Program will explore ‘Cultural Resistance and Informed Activism’

NEW YORK (A.W.)—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Youth Connect Program (YCP) will be held at New York University (NYU) on March 11-12 and will feature a strong lineup of speakers and dynamic discussions on “Cultural Resistance and Informed Activism.”

Turkish journalist Amberin Zaman

The speakers include New York Times best-selling novelist Chris Bohjalian, Turkish journalist Amberin Zaman, and environmental activist Serda Ozbenian.

The program will feature a discussion with Dr. Khatchig Mouradian, director of the ARS Youth Connect Program. Other speakers will be announced in the coming days.

The program begins on the evening of Fri., March 11, and continues throughout the day on Sat., March 12. Sessions will be held at the NYU Kimmel Center for University Life, 60 Washington Square South, Suite 802 Shorin, in New York City.

New York Times best-selling novelist Chris Bohjalian

The program is available to any Armenian college students between the ages of 18 and 25 years old. Overnight accommodation will be offered for out-of-town students only.

Registration is required. A $25 registration fee includes meals and the evening dinner. To register, visit www.arseastusa.org/donate and choose the Youth Connect Program tab.

Chris Bohjalian is the author of 18 books, most of which were New York Times best-sellers. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages and have become movies 3 times. His novel Midwives was a number one New York Times best-seller and a selection of Oprah’s Book Club. His latest novel, The Guest Room, was published in January 2016.

Amberin Zaman is a Turkish journalist who has written extensively about Turkish politics, the Kurds, and Armenian-Turkish relations for the Washington Post, the Daily Telegraph, and the Los Angeles Times. She was the Economist’s Turkey correspondent from 1999 to 2015 and is currently a public policy scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. She is also a columnist for the independent Turkish online news portal Diken and for Al-Monitor. Readers can follow her on Twitter @amberinzaman.

Environmental activist Serda Ozbenian

Serda Ozbenian is a researcher with 11 years’ experience working on environmental and social issues. Born in Maryland, Ozbenian has dedicated the last six years to environmental issues in Armenia. Since its founding in 2007, Ozbenian has been the executive director of the Armenian Environmental Network, a project of Earth Island Institute based in Berkeley, Calif. Ozbenian is currently involved with waste management, environmental education, protected area management, wild edible plants, ecotourism, and wild animals in captivity. As part of her graduate work, Ozbenian conducted a survey of attitudes toward and conflicts with wolves and bears in rural villages in Armenia. Ozbenian augmented this research through her recently completed Fulbright Fellowship in Armenia with a research focus on population surveys of wolves and bears. Ozbenian holds an M.S. in environmental science and policy from George Mason University and a B.S. in animal behavior and photography from Towson University.

Khatchig Mouradian is a visiting assistant professor at the Division of Global Affairs at Rutgers University and the coordinator of the Armenian Genocide Program at the university’s Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights (CGHR). He teaches courses on imperialism, mass violence, and concentration camps in the history and sociology departments at Rutgers. Mouradian is also adjunct professor at the philosophy and urban studies departments at Worcester State University, where he teaches courses on urban space and conflict in the Middle East, genocide, collective memory, and human rights. Mouradian holds a Ph.D. in history from the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University and a graduate certificate in conflict resolution from UMass Boston. He was the editor of the Armenian Weekly from 2007-14.

For more information, contact the ARS of Eastern USA office by calling (617) 926-3801, e-mailing arseastus@gmail.com, or visiting the program’s Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/events/131201310585151.

NEW MILFORD, N.J.—The Hovnanian School and the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New Jersey recently co-hosted best-selling author Chris Bohjalian on the New Milford school campus. Shakeh Tashjian, principal of the school, welcomed the audience and introduced Ani Tchaglassian of Hamazkayin.

Shakeh Tashjian

Tchaglassian spoke of her friend, saying, “He is one of the most humble and dedicated people I’ve ever met, not only writing his novels but also publishing many articles regarding the Armenian Genocide throughout the year.”

“I extend congratulations to the author, Hamazkayin, and Hovnanian School, especially Hovnanian School, because it is the only Armenian Day School in New Jersey,” said Rev. Father Hovnan Bozoian from Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church. “It is very special to us because this school is preparing our future generations and preserving our Armenian identity.”

Father Hovnan performed the traditional Kinetson (book blessing) ceremony by pouring red wine over a first edition of the novel. This is the fourth year in a row that Father Hovnan and the author have held a Kinetson ceremony in New Jersey.

Father Hovnan, Ani Tchaglassian, and Chris Bohjalian during the traditional Kinetson (book blessing) ceremony

In the powerful and moving lecture, Bohjalian shared personal anecdotes from the first leg of his book tour and a slideshow capturing his recent visit to Western Armenia. Identity—one of the major thematic threads throughout Bohjalian’s body of works—is what has bound The Sandcastle Girls, The Guest Room, and his Armenia visit together. Bohjalian talked about his family’s stories and personal eye-witness accounts from the genocide period. During his slideshow, he said that most of his relatives who survived “…took the many stories [of the genocide] to their grave.” That generation could not speak of the atrocities that they suffered at the hands of the Ottoman Turks—the very reason Bohjalian keeps coming back to the genocide in his work and underscores the importance of remembering his ancestors’ stories and preserving their identity. “It’s not the souls that are lost only, but also, their stories.”

Bohjalian signing copies of his new book

Bohjalian then segued to his latest book, The Guest Room, “a spellbinding tale of a party gone horribly wrong.” The meaning of family, relationships, moral struggles, and of the social crisis of human/sex trafficking prevalent in the world are at the core of the novel.

Bohjalian signed dozens of books following the presentation and spoke to his many fans. The Guest Room debuted at #11 on the New York Times best-seller’s list.

By Arpy Voskeridjian Minasian

CHELTENHAM, Pa.—On Sun., April 24, hundreds gathered at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Cheltenham to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. The program sponsored by the Armenian Inter-Communal Committee of Philadelphia celebrated the theme “Together for Armenia” and featured world renowned pianist Şahan Arzruni.

Pianist Şahan Arzruni (Photo: Alec Balian)

Arzruni captivated the audience with his beautiful selection of pieces by Kristapor Kara-Mourza, Komitas, Aram Khatchadourian, Arno Babadjanian, and Alan Hovhannes. Spectators traveled with Arzruni through a recent history of Armenian composers and their works. As his fingers brushed the keys they meditated on times gone by, and the saga of the Armenian people. Before playing selections from each of the famous composers, Arzruni shared anecdotes about their lives allowing the journey to feel complete. Each composer’s musical genius permeated the room as Arzruni revived their compositions. “Shoror of Moush” by Komitas captured the essence of Armenian folk music allowing the audience to revel in the daily life of the Armenian villager. All were mesmerized by Arno Babadjanian’s Elegy (after Sayat Nova) and were delighted by the “Potpourri on Armenian Songs” by Kristapor Kara-Mourza. “Yenovk” by Alan Hovhaness was equally entertaining and enchanting. It was however with Arzruni’s finale of Aram Khatchaturian’s “Toccata” that the fortitude and resilience of the Armenian people was symbolized. Each stroke of the keys, each chord that was played echoed the struggle and survival of the Armenian people.

Students of the Armenian Sisters Academy singing Armenian songs (Photo: Alec Balian)

Arzruni is not only revered as a recitalist and chamber music partner but, he has also received recognition and acclaim as a composer, ethnomusicologist, teacher, lecturer, writer, broadcast personality, and impressionist. He has appeared on numerous broadcasts with Johnny Carson, Mike Douglas and has performed as well with Victor Borge. In 1996, he received an encyclical and Sts. Sahag and Mesrob medallion from His Holiness Karekin I. This year, he was awarded the Movses Khorenatsi Presidential Medal for promoting cultural ties between Armenia and the Diaspora. The Philadelphia Armenian community was truly honored to have Mr. Arzruni share in the commemoration of the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

A small part of the program was dedicated to the youth of our community. The audience was thrilled to enjoy a vocal performance by the students of the Armenian Sisters Academy (Radnor, Pa.). Guided by the principal Sr. Emma Moussayan, their Armenian teacher Mrs. Tamar Panosian, and under the direction of their music teacher Karinné Andonian, the students delighted spectators with “Dzidzernagin Pouynuh” by Gh. Aghayian and Parsegh Ganachian and “Soorperoo Atchker” by Martin Aharonyan. Hearing the beautiful voices of the students of the Armenian Sisters Academy singing Armenian songs was a wonderful reminder that the Philadelphia community is fortunate to have such an incredible institution in their midst. The students are reminders that our history is our foundation, and that our culture and language keeps us unified. The Armenian Sisters Academy stands as a beacon, developing mind, body and spirit of generations of Armenian youth. And, as it forges ahead vigorously, it cultivates the next generation of leaders for the Armenian nation.

