohrnetseets Uz launched his new book, The Mandylion , published in Armenian, English and Russian. Der/I Will Praise The Lord, are sung in both The author, a historian and archaeologist, has created a work of 450 pages which, English and Armenian by the HYEfamily though in the form of a novel, is embedded in the “history of the Armenians and peo - Children’s Chorus. The singers, most of whom ples of the eastern Mediterranean, intertwined with the history of Christianity and the are students of the St. Leon Armenian Sunday struggle of Christian people of the region for their freedom.” School, and whose ages range from 4 to 10 It is an “intellectual thriller, spanning several centuries” and recounting the “quest years old, include Sophia Ashbahian, Victoria for an ancient secret, full of dangers and adventures.” Ashbahian, Alexa Siran Farah, Liana Sarine Though the first version appeared two years ago, obviously the current crises in the Farah, Arpineh Halajian, Devan Vartan Regas region make this book, which depicts threats against the ancient local Christian civi - Julia Zerounian and Nickolas Ara Regas. lization, all the more relevant. “These children brought remarkable focus, Concluding the program organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs was a almost no self-consciousness and a wonderful roundtable discussion “Literature and Humanity” on the role of literature in prevent - music from a multitude of cultures. She sense of fun. They’re an example for performers ing genocide. The two main speakers were Turkish writer Gulcicek Gunel Tekin, a takes on all the different musical genres of all ages,” said Joseph Halajian, recording Kurdish author who has written on the Armenian Genocide, and Ragip Zarakolu, a of these countries performing with her engineer of the album. “The sound they make leading publisher in Turkey who has been imprisoned several times for having put out warm personality and making her truly a together is truly uplifting.” books on the same theme. “world music singer.” “We Sing Armenian Church Songs” is the Tekin gave a short, moving Julia Zerounian began her singing and product of a 10-year journey Beylerian and account of how she as a acting career at an early age in Armenia, Carden embarked upon when they began col - Kurdish child was trauma - later performing with various professional laborating together to teach primary-grade tized by cultural oppression, ensembles and theatrical groups through - Sunday School students spiritual, Christian not being allowed to speak out the former Soviet Union. Since her music along with Armenian church hymns. her native language, then, as move to Boston, she has become well- After observing how well the children grasped an adult, by her learning known to audiences as a great interpreter the hymns and their interest in knowing what about the Armenian Genocide of international and contemporary songs the songs meant, Beylerian and Carden decided and the role that Kurds had performing in many cities in the United to dedicate an album solely to Armenian hymns been forced to play. By visiting States and Canada. so that it could be used as a learning tool in Kurdish villages and inter - The combination of her soulful singing Sunday School classrooms and at home, plac - viewing their inhabitants, she and mastery of musical styles has not only ing a teaching tool directly in the hands of par - Bea Ehlers-Kerbekian reading from the orphan rug book documented and published gained a large and loyal following, but ents and grandparents who can sing along not 126 stories on the Genocide. garnered rave reviews from prominent only in Sunday School but any day of the week. Zarakolu, a human rights activist since the 1970s, said his publishing house did not musicians and music critics. Media per - “Once again Nvair has understood that the bother to deal with the question “if” the Genocide occurred or not, but rather con - sonality and author, Christopher Lydon, continuation of our culture and faith centrated on the proof, issuing books on the factual history and individual stories. commented after her 2013 spring concert depends upon our youth’s involvement,” said But this is not enough, he said; one must learn about the culture – the art, the lit - at the Regattabar, “Bravo! Brava! …earlier Dinkjian, a renowned musician who arranged erature, the architecture – of the Armenians, to show what the Turks themselves lost in your show I pinched myself thinking: Kreesdos Ee Mech/Christ In Our Midst and through the Genocide; the Armenian contribution to Ottoman culture was immense, We’re in Cairo, we’re in Beirut, we’re in played the guitar, lafta and oud on the track and if they succeeded in destroying it and its traces in Anatolia, they could not do so Paris, we’re in Jerusalem. And Julia feels with a solo accompaniment from Nvair. “We in Istanbul. He ended by citing the role literature has played, as in Franz Werfel’s Musa at home in each of the great capitals — Sing presents our Armenian youth singing Dagh saga, and stressed the importance of the fact that there were now Turkish intel - and seems to embody them when she Armenian sacred music, for the first time in lectuals fighting to ensure that the truth win out. sings. I can’t do justice to the power and Armenian and English. For my ears, there is Not far away, in another pavilion of the Frankfurt Book Fair, SchilerVerlag hosted beauty of your show, and your ensemble. very little which is more pure, innocent, and sin - informal readings from the book by Dr. Hagop Martin Deranian, President Calvin You transported us, almost literally. This cere as a child’s voice. Coolidge and The Armenian Orphan Rug, which it has published in German. was story-telling and musical art of a very Following the album’s release, Beylerian and Bea Ehlers-Kerbekian, the Armenian-German actress from Berlin who has starred in high order, and chops and style and vast Carden are scheduled to make interactive edu - the play, “Anne’s Silence,” by the prizewinning German-Turkish writer Dogan Akhanli, humanity.” cational presentations to Sunday Schools across read passages from the book, against a backdrop of a huge poster reproducing the For reservations and information, con - the Eastern Diocese as well as to Armenian com - beautiful Ghazir rug. tact www.regattabarjazz.com munities throughout the country . Their first see ALBUM, page 11 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Filmmaker Aims to Bring Genocide Documentary to PBS

alive and being celebrated a century later. their classrooms or attending summer caps Munich International, Seattle International, By Tom Vartabedian “Last April, I questioned if someone was for teens.” Slamdance and Napa Valley film festivals. making a project of this scope on such a topic,” She and her partners have made multiple One surprising element to this filmmaker is she added. “Where are we now, 100 years after films that have been screened across the United her athletic prowess. She played basketball in PHILADELPHIA — Stephanie Ayanian is the genocide? We are thriving. But what does States on PBS, internationally at festivals, and the Pan American Games in Yerevan in 2001 developing what she calls “A New Armenia” and have won awards. with a team from San Francisco. It was an just in time to commemorate the Armenian “After we successfully finance the Kickstarter unforgettable experience to say the least. Genocide centennial next year. Campaign, we will be meeting with foundations “To be welcomed by the masses of fans in She is working with her partners at Story for major gifts to fund the feature documen - that stadium during opening ceremonies with Shop Films on a one-hour documentary that tary,” she plans. “We want to raise awareness people shouting ‘San Francisco! San Francisco!’ she hopes will be finished in time to be shown about our rich culture. PBS gives a well-respect - was totally unreal,” she recalled. “And to have on PBS stations as well as around the country. ed national platform for television distribution the opportunity to experience Armenia at that However, before the film has a chance to be in the United States.” time, in that way, was truly amazing.” finished, she needs to raise funds. For that pur - The anticipated timetable is to broadcast the (To contribute to the project, visit pose, she has started an online fundraising cam - film on PBS stations across the country begin - www.kickstarter.com/projects/1290524964/a- paign on Kickstarter to raise seed money, which ning next fall — six months after the genocide new-armenia) ends October 20 with a target goal of $45,000. commemorations — to continue with the — Alin K. Gregorian contributed to this The entire budget is expected to be $500,000. anniversary year and bring back stories into the report. “Right now, we are searching for unique sto - public’s consciousness. ries of five Armenian-American families, across Helping her with the project are author, pro - the generations, and fund-raising to develop the fessor and poet Peter Balakian, Armenian- project,” she says. “We’ll travel to meet the American historian Anny Bakalian and potential five families and begin filming with Stephanie Ayanian Australian historian Donna Frieze. Arpa Foundation the older generation. This will help us put Ayanian holds an undergraduate degree in together a short film to seek larger financial Film & Video from Penn State University and a Announces donations.” the future hold? No one was tackling these Master of Fine Arts in Film & Media Arts from International Film With the plethora of films, books and events questions in this way. So my partners and I Temple University. She is a former member of marking the centennial, Ayanian sees this as started developing ‘A New Armenia.’ We will AGBU-Young Professionals in San Francisco Festival being different from the rest. It is more of an look at what it means to be a survivor and the and Philadelphia, where she met her husband opportunity to celebrate what Armenian challenges we face in America generations after and settled down after graduate school. LOS ANGELES — The Arpa Foundation for Americans have achieved, she said, and that arriving here.” She previously worked as a Senior Film, Music, and Art (AFFMA.org) announces they are thriving. The definition of “Armenianness” is also Producer/Director for Penn State Public its 17th annual Arpa International Film Festival “As with all films, the challenge comes in one that interests here. She said the commu - Broadcasting where she was a Producer and (ArpaFilmFestival.com), to be held November finding the right stories,” she points out. “We’re nity should be proud that now, almost 100 Director of Liquid Assets. 14-16, at the Egyptian Theatre. working diligently to seek out stories across the years after the Genocide was launched, she is As an independent producer, her film Arpa received hundreds of submissions fea - country and across generations to make this a “watching elementary school children leaving “Kinderwald” was an Official Selection of the turing the films of up-and-coming writers, pro - rich experience for the public. And, of course, ducers, and directors from more than 15 coun - we need to get foundations and individuals tries. With award winning films including: “As it aboard for financial support.” Used to Be” and “Sombras de Azul,” along with The mission is two-fold: to increase American SXSW nominated, “I Believe in Unicorns,” the public awareness of Armenian heritage and cul - ‘We Sing Church Songs’ Album to Be Released Arpa Film Festival is attracting viewers and ture, along with inspiring Armenians about the tastemakers from all over the world. strength of their culture. ALBUM, from page 10 families across the country, connecting them “We’re thrilled about this year’s festival line- “We lack a film that documents and cele - presentation will be held in their home parish to their roots with joy and laughter. up, which includes both domestic and interna - brates the joys, struggles and values of these during the St. Leon Food & Arts Festival in Since 2001, Nvair has released three chil - tional films and filmmakers, ready to showcase Armenian-Americans,” she confirms. “We’ll Fair Lawn, NJ on Sunday, October 19 at 2 p.m. dren’s CDs in Armenian (“2Mayrer,” their work,” said Festival Director Michael peek into kitchens while grandparents impart Nvair Kadian Beylerian holds a BA in “Donadzar” and “Ari Mer Doon”). She performs Ashjian. “It’s our goal to stay true to our mis - thousand-year-old recipes. We’ll share social History and a Master’s degree in Education. interactive bi-lingual concerts for Armenian and sion in cultivating awareness of important top - and religious traditions with laughter and She is a third-generation Armenian non-Armenian children and their families in the ics that affect our society through the medium solemnity, huddle with business leaders as they American who has had the privilege of grow - US and Canada. Each CD has been nominated of film. We can’t wait to share these films with bring honor and financial security to their fam - ing up within a culturally rich, Armenian- for the Annual Armenian Music Awards in the everyone!” ilies and communities.” speaking household rooted in the active and category of Best Children’s Album in their Each night includes featured premiers to be The audience will be introduced to the energetic Armenian-diasporan community of respective years. “Donadzar” received a Big announced in the coming weeks, and all three Genocide for a foundation of understanding, the NYC region. She has been on stage per - Apple Music Award in 2003, in the Best premiere nights feature a red carpet and after then meet five survivor families and see their forming Armenian song and dance with her Children’s Album category. For more informa - parties. Arpa will close out the festival on lives, accomplishments and how the culture family since childhood. Nvair continues in tion and updates, please visit Sunday, November 16 with an awards ceremo - (language, music, cuisine, customs) are still that vein, performing for children and their www.hyefamily.com. ny celebrating Best Feature Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Short Film, Best Music Video, Best Director and Best Screenwriter. Other recognitions will include the Lifetime Achievement Award, AFFMA Foundation Award, and the Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award, presented each year to a filmmaker whose film deals with subjugated peoples, ethnic cleansing, forced deportation, massacres and genocides. The panel of judges includes Marc Bienstock, Angus Sutherland and Campbell McInnes of Lotus Entertainment as well as Daljit DJ Paramar of Original Entertainment, and Emmy Award-winning producer Stan Brooks. “Over the past 17 years I’ve seen the change and development of independent film and their respective filmmakers. Arpa tries to garner the talents of these new filmmakers, those who are at the forefront of the newest and best film - making techniques, in order to present their work to the world,” said AFFMA Founder and head of Arpa Board of Directors, Sylvia Minassian. “This year’s festival represents a cul - mination of a years work for our committee in selecting what we think is our most varied and interesting program yet.” Minassian and Ashjian are joined by Executive Producer Alex Kalognomos. Also serving as co-producer of the festival, indie film - maker Sev Ohanian, co-producer of 2013’s indie phenomenon “Fruitvale Station” and recently named one of TheWrap’s 11 Thought Leaders Who Are Changing Hollywood — alongside Angelina Jolie and Jimmy Fallon. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.itsmyseat.com/affma/ Premiere night festivities and weekend program will be announced in the coming weeks. 12 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING YerazArt Artists Soar on Belmont Hill

