Armine Manoukian Saryan was born on Feb. 11, 1921, in Talas, Asia Minor, and passed away on May 13, 2015, at her home in Thousand Oaks, Calif., with her children by her side. She was the fourth child of Ohannes Manoukian and Guluzar Ohanian of Gesaria (Caesarea). Her father was a teacher and school principal from a large family, and her mother was a skilled seamstress from a large and well-to-do family that traced its ancestry to the princely Mamigonian house of ancient Armenia. Her mother’s brothers were engaged in the silk rug trade and had established commercial connections in Egypt and England. Both of her parents were survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

Armine M. Saryan (1921-2015)

Her parents were married in 1912. During the genocide, her father, like many other Armenian men, was drafted into a labor battalion and was engaged in road construction. He became ill and ended up in a “hospital” where poison was being administered to the patients. He was rescued by his wife, who had refused to join the deportation caravans and instead taken her family (a niece Dikranouhi, a daughter Marineh, and a son Sarkis) into hiding. They would travel by night in the Greek villages near Gesaria and remain concealed during the day. After the danger had passed, Guluzar nursed her husband back to health, but lost her first three children in difficult circumstances. Over the next few years Ohannes taught in the National Coeducational School of Gesaria, after which he taught at the American College in Talas.

In 1921, Armine moved with her parents to Antelias, Lebanon, where her father was employed as a teacher at the American Near East Relief orphanage. He was instrumental in gathering Armenian orphans from Turkish homes in the Gesaria region to Antelias. After the orphanage facility at Antelias was transferred to the Catholicosate of Cilicia, Armine moved with her family to Eshrefiyeh (a district of Beirut), where her father established a school and continued to teach. As Armine once wrote, in those days Armenian school was just as important as bread for survival.

Armine soon entered the Jemaran (College Armenien of Beirut) where she studied under Levon Shant, Nikol Aghbalian, and Parsegh Ganatchian, three of the leading intellectuals and teachers of the Armenian Diaspora. Both Shant and Aghbalian had served in prominent roles in the government of the first independent Republic of Armenia. Armine excelled in Armenian (both Western and Eastern dialects) as well as French language and literature, and could recite from memory the works of numerous famous poets. After graduating from Jemaran in 1939, she taught there for eight years under Shant’s direction. It was there that she met her future husband, Sarkis Saryan, who had traveled from New York to Beirut to study Armenian while working at the American University of Beirut.

In 1947, she was accepted as an undergraduate at the American University in Washington, D.C., traveling to the United States on a student visa. Within a year she married Sarkis; they would share 54 years together and raise 4 children. The family settled in Wilmington, Del., where Armine taught French at Carrcroft School. Meanwhile, she found time to teach the Armenian language at the Shant Varjaran in Broomall, Pa. She also performed in amateur theatre; in 1964, she played the leading female role (Teofano) in a highly acclaimed stage presentation of Shant’s “Gaisr” produced by the Armenian Educational Committee of Philadelphia. She had a sweet soprano voice and would often perform impromptu with tarist Haig Ohanian at the famous Hillside Lodge resort in Tannersville, N.Y.

In 1971, the family moved to Rockford, Mich., where Armine was active as chairwoman of the Grand Rapids ARS Chapter. With her husband she retired to Cape Cod, where she took up oil painting, creating over a dozen beautiful canvases of medieval Armenian churches. She traveled to Armenia several times with her husband and children. An avid reader, she voraciously consumed the historical prose of Dzerents, Malkhas, and Raffi, as well as the poetry of Siamanto, Daniel Varoujan, and Charents. After her husband’s passing in 2001, she moved to California to be near her youngest daughter Arlene, who provided care for her mother during her final years.

She contributed regularly to the Hairenik publications (Hairenik Daily, Armenian Weekly, and Armenian Review) with poems, articles, and translations. Her poetry, especially, was appreciated by late editor Reuben Darbinian and leading critics. She followed current events and would regularly correspond with newspapers on contemporary issues.

Armine’s teachers, whom she held in utmost esteem, forever remained the guiding lights in her life. She felt herself extremely fortunate to have enjoyed such a high-caliber education despite her modest circumstances. She was a wonderful mother who sacrificed herself for her children and their education, and was immensely proud of their many accomplishments. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchild and was excited to learn of their progress.

She is survived by her brother Varoujan (of New York); four children, Levon (Shirley) of Wisconsin, John (Debbie) of Andover, Mass., Judith (Victor Zarougian) of Cambridge, Mass., and Arlene (Christian Alexander) of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; eight grandchildren, Ani Saryan, Armen Saryan, Diana (Diran Balekian), Valerie Saryan, Melanie Saryan, Laura Zarougian, Garen Alexander, and Sean Alexander; and a great-grandson, Jack Balekian.

The funeral was held on May 23, 2015, at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in North Andover. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Gregory Church (158 Main St., N. Andover, MA 01845), the Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County (c/o St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 1 Church Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362), or the Wisconsin chapter of the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (P.O. Box 210313, Milwaukee, WI 53221).

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DIYARBAKIR, Turkey—On May 27, author Peter Balakian read poetry with Kurdish poet Tawa Nemir in Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd) to a packed audience at the chic vegan Gabo Café in the old city. According to various journalists who covered the event, no joint reading with an Armenian writer had happened in Diyarbakir in modern memory.

Author Peter Balakian reads poetry with Kurdish poet Tawa Nemir in Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd)

Nemir, who translated Balakian’s poems and his presentation into Kurdish for the audience, is the author of a half dozen books of poems and has translated dozens of books of American, British, and Irish poetry and prose into Kurdish, including Whitman, Eliot, Yeats, and Dickinson.

The reading was made possible with the help of poet Lal Lalesh and Osman Kavala, the director of Anadolu Kültür. Balakian was on a family pilgrimage, led by Armen Aroyan, to Armenian sites and cities in eastern Anatolia with his entire family, including his mother, Arax, who at 87 was able to walk the stones of Ani.

“If you would had told me that I would ever come to Diyarbakir a hundred years after my grandmother’s family—the Shekerlemedjians—were mass-murdered, to read with a Kurdish poet to a spirited and warm audience, I’d have told you that you were dreaming,” Balakian said to a journalist at the press conference following the reading.

At the reading, Balakian spoke of his family’s history in Diyarbakir and read a portion of his grandmother’s human rights claim about what happened to her and her family in August 1915 when the Turkish gendarmes surrounded her parish and deported, then massacred, her entire family. He also read some of his poems that deal with re-visitations of lost Anatolian landscapes marred by traumatic history. He closed with his poem “Parable for Vanished Countries” from June-tree.

In the open conversation that followed, he and Nemir discussed the power of literature and the aesthetic imagination to bridge cultures and histories over large chasms of time. “Nemir is doing a great thing by bringing so much poetry of the English language into Kurdish,” Balakian said. “And I hope we can bring some Kurdish poetry into English now.”

On the eve of the election and the hoped-for parliamentary victory for the Kurdish HDP, there was an electric energy in the city. “All of us were touched by the warm reception of the Kurdish people to us as Armenians, and we were delighted and I suppose a bit surprised to see their respect for the old Armenian buildings and churches of the city,” Balakian said at the press conference following his reading. “Who would have believed the sign to Diyarbakir would read ‘welcome’ in Armenian, Asori, Kurdish, and Turkish, and that there would be a memorial to the Armenian Genocide in the city.”

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LOS ANGELES—On March 17, Oxfam in Armenia, along with the Armenian Redwood Project (ARP) and the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF), a coalition of various Armenian Diaspora entities, announced its commitment to expand on the valuable efforts in 2014 by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Armenia in the frame of its emergency housing project on the provision of rental subsidies to vulnerable families displaced from Syria and seeking protection in Armenia.

Syrian-Armenian refugees in need of affordable housing in Armenia (Photo: Avo Kambourian)

The 12-month assistance project, based on a 3-party Memorandum of Understanding between Oxfam in Armenia, ARP, and UNHCR, was launched in February 2015. Rental subsidies, which will be provided to the families through bank transfer, aim at creating some form of an interim “safety net” program with possible longer term housing solutions being explored in the meantime.

“We feel compelled to assist the needs of our Syrian brothers and sisters,” said SARF chairman John Titizian. “During these times of needs, the SARF board felt that the diaspora’s partnering with Oxfam and international organizations was the right model. “After all, It’s about supporting the resilient human spirit of our Syrian-Armenian compatriots,” he added.

