LOS ANGELES (PanArmenian.net,Christian Post) — Executive ProducerKatherine Sarafian and Director MarkAndrews accepted the award for BestAnimated Feature Film for “Brave” at theGolden Globe Awards on January 13.

The story of headstrong Highlandprincess, Merida, which features the voic-es of Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson,Robbie Coltrane and Kelly Macdonald,fended off competition from“Frankenweenie,” “Rise of theGuardians,” “Hotel Transylvania” and“Wreck-It Ralph” to take the trophy. Itwas the sixth win for the Disney’s PixarAnimation unit in the seven years sincethe Globes added the category.

For Sarafian, the success of “Brave”represents the merits of taking the roadless traveled. One thing that differentiates“Brave” from the traditional Disney storyis that there are few princes and noneplay a central role in the story.

The story of the young princess is akinto Sarafian’s own, as she underwent ajourney of self-discovery while working onthe project.

“Merida is her mother and father. Shedoesn’t mind being a princess, but shewants to be her own style of princess.Merida thinks that she is more like herfather but comes to understand that shehas the best of both parents,” Sarafian.

“I’m excited about not involving

princes or male figures,” Sarafian said.“Pixar does its own thing, wanted its ownhero. It’s a love story, but love of family,not love of a prince. Merida has to solveher own problems; she drives the storyforward … the plot is not driven by cir-cumstances, magic or anything else.”

Merida’s story is actually based on theexperience of one writer, whose 6-year-olddaughter was fiercely independent. Hermotherwonderedwhat shewould be like asa teenager, if she was already so rebellious.Hence, Merida’s story was born, and in

2006, work officially began on the project.Sarafian said the idea of being true to

who you are is incredibly important and isone of the themes she hopes viewers willcome away with, no matter the age.

“When you can reconcile who you arewith what’s expected of you and learn totrust the love of your family … that’sbrave. When you realize, ‘I’m still me andI can still love my family and be a memberof my community, just maybe not in theway that people would expect’ … that’sbrave.”

Producer Katherine Sarafian Wins Golden Globe for ‘Brave’Explosions in Aleppo’s

Armenian DistrictsYEREVAN (Armenpress) — Reports indicated thatexplosions hit the Armenian districts of Aleppo onJanuary 15. Berio National Primacy PressSecretary Jirayr Reisyan stated that the locations ofthese explosions have not been pinpointed as ofdeadline.

While there have been no reported changes tothe Armenian New Village district, the populationhas become increasingly cautious after the latestaccident in which an Armenian was struck by asniper bullet. Reisyan stated that the Armenianwounded is still recovering.

According to United Nations data, approximately60,000 people were killed in Syria during 22months of ongoing clashes, including four dozenArmenians.

Genocide RecognitionIs Turkey’s Duty

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President SergeSargisian said during an expanded session of theheads of the legislative, executive and judicial pow-ers convened in the Ministry of Defense on January15 that it has been more than 20 years since theTurkish-Azerbaijani tandem formed under the slo-gan “One Nation, Two States,” the goal of which isto hinder Armenia.

According to Sargisian, as a progressive nation,Armenia wants to pursue a peaceful course. Henoted that Armenia had made overtures to Turkey,but had been rebuffed. Alluding to the Protocols,he said, “Everybody is aware of the destiny of thisprocedure and in what conditions the Turkeystepped back from its obligations, maintaining theonly closed border of Europe.”

Sargisian underscored that the recognition andcondemnation of the Armenian Genocide isTurkey’s duty before the Genocide victims, sur-vivors and their heirs. He noted that Genociderecognition was making inroads among the popu-lation and that “the most progressive and coura-geous part of the Turkish society speaks out aboutthe Armenian Genocide openly.”

Woman Gives BirthAboard Armavia Plane

YEREVAN (AP) — A passenger gave birth aboardan Armavia airline flight last week, two hoursbefore the plane landed in Yerevan after a longflight from Siberia.

Flight attendant Hasmik Gevondyan said shenoticed that 31-year-old passenger, ArminaBabayan, appeared to be in labor and organized thedelivery.

“All of our crew helped to deliver the baby,”Gevondyan said.

Babayan, who had claimed to be only six and ahalf months pregnant during check-in, named herfirst child Hasmik after the flight attendant.

INDEXArts and Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Armenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Community News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 4

Mirror- SpectatorMirror- SpectatorTHE ARMENIAN

Volume LXXXIII , NO. 27, Issue 4272

JANUARY 19 , 2013

$ 2.00

Sisters OnThe Rise

Pages 5

INSIDE

The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932

NEWS IN BRIEF

Spotlight on the Members of the JerusalemBrotherhood: Archbishop Vicken Aykazian

The members of the Brotherhood of St.James of Jerusalem’s Armenian monasterywill assemble on January 23 to elect theirnew leader, the Armenian Patriarch ofJerusalem. Patriarch Torkom Manoogianpassed away last year on October 12 at 93,and the Brotherhood elected the 78-year-oldArchbishop Aris Shirvanian as locumtenens. Manoogian had been elected onMarch 22, 1990 as the 96th patriarch of theApostolic Holy See of Jerusalem.

Any member of the Brotherhood who hasat least attained the rank of dzayrakoynvartabed and the age of 35 is eligible as the new patriarch. According to sources,four priests of the brotherhood are ready to submit their candidacy.

Of these four, I already have conducted aninterview with Very Rev. Papken Anoushian,which has been published in our Armenian-language press and appeared online. TodayI wish to highlight the experience and activ-ities of another candidate, Archbishop

Vicken Aykazian, outlining his qualities as a person and a clergyman.Aykazian was born in Siirt, Turkey in 1951, and came to Jerusalem at a young

age. There, he studied at and graduated from the Armenian Seminary, and in1968 was ordained a deacon. In 1971 he became a celibate priest, and wasordained as an apeghay during the reign of the patriarchate of ArchbishopYeghishe Derderian. That year turned out to be fruitful one for the Church ofArmenia with the ordination of many talented members of the clergy. ArchbishopKhajag Barsamian, now Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church ofAmerica (Eastern), Archbishop Kisag Muradian, Primate of the Armenians ofArgentina, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Grand Sacristan of the Cathedral ofSt. James of Jerusalem, as well as Aykazian, were among the future leaders.

Aykazian was elevated to the rank of bishop in 1992 in Holy Echmiadzin, byVazken I, Catholicos of All Armenians. His career extended over two fields ofactivity, both of which were extensive and challenging.

see BROTHERHOOD, page 16

Producer Katherine Sarafian and her animated counterpart, “Merida”

Philanthropist SamiE. Totah Dies

POTOMOAC, Va. — Sami Elie Totah, 66,died on December 26, 2012, after a lengthyillness.

He was the husband of Annie SimonianTotah, father of Tamara, Nicole, Elliot andKarina Totah, brother of Milo Totah, FridaLailah, Jacqueline Lambez and Lola Laniado,and grandfather of four.

He was born in Damascus, Syria onDecember 28, 1945to Elie and FortuneeTotah. He was man-aging partner andco-founder ofCharleston Homes,a home-buildingcompany that builtapproximately 100houses per year inPrince George’s andM o n t g o m e r yCounties, Md.He was involved infinancing, home construction and the acqui-sition and sale of property.

Totah was executive vice president ofPrince George’s Metro Center, Inc. for 27years, supervising 150 employees. The cen-ter, based in Hyattsville, Md., consists of morethan one million square feet of office spaceand 464 apartment units.

He and his wife, Annie, have been knownin the community as philanthropists andleaders of the Armenian Assembly of Americaof Washington, DC and contributed to manyArmenian organizations and newspapers inthe United States and Armenia.

His funeral was held on Friday,December 28, at Magen David SephardicCongregation. Interment followed at Mt.Lebanon Cemetery. Memorial donationsmay be made to the Magen DavidSephardic Congregation.

Sami E. Totah

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian

By Hagop Vartivarian

See relatedEditorial, page 14

By Gayane Abrahamyan

YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) —The caseof Mariam Gevorgyan, who was torturedby her husband and mother-in-law,reached the court only after civil soci-ety’s protests and demands, and finallywas resolved last week, opening a newpage in the often-closed history ofdomestic violence in Armenia.

Vayots Dzor province’s general juris-diction court sentenced HaykanushMikaelyan, who repeatedly tortured herdaughter-in-law for almost a year, to fouryears of imprisonment, but since hercase falls under the amnesty related tothe declaration of independence ofArmenia, the sentence was reduced.

So the mother-in-law, who burnt herdaughter-in-law with an iron and a ciga-rette lighter, pierced different parts ofher body with a fork and bet her regu-larly, will most likely spend only a year orless in a penitentiary.

Gevorgyan, 23, believes the punish-ment is too mild.

“They have disgraced my entire life,and only one year? At night I jumpawake and remember that hell, for half ayear I was forced to sleep standing, they

wouldn’t let me lie down in bed, so thateven now at times I can’t believe I am inbed… You know, when I recall it all, Idon’t even know how I have survived,”Gevorgyan told ArmeniaNow, reflectingwith horror on the ten months of “mar-riage in hell” she spent in SaintPetersburg, away from her family.

Gevorgyan’s husband, 28-year-oldDavid Ziroyan and Mikaelyan’s sistersattended the trial and threatened thatGevorgyan would have to pay for theslander.

“It’s all a lie. Those traces were fromdermatological problems. Here, we haveall the facts, we will prove everything,”said Ziroyan.

The husband was convicted of “delib-erate moderate damage to somebody’shealth,” but as the maximum punish-ment is three years of imprisonment, hewas pardoned during amnesty, so he willnot bear any legal responsibility for hiscrime.

Surveys show that every third womanin Armenia is subjected to domestic vio-lence; however, according to LaurenceBroers, expert at Amnesty International,this case is “the visible tip of the ice-berg.”

The pan-republican survey by theUnited Nations (UN) Population Fund in2010 revealed that women are still silent,despite the fact that domestic violencewas the case with 80 percent of intervie-wees but only 15 percent actually voicedtheir concerns on record.

The mother-in-law’s trial started a newstage in the fight against domestic vio-lence in Armenia.

In 2006, surveys by Sociometer socio-logical center showed that in 25 percentof cases of domestic violence it is imple-mented or instigated by mothers-in-law,but not a single case had been filedagainst a mother-in-law prior to this one.

The mother-in-law in a 2010 case wasalso said to be an accomplice when 20-year-old Zaruhi Petrosyan was beaten todeath, but only the husband, YunisSarkisov, received a 10 year sentence.This case would likely have suffered thesame cover-up, had public pressure andprotests not played a role.

Petrosyan’s murder became a turningpoint in the perception of the issue of

domestic violence in Armenia. Prior tothe case, lawmakers and governmentmembers often denied the existence ofsuch and claimed that “NGOs are exag-gerating to get grants.” The death of theyoung woman, mother of an 18 monthsold child, proved that the issue does existand needs measures.

During a 16-day campaign Yerevanagainst gender discrimination and vio-lence (it launched on November 25—International Day for Elimination ofViolence Against Women, and concludedDecember 10, International Day ofHuman Rights), another case of a hus-band killing his wife took place in VayotsDzor province.

Resident of Aghavnadzor village, YurikBabayan, who killed his wife AnahitBabayan, was sentenced to 10 yearsimprisonment. 27 years of marriage forthe mother of three sons ended withmurder. According to testimony, the hus-band first physically abused her, thendragged her to the courtyard of thehouse, as he testified “not to mar up thehouse,” and beat her to death withpieces of concrete and a bludgeon.

Human and women’s rights activistshave a hope that these tragic cases willsober officials and force them to finallyadopt laws against domestic violence.

“These are regrettable facts, whichmight have been possible to prevent, ifthere was a law on domestic violenceobliging the state to create a developednetwork of shelters for women who havefound themselves in such predicaments.They would be escorted to a shelter byspecial-trained police officers,” said direc-tor of Women’s Resource Center LaraAharonyan.

The passing of the law on domesticviolence has been postponed since 2007,though promises are voiced almost annu-ally.

“I believe by December 10 the com-plete legislative package will be submit-ted to the government, and we will solvethe issues by law in the nearest futurehaving the most effective levers of pre-venting tragic consequences of domesticviolence,” Lala Ghazaryan, head of thedepartment for Family, Women andChild Affairs at the ministry of labor andsocial affairs, said.

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News From Armenia

S A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R2

ARMENIA

Paper says Legendary Olympic Champ To Become Next Sport Minister

YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Alocal pro-opposition paper pre-dicts a reshuffle within theArmenian Ministry of Sport andYouth Affairs, saying that a leg-endary Olympic champion is like-ly to be appointed minister afternext month’s presidential elec-tion.

According to a HaykakanZhamanak report, Armenianweightlifter Yuri Vardanyan, awinner at the 1980 Moscowgames, will replace HrachyaRostomyan as minister in thenext government.

Rostamyan, who has also ledthe National BasketballFederation and served as secre-tary general at the NationalOlympic Committee of Armenia

(NOCA), was criticized by a number of pro-government lawmakers last yearover the performance of Armenian athletes in the summer Olympics.

Team Armenia represented by 25 athletes brought only one silver and twobronze medals from the London Games despite expectations of the gold.

But attending an annual awards ceremony organized by NOCA PresidentGagik Tsarukyan late last month President Serge Sargisian downplayed theconcerns about the state of affairs in the Armenian sport.

“Comparing 2012 with previous years, we can say that it was a successfulyear and we have had a good collection of medals,” the president said inremarks broadcast by Kentron TV on December 26.

“I am confident that we will win gold medals at the next Olympics,” headded.

PHOTOLURE PHOTO

Yuri Vardanyan

Domestic Violence Needs State Attention

World EconomicForum HighlightsRisks of Decade

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Fragileeconomies and extreme weather havecombined to crank up the global riskdial in the past year, creating an increas-ingly dangerous mix, according to theWorld Economic Forum’s Global Risksreport.

Despite Europe’s avoidance of a eurobreak-up in 2012 and the United Statesstepping back from its fiscal cliff, busi-ness leaders and academics fear politi-cians are failing to address fundamentalproblems.

