MAY 13, 2017 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVII, NO. 43, Issue 4487 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 INBRIEF Belge Publishing Armenia to Give Fresh Aid to Syria House Raided by YEREVAN — The Armenian government will allo- cate funds from its reserve funds to the Ministry of Turkish Police Foreign Affairs for the purpose of providing human- itarian aid to Syrian citizens affected by the crisis. ISANBUL (Public Radio of Armenia, The government approved the decision at a sit- Armenpress) — Turkish police on the night ting today. of Sunday, May 7, raided the Belge pub- The sum will be transferred to the Hayastan All- lishing house, searching the venue for Armenian Fund for purchasing the necessary about three hours, Turkish media report. goods. The officials reportedly prevented Armenia sent 18 tons of humanitarian aid to employees from leaving, seized a total of Syria earlier this year. 2,170 books and briefly detained editor Mehmet Ali Varis. The publishing house was raided on sus- Turkish Justice picion of having links to the far-left Young girls show their pride in Shushi. Minister Discusses Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/ Front (DHKP/C). Gulen Extradition in US The Belge Publishing Victory Day, Shushi Liberation WASHINGTON (Armenpress) — While on a work- House was founded by ing visit to the US, Turkey’s Justice Minister Bekir Ragip Zarakolu and his Commemorated in Artsakh, Armenia Bozdag met with US Attorney General Jeff late wife, Ayse Nur, in Sessions during which they discussed the extradi- 1977. STEPANAKERT (Public Radio of Armenia) — President Serzh Sargsyan partic- tion of US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Zarakolu has been writ- ipated on May 9 in the festive events in Stepanakert and Shushi dedicated to Bozdag presented a new document on Gulen’s ing and publishing about Victory Day, the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Defense Army of Artsakh “criminal” activity to the attorney general. the Armenian Genocide and liberation of Shushi. Bozdag’s visit will be followed by President since the early 1990’s. His Ragip Zarakolu This morning, together Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the US May 15-17. ‘Belge’ print house has with the Artsakh authori- Erdogan also stated that he is going to discuss published over ten vol- ties, members of the gov- Gulen’s extradition with President Donald Trump. umes on the topic, for which he and his family ernmental delegation have been consistently persecuted and jailed by from Armenia, people of Turkish authorities. Artsakh and guests, who Russian Troops ‘Ready On May 9, Member of Parliament Garo have arrived to Artsakh to Paylan retorted on Twitter: “Belge participate in the festivi- To Fight ISIS’ Publishing House has written down the his- ties, at the Revival Square YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Russia’s Foreign tory of Turkey’s crimes. … At least read the in Stepanakert Serzh The flag of Artsakh in Shushi Minister Sergey Lavrov said on May 5, that Russian confiscated books.” Sargsyan marched with troops stationed in Armenia and other former Zarakolu is known for recognizing the the participants of the Soviet republics are prepared to fight against the Armenian Genocide. event to the Stepanakert Memorial and paid tribute to the memory of those who Islamic State (IS) militant group. Zarakolu has visited Armenia on numer- had fallen in the Great Patriotic War and heroes of the Artsakh Liberation War. “Unfortunately, IS has established itself in the ous occasions, condemned the Armenian In the framework of the festive events, Serzh Sargsyan also visited Shushi and Middle East and north Africa and does not want to Genocide and urged the Turkish govern- laid flowers at the pedestal of the Memorial and later at Vazgen Sargsyan’s surrender yet, but we will definitely finish it off,” he ment to face the reality. Zarakolu is cur- see SHUSHI, page 3 told the Moscow-based MIR TV channel. “But even rently residing in Europe. at this stage it is becoming active in Afghanistan, especially in its northern regions bordering our neighbors and allies.” Decision of Acquittal Lavrov said that a joint rapid-reaction force formed by Russia, Armenia and other member Reversed in the Case states of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Of Threat Against Organization (CSTO) is in a state of “permanent readiness for action” against the extremist Islamist Agos Newspaper group. “The Russian bases stationed in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia are also prepared to act,” he added. By Uygar Gültekin The Russian military base in Armenia has up to 4,000 soldiers and hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems in addition to more ISTANBUL (Agos) — The people who than a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets. Moscow has bol- put black wreath in front of Agos on stered it with helicopter gunships and other mili- April 24, 2015 and made threatening tary hardware in the last few years. statements were acquitted. The Court of Appeals reverse the decision of acquittal on the ground that the statement incite hatred and enmity. Nationalist Turkey Party Istanbul Chair Bilal Gökçeyurt and the chair of so-called INSIDE Garo Paylan, front row, center, with members of the clergy and dignitaries, including Bishop Turan Organization Ercan Uçar put black Abgar Hovakimyan, third from left, and Dr. Arshavir Gundjian, second from right wreath in front of Agos on April 24, 2015, the centennial of Armenian Genocide, and made a press statement including threat messages. Legal action was taken Goodbye and on November 18, 2016, the court MP Garo Paylan Visits acquitted the suspects with the claim that there is no element of crime. Agos Karoun appealed the decision. Quebec, Canada Diocese The Court of Appeals reversed the Page 10 See AGOS, page 4 MONTREAL — On May 2, Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of parliament serving in Turkey, representing the HDP party, paid a visit to the Diocesan Headquarters. Paylan was greeted by Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate, and the Parish Priests of the Montreal and INDEX Laval Armenian Apostolic Churches. Arts and Living ...... 12 The Primate introduced took Paylan to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral Armenia ...... 2,3 of Montreal and invited him to meet with clergy and leaders of the Armenian Community Community News...... 6 organizations of Montreal. Editorial ...... 17 International ...... 4,5 Paylan’s visit to Canada has been organized by the Union of Armenian Churches The black funereal wreaths placed out- and Associations of Quebec and the Union of Armenian Churches and Organizations side Agos offices of Toronto. 2 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Hanganak Elderly Project Expands to Shushi With Support from Armenia Fund USA Armenia: Workers at PARAMUS, N.J. — During the last ic, the medical staff makes home visits a handful of benefactors, however, the Russian Military Base few months of 2016, Armenia Fund to accommodate. Medication is also larger part of the financial support has USA began fully funding the Hanganak ordered by physicians for beneficiaries been carried by the Armenian Protest Unpaid Wages Elderly Project in Shushi, Artsakh. The in need and similarly if a patient cannot Women’s Welfare Association, Inc. In GYUMRI, Armenia (RFE/RL) — Workers at project aims to help the most vulnera- pick it up, nurses will make a home April of 2016, Dr. Gohar Hovhannisyan, Russia’s military base in Armenia have gone on ble part of the population, the elderly delivery. Moreover, social services such MD, MPH approached Armenia Fund strike, claiming they haven’t been paid since aged 63 and above, who are living as housekeeping, cooking, shopping USA’s Executive Director Lisa February. alone in Shushi and its surrounding vil- and more are provided to the benefi- Stepanian to present the expansion of The protest, on May 3, involved about 100 workers lages. These individuals frequently find ciaries in order to improve their daily the Elderly Project beyond at a Russian company that services the apartments of themselves unable to obtain food and living. Food provision is a main priority Stepanakert. Shortly after, Lisa Russian contract soldiers at the 102nd Military base medical help due to their inadequate for this project. Most of the elderly will Stepanian, Ara Vardanyan Hayastan All in Gyumri, Armenia’s second city, the Armenian ser- financial situations and poverty-strick- retrieve the food themselves from the Armenian Fund’s executive director, vice of RFE/RL reported. en conditions. They live in isolation as office; however social workers and and Vardan Partamyan, head of pro- The workers said that they believed that the money they are unable to socialize with their nurses will deliver to those who cannot jects and external relations, met with for their salaries had arrived from Russia, but that peers and connect with the outside pick it up themselves. Social activities Dr. Hovhannisyan, MD, MPH to discuss the company they worked for had gone bankrupt and funding and finalize the launch of they hadn’t been paid for more than two months. Hanganak’s vital activities in Shushi. The protest seemed to achieve its aim: the workers There are currently 30 beneficiaries met with the commander of the base, Colonel of the project in Shushi and only two Vladimir Elkanov, who said he hadn’t been aware of of them live in its surrounding villages. the issue and would look into it. Although that would Every month Armenia Fund USA seem to suggest that the problem will be resolved ensures that all beneficiaries are receiv- without much more drama, Russia still doesn’t need ing the necessary medical services, any more controversy over its base in Armenia. medication distribution, food provi- Armenia considers the base a guarantee against sions, and heating assistance. neighboring Turkey, but public sentiment has lately Currently, there is no centralized loca- turned somewhat, becoming more negative against tion in Shushi, similar to that in the Russian military presence. That is partly due Stepanakert. For this reason, the elder- to rising anger over Russian arms sales to ly are receiving help from Hanganak in Azerbaijan, with whom Armenia is in a long-running their homes. In the near future, the conflict over the territory of Nagorno Karabakh. beneficiaries in Shushi will also get Anger at the base boiled over in 2015 after a con- involved in social activities such as script soldier went AWOL and murdered six members movie showings, gatherings, trips with- of a Russian family. Protesters then gathered at the in Artsakh, etc. base and demanded that Russia hand over the killer, Some of those receiving help fromHanganak Armenia Fund USA hopes to garner Valeriy Permyakov, to be tried in Armenian courts. the support of its donors within the That was eventually resolved with Russia agreeing to United States for this project as it let an Armenian court try Permyakov, who was found world. Hanganak Non-Governmental are also organized, which include aims to support a significant humani- guilty and sentenced to life in prison. The case Organization (NGO) helps these indi- movie screenings, coffee hours, and tarian mission. It is unfortunate that still holds the potential for more conflict: it remains viduals by improving their quality of trips to historical sites within Artsakh. numerous elderly individuals living unclear where Permyakov will serve his sentence. On life and providing them with the neces- Eye examinations and glasses are also alone in Artsakh continue struggling May 2, Permyakov’s lawyer said that will be decided sary medical assistance. provided to the beneficiaries who are in to receive basic resources like food in the next few days and that “theoretically” he could Hanganak NGO was founded in June need of vision assistance. Since 2014, and medical attention. Hanganak serve his time in Russia. 2004 to support, both medically and beneficiaries have received funding to NGO will continue to identify and help socially, the elderly who live alone in cover their heating expenses during those in need in the regions of Stepanakert, Artsakh. Doctors and the winter season. Artsakh. In the interim, Armenia Mirmanyan Family nurses are available at the local medical Armenia Fund USA has been active- Fund USA plans to run a grassroots center to provide healthcare services. If ly supporting Hanganak NGO’s efforts fundraising campaign to ensure suffi- Donates Manuscripts to a beneficiary cannot make it to the clin- in Stepanakert via contributions from cient funding of the project. Matenadaran YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Manuela Salvini De Ghirach Mirman, who is the last descendant of Mirmanyan family of New Jugha (Julfa), donated the TUMO Army Program Gyumri Murderer ancient parchment manuscript (1724) of Ghirach Mirman family to the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Launched in Artsakh To Serve Sentence Ancient Manuscripts, the Matenadaran, together with the family tree, on April 29. STEPANAKERT (Public Radio of the TUMO Army program to the In Russia Currently Manuela Salvini De Ghirach Mirman Armenia) — Last week the Artsakh phase President and Minister and, based on GYUMRI (Arka) — Valery lives in Livorno, Italy. Acting Director of the of the TUMO Army program, a joint ini- previous discussions with Vigen Matenadaran Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan said the docu- Permyakov, a serviceman at tiative between the TUMO Center for Sargsyan, suggested options for future Russia’s military base in ments are very important not only for the study of Creative Technologies and the Defense expansion of the initiative. Vigen late medieval Armenian communities, but also for Gyumri, sentenced to life Ministry of the Republic of Armenia, was Sargsyan, in turn, affirmed the Defense imprisonment for murdering a the history of communities. launched. The launch was announced at Ministry’s intent to have a TUMO center “This family also made greater contributions for family of seven, will serve his the TUMO Center in Stepanakert by at every major army base throughout prison sentence in Russia, a reconstruction, renovation of Armenian churches. Minister of Defense for the Republic of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh. The family has been very rich, they had their own representative of the North Armenia Vigen Sargsyan and TUMO He also welcomed the plans to build a Caucasus military court said. offices and shops in various European cities. The last CEO Marie Lou Papazian, with the par- TUMO center in the border town of descendant of the family made a decision to bring the Earlier, Permyakov’s public ticipation of President of the Republic of Koghb, noting its importance in the attorney, Eduard Agajanov, did- family’s relics to a secure place and of course, she rst Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, Minister of context of the TUMO Army program. of all thought about the Fatherland. Here the manu- n’t rule out that the convict Defense for the Republic of Artsakh The guests also viewed the display of would be extradited to Russia scripts will be well maintained, will be examined. I Levon Mnatsakanyan and AGBU repre- Shushi-related infographics created think here there are a lot of materials for historians and serve his sentence there. sentatives Lena Baghdasaryan and during a joint project between TUMO The family — a middle-aged to use,” Ter-Ghevondyan, said who awarded Mirman Sasoon Baghdasaryan. and the Artsakh Ministry of Culture; with a Memorial Medal of Matenadaran. couple, their daughter, son, The Stepanakert center, which was the infographic designs were created daughter-in-law and 2-year-old founded and operates through a part- by TUMO students during a learning granddaughter — was found New Brewery to Open in nership between TUMO and the lab with Lebanese specialist Ahmad shot dead in their Gyumri home Armenian General Benevolent Union, Gharbieh. The minister is sure that in 2015 January morning. The Dilijan hosts more than 100 army conscripts once the soldiers have passed through seventh member, a six-month- stationed in nearby bases. They are the graphic design workshops, they old baby boy, died a week later. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A new beer factory will acquiring skills in computer program- will also gain such important skills in operate in Armenia’s Tavush province which will pro- Permyakov was arrested ming, robotics, graphic design and dig- the field and will be able to create when trying to cross the vide 120 new jobs, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan ital music composition. graphic design pieces for the army. said on Facebook. The factory’s first product will be Armenian border. The program, implemented through TUMO Army will give draftees the On August 12, 2015 released in one and a half months. a partnership between TUMO and the opportunity to acquire aptitudes that The brewery will be called Dilijan. Permyakov was found guilty of Ministry of Defense, has been running will make them more competitive both desertion, theft of weapons and The brewery is completely ready with new building, since February, having started in while they are serving in the Army and latest European equipment and lines. Specialists sentenced by the fifth garrison TUMO Dilijan. Participating soldiers once they return to civilian life. The military court that is under the from Yerevan will teach beer-making technology to have already completed the TUMO pro- program will help discover the full the residents of Dilijan. North Caucasus Military Court gram’s initial self-learning stage and potential of soldiers who might not to ten years in high-security have entered the first level workshops otherwise have the possibility of devel- prison. of their choice. oping their areas of interest outside of Papazian gave further details about formal educational institutions. S A T U R D A Y , M A Y 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Victory Day, Shushi Liberation Commemorated in Artsakh, Armenia

SHUSHI, from page 1 the Defense Army was established which is the statue paid tribute to his memory. He attend- guarantee of peace and security of Artsakh.” ed the concert held at the V. Sargsyan Square A delegation from the Armenian Democratic in Shushi and observed the Town of Arts and Liberal Party (ADL) Central Committee and Crafts exhibition. Supreme Council, including Supreme Council The 25th anniversary of Shushi liberation President Vartan Nazerian, Central Committee and the 72nd anniversary of Victory in the Vice Chairman Karen Kakoyan, and Artavazd Great Patriotic War were also marked in Melkisetian and Haroutioun Yerkanyan, mem- Yerevan. bers of both bodies, participated in the celebra- His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch tion of the May triple festivity of the Republic and Catholicos of All Armenians, and Prime of Artsakh. Minister Karen Karapetyan attended the event They paid their respects to the memory of at the Victory Park. the martyred heroes of Artsakh’s war for self- They laid flowers at the memorial to the defense, and placed flowers on the graves of the Unknown Soldier and paid tribute to the mem- latter. During their visit, they met with Primate ory of heroes that fell in the Shushi Liberation of the Diocese of Artsakh Archbishop Barkev War and the Great Patriotic War. The Artsakh army marches before dignitaries. Mardirosian and various officials. Following a military parade the Catholicos During talks at the official reception, and the Prime Minister had dinner with veter- Nazerian expressed his congratulations to ans. sage on the Day of Victory and Liberation of ple have made, which contributed to the victo- President Serzh Sargsyan of the Republic of Karen Karapetyan congratulated all veterans Shushi: “From the Mother See of Holy ry in the Great Patriotic War and the establish- Armenia, President Bako Sargsyan of the and freedom fighters and wished them health. Echmiadzin, we extend our Pontifical blessings ment of peace in the world. This victorious day Republic of Artsakh, former President of the “Any victory is important in state-building during the Artsakh Liberation struggle, our Republic of Artsakh Arkady Ghukasyan, as well

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II toast Army veterans. President Serzh Sargsyan and President Bako Sahakyan check out a crafts table in Stepanakert. process. As a civilian, as Prime Minister, I want and congratulations to our faithful people, on heroic sons, with unbending will and a brave as to other officials of the two republics. The to stress that we, as civilians, have a debt before the occasion of the day of the glorious victory spirit, liberated Shushi, which was of important possibility of cooperation and the important of the Armed Forces, which we can never pay. The of May 9, the Liberation of Shushi and the foun- strategic significance, and the center of our ADL participation in various realms was dis- maximum we can do is to succeed on the eco- dation day of the Defense Army of Artsakh national culture. During those decisive days, cussed during these conversations. nomic domain to advance the victories,” Prime (Nagorno-Karabakh). Minister Karen Karapetyan stressed. “This triple wonder and celebration again Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and fills our souls with joy. Today, we reflect on and Catholicos of All Armenians, has issued a mes- reevaluate the significant efforts that our peo-

ADL delegation with Archbishop Barkev Mardirosian of Artsakh. ADL delegation in front of the famous Artsakh monument known as “We are Our Mountains”

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, left, with ADL Supreme Council President Vartan Nazerian, and Archbishop Barkev Mardirosian of Artsakh, right ADL delegation in front of the government building in Stepanakert 4 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL International News

