Sunday 31 August 2014

Emedia.am in Armenian

ԻՆՖՈԳՐԱՖԻԿԱ. ադրբեջանական դիվերսիաներն ու հայկական պատասխանը Գյուղատնտեսական ապահովագրությունն ուշանում է. ինչո՞ւ պետությունը ներդրումներ չի անում Քաղաքականություն Միջազգային Հասարակություն Տնտեսություն Գիտություն Մշակույթ Սպորտ Հատուկ Ինֆոգրաֆիկա Մեդիա ԽճանկարՊոզիտիվԹեմաներ Ճգնաժամ Մերձավոր արևելքում Ուկրաինական քաոս rent a car in yerevan Լուրեր/ Հասարակություն 15:2505 Օգոստոսի, 2014 Լոնդոնում կայացել է 4-րդ ամենամյա հայկական փառատոնը eMedia.am, 05 Օգոստոսի, 2014 | Կիրակի` օգոստոսի 3-ին, Լոնդոնի Սուրբ Սարգիս եկեղեցու բակում մեծ շուքով կայացել է Չորրորդ ամենամյա հայկական փառատոնը: Կենսինգտոն թաղամասի Իվերնա այգիներ փողոցը վերածվել է փոքրիկ Հայաստանի, որտեղ հայկական ժողովրդական երգն ու շուրջպարը համախմբել էին հայերի Միացյալ Թագավորության բոլոր անկյուններից: Այդ մասին ասված է Հայ Առաքելական Եկեղեցու` Միացյալ թագավորության և Իռլանդիայի Հանրապետության Հայոց առաջնորդարանի տարածած հաղորդագորւթյան մեջ: Փառատոնի պաշտոնական բացումն ազդարարեցին Հայ Առաքելական Եկեղեցու` Միացյալ Թագավորության և Իռլանդիայի թեմի առաջնորդ Գերաշնորհ Տ. Վահան եպիսկոպոս Հովհաննիսյանն ու Կենսինգտոն և Չելսի արքայական թաղամասի ղեկավար Մեյգրիդ Քոնդոն-Սիմմոնդսը` կտրելով կարմիր ժապավենը: Փառատոնին ներկա էին նաև բրիտանացի խորհրդարանականներ: Մինչև փառատոնի մեկնարկը մասնակիցները թեմի առաջնորդ Վահան եպիսկոպոսի առաջարկով մեկ րոպե լռությամբ հարգեցին վերջին օրերին ղարաբաղա-ադրբեջանական սահմանին զոհված հայ զինվորների հիշատակը: Փառատոնը սկսվեց «Անդաստան» կոչվող եկեղեցական ծեսով` երկրի չորս կողմերի օրհնությամբ: Այս տարի փառատոնի սպասված հյուրն էր Հայաստանից ժամանած ժողովրդական երգիչ Արսեն Գրիգորյանը, որն էլ ավելի ոգևորեց բրիտանահայերին` կատարելով հայկական սիրված երգեր: Փառատոնի ընթացքում մեծ հետաքրքրություն վայելեց հայկական տոնավաճառը, որին մասնակցում էին բրիտանահայ կրթական ու մշակութային կազմակերպություններ, անհատ ձեռներեցներ: Այս տարվա անակնկալներից էր այն, որ փառատոնի ավարտին ուղիղ կապ հաստատվեց Բուխարեստի հայ համայնքի հետ, որը նույն օրն անցկացնում էր հայկական փառատոն Ռումինիայի մայրաքաղաքում: Երկու երկրների հայ համայնքները մեծ էկրանների միջոցով ողջունեցին միմյանց և միաժամանակ շուրջպար բռնեցին: Համայնքների պալատի ներկայացուցիչ Ստիվեն Փաունդն ասաց, որ այս փառատոնը Լոնդոնի կյանքում ավելացնում է գույն ու բազմազանություն, իսկ Կենսինգտոն թաղամասի ղեկավար Մեյգրիդ Քոնդոն-Սիմմոնդսը նշեց, որ հայերը Բրիտանիայում միշտ շատ լավ համբավ են ունեցել: Նա նաև խոստովանեց, որ փորձում է սովորել հայերեն: Փառատոնի գլխավոր նախաձեռնող Վահան եպիսկոպոս Հովհաննիսյանը նշեց, որ չորս տարի առաջ, երբ ծնվեց փառատոնի գաղափարը, ինքն ամենևին վստահ չէր, թե ինչ արդյունք կլինի: Սակայն տարեցտարի ապացուցվեց, որ փառատոնը հենց այն իրադարձությունն է, որին բրիտանահայերն անհամբերությամբ սպասում են և երկրի տարբեր ծայրերից գալիս ու հավաքվում են Սբ Սարգիս եկեղեցու շուրջ: Հայերը հաստատվել են Միացյալ Թագավորությունում` Մանչեստրում, 19-րդ դարում: 1860թ. Մանչեստրում կառուցվել է առաջին հայկական եկեղեցին` դառնալով առաջինը Եվրոպայում և Արևմտյան կիսագնդում: Լոնդոնում առաջին հայկական եկեղեցին կառուցվել է 1923 թ.: Այսօր Լոնդոնում գոյություն ունի երկու հայկական եկեղեցի` տեղակայված Կենսինգտոն և Չելսի արքայական թաղամասում: Միացյալ Թագավորությունում բնակվում է մոտ 30.000 հայ, որոնք հիմնավորապես կենտրոնացած են Լոնդոնում և Մանչեստրում: Հայ եկեղեցու` Միացյալ Թագավորության և Իռլանդիայի թեմի առաջնորդարանն ունի եկեղեցական ծխեր Լոնդոնում, Մանչեստրում, Բըրմինգեմում, Քարդիֆում, Դուբլինում և Օքսֆորդում: Ուշադրության կենտրոնում Սեպտեմբերին օդի ջերմաստիճանը կնվազի 4-5 աստիճանով Հասարակություն ԼՂՀ վարչապետին ներկայացվել է Սարսանգի ջրամբարի ջրի ոռոգման նպատակով օգտագործման նախագիծ Բնապահպանություն ՌԴ-ում աշխատանքային միգրանտները պետք է ունենան բժշկական ապահովագրություն Հասարակություն Հակառակորդը մեկ շաբաթում հրադադարը խախտել է շուրջ 250 անգամ Բանակ Երևանում կբացվի Մանկական կուրության կանխարգելման գերազանցության առաջին կենտրոնը Առողջապահություն Էրեբունի և Ավան վարչական շրջաններում կլինեն ջրամատակարարման ընդհատումներ Հասարակություն ԼՐԱՀՈՍ 13:01 Սեպտեմբերին օդի ջերմաստիճանը կնվազի 4-5 աստիճանով 12:30 Մոտ կես միլիոն ադրբեջանցիներ բուժվում են Իրանում 12:00 Էրդողանը կատարում է ԿՀՎ գործակալի գրածները. «Ալ Ջազիրա» 11:30 Սպանության մեղադրանքով հետախուզվողին 11 տարի անց հայտնաբերել և տեղափոխել են Հայաստան 11:00 ՈւԵՖԱ-ն ցանկանում է փոխել Չեմպիոնների լիգայի համակարգը 10:30 Շիրակի մարզում հակակարկտային կայանների թիվն այս տարի ավելացել է 10:08 Forbes. Արեւմուտքն ունի Ռուսաստանի կարիքը` Ադրբեջանում բռնապետությունը տապալելու համար 17:30 ԼՂՀ վարչապետին ներկայացվել է Սարսանգի ջրամբարի ջրի ոռոգման նպատակով օգտագործման նախագիծ 17:18 Ուորլիքը չի բացառում, որ ՀՀ եւ Ադրբեջանի նախագահները կարող են հանդիպել Ուելսում 16:56 ՌԴ-ում աշխատանքային միգրանտները պետք է ունենան բժշկական ապահովագրություն 16:43 Բնապահպանության նախարարությունում քննարկել են փոքր ՀԷԿ-երի առաջացրած էկոլոգիական խնդիրները 16:34 ԵՄ-ի առաջնորդները կդիմեն Եվրահանձնաժողովին` առաջարկելով նոր պատժամիջոցներ կիրառել ՌԴ-ի նկատմամբ 16:23 Հիմնական դպրոցներում կրեդիտային համակարգ ներդնելու անհրաժեշտություն չկա. ԿԳ փոխնախարար 16:12 Էշթոնը կհանդիպի Իրանի ԱԳ նախարարին 15:51 Վերին Լարսի ավտոճանապարհը բացվել է 15:40 Պորոշենկոն պահանջել է ԵՄ-ից արձագանքել Ռուսաստանի գործողություններին 15:30 Արսեն Խոջոյանը Երևանում անցնում է ստացիոնար բուժում 15:21 ԿԳՆ-ն ողջունում է Երևանի և մարզերի դպրոցների համագործակցությունը 15:10 Արձակված արկերից փլուզվել է Դոնեցկի «Շախտյոր»-ի մարզումային բազայի հիմնական կորպուսը 15:00 Ձեր քայլը ԼՂՀ փաստացի անկախության վկայությունն է. Էդուարդ Շարմազանովը՝ Լիտվա-Արցախ բարեկամության խմբի ղեկավարին 14:50 Ավարտվեց «Արի տուն 2014» ծրագիրը. ծրագրի 8-րդ փուլի փակումը 14:40 Թուրքիան հրաժարվել է զենք տալ իրաքցի քրդերին` իսլամիստների դեմ կռվելու համար 14:30 Ֆուտբոլ Մխիթարյանի նկատմամբ կանոնները խախտեցին և պետք է նշանակվեր 11-մետրանոց հարված. Կլոպ 14:20 Մայրաքաղաքի դպրոցներ կգնան 11 հազարից ավելի առաջին դասարանցիներ 14:10 Հայ ըմբիշները ի վիճակի Էին ավելի բարձր արդյունքի հասնել. ֆեդերացիայի քարտուղար 14:00 Երևանի դպրոցների ներկայացուցիչները մասնակցեցին օգոստոսյան խորհրդակցությանը 13:50 Շախմատ Արոնյանը պարտվեց Վաշյե-Լագրավին 13:40 Ալիեւը նորից սկսեց հոխորտալ 13:27 Զինծառայողի մահվան մեջ կասկածվում է նրա ծառայակիցը 13:18 Վրաստանի խորհրդարանը բանաձև կընդունի Ուկրաինայում իրադրության վերաբերյալ Բոլոր նորությունները ՖՈՏՈ/ՎԻԴԵՈ Տաթևիկ Հովհաննիսյանի մենահամերգն Արցախում. ՖՈՏՈՇԱՐՔ Ակտիվիստները բարձրացել են Աֆրիկյանների ակումբի շենքի շինհրապարակ Քշիշտոֆ Զանուսին արժանացավ Վեհափառի «Եղիցի Լույս» մրցանակին Տոլմայի փառատոն ու համտես Սարդարապատում. ՖՈՏՈՇԱՐՔ Քանդակի միջազգային 3-րդ սիմպոզիումը Շուշիում ԱՐԽԻՎ Սեպտեմբեր 2014 << < >> > 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 «Բլոգեր», «Սոց.ցանցերից», «Կարծիք» ու «Վերլուծություն» բաժինների նյութերը գրված են անհատ հեղինակների կողմից, ում անունները նշված են նյութերում: Նրանցում արտահայտած կարծիքները կարող են չհամընկնել eMedia լրատվականի կարծիքին: Եթե գտնում եք, որ որևէ նյութ իր մեջ կրում է զրպարտություն ձեր կամ երրորդ կողմի դեմ, խախտում է ձեր կամ երրորդ կողմի իրավունքները, խնդրում ենք հայտնել այդ մասին eMedia խմբագրություն: © eMedia.am (!) Յուրաքանչյուր նյութ վերահրատարակելիս` ակտիվ հղումը սկզբնաղբյուրին պարտադիր է: eMedia Խմբագրություն. Հասցե՝ Հայաստան, 0010, Երևան, Փարպեցի 9ա, բն.1, Հեռ՝ +374.011.222-001 Էլ. փոստ՝ editor@emedia.am Կայքի պատրաստումը՝ Sargssyan Studio

