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HYE SHARZHOOM st Armenian Action .:.u.B· l:U.Pd-R~lF Year

December 1999 Vol. 22, No. 2 ( 68) Supplement to The Collegian Karekin II Elected 132nd·Catllolicos of All Armenians

By Barlow Der Mugrdechian joined by 22 other del­ Hye SharzhoomAdvisor egates from the Western Diocese, including four e afternoon air was filled other delegates from the with excitement a.nd antici­ Central Valley. T:pation on Wednesday, Oct The election of a 27, 1999, as 452 delegates from Catholicos has histori­ more than 30 countries prepared to cally been an important enter the doors of the sanctuary of event in Armenian his­ Holy Etchmiadzin, to cast their tory, for the primary rea­ ballots for the 132nd Catholicos of son that during periods All Armenians. when the Armenians had One by one the delegates en­ losttheirsovereignty, the tered· the Church as their names Armenian Church had were called, each feeling the weight provided not only spiri­ of responsibility as an elector who tual but political leader­ weuld decide the leader of the Ar­ ship as well (for example menian Church into the next mil­ the role of the Armenian lennium. Patriarch of Presiding over the election Constantinople as head we e Archbi hop Torkom of the Armenian millet Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of during the period of Ot­ Jerusalem, Archbishop Mesrob (standing left to right) His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrop Mutafyan, Patriarch of Constantinople; His toman Turkish rule over Mutafyan, Armenian Patriarch of Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of·Cilicia; and His Beatitude Archbishop .Torkom Western Armenia). But Constant_inople, and Archbishop Manoogian, Patriarch of Jerusalem, participate in the consecration ceremony of His Holiness Karekin this election was even Nerses Bozabalyan, Locum Ten-. II in the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. photo by Mark Crosse, The Fresno Bee more significant, taking ens (interim hea~ of the Armenian­ place on the threshold of Church). votes. had passed away ·on June 29, 1999. As a delegate elected from the two important milestone anniver-. Hours later, His Holiness The delegates h~d gathered at His Holiness' reign of a little more Western Diocese of the Armenian saries: the 2000th anniversary of · Karekin II Nersisian was eJected Etchmiadzin earlier in the week, to than four years as Catholicos-he Church of North America, I was the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated as the new Catholicos of All Arme­ participate in the National Ecclesi­ had been elected in April of 1995 privileged to participate in only the in the year 2000 and the 1700th nians, by a majority vote ~ f 263 astical Assembly, which began on -was cut short by illness, 3rd National Ecclesiastical Assem­ anniversary of the acceptance of (226 votes were necessary for elec­ Tuesday, Oct. 26. The Assembly The National Ecclesiastical bly held in the past 44 years. Al­ Christianity as the state religion of tion on the first ballot). The only had been convened to elect a suc­ Assemoly also had on its agenda a though I had been to Armenia on Armenia in the year 2001. By this other candidate in the election, cessor to the late His Holiness discussion of a draft constitution several previous occasions, this was reasoning, a Catholicos had to be Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan, re­ Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and for the Armenian Church world­ the first time that I participated in ceived 176 votes, with 11 invalid Catholicos of All Armenians, who wide. the election of a Catholicos. I was See Catholicos, Page 8 ~ Saroyan Statue to be Restored at FresnO State ANCNames By Matthew Maroot previously sat on a dirt lot at R Dr. Kouynijian Street and Mariposa A venue in Editor downtown Fresno. The lot was Man of the Year once home to the y araz Modern 30-foot-tall monument to Art Museum. . he Armenian National Fresno's most prolific au­ · Community Medical Center, _ Committee, Central Cali­ A thor, rescued in October which· now owns the lot; planned T fornia has named Dr. from the wrecking ball, now rests· on demolishing the statue to make Dickran Kouymjian, director of the behind the Conley Art Building at way for a parking area-plans that Armenian s·tudies Program at Cali­ California State University, Fresno didn't sit well with those interested fornia State University, Fresno, as where it patiently awaits restora­ in preserving the work of local art­ its "Man of the Year." Dr. tion. ists, including Univ~rsity President Kouymjian is being honored for This rusted configuration of John Welty. "The statue represents his contributions to the education twisted metal and decayed wood a significant part of the cultural of Armenian and non-Armenian was once a shining tribute to the history of this area. It is important students at Fresno State. He will be late author, playwright and Fresno for the university to be committed · honored at a dinner on Sunday, native, William Saroyan. The to preserving art and cult~re/' said March 5, 2000, a_t Tornino's res­ statue titled, "Tribute to _Saroyan," Welty,whose phone call to a hospi­ Prof. Ed GiHum (left) and Dr. Dickran Kouymjian view the taurant. For more information, was created by the late Fresno art­ tal administrator came to the res­ statue of William Saroyan created by artist Varaz Samuelian. please call the ANC at (559) 486- ist, Varaz Samuelian. Samuelian, cue of a small group trying to save · photo by Michael Harutinian 1918 ~ who ·was a close friend of the statue. ment. He accepted without reser­ Professor Ed Gillum of the · Or. Kouymjian was invited to Saroyan's, died in 1995 at age 78. That group included Dr. vation that the statue come to Fresno State Art and Design De­ Fresno from Paris in 1977 to estab­ - The statue, which features a Dickran Kouymjian, Coordinator - Fresno State for restoring. He lit­ partment will oversee the statue's lish a new Program in Armenian stack of curiously arranged 4-foot­ of the Fresno State Armenian Stud­ eraily told university officials to restoration which will be done Studies at Fresno State. He reorga­ ta11 books by Saroyan beneath a ies Program. "Dr. Welty played a simply 'Make it happen. ' And it mainly by advanced art students. nized the Armenian Students Or- large bronze sculpture of his head, crucial role at just the right mo- did," Kouymjian _said. See Statue, Page 8 See Kouymjian, Page 7 -

• Assassinations) Page 4 • Adana Conference, Page 5 • What Makes an Armenian?, Page 5 • Historic Armenia, Page 7 2 Hy,e Sharzhoom · December 1999 California State University, Fresno Armenian Studies Program HYE SHARZHOOM _ Spring 2000 Schedule of Courses Course Instructor ."us curctnf\u General Education Division 9-0ther Cultures Editor - -· (Social Sciences Area D3, for students using 1999/2000 Catalog) Matthew Maroot • Ann S 10 Intro to Ann Studies 3 0930-1 045 TTh Staff Staff • Ann S 10 Intro to Ann Studies 3 1000-1 050 MWF B. Der Mugrdechian Division 7-Languages Arakel Arisian (Humanities Area C2, for·students using 1999/2000 Catalog) Michael Harutinian • Ann 1B Elementary Armenian 4 1100-1150 MTWF B. Der Mugrdechian Division 6- Literature John Jabagchourian (Arts & Humanities, Area C, Integra~ive, for students using 1999/2000 Catalog) Annen Karlozian • Ann 148 Masterp. Ann Culture 3 0900-0950 MWF ..B. Der Mugrdechian Upper Division Courses Jennifer Keledjian • Ann S 106 Ann. inN. America 3 - 1100-1150 MWF I. Kaprielian Hasmik Khalachyan-Caiias • Ann_S 108B Ann History II 3 0900-0950 MWF I. Kaprie1ian Shushan Khalachyan • Ann S 120T Armenian Church 1 1700-2200 Fri B. Der Mugrdechian 0900-1700 Sat Ara Mekhitarian Class meets the weekend of February 11 and 12 Shayla Srabian • Ann S 120T Armenia Today 1 1700-2200 Fri B. Der Mugrdechian 0900-1700 Sat Photo~ra.phers Class meets the weekend of March 31 and April 1 Barlow Der Mugrdechian • Ann S 123 Ann Architecture • 3 1700-2200 Fri . D. Kouymjian Michael Harutinian 0900-1700 Sat Class meets the weekends of February 25, 26 and March 3 and 4, and 10 and 11 Shayla Srabian - For more information call the Armenian Studies Program at (559) 278-2669 Advisors or visit our offices in the Peters Business Building, Ro~m 384. Barlow Der Mugrdechian Armenian Studies Program Faculty: Annual .Fund Dickran Kou~mjian .. Dickran Kouymjian, Haig and Isabel Donations Berberian Professor ofArmenian Studies, Hye Sharzhoom is a supplement of The Collegian and the newspapsr Coordinator of the C.S.U.F. Armenian Students Organization and the Armenian Supporters Studies Program and is funded by the Associated Students. Articles Isabel Kaprielian, Associate Professor, may be reprinted provided Hye Sharzhoom is acknowledged. Hye Department of History - Alice & Berge Bulbulian Sharzhoom welcomes prose, poetry,·articles and other material from its · Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Lecturer, Sara Chitjian readers. For further information concerning the newspaper or Arme­ nian Studies Program: ASOAdvisor c/o Armenian Studies Program Frances C. Ziegler, Program 14th Annual 5245 N. Backer Ave. P84 Administrative Assistant Fresno, CA 937 40-8001 r :"':M. Telephone (559) 278-2669 • FAX (559) 278-2129 --"" =-~ Banquet Donors 1 0 http://www.csufresno.