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HYE SHARZHOOM th Armenian Action 29 FA|

March 2008 Vol. 29, No. 3 (101) Ethnic Supplement to The Collegian

Armenian Studies Twentieth Annual Shoghaken Armenian Folk Ensemble Performs Banquet Slated for Saturday, April 5 in Concert in Fresno: Part of 21-City National Tour “An Evening with Dr. Kouymjian” STAFF REPORT On Tuesday evening, February The public is cordially invited 26, the Shoghaken Armenian Folk to attend the Twentieth Annual Ban- Ensemble of Armenia performed quet of the Armenian Studies Pro- in concert to an audience of more gram at California State Univer- than 400 in the Satellite Student sity, Fresno. Union at Fresno State. The eight- Dr. Kouymjian will be recog- member ensemble was on an inter- nized for his thirty-one years of national concert tour, which began service to the University as Direc- in Paris, and continued in twenty- tor of the Armenian Studies Pro- one cities in the United States, end- gram. He will be retiring in May. ing March 7 in Los Angeles. Recipients of student scholar- The Shoghaken Ensemble uti- ships for 2007-2008 will also be lizes traditional Armenian instru- recognized at the Banquet. ments such as the kanon, kamancha, duduk, dhol, oud, and shvi, to pro- Dr. Dickran Kouymjian duce a captivating and exhilarating Photo: Randy Vaughn-Dotta sound. It is one of the preeminent The Shoghaken Armenian Folk Ensemble performed at the Saturday, April 5 traditional music ensembles in Ar- Satellite Student Union at Fresno State on Feb. 26. Net pro- ceeds of the concert benefited the Armenian Studies Program. 6:00PM-Reception menia and they proved it in a cap- tivating performance, as they pre- Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian 7:00PM-Banquet sented a broad spectrum of tradi- Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Haig Armenia to be present at the con- tional Armenian folk music. and Isabel Berberian Professor of cert. Mrs. Khodikyan paid special Residence Dining Hall The audience was involved in Armenian Studies at Fresno State tribute to the Ensemble and also Fresno State their rich program for the entire opened the concert with his re- made remarks on behalf of Hasmik evening. This was not only the re- marks. Special visitors Mrs. Karine Poghosyan, Minister of Culture of sult of the expert skills of the per- Khodikyan, Vice Minister of Cul- the Republic of Armenia, on the $30 per person formers, but also due to the beauti- ture of the Republic of Armenia, occasion of the Saroyan Centen- $20 for Fresno State students fully rich voices of a brother and and Mr. Davit Muradyan, Vice nial in Fresno. Mr. Muradyan, who Please send in your reservations no later than March 28. sister duo, Hasmik and Aleksan Chairman of the Writers Union of Harutyunyan. Armenia, traveled especially from SEE SHOGHAKEN PAGE 5 Class Spends Two Days Studying Church: History, Beliefs, Practices, Architecture, Art, and Music “William Saroyan at 100” Church and its role as a unifying A symposium dedicated to the 100th factor among Armenians. The stu- dents in the class learned a lot about anniversary of the birth of the the significance of the history, sac- Armenian-American author. raments, liturgy, and worship of the Armenian Church. With the participation of scholars from In studying the history of the throughout the United States. Armenians, one must understand their devotion to Christianity, which was spread in Armenia in the first Organized by the century by Saints Thaddeus and Armenian Studies Bartholomew. St. Gregory the Illu- minator converted King Drtad to Program at Christianity in 301 A.D., thus the Fresno State Armenians became the first Chris- tian nation in the world and Chris- tianity unified the entire Armenian Saturday, L. to R.: Thagik Boyadjian, Svetlana Bagdasarov, Pateel Diaspora until the present day. Mekhitarian, Jennifer Torosian, Gina Jelladian, Mary Madoyan, Catholicos Karekin II, resides in April 5, 2008 Arman Kalamkarian, and Sarkis Manavazian at the front en- the spiritual capital of Holy trance of St. Paul Armenian Church. Etchmiadzin, in Armenia. 10AM Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian When asked why he was taking the course, Arman Kalamkarian University Business GINA JELLADIAN said, “I took this course because tions faced by students on a quiz Center, STAFF REPORTER taken during the first session of a it’s necessary to fulfill my Arme- weekend class, Armenian Studies nian Studies Minor. Aside from A. Peters Auditorium What are the major feast days 120T-The Armenian Church, held necessity, I’m glad I took it, be- Portrait of William Saroyan celebrated in the Armenian Church? on Friday, February 8th and Satur- cause although I am an extremely Fresno State Campus during his last East Euro- What are the four true marks of the day February 9th. The course was active member in the Armenian pean trip, May 1980. (Photo Orthodox Church? How often is community and church, I was still taught by professor and deacon Free admission after Dickran Kouymjian, the Holy Oil (Muron) prepared? Barlow Der Mugrdechian. The class able to learn a great deal of infor- Warsaw Visitor, Fresno, What is it used for? discussion included a detailed his- 1991, courtesy of the These were some of the ques- tory about the Armenian Apostolic SEE CHURCH CLASS PAGE 6 author’s archive) 2 Hye Sharzhoom March 2008 Armenian Studies Program California State University, Fresno Book/Video/CD/Archival Gifts Dr. Dickran Kouymjian and the Armenian Studies Pro- Armenian Studies Program gram would like to thank the donors, authors, and pub- lishers for the following books, periodicals, videos, and Fall 2008 Schedule of Courses archival gifts either offered personally or to the Program. Course Units Time Day Instructor CDs/DVDs General Education Gevorg Emin, Ergaran [Songbook], songs based on 11 poems by Arts & Humanities, Area C2 Gevorg Emin (1918-1998), CD (Erevan, 2005). Gift of Artashes • ArmS 20 Arts of Armenia 3 8:00A-9:15A TTh Staff Emin. (Class #76427) All Time Armenian Favourites, Kohar Symphony Orchestra and • ArmS 20 Arts of Armenia 3 11:00A-12:15P TTh B Der Mugrdechian Choir, DVD (Hayasa Production, 2003). Gift of the Cilician (Class #72510) Catholicosate, Antelias. Patrick Cazals, director & producer, Rouben Mamoulian, l’age d’or de Broadway et d’ Hollywood, DVD, hour length film which tells • Arm 1A Elementary Armenian 4 10:30A-11:35A MWF B Der Mugrdechian the story of Rouben Mamoulian, pioneer of Broadway musicals in (Class #72508) the Golden Age of Hollywood Studios (Pairs, 2006). In English and French with appropriate subtitles, including an interview with Arts & Humanities, Area D Dickran Kouymjian on Mamoulian. Available through Horla Films • ArmS 10 Intro Armenian Studies 3 9:00A-9:50A MWF B Der Mugrdechian [[email protected] ]. Gift of the director. (Class #72509) Books • ArmS 108A Arm History I 3 9:30A-10:45A TTh B Der Mugrdechian Edward Alexander, Opus (Xlibris Corporation: 2000). Gift of the author. (Class #72511) The American Numismatic Society, American Journal of Numis- matics 19, Second Series (New York: 2007). Gift of the publisher. For more information call the Armenian Studies Program at 278-2669 Antonia Arslan, Skylark Farm, translated by Geoffrey Brock (New or visit our offices in the Peters Business Building, Room 384. York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006). Gift of Alfred A. Knopf Publishers. Get a Minor in Armenian Studies. Check on requirements Peter L. Bergen, The Osama bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of al Qaeda’s Leader, (New York: Free Press, 2006). Gift of Rev. Fr. for the Minor in Armenian Studies in the 2008-2009 catalog: Sipan Mekhsian. http://www.csufresno.edu/catoffice/current/armstudhd.html Vahram Dadrian, To The Desert, translated from the Armenian by Agop J. Hacikyan (New York: Taderon Press, 2003). Gift of Dr. Letter to the Editor Are you planning to move or Joan Bergstrom. Dear Editor: Barlow Der Mugrdechian, editor, The Armenian Bible. A Sympo- have moved? sium Celebrating the 1600th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Armenian Alphabet and the Translation of the Bible into Armenian Please find enclosed a small donation to assist you in the publication Do you know someone who (Burbank: Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, 2007,) 130 and mailing of Hye Sharzhoom. I find your articles very interesting would enjoy reading Hye pages. Gift of the editor. and I enjoy reading them. Thank you for sending Hye Sharzhoom to Sharzhoom? Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Tiroch Khorane [The Altar of me. Contact us to add your name God], (California: 2007). Gift of the author. Sincerely, to our mailing list. Mary M. Kandalian-Aslanian, Here & There (Yerevan: 2007). Gift Greg Dabanian of the author. Belmont, CA Christina Maranci, Medieval Armenian Architecture. Construction of Race and Nation, Hebrew University Armenian Studies, no. 2 (Leuven/Louvain: Peeters, 2001), viii, 282 pages. Gift of the author. Matteo Campagnolo & Marielle Martiniani-Reber, editor, From HYE SHARZHOOM Aphrodite to Melusine. Reflections on the Archaeology and the History of Cyprus (Geneva: la pomme d’or, 2007), XVI, 203 pages. Gift of Dr. Martiniani-Reber. FA|

STAFF REPORT STAFF REPORT College of Arts and Humanities and the college’s Armenian Stud- William Saroyan: Views on Over thirty-five San Joaquin ies Program , with the Theatre Arts Identity and Ethnicity,” was the Valley and State organizations are and English departments, are focus of a course taught by Barlow cooperating to celebrate the Will- among the sponsors of the William Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian iam Saroyan Centennial (the 100th Saroyan Centennial. Fresno State’s Studies Program, on two consecu- anniversary of his birth) in 2008. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute tive Thursday afternoons, Febru- They will present a series of exhi- and Henry Madden Library are ary 21 and February 28, as part of bitions, musical performances, lec- sponsors, too the Osher Lifelong Learning Insti- tures, school activities, theatrical The celebration is dedicated to tute at Fresno State. productions and readings, histori- the memory of Fresno’s best-known Der Mugrdechian discussed the cal discussions, and literary events writer, whose work was inspired early influences on Saroyan, those focusing on Saroyan’s work and by his humble beginnings in Fresno that had a life long impact on the his life in the San Joaquin Valley. as the son of immigrant Armenians. writer, such as the death of his Events are planned for the entire Saroyan lived in San Francisco, father and living in an orphanage year, with special activities planned Paris, New York and elsewhere for five years. around his birthday, August 31, before returning to Fresno in the Saroyan’s views on identity and and a memorial tribute on the anni- late 1960s, where he died in 1981. ethnicity were informed by his fam- Barlow Der Mugrdechian (left) with Osher Lifelong Learning versary of his death, May 18. His first collection of short stories, ily and the Fresno Armenian com- Institute director Shirley Bruegman. Saroyan’s art will be exhibited The Daring Young Man on the Fly- munity where he grew up. The Photo: Hye Sharzhoom Archive at various art centers in the Central ing Trapeze, published in 1934, tightly knit community faced preju- Class participation was encour- ent settings, one in Fresno in the Valley. Vibrant plans of theatrical was followed by The Man with the dice and discrimination, while aged and there was lively discus- 1920s, the other in the office of the and cinematic events are planned. Heart in the Highlands, My Name Saroyan refused to reject his Ar- sion. newspaper Haratch in Paris, Colleges and universities through- is Aram, The Human Comedy and menian heritage. “Armenians” and “Haratch” are France. out the state as well as Central The Time of Your Life, which earned Two books, William Saroyan: examples of plays that Saroyan Saroyan’s views on identity are Valley theatre groups will honor a Pulitzer Prize. The movie version An Armenian Trilogy and Saroyan wrote in the last twenty years of his an integral part of his literary pro- Saroyan with productions of his of Saroyan’s The Human Comedy and the Armenians, that provided life, where he carefully expressed duction. The class enjoyed the dis- plays and theatrical readings. received an Oscar for Best Original many examples of Saroyan’s his views on Armenian identity. cussion and the opportunity to ask California State University, Motion Picture Story. thoughts on identity and ethnicity, Both plays explore the concept of questions and offer comments to Fresno is playing a major role in the For more information on up- were discussed by the class. Armenianness in two very differ- the instructor. yearlong centennial with events on coming Centennial events, please campus and with faculty members go to the website: Presidential Elections in Republic of Armenia sharing their expertise throughout http://www.saroyancentennial.org/ the community. The university’s Cal_JanFebMar.html STAFF REPORT sued a generally positive assess- quently declined to throw its sup- ment of the election. port behind another candidate. Nor Partial Listing of March and April Cctivities The Republic of Armenia held The election was “mostly in line Zhamanakner [New Times] party Monday, March 24, 2008 Presidential elections on Tuesday, with the country’s international leader Aram Karapetian was simi- “Saroyan: The Man and His Fresno” February 19 and Serge Sarkisian commitments, although further larly denied registration as he has with Fresno historian William Secrest was elected as the third President improvements are necessary,” the not lived permanently in Armenia Clovis Regional Library of Armenia, garnering 52.8% of mission from the Organization for for the past decade. No explanation 1155 Fifth Street the popular vote. His main oppo- Security and Cooperation in Eu- was given as to why that require- Clovis, California nent Levon Ter-Petrosian won an rope said in a preliminary state- ment did not render him ineligible 7 PM-Free to the Public estimated 21.5%, according to the ment. to register for the 2003 presidential Fresno historian William Secrest, Jr. will present a multi-media program Central Election Commission. 1.6 The vote had shaped up as a election, in which he polled fourth entitled, “Saroyan: The Man and His Fresno.” For more information million voters cast their ballots- two-horse race between Prime Min- with 2.95 percent of the vote. contact the library at (559) 299-9531. about 70% of the eligible voters. ister Sarkisian, and Levon Ter- Two other major candidates vied Sarkisian was Prime Minister of Petrosian, the former Armenian for the open position. Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Armenia and an ally of President president forced to resign by Artur Baghdasarian, 39, is a Young Writers’ Conference Robert Kocharian. He is also head Kocharian and Sarkisian almost a former speaker of parliament who California State University, Fresno’s Department of English, of the Republican party of Arme- decade ago. The two rival camps fell out with the government and College of Arts and Humanities nia. Sarkisian is from the region of fought a tough electoral battle, hav- joined the opposition. He received California State University, Fresno Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian en- ing already traded bitter accusa- 16.67% of the vote to come in third. 8 AM to 2 PM-Participation Fee $15 clave that broke away from tions over their government records. His Orinats Erkir [Rule of Law] Each spring, the Department of English and the College of Arts and Azerbaijan in a bloody war in the Ter-Petrosian, 63, was party won nine seats in the 131-seat Humanities at Fresno State host the Young Writers’ Conference for area early 1990s. A former head of the Armenia’s president from 1991 National Assembly in May’s par- high school students. This conference provides a valuable opportunity for Karabagh army, Sarkisian has held until his resignation in 1998. He liamentary elections, the most of young writers to hear a professional writer read and answer questions key posts in the Armenian govern- broke 10 years of silence last year any opposition party. A former about the creative writing process. The William Saroyan Society spon- ment, including as head of the Min- to announce his comeback bid for chairman of the French University sors the William Saroyan Award to a young writer. For more information istry of Interior and Defense Min- the presidency. Ter-Petrosian has in Armenia, Baghdasarian was seen see http://csufresno.edu/crwr/15ywc.htm. ister. called for a more conciliatory ap- as more pro-Western than the cur- Ter-Petrosian accused the au- proach with neighbors Azerbaijan rent government, which has fos- Thursday, March 27, 2008 thorities of resorting to ballot-stuff- and Turkey, both of which have cut tered strong ties with Moscow. Premiere Stage Performance and Preview of Art Installation ing, vote-buying, and beating his diplomatic ties and sealed their Baghdasarian was first elected to Fresno Art Museum activists who monitored the elec- borders with Armenia. parliament in 1995. Re-elected in 2233 N. First Street, Fresno, California tion. He asserted that he was actu- Ter-Petrosian was elected leader 1999 and 2003, he was the influen- 6:30 PM Wine and Preview of Art Installation with Artist Carol Tikijian ally the winner. of Soviet Armenia in 1990, shortly tial speaker from 2003 to 2006, 7:30 PM One-Man Show: My Name is Saroyan-A Question of Will “These figures have nothing to before its independence. He was when he was ousted for criticizing 8:45 PM After-Theatre Supper with artists David Fox-Brenton and do with reality, we are overwhelm- elected the country’s first post-So- the authorities. Carol Tikijian ingly ahead of them,” his spokes- viet president in 1991 and re-elected Vahan Hovhannesian, 41, is the Reservations $50 Call (559) 243-5880 man, Arman Museian, said of the in 1996, before he was forced to deputy speaker of the Armenian In an elegant evening with artists, David Fox-Brenton and Carol Tikijian, results announced by the election step down in 1998 for advocating parliament and the candidate of the this Centennial event promises a premiere of a one-man show written and commission. concessions with Azerbaijan over Armenian Revolutionary Federa- performed by David Fox-Brenton, and a preview of art installation Why Since February 19, tens of thou- Karabakh. tion (ARF), one of Armenia’s old- Abstract? with the artist, Carol Tikijian. Both of these talented artists will sands of supporters of Ter-Petrosian A total of 12 candidates initially est political parties. He received join guests for this special event, sponsored by the Armenian Museum, in have been holding daily rallies in announced plans to run for Presi- 6.8% of the vote. Born in Yerevan, an after-theatre supper. Armenia’s capital of Yerevan, to dent, and nine succeeded in doing Hovannisian is a historian and ar- protest against what they see as so. U.S.-born former Foreign Min- chaeologist who was first elected Saturday, March 29, 2008 massive vote rigging and to de- ister and Zharangutiun [Heritage] to parliament in 1999. The party Saroyan Bicycle Ride mand a re-run of the vote. The party Chairman Raffi Hovannisian was banned in the early 1990s for Begins at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies Armenian authorities have re- was denied registration on the an alleged plot to overthrow the at Riverview Ranch sponded to the protests by arresting grounds that he acquired Armenian government, but was a member of 11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno, California at least three opposition leaders and citizenship only in 2001; Armenia’s Kocharian’s governing coalition 11:00 AM threatening to use force against the election law stipulates that presi- from 1998 until last year. It won 16 The Centennial bike ride will take you along the Eaton trail from demonstrators. dential candidates must have been seats in May’s parliamentary elec- Riverview Ranch to Woodward Park. During the ride, readings from the An influential international ob- citizens of the Republic of Arme- tions and while not a member of the works of William Saroyan will be led by John Kallenberg, Chairman of server mission said there were con- nia for a minimum of 10 years prior current coalition, continues to sup- the William Saroyan Society. Registration for the bike ride is through the cerns about the vote count, but is- to the ballot. Zharangutiun subse- port the government. Parties for the Parkway at (559) 248-8480. 4 Hye Sharzhoom March 2008 Armenian Students Collect Donations for Mer Doon 2007-2008 Armenian Studies phanages. Mer Doon provides a Program Scholarships/Grants family environment and an oppor- tunity for the women to become The Armenian Studies Program awarded more than $65,000 in productive members of society. scholarships and research grants for the 2007/2008 academic year. These The Mer Doon family currently scholarships provide important financial assistance to students and en- has ten women who have a full courage them to pursue minors in Armenian Studies and to enroll in day’s worth of activities, manag- various course offerings. We ask our students and our supporters to tell ing to accomplish a lot. Education their friends and relatives about the Armenian Studies Scholarship is a significant part of daily life and program and encourage students to apply. classes such as English, Russian, Applying has become simplified and is entirely on-line through the French, religion, and computers Program website at http://armenianstudies.csufresno.edu and the Univer- give the women a basic education. sity website https://scholarship.csufresno.edu/ Carpet making is another talent the Nerces and Ruth Azadian women at Mer Doon have learned. Karine Frnzyan Memorial Scholarship Support for this cause has been Arman Kalamkarian Windy Dunbar very important for the students at Gayane Frnzyan Fresno State. The Armenian Stu- Charles K. and dents Organization started a penny- Pansy Pategian Zlokovich drive and containers were placed Kirkor and Mary Bedoian Scholarship for two months at local Armenian Memorial Scholarship Avo Arikian restaurants, delicatessens, and busi- Grigor