Garo Yepremian

Seta shared The Garo Yepremian Foundation's photo. 24 August UPDATE: Garo's recovery from a brain tumor and adrenal cancer has been very positive. After one radiation treatment to the brain and ongoing chemotherapy sessions, Garo was strong enough to attend his Goddaughter's wedding recently (pictured with his wife, Maritza)!

ANCA

#Karabakh is a "conflict" only to the extent that #Azerbaijan's President Ilham #Aliyev can't/won't accept the democratic self-determination and legally established independence of a free people. #NKFreedom Unlike

Tekeyan Cultural Association - Virtuoso Violinist Ani Batikian to Perform on a Stradivarius Next Saturday

Dear Friends, As a gentle reminder, The Armenian Embassy to the UK and the Tekeyan Cultural Association are eagerly looking forward to the opening of the Autumn Season at St John's Smith Square for the concert "Violin and Piano Recital of Virtuoso Favourites" featuring Ani Batikian on a Stradivarius violin and Benjamin Frith on the piano next Saturday, 6th September. The good news is that a few days before the concert, on Wednesday 3rd September 2014, Ani has been invited to the BBC Radio 3 programme "In Tune", hosted by the noted broadcaster Sean Rafferty, for an interview and live performance at 4:30pm. To book your tickets please visit the official website of St John’s Smith Square: http://www.sjss.org.uk/events/violin-and-piano-recital-virtuoso-favourites Don’t miss this exciting event! BBC Radio 3 "In Tune" "In Tune" on Twitter Ani Batikian plays Sarasate Introduction and Tarantella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HhRJVEnVNA Bartok Bartok/Szekely Romanian Folk Dances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cTP5sDEbds Dvorak 4 Romantic Pieces: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tlt_jaLfSCc

Saturday 30 August 2014

ANCA

ANCA with Armén Sahakyan and Raffi Karakashian at Embassy of Armenia, Washington, D.C. 12 hrs · Newly appointed Ambassador to the United States Tigran Sargsyan and outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission Andranik Hovhannisyan flanked by ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian and ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Armen Sahakyan at farewell reception for Mr. Hovhannisyan.

Thursday 28 August 2014

FATHER FRANK’S RANTS - IS ANTISEMITISM THE GREATEST GIFT EVER TO THE STATE OF ISRAEL?

Rant Number 597 27 August 2014 Antisemitism & Israel Is antisemitism the greatest gift ever to the state of Israel? Does hatred of Jews reinforce, strengthen and maintain the Jewish State? Do antisemites actively foster Zionism? Subversive and crazy thoughts but…maybe not so crazy. In 1894 Theodor Herzl, the ‘spiritual father’ of the Jewish State, was a journalist in Paris, as the notorious Dreyfus Affaire shook France. Dreyfus, a Jewish Army officer, was accused and jailed as a German spy. The spectacle of French anti-Jewish sentiments convinced Herzl that his people could only be safe in a land of its own: Zionism was born. (Herzl himself was irreligious – even had his own children baptised – hardly a good Jew.) The 1948 declaration of establishment of the State of Israel is explicit. Among the reasons for restoring Eretz-Israel, the ancient homeland of the Jews, are the dark fruits of anti-Jewish persecution, such as ‘the massacres of millions of Jews’ and ‘the Nazi holocaust in Europe’. Thus the Zionist claim is that Jews can only be safe in Israel. A state of their own. A Jewish state, it is claimed, affords Jews the best protection and shelter against any future upsurge of horrid antisemitism. Alas, despite the existence of the state of Israel antisemitism is not dead. ‘Europe’s Jews are fleeing one again’ declares Newsweek. It fingers furious French demos against Israel, as well as many acts of vandalism. All fuelled by the disproportionate Israeli war on Gaza, with its hundreds of civilian killed, including children. Jewish Agency chairman Nathan Sharansky naturally considers this ‘very alarming’. But he also rejoices that 2600 Jews have migrated to Israel since the war started. ‘We had more immigrants than missiles’, he says. Mr Sharansky’s Jewish Agency encourages Jews worldwide to do Aliyah, moving to Israel. Motives for that range from idealism to suprematism, but from the dawning of Herzl’s movement the chief one has been to offer Jews a refuge against persecutions. Only… If Jews are happy and contented amongst Gentiles in the Diaspora, if they are not persecuted or discriminated against, why then move to a tough and risky life in Eretz Israel? The mindless yobs who scrawl swastikas on synagogues or insult innocent Jewish people in the street, the more virulent and violent varieties of antisemites in the Arab and Muslim world…does it cross their tiny minds they so actively foster and aid Zionism’s cause? I wonder… A paradox with many facets. The ruthless Israeli assault on Gaza has shocked and angered many morally sensitive people, including Jews. No question the war has resulted in a recrudescence of antisemitism. Here is a weird hypothesis: could it be that Netanyahu deliberately pursued his excessive attack on Hamas in order to stir up anti-Jewish feelings abroad? Indeed, calculating, banking on them? So that more Jews felt insecure, threatened, thus deciding to quit their homes for…Eretz Israel? It gets even murkier when you read that outrageous text, The Portage to San Cristobal of A.H. By the eminent Jewish intellectual George Steiner. The writer has a team of Nazi hunters seizing a taciturn and morose old man in the Amazonian jungle. A.H. stands for Adolf Hitler. His captors wish to have him tried in Israel, like another Eichmann, but time is short so they judge him there and then. In a creepy diatribe the Fuhrer defends himself. Adolf’s barefaced contention is that he, not Herzl, is the Jewish state’s father. ‘You should honour me. Thanks to me. Zion’s millenarian dream has come true. You have got your ancient nation back!’ Crazy argument, crazy guy but…dig it? OK. Steiner was writing fiction. For astounding historical evidence of collusion - more, collaboration - between Zionists and Nazi leaders check out Lenni Brenner’s Zionism in the Age of the Dictators. A serious, carefully documented work. Wot! Zionists and Nazis in bed together! Extraordinary the lengths top figures of Zionism were willing to go in order to secure the setting up of the state of Israel. The priest himself could not believe it at first. Today Israel, like many prosperous Western societies, needs immigrants. Pity most of them will not be Jews. Largely, they will come from third world countries. To do lowly jobs Israelis can’t be bothered with. Besides, Professor Bernard Wasserstein’s thoughtful essay, ‘Israel and Palestine’, notes how Jews worldwide (about 12 millions) are not likely to migrate to Israel en masse to join Jews there (5.582.100). Why should they? Jews – forgive the cliché - are smart. The reality is that life in ‘Isra-Hell’, as my young Israeli friend Ronen once put it, holds little attraction. Despite scaremongering most Jews are happier where they are. No paradox could ever excuse or justify anti-Jewish acts and persecutions, however. Pace antisemites, the differences between Jews and non-Jews are minimal and morally irrelevant. More crucially, Christians share a sacred book in common with Judaism. Jesus Christ’s credentials as Messiah are wholly derived from spiritual expectations and prophecies grounded in the Old Testament. The Church always rejected heretics and fantasists like Marcion who sought to drive a wedge between the New and the Old Covenants. The Creator, the Father of Jesus Christ, is Lord of both. Yes, a section of Judaism did not recognise Jesus as the awaited Messiah. That much troubled St Paul. The Apostle debated this painful state of affairs throughout his writings but especially in the splendid Letter to the Romans, in chapters 9 to 11. Peruse that text. You will find in it the perfect formula for absolute reconciliation between Jews and Christians. ‘Has God rejected his people?’ Paul asks. ‘By no means!’ And he states, irrefragably: ‘All Israel will be saved.’ Revd Frank Julian Gelli ============================================================ ** follow on Twitter (Twitter Account not yet Authorized) | ** friend on Facebook (#) | ** forward to a friend (http://us7.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=3ae40cde0c299583529f1448a&id=d793a2e6db&e=5707b9e8db) Copyright © Fr Frank Gelli

Monday 25 August 2014

This is another Genocide!...

Copy and Past! http://foxnewsinsider.com/2014/08/10/‘your-limited-airstrikes-are-joke’-judge-jeanine-slams-‘inexperienced-disengaged

A Special Request from Gibrahayer Even Alert

JOIN THE SUPPORT TEAM FOR OUR YOUNG ATHLETES Dear friends, Nine years ago we initiated a campaign to assist a young Armenian tennis champion Zaruhi Harutyunyan in her quest for stardom. Nine years later we have decided to invest in two more young talents, that have shown commitment and exceptional results. We introduce Lusine Chobanyan and Edmond Aynedjian to you, as already accomplished athletes, champions in their own right both at home and in the international sports arena, making Armenians proud everywhere. We invite you to visit their Support Page. You too can become part of the Team enabling Lusine and Edmond to continue doing what they are capable of doing best. Winning ! Through a lifestyle quite different to many kids their own age, both have shown samples of their capabilities that can only multiply if we can meet them half way. Support Team of Lusine & Edmond Click here to see how you can join the global team supporting Armenia's Ladies tennis champion Lusine Chobanyan and under 16 and under 18 Cyprus tennis Champion Edmond Aynedjian by visiting this Page. http://gibrahayer.com/index.php5?&page_id=256&path=256

Saturday 23 August 2014

EXPLOREHOW IT WORKSSTART YOUR CAMPAIGN - Wheat Fest campaign flours with 41% funding and 16 days to go!