~du/ArmenianStudies/ ~'--:' ,.·< · ! Benefactors Kathleen Jenanyan Yeran Devejian I RYE-LIGHTS ____ Berberian & Gazarian Deran & Mimi Koligian Sylvia Etian Family Foundation Angele & Dickran Barbara Janigian Berge & Alice Bulbulian Kouymjian AI & Isabelle Kabrielian Jasmine Cloud Ralph Matewosian Ms. Hermine Keshishyan Mr. & Mrs. Richard Gunner rmenian Irene Peloian Nancy Kricorian Students Edward & Jeanne Kashian Mr. & Mrs. Edward Zartarian Prof. Richard L. Pinkerton A Organiza­ Mrs. Herbert Lion tion President Chad Alice Peters Henry & Nancy Sanoian Kirkorian will travel to Contributors Gerry Sarkisian Armenia in February Mr. & Mrs. Bill Bohigian Patrons where he will participate Martin & Barbara Bohigian in an exchange program Lena & Varouj with Yerevan State Uni­ Altebarmakiari versity. Armon & Richard Kirkorian, who is Darmanian.· also an Associated Stu­ dents senator represent­ Harold-& Elizabeth ing the College of Social Manselian Warrant fo Genoc· e Sc;,iences, wilf study Ar- Robert-& Jackie Mansel ian Key Eh~ments of Thrko-Armenian Conflict - menian art history and Roxie Moradian language while in Anne- nia. . Sahatdjian Families "Being in Armenia Don & Lionel Serimian By Vahakn N. Dadrian for five months is really going to be something ._A_S_O_P_r-=-es-i-de_n_t_C_h_a_d_K_i_rk_o_r_ia-n----' Friends speciaL I feel like the photo by Michael Harutinian Armenian American experience is going to so- A limited" supply of autographed copies of the book are Citizens' League lidify everything I have learned "Prior to earning my Arme­ available through the Armenian Studies Program. while attending Fresno State," nian Studies minor, I knew I was Norma & Bob Der Kirkorian said. Armenian, but I didn't truly know Mugrdechian "I believe living in Armenia is what it meant to be Armenian. Special rate of $33 per book. the step which w_ill assist me in After completing the coursework Sponsors placing my Armenian education necessary for the minor, I have George & Ma~ian into perspective," he said. been exposed to many aspects of Make checks payable to: Kirkorian was recently -in­ my Armenian culture and heri­ Bagdasarian Armenian Studies Program. ducted into the Honor Society of tage. Nevertheless, I still lack Ernest & Carlotta Bedrosian Phi Kappa Phi and is also a member firsthand knowledge of how Ar­ Nerces L. Dermenjian Send checks to: of the Golden Key National Honor menians live in a country which is Mr. Jake Eknoian Society. He will graduate in ~ay, all Armenian. This trip will allow Armenian Studies Program Penny Mirigian-Emerzian _ 2000, with a bachelor of arts degree me to reside in a country where I 5245 N Backer Ave PB4 in history and a minor in Armenian will have a total Armenian experi­ Mr. & Mrs. Karney Hodge Fresno CA 93740-8001 Studies. ence," Kirkorian said. . . December 1999 -uye Sharzhoom 3 Ancient Papyrus Reveals Earliest Armenian Writing e Armenians and the Internet By Arakel Arisian The papyrus was first reported The back side contains three tales Staff Writer by Professor A. Carri in Paris in the about the philosopher Diogenes, By Ara Mekhitarian. 1890s. It then disappeared and as more lists of words and other Staff Writer mong the many sources of Dr. Clackson pointed out, was re­ phrases and sayings. The sentences ancient history, one that is discovered at the Bibliotheque are crammed together and are very Par~eghian Records Online A· often overlooked is the Nationale du France in 1992 by messy in some places. study of papyri or papyrology. On Kouymjian who has published three Although Clackson has deci­ Address: http://www .armenianmusic.com preliminary phered what the papyrus says, he is Contact: 4900 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90029-2538 studies on it. not certain of the identity of the Email: Parseghian@ ParseghianRec_ords.com · Clackson and person who wrote it or its purpose. Kouymjian Since it is written in Greek with Categories: CDs, ·Tapes, Videos, Top Ten, Coming Soon, New Re­ met through Armenian letters, there are a lim­ leases, Special of the Month. the internet in ited number of possible uses of the How to use: Links are all listed in center of page. 1996 and have papyrus. It was most likely used as Brief Summary: Now y_ou can ord~r your favorite Armenian album been collabo­ some sort of tool to learn Greek. online and have it shipped directly to your house. Parseghian Records rating ever There are similar documents writ­ Online has classical, traditional, pop, instrumental' and contemporary smce. ten in Greek and other languages, Armenian music in both CD and tape. They al~o offer a variety 'of Most pa­ but they had both the words and different videos and a list of the newest releases. You can browse the site pyri are writ­ their translations like a glossary. and listen to samples of songs before you buy. They offer a 128-bit ten in Greek This text had only the words. encryption connection so you are secure and safe to order online. If for and Egyptian; Even though the exact pur­ some reason you can't find the album you're looking for, email the they contain pose is unknown, the document company and they will find it for you. Parseghian Records Online makes literary texts · does·give historians some concrete it easy and convenient tofind and purchase Armenian music. Three students from Dr~ Kouymjian's Arts of Arme·nia class, left to right: Julian Galsco and and informa­ facts. It shows an Armenian pres­ tion about ev: ence in Egypt and in the Greek Jameil Haddad from San ·Jose, Bayan Harris - ..1 . from Los Angeles ask Dr. CJackson .ques­ ~ ·eryday life. world. It also has linguistic value tions after the lecture. They are for both the Greek and Armenian photos by Michael Harutinian found almost languages. As the studies of exclusively in Kouymjian have pointed out, the Egypt, where Armeno-Greek papyrus is also the Welcome to Armenilln Directory Yellow Pages ! Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, Dr. James the climate is dry, thus preserving oldest example of written Arme­ In our d•reclory you Will find Armen;an lnformat•on such as phone and addtess list•ngs of ~: "r.., "'~ · R "'= ; l.J.":it;:;··: •.._ _ ~ ~ '"1r <• •. ; .._ ... ,-: ·~ · s ··· :: . f:.' "P~- :-. ztr.gQ.:J;; c:_: .!' •• .... ~: _ .. ,t: - ' ~'""!t- r~ .,· sJs~ Clackson, a Fellow of Cambridge the documents. For decades, ar­ nian we have, predating by several a'1d ~·Dtt.i,;.~ j)y~~ ~f.. ;,._~-~: We have tt"le most comprehensive hs1 of .:. • ... \("lC. " ! :~<~ ?'C"J~ "';: - ~n~ .".f'.;, all searchable using a Search Eng.ne We also offer J.C\e -: :~·_,U i:':l ·f.< such as Internet banner University, gave a lecture titled, cheologists have been digging up centuries the earliest surviving advertisong and webpage hostong. "An Armenian Learning Greek in papyrus. Clackson pointed out this manuscripts. Compiled by Unoans Advenosong Glen