That is the conclusion of the group’sGlobal Risks 2013 report, which sur-veyed more than 1,000 experts andindustry bosses and found they wereslightly more pessimistic about the out-look for the decade ahead than a yearago. Severe wealth gaps and unsustain-able government finances were seen asthe biggest economic threats facing theworld, as they were last January. Therewas also a marked increase in focus onthe dangers posed by severe weather.

The 80-page analysis of 50 risks forthe next 10 years comes ahead of theannual meeting of the World EconomicForum (WEF) in the Swiss ski resort ofDavos January 23 to 27, where the richand powerful will ponder the planet’sfuture.

Bringing together business leaders,politicians and central bankers, Davoshas come to symbolize the modern glob-alized world dominated by successfulmultinational corporations. Concernsabout rising greenhouse gas emissionshave grown notably in the past 12months. The issue is ranked as the thirdbiggest worry overall, while failure toadapt to climate change is viewed as thebiggest single environmental hazard.

Superstorm Sandy, which wreakedhavoc on the East Coast of the US inOctober, was a wake-up call for many.But it was not an isolated event in a yearthat also saw droughts, floods and theArctic ice caps melting to a record lowlevel. Outside the interlinked areas ofthe environment and the economy, theWEF identified other dangers, includingincreasing resistance of bacteria toantibiotics and the danger of “digitalwildfires” created by the rapid spread ofmisinformation online.

S A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 3

INTERNATIONAL

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AArrmmeenniiaann CCoommppaanniieess ttooPPaarrttiicciippaattee iinn

‘‘IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall GGrreeeennWWeeeekk’’

BBEERRLLIINN ((AArrmmeennpprreessss)) —— TThhee AArrmmeenniiaannDDeevveellooppmmeenntt AAggeennccyy ((AADDAA,,)) iinn ccooooppeerraattiioonn wwiitthhtthhee GGeerrmmaann AAggeennccyy ffoorr IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall CCooooppeerraattiioonn((GGIIZZ)) aanndd tthhee SSoouutthheerrnn CCaauuccaassuuss EEccoonnoommyySSttiimmuullaattiioonn PPrrooggrraamm,, iiss sscchheedduulleedd ttoo ppaarrttiicciippaattee iinntthhee ““IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall GGrreeeenn WWeeeekk..”” TThhee aaggrriiccuullttuurraalleexxhhiibbiittiioonn ffaaiirr wwiillll ttaakkee ppllaaccee iinn tthhee MMeessssee BBeerrlliinneexxhhiibbiittiioonn cceenntteerr aanndd iiss aaiimmeedd aatt rreepprreesseennttiinnggAArrmmeenniiaann ccoommppaanniieess aabbrrooaadd..

BBeeggiinnnniinngg iinn 22000099,, GGIIZZ hhaass ssppoonnssoorreedd tthhiissAArrmmeenniiaann aaggrriiccuullttuurraall ffaaiirr..

AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo tthhee AADDAA,, sseevveenn llooccaall ccoommppaanniieess,,YYeerreevvaann BBrraannddyy FFaaccttoorryy,, YYeerreevvaann AArraarraatt BBrraannddyy--WWiinnee--VVooddkkaa FFaaccttoorryy,, YYeerreevvaann CChhaammppaaggnnee WWiinneessFFaaccttoorryy,, MMAAPP,, SShhaahhnnaazzaarryyaann wwiinnee aanndd bbrraannddyyHHoouussee,, YYeerreevvaann BBeeeerr CCJJSSCC aanndd SSIISS NNaattuurraall,, wwiillll bbeerreepprreesseenntteedd aatt tthhee ffaaiirr..

TThhee ppaarrttiicciippaannttss ssaayy tthheeyy hhooppee ttoo pprreesseennttAArrmmeenniiaann ggooooddss ttoo tthhee EEuurrooppeeaann mmaarrkkeett aanndd ttooccoonnttrriibbuuttee ttoo tthhee pprroommoottiioonn ooff eexxppoorrtt vvoolluummeess iinnAArrmmeenniiaa..

JJaavvaakkhhkk AArrmmeenniiaannss ooffRRuussssiiaa LLaauunncchh

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JJaavvaakkhhkk mmeemmbbeerrss ssaaiidd tthheeyy hhooppee ffoorreeiiggnniinnvveessttoorrss wwiillll ttaakkee aann iinntteerreesstt iinn ddeevveellooppiinngg bbuussii--nneesssseess iinn JJaavvaakkhhkk,, ggiivveenn iittss ggeeooppoolliittiiccaall llooccaattiioonn,,nneeiigghhbboorriinngg tthhee wwoorrlldd’’ss mmoosstt ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt ccoommmmeerr--cciiaall rraaiillrrooaaddss tthhaatt ccoonnnneecctt EEuurrooppee ttoo AAssiiaann ccoouunn--ttrriieess..

AA nnuummbbeerr ooff aaccccoommppaannyyiinngg llaawwss hhaavvee bbeeeenn ddeevveell--ooppeedd aanndd eennffoorrcceedd iinn GGeeoorrggiiaa.. TThheeyy aaiimm ttoo ssuuppppoorrttffoorreeiiggnn iinnvveessttoorrss wwhhoo wwiisshh ttoo ddeevveelloopp tthheeiirr bbuussii--nneessss iinn tthhee ccoouunnttrryy..

TThhee pprroodduuccttiioonn ooff ccoonnssttrruuccttiioonn mmaatteerriiaallss,, tteecchh--nnoollooggiiccaall ffaacciilliittiieess aanndd hhoouusseehhoolldd ggooooddss iiss ooff aahhiigghh iimmppoorrttaannccee ffoorr JJaavvaakkhhkk..

International News

MALATYA, Turkey (Today’s Zaman) —A defendant in the trial regarding the2007 murders of three Christian mis-sionaries employed at the ZirvePublishing House in Malatya threat-ened to shoot the judge at a trial hear-ing on Monday.

“I will shoot you in the head,” defen-dant Varol Bulent Aral shouted at pre-siding judge Hayrettin Kisa of theMalatya 3rd High Criminal Court as he

was being taken out of the courtroomfor causing a disruption by constantlyraising objections.

Monday’s session was the 52nd hear-ing in the trial. Suspect Ruhi Abat, whois accused of organizing panels tofoment hostility in the public againstmissionaries, which prosecutors suspectwas part of a larger plan devised bygroups plotting to overthrow the gov-ernment, was the next defendant to tes-tify. He said he wanted to read out loudhis 850-page defense statement in thecourtroom. He was given three days tocomplete the delivery of his defensestatement. Abat wanted a full week, butthis was rejected by the judges, whosaid this was indicative of an attitudeintended to prolong the trial.

Co-plaintiff lawyers Erdal Dogan andCem Halavurt were present at the hear-ing yesterday, including lawyers repre-senting the families of Tilman Geske,one of the three victims. Defenselawyers also attended the hearing. Twoof the suspects, Hamit Ceker and SalihGurler, did not attend the session citinghealth reasons. Another suspect, retiredGen. Hursit Tolon, who is under arrestas a suspect in the investigation intoErgenekon, a network accused of plot-ting to overthrow the Justice andDevelopment Party (AK Party) govern-ment, also did not attend the trial.

Co-plaintiff lawyers requested thecourt obtain a copy of a letter sent tothe National Intelligence Organization(M�T), which the M�T forwarded to aparliamentary commission probing pastcoups and coup attempts. The letter,written by a whistleblower in the mili-tary, includes details about how a cabalinside the military developed a plan inwriting to stir anti-missionary sentimentin public. The tipster is an officer at theSpecial Operations Unit. The six-pageletter accuses the Mobilization Unit ofthe Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) of hav-ing instigated the Malatya murders, the2006 killing of an Italian priest inTrabzon, the 2007 murder of journalistHrant Dink and the 2007 armed attackon the Council of State building thatkilled a senior judge — in which theshooter initially appeared to have actedon religious motives.

Speaking about the anonymous tip-ster’s letter to Today’s Zaman, Dogan

said there was a large number of docu-ments related to various assassinationskept in the archives of the M�T, the gen-eral staff and the intelligence units ofthe National Police Department, butclaimed that these agencies weren’tsharing this information with civilianprosecutors. Dogan also recalled thatMehmet Eymur, the former head of theCounter-Terrorism Department of theM�T in 2001, wrote about a groupinginside intelligence units called the“white forces” on a website on January6, 2001. “Eymur refers to the whiteforces in his article from Jan. 6, 2001.The article also gives details about howinterested the General Staff was in thehealth situation of [late Prime Minister]Bulent Ecevit.”

Dogan said a court witness in theZirve murder trial, �lker Cınar, in his tes-timony spoke of similar illegal groupsthat were active as part of the NationalStrategies and Operations Departmentof Turkey (TUSHAD). He said the M�Ttipster’s letter overlapped significantlywith Cınar’s testimony. “�lker Cınar hadgiven similar information. I am certainthat the police department, M�T and themilitary have many documents aboutthese issues.”

The Zirve Publishing House murderswere the brutal murders of threeemployees of the Christian publishinghouse. On April 18, 2007, Necati Aydınand Ugur Yuksel, along with Germannational Tilmann Ekkehart Geske , weretied to chairs, stabbed and tortured atthe publishing house before theirthroats were slit. The publishing houseprinted Bibles and Christian literature.

The indictment states that the Zirvemurders were carried out as part ofthe Cage Action Plan, a subversiveplot allegedly devised by military offi-cers who sought to undermine thegovernment through a series of assas-sinations and other acts of terrorismagainst non-Muslims in Turkey. TheCage plan was allegedly drawn up onthe orders of Ergenekon, a clandes-tine group that plotted to overthrowthe AK Party government. Cage plandocuments specifically refer to thekillings of Armenian-Turkish journal-ist Dink and Catholic priest FatherAndrea Santoro as well as the Zirvemurders as an “operation.”

Missionary Murder Suspect Threatens Judge

TORONTO — The Armenian GeneralBenevolent Union (AGBU) YoungProfessionals of Toronto (YPTO) hostedone of Canada’s foremost online socialmedial experts, Randall Craig, during thedebut of YPTP’s new sea-son of educational pro-grams. On December 9,Craig led the discussion“Social Media with NoTime Wasted” at theAGBU Alex ManoogianCultural Center inToronto.

Developing practicesfor social media successwas the main focus ofCraig’s seminar, whichhe delivered to close to50 attendees, amongthem both young profes-sionals and entrepre-neurs. The event cov-ered new strategies fornetworking, job huntingand elevating their orga-nization – all from yourcomputer. Craig offered practical insightswhile fielding personal questions fromthe crowd, helping participants to deter-mine their own approaches for utilizingonline platforms.

In addition to exploring the “do’s” ofharnessing social media, Craig reviewed

the “don’ts” as well, coaching each of theseminar’s attendees on ways to avoid mis-steps and stay ahead of the digital curve.As YPTO Chair Mihran Egavian com-mented, “In the age of technology and

communication, it is an absolute impera-tive to understand and engage in themeaningful application of online tools.Mr. Craig’s presentation offered a strik-ing revelation of surprising, yet wide-spread, gaffes and little-known practicesthat can benefit us all.”

Craig has been advising on web strate-gy since 1994, when he helped put tradi-tional media outlets such as the TorontoStar and the Globe and Mail online forthe first time. YPTO Vice-Chair Aren

Sarikyan observed,“Randall has an undisput-ed background in busi-ness, finance and entre-preneurship, and it is onlythrough hearing aboutexperience like his thatwe will begin to envisionnew ways to interact, col-laborate and conductbusiness online.”

Craig has founded sever-al start-up companies,worked at a “big-four” con-sulting firm and was anexecutive at a US publiccompany. He lectures atthe York UniversitySchulich School ofBusiness in Ontario, blogsfor the Huffington Postand hosts “Professionally

Speaking TV,” which features weekly inter-views with Canada’s thought-leaders. Abest-selling author, Craig is also the presi-dent of 108 Ideaspace Inc., a sponsor of theYPTO event.

For more information visitwww.agbu.org/yp.

Armenian ArtShowcased atSotheby’sExhibition

LONDON (Armenpress) — Thecontemporary culture of Caucasusand Central Asia will be exhibitedunder the slogan “At theCrossroads” in Sotheby’s NewBond Street, London, from March 4until March 12.

The exhibition will introducearound 50 contemporary artworksby artists from across Central Asiaand Caucasus, including Armenia,Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan andUzbekistan.

The exhibition will focus on non-conformists as well as socialist-realistart from the 1960s, moving on toemerging contemporary practices.

Commenting on this eventSenior Director and Head ofSothebey’s Russian ArtDepartment in London Jo Vickerystated, “Countries throughoutCaucasus and Central Asia haveexperienced rapid growth in recentyears. This territory is very interest-ing and it has a rich history and cul-ture. Also, one can meet interestingartists there, which are notable fortheir unique pieces of art.”

The aim of this exhibition is tohighlight the diverse culturalexpressions of the region, whileexploring its Soviet past.

Members of the Young Professionals of Toronto Steering Committee gath-er with social media expert Randall Craig (fourth from left), who kickedoff the group’s new educational program series.

AGBU YP Toronto Kicks off New Educational Series

S A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R4

INTERNATIONAL

ISTANBUL (Today’s Zaman) — The bodiesof three Kurdish activists affiliated with theKurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) who werekilled last week in a shooting at their Parisoffice are being flown to Diyarbakir, givingway to fear that if the funerals turn into mas-sive pro-PKK demonstrations, this might jeop-ardize ongoing peace talks between PKK chiefAbdullah Öcalan and National IntelligenceOrganization (M�T) officials.

Kurdish activists Sakine Cansiz, one of theco-founders of the PKK, Fidan Dogan andLeyla Söylemez were discovered dead at theInformation Center of Kurdistan on RueLafayette at around 1:30 a.m. last Thursday.All three had been shot, execution-style.