Web Version | Like Tweet Forward Invest in rural startups-- contribute and share! Grandma Svetlana (above) has lived in Vardenis all her life. Every day she bakes bread the traditional Armenian way: in a tonir. Svetlana will sell her homemade lavash and other baked goods at the Golden Wheat Festival next month alongside 10 other small business owners. We are moments away from hitting the halfway point in our campaign to support the festival's operating costs and are looking to you to tip it past 50%! Click here to contribute--be sure to send the link to the campaign to all of your friends who believe in supporting skilled entrepreneurship in Armenia! So far we've raised $4,102. All we need is 200 people to donate $30 each and we will reach our $10,037 goal. It doesn't take much too make a difference! Check out our revamped virtual home: www.onearmenia.org! We've been promising a new website for over a year now and are happy to share it with you at last! It's accessible on desktop, mobile and tablet and improves upon our original website in the following ways: 1. fun, easy-to use, photography-centric design 2. vertical narratives on all our projects' evolutions from start to finish 3. up-to-date content relating to all our projects and the latest on what's cool in Armenia, Click here to see ONEArmenia's new and improved cyberhome! And send us your thoughts on it! Like what you see? Show us some love with just 1 click! Go to our Facebook page and hit the Like button to not only be the first person to know about all the latest updates on our projects, but to also push 1A one step closer to having 30,000 likes. Then we can have one more thing to celebrate: our global community's steady and exponential growth! Updated photos of progress at Aragatsavan's school construction The first tiles have already been placed as the construction of Aragatsavan's new cafeteria and toothbrushing station continues! In spring 2014, Children of Armenia Fund brought on 1A to crowdfund the construction of a cafeteria and toothbrushing station in the school building of Aragatsavan, a village located about an hour and a half outside Yerevan. There is currently no system-wide lunch program in Armenia's schools. Students either go hungry, eat a small pastry or simply leave their campus to find food throughout the school day. The cafeteria and toothbrushing station is a chance for 160 elementary students in Aragatsavan at healthy teeth and happy tummies! Click here to see more photos! Be the change - become a ONEArmenia Ambassador Are you a mover and a shaker wanting to make a difference in your Armenian community? ONEArmenia is seeking enthusastic individuals to be representatives of our organization around the globe. Help us spread the word about our campagins, projects, and message and be your Armenian community's agent for change! Contact us to learn more about being an ONEArmenia Ambassador! ONEArmenia is a for-purpose platform based in Yerevan and New York City that crowdfunds and crowdsources innovative culture + tech projects in Armenia. Our global community has crowdfunded over $110,000 to realize 7 projects since September 2012. Our past projects included greenhouses for a border village, instruments for a youth orchestra, operational funds for one of only two women's shelters in the country, and construction materials for a clean water system and kindergarten in Nagorno-Karabagh. Click on the images below to learn more! And let's not forget SHIFT::Tech: a world-wide app challenge that invited people from around the world to pitch their ideas for a scalable and profitable mobile application to compete for $25,000 in design, branding and mobile development support -- all in Armenia. The winning idea, "The Bucket List," is currently being developed! **** WE WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU **** // Check us out at onearmenia.org // Facebook: facebook.com/onearmenia // Twitter: twitter.com/OneArmenia // Instagram: @onearmenia Edit your subscription | Unsubscribe 135 West 26th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10001 contact@onearmenia.org Sign upLog in Hooray! Indiegogo just got more social. You can now see what your Facebook friends are funding. Learn more. Support Eco-Tourism & Small Businesses in Armenia Story Updates 3 Comments 6 Funders 69 Gallery 10 Email Embed Link Follow Fund Vardenis' wheat-themed festival that will activate up to 10 local small businesses! Yerevan, Armenia Small Business ONEArmenia is partnering with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF) to crowdfund a portion of the operational costs of a wheat-themed festival in the rural town of Vardenis, Armenia. Up to 10 local farmers and artisans will be selling traditional foods and handmade crafts—even beer—that are all either made of locally-grown wheat or inspired by it. The festival will take place in September 2014 and is expected to attract about 3,000 guests from all over the country who will spend the day eating great food (lavash, harissa, gata) and buying unique handmade products sold by local small business owners. Local traditional musicians and dancers will perform throughout the day, and transportation at the festival site will be provided by local drivers. The idea is to activate as many skilled people in the area as possible and to present Vardenis as a desirable place for tourists to visit and explore. About HDIF's Festival/Eco-Tourism Model The festival is the culmination of a larger program led by HDIF that works closely with local small business owners throughout the regions of Armenia to develop their brands, know the value of their land and product and to network with others. HDIF has hosted several successful festivals in Armenia’s regions in recent years, with thousands of guests driving in from other parts of the country to participate in the festival’s programming and to buy the local products made by the men and women of the given area. This eco-tourism model empowers locals who are traditionally trained in the agricultural, handicrafts and food sectors to see themselves as businesspeople and create a steady source of income for their families. Job Creation In addition to the small business owners' profits from sales throughout the day, local traditional musicians and dancers will be hired to perform, and transportation at the festival site will be provided by local drivers. Because the festival is the culmination of weeks-long small business training with the HDIF staff, the entire experience opens the door for significant growth: new business partnerships, hiring employees and selling products in new places are attainable goals. Sustainability In addition to the immediate income from sales during the festival itself, business owners will have the opportunity to capitalize on the renewed focus on their town and products by selling their products via HDIF's partnership with e-commerce site shoplavenk.com. A number of rural Armenian handicraft brands developed in partnership with the HDIF team are already for sale on the site. Project Timeline Planning for the festival is already underway, and the festival itself will take place in September. ________________________________________________________________________ Организация ONEArmenia в сотрудничестве Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF) собирает часть эксплуатационных расходов на фестиваль пшеницы в загородной местности города Варденис, Армения. До 10 местных фермером и ремесленников будут продавать традиционные блюда и поделки (даже пиво), продукты для которых были выращены в регионе. Фестиваль пройдет в сентябре 2014 года и, как ожидается привлечет около 3 000 гостей из всех уголков страны, которые проведут день за вкусной едой (лаваш, харисса, гата) и приобретут уникальные изделия ручной работы, продаваемые местными владельцами малого бизнеса. Традиционные местные музыканты и танцоры будут выступать на протяжении дня, а транспортировка на фестиваль будет обеспечена местными водителями. Идея в том, чтобы задействовать как можно больше квалифицированных людей в области, а возможно и представить Варденис как желанное место для туристов. О проекте фестиваля и эко-туризма HDIF Фестиваль является кульминацией обширной программы возглавляемая HDIF, которая работает в тесном контакте с местными владельцами малого бизнеса в регионах Армении, чтобы развивать свои бренды, знать цену своей земле, продуктам и связям с другими. В последние годы, HDIF провела несколько успешных фестивалей в регионах Армении, которые посетили на автомобилях тысячи людей из разных уголков страны, чтобы принять участие в программах фестиваля и купить местные продукты, сделанные мужчинами и женщинами данной области. Эта эко-туристическая модель, позволяет местным жителям, которые традиционно обучаются в сельском хозяйстве, ремесле и пищевых секторах, увидеть себя в качестве предпринимателей и создать устойчивый источник дохода для их семей. Создание рабочих мест В дополнение к прибыли владельцев малого бизнеса от продаж, для выступлений в течение дня будут наняты местные традиционные музыканты и танцоры, а транспортировка на территорию фестиваля будет обеспечена за счет местных водителей. Так как фестиваль — это кульминация длящегося неделю обучения малому бизнесу с персоналом HDIF, весь опыт открывает возможности для значительного роста: новые бизнес-партнерства, найм сотрудников и продажа продукции на новых местах . Устойчивость В дополнение к немедленному доходу от продаж во время самого фестиваля, владельцы бизнеса будут иметь возможность заработать на приобретенном внимании к своему городу и продуктам, продавая свои товары через интернет-магазин HDIF shoplavenk.com. Рядсельских брендов армянских ремесел, разработанных совместно с командой HDIF, уже находятся на сайте для продажи. График проекта Планирование фестиваля уже идет полным ходом, и сам фестиваль состоится в сентябре. Find This Campaign On Facebook Twitter YouTube Website Team ONEArmenia Team 0 FRIENDS Nora Kayserian Operations Anahid Yahjian Creative Direction Lilit Markosian PR/Social Media Astghik Sayadyan Creative Production $5,600USD RAISED OF $10,037 GOAL 56% 13 days left This campaign started on Aug 05 and will close on September 04, 2014 (11:59pm PT). Flexible Funding CONTRIBUTE NOW IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ONEArmenia SELECT A PERK $25USD Featured We take care of you Wheat themed jazzve holder, hand made in Vardenis. 22 claimed $5USD Vardenis Love Special thanks on the Vardenis Golden Wheat Festival page on Facebook! 5 claimed $100USD Cooking with Style A wheat themed potholder and oven glove, made by Vardenis Sewing + all of the above. 7 claimed $250USD Wear Your Passion A handmade wheat themed cloth bag + all of the above. 1 claimed $500USD Decorate with Love A package with straw man + woman ornaments + all of the above made by Vardenis Sewing. 1 claimed $1,000USD Celebrate! A pair of fabulous stone khatchkar bookends, hand carved in Vardenis + all of the above. 1 claimed Do you think this campaign contains prohibited content? Let us know. Help make it happen for Support Eco-Tourism & Small Businesses in Armenia and the team! CONTRIBUTE NOW CAMPAIGNING Start Your Campaign Pricing Campaign Playbook Campaign Support CONTRIBUTING Explore Partner Pages Contributing Playbook Contributing Support SIGN UP FOR DAILY INSPIRATION SIGN UP NOW Private, secure, spam-free ABOUT INDIEGOGO How It Works About Us Careers Brand Resources Press Blog HELP Crowdfunding Playbook Trust & Safety Help & Support Contact Us GET THE LATEST LANGUAGE English Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Partner Terms © 2014 Indiegogo, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 Recent Articles from The Armenian Weekly... Pope Francis to Hold Mass for Armenian Genocide Centennial