Guests at the event (Photo: Alec Balian)

The Philadelphia Armenian community celebrates a unique attribute. The Inter-Communal Committee consists of representatives from the five area churches, their clergy and the Armenian Sisters Academy. Throughout the year this committee plans three events for the Philadelphia area that bring the entire community together to celebrate Cultural Month and Vartanantz and to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. When the entire community is encouraged to unify their efforts wonderful things are accomplished. “Together for Armenia” featuring Şahan Arzruni is an example of such an occasion. In appreciation of Mr. Arzruni’s performance the committee will make a donation to the Vanadzor Old Age Home in Armenia. This home is sponsored by the Arzruni family, providing care to over 40 individuals. The Armenian Inter-Communal Committee was honored to host this superb event and was thrilled to showcase Şahan Arzruni’s phenomenal talents. The audience truly enjoyed a wonderful program and the committee thanks Mr. Arzruni for his riveting performance, reminding all those present about the musical giants the Armenian people have produced. Indeed, on Sunday, April 24th music soothed the soul of the Philadelphia Armenian Community.

Arpy Voskeridjian Minasian is vice-chair of the Armenian Inter-Communal Committee of Philadelphia.

Children at the center

A three-year-old boy runs every morning to the door waiting for his mother to return, but she never does. A seven-year-old girl who has lived with her family underground due to economic difficulties has never had a bath throughout her life. Two pre-teenage brothers have been sexually abused for many years. These are just some of the hundreds of neglected children who have been protected, housed, treated, educated and loved at Yerevan’s Children’s Center during the past 16 years. This compassionate and unique institution has been created, sponsored, and financed by the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), since its inception.

On April 28, “Friends of the FAR Children’s Center” hosted an elegant luncheon at the Charter House in Weehawken, N.J., with more than 100 ladies in attendance to benefit the Children’s Center. The tables of the event were decorated with beautifully created white ceramic trees. Small framed photos of some of the children were draped along its branches. The luncheon began with an invocation by the Very Rev. Fr. Papken Anoushian, Pastor of St. Thomas Armenian Apostolic Church in Tenafly, N.J.

A Home, a Lifesaver

Mistress of Ceremonies Mrs. Mary Cruikshank warmly welcomed the guests, and related that young neglected children who have suffered so greatly in the last decade and a half since Armenia’s independence from physical and sexual abuse, abandonment, poor nutrition, homelessness, single family homes, have been cared for in this ideal refuge by a staff of dedicated educated, medical, and cultured professionals. “The Children’s Center is like home for these children, a lifesaver,” she said with emotion, and added that the “Friends of the FAR Children’s Center” has sent money and gifts during all the holiday periods to the Center.

Since January, more than 180 children have been sheltered for various periods at the Children’s Center; 100 of these families do not wish to have their children returned to them, Mrs. Cruikshank revealed. In addition to helping these children, the Center also helps the families by offering them medical and economic assistance, she said.

FAR’s Extraordinary Efforts and Achievements

Cruikshank also informed the audience that FAR succeeded in sponsoring and editing several bills for the protection of children in Armenia’s Parliament, all of which were passed. “This was an extraordinary accomplishment for a newly independent country.”

A highlight of the event was an enthusiastic revelation by John Leonard who is married to Christine Mekhitarian. The couple, who has visited Armenia several times, initiated a project of introducing photography as a healing tool. “The imagery of nature makes people feel healthy,” he said. The project called “Changing Landscapes,” sponsored by the FAR “AYO” organization, takes the Center’s children on photography trips where they photograph the wonders of nature which are abundant in Armenia. The first photographs by these children were framed and donated to hospitals throughout Armenia. “It focused on beauty and its healing effect,” Leonard related, and added with a smile that one child said he wanted to be a photographer.

Friends of FAR Children’s Center committee

Several of these framed photos—displaying flowers, landscapes, khachkars, and Mount Ararat—were available for purchase at the luncheon, and were quickly scooped up.

Another highlight, a video displaying the life, education, affection shown to the children by the Center’s staff, prepared by FAR’s communications team, delighted the audience. Also on the luncheon program was a fashion show, and a silent auction of valuable gifts. Several vendors were also present, and donated a percentage of their sales to the afternoon’s fundraising effort.

The inspiring event concluded with the benediction by the Very Rev. Fr. Papken Anoushian.

The dedicated members of the “Friends of FAR Children’s Center” include Honorary Chair Sirvart Hovnanian, Co-Chairs Nadya Garipian and Sylva Torosian, and members Nivart Arslan, Sonya Bekarian, Yegsa Bestepe, Talin Berberoglu, Annette Choolfaian, Mary Cruikshank, Magda Najarian, Sossie Najarian, Anita Temiz, and Alice Yigitkurt.

Those wishing to contribute to the FAR Children’s Center should contact the New York FAR office, by calling (212) 889-5150, or visiting www.farusa.org

AGBU is pleased to announce the addition of ANI to its growing AGBU Education Innovation platform.

AGBU is pleased to announce the addition of ANI to its growing AGBU Education Innovation platform. The program—founded in September 2015 by Australian Armenian siblings Ray and Meline Nazloomian—joins English-speakers in the diaspora with English-learners in Armenia to help improve English proficiency in the country. Seeing their program grow exponentially in its first year, the Nazloomians chose to partner with AGBU to help further grow and develop ANI.

This partnership is the latest initiative to reach the program’s goal of connecting students in Armenia with native English speakers across the globe. ANI connects coaches and students for a free, once-a-week, 30-minute to 45-minute, one-on-one Skype session, during which students have the opportunity to practice and improve their English outside the classroom. The curriculum is broken into 12-week blocks and students and coaches can continue their work together for as many blocks as they choose. “We were startled by the fact that only four percent of Armenians in Armenia could speak English fluently. Knowing how important speaking English is in an increasingly globalized world, we were interested in leveraging modern technology to mobilize the more than nine million Armenians in the diaspora to improve English proficiency in Armenia. Our vision is that by 2020, 100 percent of Armenian students can speak English fluently,” said Ray Nazloomian.

By April, the program included 60 students from across Armenia and 60 coaches from Australia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. ANI also has a rich connection with the AGBU New York Summer Internship Program (NYSIP), with co-founder Meline and many of the current coaches being NYSIP alumni. Now with the support of AGBU, the program is in the process of increasing its number of coaches and students. AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) has already begun work in Armenia to encourage more students to participate in the program. To register as a coach or a student, please visit www.myani.org.

Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 500,000 Armenians around the world.

For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit www.agbu.org.

Edward Avedisian

PARAMUS, N.J.— This year, Edward Avedisian was not only one of the distinguished recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, but was one of a very select few invited to give his personal remarks at the ceremony. The ceremony was held on Ellis Island on Sat., May 7.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been awarded each year since 1986. It recognizes individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents, and selfless generosity; all the while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they embody the American Dream.

The professional career of Mr. Avedisian spans four disciplines: a performing symphonic musician, a university-level teacher, an arts administrator, as well as an investor and philanthropist. He retired after 30 years of service as clarinetist with the Boston Pops and 43 seasons with the Boston Ballet Orchestra. Outside of the United States, he has appeared as soloist with the Armenian State Philharmonic, the Armenian Radio and TV Orchestra, and the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, and was visiting artist to Boston’s sister city of Hangzhou, China, in 1998.