In commemoration of the 4^th anniversary of the Syria crisis, the coalition of diaspora organizations wanted to pay tribute to the Syrian families in Armenia who, despite the hardships they went through, are trying to start a new life in Armenia, the land of their ancestors.

Together, the partnership between UNHCR, Oxfam, and the Armenian Diaspora has augmented assistance capacity in Armenia and will now be able to service more than 800 refugee households in 2015. New Syrian refugees continued to seek shelter in Armenia almost on a weekly basis in 2015.

“This project is a unique example of cooperation between the Armenian Diaspora, Oxfam, UNHCR, and Mission Armenia NGO,” said Margarita Hakobyan, Oxfam country director in Armenia. “I am assured that joint projects like this will create basis for strategic and longer ­term partnerships, making it possible for displaced Syrian families to integrate in Armenian society.”

“Investments in rent subsidies for children and families is a ‘sustainable’ approach in the long ­run, even though it will require continued charitable giving by the diaspora and its international partners until these families make adjustments in their lives,” said social entrepreneur Raffy Ardhaldjian, and chief action officer for the ARP. “It is a privilege for us to be following the lead of UNHCR and to be joining hands with Oxfam in Armenia and SARF. I’m hoping this partnership grows beyond this emergency intervention.”

The program will be implemented by Mission Armenia social NGO, which has been operating emergency housing projects, including rental subsidies scheme for Syrian families, through the 2014 UNHCR-funded projects. The program will benefit newly arriving refugees through 2015, as well as a number of vulnerable families who arrived earlier, but are still in dire need of emergency assistance.

“This is an excellent example of how different actors like diaspora organizations, serving as private donors, international and local NGO­s, and international organizations, can work together to improve the humanitarian response, achieve synergies, make maximum use of limited resources and, most importantly, mitigate the suffering of the displaced populations,” said Christoph Bierwirth, UNHCR representative in Armenia.

The Syrian Armenian Relief Fund’s mission is to provide immediate assistance to the Syrian ­Armenians through the generous donations of the community in the Western United States, and the network of churches and charity organizations that operate in the region. The assistance will be used for food, medicine, temporary shelter, emergency medical, and other critical humanitarian expenses by committees established by the Syrian-­Armenian communities in accordance with local needs.

Founded in 2014, the Armenian Redwood Project is a non-profit social enterprise alliance that intends to employ business strategies aimed at significantly improving the lives and wellbeing of the thousands of Syrian Armenians impacted by the ravaging war in Syria. To learn more, visit www.armenianredwoodproject.org.

Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organizations working in approximately 94 countries worldwide to find solutions to poverty and what it considers as injustice around the world. Oxfam is committed to providing humanitarian aid to those in need during times of conflict. Oxfam is providing aid and long ­term support to hundreds of thousands of people affected by the crisis. Syria remains an Oxfam priority. Oxfam have reached over a million people already, whether inside Syria or in neighboring countries affected by the crisis.

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By David Salstein

Each fall, the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra (WPO) hosts auditions as part of its youth concerto competition, in which students up to high school age play a solo they propose to perform with the orchestra at the spring concert. This past season, violinist Haig Hovsepian from Belmont gave an excellent rendition of the Khachaturian concerto solo part to win the competition and play with the WPO.

The Spring Concert, “Asian Dreamscape,” conducted by Maestro Michael Korn, was already designed with a pan-Asian theme, in partial cooperation with the administration of Plympton School, whose curriculum this year features a school-wide study of Asia. The concerto now in the program, written by Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, fit in well with the rest of the concert theme, as Armenia is located near the border region spanning both Europe and Asia.

Violinist Haig Hovsepian (Photo: Cary Productions)

Haig Hovsepian’s beautiful violin solo in the concerto, accompanied by the Waltham Philharmonic, was exciting and inspiring, demonstrating both his outstanding technique and musicality. We have no doubt that we will be hearing about great accomplishments in the future from Haig. The emotional feel and poignancy of the concerto was even more meaningful because Haig dedicated the performance as a memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, one century ago.

The program opened with the orchestra playing Borodin’s “On the Steppes of Central Asia,” featuring music inspired from both Russian and central Asian sources. In addition, the orchestra played the “Cantonese Suite” written by modern Chinese composer Xiaogang Ye, in which the musical output of the western instruments were transformed into an eastern palette of sounds, in sections representing four aspects of nature.

Then, master soloist Zhantao Lin captivated the audience with his stunning exotic sounds on the erhu, a traditional two-stringed Chinese instrument, in both the “Charge of the War Horses,” by Chen Yao Xing, accompanied by the WPO, and in another solo piece. Zhantao Lin was a professor of music in his native China, and since emigrating to the United States has performed extensively in New England.

“A Song for Japan” by Steven Verheist, composed as a tribute to those affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan, was performed by wind instruments of the orchestra.

Violinist Haig Hovsepian plays with the WPO (Photo: Cary Productions)

The Plympton School chorus, under the direction of teacher Gina DePaoli, presented a traditional Korean folk song, “Arirang,” which is so well known in Korea, it almost functions as an unofficial national anthem. The students researched the musical pieces in the program, introducing each selection before it was performed. It was rewarding to interact with young talented students in the context of our current Asian-themed concert, and we look forward to working with Plympton students in the future on other projects.

Overall, it was thematically an ambitious concert to plan and execute, featuring orchestral works with two wonderful soloists and the participation of community students. All this would have not been possible if it were not for the extraordinary leadership of Maestro Michael Korn, a truly versatile musician of many talents—director, solo and chamber violinist, community leader, and educator with a vast experience. He took both the orchestra and the concert audience on this musical “dreamscape” with a deep professional wisdom and finesse that magically transformed the dream into reality of a very successful final concert of the season.

The audience greeted the performers with standing ovations, and it was apparent that Waltham Philharmonic not only has a very strong leadership, but an equally strong and faithful following. This is no surprise given its members’ dedication and love for music. It is truly the enthusiasm of the WPO members that makes sustaining the classical values possible throughout the communities, such as Waltham. No wonder Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy showed her continuous support by her presence and cheering of the musicians at the concert.

The Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra looks forward to the next season—our 30^th—starting in the fall. For more information, visit www.wphil.org.

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MERRIMACK VALLEY, Mass.—In what was a phenomenal approach to the Armenian Genocide Centennial this year, 13 schools called upon the Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack Valley to offer presentations to its students.

The number included nine high schools, two colleges, and two middle schools. In two cases, there was a return visit to stage a panel discussion with representatives from other beleaguered countries.

Students from Lawrence High School receive an education on the Armenian Genocide.

In addition to the schools, committee members scoured the communities to visit a number of afternoon and evening service clubs, retirement centers, and libraries.

Two television documentaries were filmed and six libraries displayed photography exhibits commemorating the Centennial. The images portray vibrant country life as it remains today, and not disturbing graphic images of 1915.

Of the 13 schools engaged, 6 of them came aboard for the first time, presumably due to the Centennial. All of them invited return visits over the next school year.

Members agreed that although 100 years have passed, education should be an ongoing curriculum that is provided so long as denial is being fostered in our midst.

Adults catch one of two genocide talks given at the Chelmsford Public Library.

“Over the last year, we have seen a tremendous awareness of the Armenian Genocide being raised by the educational community,” said Dro Kanayan, committee chairman. “Students are taking a keen interest in understanding what happened and where our people have come since then. They wonder about its effect upon our culture and how to prevent it from reoccurring in today’s society.”

In order to succeed in our endeavor, we need the continued support of the non-Armenian community, Kanayan added.

Participating high schools included Billerica, Tewksbury, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tyngsboro, Lawrence, Haverhill, Andover, and North Reading. Three others were also listed but withdrew due to curriculum restraints caused by this winter’s postponements.

The colleges engaged were Northern Essex Community College, which offered a 3-hour block featuring the film “Orphans of the Genocide” and a presentation by Dr. Ara Jeknavorian, who has compiled a provocative slideshow on Armenian history and geography; and UMass Lowell, where Dr. Levon Chorbajian took the initiative once again with Gregory Aftandilian. Both are faculty members and joined with the committee in offering a panel on genocide.

