OCTOBER 25, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXV, NO. 15, Issue 4358 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Fresno State to Break Ground for Genocide Orphan Rug Will Be Displayed at Monument As Part of Visitors Center showcase the Ghazir rug FRESNO — Fresno State will break ground on a presented to President monument to commemorate the 100th anniversary Exhibit in November Calvin Coolidge, as well as of the Armenian Genocide. Groundbreaking will be the Sèvres vase, given to at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, November 2 on Maple Mall, WASHINGTON — Rep. (D- President Herbert Hoover south of the Satellite Student Union. CA) announced last week that the White in appreciation for feeding Approved by the Campus Planning Committee, House will display the Armenian Orphan children in post-World War the monument will be constructed with private Rug, also known as the Ghazir Rug, as I France, and the donations and will be dedicated on April 24. It was part of an exhibit at the White House Flowering Branches in designed by local architect Paul Halajian. Visitors Center. The exhibit — titled Lucite, given to President The groundbreaking ceremony is planned by “Thank you to the United States: Three in recogni - the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of Gifts to Presidents in Gratitude for tion of American support Fresno and is open to the public. American Generosity Abroad” — will of the people of Japan Built from béton brut (architectural concrete) and tufa stones, the monument will embody sym - bols of cultural meaning to the Armenian people. Its principal components will be arranged in a cir - cular pattern and angled inwards, reminiscent of the Tzitzernagapert Armenian Martyrs Monument in . Nine pillars that comprise the body of the struc - ture represent the six provinces of historic Armenia, Cilicia, the diaspora and the Republic of Armenia. An incomplete halo will be set above the columns, symbolizing both the fracture left by the Genocide and the unity of the Armenian people. Justice Ministry Starts

Above, The after the devastating earthquake and New Cooperation with Armenian tsunami in 2010. These three gifts to Orphan Rug. American presidents will be on dis - UNICEF Left, President play so visitors to the White House (Armenpress) — Justice Minister of Calvin and those wishing to see the artifacts Coolidge Armenia Hovhannes Manukyan received on can view them. inspects the rug. October 10 a delegation headed by Marie-Pierre see RUG, page 16 Poirier, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of the Independent States. Manukyan highly assessed the current level of Fresno Establishes First Armenian Honorary Consul the cooperation with UNICEF and expressed readi - FRESNO (Fresno Bee) — Fresno is now Berj Apkarian, executive director of an honor and a privilege. For his first big pro - ness to cooperate in issues of mutual interest, home to the country’s first Honorary physician relations at Community Medical ject as consul, Apkarian said he wants to take according to the Justice Ministry’s press service. Consul of the Republic of Armenia. Centers, was appointed honorary con - a team of medical and dental professionals to Marie-Pierre Poirier noted that among the orga - Armenian dignitaries and Fresno County sul during a county Board of Supervisors Armenia next October to host a medical edu - nization’s goals is the assurance of access to justice representatives hosted an inaugural cere - meeting last month. He immigrated to cation conference and provide free care for for children. “There are interesting shifts in mony on October 20 at the Pacific Fresno from Syria in 1979. needy people in rural communities. Armenia in that regard. Improvement of the statis - Southwest Building. Apkarian said the voluntary appointment is see CONSUL, page 16 tics of teenagers in penitentiary institutions is one striking testimony of this. Compared to other coun - tries, Armenia has registered a notable achieve - ment,” said the UNICEF representative. She expressed readiness to cooperate in the Fr. Vasken development of community justice centers. “The evidence shows that 86 percent of the juveniles Kouzouian who pass through those centers successfully rein - tegrate into society and commit no more offenses,” Reflects on the Ms. Marie-Pierre Poirier said. The two institutions agreed to cooperate in build - Journey of an ing greater capacity in and strengthening the Armenian Justice Ministry’s Rehabilitation Center Armenian Priest for People Who Committed Criminal Offenses.

By Aram Arkun Mirror-Spectator Staff INSI DE CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian has been pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian ‘Cut’ with Church of Greater Boston for 12 years, and is celebrating his 20th — Laurel anniversary as an ordained priest. Dickranian Karabian a long - An Edge As the pastor of one of the largest time supporter of the and most influential parishes in Tekeyan Cultural Association, Page 10 the Diocese of the Armenian died this week after a long ill - Church of America (Eastern), he ness. A detailed notice will plays an important role in as a appear in next week’s issue. leader of the Armenian-American INDEX community. On the occasion of She was the daughter of the late Eleanor and Arshag Arts and Living ...... 10 his anniversary, he took the time Armenia ...... 2,3 recently to reflect on life as a Dickranian. She leaves her Community News...... 5 priest and an Armenian husband, Walter; a daughter, Editorial ...... 14 American. Madeline; a sister, Cynthia International ...... 4 see KOUZOUIAN, page 7 Norian and her family.

. 2 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia President Serge Sargisian Takes Part in Opening of International School

Paris Mayoral Advisor DILIJAN, Armenia — President Serge Sargisian, accompanied by the Feels Armenia Has Great Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of Tourism Potential All Armenians Karekin II, Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Syriac YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Jean-Yves Camus, a for- Orthodox Church, President Tomislav eign affairs advisor to the mayor of , visited Nikolic of the Serbian Republic, Armenia this October for the fourth time. His first President Bako Sahakyan of the visit was in 2009, and he usually comes in connec- Nagorno-Karabagh Republic and tion with festivities devoted to the Armenian capi- numerous other guests having arrived tal. in Armenia to participate in the open - He stated in an interview, “Every time the ing of the school, on October 11 took changes are obvious, carried out despite the diffi- part in the opening of Dilijan cult economic situation of the country. It is amaz- International School (http://www.dili - ing that under these conditions Armenia makes janschool.org/en/home). every effort to develop economically. I noticed Through presidential decrees, a these positive changes on the way from the airport group of people who have brought the to the capital. The improvement of the urban envi- school project to life were awarded ronment immediately caught my eye.” medals of the Republic of Armenia for Camus saw many English and French speaking their outstanding contribution to build - tourists, and remarked: “It is not a secret that ing and launching Dilijan International Armenia has great potential to become a big center School, an education complex which of tourism. As a person not familiar with the corresponds to international standards, Ruben Vardanian and the president opening the school Armenian alphabet, I would like to see more signs in the Republic of Armenia, promotion in the streets giving directions. Sometimes it is of the education sphere in the Republic hard to know where you are and how to find a par- of Armenia and international scientific- of Dilijan International School. cess of Armenians have always enrap - ticular monument.” educational cooperation, their signifi - In his remarks, Sargisian said, “Today tured people all over the world. And if is a festive and happy any natural resource is to be inevitably day for all of us. This exhausted, this quality of humanity is Armenia May Declare event signals the offi - not subjected to such risk,” he said. December 9 Genocide cial opening of Dilijan “Yes, we present ourselves to the world College, a part of the not through oil, gas and caviar, but Victims Day education network the through the Matenadaran, the Tumo United World Centers, Dilijan International School YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A member of the Colleges, which and our achievements in the IT sphere. opposition Heritage Party Zaruhi Postanjyan sub- Armenians commonly And that is the reason that the future mitted to a package of bills to parliament for con- refer to as Dilijan will be ours. We will feel more confident sideration on condemnation of the genocides of International School.” in the future.” Pontic Greeks, Assyrians, Yezidis and other ethnic- He praised the He thanked the people who made the ities in the Ottoman Empire, with the draft laws lat- donors for making founding of the school possible, includ - ters included on the agenda of the Cabinet of investments in educa - ing Ruben Vardanian and Veronica Ministers’ next session. tion without thoughts Zonabend, Gagik Adibekyan, Oleg The government, however, suggested instead Nubar Afeyan receives the medal of honor. for profit. Mkrtchyan, Vladimir Avetisyan and declaring December 9 a commemoration day for “We are going to Nubar Afeyan . the victims of genocides, to mark the United develop our human On behalf of the government he Nations Convention for the Prevention and cant contribution to implementing edu - capital by making use of all the creative donated two books on the exhibitions Punishment of the Crime of Genocide adopted cational projects and major personal opportunities of mankind. The learning of Armenian art and heritage held at December 9, 1948. contribution to the construction works fervor, creative talent and business suc - the Louvre in Paris and in Venice. “Based on the abovementioned, the government will consider the initiative acceptable in case its suggestion is approved, with Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan to be appointed as a co-rapporteur in consideration of the initiative,” Harry Toufayan Receives Boghos Nubar the government’s statement said. Yerevan and to Medal from Ministry of Diaspora

Cooperate in the Field of YEREVAN — On October 16, Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan Telecommunications received Armenian American business - TEHRAN (Armenpress) — The executive director of man Harry Toufayan and his wife, the Ertebatat-e Zirsakht Company, Mahmud Susan, who were accompanied by Khosravi, and Armenia’s First Deputy Minister of President of the Pyunik Pan-Armenian Transport and Communication Arthur Arakelyan Human Resources Development met in Tehran, Iran. According to Irna.ir, the par- Foundation Gabriel Jemberjian. ties discussed, naturally, cooperation in the field of The minister praised the Toufayan’s telecommunication. Khosravi stressed that new benevolent acts for preservation of the Armenian-Iranian initiatives will be implemented in Armenian identity in the Armenian- the sphere of telecommunications in the first half American community and in the of the coming year. Homeland. “Your parents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, settled in Egypt Aronian May Participate and had a bakery. In 1963, you moved to the United States of America and In World Cup in successfully continued what your par - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Leader of the Armenian ents started, and today, you are famous Harry Toufayan, fifth from left, with his wife, Susan, third from left, and Diaspora national men’s chess team Levon Aronian consid- for the Toufayan trademark.” Minister Hranush Hakobyan and members of his family ered his participation in the regular round of the The minister praised the fact that World Chess Cup due to be held in Baku as possi- Toufayan donates to many programs ble. and projects aimed at preserving the strengthening and development of educational issues concerning the “On one occasion I have said that my participa- Armenian culture. Armenia.” Armenian-American community. tion in the World Chess Cup is possible,” Levon “You sponsored the construction of Hakobyan noted that Toufayan’s Hakobyan praised also Susan Aronian said. World Chess Federation (FIDE) the Holy Resurrection Church in grandson is now following in his grand - Toufayan, noting that her participation President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov’s Executive Assistant Orlando and the Harry and Susan father’s footsteps and has established a has made all the initiatives a success. Berik Balgabaev has written on his Twitter page Toufayan Armenian Center in small bakery at the Dilijan State Anti- Expressing gratitude for the recep - that it is an achievement after his latest visit to Echmiadzin where there are soup Tuberculosis Clinic for Children along tion and the medal, Harry Toufayan Armenia that Levon Aronian will take part in the kitchens for socially disadvantaged citi - with the Fund for Armenian Relief. said, “I am very touched. It was a sur - World Cup match to be held in Baku. On October zens. You also helped build a kinder - Hakobyan awarded Harry Toufayan prise for me to see that you are well 16-18, Ilyumzhinov participated in the Chess at garten in the Zangakatun village of the Boghos Nubar Medal of the aware of my activities and to receive the School international conference in Armenia. Ararat province, and you provide schol - Ministry of Diaspora for carrying out Boghos Nubar Medal. I will always keep arships to youth making progress in the charitable acts in Armenia and in the it with me, and it will help remind me of Zangakatun village,” the minister Diaspora, for special services to pre - the Ministry of Diaspora and you, Mrs. noted. “You have carried out several serve Armenian identity and for his con - Hakobyan.” charitable acts that have contributed to tributions to cultural, scientific and S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Oxfam Launches Worker-Owned Factory in Armenia

AYRUM, Armenia — On Friday, October 3, the northern Additional financial supporters have also come on board ed in people coming together to find their way out of Armenian town of celebrated the opening of a brand alongside Oxfam. poverty. Rather than struggling in isolation, participants new, 1200 square meter fruit processing plant. With the sup - By the time the factory reaches capacity, it is projected to have realized that they can accomplish a great deal more port of Oxfam in Armenia, the factory is providing thousands employee 60 workers and provide a regular source of income when they join forces and assist one another. of local producers not only with much-needed income, but a to nearly 2000 people in the area. “I want the concept and culture of teamwork to be estab - sense of solidarity and empowerment. Perhaps just as important as the economic activity, howev - lished in Armenia,” says Ruslan Antonyan, co-founder of the “For the first time ever, we are instituting a social enterprise Co-op and direc - business that will create jobs and address challenges facing our tor of operations at the fac - remote border communities,” said Oxfam in Armenia Country tory. “There is a very impor - Director Margarita Hakobyan. “In addition to fighting poverty tant psychological and edu - through this enterprise, we hope to put forward a practical cational factor at play here.” model that can be duplicated throughout the country.” In this way, the Ayrum During the Soviet years, Ayrum was famous for its canned fruit-processing plant is an food factory, which employed over 1800 workers and supplied important development for countless cities with quality jams and preserves. But produc - those seeking a new eco - tion at the factory stopped after the collapse of the Soviet nomic model in Armenia — Union, taking with it the region’s economic lifeline. one that is based on values Local residents essentially had two options left: either look of participation, empower - for work abroad or sell seasonal crops along the roadside. ment and solidarity Things began to change in 2011 when a group of agricul - We have seen over the tural producers in Ayrum and Lchkadzor established an last decade how growth Oxfam-sponsored cooperative. They began pooling their alone is not enough to tack - resources and working together to restore the town’s legacy le the fundamental chal - of canned food production. lenges affecting the coun - In addition to helping with start-up capital for the plant — try. The GDP can reach dou - which stands directly across from the old Soviet factory — ble-digit figures, yet only Oxfam provided the co-op everything from training and tech - benefit a small segment of nical assistance, to guidance on marketing and developing a the elite. Problems such as A mostly female workforce is already busy making organic, high quality processed fruit at the sound business model. newly opened Ayrum Fruits Co-op. the lack of a stable middle The factory is now in full swing with a core, mostly-female, class, unequal distribution workforce of nearly two-dozen employees and women from of power, and extreme indi - the surrounding 10 communities involved as fruit pickers. er, is the immeasurable social value being generated. vidualism can only be tackled by a new notion of development “This is a very big achievement,” says factory technologist Members of the co-op democratically decide the direc - that places as much value on the quality of economic growth Sveta Aghayan. “We had a lot of unemployed people who tion of the enterprise through an annual general meeting, as on the quantity. needed a place to work and now they have that.” while an elected executive runs daily affairs. Workers also Workers at the Ayrum factory hope to be the harbingers of Aghayan is one of two remaining experts from the Soviet share in the profit accordingly, giving them an incentive to this alternative vision. They are determined to make their canning factory who are working at the new plant. At 75- work harder to make the business thrive. For Armenia, this business a success so others will emulate their example years-old, she came out of retirement specifically to help the is an unprecedented level of employee voice and ownership throughout the country. In fact, another Oxfam-supported co-op succeed in its endeavor. that is helping foster a greater sense of community and cooperative factory is already scheduled to open next month “I don’t need to work here,” she explains. “I’m merely here participation. in the village of . to pass on my knowledge to the next generation.” From the very onset, the co-op has also highlighted the There are countless challenges yet to be overcome—not the Several potential buyers have already been identified essential role of women in local agricultural life. Special effort least of which are securing financial support, overcoming the along with plans for getting the goods to market quickly. has been made to strengthen their voices, provide them with legacy of Soviet top-down structures, and competing viably in The co-op has its sights set on selling consumer ready jams leadership skills, and involve them in all aspects of the pro - the marketplace—but there is no doubt that such people-cen - and juices both locally and to countries such as Georgia duction process. tered solutions are essential for a more democratic and (whose border is only one mile away) and Russia. Of course, the whole concept of the cooperative is root - durable form of development in Armenia.

Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Center Inauguration

YEREVAN — The inauguration of the Khoren benefactors participated. and Shooshanig Avedisian School and After cutting the ribbon stretching across the Community Center, built in the Malatya- entrance of the new building, the guests walked Sebastia quarter, and the Krikor and Beatrice around the complex. Then a solemn religious Bilezikian Building, took place on October 8. service took place in the newly opened hall. Serge Sargisian, the president of the Republic Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, senior pastor of the of Armenia, Armenian Minister of Education Evangelical Church of Armenia, delivered the and Science Armen Ashotyan, Minister of the opening remarks. Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, V. Rev. Vardan The president of the Republic of Armenia Navasardyan, director of Echmiadzin’s Center then granted the Movses Khorenatsi Medal to of Christian Education, representatives of the benefactor Edward Avedisian, a member of the Armenian Missionary Association of America board of directors of the AMAA, for his signifi - (AMAA) and Armenia, Protestant pastors, cant contributions to the work of preservation deputies of the National Assembly of the of Armenian identity. Republic of Armenia, men of state, representa - Expressing his thanks for this great honor, tives of international social institutions and Avedisian stressed the importance of assisting

The Bilezikian family in front of building which bears name of Charles Bilezikian’s parents

in the Armenian education and upbringing of that approximately 300 children from economi - the upcoming generation. Pamela Avedisian, cally disadvantaged families study there. wife of the benefactor, in her turn donated a There are dozens of Armenian schools, piano to the complex. including elementary schools, colleges, high AMAA Executive Director Zaven Khanjian, schools, and the only Armenian university in Minister Ashotyan, and United Nations the diaspora, Haigazian University, in the Resident Coordinator in Armenia Bradley Lebanese capital of , operating in 24 Busetto gave speeches. countries under the patronage of the Armenian Avedisian, as a member of the AMAA board Evangelical Church. Throughout its existence, of directors, carried out various types of philan - the AMAA has always established and spon - thropic work in Armenia beginning in 1988. For sored Armenian schools. Educational issues of the past 15 years, he, through the AMAA office the Armenian community have always been the in Armenia, has been sponsoring the Khoren object of its concern. The AMAA’s educational and Shooshanig Avedisian School of the institutions in the diaspora are distinguished by Armenian Educational Foundation in the the quality and high level of organization of the Malatya-Sebastia quarter of Yerevan. This is a educational process, extracurricular activities, great educational complex which aside from and programs and events dedicated to the President Serge Sargisian, left, pins the medal on Edward Avedisian. education also has a social dimension. The preservation of Armenian identity. school operates on philanthropic principles, so 4 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News Turkey to Let Iraqi Kurds Cross to Turkish Journalist Calls Syria to Fight ISIS For Reconstruction of itself in major numbers in this place Ani ahead of Centennial By Kareen Fahim and Karam Shoumali called Kobani.” Kurdish fighters, backed by an inten - (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A Turkish jour- sifying campaign of airstrikes by the nalist said there is a need to keep the Armenian MURSITPINAR, Turkey (New York fighters in Kobani, whom he called United States-led military coalition, suc - Genocide issue on top of the agenda ahead of its Times) — Turkey will allow Iraqi Kurdish “equal” to the PKK, according to the ceeded last week in pushing the mili - centenary in 2015, Tert.am said, citing Star. forces, known as pesh merga, to cross semiofficial Anadolu news agency. tants back in several places around In an article published in the Turkish newspa- its border with Syria to help fight mili - “It would be wrong for the United Kobani, including in the west of the city. per, Recep Güvelioglu calls for the creation of tants from the group called the Islamic States, with whom we are friends and The militants counterattacked, sending favorable working conditions for Armenian State who have besieged the Syrian allies in NATO, to talk openly and car bombs to Kobani and harassing migrants in Turkey and the reconstruction of the town of Kobani for more than a month, expect us to say yes to such a support to their opponents with heavy mortar fire ancient historical city of Ani. the Turkish foreign minister announced a terrorist organization,” Erdogan said. over the last few days. “Armenians regard Ani as a religious center. Monday. The decision to permit fighters Kurdish officials had repeatedly com - Ravaged for many years, Ani is on the border with The decision represents an important aligned with different Iraqi Kurdish fac - plained that without new supplies of Armenia. Like the Holy Cross Church of Akhtamar, shift by the Turkish government, which tions — groups that are aligned with ammunition and weapons, the airstrikes Ani too, must be reconstructed within a short peri- has angered Kurdish leaders and frus - Turkey — to join the battle in Kobani would not be sufficient to drive away od with the involvement of international consul- trated Washington for weeks by refus - allows Erdogan to maintain his stance the militants. On Monday, a commander tants and foreign development companies.” ing to allow fighters or weapons to cross against the PKK while addressing some in Kobani, Abu Hasan, said that “spirits “After the reconstruction, the town must provide its border in support of the Kurdish of the criticism of his policy. and morale were high,” after the air - visa-free access to Armenians,” Güvelioglu said. fighters defending the town. Speaking “Opening a passage for the pesh drops, which United States officials said at a news conference in Ankara, the merga creates the impression that included 27 pallets from Iraqi Kurdish Genocide Cross-Stone Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut Turkey has changed its stance, and is on authorities and contained medical sup - Cavusoglu, said that his government board with the coalition against ISIS,” plies, ammunition and weapons. Consecrated in Germany was “helping the pesh merga cross over said Halil M. Karaveli, an expert on The containers fell to the west of to Kobani.” Turkey and a senior fellow at the Kobani about 4 a.m. local time, he said, NEUWIED, Germany (Armenpress) — The consecra- The announcement, along with an Central Asia-Caucasus Institute in adding that one pallet that fell astray tion ceremony of a cross-stone dedicated to the American decision to use military air - Stockholm. “But this move is actually in was destroyed to prevent it from falling memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide craft to drop ammunition and small Turkey’s own interests.” Karaveli said into militant hands. was held on October 19 in Berlin Square, Neuwied, arms to resupply Kobani, reflected esca - the pesh merga would counterbalance Polat Can, a spokesman for the Germany. The consecration was performed by the lating international pressure to push the Kurdish groups in Kobani that Kurdish fighters in Syria, said that ship - Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of back Islamic State militants. As the Turkey opposes. ment included antitank weapons. He Germany, Archbishop Karekin Bekchian. United States-led coalition has increased Turkey’s decision also suggested that said that the Kurdish forces were expect - Neuwied Mayor Nicolaus Roth, Armenian its airstrikes as well as its coordination it had quietly agreed to the United ing more airdrops in the coming days. Embassy Counsellor in Germany Ashot Smbatyan, with the Kurdish fighters, who have pro - States’ decision to airdrop weapons and There was less visible fighting in the and head of the Neuwied Armenian community vided targeting information, the mili - ammunition to Kobani’s defenders. city during the day. In the afternoon, Zhenik Chatack delivered speeches at the event. tants have lost momentum after appear - Obama spoke with Erdogan on fires started appearing to the east of the ing close to overrunning the town. Saturday, and notified him of the deci - city, an area still partly controlled by Pope Francis to Visit The battle has become a closely sion to conduct the airdrops, American Islamic State fighters, and residents fret - watched test for the Obama administra - officials said. It was not clear what kind ted that the militants were torching Hagia Sophia in Istanbul tion’s policy of combining air power of deal had been struck, though ana - homes. with reliance on local forces on the lysts said Turkey probably wanted assur - Cavusoglu did not say how or when ISTANBUL (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Pope Francis ground to fight the militant group in ances that the supplies would not be the pesh merga fighters would cross will visit sites that recall Turkey’s often-tumultuous Iraq and in Syria. At the same time, the used by the PKK against Turkey. into Kobani. Late Monday, Hemin history at a cultural crossroads between continents American effort has been criticized — American officials speaking on a con - Hawrami, an Iraqi Kurdish official, and faiths during a three-day visit to the country including by the Turks — as too selective ference call with reporters late Sunday wrote on Twitter that the fighters had next month, the Associated Press reports. and ineffective in stopping the suffering declined to characterize Turkey’s reac - been ordered to deploy in the next 48 The Vatican announced Tuesday, October 21, of other cities, under bombardment by tion to the airdrops. They said the Obama hours. that Francis’ first stop on the Nov 28-30 trip will be the Syrian government or menaced by administration had “made clear to the A senior Pentagon official said on a visit to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, militants, in a war that has killed more Turkish government for some days now Monday, speaking on the condition of the founder and first President of the Republic of than 200,000 Syrians. the urgency of facilitating resupply,” a anonymity, that “it will be a significant Turkey. He will also meet Prime Minister Ahmet The Turks’ refusal to allow large senior official said on the call, speaking change to be able to have a free flow of Davutoglu and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. amounts of military aid to flow to the on the condition of anonymity. fighters going into Kobani.” The pope travels the next day to Istanbul, where defenders of Kobani has also raised ten - Secretary of State John Kerry, speak - A Kurdish defense official in Kobani, he will visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly sions across Turkey, where Kurds have ing in Jakarta, Indonesia, said the Obama Ismet Sheikh Hassan said he had not known as the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia, accused the government of President administration approved the airdrop been given any information about when a former Greek Orthodox patriarchal basilica that Recep Tayyip Erdogan of abandoning because it would have been “irresponsi - the pesh merga would arrive. He wel - was transformed into an imperial mosque and is the city to the militants of the Islamic ble” and “morally very difficult” to fail to comed the influx, while asserting that now a museum. State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. support the Kurdish fighters in a “crisis the Kurdish fighters already in the city The pope will also say a Mass at the Cathedral of Turkey has been reluctant to empow - moment,” The Associated Press reported. — members of the People’s Protection the Holy Spirit and participate in ecumenical er the Kurdish fighters in Kobani, who He acknowledged the pressures fac - Forces, the Y.P.G. — were not desperate prayers at the Church of St. George. are affiliated with the Kurdish Workers’ ing Turkey, but defended the focus on for more fighters. Party, or PKK That group has fought a Kobani. “We are short on ammunition and Prime Minister Meets three-decade war against the Turkish “Let me say very respectfully to our weapons,” he said “not on human government, though there have been allies the Turks that we understand fully power.” With Governor peace talks for the last year and a half. the fundamentals of their opposition, But Mohamed Arif Ali, a doctor work - Turkey, along with the United States and ours, to any kind of terrorist group, ing in Kobani, said that the arrival of ISFAHAN, Iran (Armenpress) — On the second day and the European Union, considers the and particularly, obviously, the chal - even a few pesh merga fighters was sym - of an October official visit to Iran, Armenian Prime group a terrorist organization. lenges they face with respect to the bolically important, and would bolster Minister Hovik Abrahamyan met with Isfahan As recently as Sunday, Erdogan had PKK,” Kerry said. “But we have under - Kurdish unity. “It means a lot to the Governor Rasul Zargarpur. Abrahamyan highlight- said he would not agree to any taken a coalition effort to degrade and civilians and fighters,” he said. “They ed the cooperation between the provinces of American arms transfers to Kurdish destroy ISIL, and ISIL is presenting are not left alone facing ISIS.” Armenia and Iran, which can be promoted by mutu- al visits and the furthering of friendly ties. According to the press service of the Armenian government, the governor of Isfahan expressed his University of Students Reject Genocide Commemoration Motion gratitude to Armenia’s prime minister for visiting their province and highly assessed the role of the LONDON (PanARMENIAN.Net) — hatred” by organizing “commemorative cial recognition of the genocide in Armenian community in development of Isfahan. Students at a top university in Britain events for students and members of the Europe and the United States — could Subsequently, the delegation headed by the have voted against holding commemo - public on Holocaust Memorial Day be considered “Eurocentric.” Nor is the prime minister visited the Armenian National ration ceremonies for a number of geno - (January 27), on the European Day of Goldsmiths’ Assembly apparently aware Educational Complex of (Nor Jugha), cides, including the Nazi Holocaust and Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism that the Nazi Holocaust severely impact - where the students of the complex, teachers and the slaughter of around 1.5 million and Nazism (August 23), on the ed the 415,000 Jews who were residing Armenian community representatives welcomed Armenians by the Ottoman Turks, on Holodomor Genocide Memorial Day Act in North Africa during the period of them. There, Abrahamyan highly assessed the role the grounds that do so would be (4th Saturday in November) and on Nazi rule. of the educational complex. “Eurocentric.” Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day However, one leading London-based On October 21, the delegation headed by the According to The Algemeiner, last (April 24).” Jewish analyst told The Algemeiner that prime minister was to visit the Ararat Sports and week, a session of the Student Assembly But Education officer Sarah El-alfy the proposers of the motion may have Cultural Union of New Julfa, and participate in a of Goldsmiths’ College — affiliated with implored students to vote against the erred by not including other, more ceremony dedicated to the 350th anniversary of St. the University of London — was pre - proposal, rejecting it as “Eurocentric.” recent genocides as candidates for com - Hovsep Church in New Julfa. sented with a motion that urged stu - El-alfy did not explain how commemo - memoration, most obviously Rwanda, dents to recognize “the unspeakable rating the Armenian Genocide, carried where around one million Tutsis and horrors of the Holocaust, of the other out by Turkey — whose current leader - moderate Hutus were exterminated by genocides, of totalitarianism and racial ship has lobbied actively to prevent offi - Hutu extremists in 1994. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Eastern Diocese Society for Hires Jacob Armenian Studies Yahiayan as To Mark 40th New Director of Anniversary WASHINGTON — To mark the 40th Administration Anniversary of its founding, the Society for Armenian Studies (SAS) is holding a two day NEW YORK — The Diocese of the Armenian conference at the Marriott Wardman Park Church of America (Eastern) announced this Hotel on November 21-22. The theme of the week that it has hired a new director of admin - conference is “Armenians in the Ottoman istration who will function as the chief adminis - Empire in the 19-20th Centuries.” trative officer of the Diocesan Center in New Twenty participants representing different York City, its affiliated parishes and organiza - international academic institutions are partici - tions. pating. There will be three panels in total. The Jacob H. Yahiayan has accepted the position first “The Contributions of Armenians to effective immediately. An official announcement Ottoman Culture, Society, Art and from Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Architecture” will include papers on topics such Primate, and the Diocesan Council was broad - as “Reconstructing the Urban and cast to the leadership of the Eastern Diocese on Architectural History of Ottoman Armenian October 9. Communities: Zeytun, 1850-1915” and Yahiayan will bring his leadership experience “Reassessing Cultural Transformation in Early- in international finance and on the boards of 20th-Century Bolis: Armenian Contributions to major universities and cultural institutions to a Shared Ottoman Physical Culture.” the management of the Diocese. Immediately Panels two and three focus on “The prior to taking on the position of Diocesan Aftermath of the Genocide” and papers in these Director of Administration, he was a managing two sessions range from “The Emergence of the member of Continental Advisory Services, LLC, New Wealthy Class between 1915-1921: The a New York state-based family office. Seizure of Armenian Property by the Local During his 25- Elites in Aintab,” to “Naim Bey from Sis to year career in Meskeneh. Testimony, Between Survivor international Rosine Babayan presents the Primate with a needlework she donated to the muse - Reticence and Descendants’ Consumption banking, um at St. Leon Cathedral overseen by Levon Keshishian. Binge.” Some of the participants include Yahiayan has Heghnar Watenpaugh, Ümit Kurt, Rachel lived in Asia, Goshgarian, Murat Yildiz, Richard Hovannisian, Europe and the Anahit Kartashyan, Khatchig Mouradian and Middle East. Born Yervant Babayan Nora Cherishian Lessersohn. in Lebanon and Chair of the Organizing Committee and SAS raised in the US, Vice President Prof. Bedross Der Matossian Yahiayan received said: “As we are approaching the centennial of his bachelor’s Memorial Honors an the Armenian Genocide this timely Conference Jacob H. Yahiayan degree from New not only allow us to mark the 40th anniversary York University, of the establishment of the Society for and holds gradu - Educator, Visionary Armenian Studies, one of the most important ate degrees in business administration, interna - academic organizations dedicated to Armenian tional management and education from New Studies, but also to commemorate the York Institute of Technology, the Institut BURBANK, Calif. — Midway through a memorial held in honor of Yervant Armenian Genocide. In addition to fascinating Européen d’Administration des Affaires Babayan, a lifelong Armenian educator, on Friday, October 3, at the Western papers that concentrate on the contribution of (INSEAD) in France and CUNY Brooklyn Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, 11 elementary-aged students in the Armenians to Ottoman society, there are College, respectively. matching blue and white uniforms complete with a light blue handkerchief tied also other captivating papers on the Armenian Throughout his career, Yahiayan has had a around their necks, joined their hands together and sang the Hayr Mer . Genocide viewed from different perspectives strong interest in education and institutions of These young individuals, the inaugural students of the newly-dedicated Yervant that range from fresh studies on the concentra - higher learning. He has served on the Dean’s Babayan Armenian Saturday School of the Crescenta Valley Armenian Apostolic tion camps, humanitarian interventions, to Advisory Boards at NYU’s College of Arts and Church, were a testament to Babayan’s dedication to education of Armenian youth denial of the Genocide.” Sciences, the Gallatin School of Individualized in the Diaspora. The conference will conclude with a reception Study and the Lebanese American University Babayan was laid to rest in August, yet his influence and legacy continues on on Saturday night. All sessions are free and (LAU), and was previously Trustee at the through Armenian school students such as those of the Crescenta Valley, who open to the public. No registration is required. Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Yahiayan is sang five songs, reflecting the richness of the Armenian culture and the vibrant “We urge the Armenian community at large currently an Executive Council Member at Armenian community in the Diaspora. and the academic community to attend this fas - NYIT’s School of Management. To these roles The memorial celebration provided the opportunity for those close to Babayan cinating event and learn more about different he brings his personal perspective as an educa - to share their personal memories and elaborate on his educational endeavors, aspects of the history of Armenians in the late tor who has taught in universities in Europe namely as principal of the Vahan Tekeyan School in Beirut, Lebanon, for more Ottoman period,” said Der Matossian. and the Middle East. than 30 years as well as his instrumental role in the Tekeyan Cultural Association, The full program can be viewed here. Prior to embarking on his international Armenian Democratic Liberal (Ramgavar) party, the AGBU and the Armenian The conference will take place in conjunction career, Yahiayan enjoyed a long personal rela - Diaspora as a whole. with the Annual Meeting of the Middle East tionship with the Diocese and St. Vartan Keynote speaker Dr. Krikor Adanalian gave an impassionate speech about what Studies Association of North America (MESA) Armenian Cathedral, where he was married and he had learned from Babayan even though he had never been his student. He that is going to be held in Washington DC, 22- where his two children were baptized. He also noted that he never pursued fame and glory instead serving his community with 25, November. has a strong family connection to the Diocese principle and integrity. The Society for Armenian Studies was found - through his wife, the former Sylva Svajian, “Mr. Babayan answered the noble calling of being an educator, community ed in 1974 by a group of scholars from the uni - daughter of the late Dr. Stepan and the late Dr. leader and a writer, contributing richly even in his advanced age,” said Adanalian. versities of California, Columbia, and Harvard Pergrouhi Svajian. He stated that his former students occupy important positions in Armenian on the initiative of Richard G. Hovannisian, “We are confident that Jacob H. Yahiayan will Diasporan life. Dickran Kouymjian, Nina Garsoian, Avedis bring a broad vision, professional management “As a principled leader who always shied away from the limelight, he was an Sanjian and Robert Thomson. It is dedicated to style, and a strong commitment to quality to his orator without equal. His patriotic speeches were like volcanoes trumpeting our the development of Armenian Studies as an aca - new role as Diocesan Director of national cause and the merits of our homeland,” said Adanalian. demic discipline. Administration,” said Archbishop Khajag In his speech, Dr. Arshag Kazanjian, editor of Massis weekly, emphasized that The aims of the Society for Armenian Studies Barsamian, the Diocesan Primate. “We are Babayan dedicated his entire life to the service of Armenian literature, culture and are to promote the study of Armenian culture eager to welcome his enthusiastic, energetic and education. and society, including history, language, litera - warm personality into the fold of the Diocesan “For generations, he educated young men and women with a sense of pride in ture, and social, political, and economic ques - Center.” their culture and homeland,” said Kazanjian. “He tirelessly advocated the merits tions; to facilitate the exchange of scholarly “I am delighted to have become a part of this of being a true Armenian and promoted the strengthening of Armenian-Diaspora information pertaining to Armenian studies organization,” said Yahiayan. “The Eastern ties. He leaves behind a rich legacy and it is incumbent upon the new generation around the world; and to sponsor panels and Diocese has a solid record of achievement to carry this torch.” conferences on Armenian studies. behind it, and I’m eager to add my own per - see BABAYAN, page 6 For more information on the Society for spective and vision, to help guide it to the next Armenian Studies, visit its website, atsociety - level.” forarmenianstudies.com. 6 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Yervant Babayan Memorial Honors an Educator, Visionary

