On the evening of Friday, April 24, the Armenian Student Association of t­­he Ohio State University hosted an event to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and to celebrate the rich culture that survived—and even thrived—following genocide. Dr. Hagop. Mekhjian, the Armenian Student Association’s faculty advisor, kicked off the event, which was attended by more than 200 students, OSU faculty, and community members. During Mekhjian’s heartfelt remarks, he quoted the Armenian-American author William Saroyan:

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing, and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.”

(First row, L-R) Michael Merjanian, Tatevic Broutian, Hagop Mekhjian, Natalya Nazaryan, and Will Larchian. (Second row) Gregory Simonian, Armine Aghabekian, and Mary Sagatelova.

Mekhjian proudly stated, “That’s what we are. We have created the New Armenia, all over the world. We are truly here today to dispel the myth that they can destroy our songs, our literature, and our prayers because this evening you’ll hear our poetry, you will hear our music, and you will hear our prayers. So we are indestructible. I am living testimony of that survival: I’m the product of two orphaned parents and the first generation of New Armenia.”

The president of the Armenian Student Association, Gregory Simonian, remarked, “It’s been said that the Armenian Genocide consisted of two crimes: the first being the genocide itself and the second being the denial of truth, which continues to this day. Today being the Centennial—100 years have passed since the genocide took place. This means all the survivors have passed away, taking their memories and stories with them.” Simonian emphasized the need for all Armenians in the diaspora to preserve the stories of the past. He then introduced the keynote speaker, Armenian-American poet Silva Merjanian.

Merjanian, the author of two books, Uncoil the Night and Rumor, gave a powerful talk on the genocide’s impact on Armenian poetry. She emphatically stated, “When we think of the poets killed, our grief and outrage at this injustice transcends the physical loss of a single human being and it extends to the intellectual wealth we were robbed of with these murders, the human potential that can’t be quantified. With most murdered in their prime, we lost all the future works of these poets.” Merjanian graced the audience with a reading of her own poetry, including Where the Truth is Strewn, the story of finding human remains—likely from the genocide—at the construction site of an elementary school.

Merjanian concluded her talk with a quote from Armenian author Ruben Sevak: “We are few, but we are called Armenians. We do not put ourselves above anyone. Simply our fortune has just been so different. Simply we have just shed too much blood… If we have enslaved – only with our eyes. And if we have ruled – only with our books. If we have prevailed – only with our talents. And if we have ever oppressed, it has only been with our wounds. See, we do not put ourselves above anyone. But we know ourselves. We are called Armenians. And why should we not feel pride about that? We are, we shall be and become many.”

After thunderous applause, Tatevic Broudian, the treasurer of the Armenian Student Association, introduced the world premiere of the movie, “Traversed: A Visual Journey Through Armenia,” directed by Alex Igidbashian and Emily Mkrtichian. The movie is a short documentary that depicts the character of Armenia through the stories of its vast primordial landscapes, ancient churches, rural villages, fields cultivated by families and small communities, industrial factories left over from the Soviet era, and its cities, growing and changing by the minute as they open up to the world of global trade and capitalism. In addition to the visual stories of Armenia, the film displays stories of people the directors meet along the way. “Traversed” gives people around the world a beautiful glimpse into this ancient and modern world.

Following the documentary, Armine Aghabekian, founder and vice president of the Armenian Student Association, introduced the evening’s musical program, a five-piece ensemble from “Opera Project Columbus,” who performed works by Armenian composers Komidas Vartapet and Aram Ilyich Khachaturian. Coral Owdom, a highly regarded soprano, delivered a soulful rendition of “The Crane” and “Our Lord’s Prayer” in Armenian.

In closing, Dr. Ryan Nash, the director of the Ohio State University’s Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, introduced Very Reverend Miroljub Ruzic, rector of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Orthodox Church in Columbus, who sang a traditional prayer remembering those who gave their lives for the sake of the faith. Members of the audience sang and prayed along.

Dominic Monley, Peace Corps volunteer from 2006-08 in Armenia, enjoyed the program tremendously. Monley said, “The ‘Traversed’ documentary was a highlight for me, as it provided a visual backdrop to all this amazing culture by putting it in the context of the beautiful landscapes of the Republic of Armenia. I was also impressed by the size and diversity of the audience. I’m grateful to Dr. Mekhjian and the Armenian Student Association for providing a space for remembrance of the Armenian Genocide and, for those less familiar, a chance to learn more about Armenian culture and the historical events that have shaped it.”

The post A Celebration of Armenian Survival appeared first on Armenian Weekly.