Avedisian’s success as a private investor led him to establish endowments and award grants to a number of nonprofit organizations. At the American University of Armenia (AUA), he fully funded the Center for Health Studies and Research and the Center for Business Research and Development. He was principal benefactor and chair of the construction committee (2005-2009) of the new 100,000 sq. ft. Paramaz Avedisian Building, and was appointed to the Presidential Search Committee for AUA by Dr. C. Judson King, former Provost of the University of California and Chair of the AUA Board of Trustees.

He is also the founder and principal benefactor of both the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian K-12 School and Community Center in Malatia-Sepastia, Armenia (a seven-building complex), and sole benefactor and chair of the AUA Oversight Committee for the Nork Marash Medical Center (bringing the Hospital up to U.S. standards in 2004-5). Mr. Avedisian also serves as Trustee for the American University of Armenia, and as Board member of the Armenian Missionary Association of America. As a founder and sole supporter of the Friends of the American University of Armenia, his contributions include a complete renovation of the High School in Haghtanag Village (2008-9) and the installation of a cluster of lights and trees at the Didzernagapert Armenian Genocide Memorial. He has twice been awarded the Movses Khorentasi Medal by Armenia’s President for Contributions to Education, Culture, Literature and the Arts in 2008 and 2014. In the United States, he established the Paramaz Avedisian Pharmacy Scholarship at the University of Rhode Island, Boston University (BU) Medical School (Chobanian Professorship), and BU Tanglewood Scholarship, and an endowed chair for the Boston Ballet Orchestra.

Mr. Avedisian was born in 1937 in Pawtucket, R.I., where he attended public school and served as president of his graduating class. He furthered his education on a scholarship to Boston University where he earned his BM and MM degrees. Edward is married to Pamela Wood and they currently reside in Lexington, Mass.

By Elizabeth Akian

On May 15, nearly 300 guests gathered at the Villa Amalfi Restaurant in Cliffside Park, New Jersey to celebrate the 110^th anniversary of the Holy Cross Armenian Church of Union City.

Sub-Diaconate ordination of Matthew Bagdat by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian

The celebration commenced earlier in the day with a special Divine Liturgy presided by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).  The Divine Liturgy was sung by members of the Gomidas Choir, led by Mr. Kris Kalfayan.

The service marked a significant milestone for Matthew Bagdat, currently attending Seton Hall University, who was ordained to the Holy Order of the Sub-Diaconate.

Dignitaries and Special Guests (L to R) U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, His Excellency Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Mayor Thomas Calabrese of Cliffside Park N.J., and the Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan (Missing: Dr. Vartan Abdo)

In addition, the right side altar was dedicated in memory of Mr. Nubar Dorian, with a special plaque blessed by Khajag Srpazan.  The late Mr. Dorian, whose family members were in attendance for this ceremony, was a dedicated servant on numerous levels to the Armenian community at large, as well as a beloved member of the Parish.

Following the Badarak, guests convened at the Villa Amalfi Restaurant for the celebratory banquet.  Mr. Hirant Gulian served as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed the attendees and introduced the honored guests seated at the dais—His Eminence Archbishop Barsamian, Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations His Excellency Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Cliffside Park Mayor Thomas Calabrese, Dr. Vartan Abdo, the Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan, Ms. Alice Bozoyan (Parish Council Chairlady), and Ms. Lori Zoklu (Banquet Chair).  The Invocation was led by Fr. Daniel Findikyan.

Banquet honorees Alice Yigitkurt, Diana Burggraf, and Alice Bozoyan

Mr. Gulian then introduced a special Kurdish delegation visiting the United States from Dikranagerd (Diyarbakir, Turkey) that presented the Holy Cross Parish with a mosaic artwork for this momentous occasion.

Greetings and reflections were then provided by Senator Menendez, Ms. Lori Zoklu, Ms. Alice Bozoyan, as well as Fr. Karayan.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Vartan Abdo, founder and director of the Armenian Radio Hour of New Jersey (ARHNJ), and Professor of Mathematics at Seton Hall University.  He reviewed the remarkable history of the Parish, including the accomplishments of the successive generations of pastors and lay leaders.

Ambassador Mnatsakanyan extended his congratulations to the Holy Cross Parish on the milestone anniversary, and stressed the vital importance of church life within the Armenian community.

The program then moved to a delightful variety of Armenian musical selections performed by Ms. Solange Merdinian (mezzo-soprano) and Mr. Hayk Arsenyan (pianist).

Musical Selections were performed by Mezzo Soprano Solange Merdinian (R) and pianist Hayk Arsenyan

This auspicious occasion was highlighted by honoring three prominent women for their outstanding service to the Holy Cross community over the years—Ms. Diana Burggraf (Women’s Guild chairlady), Ms. Alice Bozoyan, and Ms. Alice Yigitkurt (Parish Council vice chairlady).  The honorees were individually presented with a Pontifical Encyclical (Gontag) from Srpazan Khajag on behalf of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, as well as a jeweled pendant pin with Armenian initials, designed and donated by Mr. Gulian.  In their remarks, each of these human pillars gave thanks to their families, as well as to their Armenian heritage. They reviewed their experiences and impressions from the beginning of their affiliations with the Parish, through their respective commitments (Women’s Guild, Parish Council, Armenian School, Sunday School, ACYOA, Parish events, etc.) up to the present, and their hopes for the future of Holy Cross.

Banquet Executive Committee (L to R) Sercan Zoklu, Hirant Gulian, Lori Zoklu, Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan, and Sylvia Bozoyan

The program came to a close with congratulatory remarks and a benediction by Archbishop Barsamian.

The Anniversary Committee was comprised of the Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan (president), Lori Zoklu (chairlady), Sercan Zoklu (co-chairman), Sylvia Bozoyan (booklet/reservations), Hirant Gulian, Berch Manukian, Ann Dadaian, Elizabeth Akian, Sonya Bekarian, Ruby Gulian, Arsham Bekarian, and Nayad Manukian.

Guests at the Banquet

First Trip to Begin in July

NEW YORK, N.Y.—Venture Armenia, initiated and organized by the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA) and the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), will take place from July 16 to 27, and will provide an exciting professional experience limited to a group of 8 to 12 young Armenian-Americans.

The focus of this ambitious project will be networking and forging professional connections in Armenia, for the betterment and further development of the motherland.  In additional to the professional advancement, interns will visit some of Armenia’s most important cultural and historic places, thus experiencing Armenia in a unique manner.

A First-Ever Collaboration

“The collaboration between AESA and FAR is a very specific function together, involving the objectives, and purpose,” said Aram Setian, president emeritus of AESA, New York, New Jersey. The functions include looking at mentoring in the fields of engineering, science, medicine, business, law, education, and other specialty fields.

A number of applicants are currently being interviewed who will be of benefit to themselves, to Armenia, and to the program itself, Setian said, adding that eligible applicants range from the high school level to graduate students.

Specific Functions

The specific function of FAR will be finding the right contacts in Armenia. Each selected intern will receive the exclusive personal one-to-one attention of the chosen mentor.  All arrangements in Armenia will be undertaken by FAR.

AESA will be responsible for finding and selecting the applicants, explained Setian who is currently on the AESA Board of Directors, and proudly related that “AESA’s strength is mentoring and education. We would like to select applicants who will make the most impact. Once the network is established, it will be a great benefit for them, for Armenia and for the future,” he stated again with emphasis.

Ambitious Goals

There are a number of ways that the results of this unique program can be implemented.  This extraordinary professional relationship may result in a job connection in Armenia for six or seven months, with the opening of a business, or in the U.S. Selected interns may choose to find work in Armenia for six or seven months, and even open a business there, or work in their related fields in the U.S.

“This initiative has a broader and possibly more ambitious goal than simply providing networking and business opportunities for young professionals, stated FAR Executive Director Garnik Nanagoulian. “We hope and will strive to open up unique possibilities to all young Diasporan Armenians who are looking to develop sustainable links with their peers in Armenia, and with the homeland itself.”

Venture Armenia, he stressed, “is for those who would like to discover much more possibilities for themselves in the homeland as professionals, as individuals, and as Armenian Americans.”

All interested individuals can visit www.venturearmenia.com, or call (212) 889-5150.