There have been many theories as to who isbehind the killings. Kurds in Europe haveblamed Turkey, with thousands protesting inFrance during the past week. Observers seethe killings as an attempt to sabotage theongoing talks for peace, while yet another the-ory points the finger at a third country asbeing behind the killings. There is also specu-lation that the killings were executions con-ducted within the PKK.

Zübeyir Aydar, a PKK leader who is respon-sible for the group’s activities in Europe, wasquoted on Tuesday by the Arbil-based Kurdishlanguage daily Rudaw as saying that the exe-cutioners in Paris were trying to sabotage thepeace process. Aydar said he didn’t think itwas a possibility that the Turkish governmentwas behind the murders. “We [as the PKK]should prevent the peace process from com-ing to a halt. This is what our leader, Apo[Öcalan], thinks.”

Autopsies were completed on Tuesday, andthe bodies of the three women were expectedto be flown to �stanbul on Wednesday morn-ing and then on to Diyarbakir, where thePeace and Democracy Party (BDP) will orga-nize a funeral ceremony.

The BDP has been closely following theinvestigation into the murders. BDP leaderSelahattin Demirtas, Chairwoman GültanKisanak and Van independent deputy AyselTugluk returned from France, where they hadflown after the murders, on Tuesday. BDPChairman Demirtas said the BDP delegation

met with the interior minister in France, andsaid he felt confident that French officialswere conducting a thorough investigation.Two PKK-related organizations, including theFirat News Agency (ANF), said the bodies willbe flown to Turkey on Wednesday following aceremony in the Parisian suburb Villiers-le-Bel. The bodies will be sent on a plane takingoff from Charles de Gaulle, according to theagency, but the flight time was not cited. BDPofficials in Turkey have confirmed that thebodies will arrive in Diyarbakir on Wednesday,when a ceremony with a large participationwill take place, and the funerals will be heldfor the three women in their hometowns onThursday.

Following Wednesday’s ceremony inDiyarbakir, Cansiz will be buried in Dersim,Dogan in Maras and Söylemez in Mersin.Local civil society groups and observers haveexpressed to Today’s Zaman their fear that theceremonies and funerals might turn into apower display for the PKK, ending the ongo-ing peace process, as was the case in 2009when a group of Kurdish refugees and PKKmilitants clad in guerilla outfits, returning toTurkey as part of a government opening togive more rights to Kurds, were met by a mas-sive crowd at the Habur border gate, trigger-ing a powerful nationalist backlash and end-ing the process.

Local groups worriedDiyarbakir Bar Association Chairman Tahir

Elçi called on security forces to try to facilitatethe event, and requested a funeral in line withreligious and social customs, adding that theywere hoping that an adverse development willnot take place during the funeral. “It is animportant deal when three women are brutal-ly massacred. People should express their feel-ings through a funeral. This is why securityforces should take measures to ensure thisfundamental right. This is not any funeral.Some reactions might be disturbing for every-one, but this should not cause any events tobreak nor should it be allowed to influencethe talks process.”

Head of the Diyarbakir branch of humanrights group MÜS�AD Sehabettin Akut saidhe believed the BDP was trying to put on a

power show during the event. “There arethose who want a second Habur case,” hesaid. Akut noted he was pretty certain thatthings are not going to go smoothly onThursday. “There will certainly be vents,” hesaid.

Diyarbakir Entrepreneurial Businessmen’sAssociation (D�GAD) president AlaaddinKorkutata said: “Whenever a positive step hasbeen taken, we have seen events such asHabur or the Daglica attack. I don’t under-stand why they are bringing the bodies toDiyarbakir first, instead of sending themdirectly to their hometowns.” He said hefeared a massive demonstration like in Haburcould stall the process.

“There will most likely be agitation at thefunerals. The consequences might equal threeHaburs,” said �brahim Güçlü, a Kurdish politi-cian and writer.

Fahrettin Akyil, head of the DiyarbakirCommodity Exchange, said it was crucial thatno incidents take place during the funerals. “Ifthere is anything, it will affect the peaceprocess,” he said.

Politicians call for calmPrime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on

Tuesday urged Kurds for calm at the funerals,speaking at his Justice and DevelopmentParty’s (AK Party) parliamentary group meet-ing.

The BDP’s Diyarbakir Mayor OsmanBaydemir eased worries also on Tuesday, say-ing he was confident that no agitation orprovocation would take place during thefunerals. “Nothing can justify violence and ter-ror. Terror has brought nothing to this coun-try but pain, blood and tears. Our only wishand aim is to dry the tears of mothers,” heremarked, adding that although his party hasbeen left alone by the opposition parties tofight against terrorism, it will not take a stepback from its peace initiative. “We have neverlost hope and will not. We are cautious andhopeful,” he declared.

The first reaction against the repatriationof the bodies to Turkey came from NationalistMovement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli,who said, “They shouldn’t make a mistake andturn this into the Habur masquerade.” Labor

Minister Faruk Çelik was quick to give aresponse for the government, saying the threeare Turkish citizens. “There might be seg-ments that will try to create agitation usingthe funerals, but Turkey has the maturity toabsorb this.”

Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arinç, whospoke to journalists on Monday following aCabinet meeting, gave a stern warning tothose looking to cause a provocation. “This isa humane issue. It should be seen as such andthe funerals should be held according to cus-toms. The funeral should not be turned intoan act of provocation. We think that state-ments on the funeral ceremonies should bemade responsibly. We believe that statementsshould not allow for provocation and hurtconfidence and peace in Turkey.” ParliamentSpeaker Cemil Çiçek made a similar call onTuesday.

Meanwhile, deputy chairman of the BDP’sparliamentary group Pervin Buldan said allsegments of society that want perpetual peaceshould participate in the funerals, includinggovernment members. The BDP on Tuesdaydiscussed the funeral program in its groupmeeting. Buldan also made a call against pos-sible acts of provocation.

Civil society groups in Diyarbakir called forcalm on Tuesday. Reports from the city saythe BDP and its extension, the DemocraticSociety Congress (DTK), organized as a civilsociety group in Diyarbakir, have been issuingcalls for all to attend the funerals.

Öcalan’s brother, Mehmet Öcalan, went toImrali Island, off the �stanbul coast, onMonday to meet with Öcalan as part of apeace talks between the PKK leader and theauthorities to resolve the Kurdish issue andsaid his brother was saddened by the killingsof the Kurdish women in Paris.

Mehmet Öcalan told reporters after thetalks with his brother that the meeting was“normal” and described the talks as “emo-tional.” He said his brother was upset over theParis killings and condemned the assassina-tion of the Kurdish women.

Mehmet Öcalan said the PKK leaderexpressed condolences to the families of theKurdish women.

Likely Tension from PKK Funerals Leads to Concern for Future of Talks

PARIS — For millions around the world, newsand images of the Nagorno-Karabagh war withAzerbaijan are forever burned in memory. TheBulgarian reporter Tsvetana Paskaleva’s dis-patches from the frontlines of the 1988 to 1994conflict not only helped propel it into the inter-national spotlight, but earned her numerousawards and were developed into seven documen-taries. The films, entitled collectively “Wounds ofKarabagh,” received renewed attention over thepast few weeks during a series of events orga-nized and sponsored by AGBU France, whichkicked off Paskaleva’s international tour.

Paskaleva’s work has long been utilized inchanging public opinion regarding the atrocitiessuffered by the Armenian community inKarabagh. From 1993-1994, “Wounds ofKarabagh” was screened before AmnestyInternational, the Parliament of Canada, theUnited Nations and the United States Congress,among other government bodies and organiza-tions. On November 29, the French Senate wasadded to that list. At the invitation of FrenchSenator Philippe Kaltenbach, who heads theFrance-Armenia Inter-Parliamentary FriendshipGroup, a delegation of Armenian parliamentaryleaders, met with French representatives inLuxembourg Palace. There, they viewed the filmand participated in a roundtable discussion onpeace and dialogue in Karabagh. In the days thatfollowed, dozens more elected officials and com-munity leaders gathered at AGBU centers acrossthe country.

On November 30, AGBU Valence hosted ascreening that drew guests from both near andfar, including the Mayor of Valence AlainMaurice, the Mayor of the Armenian city ofIdjevan Varuzhan Nersisyan and AGBU ValenceChair Jean Jacques Vartanian. Since AGBU

Valence adopted Idjevan as a sister city over twoyears ago, the two have joined forces to promotecultural and sustainable development initiativesinternationally, and Nersisyan’s presence demon-strated that their relationship remains strong.The following day, Paskaleva headed to Marseillefor a showing of the film that was co-organizedby the local AGBU chapter and the CoordinationCouncil of Armenian Organizations of France(CCAF). AGBU Lyon also partnered with theCCAF, as well as with Radio Armenia, for theirscreening, which was held on December 3, andattracted more than 70 attendees, among themAGBU Lyon Chair Michel Sandjian.

At each stop on her AGBU tour, Paskaleva, whowas joined by her producer, Zara Nazarian,recounted what first prompted her to visitKarabagh, the violence she witnessed there andways she believes the region can achieve peaceand stability to move forward. In 1991, whenreports of mass deportations of Armenians livingin the Karabagh villages of Getashen,Martunashen and Shahumyan reached Moscow,where Paskaleva was a PhD film student, sheimmediately packed her camera and traveled intothe heart of the conflict. What she thought wouldbe a short-term assignment turned into a three-year engagement, as she began reporting formajor news outlets and became the only interna-tional journalist on the ground continuouslythroughout the Karabagh war. She filmed hun-dreds of hours of harrowing footage, risking herlife time and time again to ensure that the horrorsof the war did not go unreported. Her acts of brav-ery were recognized by a Medal of Courage fromthe Armenian Government in 1996, as well as withthe rank of Karabagh Defense Army Colonel,which she received in 1995, despite never bearingarms during the conflict.

Years later, Paskaleva says her work is not fin-ished. As she commented during the AGBUFrance events, “Now is the time for Armenians towin the last battle: the diplomatic battle... I initi-ated this international tour to remind our politi-cians that the conflict is still painfully unresolvedand that they bear the responsibility to bring sus-tainable peace to Karabagh so we may finally put

the past behind us.” At each of the screeningsorganized by AGBU France, policy makers werealready responding to Paskaleva’s appeal, gath-ering to discuss the status of Nagorno-Karabaghand ways to create a brighter future in theregion. As Paskaleva’s international tour contin-ues, she is sure to continue to inspire the politi-cal will to more toward positive change.

From left, AGBU France Chairman Philippe Panossian, journalist Svetana Paskaleva, Ambassador ofArmenia to France Vahagn Atabekian and film producer Zara Nazarian meet in the ArmenianEmbassy of France following the screening of Paskaleva’s film, “Wounds of Karabagh,” organizedby AGBU France.

AGBU France’s Screening of ‘Wounds of Karabagh’ Attract Hundreds

5S A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

Community News

Armenian Sisters’Academy Looks to

The FutureLEXINGTON, Mass. — After 30 years of continuously serving the children of

Greater Boston and now with the possible threat of closing well behind them, theArmenian Sisters’ Academy (ASA) is plan-ning for the future with renewed dedica-tion to their goal.

The Lexington-based Armenian Catholicschool, founded in 1982 by SisterAlphonsa Bedrosian of the Sisters of the

Immaculate Conception, has reaffirmed its school mission and plans to expand thestudent body in the upcoming academic school years.

When the sisters considered closing the school, a coalition of alumni familiesand parents, led by the school’s advisory board, teamed together to keep theschool open.

Advisory Board Chairperson Katrina Menzigian shared, “We wanted to showthe sisters that the school was in demand in the Boston community and that thededication to Armenian education still existed.”

Menzigian said of the school, “It has been part of this community for over 30years. The reality is we have turned out hundreds of graduates. The school has aplace in the greater Boston community and a network of people with ties to the[Armenian] Sisters’ Academies around the world.”

Rejuvenated by the local community’s enthusiasm, the sisters agreed to keep theschool open.

The advisory board hopes that by continuing its operation, the school will reaf-firm its original mission as well as generate a new vision for the future. Menzigiancited a plan to build up the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade class sizes, whose

see ACADEMY, page 6

Knights of Vartan AniLodge Celebrates Artsakh’sIndependence in DC Hill

WASHINGTON — Last month, members ofthe Knights of Vartan-Ani Lodge #21 joinednearly 100 Armenian-Americans on Capitol Hillto celebrate the 21st anniversary of the inde-pendence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh(Artsakh).

The annual independence celebration tookplace on December 5 in the historic RussellSenate Office Building and was hosted by theCongressional Armenian Caucus, which is co-chaired by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), the incomingchairman of the influential Foreign AffairsCommittee, and Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ).Pallone served as the evening’s master of cere-monies.

“As we celebrate 21 years of independenceand democracy in the Republic of Nagorno-(Artsakh), we want to thank our USCongress for their efforts and remind them ofthe need to increase financial aid and extenddiplomatic recognition to Artsakh in an effortto ensure a lasting peace and stability in theCaucasus,” stated Knights Commander JakeBournazian.

A highlight of the evening was the ceremony,conducted by the Ambassador of Armenia,Tatoul Markarian, bestowing the Republic ofArmenia’s Mkhitar Gosh award upon Rep. AnnaEshoo (D-CA) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA).

Eshoo, who is of Armenian and Assyriandescent, offered emotional words of apprecia-tion following the award presentation. “I’mhumbled by this high honor, and I’m grateful tothe President of Armenia and the Armenianpeople for it,” Eshoo said. “This award is deeplymeaningful to me, and it renews my commit-ment to complete the unfinished work of theUnited States to finally acknowledge theArmenian Genocide.”

Sherman expressed his gratitude for theaward, stressing Nagorno-Karabagh’s progress.“Despite Azerbaijan’s deeply unjust blockadeand a devastating war in from 1991 to 1994,Artsakh continues to solidify its democracy andimprove its economy,” remarked Sherman.

In addition to the Mkhitar Gosh Award,Nagorno Karabagh Republic Foreign Minister

Karen Mirzoyan offered both Eshoo andSherman a medal in honor of Artsakh’s inde-pendence.