Armenian Genocide Commemorated in Brazil SAO PAOLO (Agencia Prensa Armenia) — The Armenian youth of Brazil held a protest in front of the Turkish Consulate in São Paulo, Brazil, on April 26th. More than a hundred people attended the event on one of the rainiest days of the year accord- ing to the organizers. Bishop Nareg Berberian, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Brazil, reminded everyone that the act of protest honored the memory of our heroes and martyrs. The director of the Armenian Community of Osasco Cesar Sarkis Guludjian read the verses of William Saroyan “Armenia” to remember the strength of the Armenian people. The OSCE permanent council meets to discuss the latest flare up in violence in Nagorno-Karabakh, in Vienna, April 5, 2016 Israel Summons Turkish Ambassador OSCE to Shut Office in Yerevan TEL AVIV (Armenpress) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel summoned Ambassador of Turkey to Tel Aviv Kemal Okem over the recent remarks by YEREVAN — The Organization for OSCE, said at the meeting. “We lament Office in Yerevan in an interview with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the Israeli legis- Security and Cooperation in Europe the loss of the last OSCE field opera- News.am, reported the Foreign lation that will ban the use of loudspeakers by (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly tion in the South Caucasus.” Ministry of Armenia on Thursday. mosques in the country, demokrathaber.org reports. President Christine Muttonen (MP, “Armenia, in the spirit of compro- “Today, the Representative of the On April 8 President Erdogan called on Muslims Austria) and Special Representative on mise, agreed that the Office in Yerevan OSCE Austrian Chairmanship deliv- to visit al-Aksa mosque in Jerusalem as much as pos- the South Caucasus Kristian Vigenin would end these [humanitarian demi- ered a statement at the Permanent sible. Erdogan also criticized the bill to limit the use (MP, Bulgaria) expressed regret about ning] activities,” she stressed. Council meeting announcing that of loudspeakers by mosques. Erdogan called this bill the announcement this week that it The Armenian Foreign Ministry despite exerted efforts, it has not been as an insult to Muslims. had not been possible to reach agree- strongly condemned Baku’s uncompro- possible to reach an agreement on the The Israeli MFA commented on Erdogan’s remarks ment to extend the mandate of the mising stance on the issue. The min- extension of the mandate of the OSCE stating: “The one who constantly violates human OSCE’s Office in Yerevan, reported the istry spokesman, Tigran Balayan, said Office in Yerevan,” Balayan said. “As rights in his country must not give lessons of moral- OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on Azerbaijan’s authoritarian leadership during the Permanent Council meet- ity and democracy in the region.” Thursday, May 4. is highlighting its dismal human rights ing in January, the Austrian The Office is expected to close in the record and “deepening the gap Chairmanship today praised the con- coming months. between itself and the international structive efforts of Armenia aimed at US to Provide ‘Limited “I regret the fact that despite lengthy community.” finding a solution to the issue. Arms’ to Kurd Fighters and extensive efforts, the Permanent Byrnes also praised the Armenian Likewise, the constructive approaches Council has been unable to reach con- government’s long-running coopera- of Armenia were commended by other Washington (CNN) — President Donald Trump has sensus on the continuation of the tion with the OSCE and its Yerevan participating States.” authorized the limited arming of Syrian Kurds to OSCE Office in Yerevan’s important office in particular. The office’s promo- Balayan said that Azerbaijan contin- help in the fight against ISIS, the Pentagon work,” Muttonen said. “The OSCE tion of human rights, tax and police ues its destructive stance in the con- announced on May 9, in a move bound to antagonize Parliamentary Assembly has repeatedly reforms, gender equality and press free- flict, and “finds itself in a total isola- Turkey. called for OSCE field operations to be dom has brought about “positive tion.” He said that the OSCE “Yesterday, the President authorized the given robust mandates and all the results,” she said. Chairmanship, its participating states, Department of Defense to equip Kurdish elements of resources they need to allow them to Vigenin noted how important the and Secretariat support the OSCE the Syrian Democratic Forces as necessary to ensure perform their vital tasks, and yet, Office in Yerevan’s work is for Armenia Office in Yerevan, and it is solely a clear victory over ISIS in Raqqa, Syria,” chief regrettably, another field operation is and the OSCE, and stressed that the Azerbaijan that abuses the OSCE prin- Pentagon spokesperson Dana White said in a state- being closed.” OSCE PA will remain actively engaged ciple of consensus, singlehandedly ment referring to ISIS’ self-declared capital. According to a story from Azatutyun in the region. blocking the decision on the continua- The equipment provided is set to include small (RFE/RL), the Azerbaijani delegation “Following the closure of OSCE field tion of activities of the OSCE office in arms, machine guns, construction equipment and to the OSCE headquarters in Vienna operations in Georgia and Azerbaijan Yerevan, thus opposing to the whole armored vehicles, a US official told CNN. The sup- insisted in a January statement that in past years, the Office in Yerevan has organization. plies and weapons will be parceled out to be just the program “can strengthen the both a symbolic and practical impor- The Armenian Foreign Ministry enough to accomplish specific objectives related to capacity and skills of relevant tance that should not be overlooked. announced that it will remain commit- Raqqa, the official added. Armenian structures” in the Nagorno- Personally, I have benefited from the ted to OSCE’s goals and will continue It is a move that has long been under consideration Karabakh conflict. It accused Armenia Office’s expertise when carrying out to implement the organization’s pro- at the Pentagon but has been delayed due to strong of seeking to “misuse the OSCE Office diplomatic visits, and hope that the jects. opposition from American NATO ally Turkey. in Yerevan against legitimate interests interim period before the final closure The American diplomat went on to Ankara sees the Kurdish fighters in the Syrian of Azerbaijan.” of the mission can be used to find a urge the organization’s Austrian chair- Democratic Forces — known as the YPG — as closely Armenia shrugged off those allega- compromise solution so that the coun- manship to “explore new ways of main- linked to the PKK, which stands for the Workers’ tions. It said that Baku is simply keen try can continue benefiting from its taining an OSCE presence in Armenia Party of Kurdistan, a group that has battled the to force the closure of the Yerevan support,” Vigenin said. and throughout the South Caucasus.” Turkish government for decades. office after having a similar OSCE Spokesperson of the Foreign Balayan said in that regard that the The US views the two Kurdish groups as distinct office in Baku shut down in 2015. Ministry of Armenia Tigran Balayan authorities in Yerevan are open to organizations. OSCE decisions on opening such mis- commented on the recent develop- “new avenues of implementing OSCE The US official said several administration brass, sions and extending their activities ments over the closure of the OSCE projects in Armenia.” including Defense Secretary James Mattis, talked to have to be unanimously approved by Turkish interlocutors Tuesday to explain the US deci- all 57 member states of the organiza- sion. tion. Mattis met with counterparts in Copenhagen Baku did not drop its objections Decision of Acquittal Reversed in Tuesday as part of a conference focused on the ISIS even after the Armenian government fight, also attended by the Turkish minister of agreed later in January to exclude dem- The Case of Threat Against Agos defense. ining from a wide range of OSCE activ- “We’ve been conducting military and diplomatic ities in Armenia. That prompted a stern AGOS, from page 1 dialogues with the Turks and it was a very, very use- warning from the United States, with a acquittal. Referring to the European Convention on Human Rights, the ful discussion today,” Mattis told reporters Tuesday senior US diplomat saying in February court stated: “In most of the modern countries, words and statements harm- following the meeting, while not addressing the issue that the closure of the Yerevan office ing honor and dignity, warmongering and statements leading to change the of arming the Kurds directly. would “reflect poorly on Azerbaijan.” legal order by force and having the purpose of inciting hatred, discrimina- Under Secretary of State Tom Shannon also had a A representative of Austria, the cur- tion, enmity and violence are not regarded as freedom of expression and closed meeting with Turkish presidential adviser rent holder of the OSCE presidency, such statements are deemed as crime and punished.” Ibrahim Kalin Tuesday at the State Department. told the OSCE’s Permanent Council in The court stated that people used the slogan of “We are all Armenians” The US sees the 50,000-strong YPG as the most Vienna on Thursday that the to protest the murder of Hrant Dink and the statement read by the suspects effective force fighting ISIS in Syria. Azerbaijani government remains targets all who used this slogan as well as the staff and employees of Agos. The Pentagon said that it would continue prioritiz- adamant in demanding the office clo- The court also noted that the group, who grounded their action on the ing the arming of Arab forces in Syria, but acknowl- sure. developments in Karabakh, should have staged their protest in front of edged Ankara’s concerns. “The United States regrets the Armenian Consulate or in a public place, but instead, they had done it in impending closure of the OSCE Office front of Agos. in Yerevan,” Kate Byrnes, the charge d’affaires of the US mission to the S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL

resources, they invaded the African countries to The Middle get the most needed oil and other precious met- als, to build their economy, said Mardirossian. After World War II ended, most of the Middle Eastern Countries got their independence and East Turmoil became sovereign nations with rich natural resources, especially natural gas and oil. This LOS ANGELES — The Glendale-Pasadena was the beginning of the end for peace in the Chapter Committee of the Tekeyan Cultural Middle East, pointed out Mardirossian. Association organized a lecture about the At this point, added Mardirossian, a series of Middle East Turmoil that took place on Sunday, skirmishes and wars broke out in the countries May 7, at Tekeyan’s Beshgeturian Center in of the Middle East. These are the Palestine war Altadena. in 1948, the Suez Canal battle in 1956, the civil Kevork Keushkerian, a committee member, war in Lebanon in 1958, the Arab-Israeli war in made the welcoming remarks and then intro- 1967, the Israeli-Egyptian duced the lecturer, Hagop Mardirossian. Hagop war in 1973, the 8 year was born in Kabane, Syria. In 1949, his family Iraq-Iran war in 1980, the 3 moved to Aleppo, where he first studied at day Iraq-Kuwait war in Grtasirats Elementary school, and then at the 1991, the US invasion of Armenian General Benevolent Union’s Lazar Iraq in 2003 and finally the Najarian-Kaloust Gulbenkian Secondary school. Arab Spring, which is a The family moved once again to Beirut, series of anti-government Lebanon, where the young Mardirossian con- protests, uprisings, and tinued his studies, specializing in accounting Audience listening to Hagop Mardirossian armed rebellions that and economics. He worked at several commer- spread across the Middle cial institutions, including Bank Al Arabi. The East in early 2011. Lebanese civil war forced the family to immi- War II (1939-1945), the 20th century and Istanbul and reached its apex in All of these conflicts, grate to the United States in 1976, where they beyond. the 16th Century, under concluded Mardirossian, settled in the Greater Los Angeles Area. In the The Middle East, said Mardirossian, has Suleiman the Magnificent. At that have one thing in common: States, he continued his education and special- always been invaded by foreign powers since time, the Ottoman Empire had oil. Between the United ized in auto mechanics and worked at car deal- the beginning of history. These invasions hap- stretched from the Persian Gulf in Lecturer Hagop Mardirossian States and Russia, which erships until his retirement in 2012. pened for two reasons. First, because its land is the East, to Hungary in the of the superpowers gets Mardirossian is an active member of the very fertile, as it is called the Green Crescent. Northwest and from Egypt in the the most oil and the right Armenian community, extending his volunteer Second, because it is used as a passage between South, to the Caucasus in the North. The of passage to the destination that serves its own services to the Tekeyan Cultural Association the East and West, which is very important for Empire came to its end in the aftermath of its interests is the ultimate goal and not the false and the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party. He trade purposes. The Romans, the Persians, the defeat by the Allies in World War I. claims of establishing democracy in the region. was the editor of Nor Or weekly newspaper Arabs, and the Tartars were some of the Mardirossian noted that the Middle East had But, said the lecturer, the innocent people suf- from 2011 to 2016. invaders that conquered and occupied the been a peaceful region until the decline of the fer either losing their lives, or being dispersed The Power Point presentation was divided Middle East. Ottoman Empire. to other countries for shelter. into several segments, separated by historic The Ottoman Empire was founded in 1299 by In the aftermath of World War I, Europe was A session of question and answer followed the events: The rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire Osman I. It grew into a mighty Empire in 1453, ruined and in dire financial conditions. As the well prepared presentation, which was extended (1299-1922), World War I (1914-1918), World after Suleiman the Magnificent concurred European countries did not have any natural over a cup of coffee and light reception.

political means. To let the political process go this cycle will end. This is easily calculated,” Putin-Erdogan Meet in Sochi on, a ceasefire must be guaranteed, he said. the Russian President said. Relevant agricul- “Russia, Turkey and Iran as countries that tural products can also be supplied from made the greatest contribution to that formu- Turkey to Russian in seasons when Russia has SOCHI, Russia (Tass) — The period of restor- come to a decision of setting up de-escalation la, to the cessation of hostilities, have been no respective production, he added. ing relations between Russia and Turkey after zones in Syria, Putin said. thinking all the time what can be done to Economic cooperation the crisis has been completed and they have “As for the flights over de-escalation zones - make the ceasefire stronger,” Putin said. Russia and Turkey agree upon comprehen- returned to their normal level, Russian combat aviation will not be operating there on Erdogan said, “With reliance on the Astana sive settlement of restrictions in bilateral eco- President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday, condition that no military activity is registered meetings we must enhance truce whenever nomic relations. May 3. in such zones,” Putin said. the chance offers itself. Yet certain circles “We agreed upon a comprehensive solution “Some time ago, our bilateral relations According to Putin, “this is a very delicate spend their energy on disrupting this process. of all problems related to restrictions. We [between Russia and Turkey] were tested for professional issue,” which will be worked out The chemical attack in Khan Shaykhun was an assume any restrictions jeopardize the econo- their strength,” the Russian leader said at a in tight cooperation between the defense min- obvious example of that. Such a barbaric my and eventually inflict damages to our pro- press conference after negotiations with istries and special services.” attack must no remain unpunished. Mr. Putin ducers,” Putin said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “We proceed from the fact, that the con- and I agreed it is extremely important to Erdogan has invited Putin to take part in “Now we can confidently state that the flict’s direct participants, who gathered for ensure those who committed the attack the summit of the Black Sea Economic restoration period in the Russian-Turkish talks today in Astana, will make a final deci- should be punished.” Cooperation (BSEC) Organization due to be relations has been completed and we are sion, since in the end the fate of their country In particular, he said that any attack aimed held in Istanbul. returning to normal partner interaction,” depends solely on them,” Putin said. at upsetting truce not only destabilized the sit- “I’d like to invite Mr. Putin to take part in Putin said. According to the Russian president, Moscow uation in the region, but also torpedoed the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Putin has said that Russia and Turkey are held preliminary consultations on the issue efforts by the guarantor countries. Organization’s summit, which will be held in unanimous the conflict in Syria can be settled with Damascus and Tehran. He said that it was “Struggle with all the terrorist organiza- Istanbul on May 22 this year,” Erdogan said, only by political and diplomatic means. necessary of creating mechanisms, which tions in Syria is important for the future of adding that the event would be held on the “Mr. President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of would guarantee the cessation of bloodshed that country, for the viability of the Syrian occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Turkey) and I adhere to the viewpoint the and would form the basis for beginning a polit- people, for global tranquility,” he said. “The Organization. Syrian conflict can be settled exclusively by ical dialogue. weeding out of terrorist organizations is a mat- Russian Tourists’ Security political and diplomatic means,” Putin told a “We share the same position on this issue ter of our responsibility.” It is crucially important to provide security news conference following talks with Erdogan with the president of Turkey,” Putin said. “We won’t admit the emergence on our for Russian tourists in Turkey, Putin said. on Wednesday. The Russian president also said that Russia, southern borders of enemy enclaves that “On these May days, a third of Russian Putin recalled that pro-active efforts by Turkey and Iran as the guarantors of ceasefire, would endanger our territorial integrity and tourists, who have gone on holiday abroad, Russia, Turkey and Iran had put an end to would do everything possible to make such security,” Erdogan said. have chosen Turkey,” Putin said. “So it is prin- combat operations in Syria and brought the mechanisms effective and constantly develop- He pointed out Turkey’s resolve to continue cipally important to ensure reliable security authorities in Damascus and the armed oppo- ing. doing everything in its power for ensuring our for Russian citizens at Turkish resorts.” sition to the negotiating table in Astana. The United States supports the idea of cre- people’s security and “cooperating with “Russian relevant agencies are ready to pro- Also, the talks paid much attention to the ating zones of de-escalation of tensions in Russian friends in struggle with terrorism.” vide any assistance possible to Turkish special struggle against international terrorism. Syria, he said. Trade barriers services with regard to these issues,” he said. “It was agreed to enhance interaction along “One of the means of enhancing truce is to Trade restrictions and barriers lifting was Speaking about humanitarian cooperation, these lines between the special services and create zones of security and de-escalation. We discussed along with the possibility of making Putin said that Russia and Turkey would hold defense ministries. In particular, inter-depart- heard the US president say so in one of his settlements in national currencies. the Cross Year of Culture and Tourism in mental consultations on anti-terrorist opera- statements,” Putin said. “Yesterday we dis- “Particular attention was paid to interaction 2019. tions will continue to be held on the regular cussed that theme with Trump by telephone. in the economic sphere and elimination of “We should improve coordination between basis,” Putin said. As far as I understand the US administration restrictions and barriers preventing expansion our special services in the wake of a terror “About terrorists, in spite of creation of supports these ideas.” of trade and investment exchanges; an oppor- threat,” Putin said, when answering a these zones the war on terror will be ongoing Ergodan says he discussed with Putin cre- tunity of transferring mutual settlements to reporter’s question about prospects for a visa- - against such organizations as so-called ation of de-escalation zone in Syrian region of national currencies was touched upon,” the free travel agreement with Turkey. Islamic State, Jabhat al-Nusra (banned in Idlib. Russian President said. “However, we realize that there are some Russia) and those ones that are put on the list “Unfortunately, some problems sometimes Domestic agricultural producers borrowed Turkish citizens who regularly enter Russia on of terrorist organizations approved by the surface in Idlib. A so-called ‘green zone,’ or a loans for production development after Russia business. And we are ready to introduce spe- United Nations,” Putin said. de-escalation zone, has been set up there. We had imposed the ban on supplies of tomatoes cial, more liberal regulations for them than for In the meantime, the talks are underway on hope and wish that that zone would continue and other agricultural products, the Russian the rest citizens coming to our country,” he how to control the ceasefire in security zones to operate. Today, we have used a map to dis- leader said. “This [repayment of loans and continued, noting that the foreign ministries in Syria, he said. cuss this issue with Mr. President.” profit making] is a certain cycle related to time of Russia and Turkey should exchange corre- Russia hopes that participants in the inter- Putin recalled that Russia was adamant the and sales of products,” Putin said. sponding lists. Syrian conflict settlement talks in Astana will Syrian crisis could be settled exclusively by “We agreed today that we will notify when “We are ready for this decision,” he said. 6 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