The AGBU Performing Arts Department will hold a concert featuring The Bambir and poet/musician Alan Semerdjian

NEW YORK, N.Y.—The AGBU Performing Arts Department will hold a concert featuring The Bambir and poet/musician Alan Semerdjian on Fri., June 3 at 10:30 p.m. at the Rockwood Music Hall in New York.

The Bambir is an Armenia-based music collective spanning four decades. With more than 50 musicians having passed through its ranks, the band has now moved into its second generation, with sons of the original members making up a new four-piece ensemble. During their 2012 extended tour in Ireland, they played more than 120 shows across the entire country and performed in all of its most prestigious festivals. Their New York show is part of an American tour that includes shows in Chicago, Austin, Los Angeles and Winona, Minnesota. Their most recent album, Upsessions, was released in June 2015 from Meeting Point in Yerevan.

They will be accompanied onstage by Alan Semerdjian, a poet and musician who has spent 20 years making and releasing music in a myriad of bands and genres. In the summer of 2013, Semerdjian partnered with Asheville’s NewSong Recordings for his latest release, “Quiet Songs for Loud Times.” Semerdjian’s distinct aesthetic strikes notes familiar in modern folk music, indie and art rock, and Americana traditions.

Tickets will be available at the door for a $20 suggested donation.

For more information, please visit www.thebambir.com.

Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 500,000 Armenians around the world.

RIDGEFIELD, N.J. (A.W.)—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) New Jersey “Shakeh” chapter held a fundraiser to benefit Artsakh on May 21 at the Armenian Community Center in Ridgefield. The fundraiser, which was attended by more than 330 people, raised $35,000, which will be donated to the ARS Artsakh Fund.

The fundraiser, which was attended by more than 330 people, raised $35,000, which will be donated to the ARS Artsakh Fund.

“Shakeh” chapter member Pauline Dostoumian addressed the audience, stressing the importance of the unity the Armenian people displayed during the large-scale military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan in early April. “If we cannot stand on the frontlines, let us then stand in solidarity. We urge everyone to donate as much as they can, so that our homeland’s borders stay strong and our compatriots stay safe. We must realize that our borders are drawn in the blood of our martyrs and that we will not compromise any land, but instead, we will protect our homeland. Together, for the people, for the homeland, let us stand in solidarity with Artsakh,” she said in her address.

Hagop Melkonian then spoke on behalf of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) New Jersey “Dro” chapter, which was followed by remarks by Der Hovnan Bozoyan, reverend father of the St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church.

(L to R) Pauline Dostoumian, Ani Keshishian, Nyree Derderian

The keynote address was delivered by ARS Central Executive Vice Chair Nyree Derderian, who detailed the important work the ARS has done in Artsakh since the escalated tension in early April. She also provided details about the ARS work with Artsakh authorities in regards to displaced families, the families of deceased soldiers, education, and village rebuilding.

Singer Karnig Sarkissian then sang revolutionary and patriotic Armenian songs during the fundraising portion led by “Shakeh” chapter Chair Ani Keshishian.

DOUGLASTON, N.Y.—The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly, hosted by St. Sarkis Church of Douglaston, New York, concluded on May 14.  Clergy and lay delegates deliberated May 12-14, to review the past year and to prepare the agenda for the forthcoming year.

Participants of the 2015 NRA

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan set the tone of the Assembly with his keynote address that was devoted to service, in keeping with the “Year of Service” declared by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia. Jack Mardoian from Chicago and Aram Hovagimian from Philadelphia were elected to serve as co-chairmen. Melanie Mesrobian and Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishyan were elected to serve as secretaries.

This year’s Assembly included segments on the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC), the Conference of Yeretzgeens, the National Association of Ladies Guilds, and Friday evening’s “Banquet of Recognition.”

Below is the Keynote Address by Archbishop Oshagan (translation).

***

I greet you with Christian and fatherly love on the occasion of the National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. I see in you the spirit of service that is the impelling power of your dedication to our Church and People.

At this first opportunity I express glory and thanks to our All-Bountiful Lord, who with His abundant mercy and sweet love blessed us to serve our glorious people, by teaching the Gospel and remaining faithful to our Church’s canons and traditions.

I am confident that all of you are aware that His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, dedicated 2016 as the “Year of Service,” elevating the virtue of service and thus expressing thanks to our devoted children for their dedicated service.

Within a society, individuals in large measure demonstrate their presence and confirm their continuous participation with their dedicated service. With the growth of love of service, it becomes an inseparable part of character and personality—the oxygen of their existence. In this way they become an influential and undeniable presence, when especially in our ecclesiastical and national life, they devote their time, ability, and talent for the growth and advancement of this life. Centuries of experience—probably the secret key of existence—has showed us that we have endured all kinds of torrents, storms, massacres, and even genocide because of our faith and our cultural and intellectual treasures. The first step toward that giant result is service that elevates the individual and strengthens the collective entity. As St. Augustine said, “When you serve God, it is not God who becomes great; you become great.”

It is with this understanding that His Holiness watches us and expects to see in our ecclesiastical-national life individuals enriched and grown in spirit.

Since we are speaking about service generally, perhaps it is appropriate to see what areas we can devote ourselves and make our life of service worthy.

1. Our Individual Life. Every person’s success begins and advances because of their preparation and formation. Children raised in healthy families see their parents’ care, love, and dedication, and grow up with the strength of the knowledge of values. Without doubt, in the future in interaction with people and organizations, they express that quality of life that is welcome and loved by all. The environment is what is important; education is the road to success. And the family is that environment—that sacred environment—that together with parents’ love, little by little, many types of virtues will progress: the sanctity of spiritual life, love of the Fatherland, Armenian culture, the transformative strength of language, literature and the arts. The family becomes holy and devoted like the Church and those who grow up in that sacred place are the faithful and devoted servants.
2. Organizational Life. Individuals, besides belonging to a family, must also take part in the various structures, auxiliaries, and organizations formed within our church and national life. It is natural that belonging to this or that group depends upon the individual’s character, direction, interests, and inclination. All groups, in keeping with their mission, advance their growth and benevolent work, for the enrichment of the church and community. Along with the education received within the family, it is necessary and vital for individuals to put their resources, grace, and talent in service and become a servant to these organizations and help them flourish and advance. Our one hundred years of diasporan life, far from the Homeland, has given us this lesson. Wherever we became a permanent presence and worked efficiently, we received our spiritual reward and the organization strengthened, the ranks increased and were fruitful. Today we sometimes painfully see the decline of our organizations. Through self-examination and truthful evaluation we see that our ranks are weakening. The challenge is directed to all, the organizations and establishment, for reorganization and renewal. They must adopt new and effective methods to attract individuals so that they remain in the organization and work and serve. The conclusion is the same for both those in positions of responsibility and the participants who must renew their oath of service, in order to reach effective, active and constructive results. From Sunday schools, Saturday and all-day schools, to Hamazkayin, Homenetmen, AYF, Armenian Relief Society, Ladies Guilds, political parties, to the church—we are obliged to be caring guardians of our younger generations, making them feel welcome and accepted by all of us and we become “with each other and for each other.” Service begins with the experience we have seen and confirmed in these fertile fields.
3. Collective Armenianism: The faithful and loyal forces of our Prelacy in their development of national ideals and ideology have maintained a fundamental meaning and purpose, and to this day, for our Homeland’s independence and unity of the Armenian nation. In the past, due to various political reasons, at times our inner unity weakened, at times became hostile, but still at no time did we resign from the vision of our Homeland’s independence and unity, that became our national creed. Today, many thanks to God, our vision did not remain an illusionary dream, but became a reality and we had our independent Homeland—Armenia and Artsakh. Having independence is joyful and prideful; protecting the Homeland is an obligation. In every corner of the world, any weakening of dedication and sacrifice for the Homeland is disastrous to our collective life. Difficulties, crises, and concerns are many in the Homeland. Correcting these is the duty of every Armenian, under the condition that love of the Homeland is not just emotional, but rather becomes practical participation with total sacrifice. The land is permanent. That land is cemented with righteous sweat and sacred blood. That land has been enriched and filled with our faith and culture. Only a life of service is worthy there in Armenia and Artsakh and outside the Homeland in any part of the Diaspora. It is vital for collective thinking to become collective service, for the love of national unity and national struggle.
4. Church Life. The history of Armenians during the last two thousand years took a new path—a profound path—with the advent of Christianity in Armenia and became rooted by the Christian baptism of Armenia by St. Gregory the Illuminator and King Drtad. I don’t want to be apologetic here to affirm the miraculous force of Christianity, specifically the Armenian Church that for centuries helped us to grow in every sphere and realm, and raised our enviable religious and cultural level. Here I want to simply affirm that we inherited this faith, conviction, philosophy and mission from the talent, accomplishments, and experience of our forefathers and upon which we erected, stone by stone, the indestructible fortress of our existence and eternity. The Church became our mother. Our Mother Church: kind like a mother, dedicated, loving, and holy. We were nourished by pure milk, and from the time that Christianity was declared the national religion until this day we trusted our spiritual mother that became the nourisher that enriched us spiritually and intellectually and was our indestructible shield in the face of storms. Once the Church took upon her shoulders our nation’s irrefutable obligation of inner unity, she did not betray her mission and always, without pause, without interruption, protected us with a mother’s affection. The Church is the best example of service. It is true to say that the Church is service—the personification of service.

