Kuwaiti press deals with the Armenian Genocide

Azad-Hye, Dubai, 30 April 2006: Kuwait is one of the most relaxed Arab
countries about press freedom. Journalists exercise self censorship and
avoid tackling officially unacceptable policies.

Nevertheless, Kuwait has a lively media. This is why when the Armenian
Prelacy headed by Archbishop Gorun Babian approached Kuwaiti media through
press conference on the 24th April 2006, the immediate result was the
publication on the next day of series of articles and reports on the
Armenian Genocide, in a way that formed a sort of surprise to the ordinary
reader.

Journalist Leila Al Sarraf signed the following article in "Al Qabas" daily
(25th April 2006), translated into English:

Prayer in the Armenian Orthodox Prelacy
Gorun Babian: "Turkey’s blockade of Armenia is against humanity"

Archbishop Dr. Gorun Babian, Head of the Armenian Church in Kuwait, said
that the whole world should recognize the Armenian Genocide which was
committed by the Turks 91 years ago. He described the Genocide as an act
against the whole humanity, not only against the Armenians. He made his
remarks during a press conference that took place in the Armenian Prelacy on
the occasion of the annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide,
underlining that the Armenians demand from the world and the Turkish
government acknowledgement and condemnation of the Genocide.

Archbishop Babian added: "The Turkish government is proud of its war
criminals. It shamelessly erects monuments of those criminals in various
Turkish cities. Is it fair to reward the criminals and to deprive the
oppressed? The Christian faith urges us to forgive, but the wrong doer
should first confess his mistakes. The Turkish government has not
acknowledged the enormity of the mistake it has done by committing the
Genocide".

Archbishop Gorun Babian demanded the recognition of the Genocide and the
right for compensation. He also called to establish good relations with the
Turkish government and the lifting of the Turkish blockade against Armenia,
which is in fact a criminal offence against humanity. On the other hand, the
Head of the Armenian Youth Organisation said that "In school we teach our
children how to demand the Armenian rights and we do not instruct any kind
of hatred against the Turkish people. 91 years have passed without the
Turkish government recognizing the Genocide, although more than 200
political, legal, governmental entities have recognized it", he concluded.

At the end of the press conference Archbishop Gorun prayed, with the members
of the church, for the souls of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.

END OF THE ARTICLE

Besides "Al Qabas", other Kuwaiti dailies covered the press conference.
Ousama Abu Al Khair from "Al Raielam" referred to the declaration of the
Ruler of Mecca in 1917 (Sherif Mecca Al Housein Bin Al Ali), in which he
officially asked all the Arab tribes and his allies to protect the refugee
Armenians and to grant them the much required peace and support. A copy of
this declaration appears in many sources.

Journalist Abu Al Khair mentions that the Armenians demand from the Turkish
government recognition of the Genocide and compensations, the way Germans
did regarding the Jewish Holocaust caused by the Nazis. Armenians also
demand the opening of the borders and the normalization of the relations
between Armenian and Turkey and the lifting of the inhumane blockade.

Journalist Boushra Mohammed of "Al Anbaa" daily refers to the gratitude of
the Armenians towards the Kuwaiti government for the policy of tolerance and
the endorsement of peaceful co-existence amongst the nations. The religious
and cultural tolerance in Kuwait allows the Armenians to lead flourishing
community life.

Journalist Rima Al Baghdadi of "Al Seyassah" daily quoted Archbishop Babian
saying that all Armenians who have survived the Genocide are living proofs
that the Genocide really took place and had many tragic faces. Every
Armenian family has a story related to the Genocide. Every one has lost
beloved ones. More than half of the Armenian population was destroyed.
Hitler made a statement before invading Poland in 1939 in which he said:
“who remembers today the destruction of the Armenians?”

"Arab Times" English language daily’s Francis A. Clifford Cardozo posted the
following report on 25 April 2006

Armenians celebrate 91st anniversary;
"Genocide committed by Turkey a crime against humanity"

KUWAIT CITY: The genocide committed by Turkey against Armenians is a crime
against humanity, says Archbishop Goriun Babian, the Armenian Prelacy of
Kuwait and Arabian Gulf countries. Armenians all over the world commemorate
genocide victims on April 24 and this year celebrate the 91st anniversary.
Addressing a press conference at the Armenian Church on Sunday, Archbishop
Babian added that "what angers the Armenians most is the fact that Turkey
has not acknowledged the crimes committed against the Armenians.

This is the main reason why we have not been able to reach a peaceful
agreement with Turkey and as result the Armenians are continuing to
struggle." As part of the celebrations, the Armenian Youth Federation on
Sunday organized a cultural programme at the church followed by a lecture
focusing on the genocide. A high mass will be held at 11.30 am on Monday
preceded by special prayer service for the martyrs.

Archbishop Babian went on to add that Armenians are grateful to Arabs
because they took them under their wings and extended them their hospitality
when they were being targeted by the Turks, adding a decree was issued by
the Sharif of Makkah in order to safeguard the rights of Armenians. "I am a
living testimony of the Armeninian genocide. Both my parents survived the
genocide and moved to Lebanon at the age of 5. I lost many members of my
family during the genocide," added the Archbishop.

Goriun said Turkey sentenced to death in absentia three of its top leaders
who were involved in the genocide and that other perpetrators got 15 years
in jail.

Links:
Al Qabas:
http://www.alqabas.com.kw/Final/NewspaperWebsite/NewspaperPublic/ArticlePage.aspx?ArticleID=160632

http://www.alqabas.com.kw/Final/NewspaperWebsite/NewspaperBackOffice/Issues/25-4-2006/13-local.pdf

http://www.azad-hye.net/media/g1/alqabas-25-april-2006.pdf

Al Raielam:
http://www.alraialaam.com/25-04-2006/ie5/local.htm

Al Seyassah:
http://www.alseyassah.com/alseyassah/PDF/06/April/25/09.pdf
http://www.azad-hye.net/media/g1/alseyassah-25-april-2006.pdf

Arab Times:
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/kuwait/view.asp?msgID=7704
http://www.azad-hye.net/media/g1/arab-times-25-april-2006.pdf

Photos:
1- Press conference in the Prelacy of Kuwait on 24th April 2006
2- Archbishop Gorun Babian

URL and photos: http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newsId=734agf67

Two admirable schools need your attention

Azad-Hye, Dubai

By Taline Babikian

24 April is not a day of mourning only, but a day to celebrate life that we
are still here and alive.

Under what circumstances the Turkish government might accept the Genocide,
no one knows. No one even knows if we will see this acceptance, but we all
work in our own ways to see it come true. No blood is cheap, no soul is
worthless. We are humans.

I thank all governments who have accepted the Genocide, I thank all
individuals and organisations who work for this cause. I thank all who keep
the proofs of the Genocide alive, be it pictures, stories, diaries,
documentaries, schools. I thank teachers who teach who we are, where we come
from, the values of our heritage and the ability to balance all these with
our immediate environment.

Education is a universe that opens doors to many things; with wisdom hand in
hand with education much could be done.

My letter today is not mainly about 24 April, we know this by heart. My
letter today is about 2 institutions that have marked my life - Birds' Nest
and Melkonian Educational Institute (MEI).

Both have been the shelters of victims of 1915 events.

Birds' Nest is a home now for children from broken families and orphans who
live and study there. It is also the school where the small Armenian
community of Byblos send their children to. A multi-purpose institute.
Birds' Nest needs your help. Birds' Nest's history is very important as it
served as a home to many children back from the 1920 till today. The
archives show many pictures from that time, many victims of the 1915. Birds'
Nest was founded by Ms Mary Jacobson, an admirable character of compassion
and strength. It needs your donation.