Joining Mirzoyan in discussing the obstaclesand opportunities that Karabagh faces wereMarkarian and Nagorno-KarabaghRepresentative in the US Robert Avetisyan. Theevening’s benediction was offered byArchbishop Vicken Aykazian, legate of theEastern Diocese of the Armenian Church ofAmerica, joined by Rev. Sarkis Aktavoukian ofSoorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church ofBethesda, Md. and Rev. Hovsep Karapetyan ofSt. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church ofWashington, DC.

“We appreciate all the Members of Congresswho joined us this evening in support ofArtsakh’s independence,” Bournazian said. “Inthese tumultuous times, it is important that weremind Congress of the need to maintainSection 907 of the Freedom Support Act andtake a stand against Azerbaijan’s militaryaggression against Christian Armenians,” headded.

Students of the Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Lexington

Students of the Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Lexington

Bringing theKeghetzi Spirit toLife in Detroit

By Mitch Kehetian

DETROIT — For Greater Detroit Armeniansof Keghetzi family roots, a mission of oldworld pride is sweeping this community.

The movement is anchored with a goalto link its rebirth to present-day Nor Keghi inthe new Republic of Armenia.

The spirited movement of the newly formedNor Keghi Association will feature its rebirthwith a February 2 “Kef Time Keghi” dinnerdance highlighted withan elaborate Armenian buffet toppedwith the famed Keghetzi pagharch.

“While our rebirth is meant to retain theheritage of our parents and grandparents, wedecided to launch our cause on a high notefor our younger generation by lookingahead at bonding with the Nor Keghi districtin Yerevan, Armenia,” said Richard Norsigian,chairperson of the Nor Keghi AssociationSteering Committee.

In stressing the goal of perpetuating themovement “with our young generation ofAmerican Armenians of Keghetzi familyroots and Armenia,” Norsigian said fundsraised at this year’s dinner dance and at KefTime pagharch celebrationsthrough 2015 and beyond will help purchaseeducational equipment for the public schoolin the Nor Keghi district in Yerevan.

In declaring its goal, the commit-tee reaffirmed: “We intend to help the schoolin Nor Keghi as we honor the memory ofour ancestors who perished in the OttomanTurkish government’s 1915 Genocide carriedout against 1.5 million Armenians.”

By its rebirth, the Nor Keghi committeemessage is clear: “The Turks massacred ourpeople and still deny the genocide. Our move-ment here in Detroit is strengthened bya unified spirit across spiritual and politicallines. As we unite for the 100th solemn obser-vance of the genocide, our small but patriot-ic voice will be heard. We will prevail untiljustice is achieved.”

The unified movement starts at 6:30 p.m.on February 2 at St. John Armenian ChurchCultural Hall in Southfield.

At latest count, more than 20 local and out-state musicians of Keghetzi family roots havevolunteered to perform at the dinner dance.

Historical Keghi district is now withinTurkey and depopulated of its Armenian pop-ulation. In ancient times the Hittite Empire’sruling capital was located within the Keghiregion. For the pre-Biblical Hittites,pagharch was their main wintermeal during the freezing February tempera-tures that swept through the Keghi moun-tains.

The Hittites shaped the wheat-based pagharch to resemble Keghi’s tower-ing Mt. Sulbuz, which the Armenians callSourp Looyse (Holy Light).

Nor Keghi district in Armeniawas given its name designation when thecountry was under Soviet rule. At the time itwas named Nor Keghi, the Turks complainedthat there is only one Keghi, the old one nowunder their rule.

The newly formed Nor Keghi move-ment believes its rebirth will serve well intothe future through support for the Nor Keghischool within Yerevan, the capital ofArmenia.

Other Steering Committee membersinclude Greg Vartanian, Haig Korkoian,Stitch Vosgerchian, Alice Nigoghosian, MartyShoushanian, SandiNigoghosian, Karen Nigosian, BarbaraNorsigian and Mitch Kehetian.

Further infornation on the history of his-torical Keghi is available at www.keghi.org.

By Gabriella GageMirror-Spectator Staff

From left, Knights of Vartan-Ani LodgeCommander Jake Bournazian, Rep. Anna Eshoo(D-CA), Armenian Assembly of AmericaExecutive Director Bryan Ardouny and Rep.Brad Sherman (D-CA)

6 S A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

COMMUNITY NEWS

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ACADEMY, from page 5ranks had previously dwindled. This year’s classof fifth graders will have the opportunity tomatriculate to the sixth grade in the upcomingschool year.

The current advisory board members include:Chairperson Menzigian, Fr. Raphael Andonian,Vice Principal Mayda Melkonian, ArmenArakelian, George Barmakian, AraDeirmendjian, Nageeb Diarbakarley, Armik

Hananian, Raffi Kotikian, Anahid Mardiros,Lalig Musserian and Shant Parseghian.

The advisory board — composed of a combi-nation of alumni, current parents and parentsof alumni, church representatives and faculty —works closely with the academy’s parent com-mittee.

Menzigian said the function of the advisoryboard is to “support the vision of the school, itsoperations and act as ambassadors of theschool in the community.”

Moving forward, Menzigian said the advisoryboard will assume more involvement in “certainkey areas such as public relations, fundraising,educational vision and supporting strategicplanning for the school.” The sisters and teach-ers will continue to focus on the day-to-day aca-demic and spiritual education of students andhelp to realize the vision for the future ofschool.

Menzigian said that one of the strengths ofthe school — as well as unique distinctions — isits membership in an expansive network ofSisters’ Academies around the world.

“The community outside the board is alsovery strong and made up of supporters fromaround the world and a strong parent network,”she said.

Adding to this global network, the alumni

and families of alumni also contribute to theschool’s enrichment. “There are a lot of tiesfrom a generational standpoint,” saidMenzigian.

The Armenian Sisters’ Academy has beengranted accreditation by the New EnglandAssociation of Schools and Colleges, Inc.(NEASC) and is a member of Association ofIndependent Schools in New England(AISNE.)

The advisory committee of the ASA has sev-eral events planned for the upcoming year,including their annual Valentine’s Dance onFebruary 9. January 23 will mark the beginningof its open enrollment period for pre-K andkindergarten classes. The academy will alsohost an open house for the entire school onMarch 3, providing potential students and fam-ilies an opportunity to visit the school campusand learn about its academic programs. Plansfor the annual spring bazaar are also in theworks.

For more information on the school or theupcoming open house, visit the school’s websiteat www.asalexington.org.

Armenian Sisters’ Academy Looks to the Future

Armenian Sisters’ Academy teachers, first row from left: Kathleen Pondelli, Zovig Kojanian, VicePrincipal Mayda Melkonian, Principal Sister Cecile Keghiayan, Sister Aghvita Der Ghougassian,Sister Barbara Gilmetti, Catherine Izzo; second row from left: Armine Hananian, Chake Semerjian,Jayanthi Rangan, Norma Demirchian, Shake Chaglasian, Barbara Sergi, Chake Kebabjian,Elizabeth Avakian, Marine Kavlakian, Mary Demirjian, Alice Cerrone

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COMMUNITY NEWS

WATERTOWN — Archbishop KhajagBarsamian, Primate of the Diocese of theArmenian Church of America (Eastern), visitedthe St. James Church on Sunday, December 16,as the parish observed its 81st anniversary andheld its annual Name Day banquet.

Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy anddelivered the sermon. Rev. Arakel Aljalian, pas-tor of St. James Church, assisted the Primate.Also taking part in the service were the VeryRev. Krikor Maksoudian, Rev. Arsen Barsamian

and Rev. Dajad Davidian.Following the Divine Liturgy, a banquet was

held to celebrate the Feast of St. James, theBishop of Nisibis, for whom the Watertownchurch is named.

Two longtime parishioners, Edward Brewsterand Karen Dederyan, were presented with theParishioner of the Year award. The 250 peoplein attendance congratulated the honorees, whohave dedicated their services to the parish andDiocese for more than 30 years. Both haveserved as Sunday School teachers and

Diocesan delegates, in addition to taking upother roles at the local and Diocesan levels.

During the banquet program, former SundaySchool students Levon Kurkjian and AliciaAntreasian offered warm memories of the influ-ence Brewster and Derderyan have had in theirlives. Sunday School Superintendent MarshaAlabachian also made remarks. SubdeaconMark Giragosian, a cousin of Dederyan, servedas master of ceremonies.

Brewster, who was married at St. JamesChurch and went on toteach Sunday School for 39years, has also served on theParish Council andDiocesan Council. NotArmenian by birth, he saidhe has developed a deepattachment to the ArmenianChurch. “I was not born inArmenia, but Armenia wasborn in me,” he said, quot-ing Karekin I, the lateSupreme Patriarch andCatholicos of All Armenians.

Born and raised inWatertown, Dederyan hasbeen a lifelong member ofSt. James. Throughout herdecades of service, she hasbeen active in the church’sArmenian Church Youth

Organization of America (ACYOA) chapter,Sunday School and Parish Council. Aljaliannoted her constant presence in church onSunday mornings and her willingness to servethe community.

Barsamian expressed his appreciation toBrewster and Dederyan for their commitmentto the Armenian Church. “You are an exampleto the young generation of parishioners at St.James Church,” he said. “May the Lord contin-ue to bless you and to guide you in your ser-vice.”

WATERTOWN — M. Manoog Kaprielian, aprivate consultant who has delivered speech-es and lecturedworldwide willaddress the dinnermeeting of the St.James ArmenianChurch Men’s Clubon February 4. Thetopic will be “TheArmenian Soul inthe World ofBusiness.”

Michael ManoogKaprielian is a dec-orated VietnamVeteran who, had he not been embracedunconditionally by the Los AngelesArmenian community, may not have beenhere or anywhere at all. Most candidly, thissimple embrace in America, took Manoog offa certain self-destructive post war path onwhich there was no admission of Vietnam inhis life, to a series of demands upon his expe-rience in and after Vietnam. While in the stu-dios of WGBH-TV to review the productionof the first Vietnam Series, he bonded withfellow panelist including playwright DavidBerry, Wayne Smith, later to become a vitalleader in a Nobel Peace Prize winning orga-nization in DC, and Thomas Suprock, a for-mer Ohio State football player and decorat-ed chopper pilot who, in the Mee Kong Deltain April 1971 had flown cover when the gun-boat upon which Kaprielian, nicknamed“Kappy,” served when it earned its secondPresidential Unit Citation.

As a graduate student, he took a projectresearch directorship for the NationalTelecommunications and InformationAdministration of the US Department ofCommerce to investigate the possibilities of

cable television in America and laying thegroundwork for the first community accessprograms, government and educationalchannels throughout every disparate system.

Throughout the decades, Kaprielian hasreceived many honors, including one fromthe president of Armenia, induction into theNational Academy of Psychology of theRepublic of Georgia, 12 national and inter-national awards in television and has the dis-tinction of providing “Two and a Half Men’s”head writer his first TV comedy writing expe-rience.

In overseeing an award wining local cabletelevision, he had never personally touched avideo camera. Then, he picked one up toarrive on the scene of the 1988 Armenianearthquake where he recorded and rushedmessages of pain from the children inArmenia to America and then back with mes-sages from the ranks of 400 Armenian-American children. This unmediated andunedited video of children directly speakingto each other was up-linked through a NASAsatellite to seven university hospitals includ-ing Johns Hopkins and Bethesda NavalHospital.

“Manoog is an extraordinary individ-ual. He combines an impressive range of tal-ents and experience. His work in public rela-tions, media management and social servicework is exceptional. As you will note hiseducation is similarly multi-disciplinary andis record in college and graduate school issuperior. I know Manoog Kaprielian to be aman who possesses deep human values andhigh character,” Peter Balakian, a writer anda professor at Colgate University, said of him.

The dinner meeting will be at the St. JamesArmenian Church Charles, 465 Mt.Auburn St. The program is open to all,including women.

From left, Edward Brewster, St. James Parishioner of the Year; Rev.Arakel Aljalian, pastor, St. James; Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,Primate, Eastern Diocese and Karen Dederyan, St. JamesParishioner of the Year

St. James Armenian Church of WatertownCelebrates Name Day and 81st Anniversary

M. ManoogKaprielian

Motivational Business Speaker ManoogKaprielian at St. James Men’s Club

8 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O RS A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3

MM EE TT RR OONewYork

NEW YORK — After a cold spell in New York,a sunny, warm day met worshippers on Sunday,January 6, as they gathered in the city’s St.Vartan Armenian Cathedral for the celebrationof the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany ofOur Lord Jesus Christ.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate ofthe Diocese of the Armenian Church ofAmerica (Eastern), celebrated the DivineLiturgy, before a large crowd of more than1,000 people. Many leaned forward during theprocession, led by Archbishop Barsamian, toreceive the Primate’s blessing and to capturesnapshots on handheld cameras and cell

phones. In the narthex, people lit candles andexchanged the Christmas greeting — Krisdosdzunav yev haydnetzav!

In his homily, Barsamian spoke about theneed to make faith a center of daily life.Speaking of the turmoil in the Middle East andlast month’s shooting in Newtown, Conn., hesaid, “The presence of evil in our lives resultsfrom the absence of Christ in our homes. It isby following in Christ’s footsteps that we canbegin to bring peace and reconciliation.”

The Primate also spoke about last fall’sDiocesan pilgrimage to historic Armenia, notingthe importance of reasserting the Christian

Armenian identity in places like Holy CrossChurch on Aghtamar island, St. Giragos Churchin Dikranagert and the cathedral in Ani.

“Sanctuaries that have long been silentagain rang with the sounds of Armenian wor-ship,” he said. “Indeed, this was a life-changingjourney, and a sign that nothing is impossiblewith God.”

As celebrant during the January 6 liturgy, thePrimate was surrounded on the altar by a num-ber of clergymen, deacons, and seminarians.The Very Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian, the newly-appointed dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, andcathedral priest the Very Rev. SoorenChinchinian participated in the service.