Kyutunyan Darren Janigian Front row, left to right, Pateel Mekhitarian and Knar Mekhitarian. nesses. With the help of the stu- Azniv Orinakyan Ariana Kasparian Back row: Jennifer Torosian and Arman Kalamkarian. dents at Fresno State and the pub- Pateel Mekhitarian Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian lic, money was raised and sent to Norma and Bob Der Ani Menendian Mer Doon. Mugrdechian Endowed Johnny Oganesyan PATEEL MEKHITARIAN leged families. Another group that This organization is just one Scholarship Fund Azniv Orinakyan EDITOR assists young women in achieving example of the diverse efforts to Hagop Ohanessian Nicholas Sahatdjian their aspirations is Mer Doon. educate the young people of Arme- Paul Shapazian There are many organizations, Mer Doon, meaning “Our nia. For more information on how Yervant, Rose and Hovannes Jennifer Torosian such as Orran and the Nork Home” in Armenian, takes in young to support Mer Doon, please visit Levonian Educational Grant Kyle Torosian Childrens’ Center in Armenia, that women whom have outgrown their www.mer-doon.org. Nona Akopyan seek to help children from unprivi- childhood homes in Armenian or- Thagik Boyadjian The Pete P. Peters Endowment Lara Chekian Timothy Aivazian KNAR MEKHITARIAN Hazel Hofman Avo Arikian Meet the Members of ASO Bryce Hovannisian Nona Atoyan STAFF WRITER Sevag Jierian Svetlana Bagdasarov Peter Petrosyan Bradley Kalebjian Jacob Hagopian My name is Peter Petrosyan, my major is Business Management. Varsenig Keshishyan Marissa Kalashian I work at Diamond Auto Body and Paint Inc. My hobbies include Daniel Khushigian Bradley Kalebjian working out, hanging out with friends, and playing basketball. Grigor Kyutunyan Jamie Kalebjian Being a part of the Armenian club on campus is something that Tara Lee Gor Krboyan is very important to me, and I encourage all students to join! Knar Mekhitarian Marine Krdanyan Nayiri Moumdjian Ani Kuyumjian Photo: Knar Mekhitarian Ara Nalbandian Kelly Vang Hagop Ohanessian Arthur Petrosyan Haig Tashjian Memorial Ani Samarjian Scholarship Fund Svetlana Bagdasarov Albert and Isabelle Kabrielian Marissa Kalashian Endowed Scholarship Fund Sevag Jierian Ani Istanboulian Genevieve Tatoian Endowed I am a International Business major, as well as an Armenian Scholarship Fund Studies minor. I am currently working at Bank of America as Charlie Keyan Endowed Sevag Jierian a teller. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I Scholarship Fund enjoy playing sports, such as basketball and soccer. I decided Emily Derderian Telfeyan Evangelical Fund, to join ASO because I wanted to get involved with the events Tamar Der Kevorkian on campus and in the community. Inc. Shogher Melkonian Gina Jelladian Ani Simonyan New Book on Armenian Bible Published The Harry and Mary Mary Nalchajian Scholarship Topoozian Armenian Studies Armine Khushigian STAFF REPORT Yardemian, wrote on “Armenian Merit Scholarship Fund Commentaries on the Books of the Ariana Kasparian Koren and Alice Odian The Armenian Bible: A Sympo- Holy Bible.” Kasparian Scholarship sium Celebrating the 1600th Anni- Barlow Der Mugrdechian wrote versary of the Discovery of the Ar- an introduction on “The Bible and menian Alphabet and the Transla- Armenian Culture.” tion of the Bible into Armenian. Claude Cox discussed “Little Barlow Der Mugrdechian, editor Words are Important Too: The Use (Burbank, CA: Western Diocese of of Particles in the Armenian Trans- the Armenian Church of North lation of Job.” America, 2007), 130.pp Rev. Manuel Jinbachian dis- cussed “The Prophecy of Jeremiah The Armenian Bible has been as it is found in the Hebrew, the topic of much study since it was Septuagint, Syriac, and Armenian.” originally translated into Armenian Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian in the fifth century. 2006 marked contributed with “The Reading is the 1600th anniversary of the From Third Corinthians-A Glance Photo: Hye Sharzhoom Archive groundbreaking translation, and a at the Lectionary of the Armenian symposium was organized under analyzed a different facet of the Church.” the auspices of the Western Dio- Bible. Various types of approaches S. Peter Cowe wrote an article cese of the Armenian Church, to to the study of the Bible were used, “Literary and Theological Consid- celebrate the anniversary. The same from the linguistic, to art and litera- erations Governing the Strata of event also marked the 30th anni- ture. the Armenian Version of Scrip- versary of the Society for Arme- Two articles in the book are in ture.” Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian nian Studies. Armenian: one by Rev. Dr. Fr. The book is carried by the West- The new Henry Madden Library expansion project is well Seven scholars participated in Zaven Arzoumanian is on “The ern Diocese Bookstore and is avail- under way at Fresno State. Plans call for construction of a the international conference and Armenian Bible and the Early For- able to order on-line at http:// 283,600-square foot library addition and 68,695 square foot in their articles were collected and mation of the Armenian Church,” www.armenianchurchwd.com/ renovation to the existing library structure. Completion of the edited for this volume. They each while the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad bookstore/index.html. project is expected in late fall of 2008. March 2008 Hye Sharzhoom 5 Ministry of Culture Republic of Armenia

February 8, 2008

Happy is the writer who has a steady audience. And more than happy is the writer, whose audience is the whole of a nation. However, there are exception- ally happy writers, whose works are an integral part of world literature. Our great compatriot William Saroyan belongs to the latter group. The works of William Saroyan are a universal human treasure. And there is no people, who has not learned lessons of love of humanity, optimism, and faith from the “Kind Giant.” 2008 is, along with other cultural celebrations, remarkable for the events dedicated to the centenary celebration of Saroyan’s birth. The great humanist’s Hasmik Harutyunyan and her brother Aleksan Harutyunyan. jubilee will be celebrated in Armenia and the United States, as well as in many other countries. A govern- SHOGHAKEN, FROM PAGE 1 with various dances and songs per- ment committee, presided by the Prime Minister, has spoke eloquently about how been working since last year in the Republic of formed from different regions of L. to R: Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Karine Saroyan’s spirit was present at the Armenia and has developed a series of celebratory Armenia. The concluding piece, Khodikyan, and Davit Muradyan, present- concert, presented the Armenian activities for the whole year. “Lelum Le Le-Yarhooshta,” was ing the Armenian Studies Program with an Studies Program with a beautiful I am pleased to mention that the Saroyan celebra- from the region of Mush, and alphabet rug from Armenia. carpet, woven with the Armenian brought the audience to their feet. tion was kicked off in Fresno, the famous writer’s alphabet. Several of the pieces featured com- birthplace. I am confident that the participation of the Gevorg Dabaghyan (duduk) positions by Komitas Vartabed, as Shoghaken Armenian Folk Ensemble, one of the best demonstrated his mastery of the well as folk songs of Armenia. Armenian folk groups, in the forthcoming concert, soulful instrument, while Karine The audience was in an enthusi- will be worthy of Saroyan’s