Melkonian on the other hand even though it was founded in the 1920s as a
shelter and orphanage evolved into something much greater then one could
expect. From an orphanage that sheltered children from the 1915, to a well
known educational institute recognised, admired and complimented by many.

This Institute was founded by 2 brothers Krikor and Garabed Melkonian. Their
aim was and is to have graduates from their Institute to be strong in
whatever corner of the world they go. They have a vision and that vision is
to have as many students from the diaspora to attend their school and get
deep and strong knowledge of their ancestors, culture heritage and of course
combined with admirable level of education. Thousands passed from Melkonian,
thousands went into the four corners of the world, having the knowledge of
who they are.

Whatever your background, you came out knowing more about Armenian history,
music, folk dance ... much more than a typical Armenian school can offer.
Coming from diverse social environmental life, the students were able to
learn how other students lived in their respective countries and built
frienships and many later married.

In their will the Melkonian brothers asked AGBU CB of that time to manage
the school with conditions ensuring that the school functions at all times
and if at any time AGBU CB is not able to manage they must hand over the
management of MEI to the Patriarch of Istanbul as sole inheritor.

The MEI court case has ordered now to freeze all assets of MEI in Cyprus.

Alumni in many countries, individuals, Pro Edvcatio, joined efforts to stop
this wrong and unjust move of the CB of AGBU who at first ignored the
letters, petitions, emails that were sent to their head office in New York.

Many AGBU members who are Melkonian graduates were not able to support due
to the fact that they are employees or somehow been manipulated and couldn't
voice their opinion. Even AGBU members who are not "Melkoniantsi" do not
approve what's happening at the top of the management, but their questions
and remarks are falling on deaf ears.

The school's Board of Directors was ignored. In the last 2-3 years the
school was actually run by Mr. Anderson, whose job turned out to be
establishing the closing procedure of MEI.

Many still believe in the noble aim of AGBU, but AGBU is something and its
CB is another issue, from whom the members must start to demand transparency
of accounts in all the departments, something that we haven’t seen in ages.

Blind trust is not advisable in any institute.

AGBU unfortunately is not run with the same spirit of late presidents, even
though the motto is the same it is only on paper.

I hope to see AGBU CB reverse its point of view. The rent that the CB is
collecting from the commercial centers that should be going to the school’s
fund is going to the pockets of the AGBU.

That income must have gone to MEI’s fund many years ago.

There is no shame is reversing a decision, it will not discredit AGBU CB,
but it will show to all that even our leaders like our parents make mistakes
that they should fix.

A genocide of education and culture is taking place while we’re looking back
at past events.

This message is against the decision of closing MEI, it is to support our
schools, to send our children to our schools rather then putting them to
local schools from early age.

Two admirable schools need your attention.

Taline Babikian could be reached at the following e-mail:
gemini6lb@yahoo.com

Find more details about how to support Melkonian Educational Institute:
www.forevermelkonian.org
www.savemelkonian.org

See collection of photos on Cyprus Armenians, including photos taken of
students during the last academic year in the Melkonian Educational
Institute (2004-2005). Azad-Hye photo collection:

http://www.azad-hye.net/photos/viewalbumpicture.asp?al=qhsdtrnshy101376a

Photo: Students during the last academic year 2004-2005
http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newsId=876aff95

The Indian Armenian Community observes the 91st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Azad-Hye, Dubai: On 24th April Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, the Manager of the
Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA), performed a requiem
service for the souls of the victims of the Armenian Genocide at the Church
compound, near the Memorial Stone dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide.
At the end of the service Fr. Gulgulian addressed the congregation and
reminded them never to forget the sacred memory of our martyrs.

The service was attended by His Excellency Ashot Kocharian, Ambassador of
the Republic of Armenia, the Armenian Church Committee, members of the
Calcutta Armenian community and the ACPA students. The representatives of
the Armenian Church and the Community placed wreaths on the tomb of the
Unknown Solder.

Rev. Fr. Oshagan, accompanied by the members of the Armenian Church
Committee, paid a visit to "Future Hope", a philanthropic organisation
dedicated to the welfare of children, where 120 homeless children are cared
for. Fr. Oshagan handed over to the representative of the organisation, on
behalf of the Armenian Church, a cheque, the proceeds of which will feed the
children for one week.

In the evening Fr. Oshagan, His Excellency the Ambassador of Armenia and Mr.
Haik Sookias, Chairman, Armenian Church Committee, planted an evergreen tree
(see photo) in the compounds of the Collage, in memory of the Armenian
Genocide victims, which was followed by a memorial evening.

The evening was opened by Deacon Tigran Baghumyan, the Administrator of the
ACPA. Ambassador Ashot Kocharian read the manifesto signed by the President
of Armenia Mr. Robert Kocharian on the occasion of the 91st Anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide. The Ambassador gave a brief talk dedicated to the
Genocide. During the evening the audience was shown a documentary film
dedicated to the Genocide.

The evening was also attended by the Consul General of Cyprus, Slovakia,
representatives of the Russian Consulate, Head of the Cultural Centre,
members of the Armenian Community and the students of the ACPA.

See photos and Armenian text at:
http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newsId=140afg54

Jordanian Armenians commemorate the Genocide

Azad-Hye, Dubai, 27 April 2006: The Armenians of Amman marked on 24th April
the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The commemoration was
initiated by the National Council of Armenians in Jordan and organized by
the Prelacy (based in the capital Amman), in association with all Armenian
organizations.

Raquel Markarian welcomed the attendants and invited them to a moment of
silence in memory of our martyrs. In her speech she pointed out to the
importance of remembering our victims, expressing confidence that one day
justice will prevail.

Masis Guloyan addressed the public in Arabic language, noting that the
Armenians know how to respect their martyrs. He said that our forefather
sacrificed their life and did not compromise their values. He also expressed
gratitude towards the Kingdom of Jordan for sheltering the Armenians during
the Genocide and for providing means for future prosperity and development.
Armenians now are integral part of the Jordanian society and have equal
rights.

Suzy Sanjian, Lousin Koulaksezian, Narineh Demirdjian and Alice Babigian
successively performed and recited songs and poems of known writers such as
Kevork Emin, Vahan Tekeyan and others.

The H.M.E.M. choir performed a series of patriotic songs such as "The Adana
Massacres", "The Exile Song", "Sons of Armenians". Well-known photographer
Zohrab presented a series of pictures taken by him during his recent visits
to Armenia and Artsakh (Karabakh). He also conveyed to the public his
impressions on the above journeys.

The main speaker was Dr. Nora Arissian, specially invited from Damascus,
specialist in Genocide documentation. She introduced the recent developments
in the Genocidal studies, underlining the importance of different national
and private archives.

Arissian encouraged the youth to support Hay Tad efforts by collecting
archival material. Referring to the significance of the Arabic archives in
Genocide research, she quoted some of the memoirs of Arab intellectuals who
described the Armenian Genocide.

Arissian gave details about the new horizons opening in front of Hay Tad
(the Armenian cause), in which young people can have greater role.

She concluded her lecture by emphasizing that "our wealth is in our memory.
The opponent today is weak and shameful in front of the humanity and we are
stronger with our will, awareness and the knowledge of our heritage".

The choir of Saint Thaddeus Church under the leadership of Sevag Chekerkian
presented a group of religious chants.

At the end of the commemoration Nerses Nersesian expressed the hope that
more and more countries would acknowledge the Genocide and humanity would
unite in preventing future human calamities.

URL: http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newsId=621afl41

Guestbook of the Abu Dhabi Armenian Community School's 25th anniversary

Azad-Hye, Dubai, 21 April 2006: On 10th March 2006 the Abu Dhabi Armenian Community School celebrated its 25th anniversary.