YERAZART, from page 1 the students, who often send her videos of their performances scholarship at the 16th Annual National Arts Centre Summer for input. Music Institute, Young Artists Program to be held in Ottawa, Soprano Mane Galoyan performed at the Houston Grand Canada, in June. Opera Studio by invitation this summer. She was a prizewinner There she will be working with Pinchas Zukerman, music at the Hans Gabor Belvedere International Singing Competition director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, along with 70 earlier in the year as well as the International Young Opera other gifted students from Canada and abroad who were all cho - Singers’ Competition in St. Petersburg in 2013. She was also one sen through a highly competitive selection process. of the participants in the YerazArt-sponsored North American Hajjar also spoke about other success stories, including musi - concert tour of 2009. She has also won other competitions in cians from a couple of years ago, Nara Avetisyan who is studying Russia and Kazakhstan. In addition, Hajjar announced, two days with Prof. Sergey Babayan for her master’s at the Cleveland before the reception, Galoyan received an invitation to submit an From left, Nina Festekjian and Dorothy Keverian Institute of Music. audition for Juilliard for the master’s program. “None of this would have happened without you,” Hajjar told Classical guitarist Lilit Mardiyan is currently pursuing her One very good problem the group has now, she said, is who to the audience. “Our needs are so tremendous that we have to Master of Music studies on a full scholarship at the Yale School bring here to perform as the bar has been raised every year. make hard choices of Music. A former student at Yerevan State Conservatory and Among the programs that YerazArt hosts in Armenia are mas - and help with one USC Thornton School of Music, Mardiyan has garnered multiple ter classes, sponsoring young performers to take part in inter - instrument, one national competitions and helping them network. In addition, school and one talent the Instrument Donation Program (IDP) donates instruments at a time.” to select musical institutions and students, both in Yerevan and Board Member Sylvie Zakarian, a clas - sical percussionist and a faculty member of the Longy School of Music of Bard College, then spoke about the aims of YerazArt in Armenia. She recently presented workshops and gave master class - es in Yerevan for Sistema Armenia to From left, Ani Stepanian and Anna Afeyan help them with ensem - ble chamber music, where she taught stu - awards and performed extensively in Russia, Armenia, Greece, dents ages 14-19. The Germany and the United States. Margaret Atamian and Robert Avakian From left, Mane Galoyan, Ani classes, she said, “were The two musicians, accompanied on some songs by pianist Stepanian and Nicole Hajjar some of my longest Nune Hakobyan, performed both Armenian and Western classi - in remote areas throughout the country. days in music studios cal pieces. as well as some of the Galoyan’s voice was clear and sharp, entrancing the audience. Scholarships YerazArt’s need-based scholarships provide financial aid most satisfying. The students asked countless questions.” Mardiyan also performed several pieces, some Spanish while to talented students seeking a higher musical education in She said that often in Armenia, students have difficulty with others from South America. Her speed and dexterity, as well as Armenia. YerazArt also offers a limited number of scholarships access to certain instruments, such as bassoons, trombones, capability to create so many sounds from the guitar, including by to enable exceptional students to audition at renowned conser - French horns. Major orchestras in the country lack wind musi - using it as a drum, thrilled the audience. vatories abroad. cians, and often resort to importing them from Europe. In addi - According to Hajjar, the event raised about $20,000 for tion, she spoke to the students about collaboration and per - YerazArt’s instrument program. “I am very happy. It is always Concerts YerazArt offers talented young musicians the opportunity to forming in orchestras, rather than only as soloists. “Such work great to see new fresh faces. But what I am happy about is that travel and perform in the United States, allowing them to engage relationships are essential in building any community,” she we have a faithful following year after year. We must be doing with a diverse audience of music enthusiasts and to connect with explained. something right!” music professionals in the States. She lamented the fact that the best-equipped studio at Yerevan She added, “Fundraising is our mission hear after year for us Donations to YerazArt can be sent to YerazArt, P.O Box State Conservatory, where the sessions were held, was a pop stu - to better serve the young musicians.” 79133, Belmont, MA 02479. With questions, those interested dio where future stars were trained. She noted that the organization fine-tunes its mission regu - can contact [email protected] or [email protected] Zakarian noted happily that she is still in touch with many of larly to better serve its targets. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

attic treasures. Friday and Saturday. Auction starts at 7 CALIFORNIA p.m. For info call the church office at 617-924-7562. NOVEMBER 7 and 8 — Annual Autumnfest Bazaar NOVEMBER 15 — SAVE THE DATE: AMAA-Haigazian sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, University Celebratory Banquet in honor of Dr. 110 Main St., Haverhill, Friday, noon to 8 p.m. and Mihran Agbabian and George R. Phillips, Esq.; Saturday noon to 7 p.m. Lamb, losh, chicken kebab and Saturday, November 15, 2014, 6 pm, Beverly Hills Hotel, kheyma. Diner served all day. Pastry table, Armenain cui - $200; Information: Julie Aharonian 818-368-5266; Katia sine, gift baskets, raffles for cash and prizes. For more Kermoyan 818-242-5064. info, visit www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org or call NOVEMBER 22 — Armenian International Women’s 978-372-9227. Association, Los Angeles Affiliate present Luncheon NOVEMBER 8 — Armenia Tree Project 20th Anniversary honoring Lily Ring Balian, recipient of the 2014 Ellis Celebration Dinner and Reception. Special guest Actor Island Medal of Honor, Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset David Alpay. Cocktails 6:30 p.m. Dinner 8 p.m. John Joseph Blvd., 11:30 a.m. Reception; 12:30 Luncheon. Donation: Moakley US Courthouse, Grand Atrium. One Courthouse $100.00. For RSVP and info contact Houry Aposhian Way overlooking the Boston Harbor. Art Sale & Live (818)957-7020 or Cindy Norian (310) 277-4490. Auction. Artist Arthur Hovhannisyan. Visit www.ArmeniaTree.org or call (617) 926-8733. CONNECTICUT NOVEMBER 15 — The 39th Annual Luncheon/Auction of the Armenian Women’s Welfare Association at OCTOBER 22 — Southern Connecticut State University the Burlington Marriott Hotel, Burlington, MA @ 11 AM in New Haven will hold a joint presentation by Asena Radio host Ray Suarez, above, will Mistress of Ceremonies: Cindy Fitzgibbon, WCBV-TV5 Gunal and Nayat Karakoseoglu, titled “To Stick Your Neck be one of the speakers at the annu- Auctioneer: Jordan Rich, WBZ 1030 News Radio Funds Out: Projects in Armenian-Turkish Reconciliation,” 7:30-9 al Najarian Lecture on Human raised at this event support programs at the Armenian p.m. The scholar-activists from Turkey will speak on the Rights at Faneuil Hall, Boston, on Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain, MA current state of human rights, minority rights, democra - and the Hanganak NGO Health Clinic in Stepanakert, cy, pluralism and the Armenian Question in Turkey today. Thursday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. Nagorno-Karabagh for seniors in need. Founded in 1915, Engleman Hall A120. Program open to the public. For The program is titled “Truth to Action: the A.W.W.A. Inc. will soon be celebrating its 100th year info, visit calendar.southernct.edu/index.php?eID=1181 Media Freedom-Protecting Human Rights Globally.” Also featured will be of service to Armenians. For more information about the event or for tickets, please call Karen Hovsepian @ 617- Courtney Radsch, PhD;Stephen MASSACHUSETTS 898-8619 or e-mail [email protected] Kurkjian, and Thomas Mucha. A recep - DECEMBER 5-6 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Friday, 12-9 OCTOBER 21 — Julia and the Zerounian Ensemble tion will follow at the Millennium p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Holy Trinity Armenian Concer t, 7:30 p.m., Regattabar, Charles Hotel, Bostonian Hotel. Free and open to the Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Cambridge. An all new repertoire from around the public. Featuring delicious Armenian dinners, a la carte menu world, including the exciting young violinist Menuhin and take-out meals; booths and vendors; Armenian Competition winner from Mongolia, Chinese violinist gourmet foods, delicacies and pastries; raffles, and Angelo Xiang Yu, from Macedonia versatile young musi - more. For further information, contact the church office cian Goran Daskalov on saxophone and accordion, and at 617.354.0632. seasoned Klezmer specialist Grant Smith on percussion, RSVP deadline October 15. Payment for dinner reserva - DECEMBER 14 — Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra, Sean Farias on bass and Sarkis Zerounian on piano. For tions may be made online at www.htaac.org, or by con - Christmas Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., Holy Trinity reservations, www.getshowtix.com/ tacting the church office, 617.354.0632. Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., OCTOBER 23 — Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at NOVEMBER 1 — Third annual Mer Doon Benefit Cambridge. Save the date; details to follow. Faneuil Hall, Boston. 7:30 p.m. Topic: Truth to Action: Dance, in loving memory of Julie Ashekian, 8 p.m. Media Freedom - Protecting Human Rights Featuring Onnik Dinkjian, John Berberian and more. mid - NEW YORK Globally. Introduction: Courtney Radsch, PhD, Advocacy night dessert table. St. James Armenian Church Director, Committee to Protect Journalists. Speakers: Ray Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mount Auburn OCTOBER 19 — ARS Mayr Chapter of New York hosts Suarez, Host, “Inside Story” on Al Jazeera America and St., Watertown. Adults $40 Students $20. Please call An Afternoon of Food and Dance to benefit the “America Abroad” on Public Radio International; Stephen Mark Kashgegian to reserve tables of 10 and purchase Armenian Community in Syria. 2 p.m. Performances by Kurkjian, founding member and former chief, tickets at 617-256-5358. David Antabian (piano) and Lusine Musaelian (vocalist), Investigative Spotlight Team of the Boston Globe and NOVEMBER 2 — “Musical Benches,” an organ and piano followed by dancing and music by Khajag. St. editor of its Washington Bureau; and Thomas concert presented by Glenn “Ananian” Priest and Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Mucha. Editor, GlobalPost. A reception follows at the Christopher Garven on the occasion of the dedication of the Street, NY, NY. Donation: $50 adults; Children under 12: Millennium Bostonian Hotel for all who attend the lec - recently restored sanctuary of the First Armenian Church of $20 (includes full lunch, wine and soft drinks). For reser - ture to continue the discussion with the speakers and the Belmont, at the church sanctuary, Sunday, 3 p.m. vations, call Anais at 718-392-6982 or Rachel at 415-336- lecture’s leadership. Free and open to the public. An NOVEMBER 3 — Trinity Men’s Union and St. James 4962. All proceeds will benefit Syrian-Armenian relief endowed public program of Armenian Heritage Park on Men’s Club Joint Dinner Meeting, Monday, Speaker: efforts. the Greenway. www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org Dan Shaughnessy, sports columnist for the Boston Globe. OCTOBER 28 — Sip on French w ine, nibble on OCTOBER 25 — St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner Social Hour (mezza) delectable hors d’oeuvres, meet talented artists and Valley annual fall fair, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Jaffarian Hall, 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. $14 per person. St. James cinematographers, and network with kindred spir- 158 Main St., North Andover; shish, losh & chicken kebab Armenian ChurchCharles Mosesian Cultural & Youth its, all in a cozy salon at “Château Village,” dinners, lentil and kheyma, vegetarian dinners; pastries, Center - Keljik Hall 465 Mt. Auburn St. Alouette’s home in Greenwich Village. This soirée will gifts, raffles; further details, call church, (978) 685-5038; NOVEMBER 6 — Avak luncheon, sponsored by St. benefit SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York. 6:30 Ann Apovian, (978) 521-2245, or Sossy Jeknavorian, Gregory Armenian Church, noon, 158 Main St., North - 8:30 p.m. 1 Minetta St., 2E (STREET, not Lane, NE cor - (978) 256-2538. Andover; speaker, Sonya Vartabedian, “Diary of a ner of Bleecker St & Sixth Ave, W 4th St subway stop). OCTOBER 25 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, First Armenian Community Editor,” reflections from Sunday School stu - Donation: $60 Early Bird, $75 Regular. SR is a film festi - Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont, noon to 8 p.m. dent here to award-winning journalist and editor of The val that focuses on socially relevant human stories and Handmade choreg, manti, Armenian pastries and more. Andover Townsman and Andover Magazine . raises awareness to social problems by offering positive Grilled kebab all day. Marketplace treasures. All are wel - NOVEMBER 7 — Public Lecture on “The Divine Liturgy solutions through the powerful medium of cinema. come, rain or shine. MBTA and handicapped accessible. of the Armenian Church” by the Very Rev. Daniel SR believes that through raised awareness, expanded Call 617-484-4779 or visit www.facbelmont.org/ for Findikyan, professor of liturgical studies at St. Nersess knowledge about diverse cultures, and the human con - more info. Armenian Seminary and director of the Zohrab dition as a whole, it is possible to create a better world OCTOBER 25 — Ararat Center Boston Cruise on the Information Center of the Diocese of the Armenian free of violence, hate and crime. Odyssey, 30 Rowe’s Whar f, Boston. Embark at 7 p.m. Church (Eastern). He will offer an engaging presentation DECEMBER 7 — 8th Annual ANC Eastern Region Return 11 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, dinner, complimentary on the basic elements of the centuries old, most promi - Banquet, Ritz-Carlton Battery Park, NY. Freedom bar, live Kef. Adults - $175; Under 21 - $100; Purchase nent worship service of the Armenian Church. Buffet din - Award Honoree: former Manhattan District Attorney tickets at araratcenter.org or contact Pam at 617-645- ner to precede the lecture. Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family; Vahan 2781 Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford. 6:30 p.m. Cardashian Award Honoree: ANCA activist Alice OCTOBER 26 — Fr. Vasken Kouzouian’s 20-Year For further information and reservation, call 978-256- Movsesian. Tickets $250. For reservations and informa - Pastoral Journey — Join us as we celebrate the 20th 7234, or email Father Khachatur at tion, visit www.anca.org/erbanquet or 917.428.1918. Anniversary of our Pastor’s Ordination, immediately fol - [email protected]. lowing church services, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of NOVEMBER 7-8 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Church will RHODE ISLAND Greater Boston, Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural hold its 58th Bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Hall, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Dinner Tickets: $40 per Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, 47 Nichols NOVEMBER 8-9 — Saturday and Sunday, Sts. Sahag person; $20 for ages 10-21; babysitting services avail - Ave, Watertown. Meals served from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 and Mesrob Armenian Church, 70 Jefferson St., able, ages 3-9, at $5 per child (includes pizza lunch and p.m. Take-out available. Delicious meals, Armenian pas - Providence, will hold the 84th annual Armenian Food Fair supervision). Seating by advance paid reservation only; tries, gourmet food, arts and crafts, books, raffles and and Bazaar. 14 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Armenia Reoriented or Disoriented?

