OCTOBER 12, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 13, Issue 430 7 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Napoleon’s Armenian Bodyguard Farce in Commemorated DURBAN, France (Armenpress) — On October 3, the city organized a ceremony dedicated to the Turkey’s memory of Napoleon Bonaparte’s bodyguard, Armenian mamluk Roustam Raza. French-Armenian former warriors and resis - tants, Durban Mayor Olivier Leguay, representa - Courts: tives of local government, Armenian spiritual attendants and other guests partook in the cere - monial tribute. The newly-appointed military attaché of the Embassy of Armenia in France, Garegin Act Two Margaryan, and representatives of his diplomatic staff were also present.

By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Sixth Astronomy Special to the Mirror-Spectator Conference Launched

ISTANBUL — The turmoil that has swept YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Astronomers from Turkey since the eruption of protests in various countries around the world attended the Dr. Michael Charness embraces Dr. Ernest Barsamian as guests look on. Gezi Park and Taksim Square seems to opening ceremony of the sixth astronomy con - have reached the institutions of the judicia - ference held at the National Academy of Sciences ry as well. On October 4, the Istanbul court of Armenia, on October 7. convened to review the case of Dogan Chairman of the National Academy of Sciences Akhanli, a German-Turkish author and Radik Martirosyan, Director of the Byurakan human rights activist who had been framed All Eyes on Ernie Observatory Hayk Harutyunyan, UK on charges of membership in a subversive Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Aves, Co- political organization and participation in Dr. Ernest Barsamian Receives Medal from Armenian Chairs of the international scientific conference armed robbery and murder. Areg Mikayelyan (Armenia) and David Sanders In 2010, the same Istanbul court had Government, Feted at AUB Gala at Boston University (US), as well as Armenian astronomer Yervand handed down an acquittal, clearing him of Terzyan made remarks at the course of the con - all charges. Then, the Appeals Court in BOSTON — The life and career of Dr. Ernest Barsamian was celebrated in grand ference titled “Multi-wavelength AGN Surveys Ankara called in Spring 2013 for reversing fashion in September, first with a gala reception at Boston University on and Studies.” the acquittal and reopening the case, so the September 21, organized by the New England chapter of the Worldwide Alumni Several statesmen, ambassadors and renowned Istanbul court had to decide whether to of the American University of Beirut (AUB), and then, with a special private medal - scientists participated in the opening ceremony. confirm its earlier ruling or lift the acquit - ing ceremony on Wednesday, September 25, with Armenia’s Foreign Minister The scientific conference promotes the estab - tal. That was on July 31, and, as reported in Eduard Nalbandian and Ambassador to the US Tatul Markarian, at Harvard lishment of ties between young and experienced this newspaper ( Armenian Mirror-Spectator University. astronomers, with 165 scientists from 35 coun - August 6), the judge declared the court During a private reception at the Harvard Office of the University Marshal Jackie tries of the world participating. would issue no decision but rather adjourn O’Neill, in Harvard Square, Nalbandian awarded Barsamian the Mkhitar Heratsi to October 4. It issued an international medal — the Armenian government’s highest medal in medicine — on behalf of Ruins of Ani Bear arrest warrant against Akhanli, who, it must President Serge Sargisian, and spent some time with Barsamian and O’Neill. be stressed, is a German citizen protected see BARSAMIAN, page 8 Armenian Stamp by German law. Now, on October 4, in an uncanny repeat performance, the court ISTANBUL (Armenpress) — he grandson of again adjourned, this time to December 20. his lawyers in Istanbul. His comment was Armenian Genocide architect Jemal Pasha, noted The accused, who monitored the pro - that the court had “decided not to decide” Edward Turkish writer and journalist, Hasan Cemal, ceedings with friends and associates from but had “decided” to maintain the arrest recently visited Western Armenia (now eastern his Cologne home, received the news from see TURKEY, page 4 Guleserian Dies Turkey) and shared his impressions of the cities Kars and Ani in the pages of Agos newspaper. BELMONT, Mass. — Edward Nubar Speaking of the historical days in Kars, Cemal Guleserian of Belmont and Scituate died tells how the names of historical monuments and 40th Anniversary Celebration of Philadelphia TCA on October 7. buildings have changed. “We were passing by a He leaves his wife, Nancy (Aghaian); beautiful building. It was an opera house during Honors Founders Dr. Diran and Koudsi Mikaelian children Dr. Kristine Guleserian of Dallas the period of Russians, now it is the building of and Michael Tax Inspection. Being a school previously, the PHILADELPHIA — Founders of the the Haytayan Hall of Wynnwood’s St. Guleserian of stone building now serves as a building of Philadelphia chapter of the Tekeyan Sahag St. Mesrob Church. Cambridge; sis - Security Department,” said Cemal. Cultural Association (TCA), Dr. Diran A capacity audience of members and ter Mary Mikaelian and his wife, Koudsi Mikaelian, friends of the Philadelphia TCA first Bergoudian and were honored on the occasion of the 40th enjoyed dinner prepared by the women of many nieces and anniversary of the chapter’s establishment, the association. nephews. He celebrated on Saturday, September 27, in see TCA, page 16 was the brother of the late Walter INSI DE Guleserian. Edward Guleserian was Edward Guleserian the owner and Here’s to president of the Sheraton Commander Hotel, in Cambridge, where many Armenian gov - Toasts ernment officials and church leaders Page 10 have stayed as his guests. He was a member of Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge number 1 and Rotary Club of Cambridge. He was chosen as the Man of the Year of St. James Armenian INDEX Church of Watertown. Arts and Living ...... 10 Funeral service were at St. James Armenia ...... 2 Armenian Church, on Thursday, October Community News...... 5 10. Interment was in Mount Auburn Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 3,4 From left, Antoine Bazarbashian, Yeretsgin Angel Metjian, Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, Koudsi Cemetery, Cambridge. Mikaelian, Dr. Diran Mikaelian, Dr. H. Arzoumanian and Mayis Seapan Arrangements were made by the Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown. 2 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Giving Back to Teachers at Tekeyan Schools out that there was a By Varujan Sirapian French-language class - Armenia, Greece Sign room in that school. As one of Institut Military Coop. Pact YEREVAN — As it does every year, Tchobanian’s purposes the Tekeyan Cultural Association is the enhancement of YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The chief of the general brought financial assistance to the the “Francophonie” in staff of the armed forces of the Republic of employees, teachers and staff of Armenia (which has Armenia, Maj. Gen. Yuri Khachaturov met with the Tekeyan schools in Armenia. been a full member of chief of general staff of the Greek armed forces, During my third visit to Armenia this Francophonie since Gen. Mikhail Kostarakos in Yerevan on September year, at the end of September, I was 2012) I offered to donate 25. At the end of the negotiations, Armenia and invited by the Tekeyan Center of some books in French to Greece signed a cooperation pact in the military Yerevan to accompany them to visit the the Gumri Tekeyan sphere for 2014. schools in Gumri and Stepanavan. Of School’s library. course I accepted the invitation with The next day we went Distributing checks to staff in Gumri, with Gayane First Lady Lends Voice delight. to Stepanavan. Again I Muradyan, left, and Varoujan Sirapian, right I knew that the Tekeyan schools are was agreeably surprised (And Song) to Aragil well organized, clean and pleasant to to see a very modern frequent. My first visit took place in school, with a theater and a very up-to- their efforts and commitment. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Aragil fund, which October 2001, to the Tekeyan school of date gymnasium. Even in France it’s I also appreciated the serious and provides assistance to families dealing with infertil- Sebastia, near Yerevan. rare to find a school as clean as this professional job conducted by ity, will now showcase its activities with a new pro- On September 26, I accompanied one. Not a tag on walls, pupils well Muradyan, who kept track of every sin - motional song. The song Prayer by first lady Rita Gayane Muradyan and Karekin dressed and very respectful toward gle envelope distributed to the employ - Sargsian, has been chosen as its anthem. Kevorkian to the Gumri Tekeyan their teachers and visitors. ees of Tekeyan. At a conference dedicated to reproductive medi- School. I was delighted to see the good It is hard to describe the joy of the cine, Sargisian said, “I hope that this [song] will be conditions in which the students are employees as they received their (Varoujan Siropian is the President the kind stork that will bring the children to fami- welcomed. Beside I was happy to find envelopes. Their salaries do not match of Institut Tchobanian, Paris.) lies.” Board of Regents member and gynecologist Karine Pokhunts noted the increase in infertile couples in Armenia. According to Pokhunts, 9,000 couples in Armenia are in need of aid. The Armenian Church, Survivor of the Armenian Association of Reproductive Medicine founded the Aragil to fund these expensive proce- dures. Ages, Faces Modern Hurdles