Two middle schools hopped aboard: North Hampton (N.H.) and Melrose, as teachers there combined their 7^th– and 8^th-grade students.

“Most all the students knew little or nothing about the Armenian Genocide,” said organizer Jean (Guiguizian) Vincent. “They came away with a sound education on human rights and the respect they should have toward people of different cultures.”

The following libraries volunteered their exhibit space for pictures on Armenia: Haverhill, Chelmsford, and Andover. Other bookings follow: Sandown, N.H., for August; Westford for September; North Andover for October; and Methuen for November.

In each case, Armenian children in those communities helped to set up the display and a photo opportunity for local papers.

Chelmsford truly took a big initiative this year in inviting author Chris Bohjalian and showing a film repeatedly on Community Television Networks. Two programs were given at the library in addition to the exhibit.

Haverhill also did its part by screening an hour-long special about the genocide with visuals, led by Kanayan, Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, and Barbara Arthur, who is chairing the local genocide committee.

The service club community was vastly tapped: In Haverhill, there was Exchange, Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis. Other civic communities also responded. At one genocide commemoration held at Hye Pointe Church, six Kiwanians showed up to lend their community support after being motivated by a presentation.

Residents from the AHEPA Apartments in Haverhill filled the recreation room for a talk, along with a breakfast group at the Wingate nursing home, which sponsored a public breakfast.

Repeated press coverage surrounded many of these activities, which helped to garner invitations. A Monday night discussion group at the former Lucent Technologies in North Andover was also enamored by the genocide story. The group’s history dates back to the early 1900’s.

The Genocide Education Committee was formed seven years ago in response to the State Department’s ordinance on increased genocide education in public schools. Since then, members have taken the initiative to contact schools and present discussions. In each case the results have proven beneficial.

The initiative has since been extended to libraries, civic organizations, and housing projects—wherever the desire indicates.

“New schools are constantly being added,” said Kanayan, who remains a driving force in the endeavor. “Our history must never be forgotten. The Centennial initiated some avid response this year which, we hope, will continue to accelerate in the years to come.”

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WATERTOWN, Mass.—Unprecedented! Historic! Truly unique!

Superlatives are in order as the National Representative Assembly (NRA) of the Eastern Prelacy ended its conclave on a rather historic note June 4-6.

For the first time ever, in this convention’s history, a gathering of more than 100 delegates and clergy heard in person His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.

Group shot of the NRA delegation and priests with His Holiness Aram I on the steps of St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

The Pontiff rounded out a month-long visit with a rousing message focused upon unity, the power of youth, resourcefulness, and greater involvement within the church structure—in short, not only bringing the church to the people but quite the reverse.

In previous years, the delegation heard from the Vehapar via Skype, through a recorded or televised message, or through a written correspondence.

As members gathered in the sanctuary of St. Stephen’s Church, in walked His Holiness led by his entourage. He took his seat on the altar between Srpazans Oshagan Choloyan and Anoushavan Tanielian, as clergy from 18 churches occupied their front-row seats, joined by an enthused audience situated behind.

His Holiness had just flown back from a visit to Ottawa and admitted being a little tired but buoyant as his mission neared its end. It seemed that weariness never truly showed with the Pontiff upon visits from one location to another, including an eclectic presence in Washington, D.C.

His Holiness Aram I is joined by Srpazans Oshagan and Anoushavan in conducting a prayer service (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

“For the past four weeks, I’ve been with my community on a parish and Prelacy level,” he told members, many of whom held their cellular phones in overdrive. “I’ve listened and I’ve heard. We must all engage ourselves in a listening and learning process. Only then can we assess our problems and move forward with progress.”

The Vehapar admitted that some of his most genuine moments were with the youth, especially at St. Stephen’s Church and at the Junior Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Seminar. In the end, he passed out accolades to the following:

– Both Eastern Prelacy Srpazans for their leadership and service.

– The clergy en masse for its spiritual guidance and leadership.

– The Executive Council, Board of Trustees in various parishes, the different church organizations, and formational committee planning his visit.

“Collaboration between the Diocese and Prelacy-related churches is a must,” he confirmed. “In the last decade, advances have been made in this direction, both regionally and nationally. It’s been a renewed effort that has been wholesome to our church and nation in the Diaspora.”

The Vehapar, together with Srpazan Oshagan, then conferred a Pectoral cross upon Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian for a decade of commendable service to the Prelacy. Der Lakissian is pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City and secretary of the Religious Council.

Meanwhile, the Ladies Guild (NALG) met separately at an alternate site with some 40 delegates in attendance, where Maro Matosian, director of the Women’s Support Center in Yerevan, delivered an inspiring talk.

Group shot of Ladies Guild (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

Special applause went to Madonna Kzirian and Sharke DerApkarian for completing their terms, the latter six years in executive office. Commending their work was John Daghlian, the Prelacy’s liaison to the Guild.

NRA co-chairmen Jack Mardoian and Artin Dermenjian kept the meetings orderly and fastidious. A motion to make the NRA biennial (every two years) was narrowly defeated, keeping it annual. Next year’s gathering will take place in Douglaston, N.Y., hosted by St. Sarkis Church.

In what was a wonderful touch to tradition, Srpazan Oshagan conferred the NRA awards to individuals for their invaluable service to the community. It was all about family here.

Heather (Apigian) Krafian was presented an award for distinguished service to her community for the invaluable work she has rendered to the Armenian Relief Society, the elementary school, Board of Trustees, 24 years with the Education Committee and the trips to Armenia for the schoolchildren.

Heather has been unwavering in her quest toward family, the various organizations and most important, her church and its people. There is also the Armenia Tree Project, Armenian National Committee, and Hairenik’s anniversaries which she helped see to success.

In a statement, of all the causes, all the venues and organizations, the most important mission was her family with husband Ara and her four daughters, all of whom are chips off the parental block.

Four youth awards were also bestowed by Srpazan, including one to Nairi Krafian, a model Sunday Schooler, a key member to the children’s choir, and a teaching aide in her Sunday School, as well as a music teacher for the younger ones.

The Abaka Dance Ensemble of Greater Boston entertains the gathering (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

Also, add the fact she was an Armenian School teacher and nature instructor at Camp Haiastan, not to exclude her athletic prowess as a gold medalist in the AYF Olympics. Nairi also organized the annual Walk for Life fundraiser for the Armenian Bone Marrow Registry and continues to stay involved.

Two other awards went to the brother-sister tandem of Anahis and Antranig Kechejian, for their impeccable work with “Stand Up for Your Survivor” in identifying survivors of the Armenian Genocide in an era of diminishing numbers.

Both recipients are active in their church and communities and have brought a vital complement to the genocide commemorations in Greater Boston. People holding posters of their survivors are grateful for the opportunity to stay connected with their loved ones.

Ani Belorian was tapped for her academic and extra-curricular achievements, along with her leadership skills and exemplary behavior. Her thoughtful approach to literacy activities and her theatrical flair benefit the youngster in reading, writing and social studies. She edits writing assignments and directs presentations.

The group was also treated to a wonderful performance by the Abaka Dance Ensemble.

With parting words, Srpazan Oshagan was adamant toward the dawn of a new era for his Prelacy, especially with the reconstruction of its quarters.

Prelacy awards were presented for outstanding service. From left, St. Stephen’s Board Chairman Raffi Manjikian, Ani Belorian, Nairi Krafian, Anahis Kechejian, Srpazan Oshagan, Antranig Kechejian, Heather Krafian and Rev. Archpriest Antranig Baljian (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

“I hope we will confront the challenges before us harmoniously and decisively,” he told the delegates. “By creating more space and improvements, we benefit the success of our programs and the perpetual continuation of our mission.”

Elected to the Executive Council were: Noubar Megerian, Sue Ericson, Daniel Gulbankian and Karen Jehanian. Named to the Religious Council were: Rev. Mesrob Lakissian and Rev. Archpriest Nerses Manougian.

The hospitality committee left no stone unturned with a lobster dinner and the distribution of tee-shirts commemorating the centennial with the forget-me-not flower.

Two other presentations were made to Rev. Archpriest Aram Stepanian and Executive Council activist John Daghlian (three terms) for their unwavering service to the Prelacy. Daghlian pointed to his dad, the late Rev. Archpriest Arshag Daghlian, as being the motivating force behind his service.

Leo Vartanian launched his own efforts toward the Syrian Relief Fund and others reciprocated, raising hundreds of dollars impromptu.