By Michael Harutini~n ASO Enjoys Bu~y, Exciting Sentester Staff Writer the shish-kebob for the sale on Oct. . and authentic Middle Eastern Belly 1) Which Armenian Dynasty emerged after the By Shayla Srabian 24. The sale was held as part of the Dancing. Arab invasions? ASO Historian Tower Theatre Kef Time · in the The ASO ended the month of a) Mamikonian c) Bagratuni Tower District. Not only was a October with a Halloween party at he A~menian Students traditional Armenian meal p~o- Arm en Karlozian' s home. It was a b) Arstruni d) Artashesian festive evening beginning Organiza- r-~------c----.~------~~====~---, 2) What is the name of the Church on the island of T tion was with a visit to the Haunted filled with hard House followed by ·the Aghtamar? work and fun. Halloween party. a) St. Gayane c) St. Varvar The Armenian With the semester b) St. Hripsirne d) Holy Cross- Students Organiza­ coming to a close students tion held general are busy getting ready for 3) Who was the first President 'of an independent ' meetings every two finals and the holidays. ·Armenia? weeks. The meet­ The ASO will be having a a) Hovhannes Kachaznuni c) Aram Manukian ings consisted of an party to celebrate Christ­ b) Lev on Ter- Petrossian d) Annen Garo overview of the mas and the end of the. budget and upcom­ semester. ing events. Most The ASO worked 4) What city was the Armenian National Council first importantly, stu­ hard this semester. They held in? dents were able to hoped to achieve student a) Yerevan c) Garin be together and involvement and build b) Tiflis d) Kars work together. ASO members at Kef Time at the Tower. friendships. Chad In the month Kirkorian, who is the 5) Ho~ many delegates voted in the 1999 election of a of October there was a shish-kebob vided, but there was also Armenian president of the ASO this fall se­ sale, Halloween party, and two lec­ dancing. Richard Hagopian and mester, led the organization with Catholicos? tures hosted by the Armenian Stud­ his band played magically as people energy. He is graduating this se­ a) 325 c) 452 ies Program. danced together. Cory Zamora and mester, we will miss him and )Vish b) 250 d)425 ASO members cooked the pi­ her dancers entertained the audi­ him well. Thank you for all your :') ('s-" q ('p e U: p ('z :') ('I :SJ:}MSUV laf, made the salad and barbecued ence with their colorful costumes hard work and dedication. 4 · Rye Sharzhoom December 1999 Assassinations Shock Arntenia; Printe Minister Slain in Parliantent_

In a series of articles, Fresno By Michael Krikorian shortly after 4 p.m. Bee reporter Michael Krikorian The Fresno Bee (5 a.m. PDT) [Oct. and photograpH'er Mark Crosse 26] when four or five men armed withAK- provided in-depth coverage of the YEREVAN, Armenia 47s calmly opened election ofHis Holiness Karekin/1, Within a few minutes and a few fire in a bloodbath Catholicos of All Armenians, and miles from where the Armenian captured live by gov­ also covered the assassination of church selected its new pontiff, gun­ top officials in the Armenian gov­ ernment television men with automatic weapons burst ernment. cameras. into the capital's parliament Krikorian and Crosse were the Nearly 18 hours Wednesday [Oct. 26] and assassi­ only American reporters in Arme­ later, the gunmen natedthe prime minister and seven nia covering the election of the gave up their weap­ government officials, adding an­ Catholicos and subsequent events. ons and were taken othe~ bloody chapter to the history by police to the Min­ See all of the Fresno Bee ar­ of this embattled, ancient land. ticles and accompanying photos on istry of the Interior The attackers surrendered early the Fresno Bee website: today, releasing dozens ofhostages, for questioning, ac­ www.fresnobee. com. cording to the after coming to terms with the The following story, reprinted _nation's president, officials said. president's office. with permission, first appeared in The break- Vazgen Sarkisian, 40, consid­ the Oct. 28, 1999, edition of The through came after ered the most powerful politician Fresno Bee. President Robert in Armenia, was gunned down Kocharian negoti­ Soldiers carry the body of Prime Minister ·vazgen Sarkisian to the ated with the Yerablour Cemetery. photo by Mark Crosse, The Fresno Bee gunmen's leader and Der Mugrdechia·n Reflects promised they would be given a fair 'trial. Although the city was stunned drinking. There was no immediate word by the shootings, there was no panic The restaurants were 'full of on Election of Catholicos in the streets. · on the condition of the hostages, pe~ple. At the bar of the city's mainly lawmakers and senior offi­ The public was allowed to premier hotel, it was all cognac, By Shushan Khalachyan reported his eyewitness accounts cials, who had been held overnight watch the scene from across the coffee and conversation. Staff Writer depicting what happened on a day in the parliament building. street, and members of the media ~wever, ifthere was a televi­ by day basis. "It's over. It's over," said strolled in the middle of the street sion nearby, it was tuned to the he recent election of the On Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1999, Antranig Hovanessian, spokesman less than 15 feet from the gates of news. Catholicos was not just an d~legat .es gathered at Holy for the Foreign Ministry. the compound. Kocharian was sped to the par­ T average one. Following the Etchmiadzin to participate in the The shooting occurred about Though the gunmen claimed liament building after he heard of their actions were the beginning of ~ the shootings and was said to be recent death of His Holiness, Divine Liturgy ~ervice and to take an hour before delegates from Catholicos Karekin I, on June 29, Holy Communion followed by a around the world, including Fresno, a coup d'etat that would topple the organizing the security forces. Ar­ menian commandos, veterans.from 1999, the Supreme Spiritual Coun- special requiem service for the late selected Karekin Nersessian as the government, no one seemed to be Karekin I. next Catholicos of All Armenians. taking that claim seriously. thewarinNagorno-Karabagh, were - At 2:00 The election took place about I 0 "That this is a coup d'etat is on the scene, and snipers were in p.m. that af­ miles from the parliament atthe 4th ridiculous," said Vahe Gabrielian, position on nearby roofs. ternoon the century church of Holy press secretary for Kocharian. One of tne largest questions delegate reg­ Etchmiadzin. "This is just the act of a handful of looming alongside the why of it istration pro­ "Oh my God," I don't believe individuals." was the how of it: How could four cess began. this is happening," said Shakeh The gunmen, at least two of or five men with Kalashnikov as­ There was an Karakashian, of the delegation from them wearing overcoats and be­ sault rifles enter the parliament of a enthusiasm in Fresno. rets, charged into the meeting while country that has been rock~d by the air and ex­ "On this day of all days. How members of parliament were ques­ violence throughout its history? citement sad." tioning government ministers on a One government official from the foreign ministry office, speak­ among the Also confirmed dead in the range of issues, including the peace process· with neighboring ing on condition of anonymity, said people. No attack were Parliament Speaker one knew ex­ Karen Demirchian, Energy:Minis­ Azerbaij~n over the disputed re­ that though Armenia has been in countless wars, this kind of vio­ actly what ·to ter Leonid Petrosian, Yuri gion ofNagorno-Karabakh. expect. All Bakhsian, a senior minister, and at One of the gunmen, a former lence was rare. journalist named Nairi Hounanian, don't have this kind of were anx­ least three members of parliament, "We. shooting here," he said. "But obvi­ iously wait­ authorities said. began c~rsing and yelling as he ing. Hundreds of soldiers and doz­ entered the chambers. ously, we are going to look into how this could happen." On ens of armored personnel carriers "These people have sucked an on our blood," Hounanian said as Russian President Boris Wednesday ringed the government complex on :.