Armenia Military “The whole situation of the division of Cilicia had been conquered by Demonstrations Aim to By David M. Herszenhorn of the Armenian church is not Egyptian Mamluks. resolved,” said one Western-based arch - A new leader, Kirako Virapetsy, was Impress bishop who asked not to be identified. elected to replace Catholicos Gregory ECHMIADZIN (New York Times) — In “Yes, this is a conclave, but the church IX, who was ill and remained in Sis. But ARMAVIR, Armenia (Armenpress) — Armenia this ancient city, tucked in a valley that is not unified.” when Gregory died, officials in Sis elect - demonstrated its modern warfare approaches dur- has witnessed the rise and fall of Aram acknowledged that he claimed ed their own replacement. ing routine military exercises called “Reaction- empires, King Tiridates III converted to the same basic title as Catholicos “The year 1441 is being mentioned 2013.” Christianity and declared Armenia to be Karekin II in Echmiadzin, who also has here and there as if to give it more Operative-tactic missiles SCUD and 8K14-1, anti- the world’s first Christian state. The the added designation of supreme patri - importance and significance,” said aircraft missile systems C300, “OCA” complexes, year was 301. arch of all Armenians. Still, Aram Hratch Tchilingirian, an expert on the “Krunk,” “Baze” and other drones, radiolocation Since then, the Armenian Apostolic denied any fissure. church who teaches at Oxford systems and weapons of Armenian production were Church, which still has its main cathe - “We don’t have any division in the University’s Oriental Institute. presented. Representatives of the Armenian gov- dral here, has survived conquest and Armenian church,” he said. “We are one Tchilingirian said a bishops’ synod ernment followed the mass military exercises from dispersion, genocide and government- church. We are one people. We are one was held here in 1969. Armenian clerics a vantage point on the ground. imposed atheism during the years nation. We are one mission. We have from the US attended, even though it Armenia was part of the Soviet Union. two Catholicoi, and we are rich — this is was during the cold war, while those Writers’ Union to Elect It also endured centuries of internal an expression of the richness of the from Lebanon refused to attend. rancor, including a split in 1441 that led church.” He said that last week’s agenda New President to the establishment of a rival leader - For his part, Karekin told his audi - seemed to ignore tough issues in favor ship now based in Lebanon. ence of 62 bishops, who had come from of safe topics. For example, before the YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Writers’ Union of As church leaders gathered here last as far away as Australia and Latin 75th anniversary of the Genocide, both Armenia will hold a special session on October 20 to week for a rare bishops’ conference, America, that it was time to come branches of the church issued state - elect a new president for the union. Writers’ Union they seemed to be ready to put at least together. ments about canonizing victims. Acting President Eduard Militonyan announced the some of those differences aside as they “All these controversies and adminis - Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, the election during a recent press conference. confronted a new set of challenges: trative divisions did not allow carrying director of ecumenical and foreign rela - According to the organization, the most important entrenched secularism at home, assimi - out unified reforms,” Karekin said. “We tions at the Armenian Apostolic condition for election the union’s presidency is mem- lation of followers in the Armenian are an entire century behind the oppor - Patriarchate of Jerusalem, said reaching bership in the organization. Diaspora Armenians are Diaspora abroad and general disaffec - tunity to modernize the church.” an agreement to canonize victims — the eligible to apply for the presidency, if they are con- tion with organized religion. He added, “The time has come to first saints designated by the church sidered members of the Writers’ Union. “The church is in dire need of renewal,” consolidate all forces.” since the 1500s — was a top priority. The position has been vacant since the death of the Catholicos Aram I, the leader of the To minimize the prospect of sharp “We, the bishops and archbishops liv - former President Levon Ananyan on September 2. Lebanon-based faction of the church, said disagreements at the conference, a tight ing today, are descendants of Armenian in an interview. “And by renewal, I mean agenda was adopted: creating universal genocide,” Shirvanian said. “All of us Parliament Supports the church has to be responsive to the practices for baptisms and confirma - are survivors. That’s the driving spirit needs and expectations of the people.” tions, discussing the canonization of behind this meeting.” Prison Amnesty He added, “The church has to victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide Whatever the agenda, Echmiadzin, respond to the challenges of the pre - in recognition of the 100th anniversary which is also called by its original name, YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The Armenian parliament sent-day world.” and planning another conference next Vagharshapat, remains at the center of has given its support to a presidential proposal on Exactly how the church plans to do year. Armenian spiritual life. a national prison amnesty. Last month, President that remains elusive, however, and In an apparent bid to generate posi - The conversion of Tiridates III in 301, Serge Sargisian proposed an amnesty for prison some skeptics said the split remained as tive publicity around the conference, a decade before the Roman emperor inmates to mark the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s divisive as ever. church officials billed it as the first Constantine embraced Christianity, is independence, celebrated on September 21. The church has more than nine mil - synod of its kind in nearly 600 years — a credited to St. Gregory the Illuminator, Justice Minister Hrair Tovmasian told journalists lion adherents worldwide, most outside bit of snappy marketing that was widely the patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic on October 3 that 1,200 to 1,300 inmates out of Armenia. Statistics show that more repeated by the Armenian news media. Church. some 4,600 inmates in the country’s penitentiaries than 98 percent of Armenians consider “Now, we are witnessing the epoch- Living in Vagharshapat, then capital and detention centers will be amnestied. Some 500 themselves Christians, but only 8 per - making event indeed,” said President of Armenia, Gregory reportedly had a to 600 men and women will be released from the cent said they attended services at least Serge Sargisian. “For centuries, due to vision that the skies parted and a ray of country’s penitentiaries, while the prison terms of once a week — data that suggest the different circumstances, and particular - light blazed down, surrounding a group others will be shortened. church is still struggling to overcome ly in the last six centuries, it was not of angels and a man — Jesus — who Convicts who committed crimes before the legacy of forced atheism 23 years possible to invite a bishops’ synod of struck the ground with a golden ham - September 1, 2013, are eligible, not including those after Armenian independence. the Armenian Church.” mer and made an altar-shaped structure serving sentences for serious offenses such as mur- There have also been a number of Experts, however, said that was not appear amid a column of fire with a der and rape. It is the ninth national amnesty in recent controversies, including the res - quite true. cross shining above it. Armenia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in ignation of the head of the church in At the event nearly 600 years ago, a It was on that spot that Gregory over - 1991. France, Archbishop Norvan Zakarian, in conclave in Echmiadzin in 1441, church saw construction of the Cathedral of a dispute over demands by the church leaders decided to move the headquar - Echmiadzin — meaning, “Jesus Christ, leadership to reinstate a priest facing ters back here from Sis, in what is now the only begotten, descended.” criminal assault charges. Turkey, where the Armenian kingdom Noah Sneider contributed reporting. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Russia’s Olympic Torch Flames Out, Again International News Former Foreign Minister By Kathy Lally Of Turkey Favors Ties MOSCOW (Washington Post) — The with Armenia first time the Olympic flame died out was amusing — that was last Sunday at YEREVAN (Armenpess) — Some Turkish diplomats the Kremlin, when a plainclothes officer have started voicing opinions about normalizing relit it with a cigarette lighter. But then ties with Armenia. Some believe that because of on Monday, a second torch flickered bad relations with its neighbors, Ankara may have out, threatening national embarrass - to stay out of the political processes in the Middle ment. East. In their opinion in order to avoid diplomatic A torchbearer taking part in the isolation, the country should immediately change Olympic relay through Moscow on its foreign policy. “Turkey must keep and maintain, Monday afternoon was jogging along and for the sake of short-term interests” not put in Raushskaya Embankment, on the other danger its “unique geostrategic position in the rela- side of the river from the Kremlin, when tions with both the West and the Islamic world,” his flame was extinguished, according to former Ambassador of Turkey Nuzhet Gandemir reports on TV Rainand amateur videos. said in an interview with Today’s Zaman. The torchbearer, accompanied by a police car, SUV, small van and several Sargisian Discusses volunteer marshals, stopped. A volun - Russia’s Olympic torch continues to have trouble remaining aflame. teer rushed up to him with another Karabagh at PACE torch. A third arrived holding what might be a small lantern — it was diffi - Russia is filled with smokers. The nearest International Olympic Committee for Session cult to see. one leaned over and relit the torch with the 2014 Winter Olympics, which open STRASBOURG (RFE/RL) — Armenian President The seconds dragged by. Dark clouds his lighter. Officials later said the valve February 7 in Sochi, where the weather Serge Sargisian has urged the Council of Europe to pressed down from above with seeming had not been turned on properly. They is as unpredictable as an open flame. initiate direct contacts with Nagorno-Karabagh displeasure. The spectators could be reassured the nation that the original Last February, it rained in the moun - authorities to settle the conflict. heard. “It’s sad.” They chuckled uneasi - flame was safely guarded in lanterns, tains where the outdoor events will be During an October 2 speech to the body’s ly. “Is Gazprom sponsoring this?” which would relight relay torches. held. Parliamentary Assembly, Sargisian said the Council (Gazprom is the giant government-con - The relay began with fanfare Monday, He has made successful Olympics a of Europe could start direct communications with trolled energy company.) Then the new with a two-day, 50-mile route through point of personal pride and honor. The Nagorno-Karabagh, considering the organization torch ignited and the runner was on his Moscow. President Vladimir Putin was 14,000 torches produced for the relay has acted similarly in other conflict zones. way. spared the sight of the failed flame. He were described as state of the art, Sargisian also criticized his Azeri counterpart, The flame had arrived in Moscow was in Bali for the Asia-Pacific designed to withstand the bitterest Ilham Aliyev, over the issue, claiming Baku contin- Sunday afternoon by chartered flight. Economic Cooperation meeting, where Russian winter. ues to threaten Armenia with war and to boast As a former Olympic swimmer named he was quoted as politely saying he And now here, on Monday, on the about its disproportionate increases in military Shavarsh Karapetyan carried the flame understood why President Obama had first day of the 123-day, 40,000-mile spending. into the Kremlin, where it spent the canceled, what with a national crisis, relay across this great land, the Olympic night, the fire went out. government shutdown and so on. flame had gone out once again. Fortunately, at least in this case, Putin had personally wooed the UNESCO Includes Sayat Nova Works with AGBU-Supported Seminar Marks Beginning of International Community New Armenian Leadership Network in Europe YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Sayat Nova’s 300th anniversary was included in the 2012-2013 calen- WARSAW — A new network of grounds as industry leaders and law - need to succeed in their fields. While dar of international events by the United Nations Armenian leaders in Europe is now makers, the representatives discussed GORIZ offers trainings, networking Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization taking shape, following an AGBU-sup - ways that the AGBU-supported net - opportunities and seminars, represen - (UNESCO.) ported seminar that brought together work will further strengthen Armenian tatives at the Warsaw conference With the support of a national commission deal- key policy makers, entrepreneurs, jour - leadership in the public arena, facili - agreed to advance those efforts by ing with the affairs of UNESCO in Armenia, the nalists, and academics in Warsaw, host - tate dialogues with public authorities including a mentoring component for event was celebrated with various ceremonies not ed by Polish Senator Lukasz in their respective countries, and GORIZ members. The AGBU Europe only in Armenia, but also in different neighboring Abgarowicz. advance Armenian issues across District president Alexis Govciyan wel - countries. The event, held earlier this month, Europe. These are issues that will be comed the proposal for the new men - The organizing commission noted on its website: served as a forum for senior profes - on the agenda at future regional semi - torship initiative, stating, “These out - “The implementation of the project with the help sionals from across Central and nars, which will be held in France, standing individuals are willing to of UNESCO, will promote wider recognition of Eastern Europe, who have an Romania and Sweden in the coming invest in the promotion of leadership Sayat Nova’s works in Armenia as well as in the Armenian background or an interest in months, as the new network is formed. in others. Their contributions will be international community, which can become the invaluable to encourage all of us, and basis for the translations and the intercultural dia- particularly the next generation, to logue of Armenian prominent troubadour’s her- strive for excellence.” itage. The collection of Sayat Nova’s songs will also Through a series of seminars, partic - be published.” ipants also discussed some of the opportunities and challenges facing the Armenian diaspora in Europe Germany Respects today. Professors Chan Choenni of the Armenia’s Decision to VU University Amsterdam and Lukasz Lotocki of the University of Warsaw Join Customs Union presented their research on the migra - tion and social integration of GENEVA (Armenpress) — Within the framework of Armenians in the Netherlands and the summit of the Interparliamentary Union held in Poland. Participants agreed that com - Geneva, on October 6 the President of the National parable research on Armenian commu - Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Hovik nities in other countries should be pro - Abrahamyan met with the President of the moted as an invaluable tool for policy Bundestag of Germany Norbert Lammert. The and action. National Assembly of Armenia press office reported Industry leaders and lawmakers from across Europe spearhead a new Armenian As AGBU Europe Director Nicolas that during the meeting the two discussed a wide leadership network at an AGBU-sponsored seminar in Warsaw in September. Tavitian noted, the new leadership net - range of issues. work will help the Armenian diaspora Abrahamyan noted that Armenia is greatly inter- continue to thrive in Europe. ested in the expansion of the relations with Armenia, to develop a new peer leader - The representatives also strategized Commenting on the Armenians’ cen - Germany. ship network. The 23 representatives ways to leverage their expertise to fos - turies-old presence across the conti - Lammert highlighted the development of the included member of the Parliament of ter future leadership in diasporan nent, he stated, “We need Armenians Armenia-Germany relations, the deepening of the Ukraine Arsen Avakov; member of the young professionals, who will meet the who are building their lives in Europe interparliamentary cooperation and the strength- Parliament of Sweden Esabelle challenges of Europe’s rapidly chang - to know that they already have a long ening of the collaboration in different fields. He Dingizian; business executive Edward ing political and economic environ - history here, with a distinguished added that Germany respects the decision of the Mier-Jedrzejowicz; opera conductor ment. They discussed the AGBU record. Through these seminars and Republic of Armenia to join the Customs Union. Haig Utidjian (Czech Republic); and GORIZ program, which provides post- our leadership network, we will contin - At the end of the meeting Abrahamyan invited member of the Parliament of Romania graduates who have an exceptional ue building on those foundations.” Lammert to visit Armenia. Varujan Vosganian. academic record and experience in To learn more about the leadership net - Drawing from their diverse back - civic engagement with the tools they work, email [email protected]. 4 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Dr. Hratch Kouyoumjian Discusses Future of TCA, International Convention in London November 8-9

(The following interview was conducted who have unfortunately now left us: Hratch A: The London chapter was established in tions of the 21st century, taking into consider - between the Armenian Mirror-Spectator and Setrakian, Kersam Aharonian, Parounag 1975. It was thanks to the efforts of people ation the new and evolving realities in the dias - Dr. Hratch Kouyoumjian, chairman of the Tovmassian, Hamparsoum Berberian, Hagop such as Haigashen Ouzounian, Garo Arevian, pora and Armenia. London branch of the Tekeyan Cultural Tavitian, Haigashen Ouzounian and others, Tavit Messerlian, Antranig Dzouligian, Garbis Naturally, a review of operational modalities Association [TCA]. who formed the Founders’ Committee in 1947. Yessayan, Garo Krikorian, V. Ouzounian, D. and the need for having an effective organiza - TCA then branched out into many diasporan Vorperian and many others. tion and a sustainable budget will figure MS: Please give us some background communities that are now well established and Sadly some of these figures, particularly amongst major issues to be debated. This nat - regarding the upcoming TCA International respected organizations in their respective those representing the Founders Committee urally necessitates an overall coordinating Consultion. countries. This expansion took place first in the are no longer with us, but others such V.artan body to streamline operations and communica - A: As you know, the Tekeyan Cultural Middle East, then in the US and Canada, fol - Ouzounian still continue to play prominent tion, which can then direct assistance where Association was established in 1947, right after lowed by Europe and finally in Armenia. Today roles, particularly in the Tekeyan Trust, which needed. the difficult war years, by a group of Armenian there are branches and sister organizations in the London Chapter had established 1979. MS: Dr. Kouyoumjian, you have played intellectuals and businessmen. Last year we cel - 12 countries, with most of them attending this MS: Can you speak about the London an important role in this. Could you ebrated its the 65th anniversary. Since 1947, meeting. Trust? explain why you undertook it? there has not been any attempt to bring the var - TCA is a cultural organization dedicated to A: The London Trust was established by the A: I said earlier that this meeting was long ious chapters and sister organizations together the promotion of Armenian culture and history local TCA chapter initially in order to acquire overdue. There had been regional meetings in in order to discuss the future of the Association and acts as a bridge joining various diasporan the premises for the London Chapter, through the US and Canada or in the Middle East, but and plan ahead collectively in a rapidly-chang - communities. It is an apolitical organization. the generous donation of the late Mr. Garo at no time had all the chapters and sister orga - ing world. However, the founding members professed Krikorian. However, after the independence of nizations debated collectively major issues and This is a long-overdue attempt to bring all the democratic and liberal ideologies which have Armenia, the TCA leadership decided to the challenges facing them all. The fact that I major players together. It was universally felt impacted TCA, and which are still professed to acquire headquarters in the newly-independent had been studying the central archives of the that we need to conduct this action and this day and form the backbone of the associa - Armenia. Thus, the semi-completed “Groung” TCA during my periodic visits to Beirut, and London was a natural choice. tion. building was acquired through public dona - those of my late father, coupled with the fact MS: Tell us about the history of the TCA. MS: What do you mean by sister organi- tions, renovated and renamed as the “Tekeyan that he had played a prominent role in the TCA A: It all started in Beirut through the dedica - zations? Centre” in Yerevan. The Centre, together with and sister organizations, and that many of tion and sacrifices of prominent personalities A: Prior to 1947, people who had been pre - the Tekeyan Centre Fund, is today both a today’s leaders had been his students, helped pared for future leadership roles, had estab - major landmark and hub of activities in me tremendously. Without an exhaustive lished various organizations and trusts to pur - Armenia. knowledge of the inner workings of such an sue their ideals in the service of the Armenian MS: What is the expected outcome of this organization, and close contacts with people in Iranian MP Meets Diaspora and Armenia. For example, the Dikran gathering? leadership roles, this would not have been pos - Yergat Armenian Cultural Association in A: It is difficult to predict all the expected sible. I take this opportunity to thank all those with Pakradounian Alexandria was established back in 1902. I am outcomes. One has to be modest in his/her who rallied to the call and supported the glad that the umbilical chord has kept all these expectations. The fact that so many chapters process in more ways than one. As P5+1 Countries organizations together as one family. Most of and people in leadership roles are attending, in My role is a very modest one. I simply tried these organizations will be with us in November itself will be a major testimony. It is no secret to catalyze a process which many felt had to be Hold Talks on Iran’s except for Jordan and Syria, due to understand - that there are issues in our family of organiza - undertaken. The real credit goes to my local able reasons. tions; this will be a unique opportunity to bring London Chapter, and to those who supported Nuclear Program MS: London is playing a central role in most major players together in order to iron the process and the gathering in London. this gathering. What can you tell us about out these difficulties and plot ahead collective - Finally, let me thank the Armenian Mirror GENEVA (Armenpress) — A senior the local chapter? ly with a new vision adaptable to the condi - Spectator for this interview. Iranian parliamentarian has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s stance on defend - ing its nuclear energy program, stress - strong in Germany. Prime Minister Erdogan ing that the country will never give up Farce in Turkey’s Courts: Act Two has just issued a reform package, promising its absolute rights, Armenpress reports rapid strides along Turkey’s “irreversible referring to Press TV. TURKEY, from page 1 ure in the novel I have only one life. And I do progress towards democracy,” with proposals “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready warrant for him and then to postpone the not want to spend this life in a Kafkaesque to ensure respect for human rights, by easing for negotiations and talks with repre - other “decision.” This, Akhanli noted, only farce. restrictions on the use of langauges other sentatives of the P5+1 countries on the served the purpose of keeping him out of his I am making my exit. I will no longer appear than Turkish (i.e. Kurdish), lifting the ban on nuclear issue with based on mutual native land. As he knows from experience, if before the Turkish courts, not voluntarily, and headscarves in most public offices and reform - respect and on an equal footing,” he were to try to enter Turkey under current not by force. I take the liberty that they want to ing the electoral system to allow easier access Chairman of the Majlis National circumstances, he would be arrested. That hap - deprive me of. I will be free, on my own will. to parliament for smaller parties, etc. Whether Security and Foreign Policy Committee pened to him in August 2010 when he trav - I am doing this also because my case, from or not the proposals will become reality, Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Sunday. elled there in hopes of visiting his dying father. the political and human rights standpoint is whether or not such a reform would guaran - Boroujerdi made the remarks in a He was apprehended at the airport, thrown one part of numerous unjust cases which are tee basic human rights at all are big questions; meeting with Hagop Pakradounian, an into jail and kept there for months, and pre - opened, conducted and ended in Turkey with but the fact that the government has come for - Armenian deputy in Lebanon’s parlia - vented from attending his father’s funeral. shrill arbitrariness and arrogance. With my deci - ward with such a package may mean it is feel - ment, as Iran and the five permanent Only after his acquittal in December could he sion, I know that, in refusing this trial, I am on ing the pressure from abroad. In this situa - members of the UN Security Council — visit Turkey again. the side of those who each in their own way are tion, if the Istanbul court were to decide to Russia, China, Britain, France and the For his part, the novelist declared he did not standing up against the Turkish justice system, reopen the case against Akhanli, go through US plus Germany — are scheduled to suffer any such pangs of indecision: he had which is the expression of a hopelessly unjust the motions of a trial, pronounce him guilty hold talks mainly on Iran’s nuclear made up his mind that he would assert his free - state. and sentence him to life in prison, that could issue in Geneva on October 15 and 16. dom from the trial. — Dogan Akhanli have an explosive effect both domestically and The United States, Israel and some of In a statement prepared to be read out at the abroad. The Akhanli case has already inter - their allies have repeatedly accused Iran hearing, he wrote the following: This is, indeed, not the first time the sected the Gezi Park ferment; the high-level of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its Following the lifting of my acquittal by the Turkish justice system has displayed such arbi - delegation of observers from Germany who nuclear energy program, with the US Appeals Court in Ankara, the case against me trariness, and the jails filled with journalists, attended the July 31 hearing on his case and the European Union using the has taken on a Kafkaesque character. the very writers, dissidents and human rights activists linked their defense of Akhanli with their sol - unsubstantiated claim as an excuse to same court which was unable to find any orga - bear testimony to this fact. What is not clear idarity for the Gezi Park movement. If the impose illegal sanctions against Tehran. nization behind the murder of Hrant Dink is the reason why the court continues to per - court were to decide the opposite, that is, con - Iran has categorically rejected the accuses me again of being the head of a terror - form the same farce over and again. One rea - firm its acquittal and drop all charges and allegation, stressing that as a commit - ist organization — under the alias ‘DOGAN K.’ son might be found in Gezi Park. The AKP arrest warrants against him, then that could ted member of the International Atomic — and expects me even to stage manage my government, to be sure, did not hesitate to send a shock wave throughout civil society, Energy Agency and a signatory to the “execution” together with the accusers. deploy violence against demonstrators, and it generating more optimism and self-confidence Non-Proliferation Treaty, it is entitled to As a writer I know the frightening ability to has come under strong international censure among human rights layers that they can in develop nuclear technology for peaceful accommodate and the tragic end of Josef K., the as a result. Talks with the European Union are the end prevail. With its chronic vacillating, purposes. protagonist of Kafka’s novel, The Trial . For this being delayed, as criticism of such anti-demo - the court seems to be in a state of paralysis — Boroujerdi further said that Iran and reason on December 8, 2010, the first day of cratic police-state methods is particularly anything but free. Lebanon share a common stance on the trial against me, I was able with my silence developments in Syria.“The Islamic and protected by public solidarity to flee the Republic of Iran’s approach is based on Kafkaesque room that the Turkish justice sys - promoting sustainable peace and secu - tem had walled up for me. For Your Internal News of Armenia rity in the region and across the world,” Now the court wants to use all its power to the Iranian lawmaker added. shut me up again in this room. I am fight Log on to The Lebanese MP, for his part, said against this with all my strength, I will not go that his country supports Iran’s efforts back. I will face the Turkish justice system with to promote regional peace and security my silence in the future too. I am not the figure and believes that Tehran has played a www.AZG.am in Kafka’s novel, who at the end of his “trial” very constructive role in averting war in lets himself “voluntarily” be executed with a the crisis-stricken country. butcher’s knife, and yet is again reawakened by In English, Armenian, Russian and Turkish every reader to new life. Different from the fig - S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