US State Department ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Karen Petrosyan’s Death in Azerbaijani Custody Bitlis Town Council Names ‘William Saroyan Street’ The Hidden Truth in Hockey’s Book AMAA Awards 140K in College Scholarships Rated SR Film Fest Kicks Off 2nd Season with Launch Party Search Armenian Weekly Pope Francis to Hold Mass for Armenian Genocide Centennial BUENOS AIRES—Pope Francis will hold Mass for the Armenian Genocide Centennial in the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, on April 12, 2015. The Announcement was made by the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires Mario Poli during a mass in the Armenian Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Narek on Sunday, Aug. 17, reported Presna Armenia. Pope Francis Pablo Hakimian, the pastor of the Armenian Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Narek, said that the announcement of a Mass for the Armenian Genocide centennial is in response to an invitation by the Armenian Catholic Church. “The Pope replied to the invitation from the Armenian Catholic Church a year ago through Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX to hold a mass for the recognition of the Genocide,” Father Hakimian told Prensa Armenia. On June 3, 2013, Pope Francis held a meeting with a delegation led by Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX, during which he also met a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors and stated, “It was the first genocide of the... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • US State Department ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Karen Petrosyan’s Death in Azerbaijani Custody ANCA welcomes call for “full and transparent” investigation of incident WASHINGTON, DC—A State Department spokesperson, in response to an August 15 media inquiry about the violent abuse and subsequent death of an Armenian civilian while in Azerbaijani custody, has issued the following statement: News reports showed Azerbaijani defense ministry officials dragging, questioning and publicly humiliating Petrosyan on national television. “The United States is deeply concerned by reports on the death of Karen Petrosyan while in Azerbaijan’s custody and by allegations that his death was not due to natural causes. The United States offers its sincere condolences to Mr. Petrosyan’s family. We call on the Government of Azerbaijan to conduct a full and transparent investigation into this incident and to make its findings public. We remind the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia of their obligations under international humanitarian law, especially their obligation to... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Bitlis Town Council Names ‘William Saroyan Street’ BITLIS, Turkey—The Bitlis town council recently approved the renaming of five streets in this historic town in south-eastern Turkey. Among the names is “William Saroyan Street,” after the great Armenian-American writer whose ancestors came from Bitlis before 1915. Saroyan was born in Fresno, Calif., but felt strong ties to his ancestral home. He visited Bitlis in 1964; 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of that visit. Ara Sarafian (Gomidas Institute) and Hüseyin Olan (Bitlis co-Mayor) in Sapkor district of Bitlis, June 2014 One of the champions of renaming “William Saroyan Street” was Barzan Serefhanoglu, whose grandfather, Adil Serefhanoglu, was the mayor of Bitlis when Saroyan visited the city. Adil Serefhanoglu showed great respect to Saroyan—and paid a high price for it. After Saroyan’s departure, he was harassed by the authorities who wanted to punish him. “William Saroyan Street” will now be the main street of the Sapkor district of the city, where the Saroyan... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • The Hidden Truth in Hockey’s Book Australia’s Treasurer Joe Hockey’s authorized biography has attracted much interest, including a peak into Cabinet relationships, the budget, and future leadership contenders. Yet there is one issue that has snuck firmly under the radar, and goes to Australia’s moral fabric: the denial of the first genocide of the 20th century. Cover of Australia’s Treasurer Joe Hockey’s authorized biography The Armenian Genocide, which started on the eve of Anzac Day 1915, resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million people. The Turkish government denies the genocide; at the same time Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan falsely labels the recent tragic strikes on Gaza as “systematic genocide.” The hidden truth goes to Hockey’s position on the Armenian Genocide, which is in direct contradiction to Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who recently asserted, “We do not, however, recognize these events as ‘genocide.’” Previous foreign ministers have also caved under... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • AMAA Awards 140K in College Scholarships This year, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) awarded $140,450 in scholarships to 57 worthy students who attend colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. The AMAA has helped thousands of students from kindergarten to high school with tuition aid, and hundreds of college students with scholarships. In addition, $15,000 will be awarded to needy and qualified university students in Armenia. These scholarships range from $200 to $600 as the cost of higher education in Armenia is significantly less. Since its inception, the AMAA has helped thousands of students from kindergarten to high school with tuition aid, and hundreds of college students with scholarships. Moreover, the AMAA provides financial aid to schools and institutions of higher education in the Near East, including Haigazian University and the Near East School of Theology in Beirut. The scholarships granted this year were provided from several AMAA scholarship funds established over the... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Rated SR Film Fest Kicks Off 2nd Season with Launch Party NEW YORK—Following a successful inaugural year with 55 films from 18 countries, Rated SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York is gearing up for its second edition with a gathering at Bettolona restaurant on Wed., Sept. 3. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the winning film directors, cast members, and their colleagues as well as network with important industry guests. There will be prizes to win and passes to the festival given out. Rated SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York is gearing up for its second edition with a gathering at Bettolona restaurant on Wed., Sept. 3. Founded by award-winning actor, filmmaker, and curator Nora Armani to promote positive social change through films covering a wide range of social issues, this year’s Rated SR Film Festival has two special spotlight sections titled “100 Years of Genocide” and “Women Filmmakers of MENA.” “I know many Middle Eastern and MENA women filmmakers who are really talented and make films that... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • www.hairenik.com | www.armenianweekly.com | www.hairenikweekly.com 80 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown MA 02472 Subscribe to our list - Unsubscribe from this list - Forward to a friend © Copyright Hairenik Association Inc. 2013 Click here to safely unsubscribe from "Armenian Weekly." Click here to view mailing archives, here to change your preferences, or here to subscribe • Privacy Email subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz, LLC, 365 Boston Post Rd, Suite 123, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA.

Tuesday 19 August 2014

We all need to get in on this activity to show how serious we are to be recognised!

Copy and paste...You will be so welcomed to make your comment too! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-28588188

Saturday 16 August 2014

OUR PRIMATE - His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian

Primate His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian was born Sarkis Hovhanessian on November 13, 1963 to Dr. Avedis and Seta Hovhanessian in Baghdad, Iraq. He is the beloved brother of Dr. Simon Hovhanessian, Sarah Hovhanessian and Silva Hovhanessian, and the uncle of Nyrie, Avedis and Nora Hovhanessian. Bishop Vahan received his Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from the Engineering College of the University of Baghdad, Iraq, in 1985. Upon his graduation, and under the tutelage of His Eminence Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Iraq, Bishop Vahan pursued his graduate studies in Theology in New York, USA, enrolling at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. In 1989, he received his Diploma in Armenian Church Studies from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and the Master of Divinity Degree from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, with a faculty commendation on his graduation thesis: “The Council of Shahabivan 445AD: Introduction, Translation and Commentary.” A year later, Bishop Vahan continued his doctoral studies in Scriptures at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, USA. In May 1998, upon successfully defending his doctoral dissertation “Third Corinthians: Reclaiming Paul for Orthodox Christianity,” Bishop Vahan earned his Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies from Fordham University. Bishop Vahan has been serving the Armenian Church since his childhood years, first as an acolyte then as a subdeacon, deacon and assistant organist at the St. Gregory Cathedral of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in Baghdad, Iraq. Upon his graduation from St. Nersess and St. Vladimir’s seminaries, Fr. Vahan joined the Monastic Order of Holy Etchmiadzin and was ordained celibate priest, Apegha, in 1990. Four years later he was elevated to the rank of Vartabed (Doctor of Faith). The rank of Dzayrakuyn Vartabed (Chief Doctor of Faith) was bestowed upon him in 2006, after successfully defending his Dzayrakuyn Vartabedagan thesis, “The New Testament Apocrypha in the Armenian Church,” in Armenian in the Gevorkian Theological Seminary in Etchmiadzin, Armenia. Bishop Vahan is the author of numerous articles and books in the fields of biblical studies, theology and Armenian Church history. His doctoral dissertation was published by Peter Lang Inc., in New York (2000). Among his other publications are the book, In Remembrance of the Lord: Biblical Introduction, Historical Review and Contemporary Commentary, commissioned by Abp. Khajag Brasamian, the primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (2008); Exegesis and Hermeneutics in the Churches of the East (2009); and The Old Testament As Authoritative Scripture in the Churches of the East (2010). He is also the General Editor of the Bible in the Christian Orthodox Tradition series for Peter Lang Publishers. By the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Bishop Vahan organized and chaired the very first international conference on the Armenian Bible held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in October 2005. Bishop Vahan is a member of many academic and ecclesiastical organizations including the “Orthodox Theological Society in America,” “Association pour l’étude de la littérature apocryphe chrétienne,” “Association Internationale des Études Arméniennes,” and the “Society of Biblical Literature,” where he serves as the chairman of the unit, “Bible in the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Traditions.” Upon his ordination to the priesthood, Bishop Vahan briefly served at the Armenian Diocese of Iraq in Baghdad and Mosul. In the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America he served as the visiting parish priest of Holy Cross, New York (1991-92), the Acting Canon Sacrist of St. Vartan Cathedral (1992-93), the pastor of the St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, New Jersey (1993-99), the Interim Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, New York (1999-2000), and the Pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs (2000-2010). He holds a visiting professorship at the Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and the Seminary of the Coptic Archdiocese in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. In 2009, Bishop Vahan was inducted in the Theta Alpha Kappa National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology, for teaching excellence. Bishop Vahan was elected Primate of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom on the 14th of December 2009 and his election was ratified by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, on the 29th of December, 2009. He was ordaned raised to the rank of Bishop on November 6th 2011. Primate’s Office Tel. No.: 0208 127 8364 Fax No.: 0872 111 5548 e-mail address: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

St. Yeghiché Sunday BulletinShoghk Bulletin|CONTACT US|HAMAINK ONLINE NEWSLETTER|