Vartan Armenian Genocide Gharpetian Commemorated at Sworn in as Colorado Capitol DENVER — Hundreds gathered at the Colorado Capitol Khachkar to commemorate Glendale Mayor the 102nd anniversary of the Genocide, on Wednesday, April 26, the Colorado State Legislature unanimously passed joint resolu- GLENDALE — Vartan Gharpetian will serve tions recognizing the Armenian Genocide and his third year on the Glendale City Council as calling on the federal government to do the the city’s mayor thanks to a unanimous vote by same. All the while, led by ANCA-WR executive council members on May 1, where new and director Elen Asatryan, board member Sako returning faces were officially sworn in to their Berberian, and Denver-based community devel- roles as civil servants. opment coordinator Simon Maghakyan, com- City Council incumbents Ara Najarian and munity members young and old from across the Zareh Sinanyan took their oath of office for Centennial state started the day with early another four years of service alongside first- morning meetings with CO Senate President time Councilman Vrej Agajanian. Unopposed and Senate President Pro-Tempore to discuss candidates Ardy Kassakhian and Rafi Armenian-American priorities during the 2017 Manoukian will continue their roles as city ANCA-WR Advocacy Day. After a moving com- clerk and city treasurer, respectively. memoration and unanimous passage of resolu- Before Gharpetian took on his new role, act- tions recognizing the Armenian Genocide in ing Mayor Paula Devine received recognition Senate then House chambers, meetings contin- for her contributions to the city by state Sen. ued throughout the day with focal points of dis- Anthony Portantino and a representative from cussion with officials centered around US- the office of Assemblywoman Laura Friedman. Armenia relations, the Armenian Genocide, as Mayors serve one-year terms and are selected well as statewide issues impacting the Colorado by fellow council members. No city code gov- Armenian communities from public transporta- erns the annual process, but members are tion and education to housing. encouraged to elect someone with experience “Our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude on council. goes out to the fierce leadership of the Gharpetian, whose swift selection as mayor Colorado House of Representatives and Senate, occurred late in the meeting, spoke at length Pastry Chef Nathan Kibarian, Bastille Kitchen all the Colorado legislators who stood in soli- about his goals to complete ongoing city pro- darity to commemorate the 100+2 Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and our vibrant Armenian-American community who once Chefs Shine at Let’s Party! again demonstrated their determination to fight for our cause and make our community’s voice heard. As we move forward with our ini- @ The Kitchen for tiatives and priorities, we know Colorado has both an educated legislature on our issues and an emboldened grassroots ready to take our Armenian Heritage Park cause to the next level,” Asatryan said. “With many possible political shifts that will occur in BOSTON — Talented local chefs will prepare their famous dishes during Let’s the 2018 Colorado statewide elections, we call Party! @ The Kitchen, Boston Public Market, on Friday, June 9, where guests can on our community to register to vote today, celebrate great food to taste while mixing and mingling while supporting the become active on the campaign trails of our Vartan Gharpetian Armenian Heritage Park Fund for Year Round Care. friends, and take our collective voice from the Andrew Janjigian, chef/baking instructor at America’s Test Kitchen and senior streets and the halls of the state capitol to the editor at Cook’s Illustrated Magazine, will begin the evening demonstrating a ballot box to elect candidates that will faithfully jects “in a timely manner” and start those that “new recipe” for Choreg, certain to receive rave reviews. represent our community’s growing needs.” have already been approved. Prior to his tenure at America’s Test Kitchen and as an associate editor The highlight of the day was the moving pre- “I’m looking forward to working with all [city for Cook’s, Janjigian was an organic chemist, chef, mushroom cultivator, oven sentation and unanimous adoption of a joint employees] for the betterment of our city and builder and cooking instructor. He still teaches workshops on bread and pizza bak- resolution in commemoration of the Armenian its residents,” Gharpetian said. “Together, we ing at King Arthur Flour, the Kneading Conference in Skowhegan, Maine, and out Genocide. Since 2002, Colorado’s House and will continue to keep our city a beautiful and of his kitchen classroom in Cambridge. He worked as an organic chemist at Senate have commemorated the Armenian dynamic, safe place to live.” Genzyme Corporation, and as a line cook in restaurants in New York City and Genocide through a joint resolution, which led In parting comments, Devine expressed her Boston. He earned a master’s degree in mycology from Harvard University, and to the authorization of the Colorado State gratitude to colleagues and supporters for the teaches occasional workshops on mushroom foraging and cultivation. Capitol Khachkar, unveiled on April 24, 2015. opportunity to pursue her vision of the city, Nathan Kibarian, pastry chef at Bastille Kitchen, will demonstrate the cherished SJR 42 was first read at length in both legisla- which included greater public engagement by Armenian string cheese. His love of cooking tive chambers, after which the resolution’s moving oral communication to an earlier por- stems from fond childhood memories of being bipartisan sponsors and many others made tion of council meetings, park creation and ren- in the kitchen with his mother and grand- moving remarks on the importance of recog- ovation, and an expansion of the Glendale busi- mother, where at an early age he frequently nizing the Armenian Genocide and the contin- ness and art community. assisted them with preparing dishes boast- ued human rights violations and arrests of intel- “We have a fantastic city, and I know that it ing heavy influence from his Armenian her- ligentsia and journalists that occur in Turkey will continue to grow and prosper under the itage. With the hope of turning his love today under the dictatorship of Recep Tayyip leadership of our next mayor,” Devine said. “It affair with food into a career, Nathan Erdogan. has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve Kibarian began his professional training in Senators Rhonda Fields and Beth Martinez this great city.” 2009 at Johnson & Wales University in Humenik introduced the resolution on the Devine was elected to her first council term Providence, RI, which included a three-month Senate side, with follow-up remarks by Senators in 2014 and will now enter her term’s final year. French pastry training program at L’Ecole John Kefalas, Tim Neville, Dan Kagan and Andy Mayors serve one-year terms and are selected National Supérieure de Pâtisserie in Kerr. Representatives Cole Wist and Paul by fellow council members. No city code gov- Yssingeaux, France. With his Rosenthal carried the torch for justice in the erns the annual process, but members are formal education completed, House, and are long-time proponents of geno- encouraged to elect someone with experience graduating summa cum cide awareness. on council. laude and with solid work “In 1915 there were two million Armenians “I’m looking forward to working with all [city experience, he brought living in the Ottoman empire and by 1922 that employees] for the betterment of our city and his polished approach to number was three hundred eighty eight thou- its residents,” Gharpetian said. “Together, we pastry to The Ritz- sand. Today, we commemorate what I think is will continue to keep our city a beautiful and Carlton Boston Common the forgotten Genocide in our history…we must dynamic, safe place to live.” and then to The Ritz remain ever vigilant in not just remembering Gharpetian was also chair of the Housing see PARTY, page 7 but acting. I ask that each of you remember Authority during his time on council and origi- that these horrors, can happen again if we fail nally ran because of his concerns about rapid to act and act with vigilance.” stated Assistant development in the downtown area and hopes Minority Leader of the Colorado House of to increase open space in the city. Chef/Baking Instructor Andrew Janjigian Representatives Cole Wist as he presented the resolution. see GLENDALE, page 7 see COLORADO, page 8COLORADO, from S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Chefs Shine at Let’s Party! @ The Kitchen for Armenian Heritage Park

PARTY, from page ? fresh Lamejun, breads, cheese, pastries, cook- Susan and Souren Etyemezian, owners of Carlton – Tysons Corner near Washington, D.C. ies, spices and nuts to the Greater Boston com- Fastachi in Boston and Watertown, and wines Bastille Kitchen is a contemporary French munity from the small bakery with the red courtesy of Tutunjian Estate Vineyards. bistro in the heart of Boston’s Innovation awning on Belmont Street, Belmont. He and his Wendy Semonian Eppich, publisher of the District. In his free moments, he experiments family, immigrants from Aleppo, Syria, have Improper Bostonian, is the evening’s emcee. with brewing beer, making homemade charcu- always had a passion for cooking Armenian and Semonian joined the magazine in 1993 and in terie, and keeping chickens and a garden for Middle Eastern Cuisine. When they acquired 2003 became publisher of the bi-weekly maga- fresh homegrown foods. the store in the mid- 1980’s, they knew that zine, headquartered in the Back Bay. Today, the Jason Reed, executive chef at Vicki Lee’s, will “they were meant to share that passion with the Improper, 26 years after its founding, has demonstrate a favorite, tabouleh. Reed was first community”. Working on his skills and baking become a local institution that reaches an audi- introduced to food and cooking by his mother, ence of more than 426,000 readers. With 25 a trained chef and well-known catering director. issues a year covering everything from food and His quest for professional training brought him fashion to arts and entertainment, the editorial to Boulder, Colorado, working under James staff prides itself on highlighting the people Beard honorary Chef Bradford Heap, and and places that make Boston a world-class city. Bravo’s Top Chef winner, Hosea Rosenberg. In She graduated from University of Maine, Orono 2008, a friendly meeting to discuss the food in 1992 with an international affairs degree scene in Boston with Vicki Lee Bayajian, his with a concentration in Russian language. She father’s high school friend, turned into an resides in Sherborn with her husband Bill and employment opportunity. Since then he has three young sons. worked as a chef at Vicki Lee’s, providing fresh Advance reservations are necessary. Space is Chef/Owner Bedros Der Vartanian, Eastern ideas and delicious food for her shop and cater- limited. To receive the e-invite, email Lamejun Bakers ing service. Aware that his position as a chef [email protected].

Glendale City Council Will Support Rep. Schiff’s Resolution Acknowledging Armenian Genocide

GLENDALE (Glendale News-Press) — Not The council will also send a letter signed long following the city of Glendale’s week by all current members to show support for commemorating the Armenian Genocide, HR 220. Council members will also send a the City Council moved to support a resolu- five-signature letter directly to President tion asking the US House of Trump that urges him to “recognize and Executive Chef Jason Reed, Vicki Lee’s Representatives to recognize and reaffirm reaffirm” the Armenian Genocide. the atrocity. The United States government has not The combined resolution and motion by officially acknowledged the massacre of techniques year after year with frequent visits the council will show support for Rep. Adam Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as a to Syria, Lebanon and Armenia, Bedros has Schiff’s House Resolution 220 from March genocide in over 30 years. The last president tried to perfect the Middle Eastern experience 22, the congressman’s latest bipartisan to describe the events as a genocide was that all his customers are accustomed to. “We, attempt toward Armenian Genocide recog- Ronald Reagan in 1981. Turkey, an as Armenians living outside our homeland, nition. American ally in a sensitive region, strongly must preserve our culture. We are diverse in HR 220 asks the House to commemorate disputes the term “genocide,” and the U.S. language, religion, cultural customs and dress. I and condemn past genocides — including has been reluctant to anger its leadership. just want to do my part in preserving the cui- the one committed by Ottoman Turks The Glendale move comes from a letter sine and gourmet dishes our people have to against Armenians — as a way to bolster the sent to the city by Supervisors Kathryn Wendy Semonian Eppich, publisher, the offer!” nation’s stance on preventing modern-day Barger and Hilda Solis about actions being Improper Bostonian Topping off the evening will again showcase genocides. considered by the Los Angeles County pastry chef Nathan Kibarian demonstrating of “This resolution has removed some of the Board of Supervisors. paklava and chocolates. He credits his language on Turkey, and references the Barger made a motion Tuesday to the can directly affect our environment, Jason Armenian-American family for fostering his Ottoman Empire, and includes a broader board to consider supporting HR 220. strives to find local and sustainable sources for interest in food. “I’m a first-generation range of genocides,” said Christine Powers, “We’ve just been through our week of the food he prepares. He is excited to bring his American. My grandparents lived next door and a program supervisor with the city. “This is remembrance with some very important passion for farm-to-table cuisine and sustain- there were always family dinners, and every- to appeal to representatives in other parts of events that occurred during the week, and I ability to Vicki Lee’s. Boyajian is going to thing was homemade, the desserts were home- the country who may not be attuned to the think it’s time for us to stand up and speak attend the evening. made. Armenian flavors are natural, and home- history of Armenians and the Armenian about the genocide as well and to reinforce Bedros Der Vartanian, chef/owner, Eastern style, with lots of fresh ingredients.” Genocide.” what the supervisors are doing,” said Lamejun Bakers, will demonstrate how to make Guest will also enjoy roasted nuts courtesy of This is not Schiff’s first resolution aimed Councilwoman Paula Devine. lamejun. For more than 35 years, he has sold at Armenian Genocide recognition and affir- Along with the letters, the council will mation to the House, but the Glendale City adopt an official city position that supports Council has supported several of them in “legislation and administration action that www.Efkere.com the past, including resolutions in 2005, recognizes and reaffirms the Armenian Documenting the history of Efkere, an 2007 and 2011, according to city docu- Genocide by the United States Armenian village in central Turkey ments. Government.” Gharpetian Sworn in as Glendale Mayor GLENDALE, from page 6 Fellow incumbent Hacopian, first elected in The newly elected council members also 2001, expressed gratitude for Anita Quinonez shared their gratitude with the community, sup- Gabrielian’s service. Gabrielian did not seek porters and family. Agajanian spoke first and reelection this year after serving on the board repeated many campaign promises including since 2002. goals of greater transparency and better sup- Vartanian Davis, the newcomer to the board, port for small businesses in Glendale. said she appreciated “the community that has Sinanyan, who will now enter his second created the person that stands before you. term as a council member, applauded voters for Without this community and their support, I their overwhelming support of council term would not be here.” limits and said he intends for the next four Earlier in the day, at the Glendale Unified years to be filled with cooperation toward school board, Armina Gharpetian, wife of Glendale’s future challenges such as affordable Vartan Gharpetian, as well as Greg Krikorian housing. and Shant Sahakian were sworn in at the Najarian, now in his fourth term, said the school district’s headquarters as board member election and his campaign were unusually chal- Christine Walters, who did not seek reelection, lenging for what he said were unprecedented participated in her last meeting. attacks against him. He said he vowed to pro- Sahakian said he was honored to be suc- pose election reforms against voter disenfran- ceeding Walters. chisement. “It’s big shoes to fill, and I’ll do my best to Ann Ransford, Armine Hacopian and Yvette live up to the expectations and make her proud Dr. Jonathan Varjabedian Vartanian Davis were also sworn in to serve on as well,” Sahakian said. the Glendale Community College board of Both Armina Gharpetian and Krikorian said [email protected] trustees. they are looking forward to serving again. Ransford, who was first elected in 2009, said Armina Gharpetian was first elected four she appreciated her supporters. “I’m so happy years ago, while Krikorian was originally elect- to be able to continue this work,” she said. ed in 2001. 8 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Salpi Ghazarian Recognized by California State Assembly

SACRAMENTO — Salpi Ghazarian, director something you love. I have never stopped to of the University of Southern California (USC) think whether I want to work in the Armenian Institute of Armenian Studies, was recognized world or the non-Armenian world. For me, it’s by the California State Assembly “for her all one world, and I do what I can do to have an remarkable record of accomplishments and the impact that is both national and global, that exemplary leadership she has provided for orga- helps the process of understanding, empathiz- nizations, institutions, and publications whose ing and collaborating in order to lead to scope encompasses, broadly, Armenia and the change. In the process, I am the greatest bene- Armenian Diaspora.” ficiary of this process – because I work with Members Resolution No. 635 was passed on and partner with thoughtful individuals who April 17. share these goals. I am grateful to the Assembly The ceremony was part of a day-long series of members who have reinforced my commit- activities in Sacramento marking Armenian ment,” said Ghazarian. Genocide Remembrance Day. Charles Ghailian, head of the USC Institute “We recognize Salpi Ghazarian for her con- of Armenian Studies Leadership Council tributions to addressing and resolving national observed, “Salpi has invested all of her experi- and global challenges in Armenian communi- ence, energy, contacts, and vision to making ties,” said Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, sure that the Institute grows and succeeds as a who together with state Sen. Scott Wilk, recog- bridge between our past and our future. She nized Ghazarian during a press conference, and has vision, passion and is able to bring togeth- during the Assembly and Senate floor sessions, er the best people in academia, in practice, in

Salpi Ghazarian with Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian

old friend, a former USC professor, a former editor and publisher of Armenian International ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, Jivan Magazine. In 1982, she set up the first Tabibian once said of Salpi that she is a nation- Armenian political action committee. She con- al treasure. We are pleased that the California sulted with various state and local agencies – Legislature agrees.” school districts, police departments, hospitals, Ghazarian joined the USC Institute of libraries – on immigration and cultural aware- Armenian Studies in 2014 after returning to ness needs. For half a decade in the late 1980s Los Angeles from Yerevan, Armenia, where she and early 1990s, she co-hosted a live, bilingual co-founded and directed the Civilitas radio program called Sounds of the Armenian Foundation, a think tank and advocacy organi- Diaspora. zation. Civilitas and its media program, Since joining the Institute at USC, she has CivilNet, pioneered a new culture of responsible created landmark programming including journalism through online television and data- Innovate Armenia, an annual festival of innova- based reporting. From 2000 to 2008, Ghazarian tive people and ideas. Ghazarian also collabo- served as special assistant to Foreign Minister rates with research institutions and Armenian Salpi Ghazarian speaking Vartan Oskanian of Armenia. Before moving to Studies centers around the world, and with var- Armenia, she was West Coast Coordinator for ious departments and centers at USC as well, to the Zoryan Institute for Contemporary ensure that Armenian issues are included in presenting her with a Joint Legislative business to inspire young people and the com- Armenian Research and Documentation, and global conversations. Resolution. munity at large. As a university, as a communi- “It is wonderful to be recognized for doing ty, and as a nation we are lucky to have her. An Telephone (617) 924-7400

Armenian Genocide Commemorated at Colorado Capitol Aram Bedrosian Colorado, page 6 on the Senate floor, Asatryan presented Senate Funeral Home, Inc. “If you look at Turkey today, with the rise of President Grantham with the ANCA-Western authoritarianism both there and in the region. Region pin. In addition to Asatryan, Berberian, Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 With Turkey emerging after a failed coup and Maghakyan, many of the attendees were MARION BEDROSIAN attempt last year, its leadership having arrested also introduced on the Senate and House 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET thousands of journalists, judges, professors, floors, including co-founders of Armenians of PAUL BEDROSIAN almost all of whom are absolutely one hundred Colorado (AOC) Pearl Safarian and Anahid WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN percent innocent. And if you silence the intelli- Katchian, AOC Board President Sona gentsia you silence the people who can actual- Hedeshian and Board member Narek ly do something against your government. It’s Poghosyan, founder of the Colorado Coalition easier to control a population. And that’s what for Genocide Awareness and Action Roz turkey is doing today,” said Rep. Paul Rosenthal Duman; as well as several other community in his remarks as he introduced the joint reso- leaders and activists, including Kim lution alongside Wist. Christianian, Dr. Garo Chalian, Karina Immediately before the resolution was heard Thompson, and Nick Portnoy. GiragosianF UNERAL H OME James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com