BABAYAN, from page 5 the very last days of his life, published five books in Kazanjian stressed the fact that Babayan Babayan kept close touch with Armenian. played a critical role in strengthening Armenian people around him and followed In 1986 he and his fami - Diasporan cultural ties. the events of Armenian life. ly moved to Los Angeles. One his first students, Paylag Aharonian, “He enjoyed the unreserved From 1987 to 1993, he recounted his impressions of Babayan when he respect and the love of his peo - held the post of TCA exec - arrived from in 1935 to teach at AGBU’s ple,” said Karayan, who pledged utive director. Nourbarian School in the northern Lebanese to continue the march of nation - He received many hon - city of Tripoli. al service chartered by her ors as an educator, author “He was a young, well-dressed and energetic father. and national figure. teacher, who in a very short time, made himself Opening remarks were made Vazken I, Catholicos of All loved by all of us and we in return loved him,” by a former student of Babayan’s Armenians, bestowed upon said Aharonian. “Teaching was the ultimate joy at Vahan Tekeyan School, Levon him the St. Sahag-St. in his life.” Keshishian, who served as the Mesrob medal, along with Alluding to his oratorical skills, Aharonian memorial’s master of ceremonies. a special encyclical. The added that, “his speeches, patriotic or other - “Although thousands of his Lebanese Ministry of wise, were simply magical.” former student all over the world Education awarded him its Recalling a time decades later when are mourning the passing of “merit” medal; the munici - Aharonian was invited to teach under the stew - Yervant Babayan, they all are Students of the Yervant Babayan Armenian Saturday School of the Crescenta Valley pality of Sin-el-Fil (Beirut) ardship of Babayan at the Vahan Tekeyan immensely proud of their leg - Armenian Apostolic Church and the Vahan Tekeyan School, he said, “despite the unprecedented endary teacher and principal,” School both awarded him academic success that the school achieved, Mr. said Keshishian, who added that gold medals, the Babayan maintained the utmost modesty.” he was privileged to have been both his student He was one of the founders of the Armenian Committee for Cultural Relations with Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of and later, provisionally, a member of his staff. General Benevolent Union Youth Association Armenians Abroad of Soviet Armenia presented the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church The event concluded with a Requiem Service and became its chairman in 1935. In 1934 he him with a Certificate of Honor; the Armenian of America, made a case as to why Babayan was (hokehankisd) and a memorial luncheon (hoke - became one of the founders of the Arek American International College conferred upon universally loved and admired. The archbishop jash) at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall Cultural Society, headed by Prof. K. Mikayelian. him the title of Honorary Member of the is one of seven of Babayan’s former students where Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, a long - During World War II, he actively participated in President’s Circle; the Teacher’s Lounge of the who have attained high positions in the time acquaintance of Babayan’s, recounted his the fundraising efforts for the David of Sassoun College’s Dadian Center was named after Armenian Church. Derderian said Babayan was very first meeting with the late educator at the Tank Division. He served as secretary of the Yervant and Rosine Babayan; and the a witness to and participant in 20th century old Vahan Tekeyan School that was a collection Repatriation Committee of Syria, as well as the Mashdots College of Glendale, California Armenian history, from the Armenian Genocide of rooms in rented buildings at the edge of a Armenian National Council. From 1967 to bestowed upon him the title of Honorary to the revival of the Armenian Diaspora, to the Bourj Hammoud shanty town neighborhood in 1971, he was chairman of the executive com - Professor of Armenian Studies. independence of Armenia and the liberation of the mid-1950s. He spoke of the remarkable mittee of the Tekeyan Cultural Association On November 17, 2013, in an official cere - Artsakh. changes the school underwent over the years (TCA) and as chairman of the Ramgavar party mony presided over by Derderian, the Saturday “Mr. Babayan was a patriot who longed for under Babayan’s leadership. from 1977-1978. From 1971-1978 he edited the School of the Armenian Church of Crescenta the Motherland and Holy Echmiadzin,” said Yervant Babayan was born in Aintab in 1913 Nor Aintab (New Aintab) Quarterly . He has Valley was named after Yervant Babayan in Derderian. “Through it all he steadfastly and received his primary education at the contributed to numerous newspapers such as honor of the renowned educator, prolific writer remained the messenger of faith.” Guiliguian and Haigazian schools in Aleppo Ararat, Zartonk, Nor Or, Baikar, Massis and and inspirational public speaker. On behalf of the Babayan and Karayan fami - and his secondary education at the French lies, Dr. Silva Karayan delivered a talk in Lycee Weygand. He was a faculty member and Armenian and in English thanking everyone later principal of the Guiliguian School in in the community for their outpouring of grati - Aleppo. In 1953, together with his family, he ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS tude to and love for to Babayan. moved to Beirut, where he served as principal D D S Karayan highlighted the fact that even until of the Vahan Tekeyan School for 32 years. Cemetery Monuments Specializing in Armenian Designs and Lettering