memory. Hovhannisyan (kanon), Grigor astic mood for the entire evening On the occasion of the celebration devoted to Takushyan (accompanying duduk), and left the concert with a desire to William Saroyan, I am very happy to welcome all Vardan Baghdasaryan (kamancha), hear more. those who appreciate the work of the great writer. I Levon Tevanyan (woodwinds-shvi, Harold Hagopian of New York wish you a year full of reflections on Saroyan. tav shvi, blul), Kam Khatchaturian produced the 2008 Shoghaken Con- (dhol) each contributed to the cert Tour. memorable evening. The concert was jointly co-spon- Hasmik Poghosyan Whether is was gentle lullabies sored by the Armenian Studies Pro- or more powerful melodies, the gram, the Knights and Daughters Minister of Culture songs each presented a different of Vartan, the Armenian General of the Republic of Armenia Gevork Dabaghyan playing duduk. facet of Armenian cultural life. Benevolent Union, and net pro- Photos: Barlow Der Mugrdechian Dancing and singing also played ceeds of the concert benefited the an important role in the concert, Armenian Studies Program. Bedrosian’s Armenian Deli Offers Delicious Menu Armenians on the Internet have been to many Armenian res- taurants over the years and can hon- PATEEL MEKHITARIAN estly say that I have never seen EDITOR such tradition and closeness be- fore. The menu ranged from sand- Universities in Armenia wiches, such as “Sister Neva’s The education of children in Armenia is an important aspect of life, Lahmajoon Sandwich,” to lunch similar to the United States There are three main universities in plates such as “Charlie’s Sampler Armenia where students may receive a wonderful education in Plate,” and salads such as “Harout whatever field they desire. (Alla’s son) Chicken Salad.” Alla Sargsyan is the restaurant’s head American University of Armenia cook. After several minutes of www.aua.am thought, I decided to try the “Vartan Torosian Special Warm Lulu Ka- www.aua.am is the official website for the American University of bob – Hye Style Salad.” Personally Armenia (AUA). This university has colleges of engineering, I enjoyed my meal very much, and health sciences, political science, business, management, and de- by the looks and comments from partments of English and law. The academic programs at AUA my classmates, everyone was more allow students to get the education they need to succeed in their Students from the Armenian Church gathered at Johnnie than pleased with the taste of their careers and to realize their potential. Bedrosian’s Armenian Deli for lunch. Clockwise around the meal. table, from the left: Mary Madoyan, Arman Kalamkarian, Sarkis All in all, the restaurant is small State Engineering University of Armenia Manavazian, Van Khatchadourian, owner Johnnie Bedrosian, but charming and the service is www.seua.am Gina Jelladian, Pateel Mekhitarian, Jennifer Torosian, Thagik exceedingly friendly. The coziness Boyadjian, and Svetlana Bagdasarov. of the place and the delicious food Another prominent university in Armenia is the State Engineering Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian will bring you back for more. One University of Armenia (SEUA). This school is the leader of thing to keep in mind is that if you national technological education. The University, which opened in SVETLANA BAGDASAROV rable. The restaurant is almost com- are pressed for time, than taking 1933, currently has 11,000 students enrolled and 1,000 faculty STAFF WRITER pletely covered with photographs something to go may be wise, be- members. 105 majors are offered for the Bachelor of Engineering of Bedrosian’s family and friends. cause quite a bit of patience is and the Diploma Specialist degrees, 19 majors offered for the On Saturday, February 9, I had The owner, Johnnie Bedrosian, needed when dining in at the res- Master of Engineering Degree, and 17 majors are offered for the pleasure of dining at Bedrosian’s dedicated the restaurant to his be- taurant. Armenian grocery items Engineer researchers. This university has 3 campuses located in Armenian Deli in Fresno. I was loved late wife, Virginia, and it is such a bulghur, rice, olives, cheese Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Kapan. Information about this university enrolled in a weekend course on obvious that her memory is kept are also for sale at the restaurant. may be found at www.seua.am. the Armenian Church offered by alive through family clippings on Bedrosian’s Armenian Deli is the Armenian Studies Program at every table and wall. In addition to open Monday through Saturday Yerevan State University California State University, Fresno. the photographs, decorative flow- from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fri- www.ysu.am After a morning of lectures and a ers and memorabilia, collected over days it remains open until 7:30 p.m. visit to an Armenian church, Pro- the years, cover the tables. Also, if (call to make reservations after 6:00 Yerevan State University (YSU) was founded on May 16, 1919 in fessor Barlow Der Mugrdechian you enjoy dining with traditional p.m.). The Deli is located at 3051 Yerevan. It has more than 10,000 students enrolled, of which 300 suggested that the entire class visit and modern Armenian music play- E. Ashlan, in the First and Ashlan are foreign students. Instruction is provided in Armenian, Russian, Bedrosian’s Armenian Deli for ing in the background, then this Shopping Center, and they offer and English. There are many schools within this university with lunch – so without hesitation, the restaurant is ideal. catering. For more information or many career options for the students. There are departments of group decided to give the restau- As we were looking at the pho- for reservations please call, (559) biology, chemistry, geography, geology, mathematics, mechanics rant a chance. tos, we were handed our menus. 222-1626. The restaurant’s slogan physics, economics, history, law, oriental studies, philosophy, As I walked in, I could not be- Before even glancing at the food reads “All of our food is like mom sociology, psychology, and many more. This university provides lieve that this was my first time itself, I was delighted to see that used to make!” and let me tell you, an excellent education for the students in Armenia. For more even hearing about this absolutely every dish was named after the saying lives up to its promise. information about this university, visit www.ysu.am. adorable place. The décor is memo- Bedrosian’s family and friends. I 6 Hye Sharzhoom March 2008 Melkonians Make $40,000 Bequest to ASP UAF Shipped $56 Million of Aid Genocide with his older sister and to Armenia in 2007 his parents and came to the United States, settling in Fresno. In 1942 STAFF REPORT he was inducted into the United States Army and served as a radio Glendale, CA - The United Armenian Fund contributed $56 million operator with the 302D Signal Com- of humanitarian assistance to Armenia during the fiscal year 2007, pany in North Africa and the Euro- almost twice as much as during the previous year. The supplies pean Theater. He was honorably consisted primarily of medicines and medical supplies, according to the discharged in 1945. latest audit of its financial statements. On November 16, 1946 he mar- The UAF spent less than 1% of its total revenues on administrative ried Lucile Minasian and they en- expenses, allocating the remaining 99% to assisting the people of joyed a long life together. She pre- Armenia