AGBU Donors Health Care Worldwide Raise Professionals Learn More than $1 About Effective Million for Syrian Medical Education Relief In Armenia

NEW YORK — The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) has officially broken its $1 million fundraising mark to benefit the By Lawrence V. Najarian, MD ongoing Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund in Support of Syrian Armenians, which was FAR HILLS, N.J. — More than 50 health care made possible by donors worldwide. The money professionals from New Jersey, New York and is now at work to meet the urgent humanitari - Connecticut learned about new, more effective an needs of countless Syrian Armenians on the ways to educate doctors in Armenia, from two ground. Yet, as the devastating conflict unfolds Fulbright Scholars who have presented pro - with no end in sight, thousands of vulnerable grams there. families continue to look to the global Members and guests of Armenian American Armenian community for support. Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO) Since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war over attended presentations on September 13 by two years ago, an estimated four million people Fulbright Scholars Charles J. Greenberg, MSL, have been internally displaced. Many have MEd and Gevorg Yaghjyan, MD, watched their homes, religious institutions, and PhD. Greenberg is research services librarian at neighborhoods be reduced to rubble. They are Arman Serebrakian hopes to represent Armenia at the 2014 Olympic Winter the Yale Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, and losses that are felt acutely by Syrian Armenians, Games in Sochi, Russia. an American who visited Armenia as a whose presence in the country can be traced to Fulbright Scholar. Yaghjyan is an Armenian the 11th century and whose future there is now medical educator and leader who recently in peril. Cities that were once safe havens for returned to Armenia after visiting the US for a survivors of the Armenian Genocide have Olympic Journey an year as a Fulbright Scholar. become battlegrounds as diasporans across the “We were honored to have these presenters, country struggle to survive. who are top professionals in their respective Amidst the devastation, AGBU is working to fields. They offered first-hand perspectives that ensure that Armenians in Syria receive the Uphill Quest for Skier are invaluable to AAHPO members. Increased food, healthcare, shelter and emergency assis - knowledge about medical education in Armenia tance they need. In August 2012, the AGBU NOVATO, Calif. — Like the Catskills, the road to Sochi has been long and bumpy helps us to plan initiatives to fulfill AAHPO’s District Committee of Syria formed the AGBU for Olympic hopeful Arman Serebrakian, but the journey continues, over moun - mission,” noted Kim Hekimian, PhD, an Emergency Body in order to cope with the tains and valleys, as he works towards joining fellow skiers in the winter games. humanitarian crisis. Comprised of local AGBU Serebrakian’s journey is not focused on Olympic gold, but rather is the story of representatives, the Body has created its own a man who would withstand an social welfare system, registering beneficiaries, avalanche to be counted among the assessing their needs, and administering life-sav - By Tom Vartabedian best alpine skiers in the world with the ing aid to more than 3,000 families. Tricolor in his hand. Throughout Syria, AGBU is now supporting While he has the talent to compete, emergency shelters, distribution centers and Serebrakian is missing the funds. But, he is making inroads. clinics staffed by volunteers trained in first-aid. As a member of the Armenian National Ski Team, Serebrakian just returned With care and determination, over 100 AGBU from seven weeks in New Zealand and Australia for quality training. In the process, AAHPO President Lawrence V. Najarian, MD he completed seven races and saw his world rating jump from 2,568 to 753, (far left) is shown with Charles J. Greenberg, putting him right on track for a berth before the January 20 deadline. MSL, MEd, Haikaz Grigorian, MD , John In order to qualify, he needs a ranking of 500 or below for a guaranteed spot. Bilezikian, MD, Gevorg Yaghjyan, MD, PhD and “We trained alongside many national teams,” Serebrakian said. “I’m now skiing Edgar Housepian, MD. Greenberg, and slalom better and more confidently than ever.” Grigorian, Yaghjyan and Housepian are Serebrakian took a year’s sabbatical from his medical studies where he is Fulbright Scholars. Grigorian, Bilezikian and between his second and third year at Temple University. He still keeps up his stud - Housepian are AAHPO Honorees. ies while on break in order to maintain scholastics as he works towards becoming a surgeon. You can find him inside a gym twice on any given day, striving to increase his leg strength and gain muscle weight. Though he has no lack of dedication, the 27- year-old has had his share of challenges since he was first introduced to the slopes at age 2. One sacrifice has been the absence of the social life he used to enjoy. “It is all necessary in reaching my potential,” said the dual citizen. “Overall, I’m happy with my skiing and my progression is right on track. My goal is to put Armenian skiing on the map.” The event was attended by AAHPO officers and Serebrakian and his “sidekick” Arsen Nersisyan are strong candidates for other Armenian leaders. From left are Irina Armenia. Serebrakian’s sister Ani Serebrakian — another talent — decided to Lazarian, Presenter Charles Greenberg, Shohag forego Olympic intentions in order to help her brother with fundraising. Hovanessian, Louiza Pushkilian-Kubikian DDS, Over the past eight years, Serebrakian has been the top-ranked Armenian alpine Joyce Kurdian DDS, Tsoline Kojoaghlanian MD and Raffy Hovanessian MD. Pushkilian-Kubikian, ski racer in the world. He has had four top-10 National Collegiate Athletic Kojoaghlanian and Hovanessian all are mem - Association (NCAA)finishes while competing for the University of Colorado where bers of AAHPO Board of Directors. he made the All-Academic Ski Team, served twice as captain and one year as an An Armenian man surveys what was once his assistant coach. home in Aleppo’s Midan district. The skiing is a costly sport with elite level equipment, coaching, on-snow train - ing, lift tickets, travel, lodging, ski tuning supplies and competition fees. It all adds AAHPO board member, public health specialist, up. and Assistant Professor at Columbia University volunteers are risking their lives every day to “I’m closer to reaching my $90,000 goal needed to compete, but it has been a who has made frequent trips to study health ensure that the elderly, sick and injured are long road,” he said mentioning a European trip to the Alps this October. “My train - care in Armenia. among those who remain a priority as condi - ing and competition schedule will continue to take me across the globe where the AAHPO’s mission is to improve health care tions deteriorate. best snow conditions exist. Now I face the challenge of raising my own funds while awareness, increase disease prevention and While a scarcity of fuel and public trans - still paying my way through medical school with student loans.” early detection, foster fellowship and career portation has made it nearly impossible for The intensified on-snow training in the Alps will cover some of the rugged glac - development of Armenian health care profes - scores of Syrian Armenians to leave the coun - iers as a final tune-up before the winter’s competitive season. sionals, and provide medical support and edu - try, those who have found refuge in Armenia Loans, fundraisers and just about any option necessary will help fuel his bud - cation to both our local communities and and Lebanon face their own challenges. Not get, including a bar night in San Francisco, as well as a silent auction and dance Armenia. knowing when — or if — they will be able to in Los Angeles. “I appreciated the invitation to present and return home, those individuals have relied on see SKIER, page 8 share my experiences educating both librarians AGBU for housing stipends, grocery coupons, and early career clinical researchers during my medicine, warm clothing and school fees. Last two short-term Fulbright Specialist visits to see RELIEF, page 7 see HEALTH CARE, page 6 6 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Lowell Veterans Give out $150,000 in Scholarships

sonal. Parents and siblings By Tom Vartabedian become part of the celebra - tion.” The group’s history dates LOWELL, Mass. — Sam Manoian Post # 1, back to 1947, when Armenian-American Veterans of Lowell, has Armenian-American much to celebrate these days. Veterans of World War 2 With eight scholarship presentations to wor - gathered at the Pine Street thy high school graduates Sept. 28, the group Potato Chip Company on exceeded $150,000 in gifts — a milestone that Gorham Street and elected ushered in loud applause during an annual din - Menas Boghosian as their ner-dance inside the Kazanjian Memorial first commander. Pavilion of Sts. Vartanantz Church, attended by The numbers grew more than 200 guests. enough to become officially As protocol had it, each student offers words chartered and in 1961, they of gratitude upon his or her presentation. joined the Veterans’ Council The sum extends over 23 years, covering of Lowell. some 130 students during this time, the pro - Over the decades, they’ve ceeds from which have come from this affair. served the Armenian- The Veterans are celebrating their 62nd year of American community with existence and continue to be a viable force in diligence and pride, volun - the Merrimack Valley community. teering at Veterans’ hospi - “It’s a tradition that has been woven into the tals, assisting the indigent, fabric of our community life,” said Commander sponsoring Christmas par - Richard Juknavorian. “The future of our ties for children and donat - younger generation is a matter we take seri - ing Easter baskets and ously. Anything we can do to enhance that goal Christmas toys to children. will be encouraged.” Roses are distributed after Lowell Armenian-American Veterans of Sam Manoian Post #1 honored eight high school graduates with scholarship pre - Honored this year were: Alex Paroyian, church services on Mother’s sentations Sept. 28 at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford. Pictured are students with their families, joined by Genna Kludjian, Tahleen Seifel, Taleen Day. Commander Richard Juknavorian, left, and Scholarship Committee Chairman George Manuelian, right. Kalajian, Spencer Dean, Laurel Kazanjian, Sam Members conduct special Balian and Brett Duffy. graveyard services for some According to Scholarship Chairman George 50 deceased Armenian-American Veterans and are Veterans, including its chairman, Armen later, they erected a monument dedicated to the Manuelian, many recipients have graduated col - have never missed a Memorial Day Parade or Jeknavorian. Armenian settlers who became a vital part of lege, started careers and showed their gratitude Armenian Genocide commemoration. Members have served this country in World the Greater Lowell society. by contributing to the Menas Boghosian Just recently, the Lowell Veterans have been War I, World War II, as well as the wars in “To all our deceased members, their sacrifice Scholarship Fund. one of the major sponsors of the Armenian Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. will never be forgotten,” added Juknavorian. “The moral responsibilities they have exer - Genocide Memorial project, which will soon In 1975, the organization purchased a build - “We dedicate our efforts to both the living and cised are exemplary,” said Manuelian. “It’s nice place a remarkable monument at Lowell City ing and named it the Sam Manoian Post, hon - the dead. By honoring our youth, we’re invest - to know that we’ve contributed to their welfare Hall. oring a devoted past commander. Ten years ing in the future of this country.” with scholarship aid. We try to make it very per - Many members of that organizing committee