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KOUZOUIAN, from page 1 was ordained as a priest and renamed Fr. Vasken what it is to go through the life process they are one for many young people. The light that God Fr. Vasken comes from a long line of priests. in memory of the late catholicos he so admired. going through, from young children trying to fig - brings is a new approach for them. The ministry On his mother’s side, the Der Bedrosians of He did a pastoral internship with his own father ure out what life is, to college issues, finding a must reinvent itself constantly because the world Marash, there have been 51 generations of at Holy Trinity, and then, for some 10 years, went spouse and all the issues that emerge later in young people live in does the same. priests, though he only knows a little about their out to work elsewhere. life.” The people he grew up with now are them - Furthermore, it becomes more difficult in activities prior to the 19th century. His father, Fr. He served as pastor of St. Mark Armenian selves parents raising young children — as are Fr. many ways to minister to a community that has Mampre Kouzouian, of course, is also a priest. Fr. Church in Springfield, Mass., from 1995 to 1999, Vasken and his wife. He said, “When I inter - been in America for several generations. He said, Vasken said that when he was a child, “the and also as director of St. Vartan Summer Camp. viewed here, I told the Parish Council that I will “With every generation of Armenians in America, rhythm of family life was set by my mother. His wife served as director of programming for be a father with a newborn, and my needs will be American life becomes more ingrained in them, Church life was always a part of my childhood. the camp. Their success with the camp led to different from the pastor who was here before which is a wonderful thing. However, this does My mother told me that I even ‘played church’ as Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the me, who had adult children. They understood take them one step further from Armenian life. In a child. I placed a blanket on my shoulders, and Diocese, to ask them to lead the Diocesan Youth and allowed me to spend as much time as possi - the church and Diocese, we look for a balance. … carried around a book like a Bible.” By the end Ministry Program. Kouzouian also led several ble with my child. Now that she is 12, she is very I try to make the different experiences come of high school, when he had to write for a class youth pilgrimages to and Armenia. In active in our parish life too. The parish was very together. I am an Armenian priest serving in about what he wanted to become when he “grew a sense, he became a specialist in dealing with the welcoming — and a young family with a young America, and I know what that means.” up,” he reached a point where he could formally Armenian-American youth at a period in the pastor brings a certain excitement for other fam - He feels that “the church in the last 20 years articulate his desire. He said, “Before I knew it, Diocese’s history when this was considered one ilies too.” has moved toward becoming more accessible to my hand was racing across the page, writing that of the most important missions of the institution. In turn, Kouzouian is very proud of the parish. the people in this country, and more part of their I want to be a priest in the Armenian Church, and After his father, Fr. Mampre, retired, the Holy He said, “This has always been a parish that has everyday life. We have a long way to go, but we giving the reasons why.” Trinity parish asked the younger Kouzouian to brought leaders to the Armenian Church in are closer today than yesterday.” Among other Yet despite this, it was not predetermined that become its new pastor in 2002. Comparisons America. We are made up of immigrants who things, the Diocese is exploring the use of the Fr. Vasken would enter the ranks of the clergy. between father and son were inevitable. Fr. came after the Genocide. They built up their busi - Internet and social media. He reminisced: “My parents wanted me to fully Vasken himself commented, “I came here with nesses, and their children took it to the next level. Fr. Vasken expounds his pragmatic approach investigate all areas of interest to me — so that I completely different strengths so that my min - They became very successful thanks to their not only in his parish and at Boston area inter - would not choose one thing without giving the istry has been very different than his. He was strong work ethic. Consequently we have a trust faith and clergy councils, but on a Diocesan level, other interests in my heart the chance to devel - very strong liturgically and culturally, and loved fund which sustains this large church complex. as he has been a member of the Diocesan op. I had a love for history and political science, by the people. I entered through the door of People say that this is ‘the wealthy church,’ but Council for eight years. He said, “I have a love for and I majored in political science when I went to addressing the issues of our youth and families the real strength of this parish is its people — the our Diocese, having worked in the Youth Boston University. I truly loved it.” first, and then went on to their parents and way they think and approach family life. And they Ministry. Now that I am in parish ministry, I can Yet in the end he found out that his heart still grandparents. Yet he has always been here to give honor their community by maintaining their see both sides of issues and the Primate under - was with the priesthood. He went to Armenia, to support and to offer his opinion, but only when church on Brattle Street in this very blue-blood - stands this. I try to focus all conversations back Echmiadzin’s Gevorkian Seminary, from 1988 to asked. He never interferes but is always available ed part of America.” to how things impact parish life and the commu - 1990. This was an exciting time to be in Armenia, for me if I have a question.” At this point in time, he said he felt there was nity. Our Primate has been very open to hearing with the changes that were leading toward inde - Kouzouian came back to Cambridge a no major demographic distinction between it and that and appreciative of such comments. I will pendence, but even more important to Fr. Vasken changed man. He explained, “Going into the sem - St. James Armenian Church in nearby stay involved as long as they want me at the (then still called by his baptismal name of inary, I was certain that I was going to go and Watertown, which also is part of the Armenian table.” Alexan), was “the constant feeling that this is teach the world all about the Armenian Church’s Diocese. He said, “It is just old family ties which With his anniversary approaching, Kouzouian where you belong. I knew by the time I returned teachings. Soon when I became involved in often determine where parishioners go to church reflected on how he himself has changed over that this is my calling. You go where your heart parish life, I realized that it was first necessary to — grandparents or parents may have come here. the past 20 years: “I feel much more attuned to calls you to be.” He became ordained as a deacon speak to people’s lives — the issues that they However, though we have a new influx from over - the lives of the people I serve, and much more at Echmiadzin. struggle with, the decisions they have to make, sees, this is more of a fourth-generation church, aware of who I am as a priest of the Armenian Echmiadzin was a smaller place than today, their joys and their sorrows. My focus turned with very much an American-Armenian experi - Church, with my strengths and my weaknesses. I with only 43 seminarians, so Alexan was able to from teaching to pastorally ministering, to enter - ence. St. James has that, but also draws more look at myself as someone who is a part of the interact a good deal with the clergy, even with ing their lives with them. It has been a wonder - newcomers, partly because of its location.” journey of the people to whom I administer. I like the late Catholicos Vasken I. He recalled that the ful path, and an effective one. People are looking Kouzouian said he feels the ministry of the to shed the light of Christ into their lives as much catholicos “was a very fatherly and graceful fig - for answers from the church.” Teaching for him Armenian Church grows more challenging as as I can. Now more than ever I rely on these ure. You knew you were in the presence of a very now comes through sermons which show how to broad outside influences grow stronger. Many words of the Bible which accompany me all the holy man when you met him.” apply the lessons of the Armenian Church to other priorities pull people away from the church time, no matter where I may go: “‘Be not afraid, Kouzouian returned to the US and began a one’s daily walk in life. on a Sunday morning. He said, “The social media for I am with you always unto the end of the course of study at St. Nersess Theological He said he feels that he has a good set of tools world has changed our entire way of viewing our age.’” Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox to accomplish this, especially with his present young people and how they view themselves and Kouzouian’s anniversary will be celebrated for - Theological Seminary. After graduating, he mar - parishioners. He said, “I grew up like they did. I the world around them. World events like 9/11 mally at Holy Trinity Armenian Church on ried Arpi Musluyan in 1994. Soon thereafter he struggled with what they struggle with. I know have changed their outlook to what is a very dark Sunday, October 26.

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Church has not had canonization for hun - and St. Blaise (bishop and martyr). The Victors, dreds of years.” anniversaries of their martyrdom became The canonization will take place under the birthday celebrations, he noted, since on that auspices of the Catholicos of All Armenians day they entered a new and eternal life with Karekin II and Catholicos Aram I of the Great Christ. Not Victims: House of Cilicia. “They will officially recog - “There is a very strong connection nize as saints of the church the countless between the martyrs and the Eucharist. They souls who perished during the Genocide for are not only commemorated on their anniver - the sake of the name of Jesus Christ,” said saries, but also sought by prayers and devo - Prof. Maxwell Johnson Findikyan. tion,” he stated. “Saints’ days were the heart Presents Case for Johnson began his discourse titled, “The and form of Christian piety.” Blood of the Martyrs ‘Seed of the Church’ The 20th-century has been called the Age Armenian Martyrs Yesterday and Today,” by noting that of Martyrs, he continued, because “more throughout the Armenian Badarak, saints Christians died for their faith than in previ - appear in several places, and especially in the ous times, such as during the Roman Empire. Intercessions where they are emphasized. Today martyrdom is of an ecumenical nature. By Florence Avakian “Who is a saint,” he asked. “They are citizens Only one who has died of his or her own will of the kingdom of God, certain faithful mem - is a martyr,” Professor Johnson declared. bers of the church who stand out. Most are Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador NEW YORK — “The victims of the unknown, and in certain communities, they are who was killed in 1980 at the altar is such an Armenian Genocide will become victors in venerated locally. Canonization implies that example. “The first thing he saw upon arising Christ,” stated Dr. Maxwell E. Johnson, pro - the saints are included into the canon.” in the morning, and the last thing he saw fessor of liturgy at the University of Notre In the Armenian Church, canonization is before retiring at night was a picture at his Prof. Maxwell Johnson Dame, in a lecture on Thursday, October 9 not a formal, legal process, but rather recog - bedside of Christ’s passion in his last gasp sponsored by the Zohrab Information Center nition by the church of a person’s sanctity, he before He died.” of the Armenian Diocese (Eastern). said. And the qualifications include being a In May, Pope Francis received Catholicos are canonized, we can no longer hold In his introduction, the Very Rev. Daniel martyr, performing miracles, living a holy life, Karekin II, and said, “In truth, the number of Hokehankists (requiem services) to mourn Findikyan, Director of the Zohrab or being an exemplary icon. The basic exam - disciples who shed their blood for Christ in their death. Instead, we will celebrate the Information Center, called the speaker an ples of saints in the Armenian Church have the tragic events of the last century, is cer - Divine Liturgy invoking their names, asking “expert in the history and theology of early been martyrs, monks, or bishops, and their tainly superior to that of the martyrs of the for their intercession and we will celebrate Christian worship” who has written exten - deaths, miracles, relics, icons, have been com - first centuries, and in this martyrology, the their victory over death, in and through sively on the topic of martyrdom. memorated. children of the Armenian nation have a place Christ.” In April 2015, on the 100th anniversary of First and foremost among the martyrs is of honor.” Tchilingirian continued, “Once the victims the start of the Armenian Genocide, Jesus Christ, the scholar said, and others The Pope continued by stating, “The mys - of the Genocide are canonized, we can no Findikyan said, the Armenian Church will have included St. Stephen Proto Martyr, the tery of the Cross, so dear to the memory of long hold candlelight vigils. The mournful, canonize the martyrs of the Armenian 40 Martyrs of Sepastia (frozen to death), St. your people, represented in the splendid dark atmosphere of commemorations of the Genocide. “Many died for the Christian faith. Shushanik, St. Hripsime (virgin and martyr), stone crosses that adorn every corner of your Genocide will have to be changed into a fes - This is unique and momentous, since the St. Ignatius of Antioch (bishop and martyr) land, has been lived by countless of your chil - tive glorious atmosphere. The victims are no dren as a direct participation in the chalice of longer victims, but saints who live in the the Passion of Christ. The recent suffering of glory of God. Hence, the question is whether Christians is the seed of unity. It is a power - Armenians are willing to see themselves as ful call to journey along the road of reconcil - witness to the Death and Resurrection of iation among the Churches.” Christ – for whom hundreds of thousands of And in a 1990 article titled, “Canonization Armenians gave their lives, rather than per - of the Genocide Victims: Are We Ready?” petually identifying themselves as the vic - sociologist and Deacon Hratch Tchilingirian tim.” has written, “Theologically, once the victims Johnson’s lecture is available for viewing of the Genocide are canonized, the Armenian online at zohrabcen - Church will be put under a dogmatic impera - ter.org/2014/10/14/zicvid-prof-maxwell-john - tive. They are no longer victims, but victors son-speaks-on-martyrdom-in-the-early-churches- in Christ. Once the victims of the Genocide and-the-martyrs-of-the-armenian-genocide/

Yale’s Sarah Halejian Is a Two-Time All-Ivy First Team Member

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Yale women’s basketball senior captain Sarah Halejian (Wyckoff, NJ) has been selected by College Sports Madness for their Ivy League Preseason All-Conference First Team. In addition, College Sports Madness also named Halejian to the Fourth Team in the 2014-15 Preseason All-Mid Major Teams selection, which includes schools from all over the country. The 5-foot-9 guard averaged 15.5 points per game in 2013-14, which led the Bulldogs and was good for third in the Ivy League. Her 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game led the Ivy, helping the Bulldogs to a 7-7 record in league play and their fifth- consecutive top-four finish. Halejian has appeared in 84 games for Yale over three seasons, scoring double-fig - ures on 60 occasions. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Feminist Critics of Video Games Facing Threats in ‘GamerGate’ Campaign