-- photo by Michael Harutinian Yeltsin canceled his vacation on morning, Oct. Marshall Bagramian Street. he unleashed a torrent of death cit voted to hold the election of the 27, the delegates noticed the first The attackers said their actions ftom hi~ Automatic Kalashnikov­ the Black Sea and returned to Mos­ cow, where he denounced the kill­ new Catholicos from Oct. 26-31, evidence of politicking. There was were '!patriotic" and that the gov­ .47, according to a local reporter 1999. According to tradition, the a mini-demonstration promoting ernment had failed its people, a who was covering the parliament ings. meeting. · election must be held between six one of the candidates. That morn­ released hostage said. Hounanian, 34, who sources months and one year after the death ing the final candidates were nomi­ Two hours after the shooting Throughout the night, on a said was a rabble rouser as a stu­ dent at Yerevan State University, of the Catholicos. In this case there nated. Forty-seven bishops were began, two badly shaken hostages street nicknamed Shish Kebab Lane, the talk was of the shootings, was no waiting. The Armenian eligible to become Catholicos, but were released and quickly whisked See Assassinations, Page 6 people needed a new Catholicos as . only two candidates accepted the away. but the action was of eating and soon as possible because of the nomination. The two candidates important upcoming events in the were Archbishop Nerses moment that brought Karekin II to tered in. Karekin II continued with The murders in the govern­ Armenian Church. Bozabalian, who was the Locum tears. The election process was his heartfelt speech and spoke of ment had a definite effect on the In total, 452 delegates were Tenens, and Archbishop Karekin over, and the announcement was his dearly departed mother and fa­ Armenian people and on the events chosen from all over the world to Nersessian, who was head of the made along with the cheerful ring­ ther when he was unexpectedly that were to take place for the new participate in this very special elec­ Araratian Diocese. At 2:30 p.m. ing of the church bells. Karekin II handed a note. He paused in bewil­ Catholicos. His consecration cer­ tion. Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the delegates started to enter the began his moving speech-in which derment and then made the aston­ emony was to be held on Sunday, the California State University, church one by one and once they he thanked many people and spoke ishing announcement about the Oct. 31; but was postponed be­ Fresno Armenian Studies Program, were all in, the doors were locked. about his main goal of unifying the tragedy that just took place in the cause of the funeral services taking was one of the five delegates cho­ Now the election process could be­ Armenian Church. Armenian Parliament. He said that place. A day of happiness and sen from Central California to go to gin. Professor Der Mugrdechian the two top government officials celebration turned into a day of the Church of Holy Etchmiadzin to The delegates were to vote and presented a video for the lecture were shot and killed but he did not sadness. This created a contrast of participate in the election process. . place their ballots inside a large audience showing the election pro­ know details or if the information · emotions for the Armeni~n people. · After he returned from his exciting wooden box. This process took cess and the moment at which was accurate. This news left the He was not consecrated until the trip, he gave a lecture titled, "The about two and a half hours. Each Karekin II was elected. The video audience in a state of shock. Later following Thursday in a very elabo­ Election of a Catholicos: A Re­ ballot was then read out loud. At brought the ceremony to life and it was learned that while the voting rate ceremony. The lecture was port," on Nov. 16, 1999. Der 6:30p.m. the new Catholicos of all included footage when Karekin II process was taking place, five followed by a question and answe'r Mugrdechian detailed his experi­ Armenians was announced. Arch- was notified of the Armenian Par­ armed men had entered the Parlia­ session ~during which members ence in Armenia. His lecture was bishop KarekinNersessian was now liament assassinations. ment building where they assassi­ from the large crowd inquired about brought to life with slides and a the 132nd Catholicos of all Arme- By now ~he church doors were nated the top leaders of the govern­ Der Mugrdechian' s experience. video. Professor De~ Mugrde~hian nians. This was a very emotional · opened and horrifying news fil- ment. December 1999 Rye Sharzhoom 5 Commentary What Makes an Armenian an Armenian? By Hasmik Khalachyan­ munity (wherever he or she may another. There is a lot I still don' t have a son that many call a half­ There is a terrible myth, and I Cafias live) and is involved in Armenian know about Armenians, but I am Armenian because my husband is emphasize myth, that an individual Staff-Writer issues. There are many individuals learning. not an Armenian by biological defi­ must sacrifice one language for an­ who are not full-blooded Arme­ What about an individual who nitions. His father was Arabic and other. This is not true. There are an a person be only one­ nians, but ar~ more educated and . does not come from two Armenian his mother is EI Salvadoran. A many linguistic studies done that .c involved with Armenian · mathematical prove that a child who is a balan.ced half Armenian? Which side would be the Arme­ issues than those who are definition of . bilingual is more cognitively ad­ nian side, the left or the right? If the full-blooded Armenians. my son would vanced than a monolingual child of left side is the Armenian side, would . There is no logic in ? be considered the same age. There is no such that make the right arm and right . judging a person by what • X 50percentArme­ thing as a limited amount of room leg the odar (non-Armenian) side? their parents are because ob­ nian, 25 percent in the brain for language. Razmik Further more, how can a person be viously that person is a sepa­ Arab and 25 pe·rcent' knows the alphabet and counts in one-quarter or one-third Aimen ian? r~te individual from his or El Salvadoran, but I do all three ianguages. He is accepted I don' t know about you but I have her parents. The issue about ,~I not think that is the case. and involved in all three communi­ never seen one-third of a person the location of one's birth is ~"' My son, Razmik, is ties. I do not think of him as less walking down the street. As for the also not a factor in determin­ + ~ onlytwoandahalf than a fulJ Armenian, full Ameri­ term odar, who thought of it? As if ing whether one is an Arme­ years old, but he can and full El Salvadoran. Does the world consists of Armenians nian or not. I, for example, is fully im­ that make him three different and others (whatever they may be). was born in Yerevan, Arme­ mersed in people? Idon'tthinkso. Razmikis Is a full-blooded Armenian better nia, and both of my parents are three sepa- just one of many multicultural in­ than a·partial-:blooded Annenian? Armenian, but that is not what rate and con- dividuals like him. Is there such a thing as a full­ makes me an Armenian. •/ verging cul- I think that it is vital that we bloodedArmenian? All these ques­ An overwhelming-majority /• tures. He is a judge individuals as individuals tions boil down to the question of of my life has been spent here in 5 o balanced tri-lin­ without referring to biological or what an Armenian is. America, but L.Mve always been gual (Armenian, Span­ mathematical formulas for a defi­ Some may. think that· if your surrounded by a large Armenian ish and En-glish). He nition of someone that is standing parents are Armenian, then you are community. I have never lost my speaks with 111e in Ar­ in front of you ~ An individual is an also an Armenian. I do not agree language and continue to speak with menian, to his father in individual and that is always more with this statement. There are many my family in Armenian. I have _Spanish and to his than just the sum of his or her parts. A person is one whole person; they individuals who are the product of also maintained the basic Arme- H IS N 0 FORMULA American friends in En­ two Armenians, but do not even nian culture through a variety of T ERE - glish. There is no con­ should not and cannot be divided themselves consider them to beAr­ means such as church, music, fusion in languages. into parts, which will not function menians. Then what is an Arme­ dance - ~nd of course, Armenian Sometimes without each other. Armenianness nian? I believe that an Armenian is food. Being an Armenian is also a is aspiritthatcan be inherent within a person who is educated about continuous learning process, not . illustration by Hasmik Khalachyan-Caiias Razmik will also translate for anybody without any biological ex­ Armenia and Armenians, aperson only about one's culture, but about parents? Does that make them less us if we do not und~rstand some- planations. who is active in the Armenian com- the world because one thing affects of an Armenian? I don't think so. I thing. · Scholars Discuss Adana Massacres of 1909 at Fresno State Conference