Health Care Professionals Learn about Effective Medical Education in Armenia GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC HEALTH CARE, from page 5 and Southern Connecticut State University. Mark J. Giragosian Yerevan State Medical University in 2008 Yaghjyan spoke about “Evidence Based Funeral Counselors and Republican Scientific Medical Library in Medical Education: Myths and Realities.” He is 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 2012,” noted Greenberg. former Vice Dean of Yerevan State University www.giragosianfuneralhome.com He also discussed real-time teletraining he Medical School and Associate Professor, and is provided for the RSML librarians with Skype currently visiting Boston University desktop sharing. AAHPO supports the Medical School as a Fulbright Scholar. HyBridge Telehealth program, which remotely Yaghjyan also is a widely published medical connects Armenian doctors with medical and academic leader, as well as a highly trained experts here in the US. AAHPO also supports a surgeon. As a plastic surgeon with a specialty in Nardolillo Funeral Home Continuing Medical Education program for doc - reconstructive microsurgery, Dr. Yaghjyan Est. 1906 tors located in remote Armenian villages. helped to develop the plastic surgery program Greenberg’s distinguished career in Library at YSMU. John K. Najarian, Jr. Science has included numerous scholarly publi - “This was my second presentation to Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director cations. At Yale he is the project co-direc - AAHPO members,” noted Yaghjyan. “I find tor, Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library. He AAHPO health care professionals to be inquisi - 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 teaches Library Science, Medical Librarianship, tive and dedicated to improving health care in 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Consumer Health Librarianship and Advanced Armenia by generously sharing information and www.nardolillo.com Reference, part-time for San Jose State University ideas with their colleagues in Armenia.” OBITUARY Telephone (617) 924-7400 Dr. John Sarkis Manuelian Aram Bedrosian WINCHESTER, Mass. — Dr. John Sarkis Felegian and the late Peter, Vivian Karaian and Manuelian died on October 3. the late George. He also leaves seven nieces and Funeral Home, Inc. He was a clinical professor of internal medi - nephews and their spouses and 15 great- cine at Boston University Medical School. As a nephews and great-nieces and three great-great- Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 captain the USAF, he was Chief of Medicine for nephews and great-great-nieces. the Tactical Air Command at New England Air Services were conducted at St. Stephen’s MARION BEDROSIAN Force Base in Alexandria, LA. Armenian Apostolic Church, 38 Elton Ave., 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN He was the husband of Lucille (Kuludjian) Watertown on Tuesday, October 8. Interment WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Manuelian. He was the son of the late Sarkis was in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. and Margaret (Nanian) Manuelian and brother Expressions of sympathy may be made in his of the late Harold and Haigoohi Manuelian, memory to St. Stephen’s Armenian Church or Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a Zabel and Ross Ajemian and Lucille and Greg the Armenian Heritage Foundation, 25 Boyajian. He was the brother-in-law of Marian Flanders Rd., Belmont, MA 02478. Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Funeral Chapel Donation Serving the entire Armenian Community Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location In memory of their cousin, Alice Mulkigian Melkonian, Sonia Ketchian, Philip Ketchian and Elsa Ronningstam Ketchian have donated $100 to the Armenian Mirror-Spectator . Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Church.” In reality, it’s the actions of an individ - big that it cannot be met through persistence. diligently in the oppressive 105-degree heat,” he One Priest’s ual who cares enough to do his very best. “Because the children are coming from bro - recalled. “So many times, I tried to pull them “The greenhouses were a complement,” he ken homes, with no father or mother, we’re able aside to protect them from heat stroke. They concluded. “If you build a resource, people will to create a big family atmosphere for them wanted to be left alone to finish their work.” benefit.” where they would experience comfort, love, com - The Stepanians are a year away from cele - Mission in And let’s not forget the Agape meal in passion and care,” he maintains. brating their golden anniversary. They are par - Echmiadzin he has been serving up to the elder - “At the same time, we spread the word of ents to two children, Seta Mammola and Ara ly for the past six years. The guest list ranges God, teach them the Scriptures and history of Stepanian, with two granddaughters. Armenia from 70-75 and here again, volunteers kick in. the church. Baptizing 15 children is only one of It was at St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown More appropriately, they call it the “love meal.” my highlights. The gratitude shown is another,” that Stepanian spent 37 years as a deacon and In the end, it’s creating a better world for Stepanian added. Sunday School superintendent before being those who need it most. Two counselors who were literally taken off ordained in 1999 by Archbishop Oshagan By Tom Vartabedian “It’s been a desperate calling to which I have the streets wound up becoming public accoun - Choloyan. answered as a conscientious Armenian priest,” tants. Others served with the military in Prior to that, his deacon years were shared says the 76-year-old. “Some people might call it Artsakh. with a working life. The cleric worked as a car WHITINSVILLE, Mass. — When it comes to a mission. I refer to it as a labor of love.” “I find myself getting motivated when I see dealer and auto body mechanic. He sold cars performing mission work in Armenia, look no The summer camp for orphans was organized lives being changed drastically,” he confirms. and ran a rental business. There was the elec - further than Rev. Archpriest Aram Stepanian. In four years ago. Each July, the priest and his “They come to us under dire circumstances and tronics side and a dry cleaning establishment. fact, look again, and maybe several other times. corps of volunteers take to a place called we get them back on track in God’s world. The The entrepreneur in him took a condemned The affable pastor of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Tsaghkadzor. It is located 50 kilometers north tears we shed are often tears of joy and com - building in Watertown and transposed it into a Church has made the country his second home of Yerevan on the southern slope of the fort.” state-of-the-art enterprise with seven employees. and embraces the population he serves so reli - Teghenis Mountains near Lake Sevan. One year, the good deed took a bad toll, send - It has been 14 years since he first arrived in giously and profoundly in the name of salvation. The area is known for its ski slopes, a place ing him to the hospital. Recovery was imminent Whitinsville, leading a flock of 160 members He visits there 3-4 times a year, often with his where Olympic athletes train and refine their and he was back on the job with bare-handed best known for its eclectic picnics that attract wife Margaret and family by his side. skills. Somewhere in the miasma is this camp initiative. over 1,000. It’s a parish that sponsors some 15 If it isn’t operating a summer camp for operated by the University of Yerevan where 50 They tell him there are no funds available. So students abroad through adulthood. orphans in July, it’s taking feeble tin shacks and destitute children arrive each year to spend a he goes out and raises his own. The cost of Much of his time is also rendered to the turning them into respectable dwellings for the week of solidarity and comfort. building supplies have soared over the years. No Northbridge Association of Churches, working indigent. Over the past 15 years, 175 homes Their director is affectionately called “Brother matter. The priest finds a way. with 11 non-Armenian parishes. Together, they have either been constructed or refurbished. Aram.” He prefers the informality. To them, It has only been 14 years before he was perform all phases of charity work toward a bet - “Lately, we’ve been purchasing flats and turn - they’re like his own kids. assigned a church. Since then, Soorp ter community. ing them into comfortable living quarters to The children range in age from 10-16 and Asdvadzadzin has been his home. Prior to that, He was born in Der Zor, raised in Aleppo and meet the pressing need,” he says. “Donations more than half differ from year to year. They are he was a preaching deacon, traveling the world. educated in Lebanon and England before arriv - are often slow and volunteers are not easy to chosen by the Eastern Prelacy and are desper - One year, Stepanian took 22 volunteers from ing here in 1961 and securing a degree from find but we somehow manage through God’s ately in need of care. Fun complements their his community to Armenia. Sixteen of them Gordon-Conwell Theological School in Wenham. help.” enrollment. were from one family, the Zartarians of Boxboro. “I remember bringing earthquake victims Greenhouses are also erected to supply The $10,000 it takes to fund the project annu - They to personally help build the home which here for treatment and caring for their needs,” resources and a livable standard of life. His ally is raised through sister churches, private was dedicated in memory of Garbis Zartarian. he recalled. “It’s left an indelible image with mantra may be “The Voice of the Armenian contributions and businesses. No shortfall is so “For 14 days, these energetic people worked me.” AGBU Donors Worldwide Raise More than $1 Million for Syrian Relief

RELIEF, from page 5 themselves no matter what the uncertain future Chapter, the AGBU France District, and the foresee the immediate and long term needs of year, AGBU fully subsidized tuitions for 120 stu - brings. AGBU Sao Paulo Chapter have set new the Syrian Armenian community within and out - dents who were continuing their education at AGBU is extending these lifelines to Syrian fundraising records, collecting over $40,000, side Syria, and to develop and implement an AGBU schools in Beirut. Currently in Armenia, Armenians with the support of its donors, mem - $25,000 and $9,000, respectively. Following effective response strategy. As the demands AGBU is assisting the Diaspora Ministry’s bers, chapters and Young Professionals (YP) suit, AGBU Montreal has also pledged $10,000. change, so, too, does our approach: over the past Syrian-Armenians Relief Coordination Center groups around the globe. Responding immedi - Even non-AGBU entities, such as the Armenian several months, we’ve expanded from Syria to NGO and is forging a partnership with the ately and generously to AGBU’s appeal, many Youth and Student Association of Austria, have neighboring countries, going wherever we can United Nations High Commissioner for individuals have repeatedly donated to the joined the cause. help. AGBU will do its utmost to sustain its Refugees to offer professional development pro - Syria Emergency Relief Fund, as others orga - Together, those efforts are making a difference efforts for as long as needed. However, we need grams to Syrian Armenians. These will include nize their own grassroots fundraising cam - across the region, but resources are stretched more support than we ever could have imagined, language lessons in Eastern Armenian, English paigns. Events hosted by YP Athens, YP thin as Syria’s conflict persists. AGBU Central and are calling on AGBU members and and Russian, as well as web design courses. Boston, YP Greater New York, YP Northern Board member-and Damascus native Vasken Armenians everywhere to continue giving-to let Hundreds are expected to enroll, each of whom California and YP Toronto have brought in Yacoubian praised AGBU’s relief work, com - the Syrian Armenian community know that they will gain the knowledge and skills to support thousands of dollars, while the AGBU Toronto menting, “AGBU was the first organization to are not alone and have not been forgotten.” To learn more about AGBU’s humanitarian work for Syrian Armenians, visit: http://agbu.org/syriahumanitarianrelief/. To contribute to the relief effort, visit: https://donate.agbu.org/agbu-urgent-appeal. To make a pledge by phone, call +1-855-AID- AGBU (243-2428) from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (EST). Checks can be sent to, AGBU Syria Emergency Fund, 55 East 59th St., New York, NY 10022. Indicate “Emergency Humanitarian

Father Zareh assesses the damage to the St. Kevork Armenian Orthodox Church in Aleppo’s Midan district after a severe fire in October 2012. 8 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS All Eyes on Ernie: Dr. Ernest Barsamian Receives Medal from Armenian Government, Is Feted at AUB Alumni Gala at Boston University

BARSAMIAN, from page 1 Thoracic Surgery, chair of Surgical Services and As consecutive speakers pointed out at the chief of staff at the Boston Veterans Saturday gala, Barsamian’s achievements would Administration Medical Center. He was the senior have been impressive for anyone. However, for consultant to the New England VA regional direc - Barsamian, 87, growing up poor in Aleppo, Syria, tor and consultant in cardiac surgery to the the beautiful campus of AUB in Beirut was a Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a diplomat dream, as were the hallowed halls of Harvard of the American Board of Surgery, among others. Medical School. He was the first Armenian foreign graduate to Barsamian’s accomplishments are numerous. get accepted to the Harvard Surgical Residency He was professor of surgery at Harvard Medical Program at Boston City Hospital in 1956. He School. At the Massachusetts Institute of retired in 2000. Technology (MIT), he invented one of the early In 1963 he was appointed chief of heart-lung machines. He was faculty dean at Cardiothoracic Surgery at the West Roxbury VA Harvard Medical School, chair of Cardiac and Medical Center. He started the Open Heart Surgery Program, which was the first among the 170 hos - pitals of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the third in New England. He e became chief of all surgical services in 1972, chief of staff of the hospital, supervis - ing all the clinical programs Michael Lawson, the recently retired director of the VA Boston Healthcare System and Dr. Ernest Barsamian embrace. in 1978 and chief of staff of the Brockton/West Roxbury VA Medical Center, which Auditorium at the VA, with the letters in the ity in the region. He issued a message, read by became a major Harvard crimson of Harvard. Others, he said, included the university trustee Dr. Joseph Martin. teaching hospital, in 1983. Meritorious Service Award by the Secretary of In his statement, he praised the New England He became an associate Veterans Affairs and the Plaque of Valor from the Alumni Chapter “for your excellent efforts in dean of Harvard Medical Congressional Medical of Honor Society, as well raising funds for scholarships. AUB’s annual. School in 1984 and a full pro - as the Exceptional Service Award by the financial aid program has grown tremendously in fessor in 1988. He became Secretary of Veterans Affairs. the past dozen years. In 2001, it was only $2.6 the faculty dean of the med - The president of AUB, Peter Dorman, had million and last year it reached almost $22 mil - ical school in 1992. been scheduled to attend the program but can - lion. This remarkable achievement has constitut - He has won dozens upon celled at the last minute due to political instabil - ed an historic effort, thanks in large part to peo - Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian at Harvard with Dr. Ernest dozens of awards, but he said Barsamian at the medal ceremony he was exceptionally proud of the Ernest Barsamian

From left, Ambassador to the US Tatul Markarian, Dr. Ernest Barsamian, Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Sonig Kradjian and Jackie O’Neill