women and say this behavior is unacceptable,” suspicious of media bias in the industry. The game By Nick Wingfield Sarkeesian said in an interview. review site Kotaku, which employed the journalist Representatives for several major game publishers named in the accusation, said he had not written — Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard and Take-Two about her game. Quinn said that she had left her NEW YORK (New York Times) — Anita Interactive Software — declined to comment. home and not returned because of harassment. Sarkeesian, a feminist cultural critic, has for months “Threats of violence and harassment are wrong,” And last week an independent game developer in received death and rape threats from opponents of the Entertainment Software Association, the main Boston, Brianna Wu, said she was driven from her her recent work challenging the stereotypes of lobbying group for big game companies, said in a home by threats of violence after she poked fun at women in video games. Bomb threats for her public statement. “They have to stop. There is no place in supporters of #GamerGate on Twitter. “From the top talks are now routine. One detractor created a game the video game community — or our society — for down in the video game industry,” she said, “you in which players can click their mouse to punch an personal attacks and threats.” have all these signals that say, ‘This is a space for image of her face. A YouTube video series created by Sarkeesian that men.’” Not until Tuesday, though, did Sarkeesian feel examines gender issues has led to death and rape Gaming — or at least who plays video games — is compelled to cancel a speech, planned at Utah State threats against her. quickly changing, though. According to the University. The day before, members of the university administration received an email warning that a shooting massacre would be carried out at the event. And under Utah law, she was told, the campus police could not prevent people with weapons from entering her talk. “This will be the deadliest school shooting in American history, and I’m giving you a chance to stop it,” said the email, which bore the moniker Marc Lépine, the name of a man who killed 14 women in a mass shooting in in 1989 before taking his own life. The threats against Sarkeesian are the most noxious example of a weeks-long campaign to discredit or intimidate outspoken critics of the male-dominated gaming industry and its culture. The instigators of the campaign are allied with a broader movement that has rallied around the Twitter hashtag #GamerGate, a term adopted by those who see ethical problems among game journalists and politi - cal correctness in their coverage. The more extreme threats, though, seem to be the work of a much smaller faction and aimed at women. Major game companies Threats against Anita Sarkeesian have shined a spotlight on a harassment campaign against female game developers and critics. Credit have so far mostly tried to steer Jim Wilson/ clear of the vitriol, leading to calls The New York Times for them to intervene. While the online attacks on women have intensified in the last few months, the dynamics behind the harassment go On Wednesday, as word of the latest threat against Entertainment Software Association, 48 percent of back much further. They arise from larger changes in Sarkeesian circulated online, the hashtag game players in the United States are women, a fig - the video game business that have redefined the #StopGamerGate2014 became a trending topic on ure that has grown as new opportunities to play audience for its products, expanding it well beyond Twitter. The term #GamerGate was popularized on games through mobile devices, social networks and the traditional young, male demographic. They also the social media service over the past two months other avenues have proliferated. Game developers, reflect the central role games play in the identity of after an actor, Adam Baldwin, used it to describe however, continue to be mostly male: In a survey many fans. what he and others viewed as corruption among conducted earlier this year by the International “That sense of being marginalized by the rest of journalists who cover the game industry. People Game Developers Association, a nonprofit associa - society, and that sense of triumph when you’re rec - using the term have been criticizing popular game tion for game developers, only 21 percent of respon - ognized,” said Raph Koster, a veteran game develop - sites for running articles and opinion columns sym - dents said they were female. er. “Gamers have had that for quite a while.” pathetic to feminist critics of the industry, denounc - Still, game companies have made some progress in Koster has experienced the fury that has long ing them as “social justice warriors.” their depiction of women in games, said Kate lurked in parts of the game community. In the late In a phone interview, Baldwin, who said he was Edwards, the executive director of the association, 1990s, when he was the lead designer for Ultima not an avid gamer himself but has done voice work who works with companies to discourage them from Online, a pioneering multiplayer web-based game, he for the popular Halo games and others, said he did employing racial and sexual stereotypes in their received anonymous hate messages for making seem - not condone the harassment of Sarkeesian and oth - games. A game character she praises is the new ver - ingly small changes in the game. ers. sion of Lara Croft, the heroine of the Tomb Raider After an electrical fire at his house, someone post - “GamerGate distances itself by saying, ‘This is not series who once epitomized the exaggerated, busty ed a note on Koster’s personal website saying he what we’re about,’” said Baldwin. “We’re about stereotype of a female game protagonist. The new wished the game designer had died in the blaze. ethics in journalism.” Lara Croft is more emotionally complex and modest - The malice directed recently at women, though, is While harassment of Sarkeesian and other women ly proportioned. more intense, invigorated by the anonymity of social in the video game business has been an issue for Edwards said changes in games and the audience media and bulletin boards where groups go to cheer years, it intensified in August when the former around them have been difficult for some gamers to each other on and hatch plans for action. The atmos - boyfriend of an independent game developer, Zoe accept. phere has become so toxic, say female game critics Quinn, wrote a rambling online essay, accusing her “The entire world around them has changed,” she and developers, that they are calling on big compa - of having a relationship with a video game journal - said. “Whether they realize it or not, they’re no nies in the $70-billion-a-year video game business to ist. longer special in that way. Everyone is playing break their silence. That essay, in turn, fueled threats of violence games.” “Game studios, developers and major publishers against Quinn, who had designed an unconventional need to vocally speak up against the harassment of game about depression, and gave fodder to those 10 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Save the ArQ ‘Between Two Fundraising event Worlds’ Exhibit of In Chicago Features Works by Koko at The Photography of Zorayan Museum Elia Kahvedjian BURBANK, Calif. — The Zorayan Museum Committee of the Western Diocese of the CHICAGO — On Saturday, September 27, Armenian Church present a special art exhibi - Save the ArQ® held an intimate extravaganza tion, featuring the paintings of international at the NAHA restaurant, downtown Chicago, artist and architectural designer Koko. The owned by Carrie and Michael Nahabedian. A exhibition of his works on canvas titled silent auction of Elia Kahvedjian’s photos were “Between Two Worlds,” will open on Thursday, displayed during the cocktail hour as well as a November 6, and run through November 7 at Michael Aram pomegranate platter which was the Zorayan Museum, in the Western Diocesan raffled off at the end of the evening. Complex of the Armenian Church of North The featured pictures are part of a collection America, 3325 North Glenoaks Boulevard. of about 3,000 photographs taken by Elia The Zorayan Museum Committee was estab - Kahvedjian (1910-1999) who was one of the lished in January 2011 under the auspices of greatest photographers in Jerusalem during the A scene from “The Cut” Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the interwar period. Born in Urfa, both of his par - Western Diocese, to organize exhibitions, lec - ents were massacred during the Armenian tures and theatrical plays in order to promote Genocide. As an orphan he was saved by the and preserve Armenian art, history and culture. American Near East Relief Foundation The mission of the Zorayan Museum is to pro - (ANERF) and brought to the Armenian orphan - A Fairy Tale — mote understanding and appreciation of age in Nazareth. When he was sent to the Armenian ethnic, religious, and cultural diversi - orphanage in Jerusalem he developed a keen ty by exposing the beauty of our heritage and interest in photography. Kahvedjian over the preserving and sharing the experiences with years developed a unique artistic style, which the people of the world. led him to become the most important photog - But True... The Zorayan Museum Committee offers the community the opportunity to view the paint - ings of Koko. He is not only an international BERLIN — How can a film about the Genocide be good? How can one shape the artist, but has received acclaim as an architec - representation of such a crime against humanity into a work of art? And how can tural designer. He holds a master’s degree in one do that without reducing the magnitude of the horror or sacrificing historical architecture from Columbia University. His art veracity? The Turkish-German filmmaker Fatih Akin has succeeded with his work, and design experience includes six years with “The Cut,” now playing in movie theatres across Germany. architect Frank Gehry. It was during these The plot line is straightforward. Nazareth Manoogian, a young blacksmith from years with Frank that Koko also developed his Mardin in south Anatolia, is artistic language as a painter, finding passion awakened one night in 1915 by between his two worlds: art and architecture. By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach gendarmes who whisk him and Koko’s paintings have been exhibited at many Special to the Mirror-Spectator his brother-in-law away from high profile expos and showcases including San their terror-stricken families, Francisco, Palm Springs and New York. saying they must serve in the Ottoman army. Instead the men must work as slave laborers in chain gangs of work battalions. Those who refuse the offer to regain freedom by converting to Islam, are lined up for execution. The order “not to waste a bullet” means their throats are to be slit. Nazareth alone survives because, as his would-be executioner, an ex-convict released from prison to serve in the killer squads, tells him, “I am a thief, but not a murderer.” He receives a cut in the throat (whence the name of the film), but sur - vives, albeit having lost the power of speech. The two join a group of deserters, then, after he learns that his family has been deported to Ras al-Ayn, he leaves in hopes of finding them. Thus begins the odyssey which makes up the rest of the saga. In Elia Kahvedjian a death camp in Ras al-Ayn he finds his sister-in-law, mortally ill, and bends to her plea for release rapher of the British Mandate Palestine. from suffering by hastening her Kahvedjian’s photos are stunning in his ability “The Patrons” by Koko death. Having learned from her to capture breathtaking moments from the that his twin daughters, Lusine everyday life in Palestine. A portion of the pic - and Arsine, survived among tures was donated to Save the ArQ® by his son, Numerous high profile collectors have collected Bedouins, he wanders on, finally Kevork Kahvedjian, to promote the fundraising Koko originals from these shows. His latest reaching Aleppo with the help of efforts of the non-profit organization. It was a paintings were debuted with Stephanie’s Art an Arab soap manufacturer who memorable and productive evening shared by Gallery and are touring the US in all major smuggles him into the city and all especially since some of the guests are orig - national showcases. In 2012, he was a featured gives him shelter. In his search inally from Jerusalem including two of Elia artist for the SoulPancake Network in associa - among the orphanages that had Kahvedjian’s grandchildren. tion with YouTube and the Oprah Whitney taken in Armenian children, Mary M. Hoogasian, co-founder and chair of Network. On this occasion, an interview cap - Nazareth finally happens upon Save the ArQ, first spoke explaining what Save tured Koko painting in his studio, resulting in a the one that had sheltered his the ArQ has done with monies raised thus far substantial national response. girls and then arranged for their and our future short- and long-term projects. Fatih Akin From an early age Koko was drawn to transfer to Cuba, where they were Prof. Bedross Der Matossian, co-founder and co- abstract art. His fascination with form and com - to find worthy husbands. He rec - chair of Save the ArQ® and professor of histo - position led to his education in architecture. ognizes them in a photo hung on ry and Middle Eastern wtudies at the University There is an identifiable vernacular in his paint - the wall, a photo which will guide his search. He works his way to Cuba aboard a of Nebraska, Lincoln, lectured on the history of ing that is clearly his own signature style of ship and finds out in Havana that the marriages, arranged by the wife of a barber, the Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter over the last painting. The paintings have vivid colors, strong never took place, because one prospective husband refused to wed Lusine, who had one hundred years. He discussed the current brushstrokes and the soft touch of the human been lamed by a broken leg, and her twin sister Arsine preferred to stay with her. challenges facing the community and concen - figures from his subjects. Koko also contributes The two girls reportedly have moved on to Minneapolis, where they found employ - trated on what type of measures need to be his efforts in artistic endeavors within the arts ment as garment workers. Nazareth, sure to be refused entry to the US because of taken in order to maintain the community. community. He most recently designed a his disability, connects with a human trafficker and steals money to finance his boat Towards the end of his speech Der Matossian unique, one-of-a-kind, surfboard for the journey. From Florida he makes his way, through Tampa and Tallahassee, to concluded: “After Armenia itself, Jerusalem’s Architecture and Design Museum in Los Minneapolis, with whatever means available: on foot, as a stowaway on trains, what - Armenian Quarter is one of the most important Angeles. In 2012, during a venture with the ever. When he finds the garment factory, whose address he has, he learns that the Armenian centers in the world, with a rich his - Walt Disney Concert Hall, Koko participated in girls have left for North Dakota. The trek continues, through wintry snow and ice- tory of 1,500 years, and a claim to be one of the the production design of the opera “Don cold temperatures. At long last, in a remote village where many Armenians had pre-eminent spiritual and cultural centers in the Giovanni” with fashion house Rodarte, conduc - see FILM, page 11 diaspora. The perpetuation tor Gustavo Dudamel and architect Frank see CHICAGO, page 12 Gehry. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING

little girl then reunited with her — images that the regime and the humane actions of individu - A Fairy Tale — But True... will be recalled at the end when Nazareth is al citizens opens the path towards understand - reunited with his daughter. And music, on the ing and ultimately reconciliation. opposite side of the sound spectrum, plays an For those Americans without any family con - FILM, from page 11 pioneer of Genocide research in Germany who integral role in maintaining thematic unity, nections to any of the communities involved, found refuge, Ruso, he finds his daughter collaborated with him closely on the project. from the deep, plaintive monotone strains the film may serve to revive interest in the pos - Lusine. Arsine has died, and his journey ends Yet, the film is not a documentary. In a certain accompanying the trek through the desert to itive role the US government and people played with their visit to her grave. sense, that the Genocide occurred as it did is a the haunting, melancholic refrain sung by after the war to aid Genocide survivors, espe - It is a painful story, a heartrending tale, but “given” and the focus of the work is on the des - Nazareth’s wife and repeated in several varia - cially orphans. At the same time, the callous - it is true. And herein lies the key to its impact tiny of the individual human being (and not tions thereafter. ness and ignorance displayed by certain layers as art. John Keats wrote, “’’ Beauty is Truth, only the Armenians). By presenting the Akin utilizes images also to portray Nazareth’s of the population in the early 1920s, especially Truth Beauty’ — that is all Genocide as a matter of fact not open to dis - struggle with religious belief in the face of such in backward regions in the South and mid-West, Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” pute, Akin implicitly deals the denialist camp a injustice, images that take on a cameo-like char - will serve as a reminder of the problematic One aspect of the beauty in Akin’s film stems mortal blow. If his film is truthful in this poeti - acter: to avoid being recognized as an Armenian, aspects of popular culture. from this truthfulness. As the massive historical cal sense, it is not therefore less truthful, but he is advised to cover up the tattooed cross on Whatever the audience, this film will make an research documents, it was the modus operan - more so. Nazareth’s story is the story of one dis - his wrist and does so. When seized by despair, he impact. It is to be hoped that it will contribute di of the Special Operations set up by the crete human being (regardless of whether any - seeks to rub out the cross with a stone, in a sym - to the discussion process unfolding in civil soci - Young Turks to round up able-bodied Armenian one by that name existed or not), and it is at the bolic abandonment of faith. ety layers in Turkey about the Genocide and males and either execute them immediately same time emblematic of the experience of hun - How will different audiences receive this film? related issues. Only when the film is shown in (often by firing squads in outlying fields) or dreds of thousands of survivors. As every For Diaspora Armenians, it is a painful experi - Turkish cinemas will relevant civil society enroll them in labor battalions until they died Diaspora Armenian knows, their tales are all dif - ence, because it calls up the real personal rec - groups be able to voice their evaluation. of exhaustion or converted to Islam. The ferent, yet all alike. Nazareth’s saga thus ollections of those closest to us. However much women and children, along with the aged, were assumes universality. or little we know of the individual suffering of forced into death marches known euphemisti - The work is highly poetical in method. our parents or grandparents, we automatically cally as deportations, and those who did not die Instead of spelling out the historical facts or wonder what they actually did suffer, and never along the way were left to perish in the con - relating events in direct narrative form, Akin communicated. At the same time, the sensitivi - Russian centration camps in the Syrian desert. Many of works through metaphorical association. Single ty, truthful rigor and profound artistic mastery the children and young women survived thanks images, captured visually by a cameraman – including fleeting moments of comic relief – Translation of to the intercession of compassionate Turks, endowed with an artist’s eye, portray entire displayed by Akin make “The Cut” a work of Arabs and Kurds who took them in. Those who chapters. For example, the scene of the camp art, a tragedy but not without the element of were not Islamized, Turkified and married off, where he finds his sister-in-law: There is no the sublime. When Nazareth learns from Lusine Bournoutian were released after the war to orphanages, need to “explain” how these emaciated civilians that Arsine is dead, his pain is profound. “But,” where surviving relatives searched, like ended up there, why some wander about she says, ‘‘father, you have found me.” Yes, the Nazareth, for any trace of them. Aleppo was a crazed, or who erected the make-shift tents Genocide took place and 1.5 million Armenians Book Is out leading transit point and many made their way with scraps of cloth pitched on branches of lost their lives, but hundreds of thousands, per - to America via Cuba. scarce trees. Or, the scene where Nazareth finds haps a million survived, many of them thanks to YEREVAN — George Bournoutian’s A Down to the finest details, the account is a well and seeks to draw water to quench his the good person, whether Kurd, Turk or Arab, Concise History of the Armenian People accurate. This applies to the portrayal of psy - thirst. Peering into the hole he sees naked bod - who acted out of human solidarity. Nazareth, is now available in a Russian translation. chological realities as well. Akin does not glori - ies lying at the bottom of the well. The image his home lost, his family annihilated, his nation The 488-page book was translated by fy his hero. A good Christian, Nazareth is how - appears and disappears in an instant. The con - destroyed, nonetheless succeeds in his life’s mis - Artsvi Bakhchinyan with input from ever capable of brutally beating up the man trast between the visual beauty of the scenes, sion and thus embodies the triumph of the Bournoutian. It will be sold in Armenia who rejected his daughter and fleeing the scene as photographs, and the atrocities they depict human spirit. and Russia. of the crime. Then, on second thought, he enhances the tension of the drama. For Germans, as Wolfgang Gust has written, The Russian versions joins the Spanish, returns to the man lying in an alleyway to rob Akin uses metaphor to develop his themes, as the film should stimulate interest in learning Turkish, Arabic and Armenian editions. A him. This takes place following a Sunday in a musical composition or a dramatic poem. more about the Genocide and finally con - Japanese and Persian version is being pre - church service which Nazareth attends as a At the very beginning, for example, there is a fronting and working through the role that pared. favor to his host. Nazareth also gives in to the scene of Nazareth picking up his young daugh - wartime ally Germany played. He added that it The book, currently in its sixth English- thirst for vengeance when he joins a mob throw - ters from school. In response to remarks by the will for sure reawaken the memories of many language edition, has sold more than ing stones at a sad march of Turks withdrawing geography teacher, to the effect that they could families who experienced deportations and suf - 20,000 copies in the US, Canada and after the defeat — until he sees an innocent do better in the subject, Nazareth puts the girls fering in World War II. And in the ongoing Australia and is considered the best child bloodied by one stone and is struck but to a mock text. “What is the capital of France?” crises ravaging Syria and the region with their English-language one-volume objective pangs of conscience. The devastating scenes of he asks. “Paris,” comes the right answer. But unprecedented refugee flows, the film acquires history of the Armenian people in the suffering and dying he witnesses have shattered when he asks about the capital of America, one an even greater urgency. The impact in Germany context of global civilizations. his faith. All these psychological reactions have daughter guesses New York, the other, Chicago. on the Turkish community and in Turkey, when “The book is a scholarly work loaded been documented in the Genocide literature, as They cannot imagine (nor can the viewer) what the film appears there, may contribute further with information... a truly historical refer - reported by Rubina Peroomian, for example. American place names will mean for them in to breaking through the wall of silence and ence work... The author aimed to obey the Akin, born in 1973 in Hamburg, researched the future. In another scene Nazareth is among denial that has been erected by Turkish official - his subject scrupulously over years and benefit - a crowd of refugees in a shelter, viewing a film dom. The fact that Akin refuses to fall into ed from the expert advice of Wolfgang Gust, a in which Charlie Chaplin is separated from his clichés and differentiates between the crimes of

imperative of the famous nineteenth-cen - tury German historian, Leopold von Ranke, to write “Wie es eigentlich gewe - sen ist” (how it really was), without plung - ing into interpretations or judgements of the ambitions and motives that may have guided the history makers of the given time and place... We can all say thank you and insist that every public library, how - ever modest, should consider it its duty to have at least this one book on Armenia and the Armenians on its shelves.” According to Ladis K. D. Kristof in the Middle East Students’ Association, “The book is considered the best English-lan - guage one-volume history of the Armenian people from the earliest times to the present. It is used as the main text at various educational institutions.” 12 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Save the ArQ Fundraising event in Chicago Features the Photography of Elia Kahvedjian