Armenian Community Council of the United Kingdom HomeACCUKNewsThe ChurchUK ArmeniansThe EmbassyRegister OnlineContact UsGallery Primate His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovanessian Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian was born Sarkis Hovhanessian on November 13, 1963 to Dr. Avedis and Seta Hovhanessian in Baghdad, Iraq. He is the beloved brother of Dr. Simon Hovhanessian, Sarah Hovhanessian and Silva Hovhanessian, and the uncle of Nyrie, Avedis and Nora Hovhanessian. Bishop Vahan received his Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from the Engineering College of the University of Baghdad, Iraq, in 1985. Upon his graduation, and under the tutelage of His Eminence Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Iraq, Bishop Vahan pursued his graduate studies in Theology in New York, USA, enrolling at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. In 1989, he received his Diploma in Armenian Church Studies from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and the Master of Divinity Degree from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, with a faculty commendation on his graduation thesis: “The Council of Shahabivan 445AD: Introduction, Translation and Commentary.” A year later, Bishop Vahan continued his doctoral studies in Scriptures at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, USA. In May 1998, upon successfully defending his doctoral dissertation “Third Corinthians: Reclaiming Paul for Orthodox Christianity,” Bishop Vahan earned his Ph.D. degree in Biblical Studies from Fordham University. Bishop Vahan has been serving the Armenian Church since his childhood years, first as an acolyte then as a subdeacon, deacon and assistant organist at the St. Gregory Cathedral of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in Baghdad, Iraq. Upon his graduation from St. Nersess and St. Vladimir’s seminaries, Fr. Vahan joined the Monastic Order of Holy Etchmiadzin and was ordained celibate priest, Apegha, in 1990. Four years later he was elevated to the rank of Vartabed (Doctor of Faith). The rank of Dzayrakuyn Vartabed (Chief Doctor of Faith) was bestowed upon him in 2006, after successfully defending his Dzayrakuyn Vartabedagan thesis, “The New Testament Apocrypha in the Armenian Church,” in Armenian in the Gevorkian Theological Seminary in Etchmiadzin, Armenia. Bishop Vahan is the author of numerous articles and books in the fields of biblical studies, theology and Armenian Church history. His doctoral dissertation was published by Peter Lang Inc., in New York (2000). Among his other publications are the book, In Remembrance of the Lord: Biblical Introduction, Historical Review and Contemporary Commentary, commissioned by Abp. Khajag Brasamian, the primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (2008); Exegesis and Hermeneutics in the Churches of the East (2009); and The Old Testament As Authoritative Scripture in the Churches of the East (2010). He is also the General Editor of the Bible in the Christian Orthodox Tradition series for Peter Lang Publishers. By the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Bishop Vahan organized and chaired the very first international conference on the Armenian Bible held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in October 2005. Bishop Vahan is a member of many academic and ecclesiastical organizations including the “Orthodox Theological Society in America,” “Association pour l’étude de la littérature apocryphe chrétienne,” “Association Internationale des Études Arméniennes,” and the “Society of Biblical Literature,” where he serves as the chairman of the unit, “Bible in the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Traditions.” Upon his ordination to the priesthood, Bishop Vahan briefly served at the Armenian Diocese of Iraq in Baghdad and Mosul. In the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America he served as the visiting parish priest of Holy Cross, New York (1991-92), the Acting Canon Sacrist of St. Vartan Cathedral (1992-93), the pastor of the St. Leon Armenian Church in Fair Lawn, New Jersey (1993-99), the Interim Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, New York (1999-2000), and the Pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs (2000-2010). He holds a visiting professorship at the Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and the Seminary of the Coptic Archdiocese in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. In 2009, Bishop Vahan was inducted in the Theta Alpha Kappa National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology, for teaching excellence. Bishop Vahan was elected Primate of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom on the 14th of December 2009 and his election was ratified by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, on the 29th of December, 2009. He was ordaned raised to the rank of Bishop on November 6th 2011. Primate’s Office Tel. No.: 0208 127 8364 Fax No.: 0872 111 5548 e-mail address: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk AGBU ARS-GB Armenian Medical Association of GB Land and Culture Friends of Armenia Homenetmen Music of Armenia Hamazkayin Ararat Heritage Armenian Institute CAIA AYF London Popular posts vt_resize Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian Celebrates 65th Anniversary of Joining Priesthood October 15, 2012 3 This year Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian is celebrating the 65th Anniversary of his being ordained int... vt_resize Turkish journalist authors book on 'Armenian genocide' September 14, 2012 2 [announcement ] Hasan Cemal, a columnist with the Milliyet daily, and the grandson of WWI Ottoman Em... vt_resize British Museum: We are very aware that Ancient Turkey is nonsensical from a historical point of view February 22, 2013 2 The British Museum has responded to the letter of the Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe (FAAE... Column 2 Wesce sit amet porttitor leo. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Quisque interdum, nulla sit amet varius dignissim Vestibulum pretium risus. View More » More… Privacy Policy Terms of Use Website Disclaimer Internet Copyright Notice ACCC.org.uk © Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Design by SmartRedFox and GZA By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept

Friday 15 August 2014

DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND E-Newsletter of the Armenian Church of UK and Ireland, Issue 33

ԱՌԱՋՆՈՐԴՈՒԹԻՒՆ.ՀԱՅՈՑ.ՄԵԾՆ.ԲՐԻԴԱՆԻՈՅ.ԵՒ.ԻՐԼԱՆՏԱՅԻ DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Տ. Վահան.Եպս..Յովհաննէսեան,.Հայրապետական.Պատուիրակ.եւ.Առաջնորդ The Right Revd Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate and Pontifical Legate Issues 33, Volume 5 PILGRIMAGE DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 5 SEPTEMBER Due to the popular demand on the details of the forthcoming Pilgrimage to Holy Etchmiadzin and Armenia, and in order to allow our people ample time to explore the details of the Pilgrimage programme, the Primate’s  Office extended the deadline of the registration for the Pilgrimage to 5 September. The Pilgrimage, 15-22 October, will include visits to the Mother See as well as historic sites and shrines including Lake Sevan, the Monastery of Datev, the underground church of Geghart, the tomb of St Mesrob and other. The pilgrimage, including airfare, hotel transfer in Yerevan, lodging in luxury hotels, breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as admission to all facilities and programmes including a night at Yerevan Opera House costs: £950.00 for private/single room and £830.00 for shared room/2-in-one room. To register for the pilgrimage, please send a deposit of £300 to the Primate’s  Office, c/o Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG no later 5 September. For more info: 0208 127 8364. Cheque payable to: The Armenian Church Trust UK. ASSUMPTION OF MARY CELEBRATED IN UK AND IRELAND This Sunday, 17 August, His Grace Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary at St Sarkis Church in London, scheduled at 11:00am. The Feast, as discussed in previous issues of this E-Newsletter, celebrates the ancient tradition of the assuming of the body of the Holy Virgin following her death to Heaven. Following Badarak, the Primate will lead a procession to outside the Church where the service of the Blessing of the Grapes will take place. The same services will be celebrated by Fr Aren Shaheenian in St Yeghiche Church, London, and Fr Garegin Hambardzumyan in Holy Trinity Church, Manchester. Meanwhile, a special service of the Blessing of the Grapes is scheduled at the Dublin Armenian Parish on Sunday, 30 August in Taney Parish, 2L39pm. SOUVENIR OF THE FESTIVAL – ARSEN GRIGORYAN’S CD Echoes of the very successful fourth annual Armenian Street Festival in London, Sunday 3 August,  sponsored  by  the  Primate’s  Office  of  the  Diocese  of  the  Armenian  Church  of  the  UK  and   Ireland, are still roaring all over the world. If for any reason you were not able to come to the Festival, we are happy to share with you a Special Release CD of the main entertainer of the Festival, Armenia’s  popular  folk-singer Arsen Grigoryan (Mrro). A graduate of Komitas State Conservatory, the faculty of Folk Music, and the recipient of many awards including: ‘The Best National Singer’ Public TV, and the ‘Garegin Nzhdeh’ order by the Minister of Defence of RA Seiran Ohanyan (2009), Mr Grigoryan flew from Armenia exclusively to entertain us at the Festival. You can see him performing live in our video clip published a week ago, which already has over 1000 viewers. His most recent CD can be purchased from the Armenian Gift Shop by clicking here or visiting the Armenian Gift Shop at: www.armeniangiftshop.org. 15 August, 2014 PRIMATE ADDRESSES PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ By the invitation of His Eminence Abp Athanasius Toma Dawood, Primate of the Diocese of Syrian Orthodox Church in the UK, HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, was the guest speaker at a special church service and a requiem for the souls of the recently martyred Christians in Iraq. In his address, the Primate highlighted the Biblical teachings about persecution and answered questions such as why God does not intervene to help the suffering Christians. A few weeks ago, as published in the E-Newsletter, Bp Vahan addressed two letters, one to His Grace Dr Justin Welbey (Lambeth) and the other to H. E. Cardinal Vincent Nichols (Westminister), in which the Primate exhorted the two Church leaders to join him in raising voices together for peace and security in the region. Recently, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Justin Welby, issued a statement,  emphasizing  that  “What  we  are  seeing  in  Iraq  violates  brutally  people's  right  to  freedom   of  religion  &  belief.’  Click here to read the entire statement. Click  here  to  watch  Bp  Vahan’s  talk. THE ST SARKIS PARISH SUMMER GARDEN BBQ The St Sarkis Parish Council invites its parishioners and the Armenian community of London and their friends to its second annual St Sarkis Parish Summer Garden BBQ which will take place on Saturday, 23rd August 2914, starting at 3:00pm onward. Come and join the beautiful fellowship, Armenian music, song and dance, Khorovadz, Armenian BBQ, lamb, pork and chicken, cigar tavern and much more. A donation of £10 per person will help defray the cost of the food and drinks to be served at the garden picnic. Booking in advance is strongly recommended to make sure enough food and drinks are available for all. Please book in advance by telephoning the St Sarkis Church Office on 0207 937 0152 Come enjoy and evening with fellow Armenians and meet new friends. All are welcome. For more information about the Summer Garden BBQ or any other programmes and activities of the St Sarkis Parish Council or to be a dues-paying member of the Parish please e-mail: info@stsarkisparish.co.uk. PRIMATE DISCUSSES SANCTIFICATION OF GENOCIDE MARTYRS By the invitation of Prof. Boghos Levon Zekiyan, Chair of Armenian Studies of the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, and professor of Armenian Church Institutions at the Pontifical Oriental Institute of Rome, HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, was a guest   speaker   at   this   year’s   ‘Intensive  Summer  Course  of  Armenian  Language  and  Culture’  of  the  University.  Over  50 young men and women from different countries gathered in Venice to participate in this programme in order to improve their Armenian language skills and to learn more about the Armenian people. The  title  of  Bp  Vahan’s lecture on Wednesday, 13 August, was  ‘Canonisation of the Martyrs of the 1915   Armenian   Genocide’   where   he   offered   a   brief   historical   review   of   the   process   and   highlighted   several   of   the   challenges   facing   the   canonization   process.   The   Primate’s   lecture   was   followed by a period of questions and answers and general discussion. Professor Zekiyan thanked Bp Vahan for his enlightening talk and presented him with a token of their appreciation. WRAP UP MEETING OF THE 2014 FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Last Monday, 11 August, a joyful group of volunteers representing various Armenian organization and   members   of   the   Armenian   Street   Festival   of   the   Primate’s   Office   met   in   Nevart   Gulbenkian   Hall for a wrap up meeting. The meeting, presided over by the Primate, started with a prayer following which the Primate thanked the volunteers, including Chairman Dick Bedrossian, and all the Armenian Organisations which contributed to the success of the Festival as well as the individuals who financially supported the Festival. His Grace then invited all to comment on their own  experience  of  the  Festival  and  to  make  constructive  suggestions  to  help  improve  next  year’s   Festival.   The   observations   were   recorded   by   Hrachik   Sarian,   Primate’s   Office   Administrator.   As announced earlier, the Primate has already appointed a Festival Committee, which has planned and executed   this   year’s   Festival   with   the   Primate’s   Office   staff.   The   committee   will   meet   soon   to   study the observations and use them to start preparing for next  year’s  Festival,  which  will  have  a   special meaning being the Festival of the 100 anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. ANNOUNCEMENTS:  BIBLE STUDY: There will be NO Bible Study session this Thursday, 21 August. Will resume the following week.  VIOLIN AND PIANO RECITAL of  Virtuoso  Favourites  at  St  John’s  Smith  Square  Ani  Batikian,  violin;;  Benjamin   Frith, piano Saturday, 6 September, 2014 - 19:30  DO YOU SHOP ONLINE? You can continue shopping online and helping the Diocese of the Armenian Church without spending extra penny. Go to easyfundraising.com. There are no catches and it's completely free to use. http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/invite/26OYUG/ Please  make  sure  to  choose  the  ‘Armenian  Church  Trust  UK’  as   the charity you want to support. Have fun shoping and thank you for supporting the Armenian Church.  SUPPORT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN UK: by sending your  donation  payable  to  ‘the  Armenian  Church  Trust   UK’  (ACTUK)  to  the  Primates Office (see below), or click here. Remember the Armenian Church in your will. The  Primate’s  Office,  Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG – 0208 127 8364 – primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