opposition and October 10 could become a victory day for LTP Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian because that day Zaroukyan joined him on the podium at the opposition rally. He also was able to lure Raffi Hovannisian’s Heritage Party to form the “magnificent” trio of opposition par - October 10, 2014 will become an important date for Armenia, ties in the parliament. That trio may become the “magnificent since on that day, two significant events took place, not neces - quartet,” if the ARF (Dashnag) party eventually decides to join. sarily coincidentally. The first event was the signing of the The ruling party has offered ambassadorial posts and other EstablEisshteadbl1is9h3e2 d 1932 Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) by President Serge Sargisian in lucrative position to keep the ARF on a short leash. That is why An ADALnP AuDblLic Patuiobnlication Minsk, and the second one was the opposition rally at the the party did not participate in the October 10 rally, where Ter- Republic Square. Petrosian announced that “we understand and respect their posi - Since Armenia broke off negotiations with the European tion,” although during his presidency, he jailed the ARF leader - Union in September 2013, it has been waiting at the door of the ship, harassed their members and destroyed their publication EDITOR Russian-led Customs Union, which Russia, Belarus and facilities. Alin K. Gregorian Kazakhstan had formed. The October 10 rally and the rallies preceding it in the Although Armenia was coerced into relinquishing its econom - provinces were well attended and were conducted in an orderly ASSISTANT EDITOR ic ties with the European Union, it could not become a founding manner. One truth was proven at the rally, that contrary to Aram Arkun member of the Customs Union; instead, Yerevan was kept wait - claims, there was no tyranny in Armenia. Otherwise, 10,000 peo - ART DIRECTOR ing for 13 more months to join the Customs Union, with dubi - ple could not gather in one place and harangue “the criminal oli - Marc Mgrditchian ous benefits in the prospect. Despite those intimidating circum - garchy” to give up the rule or chant “we want an Armenia with - stances, the speakers at the opposition rally recognized that it out Sergik.” was an unavoidable act to which Armenian had to commit itself. The other topics were poverty, corruption, emigration and law - That was the reorientation of Armenia away from Europe and lessness, which are on the minds of every citizen. further into Russia’s embrace. Ter-Petrosian vowed to continue the campaign in an orderly SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Armenia’s destiny is locked in place by certain determinants, fashion, based on the constitutional rights of the citizens. Edmond Azadian which no administration — new or the status quo — can change; Aram Manukyan provided statistics about the dire situation in the Russian geostrategic position is one determinant which is the country and cited the causes which were driving citizens to CONTRIBUTORS: forced by historic relations and geographic proximity. The other Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune leave the country in droves. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana determinant is the economic blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan The opposition has submitted a list of 12 demands to the gov - Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, stifling the country to compromise its future. A third determi - ernment for reform. Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, nant may be the sending of funds by Armenia’s citizens abroad It would benefit the country if a healthy opposition is formed Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian to their families in Armenia. That is in steady decline and one day to fight on political grounds to take over the rule. But the irony it may be reduced to catastrophic levels. in this case is that one of the presidential candidates is a promi - CORRESPONDENTS: The last determining factor is the corruption endemic in all nent oligarch, Gagik Zaroukian, a kind-hearted benefactor with a Armenia - Hagop Avedikian former Soviet republics and any single country cannot stamp it wrestler’s demeanor. One could argue why not Zaroukian as Boston - Nancy Kalajian out it because the entire region is engulfed in the system. president, if a former wrester, Jesse Ventura, was able to become Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Mikhail Saakashvili tried to uproot corruption in Georgia the governor of Wisconsin? while he was president and today he is a wanted man by the Recaping the EEU Treaty, there are at least two caveats which Contributing Photographers: Tbilisi authorities. Therefore, as unsavory as it may sound, cor - will concern every Armenian, regardless of their political affilia - Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian ruption cannot be controlled, especially in a poor country. This tion. One is economic prospects in joining the Customs Union does not mean that the country should give up hope in fighting with Russia. The former director of Armenia’s Central Bank, corruption. But it means one thing: that no opposition can deliv - Bagrat Asatryan, sees a 2-3 percent decline in transfers from The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published er it overnight, no matter how loudly it may claim it can. Russia while Armenia needs a 10-percent increase in transfers for weekly, except two weeks in July and the first Armenia’s foreign policy is reoriented by outside forces, but its growth. But a more ominous concern, according to Asatryan is “In week of the year, by: domestic policies could be directed through the interaction of case of a 3-percent economic growth, no social problems can be Baikar Association, Inc. political forces. That interaction, however, thus far has only led solved. Three percent-growth will even serve as stimulus for emi - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 the country to disorientation. gration. To preserve this situation in Armenia a 6-8 percent eco - Telephone: 617-924-4420 During the last presidential and parliamentary elections, nomic growth is necessary. And unfortunately, there are no pre - FAX: 617-924-2887 Sargisian’s Republican Party was able to decimate the opposi - requisites for the situation to improve in 2015, 2016, and 2017.” www.mir rorspectator.com tion and come out on top. The election was also approved with Asatryan mentioned that Armenia’s major partner, Russia, to E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com reservations by international observers. The method was all too which we turn nowadays, will have 0-percent growth, since sanc - familiar — an election system that every previous administration For advertising: [email protected] tions will have a negative impact. has implemented and perhaps, every future political force will Under the above conditions, it looks like Armenia is linking its continue as well. economic fortune to a sinking ship, unless a political develop - A case in point is the reappointment of Syunik governor ment comes to rectify the situation. Sourik Khatchatryan, despite claims he has criminal ties. Similar Another caveat is the issue of Karabagh. Kazakhstan’s appointments were made in Shirak and elsewhere. As long as President Nazarbayev delayed Armenia’s participation in the SUBSCRIPTION RATES : these kingpins deliver votes, they can break any law with impuni - treaty, arguing that Armenia should join the union with its ty. “internationally recognized boundaries,” excluding Nagorno The opposition can rightfully cry wolf and call the current Karabagh, to satisfy President Aliyev in Azerbaijan. No such con - U.S.A. $80 a year regime criminal and oligarchic, but how many political assassi - dition hampered Russia’s role questioning the inclusion of Canada $125 a year nations were committed during Levon Ter-Petrosian’s watch? Crimea. The time in office of Robert Kocharian, who is waiting in the As the treaty is signed by Armenia, there is no explanation Other Countries $190 a year wings to throw his hat in the presidential race, was marred by whatsoever, if customs system will be implemented on Armenia— the massacre at the parliament, as well as the March 1 killings at Karabagh border. Only Mr. Aliyev is elated that if and when Freedom Square. Azerbaijan joins the Customs Union, the signatories may admit © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Both during and after the last elections, many defections took Baku with Nagorno Karabagh as part of its territory. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA place in the ranks of Ter-Petrosian’s HAK coalition, weakening it As we can see the problems are way above the power of any and additional mailing offices. significantly. But he did not give up hope. He continued court - party to resolve. Unity and concerted efforts by the ruling party ing the Prosperous Armenia Party and its leader Gagik and opposition may yield some results. Otherwise, no one can ISSN 0004-234X Zaroukyan, a prominent oligarch who was in the coalition with safely identify Armenia’s course, whether its reorienting or dis - Sargisian’s Republican Party. He gradually shifted towards the orienting.