On this occasion a website was launched with a call to gather pictures and documents related to the school.

A guestbook also was established where old and new students (since 1981) could post their comments and messages. The Principal of the School Tamar Der-Ohannessian posted a welcome message encouraging others to share their views and to send their thoughts and memories.

The website included a collection of Armenian press articles on the most important events related to the school in the last few years (mainly end of the year theatrical plays and graduation ceremonies).

The photo gallery of the website hosted 60 photos, covering almost all the 25 years of the school. Additional photos were included in the special anniversary book, available online at the following links:
http://www.azad-hye.com/adschool/photo-gallery-1.pdf (Part I, 2.31 MB)
http://www.azad-hye.com/adschool/photo-gallery-2.pdf (Part II, 2.22 MB)

See complete report on the event.

Now that the guestbook has been closed, we would like to invite you to read all the comments gathered during the last one and half month:


1) Tamar Der-Ohannessian, Principal of the Abu Dhabi Armenian Community School (welcome message):
05 February 2006
Hello to all. The Armenian Community School of Abu Dhabi will appreciate your thoughts and memories regarding the school. Please do write and share them with us.

2) Gulizar Jonian:
26 February 2006
Congratulations for the Website & 25th Anniversary! A big Thank You for keeping our Mother tongue Alive.

3) Seta Mangassarian - Balouzian:
26 February 2006
Shnorhavoroutyouner 25 darva haradev ashkhadanki hashoghoutyan. Isgabes arans mer ousoutchouhineroun yev ojantag marminneroun modesoumin bidi chi gernank bahel mer lezoun, mer grone, mer hayrenike. Tebi harach.

4) Nil Vahakn Agopoff, (Paris, Research Center on the Armenian Diaspora: http://www.crda-france.org/index.htm)
26 February 2006
Congratulations for the 25th Anniversary.
"The Name Of Arabs Will Be Entered In The History Of Armenians In Golden Letters." ... words said by the religious leader of the Armenian refugees present to the historical session in the City Hall of Damascus, May 9, 1919.
"Documents on British Foreign Policy. 1919-1939", 1st series, Vol. IV, London 1952.

5) Maria Arzoumanian-Kordzian, co-founder of the School, now living in Philadelphia, USA:
27 February 2006
I wanted to congratulate you for launching this new and amazing website, for the Armenian Community School of Abu-Dhabi. I was looking at the photo's in the "Gallery" link and I can't begin to tell you how proud I feel to see our Giragnorya, after all these years, still in existence and growing so beautifully, with you as the Principal, with all those bright eyed attractive Armenian students and a nice group of loving and active teachers and doing so so well. It's evident your and the teachers' efforts have been countless there over the years and the community I'm sure appreciates all your devotion and contributions. It's my dream to visit there someday to reminisce and visit the school.

Seeing the pictures, the familiar and the not so familiar faces was truly something. To think I was that young once, 25 years ago... sitting in those classrooms, standing in line before class and performing on stage...wow!

I wish I didn't miss this anniversary party and knew about it sooner. I'm sure you know by now that Arpi is going to be there soon so maybe she'll be at the party, and will tell me all about it when she returns.

If ok, I also wanted to make a suggestion about the website. Have you considered getting in touch with some of the alumni and getting their photo's and perhaps some short messages from them to the school, to put in a designated link?

That way, you can insert their contacts in there as well, so other alumni's or teachers or parents of new students can get in touch with them. I think that would be something good for the school. It'll make new parents see that this school comes from a big family with a strong bond and a great history. This may require a lot of research and can turn into a lot of work but it's a suggestion or something to consider.

Anyway, good luck with the anniversary party. I wish you all a great time. Please share some photo's of the party afterwards if possible (or just put them in your new website).

Thanks so much for including me in your mailing. Sending hugs and many great wishes from across the miles.

Hachoghotyunner.

6) Lena DerOhannessian:
27 February 2006
Congratulations on 25 years! It has been very inspiring to watch the school grow - and watch the students succeed through life!! Shnorhavor ellah!!

7) Souren Sarafyan (http://www.savemelkonian.org, http://www.sarafyan.com, http://www.free-cyprus.com):
25 February 2006
May I take this opportunity to congratulate you on the fantastic job you are doing in the UAE in keeping the Armenian sprit and culture alive.

I know it is not an easy task, and not always appreciated, but worth persevering with.

I was lucky enough to attend the Melkonian School in Cyprus and thus appreciate how important education is in keeping a sense of Armenianness alive in the Diaspora.

Bravo polorit, and may I wish you the greatest success in the coming years.

8) Seto Baghdassarian, (http://setobaghdassarian.com):
03 March 2006
Congratulations to the Armenians of the Emirates, best wishes to the Council of the Armenian community of Abu Dhabi. You are the best.

9) Shaghig:
03 March 2006
Congratulations on the 25 years of success and I'm proud to be one of those students who have shared, learned and enjoyed from these years. Thank u and best of luck.

10) Adrina Kojakian:
04 March 2006
On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Armenian school in Abu Dhabi,
I would like to congratulate and express my gratitude and appreciation to the Director, teachers and all volunteers of the Armenian school in Abu Dhabi for establishing the foundation of the Armenian language, history and culture within the minds and the hearts of our young generation, apart from educating them to become better and successful individuals in life.

11) Madeleine Kojakian, (http://www.maddyk.com):
07 March 2006
What a great site! It gave me a sense of nostalgia! Looking back to those precious Armenain school days, I appreciate all that the school and the volunteers gave to us! Those memories will forever be with me and I will be eternally grateful for everyone's precious time and effort!

Congratulations on a great job done!

12) Sarine Saatdjian:
09 March 2006
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary! It’s been great having an institute that has for many years enhanced the Armenian culture and language in us, and I am honored to be part of it.

A big thank you to the director, teachers and all who have put their work and effort to make this possible.

13) Anita Saatdjian:
09 March 2006
Remember Armenia is not just a place or a country but people uniting for a great cause; we were a great civilization once and will be once again! God bless and great work!

As I was browsing through this great website, I remembered all the years I spent at the Armenian School. Words can't describe my sincere gratitude to all the teachers and volunteers who have sacrificed their precious time for 25 years in order to build this great Armenian Foundation. I appreciate all what the Armenian School has given me and I feel responsible to carry forward the same message that was relayed to me towards the coming generation. Congratulations and thank you for your efforts!

14) Zaven Kojakian, (http://www.KojakianEnterprise.com):
09 March 2006
Wow... has it been that long! Congratulations!
Being one of the students here a long time ago makes me proud to be a part of this great organization. Thank you to all the hard-working teachers and organizers that have kept this Armenian school going year after year. It was definitely not easy.

15) Dr. Vartan Ozinian, Spoksperson of the "Pro Edvcato" Worldwide International body.
10 March 2006
On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Armenian Community
School (ADACS), GRTASSER of Pro Edvcatio Worldwide International body presents its congratulations to all kind of contributors for educational activities of the School.

Pro Edvcatio considers the diversity of cultures in any country as a generator of human resources dynamics.

May the ADACS contribution to the wellbeing of Abu Dhabi be the best of its
capabilities through Western Armenian Culture.

Long live ADACS and long life in Excellency.

16) Berge Ohannessian:
18 March 2006
I hope that this site stays forever. See you all at the 50th Anniversary :)
Congratulations

17) Sandra Maghakian:
19 March 2006
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the Armenian School of Abu Dhabi. It is a remarkable achievement and the credit goes to all those who worked tirelessly and devotedly to maintain our culture and heritage in those faraway places. I enjoyed reading the articles and looking over the pictures.
Good work

18) Stephan Bagboudarian:
19 March 2006
I am excited to know that there is an Armenian school in Dubai, and that there is a thriving Armenian Community over there.