Considering his family longevity, Steve Hagopian, chairman of the Executive Council, followed in the footsteps of his grandfather—a first delegate—to his father. A birthday celebration was in order. More importantly, his years of unquenchable service as chairman and spokesman for the Prelacy.

“It’s time for fresh eyes,” he told the gathering, upon retiring as a delegate. “I’ll always be attached to the Prelacy.”

Antranik Boudakian reported 640 Prelacy tickets being sold, a slight decrease from previous years. Winners will be announced separately.

In a rather emotional moment, a tearful Der Aram embraced his long-time friend Rev. Archpriest Gomidas Baghsarian upon his retirement from the Religious Council with the words:

“I love you brother!”

Group shot of the clergy with His Holiness Aram I (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

ARF Eastern Region Central Committee Chairman delivering his remarks (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

Rev. Father Mesrob Lakissian, right, is presented a Pectoral Cross from His Holiness Aram I, joined by both Srpazans Oshagan and Anoushavan (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

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YEREVAN—The ongoing civil war in Syria has had a negative impact on its entire population, and its 80,000 Syrian-Armenians are no exception. Since 2011, a large number of Syrian-Armenian refugees have moved to Armenia not only because it is their ancestral homeland but also because its migration policies and repatriation program made the move relatively easy.

ATP provided fruit and nut trees to 200 families in the Kashatagh region of Artsakh including 34 Syrian-Armenian families who settled there recently.

Some Syrian-Armenian refugees have chosen to settle in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh). The Kashatagh region is currently home to 34 Syrian-Armenian families who emigrated from Kessab and Qamshli. The climate and land is similar to their native towns. They’ve been provided with aid and loans for houses and land in Kovsakan, Berdzor, and Ishkhanadzor.

Many have large families and are experienced farmers who were engaged in agriculture in pre-war Syria, where they had working farms. The refugees are trying to employ themselves in agribusiness and have already begun sowing wheat, barley, and chickpeas.

“One of Armenia Tree Project’s goals is to combat poverty by creating jobs through the use of trees and promoting self-sufficiency by distributing fruit bearing trees to those with few resources,” explains Lucineh Kassarjian, country director. “Trees provide food, environmental benefits, and opportunities for economic growth. So we provided fruit trees to 200 families in Kashatagh, including the 34 Syrian-Armenian families. We are providing a vital resource to alleviate their burden.”

“ATP conducted trainings to teach them how to plant and care for the trees we distributed,” adds Kasarjian, “and our follow-up visits confirm that most of the refugees who received trees and training are capable of growing them and eager to receive more in later planting seasons.”

The refugees are now growing apple, pear, apricot, plum, cherry, and almond trees from ATP’s nurseries. They’ve also initiated their own projects to grow olive and orange trees.

“We will continue monitoring the Kashatagh region and stand ready to further assist and work with the Syrian-Armenian community to plant trees,” says Kassarjian.

ATP’s mission is to assist the Armenian people in using trees to improve their standard of living and protect the environment, guided by the desire to promote self-sufficiency, aid those with the fewest resources and conserve the indigenous ecosystem. ATP’s three major programs are tree planting, environmental education, and sustainable development initiatives.

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Campaign Target Date Set for June 29

We live in a world today where development is purported to hinge on services and technological innovation. To be competitive in the global economy, countries are told they must enter the information age and develop sectors such as IT. This penchant for progress is certainly a positive one. But creating the economy of the future must first start with the most fundamental base of production and sustenance: agriculture.

‘Time is running out for Tavush’

Today, agriculture accounts for 19 percent of Armenia’s GDP and 37 percent of the employed workforce in the country. It is also a quickly growing sector providing for the largest share of contributions to annual growth. For Armenia, the efficient and sustainable cultivation of land—generating incomes that can then build the base for greater economic activity—is essential for both prosperity and self-sufficiency.

That is why a recent campaign launched by Oxfam in Armenia and One Armenia to support female agricultural cooperatives in Armenia’s border villages is so important.

“Since 2010, Oxfam has helped establish cooperatives in 15 villages across Armenia, including 4 in the critical region of Tavush,” says Oxfam in Armenia representative Kristine Hovhannisian. “With the help of One Armenia, we are taking this initiative to the next level by crowdfunding for the construction of four additional greenhouses in Tavush that will provide a stable income for nearly 50 women farmers in these volatile border communities.”

The campaign is seeking to raise $10,000 for each of the 4 greenhouses to be built ($40,000 total). These greenhouses will increase productivity in the existing cooperatives by more than 50 percent, paving the way for secure jobs and improved living standards throughout the community.

Just as central as the economic imperative is the social component of the project. The cooperatives are all female focused and operate on participatory democratic principles. Each cooperative member has a voice in decisions and benefits from the proceeds equally. This collective approach has proven effective in not only pooling resources to achieve growth but also in distributing the gains of such growth more equally in the community.

The entry of One Armenia into campaign also marks a new, exciting opportunity for the Armenian Diaspora to engage in progressive initiatives in the homeland. This is a unique opportunity for Armenians to take action and see their dollar make a real difference for those who have so long been ignored and marginalized.

As explained by the organization’s country director, Nazareth Seferian, “With this project, we are trying to find a sustainable solution to poverty for more than 50 families in our border villages. At the same time, we’re focusing on redefining the role of women in rural Armenian society, giving them the opportunity, skills, and resources to make a positive change in their communities. It’s a win-win!”

Each greenhouse is expected to generate a harvest of 7.5 tons and an annual net revenue of $3,200 to each community. But in order for this campaign to reach its goals, the $40,000 total must be raised by June 29. This targeted deadline will ensure that the greenhouses are built in time for the harvest season starting in August, allowing the cooperatives to cultivate their crops successfully this year.

‘The entry of One Armenia into campaign marks a new, exciting opportunity for the Armenian Diaspora to engage in progressive initiatives in the homeland. This is a unique opportunity for Armenians to take action and see their dollar make a real difference for those who have so long been ignored and marginalized. … The much-touted potential of the diaspora must be put to use through such projects that make a tangible difference for people on the ground.’

Bridging the gap between the diaspora and Armenia through such meaningful projects is the direction we need to move in if we want to see advancement and prosperity in the country. The much-touted potential of the diaspora must be put to use through such projects that make a tangible difference for people on the ground.

By supporting this campaign, we will not only be helping uplift families out of poverty, we will be setting the foundation for a more robust and advanced economy for the future.

Help ensure that the Tavush cooperative greenhouses are built in time for this year’s harvest by visiting the campaign page today and making your secure online contribution.

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The highly praised Armenian comedy, “Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh),” a play by writer/director Taleen Babayan, will mark its New York City finale performance on Sat., June 20, at the SVA Theatre.

Since its debut at Greenwich Village’s the Players Theatre almost two years ago, the group has performed to Armenian communities across the country, including in New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. This performance will be the group’s third in New York City.

A scene from ‘Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)’ featuring (L-R) patriarch Koko Keshishian (played by Aris Hamparsumian), matriarch Siroun (played by Daniella Baydar), Mike the ‘odar’ (played by Joseph Hovsepian), brother Saro (played by Haig Minassian), Medz Mayrig (played by Lori Cinar), and daughter Lara (played by Taleen Babayan)(Photo: Jon Blankenberg)

The play and its cultural message, veiled in humor, has struck a chord with Armenians of all generations in the diaspora. The story follows the life of an Armenian family living in the United States, whose older generation is preoccupied with finding suitable Armenian partners for their children. From the choreg-baking mother, Siroun, who creates a hars (bride) list for her son—even attempting to fly someone in from overseas—to a funny opening scene of an odar (foreigner) who wants to take the daughter of the family out on a date but has to go through her parents’ questioning first, the play delivers many laughs.

The cast and crew have performed to more than 2,000 audience members to date, bringing both laughter and a touching story that shows the lengths this tight-knit Armenian family will go to in order to preserve their culture while living in the diaspora.

“Audience members have had a great positive attitude toward these performances because they are authentic,” said Roy Shant Tuncarslan, a New Jersey native who plays the role of a seminarian set up to date the daughter.

Tuncarslan, who is a senior associate at Crédit Agricole Bank, adds that “it feels so good to know that the writer/director has paid close attention to the Armenian trends, both past and present.”