By John Jabagchou_rian specialist on the Ottoman Empire flicts between the Armeni_ans and He showed how the massacres were to gain a sphere of influence Staff Writer from the European University In­ Muslims as the new democratic were not confined to Adana but in the Ottoman Empire, anl relief stitute, Florence and Dr. Gregory constitution replaced the old re­ spread to the surrounding regions was an investment for future en­ deavors, like abusing relief money our scholars specializing in Goekjian, Professor of English at gime of the Sultan and gave power affecting four major Armenian and building institutions like hos­ Armenian history presented Portland State University. to the Committee of Union And concentrations of Alexandretta, pitals that otherwise could not be papers on various issues sur­ Topics covered the general Progress (CUP). Beylan, Antioch and Jisr el- F buil.t. rounding the Adana massacres· of background and precursors of the "The new [local] branches 1909 at a ·conference sponsored-by massacres, the effects of the mas­ of the CUP formed in Cilicia fre­ D r . Goekjian the Armenian Studies Program, Ar­ sacres on the Armenian populated quently included·notables and op­ raised many _menian Students Organization and regions surrounding Adana, the portunistic pillars ofthe old regime aspects of Armenian National Committee' of politics that drove the victim relief working for their owh personal in­ Turkish denial Central California. T e confer­ efforts and arguments of the Turk­ -terest," Arkun said. Armenians of massacre ence titled, "The Armenian Massa­ ish denial of these events now 90 grew dissatisi"i ed with the new re­ including call­ cres of Adana ( 1909-1999): Ninety years later. gime as it looked more and more The Adana region was a rich like the tyrannical one of the Sui- ing it an Ar­ agricultural area in the Ottoman tan. menian mas­ Empire. A large, booming and Further problems of th~ sacre of the industrious city, Adana was home Empire created dissatisfaction on Turks. ".The to many Armenians and a tempo- th_e part of the Ottomans with the Turkish posi­ rary home to many migrant work­ new regime and rumors were spread tion attempts ers. In April of ·1909 , 30,000 Ar­ that Armenians were responsible to make the menians were killed, others tor­ for this state of affairs. Tension · Armenians tured, raped and abducted, homes arose among Armenians and Mus­ aggressors and shops looted and destroyed, lims on the eve of April 9th when when in fact farms pillaged, tools and equip­ the massacres began. they were the ment damaged and churches According to Dr. victims,." burned. And this after a"new con­ Shemmassian, "The Armenian Goekjian said. stitution was ratified in the Empire presence at the turn of the century Dr. Vahram _Shemmassian (left) speaking with "Turkish Mr. Sarkis Sahatdjian. - Dr. Dickran.Kouymjian that was to relieve Armenian fears in Northwes~ Syria constituted an rhetoric is that photo by Bazlow Der Mugrdechian photo by Michael Harutinian after the murderous and tyrannical extens~on of the larger Armenian although Ar- menians were Years Later," was held at Califor­ massacres of Abdul Hamid II in habitation of Cilicia to the north." the ones who died in the massacres, niaStilte University, Fresno on Oct. 1894-96. Shughur. This resulted· in the Turks were the real victims," he 9, 1999. "Of the tradition of Arme­ murder of 15,000 Armenians. _ "It is important to realize nian massacres and Genocide, and The aftermath of the massacres added. Dr. Goekjian provided a history is not just the past, and in what a terrible tradition it is, [Adana left th~ surviving Armenians des­ number of facts that demonstrate fact it is this tragedy of Adana that lies] in the middle and is the one titute and brought many interna­ these claims are wrong and unsup­ has had a tremendous impact on the that is the most forgotten," said tional relief agencies to the area. ported. He also warned of.the Turk­ Fresnocommun~ty ye_~s later," said Dic~ran Kouymjian, coordinator of Hilmar Kaiser discussed the poli­ ish attempt to make the Genocide Luis Costa, Dean of the College of the conference and Director of the tics ;behind relief and suggested of 1915-1922 just another "massa­ Arts and Humanities, who opened Armenian Studies Program at that these agencies .were in com­ the conference. Fresno State. petition. "Relief efforts are possi­ cr~" and to justify this position by the same reasoning. The speakers of the confer- Aram Arkun was the first bly more directed by political ends - "Adana is the best example - ence were Aram Arkun, a special­ presenter and said, "It is very im­ than by the need of the sufferers," ist in modern Armenian history portant to understand the whole he said. of the difference between massacre and Genocide," said Goekjian, de­ from New York, Dr. Vahram series of events that took place in "Nice people have their own the late nineteenth and early twen­ agendas and ideologies," Kaiser fending his position that there was Shemmassian, Principal of the Aram Arkun Merdinian School in Los Angeles, tieth centuries." He brought for­ continued. According to him much photo by Michael Hafutinian Hilmar Kaiser, a researcher and ward a number of emerging con- of those agendas ·and ideologies See Adana Conference, Page 7 6 Hye Sharzhoom December 1999 Emmy Award·Winner Hank Saroyan Guest atASPBariquet By Shayla Srabian Hank Saroyan, nephew of the cialized in family entertainment. was "stupid" and left school that degree in percussion at the Univer­ Staff·Writer writer William Saroyan, was back He was the driving force behind the day at recess. He arrived at home sity of Southern California. For the by popular demand after a well­ CBS series, "Jim Henson's Muppet and told his mother he never wanted last eight years she has taught in­ received appearanceatlastspring's Babies," winning nine Emmy to return to school because it was strumental_~l;lsic and percussion at mmy Award Winner Hank . ~ "Saroyan At Ninety" convention. Awards. He received an Emmy "stupid." His father· surprisfngly Saroyan was the special Thousand Oaks High School in Los "Like his cousins and his uncle, E guest of the Armenian Stud­ Award for outstanding direction for came home at noon and gave him a Angeles, Calif. This is where she ies Program at his short film, "high volume Armenian lecture" also directs the percussion program. their 14th An­ "The Parsley Gar­ in the Saroyan manner. He per­ Her students have won many hon­ nual Banquet den." He wrote, suaded his son to go back to school ors. For the banquet she played a on Oct. I 0, produced-and di­ with him. His father convinced the number ofdiverse pieces from Bach 1999. The rected "Geo principal to put him in a higher to Khachadourian. Vartan played evening began Kids," for the Na­ grade because he was afraid his son with passion, grace and expertise. with a recep­ tional Geographic would quit school l_ike his brother The night ended with Profes­ tion followed Magazine. This BilL The story ends by Hank skip- sor Barlow Der Mugrdechian hon- ping a grade · by a filet mi­ year he produced gnon dinner. · the "Prism and Sl:IC,cess­ Dr. Awards," given to fully cotnplet­ Dickran the most accurate ing his educa­ Kouymjian description of tion. This was made the in- · substance abuse · one of the first troductions, in the media. experiences of H a · n k which in­ "Madness in cluded Uni­ Saroyan spoke on the Family" versity Presi­ "Madness in