***

Individually and collectively our national and ecclesiastical life must be one of service. Service is not only an obligation; service itself is an honor for us. From family to nation and church we must perform our obligations with irrevocable dedication, in order to create complete Armenians, who are faithful to the spirit of their forefathers, who respect our ancestral values, and by their participation bring those values to life. The solid Armenian must recognize, preserve, and live our religious and cultural values. Otherwise the present day storms of life will push us away from our national collective life. On the other hand, our experience has shown us that through service we are the indestructible rock of our existence; winds come and hit our fortress, but we do not fall. “The chaff goes; the wheat remains.”

Last year was the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. We remembered and we reminded. The 101st year and the army of our Saints of April, is a permanent reminder for justice. Justice, first and foremost, must enliven us in our demands and lead us to seek our just demands. With heart and soul we must embrace duty, for the sake of martyrdom, which is not just in the past, but also the present as it hovers upon our Homeland in Armenia and Artsakh. The Armenian nation is a complete entity and wherever we may be, any pain in any part of the body is felt as pain in the whole body. In our national understanding, we—all Armenians are in pain. We are tormented by the danger facing the entire Armenian nation, the uncertainty facing our people in Syria and the Middle East. Honor to all of our blood brothers who with responsibility and high consciousness face all of this war and destruction and remain on the ramparts, protecting land and country, culture and spirit, building a brave new chapter in our modern-day history. This is the beautiful and eminent witness of service to Homeland and Armenianism.

Archbishop Choloyan during his address

Dear delegates and guests,

We have already started our National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. On this occasion, I express my gratitude and filial respect and thanks to His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, for his fatherly care and guidance. Vehapar’s thoughtfulness and instruction greatly contributed to the practical work of the Prelacy. At this time I am pleased to announce that this year, on Oct. 9, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Vehapar’s consecration as Catholicos, with a special and appropriate celebration in New Jersey. We will keep you informed about the details, and expect that all of you, without fail, will be present.

I have brotherly greetings for His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy. As we have in past years, so also this year, our relationship with our sister Western Prelacy will remain cordial and brotherly. I wish success to His Eminence, so that he may with complete dedication perform the responsibility that has been entrusted to him for the elevation and betterment of our church and people.

I extend brotherly greetings to His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, with whom we have a cordial and respectful relationship, and on various occasions worked together and endeavored—and continue to endeavor—to strengthen the internal life of the Armenian Church.

On behalf of the Religious and Executive Councils, as well all of our Prelacy communities and faithful people, I extend special greetings to the pastor of St. Sarkis Church of Douglaston, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, the Board of Trustees, auxiliary organizations and the organizing committee, who are hosting us at this National Representative Assembly and making every effort to make our meetings and presence comfortable and pleasant.

I have a debt of gratitude to express to our Vicar General, His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, to our clergy, as well as to the members of the Religious and Executive Councils, to the Prelacy Staff, to all of our boards of trustees, to our dedicated compatriots and benefactors who serve our people faithfully and diligently and who assist in the harmonious and productive success of our endeavors.

Success and best wishes to all. With thanks,

Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate

AREC at the NRA 2016

Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Executive Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), presented the report of the Christian Education department to the National Representative Assembly on Thurs., May 12 under three major headings: Sunday Schools, community programs, and the St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program for youth ages 13-18.

During the presentation of the report of the Christian Education department

Dn. Shant highlighted the department’s permanent programs that are scheduled and developed annually, such as the Datev Program, the Lenten Program, Sunday School teachers’ seminars, etc., with their challenges and opportunities. He then presented some of the new initiatives that are being explored, in particular preparing catechetical material geared towards adults (the most neglected segment of the community, and probably the most important segment when it comes to Christian education and formation), and integrating technology in all aspects of the ministry, both to maximize efforts and to reach a wider audience with the gospel message.

The following day, during a panel discussion session, NRA delegates examined AREC programs and projects, discussed ways to improve those ministries and made a number of suggestions and recommendations both to AREC and to local leaders.

2016 Conference of Yeretzgeens

Continuing the practice first initiated several years ago, this year the Yeretzgeens of the Eastern Prelacy convened a conference during the National Representative Assembly. Yn. Joanna Baghsarian was asked to honor the requests of Catholicos Aram I and Archbishop Oshagan and organize a conference with “Service” as the theme. Executive Council member Karen Jehanian was given the task to facilitate and execute the conference.

The Yeretzgeens at the New York Armenian Home

The conference began with a meditation and a sharagan—a spiritual hymn of praise by Yn. Alice Baljian from the St. Gregory community of North Andover, Mass. Speakers included Yn. Joanna Baghsarian, who spoke on “Prayer—A Holy Occupation”; and Yn. Margaret Stepanian, who described her many years of service as a “helpmate to her husband” and as a servant to her community. Group discussions followed to share how “service” is working in their respective homes and communities.

The next day, the Yeretzgeens turned “service” into “action” when they went to the New York Armenian Home in Flushing, N.Y., where they were welcomed by the Home’s Director Jenny Akopyan. The Home is home to 25 Armenians from 5 continents. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator Cathedral, opened with a prayer and morning service. Yn. Ojeen Lakissian, gifted in baking and cake artistry, prepared festive baskets of cheoreg for each resident. The Yeretzgeens were paired with residents from the same Province of their ancestral heritage and personally presented a basket to each resident. They interacted with the residents with prayer, Christian love, fellowship, bonding, singing, and even dancing to the piano and voice of resident Sosy Kadian. The Sunday and Armenian school students of Providence’s Sts. Vartanantz Church “cared enough to send the very best” to the elderly by creating greeting cards with messages that were presented to the residents by Yn. Debbie Nazarian.

With total agreement the Yeretzgeens said, “When one attends a conference such as this, there is nothing more gratifying than to depart feeling energized, enlightened, encouraged, motivated, inspired, refreshed and ready to return to our communities with a renewed spirit in Jesus Christ.”

A crowd aged 11 to 91 gathered at Arlington Cemetery outside Philadelphia on May 14 to experience a walk through the city’s Armenian history. This is part of a growing trend throughout the diaspora in recent years to rediscover their history and piece together family trees torn apart by the genocide. Thanks to the digitizing of records online and the ability to connect through the internet, new information about the immigration and life of our early Armenian ancestors in America has come flooding to amateur sleuths and historians. This has led to initiatives such as the “Armenian Immigration Project” website which digitizes immigration records of Armenians from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the first ever Armenian Genealogy Conference which was held in Watertown, Mass., in April. The walk in Philadelphia was yet another example of the growing interest in learning about those who came before, creating the diasporan communities we have today.

A crowd aged 11 to 91 gathered at Arlington Cemetery outside Philadelphia on May 14 to experience a walk through the city’s Armenian history.