and Artsakh, according to the audit. During its 18 years of ceded Melkonian in death. John operations, the UAF delivered to Armenia a grand total of $502 million Melkonian was a long time mem- worth of relief supplies, on board 144 airlifts and 1,494 sea containers. ber of the St. Paul Armenian Church The UAF is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of and its Men’s Forum and enjoyed America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian cooking pilaf for hundreds at the Missionary Association of America, the Armenian Relief Society, the Church and at events for the Knights Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, the Prelacy of the JOHN AND LUCILE MELKONIAN Photo: Hye Sharzhoom Archive of Vartan. Melkonian had a long Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the Lincy Foundation. career as a produce manager for STAFF REPORT arships to deserving students and Continental Supermarket. for special programs. In addition to the bequest to the CHURCH CLASS, FROM PAGE 1 A generous contribution of John and Lucile Melkonian were Armenian Studies Program, his fa- $40,000 was made to the Armenian life-long residents of Fresno. Mr. vorite charities included the West- mation about the history of our are less visible, the division still Studies Program at Fresno State Melkonian was born on January ern Diocese of the Armenian people. Prof. Der Mugrdechian is exists. from the estate of the late John and 17, 1912 in Kharpert, Armenia, to Church, St. Paul Armenian Church, an encyclopedia of Armenian his- Saturday morning the class Lucile Melkonian. Kazar and Haiganoush Melkonian and the California Armenian Home. tory and that’s part of what makes learned about how the Holy Muron The bequest will be in a perma- and passed away on May 26, 2006 John and Lucille Melkonian are him such a great professor.” (Holy Oil) is prepared once every nent endowment to benefit the Ar- in Fresno. survived by several nieces and In addition to learning the his- seven years and is distributed menian Studies Program, for schol- In 1913 Melkonian fled the nephews and their spouses. tory and practices of the Armenian throughout the world. They also Church, other issues were also dis- learned about how a Catholicos is Scholar From India Visits Fresno For Ten cussed. Students had the opportu- elected, with the participation of nity to present questions relating to both laymen and clergy. Months to Study William Saroyan the Armenian Church that they felt Later that morning students had were important. Several students the opportunity to visit the St. Paul BARLOW DER MUGRDECHIAN asked about the administrative di- Armenian Church in Fresno to see ADVISOR vision of the Church in the United first hand the architecture and sym- States, and how it had developed. bolism of an Armenian Church. For a scholar from India, com- For historical and political rea- When asked what was most in- ing to Fresno to study was a natural sons, the Catholicos often moved. teresting about the course, Jennifer choice, especially when the focus By the thirteenths century the Torosian said, “As an active mem- of the research was on the works of Catholicosate had been established ber of my school and church, I was William Saroyan. in the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia. surprised by the amount of knowl- Kolkata, India native Debashis After the fall of the kingdom in edge I was able to acquire about the Bandopadhyay arrived at Fresno 1375, there was a movement by the history of our people and roots of State in November of 2007 to begin bishops and clergy in greater Ar- our religion. An exciting part of a nine-month stay on a Fulbright menia to move the Catholicosate our weekend class was the mini- Fellowship. He was granted a sab- back to Holy Etchmiadzin. By field trip to St. Paul Armenian batical by Presidency College, 1441, that movement led to the Church. As a group we studied the Kolkata, where he teaches, taking a election of the Catholicos in Holy detail and meaning of stained-glass difficult sentimental leave from his Etchmiadzin, with the continua- windows and frescoes throughout wife and seven year-old daughter. tion of the Catholicosate in Cilicia. the church. It was also very inter- Bandopadhyay’s research in In- During the Armenian Genocide, esting visiting the rooms behind dia was on the concept of normalcy, Debashis Bandopadhyay in the ASP office. the Catholicos of Cilicia fled and the altar, where the priest, deacons, framed by the concerns of Anglo- established his new headquarters and sub-deacons prepare for their Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian Indian identity during the forma- in Antelias, Lebanon. service.” tion of the Indian nation-state. His Kouymjian and Barlow Der her saying, ‘Don’t slug like your The administrative division of It was an intensive weekend of interest in the Anglo-Indian author Mugrdechian of the Armenian dad, my child.’ Fresno is a perfect the Armenian Church in the United learning about one of the most im- Ruskin Bond, led him to begin in- Studies Program, Steve fit for me.” States dates from the 1950s. Al- portant institutions in Armenian vestigating the nature of similar Adisasmito-Smith of the Depart- When Bandopadhyay was asked though some aspects of the dispute life today. anxieties shared by similar com- ment of English, his friend John what he had found most interesting munities. Among the major influ- Walke, and attended the collo- about American culture, he re- ethnic and racial impulses of their Bandopadhyay is happy he had ences on Bond was William quiums commemorating the 100th sponded, “I have been intrigued by migrant parents on the one hand the opportunity to live and study in Saroyan. anniversary of Saroyan’s birth – all the American work culture and an and the insistent demands of Ameri- Fresno, “There is a sort of languor According to Bandopadhyay the contributing to Bandopadhyay’s average American’s sincerity and canization on the other. in the Fresno air – and probably it Fulbright Fellowship provided him thesis. devotion to work are enviable. I The feedback that was more intense in Saroyan’s time with “an ability to exchange ideas The result of Bandopadhyay’s lament the lack of these two ele- Bandopadhyay continues to receive – that made a prolific and energetic from India, for new impressions research is expected to be published ments in an average Indian’s work through the many meetings he has writer like our author so fidgety. culled from America, and thereby in book form by Ashgate. His re- ethics.” had across the generations is set in The Fresno atmosphere promotes make significant contribution to the search is leading him to newer ho- Bandopadhyay has just begun juxtaposition with the notions of this sort of sensibility whose worth existing body of knowledge in the rizons: interest in western to travel outside of Fresno, includ- ethnicity embraced by the Anglo- Saroyan found more valuable in domain of epistemological stud- construct(s) of normalcy inspired ing an interesting short trip to Bass Saxon people of the town who grew exile. The aesthetics that devel- ies.” While working on Bond he him to probe further into the fitness Lake with Steve Adisasmito-Smith up and are still living side by side oped from his Fresno experiences realized the importance of ex- of Hispanic and Basque cultural and his two children and an Ameri- with the Armenians. is so pervasive in Saroyan’s oeuvre change: how authors