the for Hank. His dent John Family? You delivery was Bet" "Saroyan Welty. Presi- . charmingly dent Welty said he always felt comical and burdened by an heartwarm­ complimented odd sensibility, ing. the Armenian that drove his L y n n Studies Pro­ friends, his fam­ Vartan pro­ gram and its ily and his em-· vided the musical supporters by Hank Saroyan saying, "You ployers to become entertainment for photo by Shayla Srabian truly insane ·and the evening. She is an active per­ oring the recipjents of scholarships should be very concluded that this cussi.onist in Southern California. giyen by the Armenian Studies Pro­ proud and I am Hank devoted his life to the arts, to must be a common behavior among Vartan received her initial training gram. The evening was fun-filled grateful of your help, because the creativity and creation," Kouymjian the Saroyan clan. Saroyan said this at Roosevelt High School of fine with joy, laughter and entertain­ students that are with you tonight said. "madness"· goes back to his gram­ arts in Fresno. She earned her ment. His Holiness, Aram I, are beneficiaries of what you've Hank graduated from the Uni­ mar school days, when for example, bachelor's degree at California Catholicos of the Great House of done, a special thank you to every­ versity of California at Berkeley he was asked to color a picture of State University, Northridge. She Cilicia will be-the-honored guest at one who has wor.kt;d to make this and for the past 15 years has ~pe- oranges and apples. He thought it is now completing her master's, next_year's 15th Annual Banquet. program successful." · • l..o r J • Life ls in th.e Loom Assassinations, Cont. from minister was the main target and "The communism was in the By Y. Stephan Bulbulian Page4 was fired upon from about 6 feet government's blood for 70 years­ Special to Hye Sharzhoom in the 1980s, is a former member of away. and it's going to take a generation the Dashnak political party. The shooting brought a tragic to get it out," said Dr. Rostom Hrant "Unhappy is the poor spinner who leaves her skeins However, the Dashnaks,. who note to what had been a beautifully Nakashian from Amman, Jordan. at the riverside to dry and·finds them gone." are not in power in the Yerevan spiritu·aJ day in · this ' country .as The Armenian people have Her spinning wheel sings a light-hearted song government, kicked outHounanian Nersessian, the archbishop of the been rocked by unemployment rates of the women because he was · said to be "im­ largest diocese in Armenia, was said to soar as high as 50%. And who could not choose a husband. moral," a source said. selected to lead the Armenian Ap­ many of those_ who do work are The thread she spins by drawing and twisting is determined by fate, .Other than Hounanian, the , ostolic Church as catholicos. paid extremely low wages. Ella ·woven and bound to happen. idenlities oft)le Qther shooJ~rs. were · The joy of. the occasion, how­ Malkhassyan, an English school­ As a newborn, the 3 Fates visit her: cradle, not ~nown. ' ever, turned ominous when, at the teacher, earns $30 a month. Armenia has been plagued by delivering the g~rl-child's future; church ofHoly Etchmiadzin, wheri "It may be nice in the city, nice order, peace and destiny. a variety of economic woes and : only delegates·and candidates were restaurant peopie, well-dressed, but The material with which her life is loomed blockades stemming from its vic- : allowed inside, rumors began to you go outside the central city and is elongated and fine little threads; strong as cable. tory over Azerbaijan in Nagorno­ circulate in the 1{1iurch courtyard things are very bad and the govern­ Her father's praise and perfect schoolwork, Karabakh. that. there had been a shooting at ment has not been doing anything · she weaves into her life, a web of happiness. On the streets of the city, the the parliament. for them," said Malkhassyan. "I She is descended from the order mood ranged from tears to disdain ! Dozens of journalists cover­ wish the catholicos was running who guards the hearth, for the fallen le(ldership. ing the election left the serene set" the country. You go outside and the light of the fire, the heart of the household. "They ·were victims, but in ting and rushed to the chaotic scene . take a look." Secretly- v:Owing never to marry; same ways, it was just," said Em mea outside the parliament. Indeed, on the outskirts of the a bride of Christ Kaprielian, 70, who blamed the Sarkisian, who 'took office in city, away from the tree-lined av­ like Rhipsime and Gayane, government for the lack of jobs. June, was the country's former de­ enues and sidewalk cafes, people · But just down the street, another she is th~ bridge betwee!l heaven and· mother. fense minister and is said to be far live in grim conditions. Magical and·mysterious, mar was in tears. He had lost a more powerful· than the country's Less than 10 minutes from the a martyr slain for her faith. friend when parliament member president. He was said to be firm parliament is a .complex of high­ . There is no happiness in life so perfect. Armenag Armengian was gunned on Armenia's position ofKarabagh, rise housing projects that make the On the goodness value: down. . not wanting to return any seized notorious Cabrini Green housing she rates a .hundred, "He didn't have anything in :)and to A~erbaijan. project in Chicago seem cozy. · his hands, and they just shot him," never Io~er than a slave in subjugation. The foreign minister of Known as "Bangladesh" be­ She cooks and cleans, washes and spins, said Albert Movsessian, a member Azerbaijan,. Tofik Joulfougarov, cause of its desperate living condi­ sews and_mends, her fine thread easily parts of the writers union. · resigned Monday over what was tions, it is said to be a breeding as the large needle passes through. "I can't imagine anyone being said to be a disagreement over his ground for people who hate the Unlike her Uncle, whose fate that crazy to just go in and start country's president. government. was assigned _a short thread, unstrung, killing everyone," said Seda The Azerbaijan government A state funeral for the shoot­ of all the different parts of the family legend, Melkonian, wife of the late, leg­ has been under intense pressure ing victims is expected to be held the essential connection between her devotion and her rites endary Armenian army commar:tder ~nd criticism for losing the war ·in Saturday [Oct. 30], one day before she keeps secret from men. Monte Melkonian of Visalia, the the early and mid-1990s against the scheduled ceremony to install - hero of the war in Karabagh. the Armenians in'Karabagh. the new catholicos. If only men knew how women pass the tit:ne alone, days come and days go, Local television replayed the Many blamed the Armenian "This was supp_osed to be a they would never marry. scene in which the gunmen appear government's poor performance on day to celebrate, a day to rejoice," Her lonely impulse of delight, to fire randomly with the AK-47s' having been under the influence of said Gohar Avakian, a hotel worker. her blissful hands sew a fine seam. as parliament me~bers duck be­ the Soviet's communism system "Instead, it's just another day She would J!larry the best man on earth t'oday, hind desks. Sources said the prime for too long. to cry." if only she were much younger. December 1999 Hye Sharzhoom 7

Adana Conference, Coot from Page 5 HistoricArntenia Today: no evidence that the Adana massa­ cres were planned, but that the Surviving Monuntents By Jennifer Keledjian nearby modern city of Van, ru~ by Staff Writer the Islamic community, that has displayed in its gardens carved ccording to Dr. Dickran stones with Armenian inscriptions . Kouymjian, ~e.glecting to and crosses. Inside the museum, a . A protect survtvmg monu- case of books denying the exist­ ments in historic Armenia is like ence of the Armen-ian genocide "putting the final dot over the "I" in stands next to what are supposed to genocide." He believes that these be bones of Turks, which accord­ monuments are iri need of recogni­ ing to the notice, were killed during ti.on in order that they survive in the "Armenian genocide of the historic Armenia. If they are not Turks."