Sarkis Jebejian served as godfather forthe churorhnek, or Blessing of WaterCeremony, which commemorates the baptismof Jesus by the hand of John the Baptist.“Sarkis is a wonderful example to the younggeneration of Armenian-Americans,” Barsamiansaid. “He embodies the Armenian values offaith, family, and service through his activitieson behalf of the Armenian Church and theAGBU.”

The sacred music of the Divine Liturgy wasrendered beautifully throughout the service bythe St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, under the direc-tion of Khoren Mekanejian. Accompanying onthe organ was Florence Avakian.

Public participation was also robust at theArmenian Christmas Eve service on theevening of January 5. The celebrant wasKiledjian. The Christmas Eve service featuredscripture readings by students from theDiocese’s Khrimian Lyceum, who also addedtheir voices to the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir’ssinging of the Divine Liturgy.

After the service on January 6, a receptionconvened in Haik and Alice KavookjianAuditorium, where a traditional home-blessingceremony was led by Barsamian. The faithfulthen stepped forward to receive

blessed nushkhars. A colorful dance perfor-mance was offered by the Shushi Dance

Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, under thedirection of choreographer Seta Kantardjian.

Christmas Celebrated at New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral

Sarkis Jebejian with family after the Blessingof Water service on January 6

The Blessing of Water service followed Badarak

The Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral performed after Christmas services.

MICHAEL OVANES PHOTO

MICHAEL OVANES PHOTO

MICHAEL OVANES PHOTO

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Dates for the St.Nersess Armenian Seminary’s SummerConferences for young people have just beenannounced. Students have the option ofattending one of four sessions offered this sum-mer on the New Rochelle campus: Deacons’Training June 24-July 2; High School “A” July 5-13; High School “B” July 29-August 6 and PostHigh School August 8-13.

Each conference session makes daily worship,Bible Study and Armenian language instruc-tion appealing and fun. In addition, sports, out-ings, home-cooked meals, and those special St.Nersess traditions make for a well-rounded and

innovative experience where young people formdeep, lasting friendships and discover theirplace in the Armenian Church.

Seminary alumni clergy will direct the con-ference sessions, including Rev. Tavit Boyajianfor the first high school session and Rev.Hovnan Demerjian leading the second highschool session. Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan willonce again direct the Deacons’ TrainingProgram, while the new seminary dean, Rev.Mardiros Chevian, will make his return after 20years to direct the Post High School conference.

Other clergy and church lay leaders will assistin instructing the participants in the funda-

mentals of the ArmenianChurch’s faith and traditions.Participants will also beencouraged to ask any frankquestion they have about thechurch, its teachings and tra-ditions, Christian faith, theBible and issues of concern tothem, no matter how sensitiveor controversial.Anonymously dropped into aspecial box, the questions willbe addressed by a panel ofclergy.

Another experience duringeach session involves an after-noon trip to the local areaArmenian homes for the aged.This allows participants theopportunity to visit, pray with

and learn from the elder community.The conferences have attracted thousands of

teenagers and college-age students over thepast five decades to explore their faith and her-itage with friends in a safe, fun and unique envi-ronment. This includes select students from theSts. Tarkmanchatz School in Jerusalem whohave participated in the conferences for thepast six years thanks to benefactors andSummer Conference scholarships, coordinatedbetween Chevian and the Very Rev. NorayrKazarian of Jerusalem.

“The Jerusalem students have the oppor-tunity to experience one the best programsfor youth that exists; they get to meet otheryoung Armenian students with whom they

establish friendships and continue to main-tain contact; and they broaden their horizonsand take a new look at the faith and tradi-tions of the Armenian Church in which theyhave grown up,” explained Chevian. “Also,our American Armenian youth are offeredthe valuable experience of meeting otheryoung people from Armenian Jerusalem, get-ting to know them as individuals and learn-ing about the life and history of Armenians inthe Holy City.”

Registration for the conferences will be avail-able online soon. A maximum of 25 participantswill be accepted for each session.

For further information, contact the semi-nary at info@stnersess.edu.

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Participants of the Deacons’ Training Program celebrate theBadarak at the St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City.

St. Nersess Summer Conference Dates Announced

Participants listen and learn in a casual, safe environment at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.

10 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

Arts & LivingS A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3

Pinajian DiscoveryDebuts in New York

NEW YORK — To launch Rediscovered Masters, art historian Peter Hastings Falkpresents “Lost and Found: The Pinajian Discovery,” the first in a series of exhibitionsdedicated to deserving late career artists and/or those have passed on and whoseachievements have been forgotten or overlooked. A stellar example of one suchnotable but neglected artist is Arthur Pinajian, a 20th-century American painter whodied in 1999 at the age of 85 and whose much-lauded abstract landscapes in “Lostand Found” are showcased in New York for the first time.The exhibition of Pinajian’s paintings, on view in New York for the very first time,

will run from February 13 through March 10. It will open on February 13 with a ben-efit for the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). The benefit will be hosted byAntiquorum at the Fuller Building at 57th Street and Madison Avenue.After Pinajian’s death in 1999, five decades of accumulated artwork were found

stacked up in the one-car garage and attic of the Bellport, NY, cottage he shared withhis sister. He had left instructions for his collection to be discarded in the town dump.At the last moment an artist cousin refused to let the garbage truck haul away thepaintings. Instead, Prof. William Innes Homer (1929-2012), then dean of Americanart historians, was asked to examine the life’s work of the unknown artist and wasstunned by what he found: a large body of extraordinary abstract landscape and fig-urative paintings by a gifted artist who was completely unknown in his lifetime.Homer urged Falk to head the project. Soon a team of art historians was conduct-ing research into the life and art of Arthur Pinajian.

As a boy growing up in an Armenian community in West Hoboken, NJ, Pinajianwas a completely self-trained cartoonist. During the Great Depression, he became oneof the pioneers in a new medium: the comic book. In 1940, he created “MadamFatal,” the first cross-dressing superhero, for Crack Comics. After World War II, heenrolled at the Art Students League in Woodstock, NY. For 22 years, his life revolvedaround Woodstock, albeit largely reclusive, while he passionately pursued his paint-ing. His admirable poetic color combinations are linked to the tonalities of his bet-ter-known fellow Armenian, Arshile Gorky (ca. 1904-1948). Late in life, he moved withhis sister to Bellport. There, he strived for visual and spiritual conclusions regardingflatness and color that parallel the goals of the Abstract Expressionists.The exhibition is accompanied by a 128-page hardcover book with essays by art

see PINAJIAN, page 11

Sacred Objects fromArmenian Churches ofConstantinople TopicOf Fresno State LectureFRESNO — Dr. Ronald Marchese will

discuss his recent research inConstantinople/Istanbul with a talk on“Treasures of Faith: Sacred Objects fromthe Armenian Churches ofConstantinople and What They Tell UsAbout Armenian Society and Culture” onMonday, January 28.This Leon S. Peters Foundation

Lecture will be held in the UniversityBusiness Center, Alice Peters Auditoriumon the Fresno State campus and is part ofthe Armenian Studies Program Spring2013 Lecture Series.Marchese is professor of ancient history

and archaeology at the University ofMinnesota, Duluth, and has spent the lastseveral years documenting the rich cul-tural history of the Armenians inConstantinople by studying the works ofart that the Armenians produced. He willaccompany his talk with slides of some ofthe artwork that he has catalogued.Over the course of hundreds of years

Armenian society and culture developed inConstantinople after the founding of theArmenian Patriarchate in the city in 1461.Although a traditional date, it is clearly evi-dent that a substantial number ofArmenians from eastern Anatolia had estab-lished themselves in the city long before thisdate. Most went unnoticed in the pages ofhistory due to the fact that they wereabsorbed within Byzantine material andpolitical culture. Simply stated they became“Byzantine” in nature. After the mid-15thcentury and especially after the establish-ment of their own patriarchate and “patrik”this “invisibility” disappears.Encouraged to immigrate “to the city”

the Armenian population increased sub-stantially as witnessed by Samataya, andBeyoglu. By the mid-18th city to the mid-19thcentury — 1750-1850 — approximate-ly half of all Armenian churches in thecity were founded. Some were in closeproximity to others in densely concentrat-ed areas near the Patriarchate, especiallyin Kumkapi, Yenikapi. Associated withthis increase in population was the rise ofan Armenian “aristocracy” — the amiraclass. Many of these individuals financedchurch construction and are well-knownin both Ottoman and Patriarchal records.The issue here is not who these peoplewere, a powerful group of wealthyentrepreneurs, merchants and bankers,who gave clout to their group, but ratherthose who worked hard, accumulatedmodest amounts of wealth and were faith-ful church goers who participated in theaffairs of their congregation and neigh-borhood—the emerging “petty bour-geois.” Who were they and what they didhas barely been recorded. It was their con-tributions to their respective churchesthat is brought to light in his currentresearch and is illustrated in this presen-tation.Marchese received his PhD from New

York University and has a distinguishedcareer in archaeology, having conductedresearch at the Plataiai ArchaeologicalExcavation in Greece and at Tel Dor inIsrael. He is the author of numerous arti-cles and book chapters in the field. He isan alumnus of California State University,Fresno.He is the author, together with Marlene

Breu, of Splendor and Spectacle: TheArmenian Orthodox Church TextileCollections of Istanbul (Çitlembik Ltd.,Istanbul, 2010). He has authored severalother books on art and weaving.

A self-portrait by Arthur Pinajian

Wealth of Middle EasternArt Showcased at DubaiOpera GalleryDUBAI (Emirates 24/7) — A combination of

contemporary and modern artwork by ArabArtists was recently hosted by the OperaGallery here.Works of art by regional artists were show-

cased at the Art Nights at Gate Village onJanuary 13.Works from Middle Eastern talents such as

Nasrollah Afjehei, Youssef Ahmed, RezaDerakshani, Mohammad Ehsai, PaulGuiragossian, Sabhan Adam and ParvizTanavoli were exhibited at the first of the 2013popular Art Nights series.Contemporary Iranian visual artist Nasrollah

Afjehei, born in 1933, has had numerous workssold at auction. Most recently, “Wave” was soldat Christie’s in Dubai in 2011, for $218,500.Widely regarded as the greatest plastic artist

in the Middle East, Qatari creator YoussefAhmed takes traditional regional calligraphyand shapes his pieces using modern techniques.Reza Derakshani is best known for his gold-

leaf work on canvasses, whose foundations aug-ment under different reflections of light.Born in Iran, in 1939, Mohammad Ehsai

received classical training in traditional calli-graphic methods he has traveled far to experi-ence other cultures, which has shaped his useof Persian script in his work.Lebanese-Armenian painter Paul

Guiragossian (1926-1993) has been based inBeirut throughout his life, studying in Florenceand traveling globally to exhibit his work. Hispaintings continually express the complexitiesof the human condition, through static and ani-mated representations of the body.Sabhan Adam developed his own highly-recog-

nizable figurative painting style. His popular can-vases reflect the heavier, darker side of mankind.Considered Iran’s foremost modern sculptor,

Parviz Tanavoli has created sculptures withbronze, ceramics, fiberglass and scrap metaland have a deep engagement with Persian folk-loric traditions.Yasmina Alaoui and Marco Guerra collabo-

rate in their works, primarily in Morocco.Alaoui fuses ink calligraphy with human bodyimagery, while Guerra — a New York-based fash-ion photographer, originally from Chile — col-laborates with the artist.Young graduate of a liberal arts and fine arts

program, photographer Khalid Al Hamad isfamed for his series of black and white picturesthat explore the human anatomy.Ali Esmaeilpour has had paintings commis-

sioned by the Iran Museum of Heritage andCulture as well as the Iran Ministry of Olympics.

Concert at ALMA onJanuary 27 to FeatureWorks by BabajanianWATERTOWN — The Armenian Library and

Museum of America (ALMA) presents a concertby students of the Walnut Hill School for theArts. The concert will take place on Sunday,January 27, at 4 p.m., in ALMA’s ContemporaryArts Gallery.This collaboration between ALMA and the

school includes the performance of a very spe-cial piece of Armenian chamber music, ArnoBabajanian’s Piano Trio (written in 1952)which combines traditional Armenian melodieswith rich Romantic textures, and serves as amusical testament to the feelings of nationalistidentity of the Armenian people under Sovietdomination. The chamber groups will also pre-sent Erwin Schulhoff’s Concertino for flute,viola and double bass, and AlexanderZemlinsky’s Trio for clarinet, cello and piano.Tickets will be available at the door. Admissionfree for students. Refreshments to be served fol-lowing the program.For more information, contact

info@almainc.org.

Abstract by Arthur Pinajian from 1985

Pinajian DiscoveryDebuts in New YorkPINAJIAN, from page 10historians Falk, Richard J. Boyle, and the lateWilliam Innes Homer; art critic John Perreault;conservator Jonathan Sherman; bestsellingauthor Lawrence E. Joseph, owner of the col-lection; and, Pinajian’s artist-cousin, PeterNajarian. The collective essays present one ofthe most compelling discoveries in the historyof 20th-century American art. Dr. Homer writes:“Even though Pinajian was a creative force tobe reckoned with, during his lifetime he rarelyexhibited or sold his paintings. Instead, he pur-sued his goals in isolation with the single-mind-ed focus of a Gauguin or Cézanne, refusing togive up in the face of public indifference. In hislater years he could be compared to a loneresearcher in a laboratory pursuing knowledgefor its own sake. His exhaustive diaries and artnotes make it clear that he dedicated all of hisdays to his art. He was passionate and unequiv-ocally committed.”