I am very happy that I am getting the e- mails. Continue the good work.

19) Alice Ohannaisian:
21 March 2006
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of our beloved Armenian school, I would like to thank all the volunteer teachers for giving their time and effort to let this school on-going, and I am very proud to be one of this school graduates.

Congratulations for all what you have done.
GETSEH HAYGAGAN TEBROTSEH - GETSEH HAY OSOOTCHOUHINEREH... YEV AMENOON TSERKEREH TALAR.

My best wishes to all of you.....

View photos of the 25th anniversary celebrations at the following link:
http://www.azad-hye.net/photos/viewalbumpicture.asp?al=qhsdtrnshy71376a

Photo: Principal Tamar Der-Ohannessian embracing senior teacher Arous Ohannaisian (both honored for their 23 years of continuous service)

Armenian Sunday School in Abu Dhabi

We received the following message co-signed by the Pastor of the Armenian Church in the UAE Father Aram Deyirmendjian and the Council of the Armenian Community of Abu Dhabi

(See the scanned copy of the Armenian text below).

Abu Dhabi, 10 April 2006, no. 40/2006

“We live in a world where moral values are declining and people with their damaging acts are guiding others to an unknown future.

The human life without the religious guidance will fail in its mission. Life is full of surprises and experiences that require the support of religious values to succeed.

A person must be guided when young. The Armenian Sunday school shall guide the soul and the mind of the children by introducing the religious principles and the Armenian language.

The Armenian Sunday school hours are on every Friday from 11:00 to 12:30 a.m. at Saint Joseph Church compound with a complimentary bus transportation service provided.

Dear parents, the childhood and the adulthood are the best times to introduce your child to the values and education of the Armenian Sunday school that will help them later on to become successful and proud Armenians.

With these beliefs, we ask you to provide this complementary education to your children".

Father Aram
And the Council of the Armenian Community of Abu Dhabi

http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newd=139

16 April 2006

"Pro Educatio" criticizes AGBU celebrations in Cairo

"PRO EDUCATIO" is a worldwide forum which deals with educational matters. "GRTASSERE" is a "PRO EDUCATIO" panel constituted by Armenians of Diaspora and non-Armenians, which deals with Armenian educational issues.

The last communiqué of this forum was issued on 30th March 2006. It refers to the centennial celebrations of AGBU in Egypt, in a time when the same organization is responsible for the closure of Melkonian Educational Institute (MEI) in Cyprus.

The communiqué says "It is ironic that AGBU meets in Egypt to celebrate the centennial of its founding, the country where the Melkonian brothers lived and donated the funds to establish and endow MEI, which AGBU is now intent on liquidating".

The above statement is followed with questions directed to the ordinary AGBU members in Cairo and Alexandria chapters: "What do the members of the Egyptian branch of AGBU think of the Central Board of Directors (CBD), whose legitimacy is questionable? Will they financially contribute to this event? Will they be a party to the celebrations and share in the guilt of CBD in the destruction of Armenian schools?"

The communiqué then discusses the situation of the Cairo Armenian cemetery claiming that "The condition of the graves in which the bones of benefactors and intellectuals are buried is deplorable".

Azad-Hye thinks that the AGBU members in Egypt have all the right to celebrate their organization’s 100th anniversary with the presence of many Armenians from other communities.

We believe that the closure of MEI is in no way justifiable, especially that it was the only Armenian High School officially accredited by a EU member county (Cyprus). AGBU's Central Board of Directors should reconsider its plans related to MEI and should not take ruthless decisions, apparently with money-oriented ends.

Meanwhile we should be careful not to antagonize the ordinary members of AGBU with highly confrontational ideas. Instead we should urge them to form legitimate pressure on the upper circles of their organization, utilizing the power of the "will of the people".

Below is the full text of the communiqué followed with the link for the Armenian text:

C O M M U N I Q U E
E-mail: proeducatio@aol.com
30th March 2006

THE CENTENIAL OF AGBU IN EGYPT AND THE ARMENIAN CEMETERY IN CAIRO

In accordance with the wishes of its Central Board of Directors, the centennial celebration of the founding of AGBU will take place in Egypt, where AGBU, the largest Armenian philanthropic foundation, was born.

In the ensuing one hundred years much has changed in the demographic and political map of the Armenian Diaspora, as well as in its outlook, opinions and needs. In response to these changes, various approaches have been proposed to insure the continuation of the Armenian entity in changing times. Incredibly, the present Central Board of Directors (CBD) of AGBU has chosen the closing of Armenian schools as a strategy for preserving the Armenian entity. Even a school such as the Melkonian Educational Institute (MEI), which belongs neither to AGBU nor to its CBD, is subject to this ill-conceived strategy. It should not matter how much money is donated by the members, the directors and their families to AGBU; their generosity does not bestow on them ownership rights to MEI. Does the biggest tax payer or donor to the treasury of New York become the owner of the State or the City to dictate laws and regulations to the inhabitants of the State ??! There is no precedent to the AGBU's action in the laws and regulations of the countries where Western Armenians live.

The AGBU was founded on the initiative of progressive individuals, whose creed was transparency and accountability in all transactions of the organization. In contrast the present administration of AGBU has been anything but transparent in its management responsibilities regarding MEI. Financial disclosures in and by themselves are not sufficient to discharge the responsibility they assumed regarding MEI. The CBD and its followers have the amazing belief that closing the Armenian schools of a region, and forcing the students against their and their parents will, to attend non-Armenian schools, promotes the preservation of the Armenian identity. Pursuing such bizarre theories may satisfy their ego for the moment, but if implemented it will sooner or later doom them to failure with the tragic consequence of the disappearance of the the Armenian Diaspora. Furthermore, the action of CBD constitutes a violation of Human Rights making AGBU liable for punitive fines.

It is ironic that AGBU meets in Egypt to celebrate the centennial of its founding, the country where the Melkonian brothers lived and donated the funds to establish and endow MEI, which AGBU is now intent on liquidating. What do the members of the Egyptian branch of AGBU think of the CBD whose legitimacy is questionable? Will they financially contribute to this event? Will they be a party to the celebrations and share in the guilt of CBD in the destruction of Armenian schools?

It would have been more proper to celebrate the centennial of AGBU worldwide by all Armenians without any distinction of religious, social and political affiliation…but without the participation of a CBD and its followers who dare to undertake the destruction of the Armenian Diaspora by eradicating its Armenian schools. For the Egyptian branch of AGBU it is preferable by far that its monetary contributions be directed to the essential and laudable operations of AGBU as in the saving of the comprehensive collection from the Egyptian-Armenian Press in the recent past with their timely intervention, safeguarding a cultural landmark for the benefit of future Armenians.

Unfortunately, the situation of the Armenian Cemetery in Cairo does not permit similar praise. The condition of the graves in which the bones of benefactors and intellectuals are buried is deplorable. On the occasion of the centennial the representatives of the Egyptian branch of AGBU will do well to visit that cemetery in order to correct a reprehensible situation. Of course there are bound to be some people in Cairo who will say "they do not deal with the dead". Such people and the leaders of AGBU should be reminded that the magnificent civilization of Egypt finds its expression in part in the graves of the Pharaohs. Is it not the case that Yervant Odian is a Pharaoh of the mind for the Armenians, who having lived "Cursed Years", went to Cairo to die? His partially ruined grave and those of others lead one to believe that the bones of many illustrious people lie in that cemetery.