Hilmar Kaiser explains a photographic exhibit fea­ turing rare archival scenes .of Adana held in con­ junction with the Conference. The photographic exhibit is part of the Gom.idas Institute Outreach Program and the photogl'aphs are reproduced with permission from the Ernst Jackh Dr Gregory Goekjian Papers, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Colum­ photo by Michael Harutinian bia University. .;,.,.~ photo by Michael Harutinian

Genocide of 1915 was a premedi­ conferences like these are needed The Adana conference was tated attack to exterminate. to inform people and allow them to part of the Armenian Studies It is through this position differentiate the 1909 massacres Program's Lecture Series of the that the Turks are trying to pass the and the 1915 Genocide as separate 1999-2000 academic year. Genocide off as a ~assacre that terrors against the Armenians. in the Department of Foreign Lan­ Award.for Excellence in Teaching Kouymjian, Coot from Page 1 guages and Literature at Yerevan in the newly .es.tablished category From left to right: Aghavni, tour guide from Istanbul, Gladys gariization and founded the Arme­ State University in Armenia.· He of "Outstanding Achievements in Peters of Fresno, Sonia Harlan of Chicago, Prof. Robert nian student newspaper, Hye was instrumental in establishing the Research." Hewsen from Rowan College of New Jersey, Angele Sharzhoom,in 1978-79,and.in 1985 Exchange Program between In 1996 he received encycli­ Kouymjian, Prof. D.ickran Kouymjian, June Shamsf:toian of the Center for Armenian Studies. Yerevan State and Fresno State. cals from both His Holiness Aram Fresno, Annette Gurjian of Eugene, Ore., and the organizer · Since 1988 he has served as the From 1988-1991 he was Director I, Catholicos of the Great House of and leader of the trip, Armen Aroyan of Los Angeles. first incumbent of the Haig & Isabel of the Armenian Department and Cilicia, and the .late Karekin I, ,.t' , . · .. photo courtesy of Gladys Peters · · Berberian Endowed Chair of Ar­ occupied the Chair of Armenian at Catholicos of All Armenians, for menian .Studies at Fr.esno State. · ·, the Institute for Oriental Languages his work in ~rmenian Studies. Dr. Kouymjian has had a var- · (INALCO) .of the University ·of Catholicos Karekin also hpnored cared for, they will soon comp.letely The group visited St. ied professional career. Though at Paris. him with the St. Sahag and St. disappear. Bartholomew Ghurch, which is now Fresno State since 1977, Dr. In 1986 he was elected "Out­ Mesrob medal, the highest honor These were some of the topics converted into a military zone 50 Kouymjian has also taught else­ standing Professor of the Year," by bestowed by the Armenian Church and thoughts of the lecture, "His­ miles· east of Van. Although in where. In 1987 he was awarded a the faculty at California State Uni­ to scholars and writers. toric Armenia Today: A Report on ruins, this church is used as a mili­ Fulbright Senior Lectureship by the versity, Fresno, and in 1999 he was Surviving Monuments," given on tary post against the Kurds. The United States government to teach the first recipient of the Provost's Oct. 21, 1999. Eager students and group continued onto Soradir, and adults filled the Alice Peters Audi­ visited the church named after Holy torium at Fresno State as Dr. Etchmiadzin dating to the late 6th 2 JoW2J!WJI Kouymjian took the audience century one of the oldest Armenian through a slide show tour of his trip churches. to Turkey over the summer. Concluding the· lecture, :.• Armen Aroyan, leader of the Kouymjiari spoke about the Old 4 tour, who came from Los Angeles Cathedral of Kars, built in the 1Oth 7..----t---t----, to attend the lecture, has made over 30 trips to Turkey, taking tourists 3 to cities they wish· to visit. Last summer, a group of seven Arme­ nians, including Dr. and Mrs. 5 Kouymjian, led by Aroyan, started their journey in Istanbul and trav­ 9 eled through lzmir, Cappadocia, 12 around Lake Van, Ani, Kars, the 11 Black Sea, Trebizond, Samson and back to Istanbul. The lecture began with the group's visit tp the. church of the Holy Cross at Aghtamar, located Church of the Holy Cross on a small island on Lake Van. on the island ofAghtamar. Aghtamar is an early 1Oth century '·' photo courtesy of · .· church built by King Gagjk. Al­ Gladys Peters though this church has missing roof tiles and a damaged dome, it has a ... WU1JlWUU1hg' llputG <}.wptoqhw(i most unique .and exceptional as­ century, and finally on the walls 1. lflqm}l4 hph}uwG 5. '1-anJun. 2t, }lG{ 10. lhgntG 4nqhp: pect: external relief sculpture with and Cathedral oJ Ani, the medieval · wunp ut~ lti! t: 11. UGnp U4tu ntah'l scenes of the Old Testament. The capital of Armenia. The Cathedral, inside of the church tells the story unique for its cluster columns and U4llllllgGhG: 6. bfcl't J!Ol lllntGJl t: oftheNewTestamentthrough fres­ pointed arches, was built around 2. ~hg Hwill 4wu 2t, ·wunp fl.flWU 4nt 12. }lG{ ht wGltw}u: coes. the year 1000. The early 1Oth cen­ lllWUG[!hp4nt flwlll ~ht UlWU: 13. '-lwGwG2 ht In Van, the group visited sev­ tury walls of Ani still exist in all eral ruined Armenian churches, th~ir splendor along the entrance to ntG}l: 7 ~ f(}wq.wtnp[! wunp q.h'lhg}l4: such as The Mother of God church, the city and are currently being which are crumbling away while -3. b~t wu}l tlflWl 41! Gum}l: 14. b'ntl}l ut~ 41! restored by the Turks. two mosques have benefiLed from 2ntGb.GwGJ1, 2hGJ1 8. UG.n12, wGn12, tflGmnb.GJl ht unt'l. · The detailed slide show and restoration by Turkish authorities description of each site was an ex­ 4rGwr ll2ht: wGn12: t{nttwl:' .. mosques. The outskirts of the city cellent way for students· and adults · 4. Qntp}l ut~ wu}l 9. bfcl't ltwrn 2t, include a portion of the city walls to take a short t9ur through Eastern \ (now destroyed) and the Rock of ' .. Turkey and to visit the surviving 4'I!Gb.G: }lG2,? t: Van. There is a museum in the monuments of historic Armenia. 8 Hye Sharzhoom December 1999

Catholico~, Cont. from Page 1 Several bishops had publicly ac­ ity to the faithful both in Armenia cused the government of Armenia and in the Diaspora. Hye Sharzhoom welcomes your comments. elected and consecrated to lead the of meddling in the election by sup­ It was at this moment that the Please send them to: Church and the people into the 21 -st porting one candidate over others Catholicos, and all of the delegates, Armenian Studies Program century. (interestingly enough, this issue was learned of the tragic events which Attn: Hye Sharzhoom · In addition, Armenia and the not as hotly. debated four years ear­ had taken place only moments.ear­ 5245 N. Backer Ave PB4 Diaspora need continued spiritual lier during the previous election for lier iri Yerevan (see story by Fresno, CA 93740-8001 renewal, especially in Armenia, Catholicos). Michael Krikorian, page4). News Or email th~ ed~tor: [email protected] where 70 years of communist rule Thus, the election took place in of the assassinations shocked thos~ . rals on the walls were faded and had severely impacted-Christianity an unusual atmosphere, but always present and marred the happy oc­ Statue, cont. from Page 1 peeling away," Kouymjian said. and the Church, and in the Diaspora, with the thought in mind that the casion of the election of a "With luck and determination, we "Any art abandoned would suffer where administrative differences choice was an important one for the Catholicos. might see results by the end of the the same fate." have substantially affected many Church. But a new Catholicos of All spring semester," Gillum said .. Rescuing the statue has been communities, especially in the The anticipation of the del­ Armenians had been elected and Funding for the restoration will just a small part of the Armenian United States. His Holiness egates a~ the voting began in Holy the process which had begun sev­ come from the Office of Career Studies Program's involvement Karekin lhad begun to implement Etchmiadzin was palpable. As the eral months earlier had come to it& Services in the form . of Scholars with preserving both the art and the some of the necessary changes but vote count began, most delegates completion. The consecration of Service Grants offered to students memory ofVaraz Samuelian. As a his relatively short tenure made it had paper and pens in hand as they the Catholicos was planned to take with at least a 3.5 grade point aver­ personal tribute, Samuelian willed impos~ible to make substantial · followed the vote count. Some del­ place on Sunday, Oct. 31, during age and demonstrated financial his "house and all the art in it" to progress. egates had even brought cell phones · the Diyine Liturgy at Holy need. Aaditional funding will be the Armenian Studies Program. 