AA nn IInn ttrr iigguu iinngg LL ii tteerr aa rr yy CCoonnnneeccttiioonn

It is interesting to note the astonishing resem-blance between Pinajian and the hero in KurtVonnegut’s Bluebeard: The Autobiography ofRabo Karabekian, a 1987 novel about an eccen-tric painter. Both Pinajian and Karabekian, a.k.a.Bluebeard, were Armenian-Americans, raised byparents who survived the 1915 ArmenianGenocide who then made their way to the UnitedStates where they raised their families duringthe Great Depression. Both men then servedwith the United States Army during World WarII in the European theater, each earning a hostof ribbons and medals, including the BronzeStar. After the war, both abandoned their careersas illustrators for higher artistic pursuits, joinedthe Art Students League in New York, and hungout with the Abstract Expressionists at the CedarTavern in Greenwich Village. Both eventuallymoved to Long Island’s East End near the ocean,where they kept their paintings tightly lockedaway in a garage.“Ultimately Pinajian’s work reflects the soul of a

flawed, yet brilliant, artistic genius. When he hitsthe mark, especially in his abstractions, he can beranked among the best artists of his era . . . His lifeis, above all, a model for those who feel that they

must follow their calling despite a lack of publicacceptance,” concluded Dr. Homer.According to Falk, Rediscovered Masters will

provide a singular and valuable service for exhi-bition planners, connecting museum curators,gallerists, historians and critics with important,gifted artists about whom tastemakers mightnot be aware. Admission is by invitation only.Once an artist is admitted they are representedonline with a thematic exhibition, a criticalbiography and other essays. Artists are identi-fied through an Art Advisory Board composedof a cadre of museum directors and curators,art gallery owners, and other art professionals.

The senior advisor is Peter Selz, former vuratorof paintings at The Museum of Modern Art andfounder of the Berkeley Art Museum.Opening eyes while fighting ageism,

“Rediscovered Masters” expands upon Falk’s 37years of identifying and promoting excellent late-

career artists and artist estate collections. Falkis author and publisher of what has long beenregarded as an exhaustive biographical dictio-nary on American art, Who Was Who inAmerican Art, a three-volume opus that won theWittenborn Award for the Best Art ReferenceBook published in North America, awarded bythe Art Libraries Society. Falk also pioneered thedocumentation of art auction prices with hisannual Art Price Index International and thatdata is now online at Artprice.com, the leader in

art market information.FAR, an organization founded following a

devastating earthquake in 1988, has servedhundreds of thousands of people through morethan 225 relief and development programs inArmenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. It has chan-

neled more than $290 million in humanitarianand development assistance by implementing awide range of projects including emergencyrelief, construction, education, medical aid, andeconomic development.The exhibition opens on February 13 and will

continue through March 10 at Antiquorum, 41East 57th St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment.For more information visit

www.rediscoveredmasters.com.

11T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O RS A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3

ARTS & LIVING

Another abstract by Arthur Pinajian, from 1963

Abstract by Arthur Pinajian, from 1954

LOS ANGELES — The Armenian inAmerica, a volume of photographs document-ing Armenian life across the United States, waspublished last month.Featuring close to 600 photographs with cap-

tions, The Armenian in America has been inthe making for the past four years. The volumeis the work of Stepan Partamian, who traveledthroughout America in search of Armenianlandmarks and establishments, as well as publicsigns containing Armenian references.Starting in 2009, when the project was

announced, Partamian meticulously researchedthe destinations he was to document, andembarked on successive road trips, whichencompassed most of the continental UnitedStates. In addition to his preliminary research,the author met with Armenian communities invarious states, both to gain fresh insight into

local histories and gather further informationon Armenian landmarks worthy of inclusion inthe book. Partamian ended up taking thousands of

photographs of Armenian sites and signs, whichwere eventually distilled into The Armenian inAmerica — a full-color, 184-page volume docu-menting Armenian life in every state with anArmenian community, from Arizona toWashington, DC.“The main reason that this project came

about is that I’m not interested in the mere

preservation of Armenian culture, but ratherbelieve in nurturing and celebrating its creativeenergies, its wonderful potential,” Partamiansaid. “While we Armenian-Americans claim tobe proud of our long history in America, mostof us don’t know the first thing about Armeniancommunities beyond the cities or counties inwhich we live, let alone communities in far-flung states. As I discovered in the past fouryears, there is a breathtaking diversity ofArmenian life in the United States.”“I sought to document the dazzling tapestry of

Armenian-American culture not only given thefact that, amazingly, no one had yet attempted aproject of this type, but because I wanted toshare the multifaceted nature of our culturalfootprint with fellow Armenians, the young gen-eration in particular,” Partamian continued.“Collectively, Armenians suffer from either the

superiority complex of a glorious past,or the inferiority complex of a victimizednation. My hope is that, through an ini-tiative like The Armenian in America,our compatriots will form a clearer ideaof the extent of our presence and accom-plishments in this land, and rightfullyfeel a sense of shared achievement.”The Armenian in America compris-

es photographs of Armenian institu-tions and establishments such aschurches, schools, community centers,and businesses; landmarks such as stat-ues, khachkars (stone crosses),Genocide monuments, war-veteranmemorials, and various memorialplaques; and public signs such asArmenian street and highway names;and even Armenian flags placed infront of public buildings.Partamian’s photographs reveal fac-

toids about Armenian-American history.In Ocala, Fla., for instance, the authorcame across two Armenian churches

facing each other, one affiliated with the See ofAntelias and one with the See of Echmiadzin.Although the two churches remain Armenian-community-owned, both are rented to non-Armenian congregations, indicating thatArmenian church services are no longer held inthese houses of worship. In California, Partamian came across Yettem,

the only town in the US with an Armenianname. In Connecticut, he photographed a signof the Antranig Ozanian Memorial Highway, aswell as the memorial stone of Haroutune

Daghlian, a physicist with the ManhattanProject who had accidentally irradiated himselfin 1945. While in Virginia, Partamian searchedfor the grave or a memorial of Martin theArmenian, one of the first settlers of theJamestown Colony. As the author’s searchturned up nothing, he looked for and found anextraordinary-looking tree and dedicated it toMartin the Armenian, commenting that just likethe Armenian people, the tree would grow andwither, but certainly give rise to new shoots. The publication of The Armenian in

America comes on the heels of a series ofbooks by Partamian documenting the contri-butions of Armenians to American Civilization.In Yes, We Have and its sequel, Yes, We HaveToo as well as an Armenian version, titled Ayo,Menk enk, Partamian has documented the con-

tributions of hundreds of Armenian-Americansto their adopted homeland, in fields rangingfrom science, technology, and literature to poli-tics, journalism and sports. Partamian said that just as proceeds from the

sale of the Yes, We Have series helped fund thepublication of The Armenian in America, pro-ceeds from the sale of the latter volume will ben-efit his next major project, The Armenian in theWorld. A sweeping photographic survey of Armenian

institutions, landmarks and signs across theentire globe, The Armenian in the World will bepublished just before April 2015, in honor ofthe 100th anniversary of Medz Yeghern.The Armenian in America is available for

purchase at Armenian bookstores and online atTheArmenian.com.

S A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

ARTS & LIVING / BOOKS

12

ALMA Director to Lecture on ‘TreasuredObjects: The Extraordinary Lives ofOrdinary Things’ WATERTOWN, Mass. — What

things do people keep, hoping topass them on to the next gener-ations? What stories couldthese objects tell, if they onlyhad a voice? Dr. Susan Pattiewill give a lecture at theArmenian Library and Museumof America (ALMA) about therich oral history narrativesinspired by ordinary objects, thetreasures of every-day life. Using examples from a recent

exhibition in London ofArmenian life during Ottomantimes, Pattie will show howobjects within homes reveal inti-mate details of past lives as wellas the journeys taken to arrivein their present location.Her recent book, Treasured

Objects: Armenian Life in the Ottoman Empire, co-authored with colleagues at theArmenian Institute, London, will be available for purchase.Pattie is a cultural anthropologist and continues her research and writing on the

Armenian Diaspora. She is the director of ALMA, senior research fellow at UniversityCollege London and teaches subjects including “Food, Culture and Identity” and“Sacred Across Cultures.”ALMA is located at 65 Main St. in Watertown MA, 02472. The lecture will take

place on the Contemporary Art Gallery (3rd Floor) at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will fol-low the presentation.

Stepan Partamian

The Armenian in America DocumentsArmenian Life throughout the US

NEW YORK — The presentation/Kinedzonof Dr. Meline Karakashian’s recently pub-lished book, Gomidas: A PsychologicalStudy, took place on Friday, December 7, atthe Armenian Center. The event was orga-nized by the New York chapter of theHamazkayin Armenian Educational andCultural Society. The book is published by theRichard and Tina Carolan Literary Fund(Holy See of Cilicia, Antelias) and is availableat the bookstore of the Prelacy of theArmenian Apostolic Church in New York.Following the opening remarks by Dr. Ara

Caprielian, currently the chairman of the chap-

ter, Karakashian made an engaging presenta-tion, highlighting pivotal points in the life ofGomidas Vartabed. The author emphasized sev-eral critical events, affecting the emotional andpsychological state of the patriot and the giantof Armenian music. Given the tragic events thatbefell Gomidas, and for that matter countlessArmenians who lived through the harrowingexperience of 1915, it would be hardly surpris-ing to note certain behavioral changes orexpressions of post-traumatic disorder. Had theknowledge and treatments we now have beenavailable then, Gomidas assuredly would havelived a different life, carrying out his sacred mis-

sion in the development, preservationand enhancement of Armenian music.Further elucidations were offered byKarakashian. The reader is encouragedto purchase the book and take the fasci-nating journey with Gomidas Vartabed.The meticulous research and archivalphotographs make this worthy studystill more interesting. As Karakashian noted, there still are

unstudied archives in Armenia andFrance, awaiting their researchers. The in-depth presentation was fol-

lowed by a lively question-and-answerperiod. At the conclusion of the pro-gram, the executive board of the chapterpresented Karakashian with a portrait ofGomidas by artist Minas Minassian. The

portrait was donated by Hamazkayin memberRoupen Barsoumian. Rev. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the St.

Illuminator’s Cathedral, performed the tradi-

tional ceremony of Kinedzon. He also madebrief remarks and invited the audience to honorthe memory of the 1988 earthquake victims bya moment of silence.

Book Presentation Organized by Hamazkayin of New York

At the book sale and signing

Dr. Meline Karakashian, Dr. Ara Caprielian and Roupen Barsoumian at the presentation of the por-trait of Gomidas Vartabed

S A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 13

ARTS & LIVING

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JJAANNUUAARRYY 2266 —— SStt.. JJoohhnn AArrmmeenniiaann CChhuurrcchh DDiinnnneerr aanndd DDaannccee aattCCuullttuurraall HHaallll,, hhoonnoorriinngg ZZaabbeell BBeelliiaann aanndd tthhee llaattee DDrr.. GGaarraabbeeddBBeelliiaann,, with music by Harry Hovakimian Ensemble; 22001Northwestern Highway, Southfield; RSVP Nora Azadian at (248) 757-2320.

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St. John Armenian Churchwill host a dinner anddance at the cultural hall,honoring Zabel Belian andthe late Dr. Garabed Belianon January 26, with musicby the Harry HovakimianEnsemble; 22001Northwestern Highway,Southfield, MI; RSVP NoraAzadian at (248) 757-2320.

Lecture at NAASR byLevon Chookaszian onArtist Arshag FetvajianBELMONT, Mass. — Prof. Levon

Chookaszian will give an illustrated lec-ture titled, “The Life and Art of ArshagFetvajian: Master Armenian Artist,” onThursday, February 7, at 8 p.m. at theNational Association for ArmenianStudies and Research (NAASR), 395Concord Ave. The lecture is co-sponsoredby the Armenian Library and Museum ofAmerica (ALMA) and NAASR. An exhibi-tion of Fetvajian’s work is currently ondisplay at ALMA’s third-floor gallery, 65Main St., Watertown.Fetvajian (1866-1947) was one of the

most international of Armenian artists.Though hissophist icatedviews of late-19t h -centur yEuropean andA r m e n i a nscenery andmanners havemade him thesubject of someimportant exhi-bitions and stud-ies, thereremains a needto take a closerlook atFetvajian. He was born in Trebizond,trained in Ottoman Turkey and Italy, livedin Austria, Russia, Armenia, Georgia,England and the United States and trav-eled widely. Unfortunately, his works arescattered across the world and many areseldom seen and little known.Chookaszian’s recent work on Fetvajian

is the most comprehensive to date in pre-senting a largenumber of hisa r t w o r k s ,accompanied bya detailed narra-tive of his lifeand works inA r m e n i a n ,Russian andE n g l i s h .Chookaszian is

the UNESCOProfessor ofArmenian Art

History at Yerevan State University andone of the leading authorities in theworld on Armenian art. He has taught atYerevan State University since 1978 andis one of the founders of the departmentof art history. He is the author of manyscholarly books and articles on a widevariety of subjects.This lecture is being given in memory

of Arshag Merguerian (1926-2005), archi-tect and an active member and friend ofNAASR for nearly 50 years.More information about Chookaszian’s

lecture may be had by e-mailinghq@naasr.org, or writing to NAASR, 395Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.