Nardolillo Funeral Home Est. 1906 John K. Najarian, Jr. Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 www.nardolillo.com S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS 10 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Karoun Restaurant Closing at End of June

NEWTON, Mass. — After 40 years in business, with 37 years at the corner of Walnut and Washington streets in Newtonville, the iconic Karoun Restaurant is closing. The building that houses Karoun was pur- chased last year by Newton developer Robert Korff and will be torn down to make way for a new mixed-use property. Owner John Eurdolian and his family are indebted to the tens of thou- sands of customers who have loyally supported their family business over the years. In 1977 Eurdolian opened the first Karoun Cafe in a tiny subterranean space at the corner of Newbury and Fairfield in Boston. As the cafe became increasingly popular his family joined him. A 1978 review by Boston Globe Food Critic Anthony Spinazzola put Karoun on the

The exterior of Karoun

culinary map. In 1980 John Sahagen worked closely together to create an Customers have asked if Karoun will reopen Erudolian purchased the atmosphere of homestyle hospitality and a in another location but at this point, it is high- Blue Bell Diner in uniquely fun dining experience. All are still ly unlikely, the Eurdolians say. “Large-scale Newtonville and converted it involved with daily operations with the excep- owner-operated restaurants are mostly a thing into a larger restaurant tion of Nishan who passed away two years of the past. If I do anything food-related in the nightclub featuring his fami- ago. Mom is still rolling the grape leaves and future it will be a much smaller operation,” ly’s homemade Lebanese- cabbage and making cream katayef. Mary John Eurdolian said. Armenian cuisine and live makes all the appetizers including charring The iconic restaurant will be closing at the music and belly dancing on the eggplants for the babaganoush and but- end of June. The Eurdolians are in the process weekends. tering the phyllo layers for the spinach borek of saying goodbye to their customers. They At various times, he has pie. Over the years, John’s wife, Carolyn, and anticipate being very busy these next two served as owner host singer all four of his children, Alexandra, Lara, months and even chef. Renee and Andrew have worked at Karoun Eurdolian and his family, including both his Karoun is tuly a family along with nieces Karen Jaber and Christina parents and three sisters, moved to Boston affair. John and his parents Greenberg. from Lebanon in 1969 so that he could go to Nishan and Iskouhie and Said John Eurdolian, “In a way it’s a blessing school. John and Carolyn Eurdolian and family sisters Mary Yertessian in disguise — I would not have known when to To visit Karoun one last time make a reser- Nora Rosse and Roushi retire.” vation soon at [email protected]

One of the belly dancers at Karoun

Dr. Arsen Manukyan to Discuss ‘Business Environment in Armenia’ at NAASR Talk

BELMONT, Mass. — Visiting expert Arsen Manukyan will give a talk titled “The Business Environment in Armenia: Legal and Practical Issues for Investors,” on Monday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave. The lecture is presented as part of the NAASR/Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Series on Contemporary Armenian Issues and is jointly sponsored by Armenian Business Network. This presentation will outline some of the main challenges, from legal and practical per- spectives, that Armenia is facing as well as some of the positive developments in the last sev- eral years. The Armenian government has made efforts to improve the business environment in order to attract foreign and domestic investors. Despite the steps and initiatives under- taken by the government, the results have not been satisfactory and there is a need to increase efforts to ensure a more favorable business climate. Dr. Arsen Manukyan has over 20 years of experience in the public sector, government, and leading programs for economic and social development in Armenia. He specializes in conduct- ing legal analysis, development of legal opinions, and the drafting of laws and regulations. His professional career includes work in the Parliament (National Assembly) of Armenia (Senior Specialist of Juridical Department); Armenia Human Rights Defender’s Office (Head of division on protection of social and economic rights) and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Head of Legal Department). Currently he is a lecturer at the Institute of Law and Politics within Armenian Russian (Slavonic) University. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Arts & Living

USHMM Special Issue on The Armenian Genocide Spending the WASHINGTON — The Armenian National Night with Institute announced this week that through July 15, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) is providing free access to Andrea Martin a special online issue on the Armenian Genocide of its academic journal, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, printed by Oxford In LA University Press. The volume is introduced by Prof. Robert F. Melson and includes six articles published LOS ANGELES — Journalist and Armenian over the span of the past ten years on several International Women’s Association member aspects of the Armenian Genocide. The Joan Agajanian Quinn recently interviewed authors include Peter Balakian, Shaun actress Andrea Martin who is starring in an O’Dwyer, Taner Akçam, Donald Bloxham, upcoming Armenian International Women’s Jonathan Markovitz and Katharine Derderian. Association (AIWA) fundraiser. Tickets are on Per USHMM, “Between the onset of World sale for “Broadway in LA: An Evening with War I and the founding of the Turkish Andrea Martin hosted by Seth Rudetsky,” open- Republic in 1923 approximately 1.5 million ing on May 27 at the El Portal Theater on Armenians, or more than half of the Ottoman Lankersheim Blvd., North Hollywood. Empire’s Armenian population, died as a Quinn recently interviewed Martin, the gifted result of deportations, starvation, serial mas- actress and comedienne. The two had met in sacres, and mass executions. With the intent Boston when Martin had spoken at a program of informing, Holocaust and Genocide Studies for AIWA in 1992. offer this special edition reflecting on the Producer Dr. Susie Kalinian “I had just returned from a trip to Armenia. I Armenian Genocide, featuring selected arti- think this was around 1992, when Gorbachev cles from past issues. The six articles included had just been ousted and Armenia gained its in this virtual issue examine various aspects of independence. A very exciting and tumultuous the genocide, including its denial, and are Knights and Daughters of time for the country,” Martin recalled. available to read online for a limited time.” According to Quinn, one of AIWA’s founders, The special issue may be accessed at Olga Prudian, told her that Martin was “a http://bit.ly/2qwQbyO. Vartan Screen Saroyan Film princess,” a favorite adjective of hers for those she liked. Quipped Martin, “I have always con- sidered Olga an Armenian queen, so it is fitting On Silver Anniversary that I am one of her princesses.” Martin said that Prudians and her family Aram Kaloosdian’s Book FRESNO — Walking into the fellowship hall of Fresno’s First Armenian were part of the Armenian community in On Life and Death of Presbyterian Church for the celebration luncheon and silver anniversary screening Portland, Maine, when she was growing up and of the acclaimed documentary film, “William Saroyan: The Man, The Writer,” spon- that she had known her all her life. Tadem Continues to sored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Yeprad and Alidz Lodges on Sunday Martin is a regular supporter of AIWA, as March 5, was like being transported to the heyday of 1930s Hollywood. Two dap- well as the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). Receive Praise per welcoming tuxedo-clad greeters stood with programs and smiles at the entrance “Anything I can do to support my extended of a roped red carpet, flashes of resident photographer Edward Ashjian captured Armenian family, here and in Armenia, I am so WASHINGTON — The Armenian National each grand entrance accentuated by the handshake of a William Saroyan look-a-like pleased to do. Nothing is more satisfying than Institute announces that Robert Aram perched by his bicycle with a copy of the Fresno Bee tucked into his pocket; not using the celebrity I have, for organizations I Kaloosdian’s book, Tadem: My Father’s Village too far away, a life-size cut-out of Saroyan himself, gazed approvingly. believe in,” she said. Extinguished during the 1915 Armenian Silver and black streamers with movie cameras and clap boards delicately floated As for what to expect on May 27 and beyond, Genocide, was reviewed in the April 2017 issue in the air as a gold star was placed on each lapel and guests were escorted to one “Expect to laugh, to eat and be merry. In the of Holocaust and of 25 round tables decorated in the “forget me not” Armenian commemorative col- dark times we are living in, I love that I can Genocide Studies, ors of royal purple and gold. Along the way, an exhibit of 14 characteristic portraits bring some levity to my fellow Armenians. the premier journal of Saroyan awaited exploration from the personal collection of photographer, writ- There will be recognizable songs, from of the discipline er and director Paul Kalinian. Each 14x17 portrait rested on easels lined up as sol- Broadway shows I’ve performed in, sketches published by Oxford from SCTV, banter with radio host extraordi- University Press on naire, Seth Rudetsky, and interactions with the behalf of the United audience. It’s a fun filled 90 minutes!” States Holocaust She concluded, “Being Armenian is who I Memorial Museum. am. Being authentic and genuine is what In his review, Robert defines you and contributes to a long career. I Melson describes am beyond grateful to have the roots I have in the book as a “sig- Armenian culture and history. I wear my her- nificant contribu- itage as a badge of honor.” tion to historical understanding” of the Martin has won Tony, Drama Desk and Armenian Genocide. Emmy awards for her work on Broadway, off- Kaloosdian’s book had already received two Broadway and television. She has starred in awards in 2016. Tadem: My Father’s Village was dozens of movies, including “My Big Fat Greek awarded an Independent Book Publishers Wedding” and “Wag the Dog,” as well as Association’s (IBPA) Benjamin Franklin Award “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” She was a as a Silver Winner in the Best New Voice chameleon in “SCTV” comedy sketch show. She Nonfiction category. The IBPA describes the is currently starring on “Great News” on NBC. book as follows: Special Guests with Director Paul Kalinian being Interviewed in the background Drawing on accounts from over a dozen wit- nesses, most never before published, the author recounts the life and death of one village. With diers along the slate brick walls of the hall accentuated by stained glass windows. striking immediacy, the author presents Tadem A 30x40 US Saroyan Stamp Poster began the salute and interspersed among as a microcosm of the Genocide and argues that quotes of Saroyan was the Mamiya RB67 still camera used to shoot the famous the Turks used the outbreak of World War I as series of portraits taken on March 26, 1976 and the 16mm Bolex motion picture a cover for atrocities motivated by religious camera used for filming the award-winning documentary we anxiously awaited to hatred and greed. see on the life and works of William Saroyan. Leading to the stage, adorned with a Tadem: My Father’s Village also received an 40-foot silver film strip, were two 35x45 larger-than-life Saroyan portraits beckon- IPPY Silver award in the category of World ing one’s attention, one of which was selected by the United States and USSR History. The IPPY Awards, launched in 1996 Postal Services for their Commemorative Stamps jointly issued on May 22, 1991 in and given out by the Independent Publisher Yerevan, Armenia and in Fresno as a symbol of peace and friendship between the Book Awards, are designed to bring increased two superpower nations of the world. recognition to the deserving but often unsung This unique collection culminated center stage with an elegant 30x40 Saroyan titles published by independent authors and Stamp Cachet Poster featuring First-Day-Issue cancellations of the US and USSR publishers. Saroyan stamps and original portrait of Saroyan numbered and signed by photog- Kaloosdian is vice-chairman, and chairman rapher Paul Kalinian, flanked by the Armenian and American national flags and a emeritus (1997-2011), of the Armenian National never-before-seen-in-public display of the film’s Gold Award Statue, along with a see FILM, page 13 Institute. ANI was founded in 1997 with a major Seated Actress Andrea Martin and Arts donation by Hirair Hovnanian chairman emeri- Advocate Joan Agajanian Quinn tus of the Armenian Assembly of America. 12 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Creative Armenia Program Launched at UCLA

LOS ANGELES — Creative Armenia was the light, is extraordi- officially launched at the University of nary,” said Esrailian. California, Los Angeles (UCLA) recently with “And it is heart-warming a mandate to discover talent and empower to see it all coming stories of impact in the digital age. The event together at UCLA.” was co-hosted by Teri Schwartz, dean of the Schwartz added: “We UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, look forward to the excit- and Dr. Eric Esrailian, producer of ing work that Creative “The Promise,” who is also a founding mem- Armenia will be doing, as ber of Creative Armenia’s advisory board. it plays a leading role at Grammy Award winning musician and the cross-section of activist Serj Tankian and documentary film- human rights, entertain- maker Carla Garapedian introduced the orga- ment, and creative tech- nization’s first initiative, a $5,000 video chal- nologies.” lenge from the Oscar-winning director Terry “We are at the begin- George (“Hotel Rwanda” and “The Promise”). ning of a new cultural Filmmakers everywhere were invited to take coalition,” said Garin part in “Creative Challenge 001: Art of Hovannisian, founder of Impact,” with a submission of a short film, no Creative Armenia. “And more than 60 seconds, that takes on a human we are proud to be build- rights issue important to them. ing together this dynamic “For me film is the greatest medium to con- From left, Serj Tankian, Garin Hovannisian, Teri Schwartz and Dr. Eric Esrailian new cultural infrastruc- front catastrophe and expose the conscience,” ture.” George says in the video. “The medium itself Creative Armenia is a is the struggle of light against shadow.” the realm of human rights and entertain- including the establishment at UCLA of the non-profit organization based in Los Angeles Launched in partnership with “The ment. $20 million Promise Institute for Human and Yerevan, Armenia. Its online platform is Promise,” the Gulbenkian Foundation, an “The Promise,” which in recent weeks cata- Rights. All proceeds of the film will be going the hub of its programming, with its signa- anonymous benefactor and a global network pulted the saga of the Armenian Genocide to charitable causes. ture creative challenges, fellowships, video of supporters, Creative Armenia reflects the onto the big screen, has been accompanied by “To have something like this come out of a productions, and a digital magazine. Armenian community’s increasing interest in a storm of human rights activity off screen — dark chapter of our history, moving toward NAASR and AIWA Present Lecture on Armenian Author Zareh Vorpouni

BELMONT, Mass. — Translator and scholar Jennifer Manoukian will give a talk on the French Armenian author Zareh Vorpouni (1902-1980) on Thursday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m., at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont. The lecture, titled “A Literary Renegade: Zareh Vorpouni and 20th- Century Western Armenian Literature in France,” is presented as part of the NAASR / Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Series on Contemporary Armenian Issues and is jointly sponsored by Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA). In the 1920s and 1930s, a group of young writ- ers turned Paris into the epicenter of Western Armenian literary life. These writers deliberately broke with their Ottoman Armenian predeces- sors in theme and form, staging an outright rebellion against them. Their invention of new lit- erary standards and their impulse to represent the new realities of the diaspora challenged the conservatism of the Armenian community and created a fleeting period in which questioning nationalism, clericalism and sexuality became the norm in literature. In Armenia and Karabagh Manoukian’s presentation will focus on the life and work of one of the least known, yet most prolific, of these writers: Zareh Vorpouni, focusing on his 1967 novel The Candidate, recently translated into English for the first time. Manoukian is a translator of Western Sponsor A SinceTeacher its inception in 2001, Armenian literature and will begin her doctoral TCA’s Sponsor a Teacher program at UCLA in the Department of Near program has raised Eastern Languages and Cultures in the fall. over $607,000 and She received her master’s degree from the reached out to Department of Middle East, South Asian and African Studies at Columbia University and her 6,027 teachers and bachelor’s degree from the Departments of school workers in French and Middle Eastern Studies at Rutgers Armenia & Karabagh. University. Her first translation — The Gardens of Silihdar, the memoir of Ottoman Armenian 17th Anniversary writer Zabel Yessayan — was published by the U U U U  AIWA Press in 2014 and her second — The $200 $400 $600 $ Candidate by Zareh Vorpouni, a co-translation Other ______with Ishkhan Jinbashian — was published in 2016 by Syracuse University Press. In 2015, Manoukian received the Sona Aronian Book Prize for Excellence in Armenian Studies from NAASR for her work as translator of The Gardens of Silihdar. Copies of The Candidate will be available for purchase the night of the lecture. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Knights and Daughters of Vartan Screen Saroyan Film on Silver Anniversary Recipe FILM, from page 11 the world and the undying love and passion personally autographed book by Saroyan he felt for both his native country as an inscribed, “For Paul Kalinian a great photog- American, and for the country of his forefa- Corner rapher artist. Sincerely, William Saroyan, thers, as an Armenian. Saroyan discusses his Fresno April 8, 1976.” cultural heritage and its influence on his The festivities began as Rita Shamlian, becoming a writer. He rejects money, fame by Christine Vartanian Datian matron of Daughters of Vartan Alidz Otyag, and glory and ultimately returns to his roots welcomed the nearly 250 guests in atten- to find his eternal rest. dance. Special guests of the day were intro- Following the film the audience was treat- duced by Phillip Tavlian Esq. which included ed to a lively question-and-answer session by Armenian Simit Cookies the 8th President of California State the filmmakers. Cohosts Dr. Dennis and Rita University, Fresno, Dr. Joseph Castro and his Shamlian presented Dr. Susie Kalinian and INGREDIENTS wife Mary, First Lady of the University; her father with trophies in appreciation for 6 cups flour, sifted Fresno County Supervisor District 5 and their cinematic production, service and dedi- 1 pound unsalted butter, melted Former Clovis Mayor Nathan Magsig; and cation to Knights and Daughters of Vartan 1 cup sugar Denise Altounian, the district representative and the Armenian and non-Armenian com- 1 cup warm milk of United States Rep. Jim Costa. munities worldwide. The elder Kalinian was 2 large eggs, beaten The opening prayer was offered by senior honored with a special resolution from the 3 teaspoons baking powder pastor, Rev. Gregory Haroutunian and the air Fresno County Board of Supervisors “for his 1/2 teaspoon salt was filled with musical selections of inspira- philanthropic and educational contributions 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon tional spiritual hymns by pianist Carina and for representing Fresno through his 1 beaten egg plus two tablespoon water for egg wash Tokatian and vocalist Morgan Marashian. artistry by making and presenting this award Sesame or black seeds (optional) At the conclusion of the luncheon hour winning documentary film all over the world for the past 26 years.” The filmmaker was PREPARATION: also presented with a surprise Congressional Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Record honoring and celebrating the lifelong In a medium bowl, mix the butter, sugar and two beaten eggs together for a few contributions of Paul Kalinian: “a man who minutes. Gradually fold in the flour and remaining ingredients, and mix to combine; has dedicated his life to preserving American knead lightly unto a medium smooth dough. and Armenian culture through the art of pho- On a floured surface, roll out dough to one-half inch thick. Brush dough with one tography and film” signed by Costa. beaten egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired, and cut into desired shapes. For At the conclusion of the film program, Rita more traditional simit, pull a piece of dough the size of a walnut or apricot, roll each Shamlian offered closing remarks and invited ball with the palm of your hand in a long strip, form into a rope shape, and pinch the the excited audience to return to the ends together to form a circle. Fellowship Hall for a lavish dessert reception, Place on a non-stick or sprayed cookie sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until which included a closer appreciation of Paul golden brown. Kalinian’s exhibition and Saroyan memora- Remove from oven to cool on racks. Serve with butter, jam, honey, yogurt, cheese, bilia, a Gallery II book signing by artist Pat and Armenian coffee. Hunter and author Janice Stevens, who recently published the culinary volume, *Christine's recipes have been published in the Fresno Bee Newspaper, Sunset Dapper Tuxedo Greeters “Breaking Bread with William Saroyan,” and and Cooking Light Magazines and thearmeniankitchen.com. a much anticipated meet and greet with the filmmakers to conclude the lovely literary guests adjourned to the church sanctuary afternoon with Saroyan, documented by local equipped with three projection screens, with television stations. It was truly a fun, educa- new attendees receiving a silver star on their tional, cultural and unforgettable event. lapel for entrance to the standing-room-only To host a film screening fundraiser event and much anticipated feature film on the life for a local Knights and Daughters of Vartan and works of William Saroyan. Dr. Dennis Chapter and/or community organization, Shamlian, a past commander of Knights of you can contact the filmmakers to present Saturday, June 3, 2017 Vartan Yeprad Tahlij and his wife Matron their film at your next organized event, Rita Shamlian introduced Writer/Director [email protected] and at 8:00 PM Paul Kalinian and his daughter, Producer Dr. visit their film trailer and website. There is no Symphony Hall, Boston Susie Kalinian. After the presentation of the charge to show the film, as it is a labor of love National Anthems of the United States of by the Kalinians who donate all proceeds to America and the Republic of Armenia, the the sponsoring organizations for their documentary was screened for the assem- fundraising purposes. The only requirement blage. The film narrated by William Saroyan is round trip travel from Fresno, California and Mike Connors, was dedicated to the and hotel accommodation, which can be memory of the Fresno-born actor and film shared among several chapters or community star who passed away on January 26, 2017 at organizations. the age of 91. The film’s graphic design is by Serving on the Saroyan Film Luncheon Sarkis Muradyan and award winning music is Committee with Shamlian were Annette composed by Paul Nazlikian. Agulian, K. Pam Basmajian Ude, H Debbie The documentary, a touching tribute to Garabedian, Paulette Janian Melkonian, M. Saroyan, who died on May 18, 1981 at the George Karkazian, Paul Kalinian, Susie age of 72, has won six international film fes- Kalinian DMD, Ani Missakian, Dennis tival awards including the Gold Award among Shamlian DDS, and Phillip Tavlian, Esq. Friends of Armenian 12 competing nations from the Philadelphia Special thanks to First Armenian Culture Society presents International Film Festival. The film pre- Presbyterian Church and Administrator Suzy miered in the William Saroyan Theatre in Artemyan, Maryvonne Gagliardi, Linda Fresno in April 1991 and has since been Tikijian, Dessert Reception Committee, shown in more than 60 cities and 19 coun- Charles Garabedian, Edward Ashjian, FAPC tries around the world. The documentary Youth, Zohrab Atarian, S. Ari Adams, Raffy portrays Saroyan’s personal life, his charac- and Hasmik Haddadin and Al Garabedian. ter and philosophy, his works and message to –Rita Shamlian Annual Armenian