Thursday 14 August 2014

USA AUSA ARMENIAN LIFE - r#1429 --- Readers Overwhelmingly Critical of USC Hiring Widely Discredited Salpi Ghazarian

Issue #1429 | August 13, 2014 Turkic Groups Fund Questionable Congressional Trips to Azerbaijan Read More Ameriabank wins Euromoney Award for Excellence for third time Read More Ethiopia's Armenians: Long History, Small Numbers Read More Getting young Armenians civically engaged Read More Will Sanctions on Russia Hurt Armenia? Read More Visiting Armenia benefits the homeland Read More Readers Overwhelmingly Critical of USC Hiring Widely Discredited Salpi Ghazarian Read More 3 Armenians killed as rebels throw gas bottles at Aleppo district Read More Amid Karabakh Tensions, Both Armenia And Azerbaijan View Russia Uneasily Read More Armenian captive in Azerbaijan: ‘I hope I’d be sent to a third country’ Read More Armenia To Send Relief Aid To Iraqi Yezidis Read More A church organist celebrates 66 years Read More One day in the life of Armenia Read More First Turkish film to show Armenian genocide wins harsh reception Read More Two Genocide films in Focus at Venice 71 Read More Lukashenko, Nazarbayev discuss Armenia’s EaEU accession Read More 10 shameless and petro-dollars hungry, pro-Azeri members of the U.S. House of Representatives Read More Copyright © 2014 USA Armenian Life. All Rights Reserved. Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. P.O. BOX 1339 Glendale, 91209 United States

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 Recent Articles from The Armenian Weekly...

A Tribute to Native American Culture: The 91st Nipmuc Nation Powwow One Criterion: Being Armenian Sassounian: Turkic Groups Fund Questionable Congressional Trips to Azerbaijan Richard Bazarian Served His Heritage Well 4th International Medical Congress of Armenia to Be Held July 2-4, 2015 Armenians and Assyrians Team Up to Condemn Attacks on Communities in Middle East Between Sultan and Ataturk: Erdogan Wins Turkey’s Presidential Race Search Armenian Weekly A Tribute to Native American Culture: The 91st Nipmuc Nation Powwow GRAFTON, Mass. (A.W.)—The Nipmuc Nation, a Northeastern native community, held its annual Powwow at the Hassanamesit Reservation in Grafton on July 27. A scene from the Powwow (photo by Fiona Guitard) David Tall Pine White, the emcee of the powwow, told the Weekly that the most important aspects of organizing a Powwow are the people and the land: “Having a vast community network and a deep historical and ancestral native background is key to the foundation of the event. Making a connection to the land itself is a vital part of the process as well.” Powwow participants dancing around the fire (photo by Fiona Guitard) White explains that one dance performed around the fire in the circle of life is the “Round Dance.” “This is when everyone is invited to join hands and dance as one.” The dance is a symbol of the importance of community and “the strength and beauty of the people united, and the common bond we all share,” he said. Another dance is the “Sneak Up”:... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • One Criterion: Being Armenian Armenians around the world are preparing to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The official day of commemoration is April 24, 2015 as April 24, 1915 was the Kristallnacht of the Armenian Genocide. It was the evening that the Turkish Ottoman Government arrested 250 Armenian artists and leaders, many of whom were subsequently killed. It was also the night that the same government arrested 5,000 migrant male Armenian workers trying to eke out meager livings in Istanbul. These folks all disappeared. After that fateful night, the government systematically killed and deported most of the Armenian population from what is today the Republic of Turkey. It was a brutal and heinous ethnic cleansing of people from their ancestral homelands. It was Genocide. In the Genocide, the Turks had one criterion which they applied in a most uniform manner. The criterion was simply one question: Are you Armenian? If the answer was yes, you qualified. You qualified to be slaughtered... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Sassounian: Turkic Groups Fund Questionable Congressional Trips to Azerbaijan The international media is replete these days with scandalous stories about European and American politicians being wined and dined in Azerbaijan and Turkey, for self-serving ulterior motives. The latest such exposé, published by the Houston Chronicle on July 27, was titled: “Congress Members’ Trips Raise Red Flags.” The article revealed that five Turkic non-profit groups spent $274,459 for the lavish travel of 10 members of Congress and 35 staffers to Azerbaijan in May 2013. The funds were contributed by: —Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians (Houston): $101,680 —Turkish American Federation of the Midwest (Chicago): $68,324 —Turkic American Alliance (Washington, DC): $52,975 —Turkic American Federation of the Southeast (Atlanta): $26,550 —Council of Turkic American Associations (New York): $24,930 The ten members of Congress travelling to Baku on all-expenses-paid trip were: —Danny Davis (D-IL): $24,084 —Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX): $19,962... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Richard Bazarian Served His Heritage Well HAVERHILL, Mass.—Richard K. Bazarian didn’t let his disease stand in the way of service to his beloved Armenian community. With pancreatic cancer ravaging his body, he continued to show up at genocide commemorations and other community events before death on July 23. He was two days short of his 73rd birthday. Three generations: Richard Bazarian attended his last genocide commemoration May 10 in Lowell, joined by Nellie Nazarian, who preceded him in death as the last survivor in Merrimack Valley, and 12-year-old Datev Gevorkian. (Photo by Tom Vartabedian) Despite the pain and discomfort, which he kept to himself, Bazarian traveled to genocide committee meetings, kept singing in his church choir, and remained a devoted Knight of Vartan to the very end. He didn’t want it any other way. “If you didn’t know, you never realized he had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” said his close friend, Gary Koltookian. “He was in a weakened condition on the day of a monument dedication and... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • 4th International Medical Congress of Armenia to Be Held July 2-4, 2015 The 4th International Medical Congress of Armenia (IMCA) will take place from July 2-4, 2015, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health of Armenia and the Armenian Medical International Committee (AMIC), and will address some of the most vital issues facing health care today. We talked about the purpose, features, and thematic emphasis of the Congress with Prof. Ara Babloyan, the chairman of the Committee of Health Care, Maternity, and Childhood of the National Assembly of Armenia and president of the Congress. Prof. Ara Babloyan, chairman of the Committee of Health Care, Maternity, and Childhood of the National Assembly of Armenia and president of the Congress Q: Mr. Babloyan, taking into consideration the history of the Congress, what are the features for the 4th International Medical Congress of Armenia? A: On the one hand, the Congress of 2015 continues the themes of the previous congresses, as it the 4th one in Armenia. On the other hand, the Congress of 2015 is... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Armenians and Assyrians Team Up to Condemn Attacks on Communities in Middle East Protest at United Nations calls on international community to stop violence in Syria and Iraq NEW YORK, N.Y.—Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA ER) activists joined with leaders of the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities to rally international support for ending targeted attacks against their brethren in Iraq and Syria during a peaceful protest held in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Assyrian Priests (third and fourth from the left) pictured with some of the ANCA Eastern Region activists in attendance The ANCA Eastern Region’s Armen Sahakyan offered powerful remarks citing Armenian American solidarity with the Assyrian community, noting that today’s violence harkens back to Turkey’s genocide and exile of over 3 million Armenian, Pontian Greek and Assyrian Christians from 1915-1923. Sahakyan went on to urge greater international effort to end the violence against these beleaguered communities, initiated by... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Between Sultan and Ataturk: Erdogan Wins Turkey’s Presidential Race ANKARA (A.W.)—On Aug. 10, the Republic of Turkey held direct presidential elections for the first time in its 91-year history, won by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Previously, incumbent Abdullah Gul and his ten predecessors had all been elected by Turkey’s Grand National Assembly. The change to a direct vote came after a push by Erdogan, who was also the front-runner coming into the election. Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the country’s first direct presidential election on Aug. 10 (Photo by Nanore Barsoumian, The Armenian Weekly) Erdogan and his right-leaning Justice and Development Party (AKP) were running against independent Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Selahattin Demirtas of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP). A former professor and Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ihsanoglu was nominated by Turkey’s two largest opposition parties, with the idea of drawing some religious voters from Erdogan. Demirtas, the... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • www.hairenik.com | www.armenianweekly.com | www.hairenikweekly.com 80 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown MA 02472 Subscribe to our list - Unsubscribe from this list - Forward to a friend © Copyright Hairenik Association Inc. 2013 Click here to safely unsubscribe from "Armenian Weekly." Click here to view mailing archives, here to change your preferences, or here to subscribe • Privacy Email subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz, LLC, 365 Boston Post Rd, Suite 123, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA.