Levon Chookaszian

The late artist ArshagFetvajian

Beer: The BookBy Jason Foster

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Canada(Saskatoon’s City Magazine) Every now andthen, people ask me how I got so into beer. Theshort answer is easy: I love to drink the stuff!There’s a longer answer of course, which

includes developing a passion for everythingabout brewing quality beer. But a central ele-ment in my beer education has also been readingbeer-related books. I can’t get enough of them.An oft-repeated standby of beer literature is

the “beer atlas” — a large, glossy coffee tablespread that travels through some of the bestbeer the world has to offer. The genre was pio-neered way back in 1977 by Michael Jackson(the British beer writer, not the creepy singer),but it’s been a few years since a quality examplewas released.That changed this fall, when The World Atlas

of Beer, co-written by Tim Webb and CanadianStephen Beaumont, was released. Big, beautifuland informative, it travels the world, offeringtasting notes for more than 500 craft beer to befound. A book that offers a more general look at

beer overall, rather than specific examples, isThe Brewer’s Apprentice, written by Matt Allynand Stone Brewing’s Greg Koch. Also attractive

and accessible, it intersperses chapters on beeringredients, processes and styles with profilesof some the US’s most respected craft brewers.If humorous stories about beer are more your

speed, head straight for one of Pete Brown’sbooks. This British beer writer doesn’t aim toeducate as much as entertain, although you’lllearn a few things in spite of yourself. Browntells funny stories that glorify beer, and increas-es the public’s appreciation of both its value tocivilization and drinking with your mates alongthe way. His books are both intelligent andwickedly fun. He has three out currently — ManWalks Into a Pub, Three Sheets to the Windand Hops and Glory — and any of them wouldmake a good gift.When it comes to Canadian content, one thing

that’s sadly lacking is an equivalent atlas forCanuck beer — but you could do worse than pick-ing up Brew North by Ian Coutts, which is a gen-tle trip through Canada’s brewing history. Thereare more thorough books on Canadian beer his-tory, but none is packaged as well to appeal tocasual readers and beer aficionados alike.If your favourite beer lover is thinking about

getting into homebrewing, Charlie Papazian’sThe Complete Joy of Homebrewing is an abso-lute must. It’s the longtime bible of introductoryhomebrewing (and the one I cut my teeth on 20-plus years ago). It’s not a light read, but by thetime you’re done, you’ll be completely ready notjust for your first batch, but also ready to tackleintermediate and early advanced phases. Firstpublished in 1984, when homebrewing was in its

infancy, the latest edition was published in 2003.If that sounds a bit daunting for your buddingbrewer, start them off with How to Brew by JohnPalmer, which takes you through the process abit more slowly. It’s also a more up-to-date thanJoy, but not quite as thorough.What if you have a beer fan also big into pol-

itics? The book for them is FermentingRevolution by Mark O’Brien — it’s both anhomage to the joys of beer and a treatise onhow to use beer to change the world. Fromadvancing environmental sustainability andenhancing local economies to underminingpatriarchy, O’Brien links good craft beer withimportant political causes. Written in anupbeat, hopeful tone, it will motivate you totake action with beer to save the world, ratherthan drown your sorrows in it. How cool is that?Finally, if you have an absolutely crazed,

intense beer geek in your life, pony up for acopy of The Oxford Companion to Beer, editedby Brooklyn Brewing’s Garrett Oliver. Producedby the unparalleled Oxford University Press,Companion is the world’s first beer encyclope-dia. Literally covering everything from AbbeyBeer to zymurgy (the science of yeast fermen-tation), it has entries addressing beer history,brewing science, beer styles, important brew-eries and tons of other technical information.While it might not be perfect (there have beencomplaints about some historical and scientificinaccuracies), it remains the premier resourcefor the beer-loving equivalent of Big Bang’sSheldon.

14 S A T U R D A Y, J A N U A R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

COMMENTARY

By Edmond Y. Azadian

An eerie silence reigns over the Armenian news media, both inArmenia and in the diaspora, on one of the most crucial issues fac-ing the entire Armenian world. Indeed, the election of a patriarchin Jerusalem is around the corner when the Brotherhood of St.James convenes on January 23.

We cannot lull ourselves into believing that this is an issue whichconcerns only the Brotherhood, or for that matter only Armenians.What happens at the Armenian Patriarchate on that date has farbroader ramifications than many of us believe. The interested out-side parties have their own plans. Rival churches have their own.Indeed, the only people indifferent to these developments appearto be the Armenians who hold the key to the situation. All thatneeds to be done is to use that key wisely to preserve the treasuresand the legal rights which our ancestors have attained throughblood and sweat over the centuries.

The Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem traces its roots all theway to the sixth century, when a congregation and monastery wereestablished. Without enjoying the support and the protection of apowerful Armenian state, the Armenian Patriarchate has won andmaintained equal rights along with the Greeks and Catholics andit controls one sixth of the Old City.

In addition to legal and ceremonial privileges, the Patriarchatehas vast real estate holdings to the envy of other denominationsand ruling authorities of Jerusalem. After the Matenadaran inYerevan, the Patriarchate boasts the largest collection of Armenianancient manuscripts which have been jealously guarded and cata-logued by the monks, the last one being Bishop Norayr Bogharianof blessed memory.

Although Greeks have suffered the same bitter fate at the handsof the Turks as have the Armenians, Jerusalem has been a placewhere historically there has not been any empathy from the GreekPatriarchate toward the Armenians. On the contrary, they havetaken every opportunity to trample Armenian rights, the last onebeing recorded in the Church of the Nativity. There are probablymore problems in store in this relationship, in view of the rap-prochement between Israel and Cyprus in exploring the continen-tal shelf of the island for oil and gas, despite threats issued byAnkara.

The rights of different faiths are guaranteed and governed by theclauses of the Status Quo, decreed by the Ottoman Sultan in the1850s.

The Status Quo protects the rights of each denominationagainst encroachment by the other churches. For the convenienceof the authorities ruling the holy places, that covenant also dis-courages any interference by outside powers. However, historicallythe Vatican has been successful in influencing the conduct of thelocal authorities as well as the Russians and the Greeks. Only theArmenians have failed to exert any influence, seldom having a sov-ereign or powerful government. Additionally, the Brotherhood hasbeen loath to encourage any outside influence nor has it soughtadvice from any hierarchical authority. And the weaker theBrotherhood has become, the more it has overplayed its authority,sometimes to the detriment of the Patriarchate’s interests.

We all remember the degree of importance the ArmenianQuarter attained when it became a political hot potato at the CampDavid negotiations. Since the future of Jerusalem has not beendetermined yet, the destiny of the Patriarchate still hangs in thebalance.

As the Brotherhood convenes for the election, all the challengesfacing the Patriarchate must be the prime concern rather than thepersonalities — and likes and dislikes — of the potential candidates.A responsibility of historic magnitude rests on the shoulders ofeach member of the Brotherhood.

We may briefly outline those challenges, and the Brotherhood inits wisdom may decide on the commensurate qualities of the can-didates and cast their votes, realizing fully the far-reaching conse-quences of that vote.

The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem will remain a bone of con-tention between the Israelis and the Palestinians for the foresee-able future. And when the historic opportunity arises for a final set-tlement, that person at the helm will determine the future courseof history for the Armenian Patriarchate. The Brotherhood has to

foresee who the best individual will be for that watershed moment.Until 1967, and following the take over of Jerusalem by Israel,

two clergymen demonstrated their diplomatic skills in maneuver-ing between the feuding forces to preserve the interests of thePatriarchate. Those leaders were the much maligned late PatriarchYeghishe Derderian and the Chancellor, Archbishop ShaheAjemian.

Our skirmishes with the Greeks and Ethiopians will continue,perhaps even intensifying. Determination, patience and diplomacyhave to play their role, alternately, as the case may warrant, so thatno legal or ceremonial rights are compromised.

Nowhere in the world does the Armenian Church possess moreholdings than in Jerusalem. And those properties have whetted theappetites of many parties.

Historically real estate has been poorly managed in Jerusalem,costing tremendous losses. Any property leased for 99 years, asthe precedents have demonstrated, must be considered lost.Because, in time, real estate changes its value and the legalmanipulations by hostile parties may take their toll. The patri-arch himself cannot be a real estate expert, but must have theprudence of delegating the responsibility to the clergy or lay par-ties, skilled in the trade.

Property management in the hands of clergy has historicallyproven to be a losing proposition. Not only have Armenians lostvaluable property in Jerusalem, but also in Venice, where theMkhitarist fathers lost $50 million worth of property, claiming thatit was only the monastery’s business and no one else’s. The prop-erties in Jerusalem and elsewhere have been donated by benefac-tors or been acquired through the contributions of ordinarychurch members and, the clergy, in principle, plays the role of cus-todian rather than owner.

For many centuries the Jerusalem Patriarchate has served as thecenter of academic activities, producing a valuable body of schol-arly works. Recent years have seen a sharp decline in scholarship,somehow indicating that the historic mission has been abandoned.

The collection of rich manuscripts and historic documents, cou-pled with an invigorated leadership may warrant the resumption ofthat historic role. Especially throughout the 20th century, whenEchmiadzin was under Soviet rule, Jerusalem assumed the role ofeducating young members of the clergy who eventually all tookleadership positions throughout the diasporan churches and theycontinue serving eminently. As Echmiadzin is in the process ofcatching up in its role of clergy training, a heavy responsibility stillrests on the shoulders of the Jerusalem Patriarchate in that area.

The Patriarchate at one time had been physically and spirituallycatering to a thriving community in Jerusalem. The dwindling pop-ulation of that community has added responsibilities to thePatriarchate’s leadership.

As the election date approaches, we have yet to witness a con-sensus among membership of the Brotherhood around a leadingcandidate.

There are precedents when the Brotherhood elected patriarchsoutside its ranks, but we believe deserving members may emergefrom within — a candidate trained in Jerusalem and who has servedaround the world, with broad experience in the Armenian Churchstructure as well as in the ecumenical realm; a clergyman fluent inseveral languages and with experience with many dioceses.

Certainly age discrimination cannot be a consideration, but ageeventually may become a factor in an atrophied leadership as ithappened with the late patriarch.

Also, whether we like it or not, a silent tug-of-war continuesbehind the scenes, between the forces that have divided theArmenian Church and the forces that uphold the supremacy of theHoly See and Echmiadzin. Any candidate with a record of standingfor the unity of the Armenian Church will not only contribute toJerusalem, but also to the healing process of disunity through theentire structure of the church.

As we can see, the challenges are great and overwhelming. Whena new patriarch is elected, he will need the cooperation and the tal-ents of the entire Brotherhood.

We do hope the members of the Brotherhood will be able toenvision the historic perspective over their personal priorities andrise to the occasion. The challenges are overwhelming, the choicesare painful but the impact of individual visions is critical.

This is no time for personal ambitions — the moment of truth isapproaching in Jerusalem.

Established 1932

An ADL Publication

EDITOR

Alin K. Gregorian

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Gabriella Gage

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Aram ArkunART DIRECTOR

Marc Mgrditchian

SENIOREDITORIAL COLUMNIST:Edmond Azadian

CONTRIBUTORS:Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian,Daphne Abeel, Dr. HaroutiuneArzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof.Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana DerHovanessian, Philip Ketchian, KevorkKeushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido,Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, HagopVartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian

CORRESPONDENTS:

Armenia - Hagop AvedikianBoston - Nancy KalajianPhiladelphia - Lisa Manookian

Contributing Photographers:Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, JirairHovsepian

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Mirror-Spectator

Moment of Truth in JerusalemCOMMENTARY

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COMMENTARY

Defense Secretary NomineeOwes Apology to Armenian-Americans

Most political observers predict a contentious hearing inthe Armed Services Committee and later in the full Senateon the confirmation of former Sen. Chuck Hagel, PresidentObama’s nominee as the next Secretary of Defense.

During his 12 years in the Senate, Hagel, a Republican,managed to offend a slew of constituencies, including con-servative Senators of his own political party, as well asJewish Americans, Armenian-Americans, Cuban-Americans,and gays.

In order to appease his critics and secure Senate’s con-firmation, Senator Hagel has been busy in recent days issu-ing retractions and apologies to various groups.

Upon learning of Hagel’s nomination, Jewish-Americanorganizations harshly criticized him for being soft on Iranand hard on Israel, and for stating that “the Jewish lobby”in the United States “intimidates a lot of people.”

Senator Hagel responded by telling The Lincoln JournalStar on January 7 that his record demonstrates “unequiv-ocal, total support for Israel” and endorsement of tougheconomic sanctions against Iran. There is “not one shred ofevidence that I’m anti-Israeli, not one [Senate] vote thatmatters hurt Israel,” Hagel told the newspaper.

The nominee also backed down from his opposition to

ambassadorial nominee James Hormel in 1998 whom hehad called “openly, aggressively gay.” He issued an apologylast week to gay rights groups, stating that his earlier com-ments were “insensitive.”

However, the nominee for Defense Secretary remainsunapologetic regarding his highly insensitive remarks onthe Armenian Genocide.

During a press conference in Yerevan on June 2, 2005,Senator Hagel expressed his opposition to a pending con-gressional resolution on the Armenian Genocide: “Historiansand others should deal with it. But, I don’t think that theUnited States Government should become involved in theissue based on a resolution or any other way. What hap-pened in 1915, happened in 1915. As one United StatesSenator, I think the better way to deal with this is to leave itopen to historians and others to decide what happened andwhy.” This happens to be the exact position of the denialistTurkish regime on the Armenian Genocide.

Senator Hagel went on to tell Armenian journalists: “Thefact is that this region needs to move forward. We need tofind a lasting peace between Turkey and Armenia and theother nations of this region. I am not sure that by goingback and dealing with that in some way that causes oneside or the other to be put in difficult spot, helps move thepeace process forward.” These comments were simplyintended to cover-up the Turkish crime of genocide.

Senator Hagel’s pronouncements against the recognitionof the Armenian Genocide are highlighted by his expres-sions of admiration for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founderof the Turkish Republic, who continued the genocide initi-ated by the predecessor regime. It is not surprising that theAtaturk Society of America presented Senator Hagel, theAtaturk Society’s Leadership Award on May 19, 2005, twoweeks before going to Armenia and endorsing the Turkishgovernment’s views on the Armenian Genocide.

Hurriyet newspaper quoted Senator Hagel as makingthe following highly laudatory statement about the Fatherof modern Turkey in a 2008 speech: “Ataturk is one of the

most valuable leaders of the 21st century. Children in theUnited States know nothing about this great leader. Theyshould teach about him in schools and write about him inhistory books. Ataturk played a leading role in shapingtoday’s world.”

Armenian-Americans and human rights activists, who aredeeply concerned about Hagel’s nomination, were quotedin an article by Adam Kredo in Washington Free Beacontitled, “Chuck Hagel has an Armenian Problem.” Here aresome of their statements:

• “We remain troubled by former Senator Hagel’s accep-tance of Ankara’s gag-rule on American honesty about theArmenian Genocide,” ANCA Executive Director AramHamparian stated.

• “We expect a rigorous confirmation process which willalso serve as an opportunity for Senator Hagel to forth-rightly acknowledge the US record on the ArmenianGenocide,” stated Bryan Ardouny, executive director of theArmenian Assembly of America.