Olympic Journey an Uphill Quest for Skier SKIER, from page 5 The hype has already fueled “Go Arman” T-shirts and “Armenia Ski Team” scarves. Serebrakian has been on the public radar since his collegiate skiing days at the University of San Francisco. He was one of four athletes to represent Armenia 2010 along with Nersisyan, Sergei Mikaelian and Kristine Khachatryan. Given the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s participation in the World Olympics as an inde - pendent country, the exposure has added incentive for Serebrakian and his teammates. He says he will stop at nothing to realize his dream. Serebrakian said his role models are Joe Almasian and Kenny Topalian who competed for Armenia in the bobsled competition during that inaugural year of 1994 in Lillehammer. “I’m so focused on reaching this goal — so hungry — that I look at it as something neces - sary to reach my potential,” he said. “Ski racing has long been a part of my life and I intend to bring it to the homes of Armenians everywhere.” To donate to Serebrakian’s Olympic funding, visit www.armanserebrakian.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ArmanSerebrakianRoadToSochi. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

From left, Jasmine Chobanian, Dr. Aram Chobanian, Dr. Joseph Martin, Dr. Ernest Barsamian and Handing Dr. Ernest Barsamian his trophy, from left, Dr. Raja Sayegh, Barsamian and Dr. Joseph Sonig Kradjian, in front of a painting of Dr. Aram Chobanian Martin ple like you, and we will continue toward our ulti - the financial support of AUB. Just like Ernie, opportunity. He was willing to take a chance,” he Another speaker, old friend and colleague Dr. mate goal of being able to make an AUB educa - many young bright minds need our help,” Karam said. “It is the legacy of all great leaders. He sees Aram Chobanian, president emeritus of Boston tion a possibility of all those who have worked said. “The world needs more Ernies and togeth - things in people that they themselves don’t.” University and dean emeritus of the Boston hard enough to qualify for admission, but are er we can make that happen.” Charness also praised the education provided University School of Medicine, said he first met blocked only by financial constraints.” He implored everyone to make donations to by AUB, noting that every chief of surgery at the Ernie, as he was called throughout the night by This sentiment applies directly to Barsamian, the AUB scholarship fund, so that students in VA was a graduate of the school. He noted, how - the speakers, when he came to Boston City who himself was able to attend the university that unstable region do not have to worry about ever, that it was not a case of AUB graduates Hospital. He spoke briefly and then sang a short only through a scholarship. inflation and can instead look toward a brighter helping each other, rather “they achieved their song he had written for the occasion, as he said Barsamian finished high school at age 15 in future. legacy because they were so good.” he now has time to indulge his hobby of music. Aleppo, and started attending Aleppo College, a Dr. Joseph Martin, a member of the AUB Board junior college. “I dreamt that one day I could of Trustees and dean emeritus of the Harvard attend AUB,” he recalled, adding that instead, Medical School, spoke about his 30-year ties with after that first year, he worked for four years to AUB. Martin praised the connections formed support his family. He was finally able to enroll between Boston University and Harvard medical at AUB in 1946 through a scholarship given by schools, which “came together in [providing] clini - Harry Dorman, then president of AUB and cal care” at the VA hospital in Boston. He praised, grandfather of Peter Dorman. especially, that those were two separate, private Opening the AUB program was Dr. Raja universities, which could only come up with this Sayegh, president of the New England chapter, collaboration “through leadership like Ernie’s.” who praised the evening’s honoree. “We stand He noted that the West Roxbury VA is the top- on the shoulders of giants like him,” said Sayegh, ranked veterans’ hospital in the country. “I thank adding that Barsamian happens to be the found - you, Ernie, for your leadership and support.” ing president of the New England chapter of the The honoree, in his comments thanked the AUB alumni. He said the goal of the chapter and assembled for their kind words. “The award I am others around the world is to raise funds to help getting is a very special one, as it is from my fel - students attend a university that “for 150 years low alumni of AUB, that we all love and cherish has been impacting the region in a positive way.” so much.” Jeffrey Karam, vice president of the New He spoke about his late wife, whom he had England alumni chapter, who is a PhD candidate met there as a student and his pain and her pass - at Brandeis University, delivered the keynote ing from cancer. He noted, however, that these address. past eight years, he has been restored again by From left, Sonig Kradjian, Rouben Shugarian and Dr. Ernest Barsamian He spoke fondly about AUB and the achieve - meeting his “best friend,” V. Sonig Kradjian. He ments of its alumni worldwide. “Tonight is your also thanked his children. “I couldn’t ask for a “Ernie held the reigns of power for most of his better immediate or extended family.” career with dignity, honor and distinction,” “I am very proud to have improved healthcare Charness said, adding that he helped several staff for our deserving veterans,” Barsamian said. members to develop their careers and go on to In an interview after the program, Barsamian great careers. credited some opportune chances that came his Said Michael Lawson, the recently retired way, noting that he knew he needed to jump on director of the VA Boston Healthcare System, them. “He is the warmest man I have ever met. And he The members of the gala organizing commit - is the best man in the medical field,” he said, tee were: Tamar Chamassian Kouspakian, Roula sharing a tight hug with the honoree. “Ernie Chahine Rayyad, Joanne Gholmie, Nicole Barsamian has lived. He has created action and Babikian Hajjar, Gheed Amara Itani and Sana passion in his time.” Tannoury Karam.

Chapter Leadership Team members with the honoree, from left, Michel Fayad, Dr. Raja Sayegh, Akl Fahed, Dr. Ernest Barsamian, Tamar Chamassian Kouspakian, Jeffrey Karam and Salim Chahine chance to get back to our beautiful alma mater. Another speaker, Dr. Michael Charness, who We have had our fair share of an AUB experi - had been recruited by Barsamian at the VA ence, at a campus that has changed the lives of Hospital as a staff neurologist in 1989 and many in this room,” Karam said. served as chief of neurology at the Brockton- He told the story of Barsamian’s life, how as a West Roxbury VA and the VA Boston Healthcare child growing up in Aleppo, higher educaiton System. He praised Barsamian for being both was not even supposed to be in the cards. proactive and smart, praising Barsamian as Instead, he said, Barsamian became someone someone who knew how to treat patients as well “who improved the lives of everyone that he as how to teach students. came into contact with. He inspires many of us “I came to the West Roxbury VA in 1989. I From left, Sonig Kradjian, James and Marta Batmasian and Dr. Ernest Barsamian though it would not have been possible without came because Ernie Barsamian gave me an 10 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Forced Turkification, Anti- Semitism and Lobbying Arpa Against Recognition of Armenian Genocide International Addressed by Rifat N. Bali Film Festival TORONTO — Against the background of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, scholar Announces Rifat Bali discusses the Jews of Turkey, one of the key elements in the strategic relationship between Israel and Turkey. His recent book, Winners Model Citizens of the State: The Jews of Turkey during the Multi-Party Period LOS ANGELES — The 16th Annual (Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 2012), Arpa International Film Festival conclud - describes the struggle of Turkish Jews from ed Sunday, September 29, with their 1950 to the present for their constitutional annual Awards Ceremony and Closing rights, their fight against anti-Semitism and the Night Gala Reception at the Egyptian attitude of the Turkish establishment to these Theatre in Hollywood. problems. It details the Turkish-Jewish leader - Following the screening of Robert ship’s involvement in the lobbying efforts on Hatch’s western drama, “Masque,” Arpa behalf of the Turkish Republic against the A still from the film “Toastmaster” International Film Festival director Alex acceptance of resolutions in the US Congress Kalognomos took center stage to host the recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The book closing night awards ceremony. gives insight into the situation of all minorities Kalognomos said, “This year we were in Turkey today. proud to host over 60 films from 30 coun - Marc David Baer, author of The Donme: tries around the world. We laughed, cried Jewish Converts, Muslim Revolutionaries, and ‘Toastmaster’ and debated as we watched the filmmak - Secular Turks said about the book, “With the er’s visions unfold on the screen of the publication of the highly original Turkish Jews Egyptian Theatre. Arpa is proud to have in the Republican Years, Rifat Bali established hosted these films and applauds each and himself as the leading authority on Turkish Brings Tradition every one of 2013 filmmakers.” Jewry.” Colombian star Valentina Rendon (Allá Julia Phillips Cohen, assistant professor of Te Espero) was the first presenter of the modern Jewish history at Vanderbilt University evening to announce the Jury prize for said, “ Model Citizens of the State is carefully To Life Best Music Video. Capital Cities’ “Safe researched, clearly written, and persuasively and Sound” (US) directed by Grady Hall argued. It narrates masterfully the complex his - won the top honor. Accepting the award tory of Turkish Jews’ relationship to the mod - LOS ANGELES — When Spanish filmmaker, Eric Boadella, experienced the was Capital Cities’ own Sebu Simonian, ern Turkish Republic, exposing the tightrope ancient Armenian tradition of the tamada or toastmaster, “It was love at first sight,” who was on hand to accept the award. act they have often undertaken as they moved he said. British-born actor/producer/director between the position of suspect and model From this initial reaction, Boadella found the inspiration to create the family-cen - Sebastian Siegel (“Love Sex God, Part 1: minority. Bali’s monumental book promises to tered comedy-drama, “Toastmaster,” which recently premiered during the 27th Wine Awakening World”) then took the stage become the ultimate reference work on Jews in Country Film Festival, in Sonoma, Calif. The film tells the story of Uncle Kapriel who to present the Jury prize for Best Short twentieth-century Turkey for a long time to decides to teach his adult nephew, Alek, the family tradition of toastmaster, just in Film to “Subhuman” (UNTERMENSCH) come.” time for his mother’s wedding. But Kapriel does not expect Alek to uncover his (US), directed by Michael Aloyan. Bali is an independent scholar specializing in uncle’s secret past. Siegel also presented the first special the history of Turkish Jews and an associate Boadella was attending a social gathering honor — The Silver Lens — in recognition member of the Alberto-Benveniste Center for By Gabriella Gage when he encountered his first Armenian of filmmakers who take extraordinary Sephardic Studies and the Sociocultural Mirror-Spectator Staff toastmaster. The tamada not only offers the measures to pursue the important stories History of the Jews (Ecole Pratique des Hautes traditional toast at a wedding or celebration, of the day to documentarian Matthew Etudes/CNRS/Université Paris-Sorbonne). He but serves as the master of ceremonies, VanDyke for his short “Not Anymore: A is the winner of the Alberto Benveniste directing other speakers and adding his personal flavor along the way. It could be Story of Revolution.” VanDyke was previ - Research Award for 2009 for his publications the respected family elder, or the uncle who has a knack for storytelling, along with ously announced as the recipient of the on Turkish Jewry. a sense of humor to entertain an entire family, or anyone up to the challenge. Armin T. Wegner Award although the fes - Bali’s appearances will take place at the fol - Boadella explained, tival felt the Silver Lens award better lowing venues on the following dates: Columbia “I immediately exemplified the nature of VanDyke’s story University, Hamilton Hall Room 703, 130 admired this poet and and how he brought it to life. Amsterdam Avenue at 116th Street, New York, master of improvisa - “Venezzia” director and 2009 Arpa Monday, October 14, 8 p.m., organized by the tion. Almost magically, International winner Haik Gazarian was Zoryan Institute with the participation of with each lyrical and next up awarding the Jury prize for Best Armenian Society of Columbia University; St. clever toast, he eter - Documentary to director Heather Leon Armenian Church, 12-61 Saddle River nalized the moment Winters for “Two The Story of Roman & Road, Fair Lawn, NJ, Tuesday, October 15, 7:45 and shared the joy Nyro” (US). p.m., organized by the Zoryan Institute, with with his loved ones.” Australian singing sensation Vassy the participation of the Armenian National Inspired by the art whose song, We Are Young, topped the Committee of NJ, Armenian Network of form, Boadella said, charts earlier this year presented the America – Greater NY, National Association for “That night I realized Audience Award to “Abstraction” (US) Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), New the toastmaster and I written, produced and directed by Prince York Armenian Students Association, St. Leon shared the same Bagdasarian. Armenian Church, Tekeyan Cultural vision. Although I use Arpa co-producer Michael Ashjian intro - Association, Tibrevank Alumni; Brookline different tools than he duced a film retrospective for the Public Library, Main Library, 361 Washington does, cinematography Breakthrough Filmmaker of the Year St., Brookline, Mass., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7 and actors instead of recipient Sev Ohanian (“Fruitvale p.m., organized by the Zoryan Institute, with poetry and vodka, the Station”). the participation of the National Association for ultimate goal is the Jury members Howard Rosenman, Felix Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) and same: to immortalize a Pire and Sev Ohanian gave the final Jury Temple Isaiah; NAASR, 395 Concord Ave., story. My admiration awards for Best Director to Ruben Kochar Belmont, Mass., Thursday, October 17, 8 p.m., for the toastmaster for “My Name Is Viola” (Armenia); Best organized by the Zoryan Institute, with the par - was my catalyst for Screenplay winner Christopher Cardiff for ticipation of the National Association for writing this humanis - “Always Faithful” (US); Best Feature Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR); tic story between two award “The Power of Few” (US) and the Bolsahay Community Centre, 2855 Victor Doré, characters from two film’s producer Roy Kurtluyan. Montréal, Québec, Sunday, October 20, 7:30 very different genera - Arpa’s head and founder Sylvia p.m., organized by the Zoryan Institute, with tions: Uncle Kapriel, the toastmaster and his nephew, the collector of stories.” Minassian thanked everyone who made the participation of the Armenian General Boadella, a native of Barcelona, had no previous involvement with the Armenian the festival successful this year before Benevolent Union of Montreal, the Armenian community, but discovered a new-found respect for the rich Armenian cultural his - honoring actor Sid Haig with the Lifetime National Committee and the Bolsahay Cultural tory and made friends in the community along the way. Achievement Award for a career spanning see TOASTMASTER, page 11 more than five decades. see TURKIFICATION, page 12 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Toastmaster Brings Tradition to Life