The first in a series of planned tours, the tour was a walk through Arlington to visit the graves of important figures in Philadelphia’s Armenian-American history, along with some of the notable non-Armenians buried there. Arlington has been a landmark for Philadelphia’s Armenians since 1907, when a major figure from its early history, Rev. Harutune Jenanyan, became the first Armenian buried there. Rev. Jenanyan was the founder of St. Paul’s Institute of Tarsus in Cilicia and traveled throughout the United States giving a speech called “The Suffering Armenians” about the Hamidian Massacres of 1895. He raised money and hosted many refugees at his Philadelphia home.

In the years that followed his death, numerous Armenians followed Rev. Jenanyan’s example by choosing Arlington as a final resting place—numbering more than 3,000 today. The tour, led by local historian Paul Vartan Sookiasian, took participants on an over 1 mile walk from grave to grave, where he told the life stories of notable community members at their tombs. These included Dr. Mihran Kassabian, a pioneer of x-ray studies who alerted the world to their danger, dying in 1910 from radiation exposure due to his studies. Found just a few steps from each other are the graves of Dr. Lucy Gulezian, humanitarian and one of the first female Armenians to get a medical degree in the United States, and that of Karapet Sital, an author and folklorist who was popular in Soviet Armenia, best known for his epic “The Heroes of Kasht”.

A scene from the walk

The tour also explored unique stones, such as the cemetery’s oldest stone with Armenian lettering inscribed on it from 1913, and one with the figure of mythical hero Sasuntsi Davit carved on it. The group also learned that many of Philadelphia’s earliest Armenians are buried in unmarked mass graves, because as poor immigrants many could not afford stones. A special part of the tour was dedicated to notable non-Armenians buried there, including Miss America 1924, whose career was launched by Armenian photographer John Ivazian. Next to her is the grave of Henry Blank, a wealthy jeweler who survived the sinking of the Titanic, an event that has captured the imagination of the world for over a hundred years now. Buried next to the Temoyan and Jerrehian families of rug-dealers from Dikranagert is English-American Mary Lee, who volunteered as a nurse during the U.S. Civil War and tended to soldiers at many famous battles including Gettysburg and Antietam. The Armenians of Arlington Cemetery made a place in history and are surrounded by history there as well.

The tour ended with a reception featuring Armenian delicacies. The success of this Armenian Tour has created interest for more such events. Another historic Philadelphia cemetery, West Laurel Hill, is planning an Armenian Tour of its own, where Armenians can be found buried amongst the graves of Philadelphia’s most elite and prestigious families. Arlington is also planning for more Armenian Tours due to the demand. Through such initiatives, Philadelphia’s fascinating Armenian history is being brought to light for new generations, making sure their stories will remain alive.

Dr. Lerna Ekmekcioglu, McMillan-Stewart Associate Professor of History, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), will speak about her recent book Recovering Armenia: The Limits of Belonging in Post-Genocide Turkey (Stanford University Press, 2016) on Nov. 29, at 7:15 p.m. in the Trustees Pavilion of Ramapo College.

Lerna Ekmekcioglu

Ekmekcioglu’s book follows the trajectories of the survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide who remained inside Turkish borders after the signing of the 1918 Mudros Armistice (and during the Allied occupation years of Istanbul) and after the 1923 establishment of the new country as the Turkish Republic.

How did the Kemalist state treat the remaining Armenians? What were Armenians’ responses to the new (but also old) Turkish regime? Dr. Ekmekcioglu will discuss multiple strategies Armenians improvised in order to cohabit with unapologetic perpetrators and survive in the new Turkey.

She gives voice to the community’s most prominent public figures, notably Hayganush Mark, a renowned activist, feminist, and editor of the influential journal Hay Gin. These public figures articulated an Armenianess sustained through gendered differences, and women came to play a central role in preserving traditions, memory, and the mother tongue within the home.

Ekmekcioglu is an historian of the modern Middle East and an affiliate of the Women and Gender Studies Program as well as the Center for International Studies.  She specializes in Turkish and Armenian lands in the 19th and 20th centuries. Her work focuses on minority-majority relationships and the ways in which gendered analytical lenses help us better understand coexistence and conflict, including genocide.

She holds a B.A. from Bogazici University (Istanbul) in Sociology, and a Ph.D. in History and Middle East and Islamic Studies from New York University, 2010. With Melissa Bilal, she also co-edited Bir Adalet Feryadı: Osmanlı’dan Cumhuriyet’e Beş Ermeni Feminist Yazar (1862–1933) [A Cry for Justice: Five Armenian Feminist Writers from the Ottoman Empire to the Turkish Republic (1862–1933)] (Istanbul: Aras Publishing House, 2006).

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) New York Armen Garo Gomidehutiun celebrated the 126th anniversary of the ARF on Nov. 19. The event took place at the Armenian Center in Queens and included a performance of Armenian patriotic songs by Kevork Artinian and his band.

NY ARF Gomideh chairperson Armen Caprielian welcomed guests to the anniversary event.

The brief program began with the blessing of the tables by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. Then New York ARF Gomideh chairman Armen Caprielian welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of the ARF’s work for the Armenian nation. Next, he invited guest speaker ARF Bureau member Khatchig Mouradian who spoke about the ARF’s past, present, and future.

ARF Bureau member Khatchig Mouradian was the guest speaker for the evening.

Guests enjoyed a lavash mezuzah while dancing to the music. Inspired by the work of the ARF, many also made donations to support the continued work of the New York Gomidehutiun.

UN Mission Representative Mikayel Sarukhanyan (L) and St. Illuminator’s Cathedral pastor Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian (R)

By Natalie Gabrelian

The Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) opened its doors and loving arms to the New York community on Nov. 7, welcoming children and families to its milestone 50^th academic school year. As the school hallways once again filled with the laughter and pitter patter of hungry young minds, HMADS welcomed back a special one of its own as the newly appointed principal.

Zarmine Boghosian (L) and Seta Tavitian (R)

“This academic year is one of great joy for the HMADS family. As we look forward to celebrating the school’s 50^th anniversary in 2017, what better way to rejoice in its successes than to welcome class of 1989 alumna Seta Tavitian Megherian as principal,” exclaimed School Board co-chairs Arpi Candan and Hovannes Malikyan. “Together with the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Friends fundraising committee and alumni, the HMADS School Board is very proud of Seta and we wish her all the best in her new role in the HMADS family.”

Megherian has been devoted to the field of education for almost 18 years and brings to her alma mater nearly ten years of experience in the NYC public school system.  Along with a deep passion for teaching, she enlightens children and youth by introducing them to an endless world of possibilities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Sociology from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in Education from Touro College.

Born and raised in New York, Megherian received her elementary education at HMADS, where she made lifelong friends, and graduated under Principal Zarminé Boghosian. A deep interest in vocal music led her talents to the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts. During these high school years, she also attended post graduate Armenian classes at the Khrimian Lyceum of the Eastern Diocese, where she furthered her Armenian studies and graduated having had the privilege of her former principal as her teacher. “I gained so much insight from Mrs. Boghosian about the role I could play in our Armenian community.  She not only gave me a voice but a platform, as well.”

Principal Megherian embraces each day under the guidance and expertise of long-time HMADS principal, Zarminé Boghosian, who continues to serve the school as administrator.  “After graduating HMADS, I kept in close contact with her,” explains Megherian.  “We always had a special bond.  I sought her advice many times during my college years and she was always there for me. She has been an integral part of my life, and has taught me life lessons I value and treasure today.  I am honored and humbled to have this opportunity to lead our school, working together alongside our one and only Deegeen (Mrs) Boghosian, who has been my teacher, mentor and friend for many years. I admire her for her true dedication to our school and community.”

Indeed, Megherian has held tight to these life lessons, which include the value and importance of one’s Armenian roots in order to uphold our rich heritage, traditions and culture. As a teenager and young adult, she was actively involved in youth programs such as the Holy Martyrs ACYOA and Hamazkayin Dance Group. She now shares these values with her husband Vartan Megherian, as they raise their sons Armen and Ari—values she has also helped instill in the youth of the greater Armenian community through past involvement with the St. Sarkis Youth Club and Summer Camp.