Tuesday 12 August 2014

FATHER FRANK’S RANTS Rant Number 596 11 August 2014 Feminism’s Undoing

FATHER FRANK’S RANTS Rant Number 596 11 August 2014 Feminism’s Undoing And so ISIS is drawing European females to rush to the Middle East to marry Jihadi guys fighting for the resurgent Caliphate. Where they will serve their husbands in traditional, domestic roles. So writes Jamie Dettmer in the Daily Beast. A most revealing article. It makes you think! A hundred years ago the British suffragette movement agitated violently for women’s right to vote. The feminist wave has risen ever since. Simone de Beauvoir, Betty Friedan, Germaine Greer, Andrea Dworkin & Co. carried further the banner of total equality with men. Feminists have triumphed outright – the male of the species is vanquished. Jolly good but… horribile dictu, could such conquests be reversed? Though the Islamist ladies are still few in number, do they presage something portentous? Could the Caliphettes (Dettmer’s coinage) spell out the suffragettes’ downfall? Is this the astounding sign time can flow backwards? Mad, you will reckon, mad. Or just half-baked science fiction. Yet Alexander Dugin’s provocative book, The Fourth Political Theory, suggests otherwise. The feisty Russian thinker rejects the ‘progressive’ idea that history has only one direction. His argument is not sci-fi but sociology, anthropology and culture. Not all societies conceive time as linear. Some cultures look at it as a cyclical, as a recurrent round or period of events. Buddhism, Hinduism, believers in reincarnations and ancient peoples like the Mayas and the Incas are examples. Besides, within ‘linear time’ religions like Christianity and Islam a cyclical pattern occurs. For the Muslim the lunar year comes round again and again with its daily prayers, special months like Ramadan, Muharram and the like. For the Christian the Church liturgical year of feasts and fasts also gets repeated, marked by sacred days and months, like Advent, the Epiphany, Lent, Easter and so on. A sense of yearly cycle thus structures the very existence of the believer. Reversing time, running history backwards is a trickier proposition. Still, within Hinduism a reincarnated human being owing to his deeds can sink lower or mount higher in the scale of being, becoming a rat or a snake or a saint. (Poet John Milton believed his own epoch was degenerating, men growing smaller, turning into elves and fairies.) But, away from mythology, secular history has a real way to debunk progressive views of time. Dugin’s example is that of Marxism, an impeccably lay and ‘scientific’ modern doctrine. For Marx social and economic history rises through different modes of production – ancient, feudal, capitalist and socialist – to the final, perfect, property-less, egalitarian and classless society, that of communism. Marxist time marches inexorably on, progressive, linear and unstoppable like a terminator robot, towards utopia. Alas, the Soviet Union binned all that. It went from socialism back to capitalism! It follows that time can be reversed – though socialists would say ‘regressed’. Apologists of US-style capitalism like the sleek Japanese-American Francis Fukuyama crowed at socialism’s collapse. Fukuyama arrogantly proclaimed ‘the end of history’. Liberal democracy and the free market had won, he exulted. One system, one ideology, one type of economics, one single anthropology , that of Western secular man, homo aeconomicus, held sway, dominated the planet for good. Rival narratives were kaput. Religion in particular definitely belonged to the quaint scrapyard of the past, like junk in an old curiosity shop. Guess poor Fukuyama never knew that fine phrase, ‘God of Surprises’. And indeed God surprised him and his ilk. The biggest surprise being…Islam! Al-hamdulillah! History does not end but goes on. Worse, for linearly, one-dimension and progressively-minded folks, the lesson is that history can flow backwards. From pseudo-enlightened modernity to pre-modernity. From rationalism, secularised politics, separation of church and state to theological politics or the Caliphate. A staggering situation where religion, faith, spirituality inform and pervade all aspects of life. God, pace Nietzsche, is not dead: God is back! And, in this Islamist version, he looks angry indeed. Not a god whose manifestations the priest can quite relish but…God nonetheless. Will feminism be a casualty of this stunning reversal? Muslim feminists like Fatima Mernissi and Amina Wadud argue for compatibility between Islam and Western ideas of women’s rights. Maybe. However, women drawn to the Caliphate have opposite ideas. Dettmer quotes a Muslima online denying that women are equal to men, because men are the leaders. There is no suggestion that women can fight on the battlefield – they can better fulfil their natural role in minding children, kitchen and similar, un-feminist tasks. Back to the past again – with a vengeance! Dugin’s Fourth Political Theory is a challenging thesis. Whereas reversing history is impossible for Enlightenment-based ideologies, not so for his radical idea of a fourth world vision. He invokes anti-materialist philosophers like Nicolai Berdyaev. In his The End of Our Time Berdyaev predicted a waning of the Western political paradigm, to be replaced by ‘New Middle Ages’, a bracing human civilisation animated by faith and spirituality. Rather problematical, perhaps, like Dugin’s admiration for the nebulous Heideggerian category of Dasein. But the Russian theorist is refreshingly open-minded, even empirical when he argues that ‘There are no stages or epochs, but only pre-concepts and concepts.’ Freeing yourself from antiquated pre-concepts (like liberal democracy and capitalism, haha!) that hold your mind in thrall is the first step. The rest is conceptually wide open. Mind you, Dugin is no reactionary on gender. So he accuses liberalism of being the most ‘male affirming’ theory. Liberals ultimately conceive of emancipated woman as just another man, he says. Reactionary fascism likewise is out. As to traditionalism, represented by my old master Julius Evola, it still asserts the unbearable superiority of the god over the goddess. The Fourth Political theory transcends all the previous theories. The solution then is to reconcile both male and female into Heidegger’s genderless or even androgynous Dasein… Ye gods! Into that murk I will not go! So, is feminism undone? Time – linear, cyclical or regressive – will tell. Revd Frank Julian Gelli

Monday, August 11, 2014 Recent Articles from The Armenian Weekly...

Between Sultan and Ataturk: Erdogan Wins Turkey’s Presidential Race Putin, Sarkisian and Aliyev Meet on Karabagh Armenians and Assyrians Team Up to Condemn Attacks on Communities in Middle East A Church Organist Celebrates 66 Years New Book: ‘And Then I Met the Getty Kouros’ Poetic Justice: Diyarbakir Armenians Baptized at Etchmiadzin Twitter Has Moral Responsibility to #StopAliyev Search Armenian Weekly Between Sultan and Ataturk: Erdogan Wins Turkey’s Presidential Race ANKARA (A.W.)—On Aug. 10, the Republic of Turkey held direct presidential elections for the first time in its 91-year history, won by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Previously, incumbent Abdullah Gul and his ten predecessors had all been elected by Turkey’s Grand National Assembly. The change to a direct vote came after a push by Erdogan, who was also the front-runner coming into the election. Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the country’s first direct presidential election on Aug. 10 (Photo by Nanore Barsoumian, The Armenian Weekly) Erdogan and his right-leaning Justice and Development Party (AKP) were running against independent Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Selahattin Demirtas of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP). A former professor and Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ihsanoglu was nominated by Turkey’s two largest opposition parties, with the idea of drawing some religious voters from Erdogan. Demirtas, the... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Putin, Sarkisian and Aliyev Meet on Karabagh Leaders say conflict should be resolved peacefully SOCHI (Asbarez)–Presidents of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan met at the Russian president’s summer residence on Aug. 10 and pledged that the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict must be resolved peacefully. President Putin, center, mediates talks between Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents on Aug. 10 in Sochi “I am glad to state that the President of Azerbaijan drew attention to the necessity of resolving the problem peacefully, and the President of Armenia has agreed. This is, in fact, very important, because there is no greater tragedy than the death of people,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said, according to reports on the Armenia president’s official website. President Putin met with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts – Serge Sarkisan and Ilham Aliyev – in his residence in Sochi to discuss the current situation in the disputed Nagorno-Karabagh enclave in the South Caucasus. “We should show patience, wisdom,... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Armenians and Assyrians Team Up to Condemn Attacks on Communities in Middle East Protest at United Nations calls on international community to stop violence in Syria and Iraq NEW YORK, N.Y.—Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA ER) activists joined with leaders of the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities to rally international support for ending targeted attacks against their brethren in Iraq and Syria during a peaceful protest held in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Assyrian Priests (third and fourth from the left) pictured with some of the ANCA Eastern Region activists in attendance The ANCA Eastern Region’s Armen Sahakyan offered powerful remarks citing Armenian American solidarity with the Assyrian community, noting that today’s violence harkens back to Turkey’s genocide and exile of over 3 million Armenian, Pontian Greek and Assyrian Christians from 1915-1923. Sahakyan went on to urge greater international effort to end the violence against these beleaguered communities, initiated by... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • A Church Organist Celebrates 66 Years Haverhill, Mass.—The year is 1948. A 33 rpm record made its debut to the vinyl industry. The game of Scrabble took America by storm while Judy Garland was strolling along in her “Easter Parade.” A young 14-year-old choirgirl volunteered to play the organ in her church—and never stopped. Instead, she’s been pulling all stops over the past 66 years. Octogenarian Sylvia Tavitian continues to play the organ after 66 years at Armenian Church at Hye Pointe in Haverhill. You’ll find her every other Sunday accompanying the Mass at Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, formerly known as St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, 110 Main St., alternating with another named Virginia Tavitian, her sister-in-law who has 45 years’ service. Furthermore, she’s playing on what’s called “a miracle organ” donated by a benefactor after the church’s regular pipe organ was ruined by a storm. The instrument is a product of the Berj Jamkochian Organ Fund, which has supplied some 15 organs to... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • New Book: ‘And Then I Met the Getty Kouros’ New memoir presents an Armenian-Iranian-American engineer’s odysseyfrom the streets of Tehran to the hills of Malibu LOS ANGELES– …And Then I Met The Getty Kouros is a memoir that chronicles the remarkable story of Jack Njdeh Yaghoubian, who has made a huge impact on the world of engineering in the United States and around the world. This Armenian-Iranian-American odyssey is a story of one life with three rich and distinct cultures as an omnipresent backdrop to a prolific career in earthquake engineering. Yaghoubian invented and holds the patent for an ingenious earthquake base isolation system that enabled the broken Getty Kouros statue of a nude male to stand on its own two marble feet after 2,500 years. Cover of “…And Then I Met The Getty Kouros” The memoir touches on many personal as well as professional subjects: growing up in the Armenian minority in Iran during the 1950s, the challenges of adapting to student life in America, the ways in which careers are... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Poetic Justice: Diyarbakir Armenians Baptized at Etchmiadzin Special for the Armenian Weekly The homecoming trip of the (no more) hidden Armenians from Diyarbakir to Armenia finally began this week, after months of planning, preparation, resolving issues, and seemingly endless three-way long distance discussions from Diyarbakir to Yerevan and Toronto. Diyarbakir Armenians baptized at Etchmiadzin (Photo by Gulisor Akkum/The Armenian Weekly) One moment they burst into dancing in the streets as soon as they hear a playful tune, and the next moment they cry uncontrollably at a scene which may mean nothing to passersby but has reminded them of something, someone – all the way back to 1915. And now, the “new” Armenians of Diyarbakir are strolling in the streets and museums of Yerevan, tiptoeing into the various churches scattered all over Armenia. Emotions are near the surface… One moment they burst into dancing in the streets as soon as they hear a playful tune, and the next moment they cry uncontrollably at a scene which may mean nothing... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • Twitter Has Moral Responsibility to #StopAliyev Twitter—the social network that allows 140-character posts from anyone, anywhere, about anything—rose to public policy prominence by “helping” organize the Arab Spring revolution and spread truths about minorities suffering awful mistreatments across several continents. This “giving voice to the voiceless” achieved universally positive endorsements of the Twitter platform, and has helped earn the company a reputation as one helping the Davids face Goliaths. Understandably, these endorsements have been welcomed by Twitter’s hierarchy, including co-founder Jack Dorsey and CEO Dick Costolo, who have on numerous occasions admitted they are proud of the evolution of their communication platform. However, what should happen when Twitter starts being used by Goliaths to bully Davids? What should happen when those with a voice use Twitter to crush the voiceless? What should happen when Twitter’s “positive” influence on public policy turns... Read More » • Email to a friend • Article Search • www.hairenik.com | www.armenianweekly.com | www.hairenikweekly.com 80 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown MA 02472 Subscribe to our list - Unsubscribe from this list - Forward to a friend © Copyright Hairenik Association Inc. 2013 Click here to safely unsubscribe from "Armenian Weekly." Click here to view mailing archives, here to change your preferences, or here to subscribe • Privacy Email subscriptions powered by FeedBlitz, LLC, 365 Boston Post Rd, Suite 123, Sudbury, MA 01776, USA.

Monday 11 August 2014

10% of wheat festival funding goal reached--we're doughing good!