CHICAGO, from page 10 “Ultimately, the event was a reminder that being granted. This minuscule piece of land is so rich cal to put a spotlight on this area or it will con - of this treasure is presently in question; its Armenian is not just about your own community with Armenian history. Armenians have lived in tinue to diminish. preservation will depend on the survival of both or about Hayastan, it is about belonging to a this area for nearly two millennia. The lanterns Save the ArQ® is the only nonprofit specifi - the Armenian Patriarchate and the Armenian supra-national cultural unit. And the Armenian suspending Sts. James Armenian Cathedral pre- cally dedicated to Jerusalem’s Armenian community of Jerusalem.” Afterwards, a very community of Jerusalem is a part of that. In fact, date the 15th century and are from pilgrims Quarter. It was established to help revitalize the dynamic question and answer session took it is a very important part of that. As Armenians who came from villages that no longer exist. vastly dwindling community and to promote the place regarding what needs to be done in order have been living in Jerusalem for over 1500 years Furthermore, the Armenian people have an Armenian life and culture which has existed in to revive and retain such a significant area and continue to maintain an important role in area within the Old City of Jerusalem that no this area for nearly two millennia. For more among Armenians. “Clearly we are dealing with the city. All Armenians should feel pride for that other people have. The four quarters consist of information or to make a donation please visit the Christian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Muslim the website of Save the ArQ® Quarter and the Armenian Quarter. It is criti - www.savethearq.org Dr. Carolann Najarian to Present Avedis’ Story in Talk at NAASR

BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Carolann Najarian will present a talk titled “Telling Avedis’ Story: An Armenian-American’s Journey into Her Father’s Saga of Survival,” on Thursday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m., at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research Guests including speaker Prof. Bedross Der Matossian, second from right (NAASR), 395 Concord Ave. Najarian recently published her father’s mem - oir, Avedis’ Story: An Armenian Boy’s Journey (Gomidas Institute). The memoir was originally a sensitive part of the world,” explained Mary place, for that space, for that heritage. And as recorded on tape by the late Avedis Abrahamian Hoogasian. “We are on the verge of loosing both Armenians and as Christians, we should all and then prepared for publication by Najarian. ‘Armenianness’ in Syria; surely we will lose our find a way to dedicate ourselves in one way or The memoir has three main elements: early historical footprint in Jerusalem if we remain so another to the preservation and rehabilitation of childhood in Sheykh Hadji (modern-day Yukari passive.” the Armenian Quarter.” Bag) in the Kharpert plain; the Armenian One of the attendants of the event, Prof. The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem is an Genocide and escape to Russia through the Rachel Goshgarian from Lafayette College, said: area that few Armenians know about or take for Dersim mountains; life during the Russian Revolution and its aftermath in the Caucasus; and putting down roots in America. Najarian spent the major part of her medical career in private practice in Cambridge and Watertown. In 1988, after Armenia’s devastat - ing earthquake, she spearheaded medical relief efforts to that country. As president of the Armenian Health Alliance, Inc., she made more people she met in Armenia and Karabagh. than 50 trips to the region to deliver medical Najarian is a recipient of The Ellis Island aid to the destroyed region. Najarian earned her Medal of Honor (1999) and the Humanitarian MD from Boston University School of Medicine Award of the Boston University School of (1980), and an MSc in Medical Anthropology Medicine Alumni Association (2004). She and from Brunel University, London (2004). Her her husband George have endowed the first book, A Call From Home; Armenia and Najarian Human Rights Lecture held each year Karabagh, My Journal (1999), based on her at Faneuil Hall in conjunction with the journals, chronicles her experiences and the Armenian Heritage Foundation and Park.

Guests at the event Journey Into the Past An illustrated presentation by Professor Richard Hovannisian RECIPES Armenian Lentil Soup With Bulgur

(use at the end) BY CHRISTINE DATIAN Chopped fresh spinach, about 1/2 bunch, washed (use at end, optional) INGREDIENTS: 1 pound dried lentils, rinsed PREPARATION: Armenian Kesaria focuses on the history, religion, and economic, cultural, educational, and 6 cups water In a large soup pot, bring all ingredients political developments among the Armenians in the city of Kesaria and its many outlying villages, 4 cups beef broth to a full boil, stir, cover, and reduce to such as Talas, Everek, Fenesse, Tomarza, Chomakhlu, Injesu, Efkere, and Germir. Contributors to 2 or 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped medium low and cook for 1 1/2 hours, the volume include New Jersey’s Vartan Matiossian and former St. Leon parishioner Tina Demirjian. 1 large onion, diced or chopped stirring occasionally so soup does not 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced stick; before serving, use a hand blender Armenian Communities in Asia Minor presents the thriving Armenian communities near 3 stalks celery, diced (including top to blend soup for a minute, so it thickens, Constantinople, stretching from Ismid, Adabazar, Bardizag, and Bursa inland to Eski-Shehir, greens) if desired; check seasonings and add more Kutahia, and Afion-Karahisar. The ten contributors to the volume provide a glimpse into the lives of these industrious people before the massacres and death marches beginning in 1915. 1 medium baking potato, peeled and salt and pepper, if desired. diced IN ADDITION: Film segments on the Last Armenians of Dikranagerd and the 1/2 cup medium or fine bulgur Stir in some fresh parsley or spinach and Armenian-speaking Hamshen people of the Black Sea 1 cup tomato sauce and 1 cup crushed cook for a few minutes longer before serv - tomatoes ing. Serves 6-8. Thursday, October 30, 2014 @ 7:45 p.m. 1 tablespoon each red wine vinegar, toma - For more recipes from Christine Datian: St. Leon Armenian Church / Abajian Hall to paste and Worcestershire sauce 12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 1 teaspoon each sea salt, dried basil and Go to: For information call 201-791-2862 cumin www.thearmeniankitchen.com/search/la This event is jointly sponsored by ½ teaspoon black pepper bel/Christine%20Datian Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Armenian Network of America- Greater NY Fresh or dried mint and cayenne pepper For more of Christine’s recipes, go to: National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), to taste http://search.myrecipes.com/search.html St. Leon Armenian Church and Tekeyan Cultural Association Chopped fresh parsley, about 1/3 cup ?Ntt=datian The event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the presentation and book signing. S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

Moakley US Courthouse, Grand Atrium. One Courthouse CALIFORNIA Way overlooking the Boston Harbor. Art Sale & Live Auction. Artist Arthur Hovhannisyan. NOVEMBER 15 — AMAA-Haigazian University Visit www.ArmeniaTree.org or call (617) 926-8733. Celebratory Banquet in honor of Dr. Mihran NOVEMBER 15 — The 39th Annual Luncheon/Auction Agbabian and George R. Phillips, Esq.; Saturday, of the Armenian Women’s Welfare Association at November 15, 2014, 6 pm, Beverly Hills Hotel, $200; the Burlington Marriott Hotel, Burlington, MA @ 11 AM Information: Julie Aharonian 818-368-5266; Katia Mistress of Ceremonies: Cindy Fitzgibbon, WCBV-TV5 Kermoyan 818-242-5064. Auctioneer: Jordan Rich, WBZ 1030 News Radio Funds NOVEMBER 22 — Armenian International Women’s raised at this event support programs at the Armenian Association, Los Angeles Affiliate present Luncheon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain, MA honoring Lily Ring Balian, recipient of the 2014 Ellis and the Hanganak NGO Health Clinic in Stepanakert, Island Medal of Honor, Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Nagorno-Karabagh for seniors in need. Founded in 1915, Blvd., 11:30 a.m. Reception; 12:30 Luncheon. Donation: the A.W.W.A. Inc. will soon be celebrating its 100th year $100.00. For RSVP and info contact Houry Aposhian of service to Armenians. For more information about the (818)957-7020 or Cindy Norian (310) 277-4490. event or for tickets, please call Karen Hovsepian @ 617- 898-8619 or e-mail [email protected] MASSACHUSETTS DECEMBER 1 — St. James Men’s Club, Monday, Speaker: Chris Nishan Garabedian, President, CEO OCTOBER 25 — St. Gregory Church of Merrimack and director Sarepta Therapeutics. Topic, “The Age of Valley annual fall fair, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Jaffarian Hall, Genetic-Based Medicine is Here, from Muscular 158 Main St., North Andover; shish, losh & chicken kebab Dystrophy to Ebola.” Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner dinners, lentil and kheyma, vegetarian dinners; pastries, Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. $14 per gifts, raffles; further details, call church, (978) 685-5038; On Monday, November 3, Boston person, St. James Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian Ann Apovian, (978) 521-2245, or Sossy Jeknavorian, Cultural & Youth Center - Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn St., (978) 256-2538. Globe sports columnist Dan Watertown. Ladies are welcome. OCTOBER 25 — Fall Harvest Bazaar, First Armenian Shaughnessy, will be the guest speak - DECEMBER 5-6 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Friday, 12-9 Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont, noon to 8 p.m. er at St. James Armenian Church’s p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Holy Trinity Armenian Handmade choreg, manti, Armenian pastries and more. Men’s Club dinner meeting. The pro - Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Grilled kebab all day. Marketplace treasures. All are wel - gram takes place at the Charles Featuring delicious Armenian dinners, a la carte menu come, rain or shine. MBTA and handicapped accessible. Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, and take-out meals; booths and vendors; Armenian Call 617-484-4779 or visit www.facbelmont.org/ for Keljik Hall, 465 ount Auburn ST., gourmet foods, delicacies and pastries; raffles, and more info. Watertown. Social hour starts at 6:15 more. For further information, contact the church office OCTOBER 26 — Fr. Vasken Kouzouian’s 20-Year p.m. and a traditional losh kebab an at 617.354.0632. Pastoral Journey — Join us as we celebrate the 20th kheyma dinner is at 7 p.m. Ladies are DECEMBER 14 — Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra, Anniversary of our Pastor’s Ordination, immediately fol - welcome. Christmas Holiday Concert, 7 p.m., Holy Trinity lowing church services, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., Greater Boston, Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Cambridge. Save the date; details to follow. Hall, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Dinner Tickets: $40 per person; $20 for ages 10-21; babysitting services avail - NOVEMBER 7 — Public Lecture on “The Divine Liturgy NEW YORK able, ages 3-9, at $5 per child (includes pizza lunch and of the Armenian Church” by the Very Rev. Daniel supervision). Seating by advance paid reservation only; Findikyan, professor of liturgical studies at St. Nersess OCTOBER 28 — Sip on French w ine, nibble on RSVP deadline October 15. Payment for dinner reserva - Armenian Seminary and director of the Zohrab delectable hors d’oeuvres, meet talented artists and tions may be made online at www.htaac.org, or by con - Information Center of the Diocese of the Armenian cinematographers, and network with kindred spir- tacting the church office, 617.354.0632. Church (Eastern). He will offer an engaging presentation its, all in a cozy salon at “Château Village,” NOVEMBER 1 — Third annual Mer Doon Benefit on the basic elements of the centuries old, most promi - Alouette’s home in Greenwich Village. This soirée will Dance, in loving memory of Julie Ashekian, 8 p.m. nent worship service of the Armenian Church. Buffet din - benefit SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York. 6:30 Featuring Onnik Dinkjian, John Berberian and more. mid - ner to precede the lecture. Sts. Vartanantz Armenian - 8:30 p.m. 1 Minetta St., 2E (STREET, not Lane, NE cor - night dessert table. St. James Armenian Church Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford. 6:30 p.m. ner of Bleecker St & Sixth Ave, W 4th St subway stop). Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mount Auburn For further information and reservation, call 978-256- Donation: $60 Early Bird, $75 Regular. SR is a film festi - St., Watertown. Adults $40 Students $20. Please call 7234, or email Father Khachatur at val that focuses on socially relevant human stories and Mark Kashgegian to reserve tables of 10 and purchase [email protected]. raises awareness to social problems by offering positive tickets at 617-256-5358. NOVEMBER 7-8 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Church will solutions through the powerful medium of cinema. NOVEMBER 2 — “Musical Benches,” an organ and piano hold its 58th Bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the SR believes that through raised awareness, expanded concert presented by Glenn “Ananian” Priest and Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, 47 Nichols knowledge about diverse cultures, and the human con - Christopher Garven on the occasion of the dedication of the Ave, Watertown. Meals served from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 dition as a whole, it is possible to create a better world recently restored sanctuary of the First Armenian Church of p.m. Take-out available. Delicious meals, Armenian pas - free of violence, hate and crime. Belmont, at the church sanctuary, Sunday, 3 p.m. tries, gourmet food, arts and crafts, books, raffles and DECEMBER 7 — 8th Annual ANC Eastern Region NOVEMBER 3 — Trinity Men’s Union and St. James attic treasures. Friday and Saturday. Auction starts at 7 Banquet, Ritz-Carlton Battery Park, NY. Freedom Men’s Club Joint Dinner Meeting, Monday, Speaker: p.m. For info call the church office at 617-924-7562. Award Honoree: former Manhattan District Attorney Dan Shaughnessy, sports columnist for the Boston NOVEMBER 7 and 8 — Annual Autumnfest Bazaar Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family; Vahan Globe . Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner Social Hour sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Cardashian Award Honoree: ANCA activist Alice (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. $14 per person. St. 110 Main St., Haverhill, Friday, noon to 8 p.m. and Movsesian. Tickets $250. For reservations and informa - James Armenian ChurchCharles Mosesian Cultural & Saturday noon to 7 p.m. Lamb, losh, chicken kebab and tion, visit www.anca.org/erbanquet or 917.428.1918. Youth Center - Keljik Hall 465 Mt. Auburn St. kheyma. Diner served all day. Pastry table, Armenain cui - NOVEMBER 6 — Avak luncheon, sponsored by St. sine, gift baskets, raffles for cash and prizes. For more RHODE ISLAND Gregory Armenian Church, noon, 158 Main St., North info, visit www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org or call Andover; speaker, Sonya Vartabedian, “Diary of a 978-372-9227. NOVEMBER 8-9 — Saturday and Sunday, Sts. Sahag Community Editor,” reflections from Sunday School stu - NOVEMBER 8 — Armenia Tree Project 20th Anniversary and Mesrob Armenian Church, 70 Jefferson St., dent here to award-winning journalist and editor of The Celebration Dinner and Reception. Special guest Actor Providence, will hold the 84th annual Armenian Food Fair Andover Townsman and Andover Magazine . David Alpay. Cocktails 6:30 p.m. Dinner 8 p.m. John Joseph and Bazaar.