Heartfelt gratitude and most sincere appreciation to Zarminé Boghosian for her over 25 years of unwavering dedication, leadership & guidance, priceless contributions and service to the school and greater Armenian community. As visionary, intellectual, educator, mentor and longstanding principal, she has built Holy Martyrs into the exceptional institution it has become today. Over the years, Boghosian has been awarded for her priceless contributions to education and the community, and most recently was awarded the St. Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal of Honor and Encyclical bestowed by the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

What began as the small Hye-Bardez Nursery School in 1967 has developed into an award-winning elementary school in the New York area with Boghosian at the helm.  As principal, she encouraged learning outside the classroom through the participation of guest speakers, instituted Heritage Week and the HMADS Science Fair, which have continued on to become HMADS traditions, to name only a few. Boghosian’s love and passion for HMADS now burn even stronger as she enjoys the sweet harvested “Fruits of Our Roots” through Seta Megherian.

“It is our mission to continue the true legacy of our school, while implementing our beautiful Armenian language, culture and rich history. Working closely with a group of dedicated, motivated and caring teachers to build strong relationships with parents, students and our community is part of our mission. We are looking forward to an exciting, productive year and strive to continue to provide academic excellence for our students in a positive, loving and nurturing environment,” promises Megherian.

Celebrating nearly 50 years as a pillar of the New York Armenian American community, Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) of Bayside, Queens, has earned a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence and for inspiring a love of Armenian heritage in her students.  It has provided generations of Armenian and non-Armenian children alike the golden opportunity to learn the Armenian language, culture, and heritage, while at the same time, to gain a top-rate elementary education. The small classroom settings and focus on individual abilities has allowed the dedicated staff of this private elementary school to provide a nourishing learning environment for students in grades N-6. While strengthening their Armenian roots, HMADS has helped these children blossom into successful human beings. Its students and close to 275 alumni have distinguished themselves with academic and professional honors, and are active and respected members of their Armenian communities. Today, this pillar stands as the only Armenian elementary school in New York.

Join HMADS in welcoming home Principal Seta Tavitian Megherian, and wishing her the best of luck and a bright future in all endeavors.

Natalie Gabrelian is a HMADS Board Member and class of 1988 alumna.

PARAMUS, N.J.—The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) hosted a Christmas Concert at the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, N.J. on Dec. 2. The concert was led by Artistic Director Vagharshak Ohanyan and joined by sopranos Anahit Zakaryan, Alvard Mayilyan, piano accompanist Evgeni Ninov, as well as the Arminstring Ensemble and the Hamazkayin Arekag Children’s Chorus.

The Arminstring Ensemble performing

The audience was thrilled with various sounds of the season, as well as from the Homeland. They were entertained with songs by Komitas and various traditional Christmas songs such as “O Holy Night.” The Hamazkayin Arekag Children’s Chorus helped close out the night. Their rendition of “Silent Night” in Armenian (Loor Gisher) brought some members of the audience to tears.

Vagharshak Ohanyan

Since the early 1990’s, the AMAA and the Evangelical Church of Armenia have been organizing Christmas programs in Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh/NKR) to share God’s love in the motherland. Proceeds from this concert will benefit this program.

The Hamazkayin Arekag Children’s Chorus

NEW YORK—It’s a remarkable Armenian village on the edge of ISIS controlled territory in Iraq with about 200 to 500 people; a village that very few, if any, people have heard of.

And it is surviving through courage, faith, fortitude, and about 22 dedicated men against the massive force of the Islamic State (ISIS).

Havresc is an Armenian village in Iraq with about 200 to 500 people; a village that very few, if any, people have heard of.

Its name Havresc translates to “Big Revenge”, and its history dates back to 1915, when survivors of the Armenian Genocide constructed it.

On the evening of Dec. 8, at the Zohrab Information Center in New York, David Ritter, who spent months in the village, presented his documentary entitled, “Havresc, Stand on Courage”, to a large audience, detailing the daily struggles of Armenian and Assyrian Christian Iraqis and the village they have built on the edge of ISIS-controlled territory.

Ritter was introduced by the Zohrab Center’s Executive Director the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, who related that this issue “transcends ethnic interests… One doesn’t have to be Armenian to care about others.”

Before showing the film, Ritter who is non-Armenian, commented that he was “filled with rage at the plight of the Christians, not about ethnicity,” he said, and praised the leader of the 22 soldiers, Murad Vartanian, whom he called “one of the most amazing men I have ever met, a man of conviction, courage, tenacity, and also a poet and an artist, a natural born leader.”

Village Still Holding Out

The film detailed the history of the Armenian Genocide with disturbing graphic images of death and destruction. It was a group of survivors from that tragedy that went to Iraq and built villages, including the mostly agricultural village of Havresc. In time, other persecuted Christians, Assyrians, and Yezidis also came. In 1975, many Christian villages were destroyed, in order to foster assimilation of the population, including Havresc. The villagers fled. The only building that remained was the ruins of the original school.

In 2006, many of the people of Havresc returned, and decided to rebuild their homes, churches, and schools. Armenians also came from abroad and helped in the construction. Vartanian, who was originally born in the village, led the effort, and with other villagers created a communal system where goods are shared.      They also erected a monument to the victims of the ArmenianGenocide.

Today, it is 22 young and old men led by Vartanian, who protect the village 24 hours a day against ISIS. Kurdish militias are also helping these 22 soldiers.

The film showed Vartanian’s home, which is the center of the militia and houses an armory of weapons. Also seen are the villagers tending to their flocks of sheep and peacefully farming the land. In the future, a small airport will be built.

We Never Give Up

Shortly after the film was completed, Vartanian was shot by ISIS. “Even trees need water to live.  We are like these old trees. We never give up. Let us live like lions, and if need be, die like lions,” Vartanian said in recovery.

Ritter, who was born to a Roman Catholic family in Haiti, is a documentarian who has gone to areas of the world where Christian communities are in danger, and filmed their struggles. He is currently traveling to Armenian communities and showing this documentary of Havresc. He announced that 30 percent of the proceeds of this DVD will go back to Havresc.  Already, he said, $2000 has been raised.

For more information, to purchase a DVD, or to help Havresc, visit www.echo612.org

The 10th Annual Banquet and Weekend Activities Bring Together Hundreds of Advocates from Around the Eastern U.S. to Nation’s Capital

WASHINGTON—Hundreds of advocates from New England to the Midwest, from the South to the Mid-Atlantic and around the United States came together at the Westin Arlington Gateway hotel to celebrate the accomplishments of the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA-ER) in the past year and to chart the way forward.

Hundreds of advocates came together at the Westin Arlington Gateway hotel to celebrate the accomplishments of the ANCA-ER in the past year.

Entitled “We Are #ArtsakhStrong,” the banquet focused on the ANCA’s ongoing efforts in support of the status, security, and development of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh/NKR), as the country marks the 25^th anniversary of its independence.

ANCA-ER Chairperson Stephen Mesrobian (L) and ANCA National Char Raffi Hamparian (R)

The banquet, sponsored by the ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund, began with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and enthralling awards ceremony on Dec. 3. Tigran Safaryan and the Safaryan Family of Columbus, Ohio were the official sponsors of the evening gala.

he banquet, sponsored by the ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund, began with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and enthralling awards ceremony on Dec. 3.

“After nine years of successful events hosted in our East Coast and Midwest communities, we continue the record in the nation’s capital. The banquet spotlighted our grassroots activism and the expansion of a broad range of ANCA-ER projects throughout the region, including our wide-ranging fieldwork undertaken throughout the year,” said ANCA-ER Chairman Stephen Mesrobian. “Our banquet committee and subcommittees worked hard to organize an unforgettable evening dedicated to the committed and passionate community advocates who work tirelessly day and night fighting for Artsakh’s freedom, justice for the Baku and Sumgait pogroms, strengthening U.S.-Armenia strategic partnership, organizing Armenian Genocide commemorations, and much more.”

Emceed by internationally renowned photojournalist and author Scout Tufankjian, the 10th annual banquet included a diverse group of distinguished honorees.

Emceed by internationally renowned photojournalist and author Scout Tufankjian, the 10^th annual banquet included a diverse group of distinguished honorees.