Over the course of its productions, more than 30 Diasporan Armenians have participated in the play both on stage and behind the scenes, including natives of Australia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and the United States.

“My experience with ‘Where is your Groom?’ has been extremely rewarding,” said Jack Jamgochian, a Long Island native studying engineering who plays the role of Jiro the Jeweler. “Not only have I connected with fellow Armenians but I have also felt a connection to the audience. As members of the Armenian Diaspora, I feel it is our duty to further our cultural awareness.”

“Where Is Your Groom? (Pesad Oor Eh)” is Babayan’s debut play. She has since written and directed “From Sacred Wrath,” a play about an Armenian-American family grappling with the legacy of 1915, which performed two sold-out shows at the Davenport Theatre in New York City last April.

A New Jersey native, Babayan is a graduate of Tufts University and Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism.

“The experience of being in ‘Pesad Oor Eh’ has been nothing short of epic,” said Tuncarslan “As a group, we enjoy each other’s company, and have built friendships throughout this journey.”

The finale performance of “Where Is Your Groom?” will take place on Sat., June 20 at 7 p.m. at SVA Theatre, located at 333 West 23rd St. in New York, N.Y.

For tickets visit https://whereisyourgroom.ticketbud.com. For more information about the play, visit www.whereisyourgroom.com and facebook.com/whereisyourgroom.

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GLENDALE, Calif.—The Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) recently announced that it is accepting applications for the 2015-16 academic year.

The AAMS will once again award worthy healthcare students with a $1,000 scholarship to assist them in their educational endeavors. To qualify, students must be enrolled in an American accredited medical, dental, nursing, physician assistant, pharmacy, or other healthcare professional school. In addition, applicants must be of Armenian descent or have a special interest in Armenian medical causes, and be actively involved in the Armenian community.

More than 40 scholarships have been awarded over the past 6 years.

Students who meet the above criteria can visit www.aamsc.com for a scholarship application or for more information. Completed scholarship application packages must be postmarked no later than Oct. 15, 2015, and mailed to AAMS, P.O. Box 32, Glendale, CA 91209.

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WATERTOWN, Mass.—A new exhibition at the Armenian Museum of America (AMA), titled “An Armenian Village, Khodorchur,” will be on view through June 28.

A new exhibition at the AMA, titled ‘An Armenian Village, Khodorchur,’ will be on view through June 28

An Armenian village of 1915 is remembered 100 years later in a pictorial essay based on the historic book, Khodorchur: Lost Paradise, Memories of a Land and its People. The exhibition panels bring to life the customs and traditions of a few thousand Armenian Catholics living in the lovely valley of Khodorchur, now Sirakonaklar, Turkey.

This geographically isolated area in the mountainous range north of Erzurum and near the Black Sea was referred to as Little Rome in the late-18th century. Through increasing pressures to convert to Islam and abandon their identity, these resilient people managed to keep their Christianity and Armenian language intact until they were deported and nearly completely annihilated by the Turkish leadership during World War I.

The Armenian Museum of America is located at 65 Main St. in Watertown. For more information, visit www.almainc.org.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The 39^th Regional Meeting of the Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Society of the Eastern United States took place on June 6 at the Armenian Community Center of Providence. Eight chapters—Detroit, Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, and Providence—were represented at the meeting, which included both delegates and guests.

A moment of silence was observed at the opening of the meeting for Kevork Vishabian, a founding member of the Hamazkayin Providence chapter, and Ara Caprielian, a founding member of the New York chapter.

The 39th Regional Meeting of the Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Society of the Eastern United States took place on June 6 at the Armenian Community Center of Providence

The meeting focused on a number of issues, including the detailed analysis of the events and initiatives dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Suggestions were also made throughout the meeting for future plans.

One of the main areas of focus of the meeting was the youth and their involvement in the community. In this context, the topic of the annual Hamazkayin Forum was discussed at length; the annual trip to Armenia is an effort to bring together Armenian students from all over the world in an Armenian atmosphere, to convey the Armenian past and present, history and traditions, and their concerns and opportunities for preserving cultural values.

One of the main areas of focus of the meeting was the youth and their involvement in the community

Representatives from the Hamazkayin Central Executive (Hrayr Baronian), the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern Region Central Committee (Hovsep Avakian), the Armenian Relief Soceity (ARS) Regional Executive (Taline Mgrdichian), the Homenetmen Regional Executive (Sarkis Tarpinian), and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Central Executive (Hrag Arakelian) were all present at the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Talin Mavlian. Hasmig Aprahamian served as secretary.

The meeting also elected its Regional Executive for the upcoming term: Dr. Dikran Kazanjian (Washington, D.C., chair); Arevig Caprielian (New York, vice-chair); Talin Mavlian (New Jersey, secretary); Kari Ghazarian (Philadelphia, accountant); Khatchig Dakarian (Chicago, adviser); Hasmig Aprahamian (New Jersey, adviser); and Dr. Zareh Soghomonian (Washington, D.C., adviser).

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WARWICK, R.I.—The Armenian Students’ Association, Inc. (ASA Inc.) congratulates Katia Khanlian, Emily Hagopian, and Gegham Mughnetsyan, who were recently named the winners of the 2014 “Arthur Halvajian Memorial” Armenian Poetry Competition. The competition was organized and sponsored by the ASA Inc., with support from the Armenian Poetry Project. The competition ran from fall 2014 through spring 2015.

“Congratulations to the 2014 winners and thank you to those who helped make it possible by contributing to the organizing and selection committee’s efforts,” said Brian Assadourian, chair of the ASA Inc. Board of Trustees.

Gegham Mughnetsyan of Washington, D.C., won the $250 prize in the 23-plus age group for his entry, “Hayrenee Meghekee.” New Jersey resident Emily Hagopian took home the $100 prize in the 18-22 age category for her entry, “Never Forget.” Katia Khanlian, a student at the A&M Hovsepian School in Pasadena, Calif., won the $50 prize in the 12-17 age group for her entry, “To My Clueless Sister.”

Receiving honorable mentions in the 12-17 age group included Vahe Demirdjian of California (for “Thirty Ticks”) and Sipan Kouchian of California (for “Deep into Darkness”).Yeva Aleksanyan of Colorado (“Hayreneekees“), Kevork Kalayjian of New Jersey (“Beedee“), and Anna Gharabaghtsyan of California (“Vakhi Maheh“) all received honorable mentions in the 23-plus age group.

The Armenian Poetry Project, led by Lola Koundakjian, is a research and documentation site of 19^th– to 21^st-century Armenian poets and poetry. Tsoleen Sarian of Massachusetts, Christopher Janigian of Rhode Island, and Haig Hovsepian of Washington, D.C., rounded out the organizing and selection committee. Alice Movsesian, a member of the ASA Inc. Board of Trustees, served as the liaison to the group.

To learn more about the Armenian Poetry Project, visit http://armenian-poetry.blogspot.com. Winning entries from the 2014 competition, as well as those from previous years, can be viewed online by visiting the “ASA-APP Poetry” section of the ASA Inc.’s website at www.asainc.org.

The Armenian Students’ Association, Inc. encourages educational pursuits by Armenians in America and the raising of their intellectual standards, provides financial assistance in the form of scholarships to deserving Armenian students, develops fellowship among them, cultivates in them the spirit of service in the public interest, and acquaints them and the entire American community with Armenian culture.

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CHELMSFORD, Mass.—In keeping with the spirit of the Centennial observance of the Armenian Genocide, the Memorials Committee at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Chelmsford recently launched a Remembrance Bench Project, which provides a unique opportunity for descendants of genocide victims to memorialize their family members who perished during the genocide.

The Remembrance Benches are being added to the existing Sts. Vartanantz Genocide Memorial, and will be engraved with the names of beloved genocide victims.

The Remembrance Benches are being added to the existing Sts. Vartanantz Genocide Memorial, and will be engraved with the names of beloved genocide victims. Having these names etched in granite stone will serve as yet another lasting expression of compassion for those who perished in Ottoman Turkey, and give notice that their anguish and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Each genocide victim’s name will be engraved for a donation of $100.