Featuring Night at the Pops the Boston debut of soprano HASMIK TOROSYAN with conductor BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA - KEITH LOCKHART, plus....the spectacular CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE For tickets and moreth information, please visit facsboston.org

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gry if providence hadn’t come to our aid and if it weren’t for Mairig’s enterprising spirit, as well as the determination to Victoria Varjabedian: work and keep her children alive. One day, the wife of a high-ranking Turkish official, seeing that Mairig was educated and had the ability to govern, and especially taking into consideration the fact that she had been a teacher, asked her if she perhaps could give lessons to a group of children of Turkish officials and military personnel, since their Turkish teacher hadn’t been able to return on An Armenian Mother account of the Damascus railway line having been shut down. Mairig began to work. The children learned simple arithmetic, studied Turkish grammar and sang Armenian songs with Turkish words! By Sissag then hired as a teacher in the school of St. Sarkis church in Yes, this was the external front of the work, whereas the pic- the Armenian quarter of her birthplace Kiumbet (corrupted ture was completely different on the inside. Mairig, who didn’t Varjabedian form of Kumpet, meaning dome). The principal at that time know the meaning of tired, used to gather us three children was Hagop (or Hagopos) Varjabedian — our father, the sole together and, under the dim light of a candle, teach us the male child of Fr. Krikor Varjabedian, the parish priest of said Armenian alphabet. She used to grab and direct our feeble BEIRUT — On January 16, church. hands so we would write correctly and not betray St. Mesrob. 1971, in this damp cold Beirut The Varjabedian clan of Marash had produced 40 genera- When she was home on Fridays and Sundays, she would winter, we buried an tions of priests — starting from Persia, where they first emi- teach us English. Armenian mother endowed grated from Armenia, and ending in Marash after a few hun- I learned my first words and sentences of this language from with singular capacities — my dred years. These were dedicated pastors, some of whom were her. She would make the three of us stand facing her and com- mother or Mairig, as we, her archpriests, such as Fr. Krikor’s brother, for example, mand: children, used to call her. Archpriest Hovhannes Varjabedian (died in 1904), for many Military operations began to develop. The British, under the Being one of her children years the vicar of the diocese of Marash. leadership of their famous Colonel Lawrence and the support and, particularly, an Armenian man, public servant and writer, It is worth mentioning here that Fr. Hovhannes and his of Anglophile Arabs, began to advance from Egypt to Jordan I am impelled to put in writing a few memories while her grave brother, Fr. Krikor (our grandfather), were the children of Fr. and succeeded in occupying Tafileh where we were living. is still fresh, while trying not to weep — but to no avail. Despite Hovhannes Karayapoudjian, who opened the first school in There I saw the legendary Lawrence wearing typical Arab all my effort, a myriad of bittersweet episodes come pell-mell Marash next to the St. Kevork church. garb; the Arab ruffians used to point him out from afar, saying to the forefront of my mind, and teardrops stream down my Hagop Varjabedian received his higher education at the “hede inglizi” (he’s an Englishman). cheeks. A life of more than half a century impetuously passes American [St. Paul’s] College in Tarsus. Generally speaking, he However, a few weeks later, the British and their ally, the before my eyes — from the roads of exile to my entrance to the wrote on ethnographic topics, made a study of the Marash Arabs of Sherif, retreated and the Germans and Turks university. I am very sad…not because I am being eternally sep- provincial dialect and labored to produce inspirational poems. attacked with cannon fire, seizing Tafileh. A real hell was cre- arated from my mother — who became both a mother and a He assembled raw data for the history of Marash and pub- ated; there was plunder and massacre of Armenians by father to us, her children; rather, with the departure of lished extensive reports in various newspapers, of which Turcophile Arabs. It was Victoria who, as the head of a dele- Victoria Varjabedian, our nation has lost one of the worthy Krikor Kalousdian made wide use, through his own admission gation of Armenian women, went to the Turkish army head- representatives of a model class of Armenian women and to me. Kalousdian prepared the voluminous book Marash or quarters and requested of the general that the firing of the mothers. She is the type of Armenian mother who, although Kermanig (950 pages), which was published in New York in cannons be ceased since the British had already retreated. having suffered on the roads of exile, nevertheless emerged 1934. Fearing that the British would mount a counterattack again, victorious in the end. It is not on account of her death that her He contributed to the contemporary newspapers of since Tafileh had been rendered into a war front, they with- merits are becoming evident. I had long since taken note of Constantinople, especially Piuragn. It was he who, for the first drew further north, to the fortress city called Kereg, taking them. time, translated Yeghishe’s “Vartanank” from classical with them the Armenian refugees and confining them in the One day, when we were sitting around as a family and my Armenian into vernacular, which was published in famous fortress of Kereg. son, Shahnour, who is endowed with exceptional artistic abili- Constantinople in 1911 under the penname H. Varj. Puzant It took us four days to travel on the road from Tafileh to ty, was painting a portrait in oil of his grandmother seated fac- Yeghiayan wrote about this in an issue of Hask monthly. Kereg. On one of those winter days there was a terrible storm; ing him, I said to her: Hagop also published a conversational book of English- the rain was coming down in torrents and an icy cold wind was “Mairig, you know, I’m going to write about you.” Armenian-Turkish, titled Arachnort Anklieren Lezvi [Guide to blowing. Even now I can very clearly picture in my mind how However, that day never came during her lifetime. A year or the English Language], which can help one learn the English the caravan of Armenian refugees proceeded silently under two later, she asked with a sweet smile on her maternal face: language even today. I have a copy of each of these books. these rainy and stormy conditions. We, in turn, mother and “Sissag, my son, you said that you were going to write some- Hagop Varjabedian also had numerous other handwritten sons, were wallowing in mud and water, trying not to get sep- thing about me. What happened?…” studies, which were destroyed during the catastrophic days of arated from the caravan. Alternately grabbing me and my Controlling my emotion, I put my hand on her shoulder and, 1915, in order to spare the family from persecution. brothers by the hand, Mairig was staggering like a drunkard, looking sadly in her eyes, said, “Mairig, the time hasn’t come utterly exhausted and weak, saying, “walk, my boys; when it yet…,” then turned aside. gets dark, wolves will come and eat us.” Along the side of the The time finally came at 3 p.m. on January 15, 1971, when The Helpless Widow road, she saw a gaba [cassock; monk’s gown; women’s dress, Mairig’s utterly exhausted and tormented body found its eter- gown, robe] made of a large piece of felt, which, being soaked nal rest. It was then that I decided to present this wonderful And Exile with water, had become extremely heavy and had been tossed woman and honorable mother to the public because, up until Continuing the concise biography of Mairig, the best mem- aside by its owner. She took it and fashioned a tent out of it, that day and hour, she was my mother, but after that — when bers of the teaching staff of the St. Sarkis church school in under which we took shelter for a while until the rain stopped. she had crossed over to the other side of the river and beyond Marash — Hagop and Victoria — took a liking to each other Grandmother, the priest’s wife Markrid, who was quite a dis- the threshold of eternity — she belonged to the Armenian peo- and decided to get married. This created quite a stir, almost a tance away from us, was seemingly coming from the world ple, of which she constituted a worthy and exemplary daugh- “national crisis” at the time, since relations between the beyond the grave, as if she were an apparition. Along the road ter. Armenian Apostolic Church and Protestants were strained. we saw how many of the Turkish soldiers, while retreating When I was standing with head bowed before her lifeless Hagop was the son of an Apostolic family, and a priest, on top from Tafileh to Kereg the previous night, had gotten frozen body, I saw how old age and illness had ravaged that healthy of it, while Victoria came from a well-known Protestant family, and were still clinging to their weapons and bayonets. woman to a little human doll, which was comfortably slum- her father being a member of the Council of Elders Finally, we miraculously reached Kereg. However, after a bering on its death bed. (Yeretsneru Zhoghov). However, owing to the intervention of while, the Arabs of this fortress city threatened to massacre However, when we placed her in the coffin, it was as if it was some of the broadminded members of the vestry of St. Sarkis the Armenian refugees. It wasn’t prudent for us to remain too narrow for her, and that small and shriveled-up being grew church, the marriage was completed. there, since the regular Turkish army had retreated to and grew and became a giant — a giant of invincible will and I remember very little of Hairig, inasmuch as he died pre- Damascus and anarchy prevailed. Taking advantage of the indestructible resolve. maturely. His portrait is vaguely etched in my memory: he was proximity of the British, who were located at a place called Herein lies the exceptional worth of Victoria Varjabedian an unusually tall individual with a well-proportioned build, a Ghor on the Dead Sea, approximately a thousand kilometers and the necessity of her being presented to the public. peaceful face and kind look. from Kereg, and led by Armenophile Arabs, the Armenians The daughter of an Armenian Evangelical family, who mar- Hagop died in 1914, barely having reached the age of thir- began to flee, caravan after caravan, to the British side at ried a worthy son of the Armenian Apostolic Church, she wor- ty-five, leaving young Victoria alone with four children — night, paying one British pound sterling per person. shiped the Holy Armenian Church — while not forgetting hers Sissag, Hratch, Dickran and Shahe. As if this weren’t enough, — and, for her, Echmiadzin was an immovable rock, an inde- the war that shook the world followed, in whose whirlpool our structible faith. The daughter of a Protestant, she used to take family got caught up. Retreat and Salvation us to church and taught us to make the sign of the cross. Elderly grandfather Fr. Krikor was exiled along with the first Having become a widow at an early age, she rejected all pro- We too set out on a dark night with a small caravan and, 40 well-known families of Marash. The poor man, having taken posals of remarriage, and, with an irreproachable life and infi- experiencing unimaginable difficulties, we traversed an with him his wife, daughter-in-law and her four fatherless chil- nite sacrifice, she devoted herself to building her children’s expanse of land that alternated between desert and volcanic dren, proceeded along the road of exile. The rest is the famil- future — as human beings and Armenians, as stated above. rock, under a scorching sun. I was old enough to be able to iar story of the black fate suffered by the Armenians, requiring These, thus, are the merits of Victoria Varjabedian, whose walk by myself, whereas poor Mairig, grabbing Hratch by the no explanation. life can serve as an example to others. hand and carrying Dickran on her back, while carrying the Fortunately, they were exiled to Jordan and, after much With her irrevocable departure, one more member of a divine liturgy chalice and cross in a bag in her other hand, was deprivation and suffering, they reached the village of Tafileh, courageous and honorable generation of Armenian mothers, walking or, more accurately, crawling behind the group, filled where an Armenian community was formed, consisting gener- which emerged during the years of our national suffering, the with fear of getting separated from it. ally of natives of Marash. I distinctly remember how my grand- period of 1900-1925, disappeared. These mothers aborted the One of the kind Arab escorts, taking pity on this Armenian father, Fr. Krikor, used to put on his vestments every Sunday monstrous plan of the Turks to annihilate us, by raising their mother experiencing such difficulty, took Dickran from and celebrate mass in the home of the Arab village chief, children and keeping them Armenian. Mairig’s back, put him on his back and proceeded rapidly. where we had taken up residence, along with ten or so After a while, when the caravan reached the Arab who had * * * Armenian families, each one occupying one room of the house. gone in front, we saw that the kind youth had set the little boy Mairig was born into the Kalayjian clan, one of the families Generally speaking, we were not subjected to persecution, and down on a rock and then turned him over to his mother, smil- comprising the Armenian Evangelical community of Marash, the local Arabs were friendly toward us. ing. in 1885. She was the only sister to four brothers, one of whom However, this good life didn’t last long. There was an epi- During those days, one of the members of the caravan was was a doctor while the other three were businessmen. She demic, which took the life of my grandfather, and one day we Ovsanna (who is presently in Beirut), the wife of the late received her higher education at the American Girls’ College woke up to find that Shahe had died in our mother’s arms. Archpriest Mashdots Vosgeritchian, our worthy pastor in of Marash, where she mastered the English language. She was We were orphans and we would have died helpless and hun- Zahle. I’m sure that she will be greatly moved when reading S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 ARTS & LIVING