TOASTMASTER, from page 10 His own relationship with film began at a young age. He noted, “I was amazed and intrigued by film since the first time I saw a movie in a theater: ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.’ I’ll never forget the evil man removing hearts using his hands… I was just a kid!” From a childhood appreciation for “Dr. Jones,” to a discovery of a passion for pro - ducing art, Boadella began creating music videos for songs The Bags, Serge Le Bonobo and Dancin’ like Robots and received awards at several festivals. He also experimented with narrative and cinematography, creating a number of short films. “‘Toastmaster’ was my first attempt to tell a story as best as I can in a classic narrative form,” he said. “Toastmaster” was shot entirely in the Los Angeles area. While Boadella was new to the Armenian community, he made sure to include actors who truly understood and embraced the tradition and culture. The pro - tagonists, David Hovan and Sevag Scene from “Toastmaster” Mahserejian are Armenian, as well as, pro - ducer Martin Yernazian, producer manager Nanor Abkarian, production designer Houri but with Armenian subtitles forthcoming. screening announcements or to donate to the www.toastmastermovie.com or Facebook Mahserejian, musical composer Ara The film will be making the rounds of the film, visit the film’s website, page, www.facebook.com/toastmastermovie. Dabandjian and several other members of the international film festival circuit through cast and crew. “I was looking for three tal - next spring. Boadella and producers are cur - ented actors that didn’t need a transforma - rently planning a film premiere in Los tion or a big effort to become the characters. Angeles and looking for a sponsor to aid in In other words: that they had a lot in com - organizing the event. “It will be a great event, mon with the characters. So I could get a nat - with the cast and crew and the Los Angeles ural and spontaneous chemistry between the Armenian community is expecting to see the characters and a great sense of realism in the film,” said Boadella. performances,” he explained. “I think this As for Boadella, he is waiting for that next was one of the keys of making ‘Toastmaster’ inspirational moment and has several possi - something special.” ble upcoming projects to choose from, with Crowd-sourcing, via Indiegogo, supplied another independent film likely on the hori - the funding for “Toastmaster.” “We had more zon. “The experience with ‘Toastmaster;’ was than 200 contributors that made this film very positive, and I can’t wait to repeat the possible,” noted Boadella. “Toastmaster” is in experience with another feature-length film.” English and Armenian with English subtitles, For more information on “Toastmaster,”

Director Eric Boadella

David of Sassoun Book Published

FRESNO — David of Sassoun: Critical participate in the International Symposium Studies on the Armenian Epic (The Press at entitled “David of Sassoun: The Armenian California State University, Fresno, 2013), 228 Folk Epic after a Century.” pages, is a collection of essays by the world’s In addition to the papers of the conference, foremost scholars on the great oral epic of the current volume contains an introduction Armenia. outlining the history of the epic as well as a Edited by Dickran Kouymjian and Barlow concise summary of all the episodes of the offi - Der Mugrdechian, David of Sassoun was pub - cial version established by a team of scholars lished as the newest addition to the Armenian in Erevan in 1939. Series of Fresno State’s Armenian Studies Also included at the beginning of the vol - Program. David of Sassoun is the fourth title ume is a new variant, the only known version in the Armenian Series established through of the epic recorded anywhere in the diaspora. The Press at California State University, Because of the publicity generated by the sym - Fresno. posium, Lilyan Chooljian of Fresno, who was The essays, by Charles Dowsett, Kouymjian, present at the conference, had recorded a Aram Ter-Ghevondian, Earl R. Anderson, recitation of the variant some years earlier and Chaké Der Melkonian-Minassian, Frédéric brought it to the attention of Kouymjian. Feydit, Arpiné Khatchadourian, Aram Thanks to a grant from the Dolores Zohrab Tolegian, Chaké Der Melkonian-Minassian, Liebmann Fund and the M. Victoria Vahé Oshagan, as well as an original poem on Karagozian Kazan and Henry S. Khanzadian David by Ashough Hovnani, were presented at Kazan Fund, and the efforts of Der a symposium organized by Kouymjian the year Mugrdechian to include the volume in the after he was invited to the campus to establish Armenian Series of monographs the program a new program devoted to Armenian Studies. sponsors, the book is now available to the gen - Kouymjian has described it as Fresno’s contri - eral public. bution to the commemoration of the centen - According to its editors, these critical essays, nial celebration of the discovery and publica - which at times challenging traditional views tion of the epic poem, which had survived held on the epic and how it should be pre - until the 1970s orally, passed on, generation sented and understood, will provide much after generation, for more than a thousand source material for scholars. years by anonymous village bards. David of Sassoun: Critical Studies on the Many scholars from Armenia, France, Armenian Epic is available from The Press at England, Canada and the US who had pub - California State University, Fresno through its lished on the Armenian epic were invited to website http://shop.thepressatcsufresno.com. 12 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Shushi Dance Group to Have Premier Performance in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Saints Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church will celebrate its 100 anniversary next year (1914 -2014). For this occasion the church plans to provide a few major cultural programs. The first big event dedicated to the 100th anniversary will take place on Sunday, October 20. The Cultural Committee and the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) branch have invited the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble o New York to have its first-ever performance in the state. the premier performance in Rhode Island. More than 65 dancers under the leadership of Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian, artistic director and choreographer, with Andranik Mouradian, musical director, Armen Hovhannisyan and Salbi Mailyan, vocalists from California, will present a grace - ful program. The Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble, under the auspices of the Saint Vartan Cathedral in New York City, came into exis - tence in 1992 as a small, young cultural

The Shushi Dance Ensemble in Aleppo

group. These past 20 years have proven to be Armenia, Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, and memorable for the ensemble under the astute Jordan), Los Angeles, Orlando, Canada, volunteer leadership of Paskalian- Boston, New Jersey, New York, and last sum - Kantardjian. With the help of 100-percent vol - mer toured South America (Buenos Aires, unteer individuals, the ensemble’s members Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay). Most have performed on numerous occasions for recently, the Shushi Dance Ensemble was both Armenian and non-Armenian audiences admitted as a member of the International across the world, with great success. In July Dance Council CID, the official umbrella orga - 2000, Shushi performed in Yerevan for an nization, recognized by UNESCO, for all international audience of 3,000 youth in forms of dance around the world. honor of the 1,700th Anniversary of The performance will be on Sunday, Armenia’s adoption of Christianity. As a result October 20, at 3 p.m., Roberts Hall, Rhode of this performance, Shushi was featured in Island College, 300 Mt. Pleasant Ave., the March 2004 issue of The National Providence. Tickets are now available at the The Shushi Dance Ensemble in Beirut Geographic. In addition, to name a few, church office, The Deli, Sonya’s Market and at Shushi has performed to sell out audiences in the door on the day of the concert.

Prelacy and Diocese Hold Joint Program with Author Karanian in Conn.

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — More than 75 people churches — St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Western Armenia, and included a brief video about the historic Armenian sites of Western recently turned out to hear Matthew Karanian Church and the Armenian Church of the showing the September 8 performance of the Armenia. He was at Aghtamar during the talk about Armenia and Artsakh at a Prelacy- Holy Resurrection. Karanian presented his Badarak (Liturgy) at the Armenian Church of Armenian church’s first baptism ceremony Diocese event in New Britain. latest book, Armenia and Karabakh: The the Holy Cross at Aghtamar. there in nearly a century. The presentation by Karanian was orga - Stone Garden Travel Guide . Karanian was in historic Armenia last Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden nized by both of New Britain’s Armenian He also showed photographs from historic month doing research for an upcoming book Travel Guide is now the top-selling Armenia title in bookstores and on Amazon.com. Further details are available online at www.ArmeniaTravelGuide.com. Karanian practices law in Pasadena, Calif., and is a native of New Britain. He will continue Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2013 his book tour on November 21, 22 and 24 in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, as a guest of Canada’s Armenian Embassy and Hamazkayin Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor cultural organization. a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 Forced Turkification, and reached out to 4,440 teachers and Anti-Forced Turkification, school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. Anti-Semitism Addressed by Rifat N. Bali £ TURKIFICATION, from page 10 Association of Montreal; Beth Tikvah K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue Synagogue, 3080 Bayview Ave., Toronto, helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have Ontario, Monday, October 21, 8 p.m., organized the teacher’s name and address. by the Zoryan Institute, with the participation of Beth Tikvah Synagogue and the Centre for K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— Israel and Jewish Affairs; AGBU Alex Name Manoogian Centre, 930 Progress Avenue, Address Toronto, Ontario, Tuesday, October 22, 7:30 City State Zip code p.m., organized by the Zoryan Institute, with Tel: the participation of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Missionary Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Association of Canada, the Bolsahay Cultural Mail your check with this form to: Association of Toronto, Daughters of Vartan- TCA Sponsor a Teacher Artemis Ortyag #28, Holy Trinity Armenian 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Church, Knights of Vartan-Alishan Lodge and St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church. Your donation is Tax Deductible. For more information, contact the Zoryan Institute. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

raffles and raffles for cash and prizes. For more info, visit MASSACHUSETTS our new website www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org or call 978-372-9227. OCTOBER 13 — Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in NOVEMBER 16 — Armenian Women’s Welfare Chelmsford will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its Association (AWWA) 38th Annual Luncheon/ consecration. His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Auction, 11 a.m. at the Burlington Marriot, 1 Burlington Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Mall Road. Event kicks off with a silent auction and bid - Church of America (Eastern) will preside. Following divine ding; Visa and MasterCard accepted, tickets $60. For liturgy, ordination of sub-deacons and acolytes will be con - reservations, contact [email protected]. ducted. Fellowship reception at 1 p.m., followed by dinner NOVEMBER 16 — Second annual Mer Doon Benefit at 1:30 p.m. Donation $35. At the banquet the Primate Dance, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Charles Mosesian Cultural will present the St. Vartan Award to Patricia Amboian and and Youth Center, 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown. George Simonian, for their years of dedicated service to Featuring John Berberian, Bob Mougamian, Mal the church. Advance reservations requested by September Barsamian and Bruce Gigarian. Mezza, dessert table and 25. Contact Rose Amboian at (978) 256-3430 or Patty more. Tickets: $40 adult, $30 student; for tickets and Kayajanian at (978) 937-9379. table reservations, please call Mark at 617-256-5358. OCTOBER 16 — Meet the Author: Chris Bohjalian dis- cusses NY Times Bestseller Sandcastle Girls, 7:30 p.m. DECEMBER 6 AND 7 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Friday, Winchester Town Moderator John Sullivan will introduce October 18 and 19, come enjoy the 3-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Holy Trinity the author. Free and open to the public; McCall Middle St. James Armenian Church’s Annual Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. School, 458 Main St., Winchester. Sponsored by Bazaar. Delicious shish, losh, kheyma Winchester Reads, a volunteer-based town-wide “Read” and more. Fabulous pastries, manti, NEW HAMPSHIRE program. kufte and toorshi. Children’s activi - NOVEMBER 3 — Ararat Armenian Congregational OCTOBER 18 and 19 — St. James Annual Bazaar! ties, vendors galore, farmer’s mar - Delicious shish, losh, kheyma and more! Fabulous pas - Church Celebrates 100 Years: 1913-2013. Join the his - ket. Fun! Friends! Family! 11 a.m. to 9 tries, manti, kufte and toorshi! Children’s activities, ven - toric Armenian American community of Southern NH for dors galore, farmer’s market. Fun! Friends! Family! 11 p.m. both days, 465 Mount Auburn a celebration lunch at Tuscan Kitchen restaurant, 67 Main a.m. to 9 p.m., daily, at the church hall, 465 Mount St., Watertown, MA. St., Salem; 1 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship opportuni - Auburn St., Watertown. ties, contact [email protected]. OCTOBER 19 — Hye Kef 5, featuring Leon Janikian, Joe Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken Kalajian, Bob NEW JERSEY Raphalian and Jay Baronian, Haverhill, 7:30 pm., Michael’s Kennedy School of Government. For further information, Function Hall, 12 Alpha St. Tickets $40, students $30. email [email protected]. NOVEMBER 23-24 – TCA Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Includes individually-served mezza platters. Proceeds to OCTOBER 26 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, First Armenian Group celebrates 15th Anniversary with production of benefit all Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley and Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont. Noon – 8 p.m. Hagop Baronian’s “The Perils of Politeness” New Hampshire. Call either John Arzigian, 6-03-560-3826, Armenian delicacies - manti, choreg, kufte and (Kaghakavaroutyan Vnasneruh) directed by Gagik Sandy Boroyan, 978-251-8687, Scott Sahagian, 617-699- more. Enjoy kebab dinners (lamb, beef or chicken with Karapetyan from Armenia; Dwight Englewood High 3581, or Peter Gulezian, 978-375-1616. No tickets will be pilaf and salad,) losh, boreg, paklava, pastries and more in School, 315 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ. Nov. 23, sold at the door. For advance tickets, please call a com - our festive hall or takeout. 617-484-4779, or Saturday at 8 p.m. and Nov. 24, Sunday at 4 p.m. For tick - mittee member. Organized by Armenian Friends of www.firstarmenianchurch.org. Handicapped and MBTA ets; $50, $35, $25; call Marie Zokian (201)745-8850 or America. accessible. Missak Boghosian at (212)819-0097 or (347)365-6985. OCTOBER 20 — Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s 52nd OCTOBER 29 — Julia & the Zerounian Ensemble, in an Anniversary Banquet; Stewardship Sunday, immediately enchanting cabaret evening of songs from around the RHODE ISLAND following church services, Charles and Nevart Talanian world. 7:30 p.m., Regattabar, Cambridge. For information Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge. Honoring and reservations, OCTOBER 20 — Program in honor of the dedication of “Parishioner of the Year,” Deacon Gregory Krikorian and visit http://www.getshowtix.com/regattabar/moreinfo.c the 100 anniversar y of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob recognizing outgoing Parish Council members, Lt. Col. gi?id=3031 Armenian Church, with the Cultural Committee and Robert G. Lang, Jr., Richard Sahagian and Armen NOVEMBER 1 and 2 — 57th Annual St. Stephen’s ACYOA presenting the Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble Skenderian. Donation: $25 per person; seating by paid Bazaar, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. in a program titled “Song and Dance.. Seta Paskalian - reservation only. RSVP by October 15. For more info, con - Open to the public; lamb, losh and chicken kebab, Kantardjian, artistic director and Choreographer; tact the church office at 617-354-0632, [email protected] Armenian pastries, gourmet food, harvest store and silent Andranik Mouradian, musical director, Armen or log onto www.htaac.org. & live auctions. Hovhannisyan and Salbi Mailyan, vocalists from California. OCTOBER 24 — K. George and Carolann S. Najarian, NOVEMBER 8 and 9 — Annual Autumnfest Bazaar 3 p.m., Roberts Hall, Rhode Island College, 300 Mt. MD Lecture on Human Rights: In Our Midst: Slavery sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Pleasant Ave., Providence. Donations: Adults $20, Unmasked; 7 p.m., Faneuil Hall, Boston, with keynote 110 Main St., Haverhill, Friday 12-8 p.m. and Saturday, 12- Students $10, children under 12 free. Tickets available at speaker Siddharth Kara, director at the Carr Center 7 p.m. Lamb, losh and chicken kebab and kheyma. Dinner the Church office (401) 272 7712, The Deli (401) 461 Program on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery, Harvard served all day. Pastry table, Armenian cuisine, gift basket 4774, Sonya’s Market (401) 941 9300.