How can one celebrate a 100th, a 1600th or 1700th anniversary when to these dates inevitably and irrevocably are attached names of those whose neglected and ruined graves lie in an Armenian cemetery? In contrast, the Armenian cemetery in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, represents a worthy example to emulate. Where, at places which have become impossible to care for a grave properly, the remains have been moved to the Armenian cemetery at the end of Niferilor Street. If the Egyptian Branch of AGBU, despite its financial strength, is unable to maintain graves in a dignified manner, then at least it should arrange to have the remains of Yervant Odian transported to Istanbul, the place of his birth, where it can take its honored place in one of the many well maintained Armenian cemeteries. Similarly, on appropriate occasions, it is fit to be mindful of the remains and graves of others such as Arpiarian and Tekeyan, and do for them what is necessary and proper.

Another type of transfer is called for in the case of the Melkonian Educational Institute and the Melkonian Will of which AGBU is solely its administrator. If AGBU does not wish to continue its management function, then it should transfer its responsibility to another legal caretaker in order that the vital mission of MEI to the Armenian Diaspora can continue on its present land and campus. In celebrating the centennial of AGBU it is important that the fundamental principles of its founding are kept in mind. Otherwise this venerable Union instead of being General becomes the Private Partnership of a group of people regardless of what name this group uses in Cairo or elsewhere.

Vartan Ozinian,
Spokesman of Pro Edvacatio

Click here for the Armenian text (PDF Format)

Oskanian in Syria

Azad-Hye, Dubai, 11 April 2006: Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian met on 8th April 2006 with the Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moualem. During the meeting, which took place at the Syrian Foreign Ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, the two Ministers discussed the bilateral relations as well as regional matters. They focused on cooperation in international forums, educational and economic exchange and cooperation between public institutions.

They spoke at length about the Nagorno Karabakh negotiation process, Armenia-Turkey relations, as well as the situation in Iraq and other matters of mutual concern.

Oskanian was on a four day visit to Syria and Lebanon from 7-11 April 2006. "Syrian-Armenian Relations are good," he told the reporters following the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad also received the Armenian delegation. The meeting took place in Al-Shaab Palace (“The People’s Palace”).

Minister Oskanian informed President Assad about the political and economic developments within Armenia. President Assad expressed his appreciation at the traditionally warm relations between the Armenians and Syrians and referred that this should serve as a foundation for deepening ties, especially in the economic sphere.

Syrian official news agency (SANA) reported: “Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments and relations among countries of the region as well as the historic relations between the two friendly countries Syria and Armenia”.

Present at the meeting were also Walid al-Mouallem the Syrian Foreign Minister, Ahmad Arnous, Deputy Foreign Minister and Abdul-Fattah Amourah, Director of Europe Department at the Foreign Ministry.

Oskanian’s visit to Damascus concluded with a reception at the Armenian Embassy, attended by representatives of the Armenian community in the capital.

Oskanian left for Aleppo on 9th April 2006. On the same day he met with the Governor of Aleppo Tamer Al-Hajjeh. Both sides discussed the importance of increasing investment opportunities and organizing meetings of businessmen and industrialists. They reviewed the bilateral cooperation in industrial, agricultural, commercial and tourist domains.

The Governor of Aleppo gave a briefing on the city’s industrial activities especially in textile and food production sectors. Al-Hajjeh said that local tourism authorities in Aleppo have prepared a list of selected sites for incoming tourists from Armenia and other countries.

After the official meetings Oskanian reserved time to the Armenian community. He attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the 75th anniversary celebration of the Armenian Youth Association. It is worth mentioning that Minister Oskanian is a graduate of the AGBU High School (Al-Thanaouia Al-Markazia) in Aleppo. He then followed his studies in Yerevan and the United States, before being appointed as Foreign Minister of Armenia in 1998 (the longest serving Minister in Armenia).

Minister Oskanian attended also the opening of Gulbenkian Center in Aleppo.
On April 10 he left for Beirut, where he will meet with Catholicos Aram I.

See Arabic news item on the same subject as given by the Syrian official news agency (SANA) at:

http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newd=133

Exercising the right of electing and being elected in Cyprus

Azad-Hye, Dubai, 10 April 2006: In a country where the Armenian community enjoys the status of officially recognized minority, the Armenians are trying to exercise the right for voting and being elected into an official post, such as Representative of the Armenian Community (elected by the Armenian voters) or Member of Parliament (elected through mainstream Cypriot political parties).

Marios Garoyan
Marios Garoyan (photo left) is hoping to write history and become the first Cypriot Armenian to be elected Member of the Parliament.

Garoyan, a graduate of Political Sciences, has been actively involved in the Cypriot political arena for more than 25 years. With his calm and analytical manners, he is respected not only within his own political party (DHKO) but by his opponents as well.

The Democratic Party (DHKO), which was founded by Spyros Kyprianou in 1976, fills the centre of the Cypriot political stage. He is married and has two children.

Dr. Vahakn Atamyan
The current Representative of the Armenian Community Dr. Vahakn Atamyan (who narrowly won the elections of 9th October 2005) released on 15th March 2006 a brief report in which he gave account on his five month activities as parliamentarian representative.

In the report he mentions that he has attended all parliamentary meetings and has participated to all subcommittee discussions related to the Armenian community.

He mentions also his overseas visits to Armenia, Lebanon and USA. During the past period Dr. Atamyan has created five committees addressing different issues such as the Melkonian Educational Institute, elementary school educational affairs, the problems related to the maintenance and reclaiming of religious properties in the occupied part of Cyprus, etc.

Justifying the overwhelming presence of his supporters in these committees Dr. Atamyan refers to the refusal of the opponents to take part in the committees.

View Dr. Atamyan’s report in Armenian (PDF format)

Vartkes Mahdessian
A businessman, born in Nicosia in 1950, and a graduate of business administration in the UK, has announced he will be running for the office of the Representative of the Armenian community in the next parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.
In a written statement, Mahdessian expresses his concern and says that he is “worried on our and our children’s future”. He criticizes the current situation and notices that “no action is taken in order to solve the existing problems. The interest and willingness is at very low level”. He promises to do a lot to take the community out from the “stagnant situation”.

Mahdessian is currently managing director of the International Cable Corporation (has a branch in Sharjah, UAE) and owner and director of the Troodos Electric Cables Ltd.
For a number of years he served as chairman to the board of the Armenian sports club AYMA and he is an elect member of the Armenian Diocesan Council. He is married and has two children.

View Mahdessian's candidacy announcement in Armenian (PDF format)

Sources: Azad-Hye, Gibrahayer, http://www.hayem.org/

New publication in German language

The Catholicosate of Cilicia publishes a new publication in German about the Armenian Genocide

Title of the book: "STIMMEN AUS DEUTSCHLAND" ZUM 90. GEDENKJAHR DES VÖLKERMORDES AN DEN ARMENIERN

(“VOICES FROM GERMANY” ON THE OCCASION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE)

Answers, Articles, Essays, Speeches, Eyewitness Accounts
Antelias 2005, 418 pages

The above book was recently published by the Catholicosate of Cilicia with the financial support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. As its title reflects, the book has a diversified content.

The publication has been edited and prepared for publication by Ishkhan Chiftjian, a student of theology in the University of Leipzig in Germany. The foreword is written by His Holiness Aram I who is also the patron of the publication.

In the foreword entitled “Memory and Justice,” His Holiness stresses the undeniable effect of memory on the life of an individual or people and the importance of justice. The Pontiff then draws connections between the Armenian Genocide and the concepts of memory and justice, emphasizing the urgent and imperative need of recognizing the Genocide and compensating for it.