these lines. Since Ovsanna didn’t have anyone to protect her, ing medicine, as well as Armenian patients at the American a notebook of religious poetry, Keghon ar Asdvadz [Ode to Mairig took her under her charge; when we reached the camp Hospital, especially those who were indigent. Doctors Yervant God], which he had written and from which he often used to of Port Said, she gave her in marriage there to Edward Jidedjian and Khoren Yeretsian, who came to express their read to me.” Vosgeritchian, a teacher from Zeitoun, who years later was condolences upon the sad occasion of Mairig’s passing, We had to pray before every meal and go to church on ordained as the priest of the Armenian community of Homis recalled those days and the work she had done with much Sundays when we were bachelors and living with her, and and later moved to Zahle. appreciation. when we got married, we would go as a family, with our wives Finally, after a real crucifixion, we reached the place called We three brothers, in turn, continued our education while and children. Ghor, a bona fide desert on the shore of the Dead Sea, an working and performing various jobs of manual labor at the The day of Mairig’s death, I was invited to dinner at the unhealthy place. Located there was the first British base, university, such as waiting on tables in the cafeteria, cleaning, home of my in-laws Arakel Hovanessian. When we sat down at which constituted the guarantor of our final salvation. Unable watering the garden, house sitting for Americans going on the table, I said, “Let’s pray,” and I broke down uncontrollably. to endure all the many tribulations she had suffered, Mairig vacation, etc. We did this until I completed the course of study I recalled Mairig, who wanted us to pray before every meal fell deathly ill but she eventually recovered. Her knowledge of for business, Hratch received his Bachelor of Arts degree, and without fail and who maintained this custom until she became the English language greatly helped her to gain the assistance Dickran became a certified physician. Being the oldest male confined to bed, near the end of her life. This is why one cries of the British army doctors, as well as secure medicine and child of the family and on account of my starting a working when one’s mother dies, even if she has reached an advanced food. The British were amazed at how this woman, who was career early, Mairig saw to it that I didn’t fail to carry out my stage in life and become a grandmother many times over. shrouded in rags and was reduced to skin and bones, spoke responsibilities toward the family and my brothers; she also Mairig loved me very much, as I was the oldest male of the their language clearly and fluently. instilled in them respect and love for their older brother. household, her co-worker and advisor. She waited for days, In 1964, I took my family on a tour of the places we had Grandmother Markrid had gone to Greece to live with her lying in her bed in a state of near death, until I returned to gone during our period in exile. My Beirut from London so she could bid intent was to show the members of me a final farewell and I could be pre- my family a part of the calvary of cru- sent at her burial. My two sons, Hagop- cifixion, to which the previous gener- “We were orphans and we would have Khajag and Shahnour, who were in ation had been subjected, so that they London, had called and requested that would know how and where the died helpless and hungry if providence we spend the New Year with them. My Armenians had suffered and so that wife and I went. I returned on account they, in turn, would become good, hadn’t come to our aid and if it weren’t of business after ten days, on January knowledgeable Armenians. I found 10, whereas my wife Araxie wished to the home of the Arab sheik in Tefileh, stay a little longer and enjoy the boys. still one of the best houses in the vil- for Mairig’s enterprising spirit, as well A few days later, Mairig took her final lage, where now the king is reported leave from me; now I was not only to stay and where our grandfather, Fr. as the determination to work and keep fatherless but motherless as well. Krikor, used to celebrate mass every Being deprived of her, and separated Sunday. her children alive.” from my wife and sons, as well as my There we were introduced to a few daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Raffi and Armenian women, who had been little Shoghag Hovanessian (Chicago), I felt girls during the deportation and who had remained there dur- daughter. With the death of the latter, she was left all alone, doubly orphaned. I stayed up nights, shedding tears with the ing the period of our retreat, having panicked and lost their having lost her husband some 20 years earlier. She wrote to memory of Mairig, recalling the days of exile and the past, and parents. They had been forced into marriage by local Arabs Mairig, who arranged for her to join her. A few years later, writing these memoirs. However, I proudly overcame this great and had children by them. With their tattooed faces and Grandmother died, praying for and blessing her daughter-in- grief, fortified by the presence of my brother Dickran, his fam- Bedouin manner of dress, they totally resembled Arabs, but law and grandchildren. ily, our relatives and numerous friends. amazingly they spoke correct Armenian. In 1940, we sent Mairig on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. In No matter how many faults mothers may have, no matter if From the tent city of Port Said, Mairig was able to establish 1952, we sent her to North America, where she saw her broth- they get upset, are hard to please or are sickly, they never wish contact with her brothers in America, who had attempted to ers and relatives. After a six-month visit, she returned fresh harm on their children. One day, when Mairig was lying in a help us in every way, even wishing to bring us to America. and happy. hospital bed, I said to her, patting her on the head: However, Mairig was never enthusiastic over this idea, since “Mairig, do you know how much we are paying daily so you she felt obligated, as the daughter-in-law of a priest, to remain Victorious Mother can rest?” Then I told her the amount. in the bosom of her people. Grandmother, Yeretsgin Markrid, “Oh, my son, isn’t that too much of a burden for you? Am I whom we had left in Kereg as she couldn’t come with us on After receiving our university education, when we began to really worthy of such a large expense as that?...” account of her age, joined us here. A group engaged in the succeed in life, we became active in Armenian community life Go ahead and measure the criterion of a mother’s goodness, assembling of Armenian orphans brought her from Kereg. and our books successively appeared in print. Mairig felt if you can. I distinctly remember the declaration of the Armistice — it boundless joy, seeing that her sons, like her husband Hagop, The Armenian Mother is a voluntary slave at home, desirous must have been 1918. We were in the tent city of Port Said were turning into writers. She would get quite excited, pray solely of the comfort of her children, daughters-in-law and when, one day, the ships in the harbor began to uniformly and and read the Bible, take communion and thank God, saying grandchildren. A mother is a treasure, a blessing for a house- loudly sound their horns. A few dozen of us boys ran barefoot that she couldn’t have ever imagined such good days would hold. A mother is a nice house guest, who is here today and across the sand and were amazed to see that all the ships were come in her life. gone tomorrow. Delight in her virtues and don’t give any decorated with flags of various colors and the sailors were In 1945, we suffered the misfortune of losing my brother importance to her human faults, because none of us is free engaged in wild celebration on the small bridges. When we Hratch — a misfortune which, nevertheless, couldn’t break from faults. Don’t offend her so that one day you won’t have returned home, the elderly said that the war had ended and Mairig’s solid will. Having become a grandmother by then, she regrets in front of her grave. that we would be returning to our homeland. began to assist in the upbringing of her grandchildren. The day of Mairig’s burial, Saturday, January 16, the weath- My teachers at the Port Said school were H. Kendirjian The helpless widow of yesteryear had become a victorious er was cloudy and there was a torrential rain until noon. (later the priest of Ainjar), Yetvart (Edward) Vosgeritchian (Fr. Armenian mother, showing contempt for the Turkish persecu- However, amazingly, as the hour of burial approached, the Mashdots, pastor of Zahle) and Hmayag Kranian (subsequent- tion and overcoming numerous obstacles. Her success was the weather cleared up — precisely like her life, which was gloomy ly a familiar figure in the Armenian community of Beirut). It result of her exceptional abilities, unusual effort and great sac- at first and then sunny. A great multitude, irrespective of so worked out that I was to develop very close and friendly rifices, which made her worthy of respect and appreciation. denomination and faction — ranging from the humble to the relations with the latter two in the realm of Armenian affairs. However, this huge tree became bent down under the oner- highest class of our community in Beirut — had swarmed at St. After the Armistice, we returned with the rest of our com- ous weight of 85 years. She fell down and broke her leg; after Kevork church in Nor Hajin. More than thirty bouquets of patriots to Marash with high hopes and the expectation of being confined to bed for 11 months, she entered her eternal flowers and crosses had been sent by various persons or orga- establishing the independence of Cilicia. However, this plan rest. nizations. The service was soul-stirring, the singing was sweet was aborted [owing to the French evacuation] and we nar- This is the story, in summary form, of an Armenian family, and harmonious, and my pained heart was profoundly moved. rowly escaped the massacre [at the hands of the Kemalist which saw the hell of the Armenian Genocide, passed through The funeral oration delivered by Very Reverend Fr. Kevork Turks] that took the lives of many Armenians having returned the valley of death and whose orphans were saved, thanks to Garbisian, the day’s celebrant, was restrained, proper and to Marash. Here too Mairig had a good job on account of her a valorous and intelligent mother. This is the reason why the appropriate. Students of the Hovagimian-Manoogian School knowledge of English. Initially she worked for the American story of our family, more than being unique to us, is of a more carried the coffin on their shoulders from the church to the Red Cross as a member of the committee responsible for the public nature and why I felt obligated to present it to the pub- river’s edge in Beirut, from where the hearse, followed by distribution of clothing, and later as a nurse in the American lic, omitting many parts of a strictly personal nature. numerous automobiles, departed toward the Armenian ceme- hospital. Unfortunately, when we speak about the heroic feats and tery at Furn el Chebbak, where her remains were interred. Having miraculously escaped the massacre of Marash in successes of our nation, we always forget the exemplary 1920, we found refuge in Aleppo following the Kemalist move- Armenian woman, remembering her only on Mother’s Day. * * * ment. Here Mairig again carried on the same work that she Indeed, this generation of ours owes a great debt of gratitude had been doing with the Americans in Marash; i.e., she worked to its mothers. They constituted brave warriors, who sacrificed Thus ended the odyssey of an Armenian mother, who was as head of the relief distribution committees of the American as much as our fedayis and volunteers. Sincerely speaking, I the embodiment of devotion to her family, whose love for the Red Cross. At the very suggestion of the Americans, she put am very much afraid that the new generation will not be able Armenian Church had no bounds, and who lived an irre- us in an orphanage where we began to receive education. to produce such exemplary Armenian mothers like them, in proachable life. Armenia was in her heart, and Armenian lan- Being a working woman, Mairig couldn’t undertake the order to keep their offspring Armenian and ensure the survival guage and literature were objects of worship for her. responsibility of educating us herself. of the Armenians. Hearing the news of her death, many relatives, friends, In 1923, she moved to Beirut and had us transported to the Every wife, of course, has great overall respect for her hus- acquaintances and compatriots shall certainly be greatly sad- well-known orphanage in Jebeil (Lebanon) where we remained band. However, the respect and admiration Mairig had for our dened. If they wish to respect her memory and if they belong for two years. Our stay there greatly aided our physical and father, her Hagop, were something exceptional — a kind of hyp- to the Armenian Apostolic Church, they should go to church, mental development, and from there we went to the American nosis reaching the level of worship. As a human being, he was light a candle and make the sign of the cross, which Mairig so University. During our stay at the orphanage, Mairig used to perfection. Mairig’s only dream was that we, her children, loved to do. If, on the other hand, they belong to the visit us a few times a month, bringing with her an abundance resemble her husband. Evangelical Church, they should request of the reverend that, of foodstuffs, sweets and fruits. Thus we never felt as if we “You know, my sons, Father didn’t partake of alcoholic bev- one Sunday, the hymn “Nearer My God to Thee” be sung, were orphans or cut off from family. erages, didn’t smoke cigarettes and didn’t speak Turkish. He which again she very much liked to sing. I am sure that her In Beirut, Mairig first worked in the Armenian orphanage wrote books and often prayed. He knew Nareg by heart. It soul shall rejoice from above and I shall always feel her near founded by Ghazaros Ghubligian as a nurse, and then became used to get very cold in Marash, especially during the winters. me as long as I’m alive. the immediate assistant to Miss Dray/Drey, the American I often used to wake up at night and see him sitting in front I am proud of having had such a Mother and I shall weep woman who headed the outpatient clinic of the American of the lantern writing or on his knees praying with open arms no longer. Hospital. In this position, which she held for many years, and weeping. If he hadn’t died so young, he would have been Blessed be her memory; may her life serve as an example to Mairig was very helpful to Armenian students who were study- ordained a priest so as to continue the family calling. He had the younger generation. 16 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

Marlborough. Monday, 9:30 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., MASSACHUSETTSCALIFORNIA “Shot Gun.” Join us for a day of golf-player’s fee: $175 (includes hospitality, lunch, dinner, green & cart fees, MAY 27 — Broadway in LA … Armenian International prizes and gifts) – or just dinner and a social evening Women’s Association-L.A. Affiliate present an Evening ($50 per person). Limited to 128 players. Tournament with Andrea Martin hosted by Seth Rudetsky, at El Portal and tee sponsorships available. RSVP deadline, June 12. Theater, North Hollywood; one-night comedy show hon- To register or for further information, log oring AIWA’s 25 plus years. 7:00 pm. Reception and onto http://www.htaac.org/calendar/event/403/ or Armenian tapas; 8:30 p.m. Performance, followed by contact the Holy Trinity Church Office,617.354.0632, or Dessert and coffee with the stars. Tickets: $150; spon- email [email protected]. sorships available. For info and reservations call (909)- 625-3413 or (310) 472-2454. NEW JERSEY MASSACHUSETTSFLORIDA NOVEMBER 18 — Save the date. Gala banquet cele- brating the 70th anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural JANUARY 20-28, 2018 — Armenian Heritage Cruise Association. At the Terrace at Biagios. Details will be XXI 2018 Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal On May 21, the Tekeyan Cultural forthcoming. Caribbean’s Freedom Of The Seas. Travelling to: St. Kitts Associaiton of New York will sponsor a / St.John’s Antigua / San Juan / Labadee, Private Island. concert titled “The Armenian Spirit” at 3 NEW YORK Cabin Rates starting from US $1044 / person based on p.m., at Alliance Francaise in New York Double Occupancy, including Port Charges and ACAA City. The program will feature musicians MAY 6-7 — Hamazkayin New York 50th Anniversary registration fee. Government taxes of $108.36 are addi- Events. Panel discussion on Saturday, at 7 p.m. St. Ani Kavafian, above, Ani Kalayjian and tional. Armenian Entertainment, Armenian Cultural Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, 221 E. Presentations, Armenian Festival Day, Tavlou & Belote Orion Weiss. 27th Street, between 2-3rd Avenues, titled “Responsibility, Tournaments and much more. Call TRAVELGROUP INTER- Commitment, Action.” Opening remarks by: Bishop NATIONAL @1- 561-447-0750 or 1-866-447-0750 Ext. Anoushavan Tanielian Vicar General of the Armenian 108. Ask for Janie. Contact: [email protected] or armenianbusinessnetwork@g Prelacy of New York with panelists Veh Bezdikian, Natalie mail.com. Gabrelian, Rupen Janbazian, Anahid Ugurlayan, Lucine MASSACHUSETTS MAY 25 — The Armenian Museum of America, Kasbarian, Mardig Tcholakian with moderator. Armen Concert: John Hodian and Epiphany 3, Featuring new Caprielian. Free Admission. Sunday, May 7, 4 p.m. The MAY 13 — The Armenian Church of Our Saviour is pre- blends of Armenian music from touring family trio, John Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, NY, Slide senting a new edition of “Armenians Got Talent!” on Hodian, Bet Williams and Jack Hodian. Thursday, at 8 Presentation on “The Path Taken – 50 Years of Saturday, May 13, 6 pm, in its Cultural Center, 34 Boynton p.m. The group will perform music blending ancient and Hamazkayin New York,” with Traditional, Minstrel, St., Worcester. The talent show includes parishioners of all modern cultures and musical styles. Funded by the Modern and Patriotic Performances by: Huyser Musical ages performing various musical and dance numbers with Dadourian Foundation. Concert open to the public. Ensemble, Jerry Bezdikian, Kanoun, Narek Boudakian, fun for the whole family. Following the program there is MAY 25 — Annual Spring Dinner and Drawing spon- Guitar/Vocal and Zulal Trio. Later a world premier theatri- a buffet with Armenian foods. Tickets are $10 for adults sored by the Friends of Holy Trinity 1000 Club, 6:30 cal scene, “Khrimian Hayrig,” Written and Performed by and teens and $5 for children under 12. A grand raffle will p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy Herand Markarian (Participants ages 8-48). Mistress of be held featuring many prizes. For reservations and addi- Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle Ceremonies: Lara Milian-Bardizbanian. Champagne and tional information, call 508-852-0249. St., Cambridge. Open to all. You don’t have to be a mem- Cake Reception. Donation $25. Limited seating. MAY 13 — Mother’s Day Dance Featuring Tigran ber of the 1000 Club to join us for a delicious losh kebab MAY 20 — A Day of Faith, Hope, Love and Service at Asatryan & Band! To be held on Saturday, Hosted and pilaf dinner, $9.99 per person; tickets on sale at the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary starting at 4:30 p.m. by The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe ACYOA. door. Regular monthly raffle drawing at 8 p.m., plus 5 This event will include Divine Liturgy, diaconate ordina- Proceeds to benefit brand new Family & Life Center, 1280 $25 door prizes. “One-time” numbers will be sold on the tion, and consecration of a new baptismal font (4:30 Boston Rd, Haverhill, $100 - VIP with Meet & Greet at 7 night of dinner; special offer: purchase five “one-time” pm), 2017 Graduation Ceremony (7 pm), and an evening p.m., $75 - General Mezze & Cash Bar, $40, Students numbers for $20, save $5. For further info, contact the reception (7:30pm). Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Under 24 - Standing Room. For reservations, please con- Holy Trinity Church office, 617.354.0632. Primate, will officiate. 486 Bedford Road, Armonk. RSVP tact [email protected] or call Mike at 617- MAY 25 —Jennifer Manoukian, “A Literary Renegade: by May 11 to 914-273-0200 or [email protected]. For 240-8266 Zareh Vorpouni and Twentieth-Century Western more info or to donate go to www.stnersess.edu. All are MAY 15 — St. James Armenian Church of Watertown Armenian Literature in France,” 7:30 p.m., at the NAASR invited. 18th Annual Open Golf Tournament. Monday, Oakley Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont. Co-sponsored by MAY 21 — A classical concert dedicated to the 70th Country Club, Watertown. Register early. Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) anniversary of the Tekeyan Cultural Association. MAY 18 — Adrienne Alexanian, presentation of Forced and National Association for Armenian Studies and “The Armenian Spirit” at Alliance Francaise in New York Into Genocide: Memoirs of an Armenian Soldier in the Research (NAASR) / Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation City at 3 p.m. With Ani Kavafian, violin, Ani Kalayjian, Ottoman Turkish Army, by her father, Yervant Alexanian, Lecture Series on Contemporary Armenian Issues. cello and Orion Weiss, piano. at the Armenian Museum of America, 65 Main St., Contact NAASR at 617-489-1610 or [email protected]. JUNE 29 — The Freeport Memorial Library will have a Watertown, MA. 7:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by NAASR, JUNE 3 —Annual Armenian Night at the Pops, 8 p.m., lecture on the history of the Armenians, Thursday the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian Symphony Hall, Boston. Presented by Friends of at 2 p.m. by Dr. Ronald Brown, professor of history and Cultural Foundation, the Armenian General Benevolent Armenian Culture Society and featuring Hasmik ethnic studies at Touro College and world religions at the Union New England District, the Armenian Museum of Torosyan, soprano and the Boston Pops Orchestra in a Unification Theological Seminary in New York City. Free America, and Project SAVE Armenian Photograph selection of songs and arias, as well as the spectacular to the public. The library is located at 144 W Merrick Rd, Archives. Free and open to the public. Cirque de la Symphonie. http://www.facsboston.org/ for Freeport, NY 11520, phone (516) 379-3274. Contact: [email protected]. tickets and information. MAY 19-20 — Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair JUNE 9 — Let’s Party! At the KITCHEN, Boston Food WASHINGTON, D.C. (rain or shine)—On Friday evening, May 19, from 5 to Market – Benefit for the Park’s Care in partnership MAY 27 — Benefit Concert and Dance for the Orphans 8 p.m., the Church will be serving its delicious kebab din- with the Trustees of Reservations, Boston Food Market, of the Tavush Region of Armenia. International ners .and selling exquisite desserts. On Saturday, May 20, with chefs presenting signature dishes we love and the Armenian Entertainer BARTEV. Saturday, 8 p.m. Delicious the entire Fair will be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. with generosity of so many, all coming together at the KITCHEN appetizers, silent auction, dancing to your hearts con- meals served all day starting at 11:30 am. (Take out avail- to support the Armenian Heritage Park’s Endowed Fund tent, Cash Bar. Takuhi Hallajian, 301.219.4041.St. Mary’s able.) Armenian delicacies table. Silent Auction (closing for Year Round Care. 7-10 p.m. Advance reservations Armenian Church Cultural Hall, 4125 Fessenden St. NW, at 2 p.m.). Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave., required. Space is limited. To receive the e-invite, please Washington, DC. Organized by Knights & Daughters of Watertown. For more information, call 923-0498. email [email protected] Vartan and Friends of Bartev MAY 20 — NAASR 63rd Annual Assembly of Members, JUNE 11 — St. James Armenian Church Annual Picnic in JUNE 25 — Book reading, by Adrienne G. Alexanian, at the NAASR Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont. 12 Watertown. 12-6 p.m. Delicious Armenian Food! Live editor of Forced Into Genocide, memoirs of an p.m. Start. Registration at 11:30 a.m. Featured Music! Raffle! Children’s Activities! Moon Bounce * Armenian Soldier in the Ottoman Turkish Army. 1:00 PM, Presentation by Ara Krafian, CEO, SMMA Architectural, Balloons * Face Painting * And More! On Church 4125 Fessenden St. NW, Washington, DC. Organized by Engineering & Design Firm for NAASR’s Building Grounds - 465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, Knights & Daughters of Vartan, St. Mary’s Armenian Transformation. To make a reservation contact NAASR [email protected] www.stjameswatertown.org Apostolic Church Parish Council, Armenian Assembly of at [email protected]. JUNE 17 — The Society of Istanbul Armenian’s of America and Armenian National Committee of America. MAY 22 — 7:30 pm: Arsen Manukyan, “The Business Boston will Honor Rev. Arakel Aljalian as the Father Environment in Armenia: Legal and Practical Issues of the Year. Saturday at 7 p.m. Dinner at St. James for Investors,” at the NAASR Center, 395 Concord Ave., Armenian Church Hall, Watertown. Donation $50. For Calendar items are free. Entries should not be longer Belmont. Co-sponsored by the Armenia Business Tickets, call Krikor Shaboian at 617-489-0346. than 5 lines. Listings should include contact informa- Network and the National Association for Armenian JUNE 19 – The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf tion. Items will be edited to fit the space, if need be. A Studies and Research (NAASR) / Calouste Gulbenkian Tournament, “This Year Remembering Gerry photo may be sent with the listing. Items should be Foundation Lecture Series on Contemporary Armenian Ajemian,” sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Church of sent no later than Mondays at noon. Issues. Free and open to the public. Greater Boston at the Marlborough Country Club, Send items to [email protected]. S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 17 COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Stalemate at Istanbul Patriarchate