2016 ANCA-ER Freedom Award

This year the ANCA-ER honored Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan, Senator-elect Christopher Van Hollen, Jr., and Senator Mark Kirk with its highest honor, the prestigious Freedom Award presented annually to individuals for their commitment to freedom, truth, and justice for the Armenian Nation.

Honoree Sen. Mark Kirk accepting his award

Past recipients of the ANCA-ER Freedom Award include Former House Majority Whip David Bonior; lawyer, writer, and human rights activist Fethiye Çetin; renowned lawyer Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau Family; U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans; Pulitzer Prize winning author and current U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Samantha Power; U.S. Senator Robert Menendez; the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy; former U.S. Senator Robert Dole; former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole; and Baroness Caroline Cox.

2016 ANCA-ER Impact Award

Dr. Levon Avdoyan of the Library of Congress and Dr. Roger Smith of the College of William and Mary were bestowed with the 2016 ANCA-ER Impact Award, which is presented to individuals for the demonstrated dedication and significant impact made towards the advancement of the Armenian Cause.

Honoree Dr. Levon Avdoyan accepting his award

Honoree Dr. Roger Smith addressing the crowd

2016 ANCA-ER Vahan Cardashian Award

Named for Yale-educated lawyer Vahan Cardashian, the ANCA-ER Cardashian Award is presented annually to individuals for longstanding activism and dedication to the Armenian Cause. This year’s honorees included John Jerikian, Levon Palian, and Tom Vartabedian (in memoriam).

Honoree John Jerikian addressing the crowd

Past recipients of the ANCA Vahan Cardashian Award include Armen Topouzian of Michigan, Alice Movsesian of New Jersey, Vahe Amirian of New Jersey, Martha Aramian of Rhode Island, Bedros Bandazian of Virginia, Melanie Kerneklian of Virginia, Tatul Sonentz-Papazian of Massachusetts, Ruth Thomasian of Massachusetts, Stephen Dulgarian of Massachusetts, Professor Richard Hovannisian of California, and Zohrab Tazian of Indiana.

Honoree Levon Palian addressing the crowd

Weekend Programming

This year’s banquet was the anchor event for a weekend full of activities, including the first ever reunion of ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship and Capital Gateway Program alumni. The reunion, marking the 30th Anniversary of the Leo Sarkisian Internship (LSI), held in conjunction with the annual ANCA Christmas Party took place on Dec. 2 at the ANCA Aramian House. LSI program alumni from various years travelled to Washington to take part in this special event kicking-off the weekend festivities.

A scene from the first ever reunion of ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship and Capital Gateway Program alumni.

The weekend also featured an ANCA-ER Special Briefing hosted at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia on Dec. 3. Speakers included Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S., H.E. Grigor Hovannissian; Permanent Representative of Artsakh to the U.S. and Canada, H.E. Robert Avetisyan; photojournalist and author Ms. Scout Tufankjian; and The Genocide Education Project’s Roxanne Makasdjian. Addressing a capacity audience, the speakers touched upon many important projects and initiatives geared towards further advancing policy priorities of the Armenian Nation.

Scenes from the ANCA-ER Special Briefing hosted at the Embassy
of the Republic of Armenia

The Brunch Seminar held at the ANCA Washington D.C. Headquarters on Dec. 4շ concluded the weekend activities, with the participants exchanging ideas and best-practices on how to most effectively advance Hai Tahd in local communities as well as nationally.

A scene from the Brunch Seminar

***

To make a donation to the ANCA Eastern Region, click here.

To watch the 2016 ANCA-ER “Together, We are Artsakh Strong” video, click here.

For Friday evening photos, click here.

For Banquet photos, click here.

The ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization that supports the ANCA Eastern Region in outreach to Armenian-American communities.

Dr. Khatchig Mouradian has been appointed the Nikit and Eleanora Ordjanian Visiting Professor in the Department of Middle East, South Asian and African Studies at Columbia University for the Spring of 2017.  He will be teaching a course on “War, Genocide, and Their Aftermath,” which will examine how societies grapple with the legacy of mass violence, through the exploration of historical texts, memoirs, textbooks, litigation, and media reports and debates confronting the past. Focusing on case studies of the Herero Genocide, the Armenian Genocide during WWI, and the Holocaust and the Comfort Women during WWII, students will investigate the crime and its sequelae, looking at how societies deal with the skeletons in their closets.

Dr. Khatchig Mouradian

This seminar style course (MDES GU4357, Section 001, Call # 75780) will be taught on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:10-2:25 p.m. and is open to auditors as well as matriculating students.  Registration is from Jan. 11-15, 2017, and classes begin on Jan. 17.  The tuition for Auditors is $2,400 and for Life Long Learners (people aged 65 and over) is $750.  Registration for Auditors may be done online at http://sps.columbia.edu/auditing and for Life Long Learners at http://sps.columbia.edu/auditing/lifelong-learners-auditing-program.  On this page scroll down to the “Application Materials” section to find the Online Application Form link.  For enrollment help, call Alison Goldberg at (212)-851-0466.

Dr. Mouradian received his Ph.D. in History from the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University in Worcester, MA in January 2016 and has previously taught at Rutgers University and CSU Fresno. He is also the former editor of the Armenian Weekly.

The Ordjanian Visiting Professorship program at Collumbia is made possible by an endowment established by the late Dr. Nikit and Eleanora Ordjanian in 1998.  Previous Visiting Professors have included Levon Abrahamian, Vardan Azatyan, Peter Balakian, George Bournoutian, Seta Dadoyan, Helen Evans, Roberta Ervine, Rachel Goshgarian, Arman Grigoryan, Robert Hewsen, Armen Marsoobian, Ara Sarafian, and Khachig Tololyan.

The Visiting Professorship is one of several programs of the Armenian Center at Columbia, the organization that raised the initial funds to establish a Chair of Armenian Studies at Columbia in 1979 and which continues to provide funds for scholarships, library acquisitions, academic publications, lectures, conferences and symposia.

For more information about the Armenian Center at Columbia, please call Karen Bedrosian Richardson at (212) 949-1995. For more information on Dr. Mouradian’s upcoming course, please contact him at kmouradian@clarku.edu.

WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA-ER) started off the year off with the screening of the much anticipated film about the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh/NKR) War “The Line” (“Kyank u Kriv“) , which premiered on the east coast in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 13 in New York on Jan. 15.

A still from the film (Photo: Sharm Holding)

The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Greater Washington in partnership with Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of D.C. organized the screening of the critically acclaimed movie at the Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church on Jan. 13. “The Line” is a powerful story of love and patriotism set during the 1990’s Artsakh liberation effort. Through the film, the audience follows young Tigran in his incredible journey from timid teenager to brave soldier, fighting for Artsakh’s freedom.

On Jan. 15, the John Pashalian hall of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral was packed with over 130 in attendance for the New York premiere, drawing people from as far as Philadelphia. The screening was co-organized by the ANC of New York and St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.

The New York event opened with the observance of a minute of silence to commemorate Hrant Dink’s legacy. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian provided opening remarks thanking the organizers and U.S. promoter of the movie Samvel Hovhannisyan, who had travelled from Glendale, Calif. to be present for the screenings. “The Armenian Church is home for all the Armenians and we are delighted to organize and bring together our people to learn more about our history and our culture,” said Lakissian.

In his welcoming remarks Dr. Artur Martirosyan, St. Illuminator’s Board Trustee and ANCA-ER Community Outreach and Communications Director noted, “We greatly value and strive towards greater community cohesion and unity around the Artsakh issue as well as other national priorities. I call upon our community to become more involved within their local communities, including the church, Hai Tahd, cultural, and educational activities. Besides sending humanitarian aid to Artsakh, it is especially important to be engaged in political advocacy, which will ensure the just and durable resolution of Artsakh conflict based on historical truth and the inalienable right of Artsakh’s people to self-determination,” Martirosyan.

A scene from the New York screening

Directed by the Moscow-based Mher Mkrtchyan, the film was recognized Best Picture at the Anahit Film Festival held in Armenia in Dec. 2016. The proceeds of the event at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral were donated to the ANCA-ER Endowment Fund to support its activities in Eastern U.S.

The film was also screened by the Hamazkayin Boston chapter on Jan. 16 at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center of Watertown, Mass.