A dedication ceremony is scheduled for this gall, whereby descendant family members will have an opportunity to share photos and a brief reflection of their martyred ancestor. The deadline for having names engraved is Aug. 10. For more information, contact Deacon James Magarian by e-mailing j.k.magarian@ gmail.com or calling (978) 649-6875, or visit www.stsvartanantz.com/index.php/100th-anniversary-of-the-armenian-genocide and www.facebook.com/pages/Victim-Remembrance-Armenian-Genocide-of-1915/1457382067868098.

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WATERTOWN, Mass.—On Tues., June 2, His Holiness Aram I, Armenian Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, accompanied with Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Primate of the Eastern Prelacy, and Archbishop Anushavan Tanyelian, visited the Armenian Museum of America (AMA), where they were warmly greeted by a number of AMA trustees and friends.

On June 2, His Holiness Aram I, Armenian Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, accompanied with Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Primate of the Eastern Prelacy, and Archbishop Anushavan Tanyelian, visited the AMA

During a tour of the museum and its collections led by AMA director Berj Chekijian and curator Gary Lind-Sinanian, the Catholicos admired recent extensive renovations to the building and was astonished at the number of artifacts the museum has acquired over the past 45-plus years. Vehapar was particularly interested in several of the religious treasures currently on exhibit, including the reliquaries, the 13^th-century Garabed Gospel (which he had blessed during his visit to Watertown in October 2005), and the two 19^th-century chalices from the Armash Seminary in Turkey that were recently added to the collections. He also commented on the museum’s permanent exhibit on the Armenian Genocide, offering suggestions to expand the exhibit in certain areas. As the tour entered the Karsh Gallery, His Holiness was very impressed with the permanent exhibit and recalled how he had been photographed by the famous photographer in the mid-1990’s.

Before ending his visit, Catholicos Aram gave a moving talk in praise of the museum’s trustees, staff, and local community for their heroic efforts in creating such a professional institution to represent Armenian culture. He went on to extoll the larger community to support the museum through donating artifacts and providing financial support.

The visit to the museum, which was arranged through the efforts of AMA Board members Michele Kolligian and Bob Khederian, came towards the end of a major pontifical tour to the United States that included genocide commemorations in New York City and Washington.

The visit to the museum was arranged through the efforts of AMA Board members Michele Kolligian and Bob Khederian

The visit to Boston included events celebrating the 97th anniversary of the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia, where His Holiness delivered the keynote address and awarded the “Knight of Cilicia” medal to former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evens. At a later dinner, he awarded the “Spirit of Armenia” award to Deval Patrick, the former governor of Massachusetts. He ended his American tour by attending the National Religious Assembly Convention, which was held at St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown.

His Holiness Aram I has headed the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, located in Antelias, Lebanon, since 1995.

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New center offers free afterschool learning environment to help equip youth with skills for future employment in the media and creative industries

On May 25, Tumo Center for Creative Technologies expanded its reach and opened in Gyumri. Inaugurated by President Serge Sarkisian, the center is the result of a partnership between the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Simonian Educational Foundation. Upon the initiative of Sarkisian, a telethon to raise funds for the launch of the center was implemented by Shant TV president Arthur Yezekyan last fall.

TUMO x AGBU Gyumri will accommodate up to 1,000 students, who will attend classes at the center twice a week for two hours.

During the opening event, Armenian youth toured the center along with other guests and became familiar with Tumo’s educational program. They also had an opportunity to enroll in the program, making them official Tumo members. For many excited young guests, it was an emotional moment. ”This is the realization of our dreams,” said 14-year-old Nareh during the center’s opening. Together with more than 50 other teenagers, she was part of the center’s first official visitors.

Shant TV president Arthur Yezekyan, TUMO founder Sam Simonian (center), and AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian (right) at the opening of AGBU x TUMO in Gyumri.

Gevorg, 14, has plans to become “a world-shaking musician and DJ,” while 13-year-old Angin mused about becoming “president…no, also a French linguist and translator… OK, let’s just say the president of France.” The future possibilities are limitless with the opening of the center bringing hope to the youth of this region.

The TUMO x AGBU Gyumri Center opened its doors at its location in the Gyumri Technopark. It will launch a free after-school program in September, promoting 21^st-century skills, focusing on animation, game development, web design and filmmaking. Starting in June, local youth and their parents will be able to visit the center and acquaint themselves with its curriculum. Students will be able to register for membership during this time. The Gyumri program will be available to 500-1,000 students. Students will participate twice a week for two hours per session.

On May 25, the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, a state-of-the-art facility that offers Armenian youth access to learning resources, digital media, and leading professionals in the fields of media and technology, opened a new location in Gyumri.

The partnership between the Simonian Educational Foundation and AGBU will also launch a second TUMO x AGBU center in Stepanakert later this year. This initiative is part of AGBU’s commitment to education and innovation in Armenia.

To learn more about the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, visit www.tumo.org/en. To watch a video of the event, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm21I9JahaM&feature=youtu.be.

Sam Simonian (second from left), founder of TUMO, with President Serge Sarkisian and Marie Lou Papazian, managing director of TUMO.

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From a star-studded gala banquet to an All-Star Judge’s legal education panel and much more, members and guests of the Armenian Bar Association’s 26^th Annual Meeting at the luxurious Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills were treated to a weekend that they won’t soon forget.

Prof Hovannisian receiving the Hrant Dink Freedom Award by the Armenian Bar Association’s first chairman, David Balabanian

On Saturday morning, following the association’s business meeting, attendees heard an outstanding educational program featuring four distinguished federal jurists focusing on effective litigation practice in federal courts. The panel consisted of U.S. District Court Judges Andre Birotte, Jr., Larry Burns, and Dickran Tevrizian (ret.) and U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian. The panel was moderated by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Zaven Sinanian. “What a privilege and honor it is to have panelists with the depth and quality of knowledge that we saw today. We are pleased to deliver unrivaled continuing legal education to our members,” said Armenian Bar Association chairman Armen Hovannisian in an interview following the lecture.

(L-R) U.S. District Court Judges Andre Birotte, Jr., Larry Burns, and Dickran Tevrizian (ret.), U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Zaven Sinanian

The morning lecture was followed by a luncheon, where the keynote speaker was Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lance Ito (ret.). Most famous for presiding over the “trial of the century” (People vs. O.J. Simpson), Ito drew several ovations from the audience as he shared highlights of his recent trip to the Republic of Armenia and Western Armenia. To the delight of the audience, Ito gave the audience a pictorial and historical glimpse of Armenia and provided realistic and practical means to garner support for universal recognition of the Armenian Genocide. “His slide show presentation of his journeys to both sides of the land of Ararat, and his detailed knowledge of Armenian history and culture, shows that deep inside the soul of Judge Ito is the Armenian spirit. It was a thrilling presentation,” said Armenian Bar Association Board member Vanna Kitsinian.

(L-R) Seepan Parseghian, Karnig Kerkonian, and Steve Dadaian

The luncheon also featured a special presentation devoted to thanking Pope Francis for his strength in recognizing the Armenian Genocide as the spiritual leader of the 1 billion-member Catholic Church. Accepting the association’s gratitude on behalf of the Armenian Catholic Church was Father Thomas Garabedian, a Ph.D. in canon law, who provided the audience with an informative presentation about the great significance of the Pope’s act of recognition. Father Thomas also provided a spiritually uplifting blessing during the luncheon.

(L-R) Saro Kerkonian, Karnig Kerkonian, Armen Hovannisian, Harry Dikranian, Gary Moomjian, and Edvin Minassian

The second panel on restorative justice included international law advocates Steve Dadaian, Karnig Kerkonian, and Seepan Parseghian. Moderated by board member Edvin Minassian, the presentation featured Dadaian’s discussion about the various treaties that may have implications on Armenian reparation claims, such as the Treaties of Sèvres, Kars, and Lausanne, and the Arbitral Award of President Woodrow Wilson. There was also a fascinating comparative analysis of the origins of the Zionist Movement, Theodor Herzl, and the lessons that can be drawn from the Jewish experience of re-establishing statehood. Kerkonian gave an eye-opening perspective on how the legal theory of Res Judicata can have an important implication on Armenian claims if the Armenian Diaspora does not formulate a demand of that which it seeks to obtain as reparations. Parseghian presented the audience with an innovative means of seeking restorative justice through the Indigenous Peoples Act. The presentations sparked such an intense interest among the audience members that a lively and constructive 45-minute question and answer session followed.

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian flanked by Tina Odjaghian, uncle Tommy Kardashian, Armen Hovannisian, and members of the Kardashian family.