“These are things we eat everyday and we make it,” she said. “We want to put them in the business Chef Brings Armenian Spice to Richmond because no one has had it before.” Bandazian said her recipes were used by vendors RICHMOND, Va. (Richmond Biz Sense) —After a Selosa, but the deli closed down last week, said real deal could be finalized. Much of the equipment at last month’s St. James 56th Annual Armenian deal in the Devil’s Triangle fell through, an estate agent and Elizabet Bandazian’s husband, bought for the Devil’s Triangle Coriander will be Food Festival. While Coriander was on hiatus, she Armenian eatery is now taking its chances in Raffi Bandazian. used for the Carytown location. did luncheons and events and was pleased with the Carytown. Raffi Bandazian had been trying to sell the busi - “The whole goal is to have service fast as possi - response she got for her food. Elizabet Bandazian plans to open Coriander, an ness for Selosa owner Feran Kerneklian. ble,” Bandazian said. “In and out.” She would not say how much it will cost to open Armenian grill, at 3125 W. Cary St. in November. Kerneklian could not be reached for comment. Coriander will serve Armenian salads, lamajun (a an eatery in one of Richmond’s most competitive Bandazian has a five-year lease on the 800-square- In 2012, Elizabet Bandazian tried to open savory Armenian pie), sandwiches and kebabs. The restaurant corridors. foot space. Coriander in the Boone’s Food Bazaar at 704 N. eatery will be open for lunch and early evening ser - “It’s not easy to please,” Bandazian said, “but The property had for two years been home to Sheppard St. But the grocery store closed before a vice. Most of the items will be vegetarian or vegan. people want to try new things.” 14 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror When You Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

immense resources and commensurate markets. Scientists gravi - By Edmond Y. Azadian tated to Armenia as it was at the vanguard of many scientific Spectator achievements. The Mergelian Institute was the foremost hub of scientific and military projects. With the collapse of the Soviet I dedicate this week’s article to Harutune Yessayan, a benefac - empire, many of the prominent scientists scattered across the tor in his early 90s who recently contributed $325,000 towards globe and landed lucrative jobs. No matter how patriotic they are, the construction of a hospital in Armenia. Mr. Yessayan con - the economics of the situation do not allow them to return to EstablEisshteadbl1is9h3e2 d 1932 fronted me last week in Toronto, Canada, with a copy of my last Armenia, where opportunities as well as high compensation are column in this newspaper and asked me to focus on some posi - rare. An ADALnP AuDblLic Patuiobnlication tive developments in Armenia. I surmise he wanted to be assured However, the country is resource poor. Some uranium, gold that the contributions from diasporan organizations and individ - and molybdenum mines are tapped mostly by foreign firms, some - uals are not meant to fill in sinkholes in Armenia but contribute times to the detriment of the environment. Still, the main towards a solid foundation for Armenia. resource remains the well-educated and exceptionally bright EDITOR It is a historic fact — and no one with a clear conscience can youth and the initiatives to counter the brain drain are the most Alin K. Gregorian deny it — that every time Armenia has lost its independence and viable avenues for Armenia’s survival. fallen under foreign domination, internal conflicts have con - Throughout the blockade, Armenian scientists were able to ASSISTANT EDITOR tributed to its eventual collapse. Aram Arkun export their products on line, contributing to the economy and Yes, indeed, Seljuks were barbarians from the Central Asian helping the young talents living and creating in the homeland. ART DIRECTOR plains, who invaded Armenia, but had the Armenians been strong In this particular arena, a visionary project has been the found - Marc Mgrditchian internally, the medieval city of Ani, with its 1,001 churches would ing the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies. A 75,000-square- not have collapsed and been overrun by those barbaric invaders. foot facility sitting on 50 acres of green space in the heart of The Mamluks were equally ferocious. They came all the way Yerevan, it is designed to educate more than 1,000 students daily from Egypt to conquer the Armenian kingdom in Cilicia, taking on computer technology at no charge. The campus is the creation our last king, Levon VI, as a prisoner. But had our princes at the of Sam and Sylva Simonian, from Dallas. It is estimated that more SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: time used some vision to consolidate the kingdom, rather than than $50 million was invested in the project, with millions slated Edmond Azadian fighting with each other, or even worse, colluding with the for continued upkeep of the site and salaries for the staff. CONTRIBUTORS: enemy, most probably Armenians would have kept their state in Another world-class project is the Cosmic Ray Division on Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune Cilicia and Mihran Damadian would not have resorted to an ill- Mount Aragats. It is part of the Yerevan Physics Institute, found - Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana fated coup d’état in 1920 and Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See ed in 1943 by noted physicist Artem Alikhanian. Despite the loss Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, of Cilicia, would not have to appeal to courts in Turkey or the of the Soviet central government investments, the division, head - Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, International Court of Human Rights to claim our legitimate reli - ed by Ashot Chilingarian, employs 80 physicists, engineers, tech - Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian gious center in historic Sis. nicians and students, under dire conditions. In the winter, they Traditionally, our individual egos are so inflated that we lose CORRESPONDENTS: are stranded on the mountain for weeks. The CRD has two high- the perspective of the future by failing to act collectively. altitude cosmic ray and solar monitoring stations on Mr. Aragats: Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Today is no different; we have more naysayers than true believ - Boston - Nancy Kalajian the Aragats Station at 3,200 meters and the Nor-Ambert Station Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian ers. We have more critics than contributors. at 2,000 meters. Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Armenia is located at a geostrategic part of the world and has CRD’s two observatories collect data, which is analyzed using its external enemies who have rushed to set their operations sophisticated mathematical software developed by the CRD itself. Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian before any charitable organization could reach there. A well- Their research is of both theoretical and practical interest. Solar financed news media is already in place to amplify any mistake or flares and mass eruptions, when directed toward each other, defect to move the population to desperation. adversely affect power grids on earth and can damage satellites as After the last parliamentary elections, part of the USAID’s well as endangering astronauts. Scientists there are now working The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published Millennium Challenge Account was cancelled, damaging the agri - on an early warning system prototype which can alert satellite weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: cultural sector, which is already ailing. The excuse was that the operators up to 30 minutes before the damaging effects of solar elections were not fair and democratic. While Azerbaijan is the flares reach the earth. This service can result in billions in savings. Baikar Association, Inc. worst violator of human rights, with the largest number of jour - CRD scientists represent Armenia at a number of internation - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 nalists in jail, every rule is bent (i.e. Freedom Support Act, Article al scientific conferences and have received wide acclaim for their Telephone: 617-924-4420 907) to continue pumping economic and military aid to the efforts. FAX: 617-924-2887 Aliyev dynasty. It has been supported by Giragos and Harutune Vaporciyan www.mir rorspectator.com Many foreign agencies foresee variations of orange or rose rev - and their families from the US, with contributions running more E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com olutions in store for Armenia and they keep fanning the flames than hundreds of thousands. Anahid Yeremian, a physicist at For advertising: [email protected] of political unrest in the country. Their activities are comple - Stanford, contributes from the West Coast with a missionary zeal mented by diasporan do-gooders, who are engaged in introducing and promotes the CRD worldwide in scientific circles. In fact, she democratic reforms in Armenia by creating a remote-controlled and a few others have formed the group Friends of CRD, whose parliament. sole mission is to raise funds so that CRD can keep employing Every person, every group, has his or her own prescriptions to the same brilliant minds. save Armenia, seldom realizing that the only prescription is to SUBSCRIPTION RATES : Another major initiative is the founding of the Dilijan lend a hand to the vital sectors of the economy to keep the coun - International School. Sometimes one can hear complaints that try going. oligarchs in Armenia and Russia do not help their kin. Rouben I am thinking of the doctor in Istanbul, listening to Armenia’s U.S.A. $80 a year Hayrapetian, who is sitting in a Russian jail, has contributed hun - national anthem on her death bed, confronting the finality of life dreds of millions to his native Artsakh. Despite rampant pes - Canada $125 a year with a clear conscience that she has contributed her life savings simism, Rouben Vardanian and his spouse, Veronika Zonabend of towards establishing a political science department in a Yerevan Russia have invested $115 million in the Dilijan School, which is Other Countries $190 a year university, to train young diplomats to run their country. the 13th member of the United World Colleges and the first inter - I am thinking of the Diaspora Armenian businessman who national boarding school in Armenia. Besides Vardanian, the built a million-dollar factory in Karabagh, saying, “If we lose founding patrons are Gagik Adibekyan (Russia), Noubar and © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Karabagh, the hell with my million.” Anna Afeyan (US), Vladimir and Anna Avetissian (Russia) and Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA I am thinking of Levon Kebabjian and his wife, who leave Oleg Mkrtchyan (Ukraine). and additional mailing offices. behind their luxurious apartment in a Paris bedroom communi - Once you start to detail projects and initiatives, the danger is ISSN 0004-234X ty, and spend months on the Karabagh mountains to donate that many similar projects are left out. But these salient contri - cows to families living below subsistence levels. butions will speak about the positive outlook of the rest. I am thinking of a Herman Hintiryan, a jeweler with a heart of Of course, Armenia Fund, and our traditional organizations gold, in the US, who single-handedly is funding the Terchounian have been continuing their support. The AGBU, ARS, AMAA, POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Orphanage in Gumri. Tekeyan Cultural Association, Knights of Vartan and many, many Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn I am thinking of the Armenia Tree Project which is helping to other groups have made Armenia’s survival a priority. St., Watertown, MA 02472 recover Armenia’s ecology. There are many unsung heroes who contribute to charities or Other than the editorial, views and opinions Fortunately, there are so many individuals and groups who initiate businesses to keep Armenia live. The difficulties are expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily contribute financially and technologically to save the country. tremendous, some of them artificially created. Corrupt func - reflect the policies of the publisher. Kirk Kerkorian is one of those who have poured hundreds of tionaries try to get their cut, before Armenia benefits from dias - millions to shore up the roads and to renovate venerable cultur - poran generosity. Many well-meaning people are turned off for al institutions, which had fallen into disrepair, despite the naysay - good — and for good reason. But others find ways to bypass the ers knocking on his door. hurdles and continue their positive work. Architect Osep Sarafian has raised more than a million dollars Armenians have armchair diplomats, pundits and philosophers for projects sponsored by the Armenian Social Investment Fund around the world with a profusion of ideas and suggestions. Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without (ASIF), ensuring that the country receives 95 percent of match - Some of them are well meaning while others are disingenuous express permission of the copyright ing funds from the World Bank. To date, almost $18 million in and self-serving. owner. Address requests for reprints or projects have been completed benefitting 122 villages in Over and above all ideas and suggestions, Armenia will survive back issues to: Armenia, including water projects, irrigation and cultural centers. on positive and material contributions. Armenia’s major problem is its brain drain. During the Soviet Armenia will survive and thrive when we put our money where Baikar Association, Inc. period, the republic was part of a huge global economic unit with our mouth is. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 25, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

before the UN vote, he proudly announced: “If we are elect - Middle East has sunk to an all-time low. ed, and we believe it’s a great possibility, we will be the first — Erdogan’s autocratic rule at home, including the country in the world to be elected for a second time, after bloody quelling of protests at the Gezi Park, jailing jour - a five-year break. This shows Turkey’s importance.” nalists, and blocking Twitter and facebook. His dismissive Unfortunately for the Turkish leaders, their expectations words, “I don’t care what the international community will My Turn did not come true. Despite Cavusoglu’s intensive lobbying say,” had alienated countless people around the world. The efforts and earnest wish for divine intervention, only 60 out vote against Turkey was UN members’ rebuke of Erdogan. By Harut Sassounian of 193 UN General Assembly member states voted for Most delegates walked out of the hall during Pres. Turkey, while its rival, Spain, received 132 votes, winning a Erdogan’s pompous speech at the UN General Assembly in two-year term as a non-permanent member of the Security September. Why the UN Rejected Turkey’s Council. — Tense relations with the United States and Western Bid for a Security Council Seat? Why did Turkey lose in 2014 more than half the 151 Europe over Turkey’s refusal to support the war against votes it received in its successful bid for a Security Council ISIS, and not defending Kurdish civilians who are being The Turkish government got a big slap in the face last seat in 2008? Here are the key reasons for Turkey’s failure massacred by foreign Jihadists at a stone’s throw from the week when the United Nations General Assembly over - to get elected this time around: Turkish border. As a result, influential commentators called whelmingly voted to turn down its application for a — The vigorous campaign by a large number of countries for Turkey’s expulsion from NATO and rejection of its appli - Security Council seat. In effect, the international commu - against Turkey’s membership: Armenia, Cyprus, Egypt, cation for membership in the European Union. nity was rejecting Turkey’s hostile policies both at home Greece, Israel, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, among others. — Displeased with Turkey’s antagonistic stand, Pres. and abroad. — President Erdogan’s ongoing acrimonious feud with Obama sent a lowly charge d’affaires of the US Embassy in Turkey’s new Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and powerful Turkish Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, resulting Ankara to attend Erdogan’s presidential inauguration on Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had arrogantly predicted in loss of General Assembly votes for Turkey from several August 28. securing the prestigious seat for their country. The night African countries, where Gulen’s followers have an exten - By ignoring all these legitimate reasons for Turkey’s fail - before the vote, Cavusoglu had hosted a posh party for UN sive presence. This is a major shift from 2008, when Gulen ure to win the Security Council seat, Foreign Minister Ambassadors at the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in supporters had secured a large number of votes for Cavusoglu falsely attributed his country’s defeat to its . Turkey. reluctance to abandon “its values for the sake of getting After spending several days in New York to lobby per - — Turkish leaders’ poor judgment of deciding to reapply more votes.” This ridiculous statement is made by the sonally the UN delegates, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu opti - so soon after getting elected to the Security Council in Foreign Minister of a country that has been pouring mil - mistically told the media: “We think all our nice efforts will, 2009-2010. Turkey’s reelection would have deprived other lions of dollars into the coffers of tiny island states around with the grace of God, be reflected onto the ballot tomor - countries from serving in that august UN body. the world and poor African countries to buy their UN row. Of course, this is a vote and all kinds of results may — Davutoglu’s self-aggrandizing neo-Ottoman yearnings General Assembly votes. come out. But, we believe, God permitting, that we will get had antagonized most Middle Eastern countries, turning Finally, the failure to gain a Security Council seat limits the result of the work we put in.” his policy of “zero problems with neighbors” into zero Turkey’s ability to exploit the powerful UN body to under - Prime Minister Davutoglu was equally optimistic that neighbors without problems! Pew Research Center’s sur - mine the worldwide commemorative events next year on Turkey would score a “historic victory.” Just two days vey confirms that Turkey’s dismal standing throughout the the Armenian Genocide Centennial. Armenia’s Eurasian Deal: Sell-Out or Fair Trade?