The introduction by Ishkhan Chiftjian is entitled “Genocide: The Definite Plural.” The editor explains: 1) The multi-faceted character of Genocide; 2) the presence of many terms synonymous to the word “Genocide” in the Armenian Language; 3) the pluralism in the scientific fields that study Genocide (history, politics, etc.). He emphasized that Genocide is a comprehensive blow directed to a people’s unity.

“This publication aims at giving a wider scope to the memory of the approximately one and a half million victims of the Armenian Genocide as well as the numerous cultural riches (churches and schools, literature and press, manuscripts and dialect, etc.) that were destroyed, by collecting and presenting statements, positions, contemplations, questions from Germany on the most cruel incident of the most recent chapter of the Armenian History. What is presented here is only a picture and is not comprehensive,” writes Chiftjian.

52 German authors and one Swiss Genocide Scholars have contributed to the publication.

In the first part, entitled “Answers”, 37 contributors answer to the six questions prepared by the editor sometimes in a few short paragraphs, sometimes in five-six pages. The questions are related to the authors’ first encounter with the Armenian Genocide and the unfolding developments. The contributors to this section include catholic and protestant theologians, spiritual servants, historians, religion scholars, sociologists, linguists, authors, publishers, journalists and students.

Most are acquainted with Franz Werfel’s publication, which has triggered their interest in the issue. Others have gained interest in the matter because of Turkey’s EU bid. Some of these authors have been involved in scientific and publishing work related to the Armenian Genocide (Ralph Giordano, Prof. Dr. Hermann Goltz, Wolfgang Gust, Rev. Manfred Richter, Prof. Dr. Martin Tamcke, etc.).

The contribution of two internationally renowned theologians (Prof. Dr. Wolfhart Pannenberg and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Moltmann) alongside the son of a great and unforgettable friend of the Armenian nation, Johannes Lepsius (Rainer Lepsius - former professor of sociology in the University of Heidelberg) to this section should be distinctively noted.

The following research papers can be read in the “Articles” section:
- “The aspects of a Genocide” (Dr. Hilmar Kaiser, historian, United States)
- “Germany, Armenia and Turkey: Incentives of a critical dialogue between historians” (Prof. Dr. Hans-Walter Schmuhl, historian, University of Bielefeld)
- “The acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide is not a debate between historians; it is the topic and task of the lawyer. (Note addressed to the members of the German Parliament)” (Prof. Dr. Otto Luchterhandt, lawyer, University of Hamburg).
- “The Taboo as a basis of the psychological illnesses embedded in the Turkish disgrace” (Esther Schulz-Goldstein, psychiatrist, Berlin)
- “The Armenian Genocide and the Hebrew Holocaust: The boundaries and possibilities of a comparison” (Dominik J. Schaller, historian, Genocide Scholar, University of Zürich, Switzerland)
- “Of what interest are Armenians to us? - The Armenian Genocide and our silence” (Prof. Dr. Georg Meggle, philosopher, University of Leipzig)

The “Essays” section includes the following titles:
- “Giving a voice to people who have become voiceless” (Dr. Tessa Hofmann, Institute of Eastern Europe, Berlin)
- “Denied memory: About the contemporariness of Armenian Genocide” (Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Benz, Center for Anti-Semitism Studies, Berlin)
- “About the Heavy Burden of History: A report about the experiences of an Evangelical Academy during the study of the Armenian Genocide” (Prof. Dr. Wolf-Dieter Just, Evangelical Academy of Mühlheim)
- “German Poet Armin T. Wegner a brave witness of the Armenian Genocide” (Adelheid Latchinian, writer, University of Leipzig)
- “Arekagn Artaroutian, Djarakait Orhnoutian, Papak Bahbanial….” (Naregatsi)
- “Thoughts about Atom Egoyan’s ‘Ararat’ movie” (Jürgen Gispert, ethnographist, University of Leipzig)
- “Nobody can come out of his nation’s history” (Jan Amery) (Huberta von Voss, journalist, Berlin)
- “Red wool hats in Amassia” (Jochen Mangelsen, writer, Bremen)
- “My Armenia. A Memory” (Kurt Oesterle, writer, Tübingen)
- “Against the moment of rage” (Betinne Reichelt, writer, Leipzig)

The fourth section entitles “Speeches” includes two speeches delivered on two separate occasions:
- “The portrait of hope: The Armenians” A presentation of Huberta von Voss’ Publication” (Bishop Dr. Wolfgang Huber, President of the Protestant Church of Germany, Berlin)
- “Injuries of the past – signs of the future” (Helmut Donat, editor and publisher, Bremen)

The following translations can be found in the fifth section on “Eyewitness Accounts”:
- “The martyrdom of children” (Papken Indjearabian)
- “Black experiences - strong as death” (Hovhannes Balian)
- “Golgatha: The dreadful year of the Turkish-Armenian clergymen and its community (Nor Ghevontiank)” (Theotig)
- “The plan of extermination of Turkish Armenians” (Rev. Fr. Krikoris Balakian)
- “On the path of blood” (Guiregh Khrayian)
- “Episodes from real life” (Rev. Fr. Krikor Faradjian)

The last part of the publication, the Annex, includes the following documents:
- The position of the Assembly of European Churches on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
- “Remembering for the sake of reconciliation”:
- The statement of the Council of Evangelical Churches of Germany on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
- “Armenia Verdict”: The statement of the PEN International Writer’s Association.
- “Memory of the 90th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian deportation and massacres”: Resolution presented by the German party CDU-CSU
- Text of the debate in the German Parliament, topic number 6, discussions around the resolution of CDU/CSU, 21 April 2006.
- “Transforming the memory of the Armenian fate to a starting point for reconciliation”: The statement of the SPD party.
- “Memory of the deportation and massacres of Armenians (1915): Germany should help reconciliation between Turks and Armenians”: The resolution of the SPD, CDU/CSU, BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN and FDP parties.

The above publication, the first book in German to come out of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s publishing house, is proof of the expanding international efforts of the Catholicosate. It introduces authors to the viewpoints and knowledge present in German intellectual circles in relation to the Armenian Genocide.

The Imperial Government of Germany was an ally of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War and an accomplice in the Armenian Genocide. The current
Federal Republic of Germany, which holds about 2.5 million Turks or Turkish-Germans within its boundaries, has friendly relations with the Republic of Turkey. It is only recently that Germany started to review these friendly ties, particularly in light of Turkey’s EU bid. Thus, it was on 21 April 2005 that Germany officially debated the Armenian Genocide in its Parliament for the first time and unofficially recognized the truth.

The Armenian Genocide has started to be widely discussed in Germany. The media often talk about the subject and interested and knowledgeable people can be found in student circles. Scholars and publishers continue their work in the field.

The Turkish side does not remain silent, however. Fanatic Turks organized unsuccessful protests against Armenian “lies” on March 15 and 18 of this year. Amid the interest of Germans in the issue and the denial of Turks living in Germany, this publication will no doubt play an important role.
Back to Top

Source: Press Release of the Armenian Catholicosate Of Cilicia

Information Department:
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer.

Contact Details:
PO Box : 70 317 Antelias - LEBANON
Tel: (+961-4) 410 001 / 3
Fax: (+961-4) 419724
E-mail: cathcil@cathcil.org

http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newd=129

Tamar Goregian: “Iraqi Queen of Beauty”

By Haider Hamza

Royalty for a Year: Iraq Elects a Beauty Queen (Discreetly)

Under Tight Security and Limited Audience, the Beauty Pageant Show Went On

BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 5, 2006 - While Iraqi politicians compete ferociously over who will be the next prime minister, nearly a dozen young Iraqi women with different backgrounds and creeds managed to compete peacefully for a beauty title.

The 60th annual Miss Iraq Pageant was held in Baghdad today, an event that was much shunned during the last decades.

After a two-hour ceremony under tight security, Tamar Goregian, 23, the first Armenian Iraqi to win the pageant, officially became the "Iraqi Queen of Beauty."

Under the Radar
The pageant, held at a heavily guarded Baghdad social club away from the media, wasn't accessible to the public.

The audience contained mostly friends and family members of the contestants. Days before the event, nine contestants, including five Muslim girls, withdrew, fearing repercussions for participating in a "taboo" competition. Eleven contestants remained.

In the years that followed the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the pageant took place in an exotic hotel in Africa among the exiled Iraqi community.

This year's one-day, underground event -- with a limited stage, no designers and no choreographers -- contrasted sharply with the usual weeklong celebration and rehearsals.

The Show Must Go On
Despite the curtailed program, the 11 women gave it their best. The contestants paraded, then split into two groups and strutted their stuff in casual wear as a Baghdad guitarist played rock music.

After the musical recess, the contestants donned one-piece bathing suits, sarongs, hats or silk robes. After the evening gown competition, six girls were nominated as finalists.

Audience members jotted down the name of their favorite contestant and then the panel of four judges weighed in. Goregian received the most votes from the audience and from the judges, earning her the title.

Aside from queen of beauty, the audience also elected a teen queen and a queen of grace.

Pageant organizers hope to send the winner to the New York-based Miss Universe Pageant, in an effort to present a positive image of Iraqi women. The last time Iraq sent a delegate to a beauty pageant was at the Miss Universe contest in 1972, when Wijdan Sulyman represented the country in Puerto Rico.

Organizers and local club owners banned photos and media coverage to protect the girls from hard-line Islamists who call such contests a "Zionist creation."

Pageant organizers, who asked not to be identified for security reasons, hope that the new Miss Iraq can get a sponsor to pay the Miss Universe entry fee and help her prepare for the event.

"Pageants give women an edge to represent Iraqi costumes and culture, and show that Iraqi women are beautiful and intelligent," a pageant official said.

A U.S. organizer believes this year's winner will be given more opportunities than previous titleholders. The new queen will probably travel the world to create awareness about Iraqi women's issues and rights.
"We will train the new winner and get her prepared for the Miss Universe Pageant, with etiquette lessons, media communication skills, and PR skills," the U.S. organizer said.

Goregian can't wait for the challenge.
"Miss Universe would be a great experience for me. It would broaden my horizon and if I get a chance to compete, I may encourage girls to share this experience and encourage them to enter the [next] beauty pageant."

She also hoped that events like these would help put an end to the violence Iraq has been witnessing in the last three years.

"Maybe beauty is the final step to end violence and preach world peace after all," she said. "The power of beauty surpasses the ugly face of politics and greed."

The young woman added that one day she wanted to own her own business and maybe even become a politician.

Source:
ABC News
URL: http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=1808182&page=1&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newd=130

Feast of Saint Gregory in Antelias

Antelias, Lebanon - A large number of the faithful gathered in the Mother Cathedral in Antelias on April 2 to attend the feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator and kiss relic of his Right Hand, kept with much care at the Antelias headquarters of the Armenian Orthodox Church (Catholicosate of Cilicia).

A few decades ago, the Armenian believers used to walk barefoot from the various regions of Beirut to Antelias to kiss this relic of the Patron Saint of the Armenian Church. The tradition goes back to Cilicia, where Armenians used to climb to the historical cathedral of Sis to renew their faith and kiss this centuries-old relic.

True to this old Armenian tradition, a group of Seminary students walked from Bikfaya to Antelias as a symbol of a renewal of their faith with the intention of becoming worthy of the blessings of this holy Hand. This national relic has traveled with the Catholicosate of Cilicia through the paths of Genocide and deportation and today once again extends its blessings to the entire Armenian nation.

Bishop Dirayr Panossian celebrated the mass and delivered a sermon on the occasion of the day that marks St. Gregory the Illuminator’s imprisonment into Khor Virab (the pit) and the Catholicosate’s Pilgrimage Day. His Holiness Aram I presided over the Church service and the procession of the Patron Saint’s Right Hand as well as other relics. Members of the Cilician Brotherhood, priests, guests and a large number of faithful participated in the procession.

His Grace Dirayr Panossian focused on the history of the See of Cilicia in his sermon, mentioning how the late Catholicos His Holiness Sahag II Khabayan had described this pilgrimage day as an opportunity to rise from the Genocide and strengthen faith.

He pointed out that since the day His Holiness Sahag II put Holy Chrism in the river of Antelias and baptized hundreds of Armenian orphans there, the land of Antelias became holy, gave birth to new seeds that strengthened by Saint Gregory the Illuminator dedicated themselves to the mission of the Armenian Church and nation.

The “Shenorhali” Choir of the Catholicosate participated in the service singing the Badarak.

Lead by His Holiness Aram I, the procession marched inside the Cathedral because of the pouring rain outside. His Holiness gave blessings with the Right Hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator and priests followed with other relics and crosses blessing the believers who kissed the relics with great faith.

A blessing of water with the holy Right Hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator was then held on the altar of the Cathedral. His Holiness Aram I read a special prayer for the healing of the sick and the strengthening of faith: “From the Antelias Cathedral of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, we, the pilgrim children, appeal to you St. Gregory, renowned pilgrim of our Great God. Oh our Illuminator Father bless our entire nation in Armenia and the Diaspora under the protection of your Holy Right Hand. Particularly bless your faithful people gathered in the Antelias Cathedral. Erase our sins, clean our spiritual and physical vices; grant health to all the sick; enlighten the dark paths of our lives; enrich the lives of our nation’s children, our families and our Big Family, your noble people with heavenly kindness for the glory of the Armenian Orthodox Church and the eternal existence of the Armenian nation.”

The Patron Saint’s Right Hand was then placed on the Cathedral’s altar, where believers came to kiss it throughout the day.

Source:
Press Release of the Armenian Catholicosate Of Cilicia's Address
PO Box : 70 317 Antelias - LEBANON
Tel: (+961-4) 410 001/3
Fax: (+961-4) 419724
E-mail: cathcil@cathcil.org
http://www.cathcil.org

http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newd=126

Founders Day celebration in Calcutta (Kolkata)

Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA)
Founders Day celebration in Calcutta (2nd April 2006)

The 185th Founders Day of the ACPA was celebrated on 2nd April 2006. A church service was conducted at the Armenian Church of St. Nazareth, followed by a requiem service in the church compound, at the grave of Astvatsatour Mourdkhanian, a Julfa Armenian, the benefactor of the college.

In his sermon Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian spoke about the history of the college and emphasised the important role the institution has played in the life of the Armenians. Rev. Father said that the administration of the ACPA was placed under the authority of Holy Etchmiadzin at a critical moment in time, when the faith of this ancient and noble institution was uncertain. By handing over the administration of the college to the Mother see, its perpetuation is guaranteed.

The service was attended by the Armenian Ambassador to India, His Excellency Ashot Kocharian, members of the Calcutta Armenian Church Committee, Indian Armenians and guests.

After the church service a Founders Day gathering, dedicated to the 185th Anniversary of the ACPA, was organised at the college auditorium. The audience collectively sung the “Lord’s prayer”, followed by the national anthems of India and Armenia.

Administrator of the ACPA, Deacon Tigran Baghumyan read the letter of blessing written by His Holiness Garegin II, on the occasion of the Founders Day.