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 Is There a Plan B? The Futility of Bombing ISIS reflect the policies of the publisher. Joe Biden last week as largely “shopkeepers” the Arab television and press — and it’s inter - By Robert Fisk — don’t overthrow the monstrous “Islamic esting to see the gulf that divides what the State”? Then I suppose we are going to bomb Arabs see and hear, and what the West sees and bomb and bomb again. As a Lebanese col - and hears. The gruesome detail is essential Is there a “Plan B” in Barack Obama’s league of mine asked in an article last week, here to understand how Arabs have already Copying for other than personal use or brain? Or in David Cameron’s, for that matter? what is Obama going to do next? Has he grown used to jihadi barbarity. They have seen internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright I mean, we’re vaguely told that air strikes thought of that? full video clips of the execution of Iraqis — if owner. Address requests for reprints or against the ferocious “Islamic State” may go After Alan Henning’s beheading, the gorge shot in the back of the head, they have come back issues to: on for “a long time.” But how long is “long”? rises at the thought of even discussing such to realize, a victim’s blood pours from the Are we just going to go on killing Arabs and things. But distance sometimes creates dis - front of his face — and they have seen video Baikar Association, Inc. bombing and bombing and bombing until, torting mirrors, none so more than when it clips of Syrian soldiers not only beheaded but 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 well, until we go on bombing? What happens involves the distance between the Middle East their heads then barbecued and carried if our Kurdish and non-existent “moderate” and Washington, London, Paris and, I sup - through villages on sticks. Syrian fighters — described by Vice-President pose, Canberra. In Beirut, I’ve been surveying continued on next page S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

(Karabagh) through the establishment of customs check - makes more economic sense to have favorable tax terms points at the border. EEU proponents, on the other hand, with that country than with Europe. Not joining EEU are stressing Armenia’s geostrategic and economic inter - would place Armenia at a serious tax disadvantage with ests. It remains to be seen which of these arguments will devastating economic consequences. eventually prevail. While these are compelling reasons for Armenia’s deci - My Turn Meanwhile, there are some basic facts that are self-evi - sion to join EEU, no one should conclude that Yerevan has dent. Armenia has had long-standing and multifaceted links to remain exclusively in the Russian economic zone. By Harut Sassounian to Moscow going back to the Tsarist era, the Soviet Union, Clearly, it is in Armenia’s interest to develop multilateral and today’s Russian Federation. ties with the rest of the world, including Western Europe, It is imperative to recall that the livelihood of hundreds North America, Middle East, and Asia. Armenian officials The West Must Offer Armenia of thousands Armenian migrants in Russia will be impact - have repeatedly stated their interest in developing closer Incentives Rather than Decry its ed by Armenia’s EEU membership, in terms of their ability economic, political, and even military relations with to reside and work in that country. Furthermore, Armenian Western countries, but not at the expense of Armenia’s his - Ties with Russia businesses would be able to expand their small domestic torical ties with Russia. market, exporting their products with favorable tax terms Meanwhile, it would be far more productive if Western On October 10, after lengthy heated debates, Armenia to over one hundred million potential consumers in countries, particularly the United States, rather than urg - signed a treaty to join the Eurasian Economic Union Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Armenia would also ing Armenian leaders to cut off vital relations with Russia, (EEU), composed of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. The serve as an easy gateway for foreign investors interested in would actually offer tax privileges and other incentives to agreement goes into effect on January 1, 2015, subject to entering the vast and complex EEU markets. their investors in Armenia, thus reducing Yerevan’s exclu - ratification by parliaments of the four countries. In the final analysis, three essential questions need to be sive dependence on Russia. Similarly, U.S. criticism and Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have also expressed an interest raised on Armenia’s membership in EEU: warnings issued to Armenia for its commercial ties with in joining the Union. 1) Given the ongoing Artsakh conflict and Azerbaijan’s Iran are manifestly counter-productive. It would be far The intended objective of forming EEU is to facilitate the multi-billion dollar military spending spree, which country more helpful if the Obama administration could muster the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across has sold and will continue to sell Armenia advanced courage to press Turkey and Azerbaijan into lifting their member states, and to implement a coordinated policy in weapons to mitigate the growing threat from Baku? Not joint blockade of the Armenian Republic which has been in the energy, industrial, agricultural and transport sectors. the Unites States, Great Britain or France, but Russia! effect for over 20 years. Views of analysts on the merits of Armenia’s membership 2) Which country can provide Armenia with desperately- In the light of the foregoing existential strategic and eco - in EEU diverge depending on whether they are proponents needed natural gas at any price, let alone at subsidized nomic realities, Western countries would be better served or opponents of the country’s leadership. The arguments prices? Russia and Iran to a lesser extent through a small to use carrots rather than sticks to help steer Armenia advanced by opponents of EEU include the possible loss of pipeline. toward a more balanced relationship between East and Armenia’s independence and isolation of Artsakh 3) Since Russia is Armenia’s largest trading partner, it West.