4? bishops were eligible can­ into the Cathe<;lral ahd were em­ Etchmiadzin. Instead, because of provide~ by the Armenian Studies "He knew that by leaving it to ·the didates for the highest office in the ploying them as the vote was in the assassination of Prime Minis­ Program in the form of scholar­ University in the care of someone Armenian Church, . and in the process.· As the count neared the ter Vazgen Sarkisian and Parlia­ ships. who knew his art and taught Arm e- months preceding the election, there" majority vote, a rise in the level of ment Speaker Karen pemirchian, The statue's internal frame will . nian art, that it had a ·better chance was much discussion about who anticipation could be felt. With the the consecration was postponed be replaced to make the towering of surviving," Kouymjian said. would be the best candidate. AI- · announcement ofthe 226th vote for until Thursday, Nov. 4. Most of tribute more structurally sound. · The bulk ofSamuelian' s artis­ though many names were suggested Archbishop Nersisian, a flurry of the delegates who had assembled Most of the books around the lower tic estate now rests in the care of and there was substantial discus­ applause rippled through the as­ unfortunately missed this impor­ section of the statue were made of the Armenian Studies Program­ sion in the press, especially in the sembled delegates. tant event because of prior travel piywood and have severely dete­ including hundreds of sculptures, Diaspora, only Archbisnops riorated. Gillum said students will paintings and watercolors and thou­ N~rsisian and Bozabalyan accepted Biography of His Holiness Karekin ll ·carefully measure and log the nec­ sands of lithographs, sketches and final nomination . . essary information from each book .drawings that now sit in storage . . As a delegate I was motivated •Karekin Nersisian was born in 1951 in the village ofVoskehat,.near on the statue before reproducing Funding is needed to hire a profes­ by the duty to select a candidate Etchmiadzin · replicas from architectural foam and sional cur tor to properly catalogue whose .leadership qualities would •He entered the seminary ofEtchmiadzin in 1965 and graduated with a dur:able, weatherproof, cement­ the collection. Ultimately, take the Armenian Church into the first-class honors in 1971 and continued his studies in Vienna and like coating that will recreate the Kouymjian would like to see the 21st century. What made this al­ Germany, where he graduated from Bonn University. visual look of the originals. "We construction of a building that ready formidable task even more •In 1970 he was ordained deacon and in 1972 ordained a monk. intend to borrow the visual ele­ would house the collection a·nd difficult, was the fact thatthere was •1980 he joined the Araratian Dioc.ese and in 1983 he was ordained ments of the actual titles of serVe as an Armenian Studies C~n­ no fo·rmal campaign for office, and bishop and in 1992 he was elevated to the rank of archbishop. Saroyan' s books from original edi­ ter, archive .and museum. "Who without a campaign, it was harder •In 1998 he was appointed Locum Tenens by the late His Holiness tion dust jackets to embellish the knows, someday we might get to formulate an opinion. Although Karekin I finished pieces," Gillum said. someone interested in endowing a political style campaign would .On October-27, 1999 he was elected as the 132nd Supreme Patriarch Gillum said community inter­ such a structure," Kouymjian said. not have been de~irable, it would and Catholicos of All Armenians est and the capacity to provide ari Thanks to the efforts of a small have been preferable for the candi­ involved professional experience group of community-minded indi­ da~es themselves ro present their At the conclusion of the elec­ arrangements. for participating students made him v.iduals, the "Tribute to Saroyan" own opinions a:nd views on a vari­ tion, the Catholicos-elect addressed Thus I had the unique oppor­ decide to get involved with the res­ statue Will survive for others to ety of issues. Neither of the two the delegates with emotion and sin­ tunity to be in Armenia for two toration. "In the end I hope the admire. "The statue has different final candidates publicly spoke to cerity in his words. He offered his significant events, the election of . pride of accomplishment is shared meanings to many different people, the delegates at the Assembly about prayers in acknowledging the diffi­ the Catholicos and the tragic events by the public and that the restored it has artistic value to this area," what their goals would be when cult role that he would be undertak­ at the Parliament. These two events piece of sculpture is placed in a Welty said. As for local appeal, elected to this high office. I person­ ing, walking ih the footsteps of St. arguably were the two most impor­ suitable location," Gillum said. Gillum said the fact that the statue ally spoke to many delegates who Gregory himself. He recognized tant events in the life of the young 1\.t this point, those involved commemorates one of the most had only a cursory knowledge of the two clergy who had had the Republic of Armenia, both in a · with the rescue and restoration of important creative minds that has the two candidates. Biographies of most impact on him, the late religious sense and .also in the po­ the statue are uncertain about where called Fresno home, seems to have the two candidates were not even Catholicos Vazken I and the late litical arena and will provide mate­ it will end up. "I suspect that the provided the impetus to save what available to the delegates prior to Catholicos Karekin I. He also spoke rial for discussion for students at restored statue is going to look re­ others have referred to as a pile of the election. The issue of inform­ about his own family, about his Fresno State for many years. ally terrific. Professor Gillum has a junk. ing the delegates about candidates parents, and about his own journey I will never forget those few very healthy and creative approach "Is there anything like it in prior to election should be ·rem­ as a young man growing up in a days in Armenia which will have a to its restoration, and all spruced Fresno? No. Thirty feet of fun edied at future Assemblies. faithful family. historical meaning that only time up, many will want to have it," devoted to the memory of someone There was no consensus can­ The Catholicos emphasized the and future generations wilJ have a · Kouymjian said. ~, who loved fun, loved pranks, loved didate among the bishops them­ need for a united Church, firmly chance to more fully evaluate and Kouymjian ~ews the statue as tongue-in-cheek humor. I have selves, who were publicly divided planted in the hearts of the people. reflect upon. a symbol of what was lost by the said several times that although it over which candidate to support. · The Church has a great responsibil- de~truction of the V araz Modern inay not be classified as great art Art Museum after the artist's death. (how f!lUCh art today is?), it ' ~ won­ "What might have been an interest­ derful kitsch. And what's wrong ing addition to the city's cultural with kitsch and fun art?" HYESHARZHOOM life was just dismissed as junky and Kouymjian asked. NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT trashy because his wonderful mu-

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