Deacon Tigran read the following for Vehapar’s letter of blessing;

“The establishment of the ACPA was a unique phenomenon in the history of the Indian Armenians. Anxious to safeguard their national identity, their language and culture, the Indian Armenians made wholeheartedly every effort, with the participation of the entire community to raise funds for the establishment and perpetuation of a school, for the purpose of educating the Armenian youth and keeping alive in them the spirit of our forefathers. We send our fatherly blessings to the students of the ACPA. Dear children of our nation, be dedicated to your studies, love our Holy Church, our Fatherland and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which is an altar of light for every Armenian”.

In his speech addressed to the students His Excellency, the Armenian Ambassador to India, spoke about Indo-Armenian ties, made reference to on-going projects between the two countries and emphasised the important role the Calcutta Armenians and the ACPA played in that respect.

The Principal of the college, Mr. James Dias presented his annual report and spoke about the progress and achievement of the students and referred to future plans. The principal expressed his satisfaction for the work done and said that due to the untiring efforts of the new management, the standard of the education had greatly improved. He gave his assurance that if the management continued in its present policy the college will reach an enviable position in the near future.

During the prize distribution, the Ambassador of Armenia presented the successful students with awards for scholastic achievements and good conduct.

During the second part of the gathering the ACPA choir, conducted by Mr. Vachakan Tatevossian rendered works of Armenian composers. Students also sung solos, recited poetry and staged a short play in English.

The Chairman of the Armenian Church Committee, Mr. Haik Sookias, congratulated everyone on the occasion of the Founders Day and assured them that the Armenian Church would continue to support and give financial assistance to the college.

In his closing speech, Fr. Oshagan underlined the importance of preserving traditions of the Indian Armenian community. He expressed his joy that the ACPA has given its first harvest, since transfer of the management to Etchmiadzin. The four college graduates, three of them from Armenia and one Indian Armenian, will continue their higher education in India.

On the Founders Day another happy event took place. The Armenian Ambassador to India and the Chairman of the Armenian Church Committee officially declared the senior boys dormitory opened by cutting the ribbon. The dormitory was renovated, redecorated, refurnished and will accommodated approximately thirty students.

A reception followed the celebrations.

Photos:

1) Requiem service (Hokehankisd) in the church compound, at the grave of Astvatsatour Mourdkhanian, a Julfa Armenian, the benefactor of the college.

2) Founders Day gathering, dedicated to the 185th Anniversary of the ACPA, organised at the college auditorium.

3) Senior boys dormitory opened by cutting the ribbon.

Contact Details:
The Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy:
56B, MIRZA GHALIB ST. KOLKATA (Calcutta), India
E-mail: armeniancollege@sify.com

Manager: Father Oshagan Gulgulian
Administrator: Deacon Tigran Baghumyan

Source: The College’s press release in Armenian language
http://www.azad-hye.net/media/i1/acpa-text-april.pdf

We would like to thank Mr. Assadour Guzelian for the English translation

http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newd=123

"Culture of Cilician Armenia" (18-20 January 2007)

Culture of Cilician Armenia International Conference in Antelias"Culture of Cilician Armenia" International Conference will take place January 18-20, 2007, in Antelias-Lebanon by the initiation and under patronage of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, in cooperation with the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and Yerevan Mashtots Matenadaran. The Conference will cover the following areas:

1. History: History of culture of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia: geopolitical, inter-political and inter-church relations.

2. Medieval Armenian Universities: The influence of Cilician scriptoria in the development of Armenian literature and scripture art. Medieval universities and their cooperation.

3. Law: Medieval law and Cilician Constitution. Inter-state and inter-church relations and the aspect of law. Right to heritage and medieval social relations.

4. Art: Miniature, applied arts, architecture: monasteries, fortresses, secular constructions.

5. Ethnography: Cilician national ceremonies, holidays, dresses, life and traditions.

6. Cilician Holy Relics: Relics of Saints brought to Antelias from Cilicia.

7. Economy: Cilician money, Cilician trade relations, scales and measure units, Cilician marine and soil trade ways.

8. Summery: Cilician phenomenon after the fall of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.

For more information about the Conference you may visit the following sites:
www.matenadaran.am and http://www.cathcil.org/ or write to the following addresses:
Arshak Banuchyan,
Yerevan
Tel: (+374 10) 56 27 69
Fax: (+374 10) 52 04 20
E-mail: arshak@matenadaran.am
friends@matenadaran.am

Bishop Nareg Alemezian,
Antelias
Tel: (+961 4) 410001
Fax: (+961 4) 417971
E-mail: ecumcil@cathcil.org

The above was press release by the Catholicosate of Cilicia

Letter to the Grand Mufti of Syria

Syrian “Al Thawra” daily published in its 10th March 2006 issue an open letter to the His Eminence Sheikh Ahmad Badr Eddine Hassoun, Grand Mufti of Syria, signed by Syrian Armenian scholar Dr. Nora Arissian.

Below is the translation of parts of the message followed by the Arabic text:

A letter to the Grand Mufti of Syria

Damascus
Friday, 10/3/2006
By Dr. Nora Arissian

I lived moments of pride when I was informed through the mass media about your call for issuing an international law prohibiting blasphemy of holy possessions of each nation and religion.

While encouraging Europe to support this request, you asked for dialogue and respect among religions and nations, instead of giving way to conflicts, such as what happened upon the publication of the ill cited cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in some European publications.

It is heartening and soothing to notice that there is now certain interest in issuing a UN resolution dealing with the respect of religions … The EU also is in the process of issuing ethical guidelines for the mass media in this context. There is also a draft Islamic decision in the UN which forbids the practice of non-acceptance of other religions.

I would like to assure you that we in Syria live in an environment of co-existence that could be considered as a model for other nations … We do not accept any blasphemy of the Prophet or any disregard against the Islamic religion, especially that the world is witnessing many cases of sacrilege of the holy possessions of the other nations. In the mid December 2005 for example, armed men in Julfa (Nakhichevan) destroyed the Armenian stone-crosses in the historic cemetery at the bank of Arax River and discharged the stone load into the nearby river. This happened despite the existence of international agreements forbidding the sacrilege of religious, historical and ancient remains. These stone-crosses have great religious value for the Armenian people. Furthermore they are rare examples of Armenian sculptor art from 15th and 16th century.

I would like to concentrate on the importance of preventing the sacrilege of religious symbols and the necessity for the punishment of the offenders. We all agree that the crime of destroying historical monuments is a threat to the civilization, as these monuments have international value regardless of their geographic location and reference to particular nations.

When a senior Muslim cleric like you calls for establishing international regulation prohibiting sacrilege and blasphemy, you are indeed contributing in the preservation of these monuments. On the other hand, I believe it is our common duty to tell the world that Islam is a religion of peace, love, tolerance and protection of the others. It is a known fact how the Arab people in Syria hosted the Armenians during their tragedy in the beginning of the last century.
We are in need in this feeble world to religious personalities of your caliber to say their word and to demand the backing of international resolutions.

We wish you to continue benefiting the country and its two components:
Muslims and Christians.

Sincerely Yours,

Dr. Nora Arissian (narissian@namag.com)

Background information

Syria's grand mufti underlines religious toleranceSyria's grand Mufti and the Armenian consul discussed Wednesday the religious tolerance in Syria as well as in the Arab region saying "we have been carrying both Islam and Christianity as an honor message that benefits all people and countries."Mufti Ahmed Hassoun appreciated Armenian people's honorable stances towards Arab and Moslems' issues, particularly the "Palestinian just right of establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as a capital." For his part, Armenian Consul underlined the deep-rooted relations that connected the two countries and peoples in all fields, stressing the necessity of developing and enhancing them to serve the interests of both countries.

Source: http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/050915/2005091510.html
15th September 2005

See text in Arabic at:

http://www.azad-hye.net/news/viewnews.asp?newd=122