Book Review: Rev. Tootikian’s Keeping the Balance

Keeping the Balance By Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Issues” and “Armenian Issues.” The initial sec - with religious and patriotic subjects. The Tootikian. Royal Oak, Michigan: Armenian tion includes thoughtful pieces relating to the author acknowledges that not “all Christians Heritage Committee, 2013. Pp. 160 ISBN 1- Advent and Lenten Seasons as well as and all Armenians think alike, feel alike, wor - 891583-15-8. $25 plus $3.25 S&H. Independence Day in Armenia. ship alike or act alike.” He nevertheless urges “Views on Issues” surveys the underpinnings that “in spite of their differences, they must of the Christian faith, from the imperative of united and create harmony, much like a choral By Philip Tavlian outreach to the friendship and nonconformity group, with different voices blended together, exemplified in the life of Jesus of Nazareth to creating beautiful music.” A leading pastor of the Great Lakes state has the distinctions between divine Knowledge and Balance is the rich literary harvest of a gift - just published his 35th volume, a highly-read - human wisdom. Essays dealing with the pil - ed scholar whose five and one-half decades of able compendium of inspirational essays in the grimage of life — storms, weaknesses, good and Christian ministry have taken him from Beirut, English and Armenian languages. evil, love, rejection, prayer and religious educa - Lebanon and Damascus, Syria to pulpits in Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian — emeritus pas - tion — are of special benefit to 21st Century Massachusetts and Michigan as well as to the tor of the Armenian Congregational Church of readers. classrooms of Harvard University, Andover Greater Detroit — has prepared a bilingual work The section addressing Armenian issues elo - Newtown Theological Seminary and the emphasizing “a balance between one’s personal quently examines theological diversity among University of Michigan. salvation and the social implications of one’s Armenian Evangelicals, the 98th Anniversary of Given recent tragic developments in the Near religious experience.” As the author states in the Armenian Genocide, problems and solu - East and other points around the globe, the his preface, “[W]ithout faith a person’s good tions in the modern Republic of Armenia, the informed reader is well-advised to acquire this Entertainment Fridays works are futile and without good works one’s 2009 Armenia/Turkey Protocols and the inter - estimable volume and keep it within arm’s faith is dead.” dependence of Armenia and the Diaspora. reach in the trying times ahead. and Saturdays The English-language portion of the volume The Armenian-language portion of the vol - Inscribed copies may be ordered from the comprises 31 articles divided into three sec - ume is entitled, “Nertashnagootyun” (meaning Armenian Heritage Committee, 3922 Yorba tions — “Holidays and Observances,” “Views on “harmony”) and consists of ten articles dealing Linda Boulevard, Royal Oak, MI 48073-6455. 14 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

THE ARMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror Turkey Revamps Its Image

about the withdrawal of armed guerillas from Turkish territo - Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian ry, the only guarantee to force the government to make con - cessions. Turkey boasts a population of 75 million, of which 20 million Serving as a geopolitical bridge of NATO structure between are Kurds. Another 20 million are Alevis, whose religious rights Europe and the Middle East, Turkey improved its economy have been completely trampled. Alevi ethnic pride has been and international image to a point where Ottomanist ambi - mostly awakened by neighboring Syria, where the Alevi rulers Established 1932 tions were resurrected once more. The duo of Premier Recep are battling for their survival. Erdogan’s Sunni-dominated admin - Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu were An ADL Publication istration has ignored Alevi aspirations, planting a time bomb credited with Turkey’s high-flying position. under his reform package. While the Syriac Church has been As a scholar-diplomat, Foreign Minister Davutoglu had promised the return of some shrines, the Heybeli Island Greek begun to nurture and nostalgically portray the Ottoman seminary remains closed and it is contingent upon some reci - EDITOR Empire, when subject nations lived “in harmony” and “broth - procity with Greece. Turkey insists on opening two mosques in Alin K. Gregorian erly love,” the Armenian Genocide and the bloodbaths from Athens to consider the opening of the seminary. the Balkans to North Africa not withstanding. The Ecumenical patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church ASSISTANT EDITOR Gabriella Gage Fueled by the dynamics of a booming economy and the Bartholomew is the spiritual head of 300 million adherents, hegemony forged with Israel in the Middle East, Ankara enter - yet Turkey refuses to recognize his title. If the seminary ASSOCIATE EDITOR tained visions of reshaping the region in a configuration remains shut, no young seminarians will be educated to Aram Arkun matching its dreams. replace aging priests or the patriarch himself.

ART DIRECTOR Davutoglu proudly proclaimed Turkey’s new policy of zero The same applies to the Armenian seminary as the Turks Marc Mgrditchian problems with neighbors, which basically meant to force down have set up a trap; no foreign-born clergy can be elected Greek Ankara’s policies on its neighbors, under the umbrella of or Armenian patriarch. And if their respective seminaries are NATO powers. closed, they are doomed to extinction. At this time, Mr. Erdogan’s “mildly” Islamist party, in power Turkey’s foreign policy is under intense scrutiny as most of SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Edmond Azadian for the last decade, had to put the brakes on its domestic and its promises and premises have failed; Turkey was in hege - foreign policy ambitions because it realized that it was biting monic alliance with Israel which afforded Ankara Western CONTRIBUTORS: more than it could chew. powers’ full support. In an effort to win over the Arab and Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune Despite the dramatic achievements in its economy, its Muslim sympathies, Ankara went too far with the Mavi Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. domestic policies hit some snags as revealed by the Gezi Park Marmara incident which still keeps the Israel-Turkey axis Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der demonstrations. Erdogan was smart enough to diffuse anoth - under tension. Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork er potential problem — the Kurdish issue — which could bring Erdogan’s gamble in Egypt backfired as he supported the Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , down his rule, if it had combined with the social unrest Muslim Brotherhood in the overthrow of President Mohamed Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop sparked by an environmental issue and conflagrated through - Morsi, while Saudi Arabia and the Gulf emirates supported the Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian out the country. Generally the Kurds abstained from any military government, politically and through generous eco - CORRESPONDENTS: action, waiting for the outcome of the Erdogan administra - nomic aid. Underneath that reaction, there was a rebuke by Armenia - Hagop Avedikian tion’s negotiations with the jailed leader of the Kurdish Arab countries towards Erdogan’s pretentions to lead the Boston - Nancy Kalajian Workers’ Party (PKK), Abdullah Oçalan. Sunni world. Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Erdogan’s personal ambitions and the ambitions of his Of course, there is no talk of solving the Cyprus crisis, Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach country are under a severe test at this moment; personally he where Turkish occupation forces are well entrenched and a Contributing Photographers: is gearing up for the upcoming presidential elections, during demographic engineering is in progress with Anatolian peas - Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair which he would like to replace his erstwhile ally, President ants settling on the island. Hovsepian Abdullah Gul. Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian War resulted in a flood He has proclaimed his reform package with the visible intent of refugees into its territory and the rise of Kurdish autonomy of building domestic coalitions for a successful presidential movement in Syria with the potential threat of a domino The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published bid. effect, spilling over into Turkey. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: His “zero problem” foreign policy is in complete tatters, Erdogan’s administration has realized that alliance with Baikar Association, Inc. because Ankara overextended itself to meddle in every neigh - Israel not only assures Western powers’ support, but also huge bor’s internal problems, which backfired. potential of natural gas reserves that Israel has discovered 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 On September 30, Erdogan announced his package of under its Mediterranean shores. Turkey is dependent on Azeri, Telephone: 617-924-4420 reforms, which were met with general discontent. The package Russian and Iranian energy (the latter under sanctions) and FAX: 617-924-2887 does not go enough to satisfy Kurdish aspiration. The Kurds before Israel strikes a deal with Turkey’s arch-enemy, Cyprus, www.mir ror spectator.com began their 30-year struggle for complete independence, it has to restore relations with the Jewish state to get a piece E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com which meant the partition of Turkey. Oçalan realized that the of the pie and deny Cyprus a boost to its economy. For advertising: [email protected] great powers would not allow the territorial disintegration of Ankara has also extended all the way to Beijing negotiatiat - an ally and he toned down his rhetoric to settle for cultural ing over air defense systems to the chagrin of NATO. Two self-determination, which meant in the first place, the use of years ago Erdogan had accused the Chinese government of the Kurdish language. Erdogan’s package give only lip service Genocide in relation to an incident with the Uyghur minority. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : to that demand. It allows for the instruction of the Kurdish Now it is extending its hand for a military deal. language only in private schools, which very few Kurds can The ill-fated protocols with Armenia remain frozen and there afford. The terror laws, which cost the lives of 40,000 Kurds, is no hope of reviving them, although a former Turkish ambas - U.S.A. $80 a year are still in place and Erdogan promises to dismantle them as sador to the US has commented that Ankara needs to restore Canada $125 a year he plans to draft and adopt a new constitution. The new con - its relations with Armenia to enhance its international image. stitution will also lower the bar, allowing Kurdish representa - Thus far, Erdogan’s magic has worked domestically and Other Countries $190 a year tives to be elected to the parliament. internationally. He has to prove his political mettle in the pre - The Kurds are dissatisfied and they have been grumbling sent challenges.

© 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. LETTERS ISSN 0004-234X POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Other than the editorial, views and opinions Kevork Marashlian Will Be Missed expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily eflect the policies of the publisher. To the Editor: and the many phone calls to him personally he has done for the ADL, Mirror and Since we have known Enger Kevork for Mirror anniversary reservations etc., Tekeyan to keep them alive and growing. He Marashlian for many years, it is most diffi - were very much appreciated. The special day is a “knight in shining armor” coming to cult to believe that he is retiring (as with Maritsa Ohanesian, and her receiving everyone’s rescue. Only those who are in announced in the Armenian Mirror- proclamation at age 100 during the April touch with him every day really know what Spectator’s September 7 issue) from his 24th Genocide Commemoration program at he has accomplished. Copying for other than personal use or positions with the ADL, Mirror and Tekeyan. the State House in Boston on April 22, 2005 Until we see him personally, God Bless internal reference is prohibited without But we know that all good things come to was unforgettable. All those arrangements him and keep him smiling and happy. express permission of the copyright an end, with new ones in the horizon. Only that Kevork brought to fruition pleased her owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: God will answer what is next in his life. so much that she spoke of it to many people. Baikar Association, Inc. His invaluable contributions to the orga - For the future, we wish him the best of — John and Roxie Maljanian nizations have been felt here with us in New health to do some of the things that he Newington, Conn. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Britain and especially with John and me. His never had time for before. (Editor’s Note: All of us here agree with visits to our traditional Father’s Day picnics We thank him many times over for all that these sentiments.) S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

the Ankara government has diligently paid tens of millions ly expect to have obtained as compensation for the loss of of dollars to litigants after losing hundreds of ECHR judg - their property, had there been a mechanism to request ments. such compensation.” A case in point is ECHR’s October 1, 2013 decision Based on the above ruling, the European Court awarded against Turkey, in which the court awarded over 5 million the Greek brothers 5 million euros for their expropriated My Turn euros (close to $7 million) to two Greek brothers, real estate, as well as compensating them for their “anguish Ioannis Fokas and Evangelos Fokas, who live in Katerini, and frustration which the applicants must have experi - By Harut Sassounian Greece. The Turkish courts had barred them from inherit - enced over the years in not being able to use their proper - ing their sister Polikseni Pistika’s buildings in Turkey ties.” The Court ordered the Turkish government to pay European Court of Human because of their Greek nationality. the amount of the award to the applicants within three In their lawsuit, the Fokas brothers claimed that “they months. Rights Provides More Options to had been deprived of the ownership and use of three In the referenced Nacaryan and Deryan vs. Turkey immovable properties in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, case, ECHR found that the Turkish courts had also violat - Sue Turkey namely three buildings and land, which they were entitled ed the rights of Yeran-Janet Nacaryan and Armen to inherit from their sister.” The expropriated properties Deryan by claiming that as Greek citizens, they could not While there is frequent talk about the pursuit of consisted of an eight-story building worth 3.3 million euros, inherit the property of their deceased relative in Turkey Armenian claims against Turkey in the International Court a six-story building worth 1.4 million euros, and a four- “on the ground that the condition of reciprocity between of Justice (World Court), the possibility of taking legal story building worth 400,000 euros, based on the appraisal Greece and Turkey had not been met.” ECHR declared action in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is by an Istanbul real estate agency. Turkey guilty and awarded the two Greek-Armenian appli - rarely mentioned, despite its distinct advantages. The ECHR found that the Turkish courts’ “refusal to rec - cants a total of 500,000 euros. The key difference between the two courts is that only ognize the applicants’ status as heirs constituted an inter - At the international conference of Armenian lawyers held governments can file lawsuits in the World Court, while ference with their right to peaceful enjoyment of their pos - in Yerevan last July, Constitutional Court Chairman Gagik any individual, group or state can take legal action in sessions and that such interference was incompatible with Harutunyan announced the formation of a committee of the ECHR, giving Armenians countless possibilities for law - the principle of lawfulness…. Accordingly, recognition of experts to study the legal merits of filing a lawsuit against suits against the Turkish state. Litigants the applicants as the heirs of Polikseni Pistika…would Turkey to remedy the massive losses resulting from the before ECHR must first exhaust all domestic remedies and place them in the position they would have been in, had Armenian Genocide. be from one of the 47 member states of the Council of the State [Turkey] not expropriated the deceased’s proper - Given the fact that ECHR provides for European Council Europe, which includes Armenia and Turkey. ty.… In those circumstances, an award of compensation for litigants many more opportunities than the World Court, It is not a coincidence that Turkey leads the list of coun - the pecuniary loss seems to be the most appropriate just the recently-formed Armenian committee of legal experts tries being sued in ECHR, as in the last two and half years satisfaction (see Nacaryan and Deryan vs. Turkey, no. should cast a wider net in considering the possibilities of alone, over 20,000 cases have been filed against that coun - 19558/02 and 27904/02, <<<<16-17, January 8, 2008). filing lawsuits against Turkey in the European Court of try. Contrary to popular belief, Turkey has no choice but to The Court considers that such an award principally corre - Human Rights, as well as in national and international comply with all ECHR judgments if it wants to maintain its sponds to the amount that the applicants could legitimate - courts. membership in the Council of Europe. This explains why