“sacrosanct and inviolable.” pen through coercion.” Western economic sanctions. So even if By Yekaterina Poghosyan As for fears that aligning Armenia with Before Armenia signed up for the economic integration with Russia made Russia and other former Soviet states Eurasian union, the Association of sense a year ago, dependence on this trou - would lead to greater isolation, Sargisian Informed Citizens lobbied for a referendum bled and increasingly isolated country no year after deciding to said the country would continue to be “an on accession given the risks to national longer looks quite as attractive. align with active, responsible member of the interna - sovereignty. “The problems facing Russia as a state, rather than Europe, tional family of nations,” and would “This agreement runs contrary to the its confrontation with the entire world, Armenia has joined a engage with the European Union (EU), the Armenian constitution, since it means and its aggressive behavior are cause for regional economic bloc United States, China, neighbors Georgia Yerevan entrusting its entire taxation and alarm,” Manvel Sargisian said. “No one that critics say will iso - and Iran, and other friendly states. trade policy to Moscow,” the association’s knows what future awaits it. Armenia’s late it from the global Although an EU Association Agreement is founder and project coordinator, Daniel voice will be of secondary importance in A economy and bring few no longer on the table, Sargisian spoke of Ionesyan, told IWPR. “We will cease to be the union since we were coerced into join - tangible benefits in the importance of working with the EU on an independent state with regard to our ing it.” exchange. Armenia was admitted to the his return from Minsk. foreign trade policy. For instance, we will Alexander Arzumanyan, a former foreign Eurasian Economic Union on October 10 “It’s important for our partners to know have to obtain Moscow’s approval before minister now representing the Free during a meeting of former Soviet leaders that we well never set this [Eurasian starting negotiations with the World Trade Democrats Party in parliament, agrees that in Minsk. Economic Union membership] against our Organisation or with other countries.” accession is the wrong decision at the In September 2013, President Serge dialogue with the EU. That will continue Manvel Sargsyan, director of the Centre wrong time. “At a time when our partner Sargisian announced that his country since we have numerous coinciding inter - for National and International Studies in Russia is isolated and there’s no hope that would seek to enter the Customs Union, ests and a common heritage, the basis for Yerevan, sees Eurasian bloc membership as it will enter into constructive dialogue with made up of Russia, Belarus and Kazakstan. our continuing process of democratic the latest stage in a gradual process of ced - the West, we are planning to join a union This was a big surprise since it meant aban - reforms,” he said during a press conference ing sovereignty to Russia. that is under sanctions,” he said. doning a nearly-completed Association with the visiting Serbian president. “The Eurasian Economic Union is a Recalling Armenia’s the close relation - Agreement with the European Union after His opponents disagree. Tigran wholly political project, a Russian geopolit - ship with the late Boris Yeltsin’s adminis - years of work. Urikhanyan, press secretary of the opposi - ical mechanism for the post-Soviet region,” tration in the 1990s, Arzumanyan said it The Eurasian Economic Union, which tion party Prosperous Armenia, said he told IWPR. “The process of growing “took Russia in a direction we could pre - has a broader remit than the Customs Armenia joined the Eurasian bloc out of closer to Russia began from day one of dict and it maintained excellent relations Union, was established in May, with the necessity, and the real advantages were Armenian independence [in 1991]. At that with the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty same three members. It comes into being still unclear. “We have no other choice. time, the Armenian leadership argued that Organization. That was a different Russia.” in January 2015, and a decision has clear - Armenia wasn’t offered an alternative,” he the deployment of Russian troops was in Now, he continued, “We have chosen a ly been taken to grant accelerated mem - said. “The authorities who signed this Armenia’s interests. All three presidents of European model of statehood founded on bership to the two states that applied to treaty have yet to set out in a consistent Armenia were drawn into a process of tak - the free market, human rights and the rule join the Customs Union – Armenia and and convincing manner what [accession] ing decisions like this. Unfortunately, of law. The model now operating in the Kyrgyzstan, the latter expected to enter in can actually give us.” Armenia has yet to design a professional Customs Union replicates the pattern of 2015, which will make for five member Tevan Poghosyan, who represents the policy for dealing with Russia.” the Soviet, coercive state.” states. Heritage Party in parliament, objected to A lot has changed since President At the signing ceremony, Sargisian insist - entering into an association with Russia Sargisian announced the switch to joining ed the bloc would benefit member states on the grounds that it has supplied the Customs Union last year. Russia’s (Yekaterina Poghosyan is a reporter for by allowing free movement of goods, ser - weapons to archenemy Azerbaijan. “Is that annexation of Crimea and support for the Mediamax news agency in Armenia. vices, capital and labor. Russia is a long - really our choice?” he asked. “Of course rebels in east Ukraine has alarmed its She wrote this article for Institute for standing ally of Armenia, supplying most not. Joining a union like that can only hap - other neighbors and brought down War and Peace Reporting.) of its gas as well as maintaining a military presence there, so closer economic inte - gration might seem a natural next step. Some Armenians fear, however, that the daytime telephone number. Eurasian union is about much more than Notice to Contributors — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is 12 noon on Monday of the week of publication. free trade, and that they risk being swal - The welcomes articles, commentaries and Armenian Mirror-Spectator — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the editors and lowed up in a new strategic bloc led by community news from our readers. In order to assure the accurate and time - art director. Photos will be returned only if a self-addressed and stamped Moscow. ly publication of articles submitted, please note the following policies: envelope is included. Sargisian addressed these concerns in a — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) spaced and print - — The will publish only one article about an upcoming organizational M-S speech on Independence Day, September ed in a type size large enough to be clearly legible (10 point or larger). event. For major special events, exceptions may be made only by special 21. Noting that “some of our opponents Submissions that do not conform to these specifications will be assigned low - arrangement with the editors. are trying to portray entry to the Eurasian est priority. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the discretion of the Economic Union as a loss of political sov - — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, e-mail submissions are encouraged. editors) will not be included in press releases, but should be reserved for cal - ereignty,” he said there was “no danger” to — All submissions should include the name of a contact person and a endar listings and advertisements. Armenia’s independence, which was 16 S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 18, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Tekeyan Centre Fund Holds Sports Competition

GUMRI, Armenia — Tekeyan Centre Fund ship and cooperation. (TCF) continues supporting Armenian schools Tekeyan Sports Games – 2014 were held in and through its humanitarian activities, bridg - Gumri and hosted by two schools: V. Tekeyan ing Tekeyan educational establishments in School 2 and the Lord Byron School 20. The Armenia and Karabagh. On September 20 and project participants, i.e. the Lord Byron School 21, the TCF realized its third sporting project, team and the Tekeyan School teams from “Tekeyan Sports Games - 2014”, to celebrate Yerevan, Gumri, Stepanavan, Karbi, Berdzor, the 23rd Armenian Independence Day. competed in seven kinds of sports: chess, foot - The goal of the project was to contribute to a ball, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, sprint healthy lifestyle and wellbeing of children. It and press-up. A total of 90 schoolchildren and was an opportunity to increase the role of phys - their coaches did their best to win prizes and contribute to their dear schools. All the six teams were in good form, had fighting spirits and great desire to win. For two days there was a strong competition both for girls and boys; the teams contended for cham - pionship, and the final results were as follows: Karbi – 1st prize; Yerevan – 2nd prize; Stepanavan – 3rd prize; Berdzor – 4th prize; Gumri Tekeyan School – 5th prize and Gumri Byron School – 6th prize. The award ceremony of Tekeyan Sports Games - 2014, held in Gumri V. Tekeyan School, featured the school acrobats and the choir. The TCF Director Armen Tsulikyan awarded certifi - TCF Director A. Tsulikyan awarding Karbi Tekeyan School team the Champions Cup cates, medals and prizes to the all six teams and (coach J. Karapetyan) wished them new achievements. He also thanked all the schools, particularly Gumri Tekeyan and Byron Schools, for contributing to Six teams took part in the chess portion of the competition. ical activity and fitness in schools in order to the project implementation. The award ceremo - educate the new generation and strengthen ny concluded with thanking speeches; the their young bodies, souls and minds. The pro - schools were grateful to the TCF for supporting ject also helped schools and schoolchildren them and implementing school projects that from various regions to form stronger friend - educate healthy and intelligent generation. Fresno Establishes First Armenian Honorary Consul

CONSUL, from page 1 sent a letter of request in 2012 to Grigor “In addition to the project itself, my goal is to Hovhannissian, then the Los Angeles-based establish a closer tie between the central San Armenian consul general. He said the ceremo - Joaquin Valley and Armenian commerce, (cul - nial position resulted from several years of work ture, medicine) — all aspects of bringing two with the Armenian embassy in Washington, nations and communities closer,” he said. Armenia’s foreign ministry in Yerevan and the Fresno has one other honorary consul — Ed US State Department. Fanucchi, of Italy — and one official consul — The appointment is huge from a regional Vicente Sanchez Ventura of Mexico. Armenians standpoint, Borgeas said, considering that Los around the country currently get visas, citizen - Angeles and San Francisco have many more ship documents and other diplomatic services diplomatic institutions. “This is a matter of through the Armenian Consulate in Los regional pride,” he said. “It shows that Fresno Angeles. is evolving and diversifying its interests that “Given the size of our community, that’s just reflect the ethnic makeup of our area.” not representative,” said Fresno County Board Armenians first arrived in Fresno in the of Supervisors Chairman Andreas Borgeas. 1870s and continued through the Hamidian Now, those services will be available in Fresno. Massacres of the late 1800s, the Armenian Borgeas, whose wife is Greek Armenian, had Genocide from 1915-1922, the collapse of the pushed for the honorary consul since he helped Soviet Union and the emergence of the the city of Fresno establish a sister city rela - Republic of Armenia. Byron School & Stepanavan Tekeyan School teams competing in football tionship with the city of Echmiadzin, Armenia, Between 40,000 and 50,000 Fresno area res - in 2009. While he was on the City Council, he idents are of Armenian descent, Apkarian said.

“The Armenian Orphan Rug embodies the Armenian Americans have yet to have their treasure has become a symbol of the strong Orphan Rug resilience of the Armenian people through requests granted. We urge you to release this and historic ties between the United States their darkest days and serves as a poignant American treasure for exhibition.” Since send - and Armenia.” Will Be reminder of 1.5 million Armenians who were ing the letter, Schiff has continued to urge the For more than a decade, the Armenian murdered in the first genocide of the White House to find a way for the rug to be Assembly of America has called on the White 20th Century. It also reminds Americans that displayed. House and the State Department to facilitate Displayed at our government was a central player in efforts Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) also weighed in the release of the Armenian Orphan Rug for to call attention to the plight of the Armenian with a letter to the White House. public display. Following the cancelled exhibi - White House people and provide relief to survivors,” said Markey applauded the Obama tion at the Smithsonian, the Assembly Schiff. “Since first raising this issue with the Administration’s announcement and praised embarked on a #ReleaseTheRug campaign RUG, from page 1 White House, we have worked to find a digni - Obama and the White House for acting to dis - and has been working closely with Dr. H. The Armenian Orphan Rug was woven by fied way to display the Rug so that Americans play this symbol. Martin Deranian, author of President Calvin orphans of the Armenian Genocide in 1920, can come to see this important artifact, and “The Armenian Orphan Rug is an impor - Coolidge and the Armenian Orphan Rug, in and presented to Coolidge in 1925 as a sym - learn about an important chapter of the tant piece of our history. Its display serves not raising awareness of this historic . In bol of gratitude for American aid and gen - shared history of the Armenian and American just as a reminder of the horrors of the addition, the Assembly has displayed in erosity for US assistance during the Genocide. peoples. I want to thank the White House for Armenian Genocide but also of the longstand - Massachusetts and Florida a “Sister Rug” The rug, which measures 11’7” x 18’5”, has working with us, and look forward to seeing ing friendship between the Armenian and woven by the same orphans. A presentation of more than 4,000,000 hand-tied knots and the rug displayed at the White House Visitors American people,” said Markey. “I commend the “Sister Rug” is also planned for California took the Armenian girls in the Ghazir Center.” President Obama and the White House for on November 6. Orphanage of the Near East Relief Society 10 Schiff and Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) sent a working with me and my Congressional col - The rug was previously displayed at the months to weave. letter along with 31 other members of the leagues to ensure that this rug can be given White House in 1984 and 1995, but not since. Coolidge noted that, “The rug has a place of House to President Obama last year urging the public exhibition that it deserves.” “The Armenian Orphan Rug, given to honor in the White House where it will be a the administration to allow exhibition of the Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone, President Coolidge as a symbolic thank you daily symbol of goodwill on earth.” The rug — rug. In the letter they stated: “The Armenian Jr. (D-NJ) said the following regarding the for America’s humanitarian relief effort in which has been in storage at the White House Orphan Rug is a piece of American history announcement: “The White House has taken helping to save the survivors of the Armenian for decades — will be displayed from November and it belongs to the American people. For an important step in recognizing historical Genocide, is a treasured piece of American his - 18 to 23 in the White House Visitors Center. more than a decade, Armenian-American orga - accuracy by displaying the Armenian orphan tory,” stated Assembly Executive Director Schiff and the Armenian community have nizations have sought the public display of the rug. The rug was presented to President Bryan Ardouny. “As such we welcome the worked with the White House to find a way rug and have requested the White House and Coolidge on behalf of the Armenian people to announcement by the White House and look for the Ghazir rug to be sensitively and appro - the State Department grant their request on honor the US assistance provided during the forward to the permanent display of this his - priately displayed. numerous occasions. Unfortunately, Armenian genocide. As a result, this cultural toric rug.”