from him. Karekin and myself are trying to quiet the community By Edmond Y. Azadian by our pacifying pronouncements, but this silence cannot last for- Spectator ever. The election must be held soon to have the patriarchal seat occupied.” Sultan Erdogan’s ambitions to govern an empire extend from Archbishop Bekjian seems to be restless. He is flying from his contempt for the NATO alliance to negotiating a missile deal Istanbul to Germany and from there to Echmiadzin. And now, he with Russia to micromanage the internal religious affairs of the is planning to attend the extended session of the Supreme EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 miniscule Armenian community. Spiritual Council, which the Catholicos has planned to hold in His April 24 message that no Armenian should feel like a sec- Moscow in the coming days. An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication ond-class citizen in Turkey is contradicted by his actions in Bekjian is a member of the Supreme Council in his capacity as intruding in a cruel manner in the patriarchal elections in the Primate of the Diocese of Germany. In Ateshyan’s absence Istanbul. To snub the Armenian community, he has delegated the from the session, he will also be representing the Istanbul patriarchal issues to the deputy governor of Istanbul — not even Patriarchate, by default. This may indicate Echmiadzin’s prefer- EDITOR the governor. ence towards Bekjian, while the Catholicos’ official position was Alin K. Gregorian Last March, the Religious Council held a meeting and elected to observe an equal distance from the candidates. Archbishop Karekin Bekjian as locum tenens to supervise the In Echmiadzin’s Easter message, Bekjian’s name was men- ASSISTANT EDITOR election process of the patriarch. In his turn, Archbishop Bekjian Aram Arkun tioned reflecting the general sentiments in the Istanbul commu- appointed Bishop Sahak Mashalyan as his deputy. The election nity but contradicting the Turkish government’s diktat. ART DIRECTOR would technically terminate Archbishop Aram Ateshyan’s author- The community and the two bishops besides Ateshyan are try- Marc Mgrditchian ity as vicar general, a position which he had wrested from the ing to cling to Echmiadzin’s authority, which will prove to be same council by coercion. counterproductive. The council members are beholden to Archbishop Aram and In his statement, Bedros Shirinoglu, the head of the Armenian the community believed that the council would fail to demon- community in Istanbul, has applied for a visit with President strate its independence and vote for Archbishop Ateshyan. But Erdogan to set a meeting date for the election. He hopes that SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: the opposite happened with the election of Archbishop Bekjian, during a forthcoming meeting of charity organization (Vakifs), Edmond Y. Azadian demonstrating the lack of confidence in Archbishop Ateshyan. which will be presided by Erdogan, Shirinoglu can meet the pres- A subsequent visit to the office of the deputy governor of CONTRIBUTORS: ident for a brief chat. Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun Istanbul turned everything upside down. In no uncertain terms, Incidentally, the Jewish community is also planning to elect a Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana the deputy governor told the visiting delegation, which included chief rabbi. But they do not have the same controversy as there Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Ateshyan and Mashalyan, to hell with your election and regula- is only one candidate, Rabbi Haleva. Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, tions, we still recognize Ateshyan as the representative of the Archbishop Ateshyan reigns supreme in this chaos and con- Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian patriarchate. tinues to make his pronouncements as if with government The reason given for this intrusion was that no permission was authority. Countering Mashalyan’s statements, he has told the CORRESPONDENTS: sought to hold the election. Neither the Treaty of Lausanne nor daily Zhamank in Istanbul: “As religious people we have not and Armenia - Hagop Avedikian any code of conduct in a civilized country allow such arbitrary cannot have personal issues. As two high-ranking clerics, we bear Boston - Nancy Kalajian and contemptuous behavior. Therefore, Ateshyan returned from New York/New Jersey - Marylynda the entire burden of the Patriarchal seat on our shoulders. …. I Bozian-Cruickshank that visit victorious to his throne. At the same time, the do not avoid the elections, but getting ahead of the develop- Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Catholicos of All Armenians in Echmiadzin was caught in an ments will not bring any solution to our problems. If we work in

Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian

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© 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator inadvertent faux pas by sending a congratulatory message to collaborations with the respective bodies, everything will go on Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Archbishop Bekjian. easier and smoother.” and additional mailing offices. Ever since, confusion has reigned in the Armenian communi- Ateshyan knows like everybody else that no one in his or her ty, a situation created by the government by design and not by right mind would intend to oppose the “respective bodies.” Of ISSN 0004-234X default. course, all procedures have to be approved by the heavy hand of All three archbishops have been making contradictory pro- the government. But Ateshyan’s last sentence contains some POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The nouncements which indicate how tense the situation in the com- code words meaning that by now the readers will understand Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn munity is. Ateshyan is posing as the unofficial voice of the gov- that “I am the government’s choice so you better comply with St., Watertown, MA 02472 ernment, which scares some people into accommodation. that and drop your objections.” Other than the editorial, views and opinions Mashalyan seems to be a loose cannon, who continues his ani- This mentality is gaining traction among some pragmatic lead- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily mosity towards Ateshyan. Bekjian had announced his despera- ers of the community. Agos weekly is adamantly and vocally reflect the policies of the publisher. tion concerning the situation and his intent to resign but in a opposed to Ateshyan, expressing the prevailing sentiments of the recent statement he has denied that intention. community. The other papers and leaders have soft pedaled the On the other hand, the Turkish media is having a field day by issue so as not to be caught by surprise. playing up the controversies in the Armenian community. The Turkish government is not accountable to the interna- Copying for other than personal use or Recently, a contributor to the local paper Milliyet, Mert Inan, tional community. By all intents and purposes, it seems to have internal reference is prohibited without interviewed Bishop Mashalyan who has announced that “the rea- decided to impose on the community a man in religious garb express permission of the copyright son for the delay in the election is not the incompetence of the functioning as a state employee in the Armenian community. We owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: leadership but because Ateshyan intentionally extends this situa- must not be frustrated if the inevitable happens. In the mean- tion, knowing full well that he will not be the winner if the elec- time, the other clergy may act more responsibly not to aggravate tion were held today. The church is paralyzed and no organiza- an overheated situation. Baikar Association, Inc. tion is capable of functioning. Karekin, who was elected as locum It is interesting to wait and see how long will this stalemate in 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- tenens, cannot perform his duties, because his powers are taken Istanbul Patriarchate last. 1509 18 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY ‘The Promise’ Is an Artful Reminder of the Horror of the Armenian Genocide

To transcend cruelty, at the turn of the century, part of the substan- times. But each time he was interrogated, it was James convent. For nine months, on ladders, tial Armenian territory that international learned he was a building foreman and he was like Michelangelo, Ohannes repaired the wall we must face up to it in geopolitics left within Turkish borders. set free because he could be of use. paintings of the convent, for no pay. The family Although Armenian was my mother tongue, in My father Arto was a baby when his father lived in the convent, along with other refugees. our past. my family Turkish was spoken as well, especial- Ohannes used his wits and exceptional artistry And the Patriarch gave to our family a painting ly with Peka Grandma. at a critical moment to get his family exempted of the Last Supper, done on black velvet, in Like all Armenians of my generation, I was from deportation the following day. Again, in appreciation. [Framed, it hung in our home for By Raffi Cavoukian taught from a young age about the Armenian Lucie’s words: as long as I can recall.] Genocide, the systematic deportation and death That night, as they were huddled in a room, Decades later, that my family survived the of a million or more Armenians by Turkish he found a small picture of the general com- genocide fills me with an obligation to revisit The surprise film of the year may well authorities. April 24, 1915, is the origin of the manding officer in charge. His name was Jemal those stories, and to share them once again. be “The Promise,” about the Ottoman Empire’s annual April 24th Remembrance of Armenians’ Pasha. Ohannes found this small picture and he Seeing the film “The Promise” opened up the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians (the greatest tragedy, one that nationals inside the said to my mother-in-law, “Give the milk to the ancient wound once again. Armenian intellec- Armenian Genocide), on which Turkey is still in country and abroad observe. The hope is that child (my husband Arto, then one month old) tuals rounded up and killed, entire villages evac- denial. A hundred years ago, both my parents’ one day officials in Turkey will open their and take this candle in your hand, I’m going to uated, the horrors of that dreadful time remind- families escaped certain death. That makes me archives and concede the past infamy, so that draw.” So he found a big piece of paper, and he ed me of the historical pain my parents carried the son of holocaust survivors. A part of me reconciliation may begin the healing of this gap- drew from night to morning, a black-and-white all their lives. Once again, I was moved to tears. does not want to revisit the 1915 horrors. And ing wound in the Armenian community. charcoal portrait of the commanding officer — And I sense that if millions see this film around yet I know that by doing so we understand bet- In the words of [my mother] Lucie, from an the last hope. the world, they might understand that had the ter our current world. audio-tape recording: Somehow, Ohannes managed to get Jemal international community been able to come to What choice do we have but to face up to “My father was married, and had three girls; Pasha to see his portrait. the aid of the Armenians in 1915, the WW2 such human cruelty in the past if we are indeed when the Turks came to take them away from The general said, “Bring the artist.” Ohannes holocaust of Jews perpetrated by Nazi Germany to transcend it in our time? their home, he put the girls on a donkey with was summoned to the general’s hotel, Hotel might have been prevented. Imagine that Growing up in my Armenian family in Cairo, his wife, kissed them, and said good-bye, that’s Baron, a big hotel. “Who did this portrait?” “I change in the course of history. Egypt, I recall fondly the sound of Turkish, a all; everything was finished. did.” “Go, quickly, take your family. From now I urge you to see this exceptional movie, “The language I learned from my grandma Peka and My mother was married once before, before on, you will be the drawing instructor of our Promise”: a film which deals with the Armenian grandpa Asadour, who were from the village of marrying my father. When the Turks began the school in Aleppo.” [This was 1916. Aleppo, then tragedy artfully. You’ll be entertained, Adana. Where cultures coexisted, as they did in massacre, they took her husband to jail. among the chief cities of Asiatic Turkey, is now informed, and moved to tears. that part of Eurasia, they shared the same foods Meantime she had a son. When the son was five in Syria]. Ohannes agreed, and saved twenty- and beverages; however, after we emigrated to months old, news came that they hanged her five to thirty people from the deportation cara- Toronto, my mother Lucie would insist on only husband. On hearing this, her breast milk went van, by saying they were family, aunts and (Raffi Cavoukian, C.M., O.B.C., is a singer, serving “Armenian coffee” — not Turkish. bad, and she had fever. The child suffered, uncles. author, and founder of the Centre For Child In my autobiography, The Life Of A became ill and died. When the Turks ordered The family stayed a while in Aleppo, then Honouring. He holds four honorary degrees Children’s Troubadour, I included first-hand the evacuation, she had to quickly gather her went to Jerusalem. In the Armenian Quarter and has received the Order of Canada and accounts of my parents’ families’ flight from things; they didn’t let her bury the infant. there, Ohannes prayed his gratitude to God: Order of BC awards. He is a passionate chil- annihilation. Here’s an excerpt: My parents met after the war. My father was “You saved us from the massacre, now I’m dren’s advocate, and a defender of democracy. Both my parents’ parents came from the part such a good storyteller, I was able to visualize going to do something for you.” He met with This column originally appeared on of Armenia that was under Turkish occupation everything. He was sentenced to death seven the Patriarch of the Armenian convent, the St. Huffington Post.)

bribes, commissions and police protection. When you are and sentenced to die for defrauding the Iranian Oil Ministry Oil, Gold and moving billions of dollars daily, a few hundred million dollars out of $4 billion. to government officials is just the cost of doing business. The Zarrab affair gets even more interesting in the US. So, with the system set up in Iran and Turkey, Reza Zarrab The man who brought the charges against Zarrab was Preet quickly became a “gold trading” tycoon in Turkey, making Bharara, the United States attorney for the Southern District Bribes: A Ticking headlines with large donations to religious charities linked of New York, a star attorney who made his name as a fear- to Erdogan as a philanthropist, marrying a pop star singer less prosecutor of Wall Street wrongdoers. Erdogan’s con- and buying several mansions along the Bosphorus. cern about the Zarrab case was evident when he asked for- Time Bomb Erdogan’s government also bestowed Turkish citizenship on mer Vice President Joe Biden to intervene. But luckily for him with a special decree. There were a few mishaps in the him, just as the case against Zarrab started moving, the new scheme, such as 1.5 metric tons of gold seized in the cargo president Trump fired Bharara, along with hundreds of other By Raffi Bedrosyan of an airplane in Istanbul by a ‘misguided’ or ‘uninformed’ Obama appointees. Zarrab has hired nearly 20 elite white-col- customs official, who was promptly suspended and sent into lar criminal lawyers to defend him. The last two hired N A SMALL COURTROOM in Manhattan, there “exile” to the interior part of Turkey. But the scheme blew lawyers are especially noteworthy, Rudi Giuliani, former New is a legal drama playing out, which may have seri- up and came out in the open on December 17, 2013, when York Mayor and US Attorney, and Michael B. Mukasey, the ous consequences for the US, Turkey and Iran, Turkish police, or rather, a certain section of Turkish police former US Attorney General, who have promptly met top but more critically for the Turkish President not loyal to Erdogan, arrested Reza Zarrab and the sons of Turkish government officials. The presiding US District Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This court case is a tick- three cabinet ministers, along with a few bank leaders. They Judge Richard Berman has asked defense lawyers to explain ing time bomb which may explode in President had indisputable evidence, wiretaps, videos, telephone con- Giuliani and Mukasey’s role in the case, and also to Erdogan’s face, despite all his clandestine efforts versations and documents proving the large amounts of disclose if the government of Turkey is paying their fees. to diffuse it. bribes passed on from Zarrab to the ministers and bank offi- Prosecutors claimed that the hiring of Giuliani and Mukasey I Reza Zarrab, a 33-year-old Turkish citizen of cials. Money counting machines in living rooms, several mil- might present a conflict of interest because their firms also Iranian descent, was arrested in Miami on March lion dollars in shoe boxes, expensive gifts and money being represent some of the banks alleged to be victims in Zarrab’s 17, 2016, as soon as he got off the plane. He stated that he delivered to the ministers’ homes in suit bags, all the dirty case. Prosecutors also said that Giuliani and Mukasey were had come to the US with his wife and daughter to see the laundry came out. One of the most interesting telephone hired to try to reach a political settlement in the case. In Disney World. But the three charges against him were seri- conversations released by the investigators and reported by another twist, Mukasey’s son, Marc, has been widely speculat- ous — conspiring to evade US sanctions against Iran, money several media outlets was between Erdogan and his son, ed as a candidate to become the New York US Attorney laundering and bank fraud. He was promptly transferred to a when Erdogan instructs his son to get rid of all cash in the under Trump, to replace Preet Bharara. The Zarrab case will New York jail, where he resides at present. house, after he hears about the raids to his ministers’ hous- be one of the agenda items when Erdogan meets Trump in And the connection to President Erdogan? Read on, as es. His son’s response after several hours of frantic work the next few weeks. this is an international thriller in the making. reveals that despite all his attempts to distribute the cash at This thriller involving power, bribery, corruption, oil and For several years, the US had slapped sanctions on Iran to home to colleagues, relatives or associates, there is still some gold is will come to an end soon, but it is highly doubtful if contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The US had imposed strict 30 million euros left at home. Despite the evidence, Erdogan justice will be served... controls on all international banks and corporations, ban- did manage to escape the investigation unscathed, fired the ning them from doing any business with Iran. Therefore, Iran three ministers, but also fired all the police officials and pros- (Raffi Bedrosyan is a civil engineer and concert pianist, liv- faced great difficulty getting paid for its oil exports. A couple ecutors involved in this operation, claiming that this was a ing in Toronto, Canada. He has donated concert and CD pro- of Iranian businessmen, Babek Zenjani in Tehran and Reza conspiracy and coup attempt by the followers of Fethullah ceedings to infrastructure projects in Armenia and Karabakh, Zarrab in Istanbul, stepped up to circumvent the Gulen, the Moslem fundamentalist preacher living in exile in in which he has also participated as an engineer. He helped sanctions. Oil payments would be made to companies and Pennsylvania, US. Most of the police officials and prosecutors organize the reconstruction of the Surp Giragos banks in Turkey, huge amounts of gold would be bought are now in jail, and a few lucky ones have fled the country. Diyarbakir/Dikranagerd Church and the first Armenian with those funds, and then the gold would be exported from Reza Zarrab was released from prison in two months, in reclaim of church properties in Anatolia after 1915. He gave Turkey to Iran, directly or perhaps with a few stops in Dubai, February 2014. His defense was very simple: “If you don’t the first piano concert in the Surp Giragos Church He gave United Arab Emirates and other places in between. release me immediately, I start talking.” the first Armenian piano concert in the Surp Giragos Church This scheme, although very simple, required huge amounts It is not known why Zarrab chose to come to the since 1915 at the 2015 Genocide Centenary of money and gold transferred on a daily basis, which would US. Perhaps he decided to seek protection there, albeit in Commemoration. He is the founder of Project Rebirth, which undoubtedly attract the unwanted attention of government jail, instead of facing attempts to silence him in Turkey. helps hidden Islamized Armenians reclaim their original officials. That problem would be addressed by generous Meanwhile, his partner in Iran, Babek Zenjani, is arrested Armenian roots, language, and culture.) S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