socio-cultur- elements in it. can dinner with John Walke and his Bandopadhyay attended a mis- that it is hardly possible for a com- ally as distant in space, such as Bandopadhyay is visiting Fresno family on Thanksgiving. A trip to sionary school in Kolkata and later mentator to realize it without com- Bond and Saroyan, can draw on a for the first time, and this is his Yosemite is forthcoming. attended Jadavapur University, ing to Fresno.” collective repertoire of second visit to the United States. While in Fresno Bandopadhyay majoring in English Language and The resources in Fresno are consciousnesses and in the process Fresno is unlike the archetypal has had the opportunity to meet Literature. At the completion of his helping Bandopadhyay reach that expand the horizons of belonging. American megacity, and for with the Armenian community. He undergraduate and graduate stud- persona behind Saroyan the story- Coming to Fresno gave Bandopadhyay, Fresno appeared as has discovered that Armenian no- ies he enrolled at the Central Insti- teller. The details of his discovery, Bandopadhyay a first hand impres- a “a sort of shock absorbing incu- tions of identity can be divided into tute of English and Foreign Lan- however, will go into the book that sion of “the remnants of the socio- bator for an Indian venturing more bipolar categories: that of the eld- guages at Hyderabad (India) for he is enjoying writing. For cultural construct that primarily or less for the first time into the erly, mostly first generation immi- further studies. He then underwent Bandopadhyay it “is exciting to helped build Saroyan’s aesthetic bustle of the United States metros. grants to this country and their grand exhaustive training in pedagogic write about Saroyan in Fresno.” consciousness.” For his research It is a good place to work peace- and great-grand children. In be- methods and practices under the Bandopadhyay will be partici- he has utilized the Fresno State fully and in a languid pace. My tween fit the ideas of people like rubric of the Cambridge University pating in the “Saroyan at 100” con- Henry Madden Library, the Mad- parents always called me lazy and William Saroyan who were born in (UK) curriculum and joined the ference sponsored by the Arme- den Library Special Collections when my daughter gets too fatigued this country before the Depression Ph.D. program in the Critical Hu- nian Studies Program, to be held Department, consulted Dr. Dickran with her studies my wife reprimands and grew up negotiating with the manities category. April 5 at Fresno State. March 2008 Hye Sharzhoom 7

Thank You Annual Fund Donors (as of February 29, 2008) Eliz Manoukian Gladys Poochigian Supporters Dr. Ara Dostourian Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Manselian Norman & Sossi Sarafian Patrons Mrs. Beverly (Charles) Achki Sylva Etian Vicki Marderosian Coughlin Garbis Sariyan Alice & Berge Bulbulian Dr. Zaven A. Adrouny Dr. & Mrs. John Farsakian Janice Maroot Sona Saroyan Oscar & Jan Kasparian Fr. Ovsep Akopian Mary A. Firkatian Martin Marootian Ralph Saroyan Mrs. Herbert Lion Edward Alexander Kathy Friebertshauser Ralph Matewosian Walter Sepetjian Arthur & Lily Seredian Fabio Amiralian Donald Garabedian Tamara Mchitarian George Sepetjian Vatche Soghomonian & Edward & Eleonore Aslanian Rutherford B. Gaston Gina L. Mechigian Vernon & Sylvia Shahbazian Jane F. Kardashian, M.D. Armen C. Avakian Mary Giddens, Paul & Stacie Melikian Dean V. Shahinian Albert Avedikian In memory of Lily (Deranian) Baker Clifford Melikian Mildred & Ed Shirin Friends Garbis Balekjian Gottschalks Sylvia & Stephen Melikian Armon Simonian George & Flora Dunaians Randy & Mary Baloian Annie Graham Dr. Barbara Merguerian Mary Sinclair A & B Jerejian Foundation Harry Balukjian Simon Guevrekian Mid-Valley Packing and Flo Thomasian Snyder Armen & Nora Hampar Briske Barsamian Roberta L. Hagopian Supply Company Edward Sornigian Michael S. Matosian Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Chooljian Lucy Janjigian Dr. Anoush Miridjanian Barbara Stepanian Dr. Carolyn Chooljian Dr. & Mrs. Matthew A. Jendian Dan Momjian Bella & Victor Stepanian Sponsors Shavarsh A. Chrissian, M D John & Ruth Kallenberg Bob & Nancy Mugrdechian Dr. Frank Andrews Stone Anonymous Hasmig Cingoz Dr. & Prof. Sarkis & Silva Karayan Eliot S. Nahigian Debbie Summers Norman & Rose Avedian Helen Parnagian-Corrigan Shushan Khalachyan Garo & Tina Nakashian Mr. & Mrs. Geri & Jerry Tahajian The Bedrosian Family, Dr. Earlene Craver Aram Khushigian Raymond & Naiere Ovanessian Martin M. Tourigian National Raisin Company Dr. Nazareth Darakjian Anton & Maral Kismetian Rosemary Paboojian Henrik Vartanian Douglas A. Gilio, D. D. S Bob & Sara Der Matoian Nancy R. Kolligian Richard Papazian Eleanor H. Yazijian Armen Kouymjian Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian Karnic & Ana Kouyoumdjian Vahan Papyan Archie & Kathleen Zakarian Mary Boyte Minore Ted & Arpie Dick Hermine Kouyoumdjian Irene Peloian John H. Zerounian Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian Joseph E. Donabed Laurrana Leigon Franklin Penirian Mr. & Mrs. Nubar & Mary Zoryan George Pehlvanian Peter & Raffi Dorian Sharon Mack Patricia Peterson Hansen April and May Saroyan Centennial Events in the San Joaquin Valley Beginning, Thursday, April 3, Film clips will be shown. For more Steinbeck, and Susan Cheever Armenian musicians. Richard Blackstone, Fresno, California 2008 (for the month of April only) information contact the library at moderated by Steve Yarbrough. Hagopian has been a musician since 7 PM Gallery Exhibit (559) 433-3135. childhood. He started playing the Admission $5.00 Corridor 2122 Friday, April 25, 2008 traditional Armenian instrument, Celebrate William Saroyan under 2122 Mono Street, Fresno, Cali- Saturday, April 19, 2008 Special Guest Appearance by the oud, at the age of twelve. Now Richard Erganian’s beautiful Vine- fornia Saroyan Town Walk Mickey Rooney at Screening of Hagopian is sharing this rich tradi- yard Farmer’s Market with music Art Hop (April 3rd): 5 PM-8 PM Start walk: Saroyan Theater in the The Human Comedy tion with his grandsons, who will and dance. Under the evening stars, Hours: Thurs., Sat., Sun. Downtown Fresno at Inyo Fresno County Library and Friends share the stage with him. traditional Armenian music will be 12 PM-4 PM and M Streets of the Library provided by the Richard Hagopian William Saroyan was a familiar 9:30 AM Tower Theatre Thursday, May 22, 2008 Ensemble. Food and drink will be sight riding through Fresno on his The Saroyan Town Walk will take 7 PM and After show Reception Richard Hagopian Ensemble made available. This evening is bicycle. This invitational exhibi- you on a tour of the area in down- $20 Screening and Talk About the Salutes Saroyan sponsored by a grant from the Alli- tion will showcase the bicycle as town Fresno in which William Movie by Mickey Rooney Vineyard Farmer’s Market ance for California Traditional Arts allegory for William Saroyan’s Saroyan lived during his early years $50 Screening, Talk About the Northwest Corner of Shaw and and the Armenian Museum. impact in the Fresno Community. and will present information on his Movie, and After-show Reception early life and times. with Mickey Rooney California State University, Fresno Saturday, April 5, 2008 Take great pleasure in viewing Armenian Studies Program International Symposium Saturday, April 19, 2008 Saroyan’s 1943 film version of “William Saroyan at 