The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Silver Anniversary Banquet, which took place in the grand Marquesa ballroom of the Montage Hotel. Masters of ceremony Vanna Kitsinian and Gerard Kassabian presented three of the Armenian Bar Association’s highest honors. The first recipient was world-renowned Armenian historian and scholar, Prof. Richard Hovannisian. Hovannisian was presented with the association’s highest honor, the Hrant Dink Freedom Award, which is presented to only an exceptional few who have demonstrated the ability to speak truth to power on issues of great magnitude to the Armenian community. Armenian Bar Association chairman Armen Hovannisian was recognized for his outstanding leadership of the organization.

Following the chairman’s presentation, two of the most popular women in the world, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, joined their aunt and uncle to accept the Armenian Bar Association’s Family Heritage Award given in honor of their late father, Robert Kardashian. Kim Kardashian addressed the audience, stating that she and her sisters were very proud of their Armenian heritage and commented on the importance in seeking recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

The presentation of the Family Heritage Award was followed by a special award recognizing chairman ex-officio, Garo Ghazarian, for his lifetime community service. Ghazarian was introduced by Dr. Viken Hovsepian, the chairman of the Central Committee of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Western United States, and a personal friend of Ghazarian’s. Hovsepian praised Ghazarian’s passion and dedication to the Armenian Cause and in particular his chairmanship of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee, which saw the March For Justice gather more than 160,000, making it the largest protest march in the history of Los Angeles.

Secretary Vanna Kitsinian (second from the left), with past chairpersons (L-R) Zaven Sinanian, Ann Lousin, Armen Hovannisian, Edvin Minassian, Gary Moomdjian, Sonya Nersessian, Raffi Hovannisian, Garo Ghazarian, and treasurer Gerard Kassabian

Former chairs of the Armenian Bar Association who were in attendance received a pin for their service to the association, presented by the founder of the organization, Raffi Hovannisian. The evening’s festivities began with blessings from Archbishops Moushegh Mardirossian and Hovnan Derderian.

Members also enjoyed a golf tournament held at the beautiful Rancho Park golf course in West Los Angeles. Organized by long-time Armenian Bar veterans, Garo Hovannisian, Mark Horoupian, and Nigol Manoukian, more than 30 golfers took to the round of 18 holes. “It was a wonderful event. The course was long and very challenging, but the smiles and camaraderie of the participants made it a breeze of a day. And, the fact that we raised roughly $5,000 for the Vicken Simonian Scholarship Fund made it even more gratifying,” said organizing committee member Garo Hovannisian, at the conclusion of the tournament.

On Friday evening, attendees gathered for an outdoor reception under the stars at the famous Via Arollo restaurant in Beverly Hills, where they networked while enjoying delicious wines and scrumptious appetizers.

Elections were held at the meeting. Karnig Kerkonian, of Chicago, Scott Ohnegian of New Jersey, and California attorneys Ara Babaian, Saro Kerkonian, and Tina Odjaghian were elected to three-year terms as directors-at-large to the Board of Governors.

The newly assembled Board then elected Harry Dikranian of Montreal as chair; Saro Kerkonian and Gary Moomjian of New York and Kathy Ossian of Michigan as vice chairs; Vanna Kitsinian of California as secretary; and Gerard Kassabian, also of California, as treasurer.

(L-R) Co-vice chair Saro Kerkonian with newly elected chairperson Harry Dikranian and ex-officio Armen Hovannisian

“Our organizing committee put in countless hours to assemble an Annual Meeting of the highest caliber for our members and community. We are proud to have delivered a memorable array of events and activities which enlightened our members, recognized those who have given it all for their professions and the Armenian Cause, and [served as] an opportunity for those who attended to enjoy professional networking in beautiful Beverly Hills, California. We look forward to building on this momentum in the coming year,” said Harry Dikranian, the newly elected chairman of the Armenian Bar Association.

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NEW YORK—The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of children in rural Armenia, held its 5^th Annual Summer Soiree on June 16 at the trendy PH-D Rooftop Lounge of the Dream Hotel Downtown in New York City. Close to 300 COAF friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the organization’s recent accomplishments and raise funds for vital entrepreneurship programs to be offered to rural youth and women at the first state-of-the-art COAF Smart Center currently being built in the Lori region of Armenia.

The Children of Armenia Fund 2015 Summer Soiree at the Rooftop at The Dream Hotel Downtown in New York, NY on June 16, 2015. (Photo by Stephen Smith)

Empowering Armenia’s future entrepreneurs has been at the heart of COAF’s initiatives over the past decade. Providing youth, women, and rural businesses with essential skills, knowledge, and resources has significantly stimulated local economic development in the regions where COAF has launched its crucial interventions.

COAF’s commitment to expanding to 100 new village communities in Armenia is being realized with the establishment of the first COAF Smart Center in Lori. This strategically located regional epicenter will serve as a bridge for transferring knowledge from professionals to rural communities in an effort to develop functional skills and expertise. The COAF Smart Center will be scalable and self-sustaining, creating a network of empowered Armenian citizens that can work together to improve their own communities from an economic and social standpoint.

Loris Diron, Patricia Field, Haig Boyadjian (Photo: Diran Jebejian)

The evening was graciously hosted by COAF Board member Diron Jebejian and Andrea Montalbano. Host committee members included Zarig Baghdadlian, Loris Diran, Alecko Eskandarian, Lara Eurdolian, Monica Ghailian, Sebouh and Michelle Nahabedian, Alex Sarkesian and Chris Sarkesian. Guests included Tony Shafrazi, Patricia Field, Nancy Kricorian, Scout Tufankjian, Loris Diran, Dorinda Medley, and John Mahdessian. Event sponsors were Baked by Melissa, Couturier De Cardboard Inc., and Shake + Share Media NYC.

Last year’s COAF Summer Soiree raised over $50,000, which renovated a dilapidated unsafe school auditorium in the village of Aragatsavan. More than 350 students returned to school in fall 2014 and were excited to see a whole new auditorium hold assemblies and stage performances.

For more information, visit www.coafkids.org or call (212) 994-8234.

Nancy Kricorian, Nate Schenkkan, and Scout Tufankjian (Photo: Stephen Smith)

Diron Jebejian and Andrea Montalbano (Photo: Stephen Smith)

Dr. Garo Armen (center) and Tony Shafrazi (right) (Photo: Stephen Smith)

L-R: Carmen Libaridian, Ari Linaridian, Ciera Shirvanian and Sevag Shirvanian attend The Children of Armenia Fund 2015 Summer Soiree at the Rooftop at The Dream Hotel Downtown in New York, on June 16 (Photo by Stephen Smith)

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Advocate Training Program Empowers Future Leaders of the Armenian Cause

ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian, Esq. (center back) with the 2015 ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns. (Back row, L-R) Dickran Khodanian, Patrick Babajanian, Erik Khzmalyan, and Shaunt Tchakmak. (Front row, L-R) Arevig Afarian, Denise Altounian, and Ripsime Biyazyan

WASHINGTON—Thirty years after its inception, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) “Leo Sarkisian” Internship Program continues to expand Armenian-American civic activism through a landmark summer initiative, training top university students from across the United States and Canada to become effective ambassadors of the Armenian Cause.

The 2015 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship team meeting with a lead advocate of the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.)

“The ANCA invests in youth,” said ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian. “It’s who we are. It’s part of our organizational DNA. We are blessed with a great class of interns this year, and look forward to working with them to address the challenges we face, inspiring them to serve our community as leaders, and, of course, empowering them to reinvent our cause for a new era.”

Each of this year’s seven interns, having been chosen through a competitive application process, are looking forward to a life-changing experience, with the hope of making a difference on a nation-wide scale. The year’s intern class consists of university students and recent graduates, including Arevig Afarian, Denise Altounian, Patrick Babajanian, Ripsime Biyazyan, Dickran Khodanian, Erik Khzmalyan, and Shaunt Tchakmak.

2015 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship team meeting with House Intelligence Committee Ranking Democrat Adam Schiff (D-CA). The interns sang “Happy Birthday,” in Armenian, to mark the Congressman’s special day, coming up next week.

Interns participate in a wide variety of projects based on their individual interests, and are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the American political system. They participate in a bi-weekly lecture series featuring guest lecturers, including public officials and Armenian-American leaders.