first tried to open an account at the Bank of Valetta [in OCCRP’s website (Organized Crime and Corruption Malta], but was refused on the grounds that he is a major Reporting Project) includes dozens of articles about exam- politically exposed person from one of the most corrupt ples of major corruption in Azerbaijan. In 2012, OCCRP countries, and a serious money-laundering risk.” She further named President Ilham Aliyev its “Person of the Year” for his revealed: “60% of Pilatus Bank’s deposits belong to “links to crimes and corruption.” OCCRP reported that My Turn Azerbaijani politically exposed persons.” We can therefore Mehriban Aliyeva, President Aliyev’s wife, is “owner, director safely assume that the amount of money deposited by these or shareholder of a web of offshore companies that were By Harut Sassounian three Azeris is in the millions of dollars. reportedly used by the family to conduct lucrative business Interestingly, the owner of Pilatus Bank is an Iranian by dealings worth many millions of dollars.” Aliyev Family Plunders the name of Seyed Ali Sadr Hashemenijad who “was caught Indeed, President Aliyev and his family own a multitude of on camera removing bags of documents from his bank’s expensive properties around the world. OCCRP reported Azerbaijan’s Oil Revenue premises last Thursday night [April 20, 2017], accompanied that a building in Bucharest, Romania, purchased for $7.3 by the bank’s risk manager, Antoniella Gauci.” million, became the headquarters of the Heydar Aliyev The government of Azerbaijan allocates its multi-billion- Unfortunately, the Maltese bank is not the only one where Foundation, named after President Ilham Aliyev’s father who dollar oil and gas revenue in four ways: the Aliyevs and their clan have stashed tons of money. There ruled Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003. The Foundation is run Bribery; Theft by President Aliyev’s family and his cronies; are scores of offshore companies set up by the Aliyevs and by the family of President Aliyev. According to OCCRP, the Military purchases; Other budgetary matters. their intermediaries to launder large amounts of cash diffi- purchase of this building involved “offshore transactions, No wonder the majority of the people in Azerbaijan live in cult to trace back to the leaders of Azerbaijan. links to corrupt officials and organized crime, insider deals abject poverty, despite the billions of petrodollars earned by There are so many financial scandals involving the Aliyevs and a peculiar cult of personality for a dead leader.” The Aliyev’s autocracy. that it is hard to pinpoint a specific one; but one of their Aliyevs also own expensive buildings and houses in London Last week, we covered Azerbaijan’s bribery at the Council biggest scandals involves the purchase of luxury real estate (worth at least $25 million), Moscow (worth tens of millions of Europe and throughout the world. This week, we present in Dubai for $75 million by the three Aliyev children, accord- of dollars), Dubai, and the Czech Republic. examples of how large amounts of Azerbaijan’s wealth are ing to the Washington Post. Heydar Aliyev, the then 11-year- Finally, President Aliyev’s daughters Leyla and Arzu own stolen by the Aliyev family and members of the ruling clan. old son of President Aliyev, bought nine waterfront mansions some of the most luxurious hotels in Baku, according to A U.S. State Department report on human rights referred to for $44 million in 2009! His two sisters, Leyla and Arzu OCCRP, including the Four Seasons, Sheraton, and the the “pervasive corruption” of Azerbaijan’s increasingly Aliyeva, bought several more mansions for an additional $31 Marriott, among others. An Azerbaijani real estate expert authoritarian regime. Transparency International, in its 2016 million. These properties were paid for “upfront.” Where do told OCCRP that “the high-end Baku hotels owned or close- global survey of corruption, ranked Azerbaijan among the children of their young age get $75 million, given that they ly connected to the family are valued at $10 billion.” most corrupt nations—123rd out of 176 countries. have no income and their father President Aliyev’s annual OCCRP concluded that the Aliyev dynasty has been Last month, reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia revealed in salary is only $228,000! involved in “numerous secretive business operations her website that the three largest clients of Pilatus Bank in The Washington Post article exposing these scandalous across several continents in recent years! Using offshore Malta are from Azerbaijan: Kamaladdin Heydarov, details explained that the “rush to move assets overseas, companies and middlemen, the First Family took over con- Azerbaijan’s Minister of Emergency Situations, followed by often with scant regard for returns, is a common feature of siderable chunks of the Azerbaijani economy — including the young son and daughter of President Aliyev, whose many oil-producing nations, where corrupt elites seek to gold mines, tourism, telecom companies and banks — names are Heydar Aliyev and Leyla Aliyeva. ensure that their wealth is safe just in case political winds at while buying up luxury properties in various European Galizia reported: “Heydar Aliyev [the president’s son] had home change.” and Gulf states.”

scandals; media likes controversy, because that’s yet about their national identity or they are in nation in the past, now we are helping others LETTERS what brings more audiences. And here Turkey’s the process of finding out. I can already see that who are victimized. We are returning a favor to behavior makes that controversy. Had Turkey in my community here in Massachusetts. the humanity for helping as when we were in recognized the Genocide, I believe the media But the most important thing that we have to trouble. This has also a Christian content and it would be paying less attention to the issue. remember is who was behind “The Promise.” is a strong statement about who we are in the ‘The Actually, Turkey is trapped. I am not talking We know that over the years there were sever- front of the international community. The reason about Turkish intellectuals who are in the minor- al attempts to make a Genocide movie. No one for the Aurora Humanitarian Inititave is actually ity and who recognize the Genocide and apolo- succeeded and we understand why — because of one man, another businessman, Ruben gize. I am talking about the Turkish government, Turkey openly and secretly blocked such pro- Vardanyan, a Russian-Armenian who financed Promise’ A leadership and the majority of the people. The jects and it succeeded, but not with “The the project. Vardanyan also built an internation- recognition by Turkey won’t happen soon, as Promise.” This time we succeeded because al college in Dilijan, Armenia. He is a man who Turkey now is becoming a caliphate with its sul- somebody fully financed the movie ($100 mil- thinks globally, not narrow nationally. That is the Huge Step tan, Erdogan. The question is, whether Turkey is lion), and that one person was Kirk Kerkorian. right way to succeed and to gain friends and sup- really capable of becoming a part of the civilized May God bless his memory and may he rest in porters and to make Armenia an international world. Looking deeper from historical perspec- peace. After knowing this fact on April 23, we center. “The Aurora” had team members like Forward tive, I believe that it is in Turkey’s interest to rec- had a memorial service for him at our Church Vartan Gregorian, the President of Carnegie ognize the Genocide. That’s how people of com- in Indian Orchard, Mass. It is unfortunate to say foundation in New York and Noubar Afeyan, a mon sense think. But as I mentioned above I that it could take forever if we made it a public businessman from Boston and others. To The Editor: don’t think this will happen soon. national project. It is our mentality. We have dif- I hope “The Promise” will have a continua- “If we want to commemorate the hundredth Coming back to the main purpose of this arti- ficulty working as a team. Always somebody tion. We have some billionaires in Russia, we anniversary of the Armenian Genocide appro- cle and that is “The Promise.” I would like to would oppose, would block, say something and have many millionaires in US and elsewhere. No priately, we have to do something to shake the emphasize that “The Promise” will have long do something else, make foolish accusations one can say that we lack the finances for the world. Politically we do not have enough power lasting implications. As Armenians, we may have and using nationalistic slogans to gain person- next movie or movies and other international to do that. But there is another field where we some questions about the movie and that’s nor- al benefits. We are a nation of individuals. We projects. The issue is to find the right methods might be able to shake the world’s conscience. mal. But we have to understand that it is the first work together well when there is a threat to our and the right people. Also, we have a big com- That field is the arts, to be more correct the movie done by Hollywood and by non- physical existence and security. But in peaceful munity in an area located near Hollywood and movie industry — Hollywood. It is well known Armenians, and for that reason it is a big success times we are not capable of handling goals that I believe we have connections, and we can work how big an impact the movie industry has on as a first step. I think the director Terry George need team work and patience. The current in order to break the taboo surrounding any people. Actually, its impact goes far beyond made a smart move by downgrading violent Republic of Armenia is proof of this. Our great idea to make a movie about the Genocide and what we can imagine. Government officials, scenes in the movie. He explained in his inter- achievements are done by individuals, or by a to make the topic a profitable idea for scholars and informed people know about the views that he wanted to make an educational small group of people. “The Promise” is the Hollywood. It is crucial that we learn to work Genocide. The Genocide became well known for movie, in other words to show it in schools. For same case. It is done by a group of devoted and on the international level. The old methods we many people, and we made great strides in this reason, the movie is rated PG-13. People will enthusiastic people, like Eric Esrailian and oth- used to it will not be successful if we want the order to tell the world about it. But it is not yet be educated about the Genocide starting from ers. May God bless them all. people around the globe to hear us. a widely known and widespread issue for the their teen years. Although the Genocide may be But, this is our history and our current domi- The main goal of the Armenian cause is to people around the globe. We have to focus on included in some states educational program, I nant situation. I hope this is changing. As we get- force Turkey to recognize the Genocide, to pay this; to make the Genocide recognized by the believe it is more powerful to see a movie, rather ting involved in Western societies and starting to reparations and to return our lands. We are con- masses — to make it a top issue. Here the movie than just talk and read about it. Our next task learn how the things are done in the civilized tinuing to work on those front as well, but legal industry and to be more correctly, Hollywood, will be to show the movie in schools not only in world, I think we, or to be more accurate, an and political goals might take a long time to can do the job.” the US, but around the Globe. I think we will suc- important part of our people, are starting to achieve, because they depend not only on us, This is a part of an article that I wrote in ceed in this. Imagine that generations around work in the right direction. One of our big recent but mostly on global politics. I believe the day 2013 and was published in the Mirror the world will be growing more educated about successes is the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative will come when it will be realistic for us to Spectator and Hairenik newspapers of Boston. the Genocide. We know that movies don’t just go in Armenia, an international reward prize for achieve our dreams, especially with what is At that time I was concerned if we would be away. They can be released on DVD; be available people who had achievements in humanitarian going now in the Middle East, Turkey and with able to commemorate the hundredth anniver- on cable channels, YouTube, Netflix. etc. We efforts. George Clooney, the late Elie Wiesel and the Kurds. sary of the Genocide properly. By saying prop- have to include also the media coverage related other non-Armenian renowned individuals are on Meanwhile, we have to continue to work to erly, I meant whether we would be able to make to the movie; TV interviews, newspapers articles, the board of Aurora, which makes it an interna- get the support of the public, because this is a the Armenian Genocide and our cause an inter- etc. What a huge impact on both the short and tional project. It is named after an Armenian field where we can make a big difference and we national topic. I am glad to say that although a the long runs. Genocide survival girl, Aurora Mardiganian, who can do it ourselves or through our friends. By movie was not done by 2015, we succeeded to Another and a very important aspect of “The came to the US. In 1919 there was a movie done working in this direction we may put pressure break the silence of the main stream media in Promise” is its impact on our growing genera- about the Genocide based on her survival story on politicians and other decision makers to 2015 with our efforts, and also by public recog- tion and youth, what we call it in Armenian “Ravished Armenia” in which she also acted. So, accelerate change in policies and its effects on nition by Pope Francis and others. hayabahbanootyoon. I don’t hear much about the Aurora Project was put together in a very the ground, and/or at least to gain benefits The other factor that helps us is Turkey’s this point in the discussions surrounding the good and smart way. There is a similarity with when the time comes and it will come. opposition to any effort to recognize the movie. I think the internal impact is just as “The Promise.” ‘The Aurora” like “The Promise” “We are, we shall be, and become many,” Genocide. How contradictory that may look, I important as its external one. I believe “The was done by a nation who was a victim of Parouyr Sevak. believe that Turkey’s behavior helps us in order Promise” is having and will have a major impact Genocide, to help to stop similar crimes from Fr. Bedros Shetilian to get more publicity from the media. Media likes on many Armenian youth who haven’t decided happening again. In other words as a victim Springfield, Mass. 20 S ATURDAY, M AY 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Secret Teachings of the Ancients: Mysteries Still to Be Revealed

harbored in their midst Yehoshua [Jesus] the son one any otherwise than as he received them him- nessed in scripture, their claim of antiquity By Arthur Hagopian of the carpenter from Nazareth, and his cousin, self; that he will abstain from robbery, and will involves the idea that they were transmitted Yohanan [John] called the Baptist? equally preserve the books belonging to their secretly from ancient days. I wonder whether the Baptist belonged to one sect, and the names of the angels.” “Josephus says that the Essenes transmitted, as Christians and Jews, two people of the Book, such secret society? Did Jesus? Were they “This implies that the transmitted materials were part of the admission or initiation of members to recently celebrated Easter and Passover with schooled in the esoteric rituals and practices of esoteric because knowledge of them was permitted the sect, secret books and the names of the elaborate ceremonies and rituals, traditions thou- the Essenes or the Therapeutae of Egypt (known only to duly initiated members of the sect and not angels,” Stone says. sands of years old. One wonders how and where for their healing prowess)? to members of the broader social context.” Compare this with the importance ancient it all began. Theories, some of them blatantly wild, about Did Jesus follow the same practice? Egyptians gave to knowing the names of the Gods. How much has been transmitted outside or where Jesus spent the 20 years of his life before [The Buddhist parallel, particularly in Zen, is “It was believed that if a man knew the name inside the scriptures, and how much lost of the he began his ministry, abound. In the Buddhist quite obvious: teachings are “a special transmis- of a god or a demon, and addressed him by it, he legacy of the patriarchs and prophets? writings in Tibet, there is even mention of an sion outside the scriptures, not founded upon was bound to answer him and to do whatever he How much has been retained? “Issa” (the Moslem name for Jesus) who was cru- words and letters,” and point directly to one’s wished; and the possession of the knowledge of Behind the sacred theatricals, how many mys- cified. mind.”] the name of a man enabled his neighbor to do teries remain unrevealed? The question immediately pops up: had Jesus The Essenes did transit some of their teachings him good or evil,” Jefferson Monet writes. In recent years, we have been fortunate enough or John been to that part of the world to study by inscribing them in books - a few of which were The 13th-century Armenian savant, Mekhitar to unravel some of the secrets our ancestors tried Buddhism? discovered after two thousand years among the of Ayrivank, called apocrypha outside the Canon to safeguard, but behind the greatest discoveries Jesus spoke in parables — it was a language hoard of Dead Sea Scrolls. of Scripture, Secret books of the Jews. of our century, among them the Dead Sea Scrolls that held a secret teaching and ensured that his Did Jesus or his disciples write anything? The Secrets, some of them bestowed upon mere and the Nag Hammadi trove, history still plays chosen disciples would understand: the plebeians sole instance of any writing in the Gospels is mortals by the Most High, were to be preserved the bashful scribe, refusing to give us anything would only hear a moral story. Was this a legacy recorded in John 8:1-11 where Jesus stoops down in books and sealed until the end of time. but dribbles and snippets, just enough to whet from his days with the Essene who kept their and starts writing something in the dirt. In Ezra 4, God instructs the prophet to “make our curiosity and satisfy our thirst for knowledge teachings secret and only revealed them to initi- However, ancient secret or esoteric teachings public the twenty-four books that you wrote first and wisdom. ates? were usually transmitted orally. Among these and let the worthy and the unworthy read them; Until such time as the keys to the mysteries are In Sydney, I meet Prof. Michael Stone, a promi- were those of magicians or writers of amulets. but keep the seventy that were written last, in found, we are destined to continue to wallow in nent scholar of ancient Judaism, here to deliver “We have no examples of them, however, order to give them to the wise among your peo- darkness. his 2017 Alan Crown Lecture, organized by though their existence is implied in one or two ple. For in them are the springs of understanding, I met Kando, the Assyrian/Syriac souvenir Mandelbaum House and the Department of places in literary texts. the fountains of wisdom and the river of knowl- shop owner in Bethlehem who was instrumental Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies at the “A part of the manuscripts discovered at edge,” adds Stone. in springing the Scrolls on the communities of University of Sydney. Stone believes the Essenes, Qumran share distinctive and largely unparalleled We cannot understand the heavenly secrets incredulous but euphoric scholars, through a and the Therapeutae were established as secret language, terminology and features that modern because we are earthly beings, Ben Sira advises. close relative, but there was little he was willing societies, “social groups organized around the scholars consider ‘sectarian’. They seem to be the “Reflect upon what you have been command- to divulge. For him, facilitating the release of bits imperative of keeping a body of knowledge and writings of one single group or two or more close- ed, for what is hidden is not your concern, do not and pieces of scrolls, was all just a business trans- practice secret.” ly allied groups. The two main sources throwing meddle in matters that are beyond you, for more action, lucrative, but still mundane. “As an outcome of this imperative, it was nec- light on the organization of the Essene group or than you can understand has been shown you.” He knew nothing about the Essenes or the essary to develop a process of testing and initia- groups are the Manual of Discipline, also called In the same manner, the Buddha spoke to each Qumran caves where 2,000 years ago, ensconced tion which is graded so only very few reached the the Rule of the Community, and the Damascus of his followers according to the level of his under- in the relative safety of their hilltop fortress, . highest grade and the innermost secret,” he says. Document,” Stone says. standing. Here, in their parched sanctuary, away from the Stone, a leading Armenologist who pioneered The Therapeutae “have also writings of ancient “These secrets and others are hidden still from temptations and trepidations of the city, now the study of Armenian at the Hebrew University men, who having been the founders of one sect our eyes. In the future, perhaps those with sharp- teeming with the godless troops of the pagan in Jerusalem, is in the process of publishing a or another, have left behind them many memori- er vision will be able to draw the veil aside,” Stone Romans whom they called the Kittim, the broth- new book, Secret Societies in Ancient Judaism, als of the allegorical system of writing and expla- said. erhood of the Essenes felt closer to their creator. tracing the history of the Jews in Armenia. nation, whom they take as a kind of model, and (Arthur Hagopian hails from Jerusalem and But what does the Copper Scroll, or the He quotes the 1st century AD historian imitate in the general fashion of their sect,” Stone currently makes his home in Sydney, Australia. Manual of Discipline for that matter, tell us about Josephus who tells us the [Essene] initiate quotes Philo of Alexandra as saying. He often writes about the shrinking Armenian this secretive sect that some researchers believe “swears to communicate their doctrines to no Because the existence of these books is not wit- community of Jerusalem.)