Union. And while 75 percent of the population in The Futility of Bombing ISIS the Soviet Union supported its preservation, five Happy 23rd republics, including Armenia, rejected the referen - from previous page dum. And thus, the path toward full independence Understandably, Alan Henning’s murder didn’t get much coverage in the Middle was launched. East, although television did show his murder video — which Western television did Months later, on September 21, 1991, Armenia not. But it didn’t make many front pages. Mostly the fighting between jihadis and Birthday to held its referendum on independence. It was a day Kurds at Ein al-Arab (Kobane) and the festival for the Muslim Eid — and the Haj in like today, full of celebration, excitement, and Saudi Arabia — dominated news coverage. In general, the Arab world was as uninter - enthusiasm for the promise of the future. Almost ested in Henning’s murder as we have been, for example, in the car bomb that killed Armenia 95 percent of eligible voters participated, and they 50 Syrian children in Homs last week. Had they been British children, of course… voted almost unanimously in support of indepen - But I’m struck by friends who’ve asked me why we are really carrying out air strikes dence. Armenia’s next era was launched. when we won’t put soldiers on the ground. They have noted how the families of And while it was launched with hope for the American hostages — fruitlessly seeking mercy for their loved ones — keep repeating future, it was also launched with recognition that that they cannot make Obama do what they want him to do. Yet, don’t we claim that By Mary A. Papazian, PhD this Armenia indeed is the sprout that grew out of our democratic governments can be influenced by individuals, that they do what we the rubble of the most calamitous event in want? I am pleased to join you today on this significant Armenian history, the Armenian Genocide, and as And watching David Cameron on my Beirut television last week, I asked myself why occasion celebrating the 23rd anniversary of the a re-iteration of that first, short-lived Armenian it was really necessary for the RAF to bomb the “Islamic State.” He knows very well free and independent second Armenian Republic. I republic of 1918. that our four — or is it two? — clapped-out Tornadoes are not going to make the slight - am also here to represent the Knights and I just reread Michael Arlen’s award winning est difference to any assault on jihadi forces. Indeed, he was prepared to delay RAF Daughters of Vartan. My husband, Past Grand book, Passage to Ararat, first published in 1975, strikes until the Scottish referendum was over. If so, why did he not defer them alto - Commander Dr. Dennis Papazian, who generally for an Honor’s Course on the Armenian Genocide gether to save British lives? speaks here on behalf of the Knights and and Jewish Holocaust in Art and Literature being But it was obvious at the Tory party conference that Cameron’s greatest threat Daughters, is in Armenia today, participating with taught this semester at my university, Southern came not from a man in Mosul called Abu-Bakr al-Baghdadi, but from a man in Grand Commander Steve Kradjian and 300 repre - Connecticut State University, and I was taken back Bromley called Nigel Farage. Thus he waffled on about how Britain would “hunt sentatives from Armenian organizations all over to my first trip to Soviet Armenia in 1974, now 40 down and bring to justice” Henning’s killers and do “everything we can to defeat this the world in a planning meeting for the commem - years ago. What a long time ago that was. Arlen’s organisation in the region and at home,” using “all the assets we have to find these oration of the 100th anniversary of the beginning journey to discover his roots as an Armenian and [remaining] hostages.” By “all the assets,” he must mean ground troops — because the of the Armenian Genocide on April 25, 1915. He is to understand his father was filtered through his RAF is already being used — and this we are not, I think, going to do. “British troops regretful he could not join us today, and he sends deepening understanding of the Armenian experi - held hostage by Islamic State” is not a headline he wants to read. Thus I fear we are his warmest wishes. ence through the centuries, and especially the going to do nothing except bomb. And bomb. And bomb. Farage can’t beat that. Let me take you back for a moment to those events of the 1870s and the early 1900s. Like all Western leaders faced with a crisis in the Middle East, Cameron does not early days of 1991. To many of us it seems only yes - As he reflects on the long, convoluted, challeng - want to deal with it — or explore why it happened. He wants to know how to respond terday, but we can recall our thrill having wit - ing history of the Armenians through the ages, to it politically or, preferably, militarily. Our refusal to broadcast the “Islamic State” nessed in our lifetime our newly emerged free and Arlen writes: “For some years Armenian dreams beheading videos is understandable — absolutely in the case of the actual murders — independent Republic take its place among the were in a most dreadful tangle. The kings of Nairi but by preventing Brits from actually seeing these horrors, the Government avoids family of nations. But to a new generation of enmeshed in liberal political adventures. The kings having to respond to the public’s reaction: either a call for more air strikes or to Armenians growing up in Armenia, America, and of Nairi dreaming dreams of grandeur, adrift in for - demand their annulment. in communities around the world, there has always eign courts. Mountain kings with crowns of This secrecy means the hostages do not exist in our imagination; they only emerge been a free and independent Republic of Armenia branches and palaces of rock....But this much from the mist into the horrible desert sunlight when that grisly video arrives. In the — a homeland— that albeit small, is distinct and seems to be also true; there is a good chance now region itself, hostages become public property at once, relatives giving interviews and readily identified on a map, and that participates that the clearheaded, impatient young will begin to demanding action from their governments. As I write, the families of 21 captured fully in the international arena. set their fathers free.” Lebanese soldiers faced with beheading are blocking the main Damascus- Beirut high - This new generation has never been stateless, And so my friends and compatriots, Armenia way. A Qatari envoy has arrived to help (presumably with lots of cash). roaming in a diaspora without a home, unrepre - dreams again. And every September 21st we are Perhaps we need to reframe our understanding of the “Islamic State.” British Muslim sented in the United Nations and in capitals reminded that dreams—however impossible—can leaders have said, quite rightly, that Muslims show mercy, and that the “Islamic State” around the world. In Armenia, these young people indeed come true. But we are also reminded that is a perversion of Islam. I suspect and fear that they are wrong. Not because Islam is not have always had a country they could call their dreams need to be nurtured and cared for, that for merciful, but because the “Islamic State” has nothing at all to do with Islam. It is more own, where self- government and self-determina - our Armenian homeland to thrive, all of us will a cult of nihilism. Their fighters have been brutalised — remember that they have tion were the rule — and even the dark days of the need to ensure it is supported, that it has the endured, many of them, Saddam’s cruelty, our sanctions, Western invasion and occu - early 1990s are a distant memory. Here in America resources at home and abroad to grow, and that we pation and air strikes under Saddam and now air strikes again. These people just don’t and for young Armenians throughout the diaspo - do not undermine it by indulging in our petty pol - believe in justice any more. They have erased it from their minds. ra, there has always been an Armenia to visit, led itics and immediate personal desires. If we had not supported so many brutal men in the Middle East, would things have by an Armenian president, with its own flag and This is not a trivial issue. Armenia needs peace turned out differently? Probably. If we had supported justice — I hesitate to suggest national anthem, an Armenia for which they could with its neighbors; it needs economic stability, rule putting a certain man on trial for war crimes — would there have been a different reac - feel pride as Armenian athletes carried the flag of law, investment in its future, green sustainable tion in the Middle East? In the Syrian war, they say that 200,000 have died; in Gaza during opening ceremonies in Olympic games. industry, education, and a healthy politics that is more than 2,000. But in Iraq, we suspect half a million died. And whose fault was But for the rest of us, prior to 1990 the concept free from corruption and forward thinking, if it is that? of a free and independent Armenia was a dream — to thrive in the twenty-first century. The “Islamic State” are the real or spiritual children of all this. Now we face an something we held on to, imagined, hoped for, but My family and I recently spent two weeks in exclusive form of nihilism, a cult as merciless as it is morbid. And we bomb and we we had no roadmap for how it would be achieved. August travelling from one end of Anatolia to the bomb and we bomb. And then? And then in the early days of spring 1991, the other — from the west in Istanbul (formerly leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev Constantinople), truly a city of Empire, to (Robert Fisk writes for the Independent, where this column originally appeared.) called for a final referendum to preserve the Soviet see BIRTHDAY, page 16 16 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