• “On the eve of the Holocaust, Hitler mockingly asked,‘Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of theArmenians?’ Not Chuck Hagel, apparently,” stated RafaelMedoff, director of the David S. Wyman Institute forHolocaust Studies.

• “What Chuck Hagel said in his press conference inArmenia in 2005 regarding the genocide of Armenians byTurks is shameful,” said Walter Reich, former director ofthe United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “In hisforthcoming confirmation hearings, senators should con-front him with what he said and should expect him toaddress it.”

• Hagel’s opposition to U.S. recognition of the Armeniangenocide “betrays a shocking lack of moral leadership,”stated Thane Rosenbaum, Fordham University LawProfessor.

Unless Senator Hagel apologizes for his “insensitive”remarks on the Armenian Genocide, Armenian-Americansshould urge the Senate to block his confirmation.

My TurnBy Harut Sassounian

L E T T E R S

Remembering Dr.Varant Hagopian To the Editor:

It is always difficult to lose a public ser-vant in our Armenian community. It is evenharder if such an individual was as multifac-eted and dedicated to his church and orga-nizations as much as Dr. Varant Hagopianmanifested throughout his life.

A respected ophthalmologist and namedone of Boston Magazine’s top eye doctors,Dr. Hagopian never possessed any preten-sions of grandeur, yet he was grand in hisown humble way.

Whether it was his role with the ArmenianPrelacy or with the Friends of ArmenianCulture Society (FACS), Dr. Hagopian was avisionary who sought to keep his peopleunited and strong.

Whether he did it through generous phil-anthropy or rolled up his sleeves, he neversettled for mediocrity.

My best impression of the man was not onsome dais accepting an award or the manytitles he held throughout his active life. Thatis not what personified his character.

Instead, it was moments at Symphony Hallwhen he was surrounded by members of hisfamily, exposing his children and grandchil-dren to fine music. He was truly in his ele-ment at Armenian Night at the Pops.

His passion for classical music and theArmenian performing arts made him a some-what inveterate fan.

No doubt, the organization would neverhave prospered and persevered had it notbeen for his expertise and insight as a valuedcommittee member and catalyst. He servedon the planning committee and delighted inseeing his efforts culminate on stage withsome of the world’s greatest musicians andconductors.

Despite all his other accomplishments, thedevotion he had to his wife Ruth and mem-bers of his family remains his biggest legacy.

–Tom VartabedianHaverhill, MA

By Naira Hayrumyan

The events currently unfolding in the Middle East could lead to amajor redrawing of the boundaries in the region, with the emergenceof a new state, Kurdistan, in the Kurdish-populated areas of Iraq, Syriaand Turkey. Some international experts already speak openly aboutsuch a possibility. And such a prospect will have a bearing on Armeniaas well, since it may potentially get a new neighbor.

Iraqi Kurdistan is a de facto independent. Syria’s Kurdish-populatedareas are also close to achieving independence from Damascus andtheir reunion is no longer deemed as a fanciful scenario. At present,the Turkish government is doing everything to prevent the TurkishKurds from joining the growingnational-liberation movement ofKurds in the Middle East.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party,better known as PKK, has longbeen fighting for autonomy inTurkey, and for 40 years Ankara haswaged an uncompromising struggleagainst Kurdish separatism.

Sensing the danger recently, how-ever, Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyip Erdogan has decided toresume talks with the PKK leader,Abdullah Oçalan, who is now serv-ing a life sentence in a Turkish jail.According to Turkish media, Oçalanallegedly assured Ankara that hisparty was fighting not for indepen-dence and establishment of Kurdistan, but only for autonomy withinTurkey.

Apparently, Turkey is thinking over granting autonomy to its Kurdsand facilitating the creation of Kurdistan on the territories of Syriaand Iraq. Some reports indicate that Erdogan is contemplating a visitto Washington next month for the lobbying of this issue.

However, the killing of three Kurdish female activists in Paris,France, a few days ago was, apparently, aimed at disrupting theTurkish-Kurdish reconciliation plan. More and more experts now areinclined to believe that Turkey will eventually be divided.

It is not completely clear how a possible Kurdish autonomy inTurkey could be established — if it could at all — or what lands anemerging independent Kurdistan could claim from Turkey, but someArmenian experts already now fear that the plans may also affect theterritories of historical Armenia that are now under Turkish control.Technically, Kurdish lands are situated south of so-called Western

Armenia, but the issue of historical Armenian lands in Turkey will notbe avoided in the event of a major revision of borders in the region.

Officials in Ankara acknowledge that Turkey may be in trouble inview of the approaching year 2015 — the centennial of the Ottoman-era Armenian Genocide that successive Turkish governments haverefused to admit. The possible recognition of the Armenian Genocideon its 100th anniversary by the United States will inevitably lead toterritorial claims to Turkey from Armenia.

Turkey clearly understands this and recent ethnically motivatedattacks against Armenians in Turkey provides further proof ofTurkey’s awareness. Three ethnic Armenians have recently fallen vic-tim to apparent racist attacks in Istanbul. An elderly woman and aman who taught at a local Armenian school have been brutally mur-dered, with their throats cut, while another woman escaped with a

severe injury after a taxi driverattacked her only because she spokeArmenian.

This is likely to exacerbate Armenian-Turkish troubled relations. Yerevan hasnot made any statement regarding thispoint, but Armenia is seeing large-scalepreparations for the 100th anniversaryof the Armenian Genocide, which initself, is a strong message and chal-lenge to their more powerful neighbor.

Director of the Yerevan-based ModusVivendi think tank, former Ambassadorto Canada Ara Papian thinks thatArmenia needs to be developing itsrelations with the Kurds. This alliance,he says, is necessary no matter what —whether the Kurds manage to dismem-

ber Turkey and achieve autonomy in Turkish territory, or if they justcontinue fighting for independence.

Yerevan has never made any formal territorial claims to Turkey, butArmenia still does not recognize the current borders of the TurkishRepublic formed under the 1921 Treaty of Moscow. This is alsoenshrined in the constitution of the Republic of Armenia.

Meanwhile, voices in support of another international document,the Treaty of Sevres that was signed between the Ottoman Empireand the Allies at the end of World War I, are getting louder within thepublic and political circles of Armenia. Turkey subsequently refused toratify the treaty that implied the establishment of so-called WilsonianArmenia, the boundary configuration of the Armenian state drawn bythe then US President Woodrow Wilson to incorporate some of theformerly Armenian-populated areas of the Ottoman Empire and pro-vide democratic Armenia with an outlet to the Black Sea.

(Naira Hayrumyan is an ArmeniaNow Correspondent.)

Possible Emergence of IndependentKurdistan Expected to Impact Armenia

Officials in Ankara acknowledge that Turkey maybe in trouble in view of the approaching year 2015— the centennial of the Ottoman-era ArmenianGenocide that successive Turkish governments haverefused to admit. The possible recognition of theArmenian Genocide on its 100th anniversary by theUnited States will inevitably lead to territorial claimsto Turkey from Armenia.

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BROTHERHOOD, from page 1The first was within the Armenian Church,

serving various Armenian communities. From1972 to 1974, he served as dragoman or trans-lator for the Armenian Patriarchate ofJerusalem. From 1975 to 1976, he served in thechurches of the Armenian Patriarchate ofConstantinople, becoming the assistant toPatriarch Shnorhk Kalustyan. Later, he wasappointed as the pastor of the Armenian com-munity of Switzerland. From 1980 to 1992, heorganized the Armenian communities ofZurich, Bern, Kreuzlingen and Lugano, in addi-tion to Geneva, which served as his headquar-ters. He then was appointed as the first Primateof the newly-formed Armenian Diocese ofSwitzerland, and he continued serving in thiscapacity from 1992 to 1996.

About a decade after the Armenian earth-quake of Leninakan and Spitak, the Diocese ofthe Armenian Church of America appointedBishop Aykazian as director of the Fund forArmenian Relief’s Yerevan office in 1997, andhe held this philanthropic position until 1999.

Aykazian’s former classmate, ArchbishopBarsamian, appointed him as Diocesan Legatein Washington, DC, a position whichArchbishop Papken Varjabedian had previouslyheld for many years.

Aykazian also carried out wide-ranging andimpressive activities in the international ecu-menical arena. As early as 1985, he began torepresent the Catholicossate of All Armeniansin the World Council of Churches on variousboards. From 1982 to 1992, he participated inthe Council’s Orthodox Task Force, and from1991 to 1999, he held important positions onthe Council’s Mission and Evangelism Unit 2.He continues until today to serve on the exec-utive board of the Council.

In 2007, he was elected president of theNational Council of Churches of Christ in theUSA for the years 2008 and 2009, thus becom-ing the first Oriental Orthodox clergyman tohold this extremely prestigious ecumenical posi-tion. Although the Catholic Church is not partof this council, 37 different Christian churchesare members, including the Evangelical,Anglican, Protestant, Orthodox and historicAfrican-American churches which represent 45million Americans organized in over 100,000congregations throughout the country.

Of course, it is challenging to carry out a con-structive mission in such an assemblage ofChristians from different denominations, races,languages, ideologies and orientations. To hiscredit, Aykazian was fully worthy of his office.

It is also important to note that Aykazianreceived a doctorate in 1999 from the Instituteof History of the Academy of Sciences of theRepublic of Armenia. He completed his doctor-al course requirements at the University ofFribourg in Switzerland, at its Faculty ofCatholic Theology. He previously had received abachelor of divinity degree from King’s Collegein London, and studied pastoral theology in St.Augustine’s College in Canterbury.

Last year he participated in the pilgrimageorganized by the Diocese in New York to his-toric Armenia (in present-day Turkey).

He is a clergyman with tremendous energyand dedication. He is loyal to the Mother See ofHoly Echmiadzin and a defender of the tradi-tions and customs of the Church of Armenia.

His sociable and balanced demeanor and hisdedication to his calling and belief in hard workmake him a standout member of the Armenianclergy leadership. He is a man of calling withvision and vigor.

(Translated from the original Armenian)

Spotlight on the Members of the JerusalemBrotherhood: Archbishop Vicken Aykazian

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On Saturday,January 12, the Armenian GeneralBenevolent Union (AGBU) YoungProfessionals (YP) of Boston held the thirdAnnual Armenian ChristmasParty Fundraiser at Nubar restau-rant, in the historic SheratonCommander Hotel. The event isnow known as AGBU YP Boston’ssignature event and Armenianyoung professionals from Bostonas well as other parts of NewEngland attended the holiday fes-tivities.

Guests enjoyed appetizers andcocktails in the bar and loungearea of Nubar all while support-ing an important initiative.

This year the young profession-als chose to raise funds for a Pan-YP Greenhouse Project, whichwill be funded, developed andimplemented by AGBU YP groupsaround the world. TheGreenhouse Project will providesustainability and self-sufficiencyto the 400 at-risk villagers inBarekamavan, Armenia, in theTavush region, located treacher-ously close to the Azeri border.The greenhouses will provide asource of income for the villagersand will help ensure the survivaland sovereignty of Armenia’s bor-ders.

The 2012 chairperson, Laura Michael,spoke briefly to acknowledge the commit-tee’s hard work and also welcomed severalnew committee members for 2013. Whileexplaining the importance of the GreenhouseProject she thanked all attendees and donors

and concluded by saying, “I hope that all ofyou can one day visit Barekamavan and seethe greenhouses that you all had a part inbuilding.”

The 2013 AGBU YP Boston Steering com-mittee is composed of Chairperson IrinaNanagoulian, Vice Chair Laura Michael,Secretary Charlie Larkin, Treasurer HaikDiloyan and committee members ArmineAfeyan, Julie Fabbrucci, Anna Haleblian,Narine Karepetyan, Chris Mensoian, NicoleMeregian and Tamara Tsaturyan.

YP Boston is in the midst of planning sev-eral upcoming events, including a happyhour on March 14 at Mead Hall inCambridge.

For more information about the chapter,volunteer opportunities or donations, findAGBU YP Boston on Facebook or contactthe committee directly atypboston@gmail.com or athttp://agbuypboston.webs.com. For furtherinformation regarding the GreenhouseProject, visit www.agbu.org/ypsgogreen.

From left, Chris Mensoian, Tamara Tsaturyan, Narine Karapetyan, Haik Diloyan, Michael Guleserian, LauraMichael, Charlie Larkin and Irina Nanagoulian

AGBU Young Professionals of BostonHold Successful Christmas Fundraiser

Ukraine Takes Over OSCEChairmanship

KIEV (Public Radio of Armenia) — Ukrainewill seek to make progress on resolving pro-tracted conflicts, strengthening conventionalarms control, combating human trafficking,reducing the environmental impact of energy-related activities, and protecting human rightsand fundamental freedoms as the Organizationfor Security and Cooperation in Europe(OSCE) chair in 2013, Ukraine’s ForeignMinister Leonid Kozhara, said last week.

Kozhara, the incoming chairman, highlightedhis country’s role and experience as a co-medi-ator and guarantor in the Transdniestrian set-tlement process and welcomed the momentumachieved in these talks over the past year.

Ukraine would also be working to makeprogress in arms control and confidence-build-ing measures, he stated, as a way of strength-ening security and military stability.

Energy security in terms of the environmen-tal impact of energy-related activities is anotherof Ukraine’s priorities for the year. “One of thespecific issues that merits a distinct place in ourpolitical dialogue within the OSCE is energysecurity, in particular its environmentalaspects,” said the minister.

Emphasizing that protecting human rightsand fundamental freedoms and implementationof existing OSCE commitments in this arearemain an important integral part of theOSCE’s concept of comprehensive security,Kozhara said that Ukraine’s chairmanshipwould promote the fight against human traf-ficking, support media freedom and encouragemeaningful steps in a number of human dimen-sion issues.

He praised the achievements of the outgoingIrish chairmanship.

“Ukraine sees its Chairmanship mission asfurther promoting the conditions that wouldlead to change in our mindsets — from con-frontational thinking to a co-operativeapproach,” the OSCE Chairperson-in-Officesaid.