Web Version | Update preferences | Unsubscribe Like Tweet Forward CONTRIBUTE NOW! Last week we partnered with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF) to crowdfund a portion of the operational costs of a wheat-themed festival in the rural town of Vardenis, Armenia--where the average monthly income is $150 and 50% of the population is unemployed. The idea is to activate as many skilled people in the area as possible and to present Vardenis as a desirable place for tourists to visit and explore. We have 24 days to raise $8,447! So far we have raised $1,090 of the $10,037 needed to complete the project. We need your support to make the Golden Wheat Festival a success! Please contribute and share our campaign with your friends and family. Together we can empower local small business owners to bring their products to market. Eco-tourism works--experience last year's Honey & Berry festival! HDIF organizes several festivals like the Golden Wheat festival throughout the regions of Armenia every year; click on the photo to the right to see a video of last year's Honey & Berry Festival in Shamshadin to get a feel for what the atmosphere is like at these events and how they activate the areas they take place in! Like what you see? Show us some love with just 1 click! Go to our Facebook page and hit the Like button to not only be the first person to know about all the latest updates on our projects, but to also push 1A one step closer to having 30,000 likes. Then we can have one more thing to celebrate: our global community's steady and exponential growth! Be the change - become a ONEArmenia Ambassador Are you a mover and a shaker wanting to make a difference in your Armenian community? ONEArmenia is seeking enthusastic individuals to be representatives of our organization around the globe. Help us spread the word about our campagins, projects, and message and be your Armenian community's agent for change! Contact us to learn more about being an ONEArmenia Ambassador! ONEArmenia is a for-purpose platform based in Yerevan and New York City that crowdfunds and crowdsources innovative culture + tech projects in Armenia. Our global community has crowdfunded over $110,000 to realize 7 projects since September 2012. Our past projects included greenhouses for a border village, instruments for a youth orchestra, operational funds for one of only two women's shelters in the country, and construction materials for a clean water system and kindergarten in Nagorno-Karabagh. Click on the images below to learn more! And let's not forget SHIFT::Tech: a world-wide app challenge that invited people from around the world to pitch their ideas for a scalable and profitable mobile application to compete for $25,000 in design, branding and mobile development support -- all in Armenia. The winning idea, "The Bucket List," is currently being developed! **** WE WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU **** // Check us out at onearmenia.org // Facebook: facebook.com/onearmenia // Twitter: twitter.com/OneArmenia // Instagram: @onearmenia Edit your subscription | Unsubscribe 135 West 26th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10001 contact@onearmenia.org

Ani Batikian Violin Concert, St John's Smith Square, Saturday 6th Sept 2014

Dear Subscriber and Tekeyan Cultural Association Supporter, We are proud to announce our upcoming concert by the talented violinist Ani Batikian and the internationally acclaimed pianist Benjamin Frith, playing a challenging and not-to-be-missed programme of virtuoso pieces for the opening of the Autumn season at St John's Smith Square on the 6th September 2014: www.sjss.org.uk/events/violin-and-piano-recital-virtuoso-favourites To avoid booking fees, until the 24th August, for a limited period, the TCA has reserved a number of premium seats/tickets which can be purchased directly from: Email: tca@tekeyan.org.uk Phone: 07981 770 375 (Zepyur Batikian) Best Regards, TCA Committee Click here to go to the Facebook Events Page Click here to visit the Tekeyan Cultural Association Website

Sunday 10 August 2014

Armenian Street Festival Newsletter 2014

You can read the Newsletter below. It is best if you select full screen mode and then magnify the image if necessary:




Saturday 9 August 2014

DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND


Issues 32, Volume
ԱՌԱՋՆՈՐԴՈՒԹԻՒՆ.ՀԱՅՈՑ.ՄԵԾՆ.ԲՐԻԴԱՆԻՈՅ.ԵՒ.ԻՐԼԱՆՏԱՅԻ DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Տ. Վահան.Եպս..Յովհաննէսեան,.Հայրապետական.Պատուիրակ.եւ.Առաջնորդ The Right Revd Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate and Pontifical Legate
9 August, 2014
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY: BLESSING OF GRAPES This Monday, 11 August is the first day of the weeklong fasting in preparation for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, which will be celebrated the following Sunday, 17 August. The Feast commemorates the early Christian tradition of the assuming of the body of Mary, following her death, to heaven. It is one of the five annual feasts attributed to the Holy Virgin, in the Armenian Church, and is celebrated on the Sunday closest to 15 August. Among the many biblical symbols for the Virgin Mary, Grapes are the one remembered on this Feast. This is because wine is made of grapes, and wine is one of the symbols of Christ in the Bible. It is because of this symbolism and because grapes ripen in August in Armenia, that the Armenian Church conducts the service of the blessing of the grapes following the divine celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The Feast is a celebration of the promise of the Lord that those who believe in him shall live eternally, even after death. ‘The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live’ (John 11:29).
ARMENIAN FESTIVAL IN LONDON: ‘A ROARING SUCCESS
On Sunday, 3rd August, the grounds of St Sarkis Church and Iverna Gardens in Kensington, turned into a beautiful and powerful expression of Armenian life, heritage, identity and faith. Starting with a church procession and the service of the Blessing of the Field, to the official Cutting of the Ribbon by the Primate with the Mayor, Members of the Parliament, Ambassadors and dignitaries, to the delicious food and drinks, the patriotic and enchanting Armenian songs by Arsen Grigoryan from Armenia, the exquisite dances of Akhtamar Dance Group, Tekeyan’s Gomidas Choir’s debut, and over 30 stalls and vendors. Most importantly it was the thousands of Armenians and their friends that made this year’s Festival truly a ‘roaring success’ to use the words of one of those who attended and enjoyed the Festival. In addition to all the above the Festival generated over £20,000 income. Thank you to the Festival Committee of the Primate’s Office and all the volunteers. Click here to watch a video clip of the Festival highlights.
A day of dancing, singing, and celebrating Armenian life
HOLY TRINITY IN MANCHESTER TO CELEBRATE THE ASSUMPTION
On Sunday 17th of August, by the Blessing of HG Bp. Vahan Hovhanessian, the Primate, there will be a festive celebration of Badarak at the Holy Trinity Church, Manchester, which will be followed by one of the beloved ceremonies of the Armenian Chruch, the ‘'Blessing of the Grapes’' led by our visiting pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan. We bless the grapes on this day because our Lord compared Himself with true Vine. Also, at the Last Supper he took the cup with wine and said 'Take, drink, this is my Blood of the New Covenant...' Mary became the eternal source of Christ's glorious Incarnation and thus, the Holy Fathers of the Church have set the beautiful ceremony of Blessing of the Grapes on the Feast of her Assumption. Join us if you live in or near Manchester to sing with us the traditional 'Amen, Alleluia, Alleluia...'' at the service of the Blessing of the Grapes! So if you live in or near Manchester area, please make an effort to join us next Sunday. Grape donations are welcome.
PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY ETCHMIADZIN AND ARMENIA
The deadline for registering for this year’s inspiring pilgrimage to Holy Etchmiadizn and Armenia, 15-22 October, 2014 is this Friday 15 August. Several people have enquired and we would like to accommodate them. To register for the pilgrimage, please send a deposit of £300 to the Primate’s Office, c/o Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG by 15 August. Make your cheque payable to: The Armenian Church Trust UK. The Pilgrimage programme will include visits to the Mother See as well as historic shrines including the monastery in Sevan, Lake Sevan, the monastic complex of Datev, the underground cathedral of Geghart, the shrine of St Mesrob Mashtots and other. The pilgrimage, including airfare, lodging in luxury hotels in Yerevan, breakfast, lunch & dinner, and admission to all facilities including a night at Yerevan Opera House costs: £950.00 for private/single room and £830.00 for shared room/2-in-one room. Price may go up after 15 August. For info, call: 0208 127 8364, or E-mail by clicking here.
The city Yerevan with Mount Ararat in the background
BLESSING OF GRAPES SERVICES IN LONDON AND MANCHESTER
It is a beautiful tradition among Armenians on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary to donate grapes to be used for the Blessing Service or to donate money toward the purchase of grapes. Next Sunday, 17th August, following the celebration of the Badarak of the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Armenian Churches will conduct the service of the Blessing of Grapes. This traditional service will take place in our churches here in the UK in London and Manchester. Please participate in the Badarak and be part of this once-a-year ceremony. Those wishing to make donations of grapes or donations in lieu of grapes please contact the Parish offices of St Yeghiche Church on 0207 373 8133, or St Sarkis Church. 0203 501 4504, Holy Trinity in Manchester on
. Thank you for your continued support to the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland. Meanwhile, the Armenian Church parish in Dubline, Ireland, will have its own blessing of Grapes service on Sunday, 30 August. Its also customary among Armenians to have their homes blessed after this feast. Those interested please contact our reverend clergy or the Primate’s Office.
0161 273 1074
HELP US HELP TWO ARMENIAN BOYS IN ARMENIA BE HEALED
The Primate’s Office received two phone calls from two different parents in Armenia, independent of each other, seeking financial help for their son’s medical treatment: 1) Ohannisyan: 3-year old boy, Yerevan, Armenia diagnosed with diabetes. Hospital treatments
and medical fees in Yerevan amount to $10,000. 2) Hakobjanyan: born 1995 Erebuni/Armenia, has brain tumour. In order for him to have the
correct diagnosis, he has been referred to the Berlin International Health Care hospital and the
cost for the duration of his stay in hospital and all procedures amounts to 30,000 Euros. Please send your donations payable to the Armenian Church Trust UK indicating the person you want to help (Ohannisyan and/or Hakobjanian).
NEW WOODEN CARVED ARMENIAN CROSSES
The Armenian Gift Shop is happy to announce the arrival of a new shipment from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to add to its already impressive collection of Armenian gift items, including the hand-made wooden Armenian crosses (6.5X12.5X2). The beautifully designed traditional Armenian cross stands on a wooden pedestal, can be a great gift idea for a friend or a sacred symbol to adorn your room. The cross can be closely browsed online by clicking here. To purchase your own wooden Armenian cross, please visit the website of the Armenian Gift Shop: www.armeniangiftshop.org. There you can find other items of interest such as books, videos, DVDs, gift items, CDs, including the CD of Arsen Grigorian who was the key entertainer and singer at our fourth annual Armenian Street Festival. For more information please contact he Gift Shop at: giftshop@armenianchurch.co.uk
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PRAYER FOR CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ: By orders of HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, a special prayer for the Christians of Iraq will be offered this Sunday in all the Churches of the Armenian Diocese in the UK and Ireland. BIBLE STUDY GROUP: Next session in Gulbenkian Hall this Thursday, 14 August, at 7:00pm. All are welcome.
ARMENIAN MOVIE NIGHTS: Join the St Sarkis Parish at August Movie Night for the screening of the documentary “From Ararat to Europe”, Friday, 15th August @ 7pm. Donations £ 5, to cover the coast of drinks, popcorn... etc.
SUPPORT THE ARMENIAN CHURCHES IN UK: by sending your donation payable to ‘the Armenian Church Trust UK’ (ACTUK) to the Primates Office (see below), or click here. Remember the Armenian Church in your will.
The Primate’s Office, Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG – 0208 127 8364 – primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk