2016 Incillam: 0000 - Vero: 0000 Vol. 2 No. 1 2 No. Vol. Karabakh Ceasefire All But Dead US Ambassador Mills’ A war is effectively taking place at the frontlines New Year Message to Armenia and two-decade-long ceasefire in Nagorno-Kara- bakh has essentially come to an end, Armenia’s Defense Ministry spokesman A. Hovannisian stat- ed, describing the current situation in the Arme- nian-Azerbaijani conflict zone. “We don’t have a peace there. What we have is relative calm, this is a war, and I would ask you to use the term ‘war’ and not to use the phrase ‘ceasefire violation’ be- cause, in effect, we don’t have a ceasefire any- more.” “Today the adversary is, in fact, using its entire military arsenal. There is not a single type of weapon in the Azeri military that would not be brought to the frontline. Naturally, this implies more far-reaching goals than killing one or two soldiers,” Hovhannisian said The Armenian and Azeri militaries have suffered this year the largest number of casualties since a Russian-brokered truce stopped their full-scale war for Karabakh in 1994. Exchanges of mortar fire on their main frontline around the disputed territory appear to have been a daily occurrence in recent months. According to the Armenian mil- itary, the Azeri side has started using tanks and howitzers for the first time since 1994. US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills has extended a Hovannisian described the Azeri recourse to in- New Year message, which is as follows: creasingly heavy artillery as a “desperate step” re- sulting from Baku’s failure to gain a strategic ad- Happy New Year and Merry Christmas! vantage over the Armenian side. “Why have they From Leigh and all my colleagues at the US Embassy, I want switched to tank and howitzer fire?” he said. “Be- to thank everyone in Armenia for giving me and Leigh one of cause during previous incidents they killed one or the best years of our lives, since we arrived here in February two Armenian soldiers but got a tougher response. 2015. We didn’t let them do more. They failed to reach I arrived with a video in which I quoted an American painter, their overall objective.” cont. on pg. 8 Thousands Celebrate Armenia’s Independence Armenian Americans throughout Southern California celebrated the 24th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia at the Ar- menian Independence Day Festival on September 20th at Verdugo Park in Glendale. The annual event, spearheaded by the Nor Serount (New Generation) Cultural Association, along with; the Gaidz Youth Organization, the “Ho- menmen” Armenian Athletic Asso- ciation, and the Armenian Council of America, drew thousands of attendees who bared the triple digit temperature The Armenian Advocate cont. on pg. 2 1 Thousands of Southern Californians Celebrate Armenia’s Independence to partake in the festivities. Onlookers cheered for the vibrant Nor Serount dance ensembles of young children and musical guest performers delighted dancers of all ages with traditional folk dance music and patriotic songs. The joyful mood was originated by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Stepan Hovagimian who not only entertained the crowd, but also highlighted the significance of Armenia’s Independence to Armenians worldwide. Educa- tional and cultural booths adorned the park featuring authentic Armenian cuisine, souvenirs, hand-woven rugs, tapestries, books and media. Mr. Harut DerTavitian, Chairman of the Nor Serount Cultural Associa- tion, addressed the audience and stressed the importance and considerable work the organizations take in organizing a free event such as the Arme- nian Independence Day Festival. Mr. DerTavitian highlighted the volunteers and tremendous effort put in by the organizations to not only underscore the pride Armenians have towards their homeland’s independence, but to also accentuate the his- toric Armenian culture and heritage in order to foster stronger bonds for generations to come. Among dignitaries present for the joyous occasion were Glendale City Mayor Ara Najarian along with Glendale City Councilmembers Paula Devine and Vartan Gharpetian, Glendale Unified School District Board Members Dr. Armina Gharpetian and Nayiri Nahabedian, Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian, former Assemblymember Anthony Portan- tino and representing the office of Congressman Adam Schiff, Mary Ho- Armenian Council of America Members with vagimian. Glendale City Mayor Ara Najarian ACA Glendale Branch Hosts Holiday Open House Armenian Council of America with Glendale City Council member Armenian Council of America with Glendale City Council Zareh Sinanian and Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian members Laura Friedman, Vartan Gharpetian, and Paula Devine To celebrate the holiday season and wrap up a year full of “This past year was particularly significant due to numerous advocacy for Armenian American issues, including the reaf- Armenian Genocide Centennial events our organization took firmation of the Armenian Genocide, and organizing various part in organizing and supporting, in addition to the day to Armenian Genocide Centennial events, the Armenian Council day activities advocating Armenian American issues in lo- of America Glendale branch hosted a holiday open house on cal, state and federal legislatures.” said ACA Chairman Sevak Saturday, December 12 at the ACA office in Glendale. Khatchadorian. “Although our mission is not complete, I am Among the many guests, dignitaries and community lead- proud of our membership, and the Armenian Community in ers who enjoyed the festivities were Glendale City Council general, for ensuring a successful year of advocacy. We should Members Paula Devine, Laura Friedman, Zareh Sinanyan, and utilize this opportunity to work even harder in the upcoming Vartan Gharpetian, along with Glendale City Clerk Ardashses years to not only advance Armenian causes, but to also invigo- “Ardy” Kassakhian, and Mary Hovagimian representing Con- rate the future generations of Armenian Americans who will gressman Adam Schiff’s office. carry the baton of advocacy into the future.” 2 San Gabriel Valley ACA Hosts Holiday Open House Congresswoman Judy Chu with Armenian Council of America members The Armenian Council of America – San Gabriel Valley gresswoman Chu who in her address to the attendees, re-af- Branch (ACA) celebrated their annual Holiday open house on firmed her longstanding support for the Armenian American December 4 at the Garo Soghanalian Armenian Educational community and pledged to stand by Armenian causes and con- cerns both domestically and internationally. She discussed various issues and provided an update on the state of affairs on Congressional issues in Washington. Upon clos- ing, the Congresswoman presented former ACA Pasadena Board Member, Mr. Vahe Atchabahian, a certificate honoring his dedication to the commu- nity through his work in various non-profit orga- nizations and City Com- Mr. Krikor Khodanian with Nat Nehdar, Pasadena City Coun- cilmember Tyron Hampton and Mr. Vahe Atchabahian missions. Mr. Atchabahian ex- Benevolent Union Center. pressed his gratitude for Congresswoman Judy Chu Among the participants were ACA members, elected officials, the recognition. “I am hum- Honoring Mr. Vahe Atchabahian community leaders and constituents from the San Gabriel Val- bled by this important rec- ley including Congresswoman Judy Chu, Pasadena Council- ognition by Congresswoman Chu who has always been proac- member Tyron Hampton, Nat Nehdar from the Pasadena Hu- tively supporting our community and protecting our interests in man Relations Commission, and Garo Manjikian representing the nation’s capitol,” said Mr. Atchabahian. “I am also thankful Assemblymember Chris Holden’s office. to the ACA Board and membership and I’m optimistic about ACA Chairman Mr. Sevak Khatchadorian introduced Con- our future and the good work that we will continue to do.” 2 3 Canonisation of the Genocide Victims: What is the Meaning of their Sainthood? By: Hratch Tchilin- new saints provide a unique opportunity to renew and revitalize the Armenian Ap- girian ostolic Church in the 21st century? This is an important question that needs seri- On the 75th anni- ous discernment. versary of the Ar- menian Genocide, Theological and Political issues in a joint Com- Theologically, now that the victims of muniqué issued on the Genocide have been canonized, the April 29, 1989 for Armenian Church is under a dogmatic the occasion, Their Holiness Vazken I imperative, that is, they are no longer victims, but victors of Christ. Catholicos of All Armenians and Karekin where Armenians were martyred would II Catholicos of Cilicia “propose[d] that Now that the victims of the Genocide are canonized, we can no longer hold Hoke- be considered shrines or Armenian “holy the preparatory activities continue for the lands”? Still, there are many indirect canonisation of [the Genocide] victims.” hankists (requiem services) to mourn their death, to which we have accustomed political implications which need to be Indeed, the idea of religious commemo- carefully examined. ration of the Genocide victims goes back ourselves. Instead, we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy invoking their names, The recent canonisation of the Martyrs to the early years of the First Republic of of the Armenian Genocide should not be Armenia (1918-1920), when the Arme- asking for their intercession and celebrate their victory over death, in and through viewed as an event that added “glitter” to nian Government at the time formally ap- the observance of the 100th anniversary plied