100” Saroyan Musical Celebration! The Human Comedy, starring Armenian Studies Program, William Saroyan Theatre at the Mickey Rooney. For more infor- California State University Fresno Convention Center mation, contact Ms. Jeanne Armenian Studies 120T- Conference Location: Fresno State, 700 ‘M’ Street. Fresno, California Johnson, Fresno County Library, Univ. Business Center, Room 191 7 PM (559) 488-3856. Armenian Genocide 10 AM-3 PM-Free Admission Join the Academy of Classical Mu- Professors Dickran Kouymjian and sic and Art in celebrating the genius Saturday, May 3, 2008 Barlow Der Mugrdechian are or- of writer, William Saroyan, with a Concert of Choral Music by Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian ganizing the Saroyan Writer’s Con- musical extravaganza, featuring vir- Hovhaness, Stravinsky, ference, sponsored by the Arme- tuoso duo pianists Gianeh and and Brahms The course will look at the Armenian Genocide of 1915, nian Studies Program. Ovanes Arakelyan, violinist Patrick Fresno Community Chorus from a variety of perspectives. Students will learn about For more information contact the Contreras, and musical friends. For California State University, Fresno Armenian Studies Office at (559) more information, contact the Acad- Concert Hall the causes of the Genocide and its effects on future 278-2669. emy at (559) 230-2262 or (559) 7:30 PM generations. Various videos will also be shown in the 577-8495. General Admission $15.00; Stu- class. Tuesday, April 14, 2008 dents $8.00 Film Discussion of the Wednesday, April 23, 2008 Dedicated to the memory of Will- Saroyan Years CSU Fresno Satellite iam Saroyan, as part of the 2008 Woodward Park Library Student Union International Saroyan Festival, cel- FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2008 • 5-10 PM 944 E. Perrin 2485 E. San Ramon ebrating the centennial of his birth, SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008 • 9 AM-5PM Fresno, California Fresno, CA 93740 the Fresno Community chorus will 7 PM-Free to the Public Phone: 488-3856 perform choral music by Film historian, Paul Kaser will dis- 7 PM-Free admission Hovhaness, Stravinsky, and Meet in Science II, Room 307 cuss the Saroyan years in Holly- The Fresno County Library and Brahms. Fresno State wood, his works which were made Henry Madden Library invite you into movies, and his relationship to a panel discussion featuring au- Saturday, May 3, 2008 with famous stars and film studios. thors Aram Saroyan, Thomas Richard Hagopian and Grandsons—In Concert! Fresno State’s Fresno Art Museum THE COURSE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 2233 N. First Street, Armenian Radio Show Fresno, California FOR A FEE OF $50 PER PERSON. 2 PM General Museum Hours- “Hye Oozh” 11:00 AM to 5 PM Free Admission to Museum To register for the class contact Every Saturday morning from 9:00AM-noon Members the Armenian Studies Program Admission for Nonmembers: Gen- KFSR 90.7 FM or come to the first class session. On the internet at www.kfsr.org! eral $4.00 and Students/Seniors $2.00 Fresno State students who are interested in Sponsored by the Armenian Mu- Contact the Armenian Studies Program, 278-2669, seum and the Fresno Art Museum, for more information. volunteering may contact station manager Richard Hagopian and his Joe Moore at 278-2598. Hagopian Ensemble are well- known world music and traditional 8 Hye Sharzhoom March 2008

Armenian Studies Program March and April Events 9th Annual Armenian Film Festival March 7, Friday • 7:00 PM March 12, Wednesday 7:30 PM FEATURED FILMS: Poet Gregory Djanikian THE PEOPLES’S ADVOCATE: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHARLES R. GARRY Djanikian’s new book of poems, So I Will Director Hrag Yedalian will present his film Till the Ground (Carnegie Mellon), has just and answer questions. been published. It deals, in large part, with the Armenian Genocide and his immigrant SACRED DIFFERENCE experience here in this country after he left Director: Christopher Shuklian Alexandria, Egypt, as a young boy. Djanikian teaches in the creative writing ROADS FULL OF APRICOTS program at the University of Pennsylvania. Director: Nigol Bezjian

University Business Center, Industrial Technology Building, Room 101, Fresno State A. Peters Auditorium, Rm. 191, Fresno State (corner of Barstow and Campus Drive) Co-sponsored by the Armenian Studies Pro- Co-sponsored by the Armenian Studies Program and Armenian Students Organization. gram and Armenian Students Organization Funded in part by the Diversity Awareness Program of the University Student Union. Free Admission. Free admission and open to the public. Parking restrictions relaxed in Lot J. Photo: Hye Sharzhoom Archive Parking restrictions are relaxed in Lots K, L, and Q.

March 15, Saturday New Book-Essential Saroyan is Topic of 7:30 PM Free Discussion at Fresno County Library Turkish Author Kemal Yalçin Tuesday, April 22 to Present His Book and Tuesday, April 29 7PM Accompanied by publisher Ara Sarafian Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian of London Studies Program will lead a discussion on Kemal Yalçin will present the book Essential Saroyan, a compen- his book, You Rejoice My Heart (2001) (translated into dium of excerpts from Saroyan’s fiction You Rejoice My Heart English). The novel discusses Photo: Hye Sharzhoom Archive and nonfiction works, along with selected the massacre of the Armenians University Business Center short stories and plays. and Assyrians. “I bow to the A. Peters Auditorium, Rm. 191, memory of the Armenians and Fresno State Location: Assyrians who lost their lives on the road of deportation Co-sponsored by the Armenian Woodward Park Regional Library through planned killings... As Studies Program and Tekeyan 944 E. Perrin, Fresno a Turkish writer, I beg for- Cultural Association. giveness from you and man- Free Admission. Parking restric- kind,” — Kemal Yalçin tions are relaxed in adjacent Lots. By William Saroyan. Register at the Woodward Park Regional Editor, introduction by Thank You Donors William Justice. Library by April 1, 2008 and receive a free copy of the book. Randy Baloian Fresno Photo: Hye Sharzhoom Archive For more information call 559-433-3135. David Sarkis Barsamian Pasadena Charlie & Eunice Basmajian Selma Greg Dabanian Belmont Karl Deklotz Fresno HYE SHARZHOOM Armen Dildilian Port Washington, NY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT Armand Gougasian Clovis Hye Sharzhoom is sent without charge to thousands of people throughout the Raffi Haddad Newhall world. Although there is no subscription fee, we urge readers to support our efforts Tom Hagopian Troy, MI with donations of any amount. This request has assumed a special importance Larry & Denise Kaprielian Huntington Beach because of increased mailing costs. Dian & Larry Karabian Shaver Lake Alma Margosian Fresno Yes, I would like to support the Hye Sharzhoom mailing expenses with a Robyn Marootian Fresno donation of: Jack & Eva Medzorian Winchester, MA $ Barr Mugrdechian Woodland Hills Name: Bertha Mugurdichian Providence, RI Address: City: State: Zip: Lucille Paul Fresno Leo & Marlene Pilibosian Fresno Nona Rustigian Fresno Please make checks payable to Armenian Studies Program and send to: Rich & Sato Sanikian Fresno Armenian Studies Program John & Linda Shahbazian Parlier California State University, Fresno Robert & Cynthia Tusan Laguna Niguel 5245 N Backer Ave M/S PB 4 Sylvia P. Wright Hayward Fresno, CA 93740-8001 In memory of Gladys Korkmazian