The 2015 ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns with Congressional Armenian Caucus co-chair Robert Dold (R-Ill.)

Much of the first week was spent on Capitol Hill meeting with a series of leading advocates of Armenian-American concerns, including Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Robert Dold (R-Ill.), House Intelligence Committee Ranking Democrat Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Central Valley Congressman David Valadao (R-Calif.), and House Foreign Affairs Committee stalwart David Cicilline (D-R.I.). Conversations focused on everything from ongoing efforts to deliver justice for the Armenian Genocide and secure vital U.S. aid to Armenia and Artsakh to assisting the beleaguered Armenian communities in the Middle East. On a lighter note, the interns regaled Schiff with a warm Armenian rendition of “Happy Birthday” during a visit to his office.

Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline with 2015 ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns (L-R) Denise Altounian, Shaunt Tchakmak, Dickran Khodanian, Ripsime Biyazyan, Erik Khzmalyan, and Arevig Afarian

The interns were also able to attend the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, where U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power was testifying before the committee.

Between visits to Capitol Hill, they also hosted a mixer to meet with the summer interns from the Armenian Assembly of America, an annual tradition to build friendships and share experiences.

The 2015 ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns with U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power following a hearing at the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Upon arrival over the weekend, the interns were welcomed by the ANC Richmond Chapter for their 69th annual picnic. There they met with Richmond City Councilman Jonathan Baliles and local leaders and learned about the history of the Armenian community in Virginia.

Meet the 2015 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Interns

“Not too long ago, I discovered that I want to dedicate my life to the protection of human rights, especially minority rights. The ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship is the perfect way to gain experience in this field, while allowing me to contribute to the Armenian Cause,” says AYF member Arevig Afarian, 19. Arevig recently started her bachelor’s program in political science at the University of Montreal, though she is switching her program to international studies with a minor in law. She’s a visiting member of the Armen Garo Student Association, the Montreal and Laval joint Armenian Student Association, and is actively working on re-establishing the Armenian Students Association chapter of her university. Arevig’s activism within her community is reflected through her past involvement in Hamazkayin, and presently at the Sourp Hagop Saturday School. She is also currently helping with the campaign of a potential Liberal Party candidate on the federal level. Her plan is to complete a master’s in international law and to eventually get a Ph.D. on a subject closely related to the Nagorno-Karabagh issue.

Denise Altounian, of Santa Clarita, Calif., is a recent graduate of California State University, Fresno. She completed her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Armenian studies in 2014. During her time in Fresno she was an active participant in the Armenian community. As a student in the Armenian Studies Program she served as a staff writer for program’s newspaper Hye Sharzhoom. Further, Denise has taken on countless volunteer opportunities through the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School, the Armenian Students Organization, and Homenetmen. Following graduation she was an intern at the ANCA Western Region office in fall 2014. Denise sees the Leo Sarkisian Program as the perfect opportunity for the practical application of her studies, while expanding her knowledge of Armenian-American politics. “I hope to gain additional knowledge of the issues important to Armenian Americans and carry that into my professional career to further the mission of Hai Tahd.”

Patrick Babajanian is a rising junior at UC Berkeley (UCB), studying peace and conflict studies as his major. He intends to minor in history and Russian. Apart from working for the ANCA this summer, he is involved year-round with the Armenian Student Association at UCB, as well as with other organizations such as UC Berkeley Model United Nations, Habitat for Humanity, Amnesty International, the Cal Fencing Club, and the Troika Journal. He is looking forward to working as part of the Leo Sarkisian Internship, seeing it as a great opportunity to express his desires for the Armenian community and channel his skills in pursuit of this goal. It is very important to him to give a voice to the voiceless and stand up for the underdogs in the world who deserve support but tend to receive little to none because of the complexities of the current international political system. According to Patrick, “I hope that through my work at the ANCA, I can help further the drive for justice for the Armenian community and help usher the world step by step into a future of peace, progress, and prosperity for all.”

Ripsime Biyazyan, of Van Nuys, Calif., is a rising senior at Occidental College majoring in diplomacy and world affairs and has minors in math and economics. She has been the president of the Occidental College Armenian Student Association for the past two years and is director of public relations for the All-ASA, which consists of 13 schools and organizations from Southern California. Ripsime applied for this program upon completing an internship for the ANCA- Western Region in the fall. She just returned from Cuba, where she was utilizing a Young Initiative Grant from her school to do research for her senior thesis. “After completing Birthright, I wanted to find more outlets to help forward the Armenian Cause and broaden our horizons,” she says, “and the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship was the best way to do that while still helping me to forge a path for my potential future career.”

Dickran Khodanian is a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in history and Armenian studies from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He has been a longtime activist in his local community by serving in organizations such as the Armenian Youth Federation San Fernando Valley “Sardarabad” Chapter and the CSUN Armenian Student Association. In addition, he has served as a senator for the Associated Student Government of CSUN. As a longtime AYF member, he has had a strong passion for community activism and involvement that is seen in his work over the years in programs of the AYF and ASA. He plans to pursue his Ph.D. in Armenian studies. “I chose to take part in the ANCA Leo Sarkisian internship in Washington, D.C., because as a community activist in the Armenian Diaspora, it is my responsibility to take advantage of the opportunities provided to diasporans because they will ultimately help us become successful and even more effective leaders in our communities around the world.”

Erik Khzmalyan is a senior at Southwest Minnesota State University majoring in political science. He is a former ANCA-WR intern and has actively participated in events such as the ANCA Western Region Advocacy Day in California State Capitol and the annual ANCA Western Region banquet. Erik is a contributing writer for “The Armenite,” an online periodical for Armenian culture, politics, society, and the arts, as well as a fellow at the ERA Institute, a think-thank conducting research projects on the political and economic developments in the Eurasian continent. “As a political science major interning in Washington, D.C., this is a dream come true. Applying the knowledge and theories that I studied in college on practical projects is highly useful. This internship is a great opportunity to expand my horizons about politics, conduct sophisticated research on issues concerning the Armenian Cause, and make a modest contribution to my community. I am sure the experience we are gaining will have an immense impact on the shaping of our careers as young professionals and helping us to find our own paths to success. Rock on ANCA!”

Shaunt Tchakmak is a semester away from graduating from York University in Toronto, Ontario, with an honors degree in political science. Shaunt has served as an active member of the Toronto Armenian community and held leadership positions in the local AYF chapter. It was through his activism in the Armenian community that Shaunt realized his passion for politics. Today he is on track to complete his second term on the executive committee of the Ontario Young Liberals serving as vice president of provincial affairs. Through his involvement, Shaunt has earned the honor of interning for the Government of Ontario for the past three summer terms. He is excited to apply his knowledge and political skill here in Washington. “The work of the ANCA is truly at the forefront of the Armenian Cause,” Shaunt explains. “I hope to learn how to optimize my own political involvement to be the best possible champion of Armenian rights in the political arena.”

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The Selection Committee of the Peter and Alice Koomruian Armenian Education Fund recently announced the award of scholarships to the following students for the academic year 2015-16: Alexander Bedrosyan (international law, $3,000); Alison Boghosian (communications, $1,000); Antranik Dabaghian (medicine, $1,000); Andranik Demirchyan (law, $2,000); Saro Haroun (dentistry, $5,000); Anna Harutyunyan (sustainability, $3,000); Sarah Stites (business, $1,000); Narek Tashdjian (architecture, $2,000); and Olya Yordanyan (communications, $5,000).

The Peter and Alice Koomruian Armenian Education Fund was established in 1986 with a generous testamentary donation in the sum of $425,000 from Mrs. Alice Torigian Koomruian, which is managed by Bank of America as trustee. In the last 16 years alone, the fund has distributed $358,600 of its income to 206 students of Armenian descent in numerous fields of study, ranging from arts and sciences to veterinary medicine.

Applications for the academic year 2016-17 may be obtained by e-mailing terenikkoujakian@hotmail.com or rima91436@gmail.com, or writing to the Koomruian Armenian Education Fund, c/o Bank of America Trust Services Center, 100 Westminster Street, RI1-536-05-03, Providence, RI 02903. The deadline for filing the application is April 30, 2016.

Applicants must be of Armenian ancestry and be enrolled as full-time students at a university or college in the United States. The award is based on a student’s academic performance and financial need.

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