A Tragedy That Should Shame Lebanon Government There are no schools in much of the Akkar The Enemy Is Amongst Us By Robert Fisk countryside, few hospitals, almost no jobs. The young men have no money to get married. Many Twelve years ago I wrote an article titled “Pulling the Plug on Turkish Music” of them are forced to join the Lebanese army in (Armenian Mirror Spectator , October 2001), the topic of which was Armenian musi - This is the story of how the Syrian war reached order to survive. cians perpetuating a pseudo-Ottoman representation of Armenian music. The article out 5,000 miles across the globe and destroyed at The “outgoing” Lebanese government — elected in started with the following sentence: least 29 Lebanese lives in the Indian Ocean. a poll now hopelessly out of date — didn’t care. “Upon entering the 21st century, the taboo subject of Armenian musicians playing It is a story of tragic irony; the destitute Almost an entire family were lost from Qabaait. The Turkish music to an unsuspecting and ignorant audience under the guise of the Lebanese families who wanted to live in Australia Khodr family’s only survivor was the father, Hussain, music being Armenian, must be addressed.” and left their arid villages in the hills of the north - whose wife and nine children all perished. Twelve years later, this problem still exists, but in a different manifestation. The ern Akkar plateau had been warned by their rela - The remains of his wife and one daughter were issue then dealt with Armenians propagating Turkish Ottoman music. Today the tives not to leave their homes, and they died just brought ashore. In Tripoli, the Gamrawy and Hraz issue is Armenians propagating off the coast of Indonesia. families lost their loved ones, while Talal Rai died Turkish-Azeri music. Rabiz (a mis - And it is a story of a country whose authorities with his three children and his sister, Ahmed By Martin Haroutunian nomer of the abbreviation “rabis” from take no responsibility for the deaths of their own Abdo, the father of Mustafa who was 24 — who is the Russian “rabocheye iskusstvo” or people. still missing — borrowed $10,000 from his friends workers’ art) was originally a genre of The sinking of the overcrowded refugee boat to pay for the journey to Australia; the total cost urban folk music. According to the website rateyourmusic.com, “ Rabiz is also a defi - that set off from the Java district of Cianjur cannot for each family was $60,000 to be paid to an Iraqi nition for a lifestyle and people with socially questionable behaviors that compromise match the hundreds of fatalities of the north smuggler. the Armenian culture. In the early 1990s rabiz became a popular genre for unde - African boat that sank off the Italian island of Many relatives had begged the families not to manding audiences. The quality of lyrics, vocals and music make rabiz a subject to Lampedusa, where up to 350 people are thought leave. Abdo told one local paper that “my son is one criticism.” to have died and divers were still recovering bod - of the good young boys who sought to live in peace. Since Armenia’s independence, a number of rabiz musicians such as Aram Asatryan, ies from the Mediterranean. The economic and security problems we have Tatul Avoyan, Hayk Ghevondyan (Spitaktsi Hayko), etc., have blatantly taken Turkish These disasters do not match in terms of scale suffered through forced him to emigrate and look and Azeri songs and passed them off as Armenian. Some have even been seen per - of loss, but some features are the same: the des - for peace of mind.” To the Lebanese government, forming such music with Azeri musicians, such as the infamous videos on YouTube of peration of the passengers to find a new life, the Abdo declared: “You should look after your peo - Spitaktsi Hayko and duduk player Kamo Seyranian performing with Azeri singer Nasib. involvement of ruthless people-smugglers, the ple, and your country, and enough of your dis - Not only do they propagate Turkish and Azeri music, they also present it under the wooden hulks in which they sought illusory safe - putes.” guise of it being Armenian and are guilty of the Turkification of Armenian music, i.e. ty. What is different is the nationality of the A photograph survives of the passengers aboard taking Armenian music and embellishing it with Turkish melisma. Needless to say, there refugees. their boat, sitting on rough, wooden benches in is much uproar by Armenia’s artistic and intellectual community over this matter. For Lebanon — of all Middle East countries — is the choppy seas off Java. The picture is spotted However, this problem continues to grow and has spread to our shores. On the West a place of comparative security and wealth, with raindrops, but you can clearly see the Coast, the likes of Armenchik, Tigran and Artash Asatryan continue to spew their Altaic despite the Syrian conflict and the violence it has doomed Lebanese aboard. yodeling. brought to Beirut and Tripoli. One smiles broadly, another waves at the cam - This affliction has raised its ugly head on the east coast in the form of one Tigran In some south-west Asian countries, television era, most stare at the camera. Behind them is a Avetisyan, a clarinetist who not only collaborates with Azeri musicians such as Elman advertisements warn would-be asylum seekers of bleak, grey sky and a sinister, frothing sea. They Namazoglu but also propagates Turkish Azeri music. One example is their rendition the fate that awaits them. are only minutes from death. of Getmeh, getmeh… (Don’t go, don’t go…) which can be found on Facebook and Scarcely an hour passes on an Afghan TV chan - We know that in the last moments, one YouTube. It is unfortunate that he can be allowed to perform on Armenian stages, nel without an ominous man’s voice — against a Lebanese used his mobile phone to call a relative such as the Armenian Independence Day Festival which was recently held at the black screen — telling viewers in Dari (Farsi) and in Melbourne to seek help. The relative called the Armenian Cultural and Education Center in Watertown on September 21. Pushtu: “Australia is not a country to reach by Australian naval authorities, who later launched One may ask, what’s wrong with this? boat. If you attempt to go by boat, you will not be helicopters and jets in a hopeless search for a boat First of all, it gives the real enemy legitimate claims that Armenians are guilty of allowed onto Australian territory. You will be sent that had already sunk. plagiarism and second it is corrupting the true indigenous cultural heritage of the to the island of Papua New Guinea and will never But when the scale of the Lebanese losses Armenian people. be allowed to live in Australia…” reached Beirut — only 18 Lebanese survived — The irony, even to any semi knowledgeable Armenian, is that for centuries Turkic No such warning has ever been broadcast on their pseudo-government sprang into action. peoples have coopted ancient, original Armenian melodies, shamelessly calling them Lebanese television. There seemed to be no need. It promised that survivors would be brought Turkish and/or Azeri. So for Armenian musicians to do the inverse is a double insult Unlike the anonymous victims off Lampedusa, home, and that all those whose bodies were found – a slap in the face of past injustices, and a slap in the face of those artists who have where there were too few coffins for the dead, the would be brought back to be buried in the barren struggled to keep traditional Armenian music true to its origins. Lebanese who lost their lives and drifted ashore soil of their own land. Twelve years ago my article ended with the following sentence: from the Indian Ocean have known identities. In fact, they spent more time making pledges “It is our obligation to engender the cultural survival of our new generation by end - Careful investigations by the local Lebanese about the dead than they did about the living. And ing the irrational romantic entanglement with the Ottoman Turkish past forced upon press have discovered their home villages: Qabaait, what does that tell you about Lebanon? us centuries ago and reestablishing our rightful Armenian identity.” Khreibet and Nabaa Fnaydaq, close to the Syrian (Robert Fisk is a Middle East correspondent and Twelve years later all I have to say is “Get, get…” Go, go… border, and the Tripoli suburb of Bab el- commentator for the Independent . This column (Martin Haroutunian is a musician and resident of Watertown.) Tabbaneh, whose militias have been at war with originally appeared in the paper’s October 8 edi - pro-Syrian gunmen east of the city for two years. tion.) 16 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 12, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

40th Anniversary Celebration of Philadelphia TCA Honors Founders Dr. Diran and Koudsi Mikaelians

TCA, from page 1 sociology, English and international literature munities in the diaspora as well as Armenia, “to Canada, by weekly programs of traditional Opening remarks were offered by Antoine and being a prolific writer of several books as provide hope and a vision to the Armenian youth Armenian cuisine, almost always topped by a cul - Bazarbashian, another founder and a leader of well as numerous articles in English and in the post-Genocide, Great Depression and tural program,” said Arzoumanian. the chapter from the chapter’s inception. He wel - Armenian. Her latest novel, Autumn Leaves, is in WWII gloomy years, aiming at the rejuvenation He concluded, “The seeds sown 40 years ago comed the guests of honor and pointed to the Armenian and being currently presented and dis - and preservation of the Armenian cultural her - by the two professors were healthy seeds and the fact that the unprecedented number of attendees cussed publicly. She has been not only a co- itage,” he said. ground was fertile.” serves as testimony to the respect the Mikaelians founder of TCA of Philadelphia but also an active Dr. Mikaelian graduated from the Faculty of He wished the Mikaelians many more years of enjoy in the community. He then invited Mayis executive member, an organizer of cultural and Medicine of the American University in Beirut, good health and continued service to humanity Seapan, the evening master of ceremonies, to literary programs. Lebanon, in 1954 and became a respected ear, and the Armenian nation. open the program. Seapan then introduced the keynote speaker, nose and throat and neck surgery specialist. He At the end of the program, Dr. Mikaelian was The cultural portion of the program was ush - Dr. Haroutiun Arzoumanian of Montreal. A taught medical and nursing students at AUB and presented with the catalog of The Gospels of ered in by a presentation of Vahan Tekeyan’s retired medical doctor, he is currently the chair - became known in other Middle Eastern coun - Gladzor illuminated manuscripts (in English), poem, “The Armenian Church,” recited in the man of the Board of Directors of the Tekeyan tries. He earned his American Board in ENT while his wife was presented with a bouquet of original Armenian language by Mania Arabatlian. Cultural Association, Inc. that represents a score from Johns Hopkins University and eventually flowers. It set the theme of the night — the perpetuation of TCA chapters in the US and Canada, head - was invited by Philadelphia’s Jefferson Hospital The formal part of the evening was closed by of the Armenian cultural heritage by an insepa - quartered in Boston. Arzoumanian has also car - to head its ENT department. In 1972 he and an the blessings and appreciation of the pastor of rable bondage of the church and the nation. ried various responsibilities in local parish and old friend from Beirut, Prof. Parounag the church Rev. Oshagan Gulgulian. Next, Rose Zartarian sang a cappella the popular diocesan councils in Canada, as well as in the Tovmassian, were conversing, when both The celebration continued with music, dance song Kez em menoum anoush karoun. Madelen Armenian Democratic Liberal (ADL/Ramgavar) expressed concern about Armenian youth in and socializing. Gouchian was then invited to prove her multital - party at local and district levels. He has been a Philadelphia rapidly losing their cultural identity. — H.A. ented versatility by playing the guitar and founder and assistant editor of the Abaka week - Tovmassian’s encouragement to establish a singing a series of American country songs, most ly of Montreal. Tekeyan Cultural Association in Philadelphia likely her own compositions. All of the artists The speaker started with a brief address in soon became a reality led by the Mikaelians, with were enthusiastically received by the audience. Armenian acknowledging the legacy of the Antoine Bazarbashian as “the third pillar, who Anniversary Banquet of The tribute to the guests of honor started by guests of honor, then continued in English, pro - with other enthusiastic youth did the leg work in Yeretsgin Angel Metjian, who lauded Koudsi viding a brief overview of the history of the TCA organizing wonderful cultural and social pro - Holy Trinity Church to Mikaelian’s achievements in diverse areas: receiv - that was established in Beirut, Lebanon in 1947, grams. The Philadelphia chapter of TCA became ing university degrees in nursing, psychology, and subsequently spread to other Armenian com - one of the most active chapters in US and Honor Gregory Krikorian

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Deacon Gregory Krikorian will be honored as the “Parishioner of the Year” on Sunday, October 20 in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall. Divine Liturgy will be at 10 a.m., presided over by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian. Guest Celebrant will be Very Rev. Krikor Maksoudian. “This year our banquet will honor a Parishioner of the Year who has shown unprecedented devotion to the altar of the Holy Trinity parish,” stated Rev. Vasken Kouzouian. “Especially meaningful will be having a former pastor of Holy Trinity, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, preside and offer the sermon of the day, and as guest celebrant, the Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, son of the pastor, the Rev. Fr. Papken Maksoudian, who brought Greg to our altar nearly 50 years ago. Also on this day, we will remem - ber His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, of blessed memory, in our Requiem prayers on the first anniversary of his eternal rest, and Gregory Krikorian Father Papken and Yeretzgin Azadouhie Maksoudian on the first anniversary of Fr. Papken’s eternal rest.” Krikorian has served on the altar every Sunday for almost 50 years. He was ordained a tbir by the Archbishop Mampre Calfayan in 1957. Chairman of the Holy Trinity Church’s Choir since 2008, he also served as chairman from 1988 to 2001. For more than 40 years, he was a member of the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America (AACCA), now the Sacred Music Council. He co-chaired the 46th Annual Assembly of the AACAA hosted by Holy Trinity and served as Assembly Coordinator of the 52nd Assembly. He received the Norman Noorjanian Award from the AACCA in 2005. Last year, Krikorian chaired the 100th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Church’s Choir. He is an active member of the Holy Trinity Men’s Union and was elected a Diocesan Delegate in 2000. Krikorian is a registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and is a retired employee of the Department of Defense. Krikorian and his wife Carol (Pierannunzi) have two children — Lisa Wentzell and her hus - band, Scott, and Gregory Krikorian and his wife, Lisa — and five grandchildren, Scotty, Ella, Luke, Ruby and Blake. During the banquet, outgoing Parish Council members, Lt. Col. Robert G. Lang, Jr., Richard Sahagian and Armen Skenderian will be recog - nized for their services to the church. For tickets, call the church office, email [email protected], or log onto www.htaac.org.