New Wave of Opposition Protests in Armenia Happy 23rd Birthday to Armenia PROTESTS, from page 1 •A three-fold reduction of the trade turnover Zharangutiun oppose planned constitutional four of the five minority parties represented tax and the abolition of VAT payments at the amendments floated by Sargisian that would BIRTHDAY, from page 15 in the parliament elected in May 2012 set border transfer some presidential powers to the Kayserie, Cilicia (and my grandparents home vil - aside their long-standing mutual distrust and •Doubling agricultural output prime minister, while the Dashnaks support lage of Sis), and east across the Armenian plateau jointly planned new demonstrations in sup - •The conversion of agricultural subsidies them. to Aintab, Urfa, Diarbekir, Bitlis, Van, Kars and port of their efforts to force a vote of no con - from foreign currency into Armenian drams And Zharangutiun is the only one of the Ani. fidence in the government. That initiative col - •A program to revive the country’s flagship four parties that unequivocally opposes To stand in the ruined city of Ani under the lapsed when Prime Minister Tigran Sargisian Nairit chemical plant, and the payment of Sargisian’s decision one year ago to commit shadows of the great Cathedral Surp (no relation to Serge) stepped down unex - wage arrears to its work force Armenia to membership of Russian President Asdvadzadzin and look across the Arax river at pectedly. •A ban on the sale or privatization of hydro - Vladimir Putin’s planned Eurasian Economic the hills of modern Armenia is a feeling I can’t Then, in June 2014, the four parties in electric power stations on the Vorotan river Union. describe: pride in what we created as a people question — the HAK; the Prosperous •A ban on raising public transport tariffs In a clear allusion to BHK Chairman centuries ago, awe at the natural beauty of the Armenia Party (BHK) headed by wealthy busi - •The adoption of legislation banning eco - Tsarukian, HHK spokesman Eduard river and hills that surround it, and lament that nessman Gagik Tsarukian, which had been nomic monopolies Sharmazanov dismissed the opposition align - there is no bridge connecting old Ani with mod - part of the ruling coalition until the May 2012 •Amending the electoral code to ensure that ment as “a merger of revanchism and oli - ern Armenia, no way to connect the past with the parliamentary election; the Zharangutiun the next parliamentary election (due in May garchy.” present and the future, or even an explicit refer - (Heritage) party headed by US-born former 2017) is held exclusively on the basis of party Veteran political scientist Aleksandr ence to Ani’s Armenian past in the material post - Foreign Minister Raffi Hovannisian, Serge lists. Iskandarian, for example, was quoted as opin - ed in the entrance to the ruined city. Sargisian’s main challenger in the 2013 presi - •Granting the opposition oversight functions ing that, despite their growing cooperation, This is our challenge today: to find a way to dential ballot; and the Armenian •A ban on the signing of any document that the four parties lack “the potential” to bring connect the past with the future, to find a way as Revolutionary Federation — Dashnaktsutiun could pose a threat to the continued existence down the government. “And everybody real - Armenians to live fully in our time, and to ensure (HHD) — issued a list of 12 demands to the of Nagorno-Karabagh Republic. izes that,” Iskandarian said. “Not just you and that the future is one that is worthy both of the Armenian leadership, and set a deadline of HHK parliamentary faction head Vahram me, but also the authorities and the leaders of strength of our forbearers who created beauty September 30 for meeting them. Baghdasarian initially responded by hinting the [opposition] quartet.” and survived tragedy and of our celebration, Most of the demands focused on the socioe - that the Armenian leadership took the “ratio - Possibly reflecting a lack of public confi - hope, and optimism when we joined the commu - conomic situation. They did not include nal” demands seriously and would discuss dence in the quartet’s potential, just 2,000 nity of nations twenty-three years ago. President Sargisian’s resignation, which the those they considered “acceptable,” but the people turned out on September 25 for the I am confident we are up to the task, and I look BHK and HHD have stopped short of calling authorities ultimately failed to meet any of first of its new series of rallies. forward to celebrating our many successes with for. HHD parliament faction head Armen them. That figure would, however, most likely you and our fellow Armenians and friends here, in Rustamian explained that “Serzh Sargisian’s It was that failure that served as the catalyst have been higher had the meeting been held Armenia, and across the globe, in the years ahead. removal alone would not save the country” in for the planned new wave of demonstrations. in Yerevan’s Freedom Square, rather than in So let us enjoy the celebration today, but the absence of radical changes to the political How effective the new push for regime the town of Abovian, 15 kilometers north of remember that tomorrow we wake up and the system. change will be is not clear. As indicated above, the capital. hard work begins once more. Specifically, the opposition called for: there are fundamental differences among the Further rallies are planned in Gumri, Thank you. •The suspension of the pension reform that four parties. Vanadzor, and six other towns, culminating in (Dr. Mary Papazian is the president of requires mandatory payments by all employed The BHK and the HHD do not support the a protest demonstration in Yerevan on Southern Connecticut State University New persons under the age of 40 into two state- insistence by the HAK and Zharangutiun that October 10 at which the decision will be Haven, Conn. She delivered this speech on controlled pension funds. Sargisian and the government of Hovik taken whether and how to intensify pressure September 21, at the Independence Day •The revision of legislation governing the use Abrahamian should resign. on the country’s leadership. Celebration at the Armenian Church of roadside speed cameras Moreover, the HAK, the BHK and — Liz Fuller Diocese New York.) NAJARIAN LECTURE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AT FANEUIL HALL Truth to Action MEDIA FREEDOM Protecting Human Rights Globally “Everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart ideas without fear and interference. Yet throughout the world, journalists, bloggers and others face harassment and imprisonment for exercising their right to free speech...Freedom of expression is essential to the attainment of all other rights...and is closely linked to the right to hold opinions and the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion...” –Amnesty International 2014

Mayor’s Remarks Introduction Martin J. Walsh Courtney Radsch, PhD Mayor, City of Boston Advocacy Director, Committee to Protect Journalists

Thursday Faneuil October 23 Hall

Ray Suarez Stephen Kurkjian Thomas Mucha 2014 Host, Inside Story on Founding member and former Editor, GlobalPost Al Jazeera America and chief, Investigative Spotlight Team Boston, America Abroad on Public of The Boston Globe and 7:30pm Radio International editor of its Washington Bureau Mass. Free and open to the public A reception follows at the Millennium Bostonian Hotel.

THE ANNUAL LECTURE, ENDOWED BY K. GEORGE AND CAROLANN S. NAJARIAN, MD IN HONOR OF DR. NAJARIAN’S FATHER, MR. AVEDIS ABRAHAMIAN, IS A PUBLIC PRO GRAM OF THE ARMENIAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION, SPONSOR OF ARMENIAN HERITAGE PARK ON THE GREENWAY. ARMENIANHERITAGEPARK.ORG