BEIRUT, Lebanon (A.W.)—Over the past few months, reports have appeared in various media outlets claiming that a a luxury beach resort will be built on two-thirds of the historic Bird’s Nest Orphanage plot in Jbeil, Lebanon (see map for exact areas). In early February, the Board of Directors of Bird’s Nest (Trchnots Pooyn, in Armenian) informed the community—particularly the relatives of those who are buried in the cemetery—that plans for the site now envision relocating the 33 individual graves to 2 collective tombs on the upper part of the plot. Around two-thirds of the graves are of orphans; one-third are of genocide survivors or employees of the orphanage born before 1915. The decision to relocate the bodies was purportedly made to “bring the remains of these orphans closer to the grave of Maria Jacobsen, the founder of the orphanage.” They will rest next to a new museum dedicated to the orphans and to the orphanage. The museum is slated to officially open on July 18.

The Bird’s Nest Cemetery after workers attempted to relocate one of the graves on the right (Photo: Vartan Avakian)

The church released a statement in late February that reads, “Taking into account the financial difficulties that the Bird’s Nest has been facing, and the abandoned state of the seaside area of the plot, it was found appropriate to lease the mentioned land to be used by families for social and sporting purposes. The tenant is former Minister and Mayor [of Jbeil] Jean Louis Kordahi. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the tenant and the Catholicosate of the Greater House of Cilicia detailing the duration, and purpose of use of the land.”

Vartan Avakian, the great-grandson of Hagop Avakian, who was born in 1894 in Fendijak, Cilicia (Ottoman Empire), and who was among the earliest genocide survivors to settle in Lebanon and to later be buried in this cemetery, researched the church’s plan and began lobbying against the project. When all attempts failed, opponents of the project created a website and an online petition to raise awareness among the public, and to explain the reasons behind their objection.

Last week in an interview with Cilicia TV, Seta Khedeshian, the executive director of Bird’s Nest, labeled the outspoken critics of the project as “irresponsible,” and accused them of spreading “false information.” She said the plan to move the graves was made prior to the new plans, and that by relocating the graves it was the committee’s goal to offer visitors a testimony of the lives of the orphans of the genocide and the that care “Mama” Jacobsen provided the children. Khedeshian, however, did not address some of the main concerns of the opponents of the plan that were raised in the petition, which has garnered more than 800 signatures.

Concerns over the Project

Bird’s Nest is historically symbolic for the Armenians of Byblos, Lebanon, and the to the diaspora in general. It is a testimony of the will of the Armenian people to survive, live, and create despite the genocide. For many members of the community in Byblos, it also represents the center around which the Armenian neighborhood was later formed.

Opponents of the plan argue that the beachfront project would not only harm the character of the site and disrupt the residents’ sense of belonging, but would also affect two important landmarks situated on the plot: the cemetery and Nicol Hall, which houses the St. Kayane Chapel.

Exhuming the Bodies of Genocide Survivors

The Bird’s Nest Cemetery is viewed by many as a memorial to Lebanon’s historical role as a refuge for victims of humanitarian catastrophes. Each of the 33 graves of the Armenian Genocide survivors is a testimony to and legacy of their journey and survival. Removing their bodies from what should have been their final resting place and into a “mass grave” is a tragic disruption, argue opponents of the plan. “The symbolism behind moving people who have survived the genocide … from their individual tombs to a collective mass grave, seems to have escaped the decision makers,” says Vartan Avakian. “A collective mass grave is a symbol of genocide rather than survival.”

In the interview with Cilicia TV, Khedeshian claimed that the cemetery has long been neglected, and that some of the graves no longer bear the names of the deceased, nor are they visited by their families. A nearby resident, however, related that families visit the cemetery at least twice a year on Merelots, that the site is seen as a place of pilgrimage, and that it is often visited during genocide commemoration events, even if it is poorly maintained by the institution in charge.

As the map shows, the surface area of the cemetery, which located on the east side, is 250 square meters (roughly 2,691 square feet, or 1 percent of the area of the plot), and is classified as public domain under the zoning regulation for the preservation of the historical site of Byblos.^* Furthermore, the municipality of Byblos has plans to construct a pedestrian walkway bridging the old port of Byblos to Armenia Street. This new walkway would give the cemetery of the genocide survivors its due value by improving its visibility and accessibility. Importantly, the cemetery also lies in the buffer zone of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a unique spot for a genocide memorial.

On June 29, without any legal documentation, workers began digging at the site. They were stopped by members of the Avakian family, who had obtained a court order to temporarily halt the construction activities in the cemetery.

The online petition urges the Catholicosate to put an end to the destruction of the cemetery for ethical and historical reasons, taking into consideration that it comprises only 1 percent of the 20,000 square meters (or about 215,278 square feet) of the land being leased.

“[Mass graves] occur when unidentified or ownerless human remains or bodies are found as a result of mass murders or massacres,” wrote architect Diran Harmandayan on the petition page. The graves at the Bird’s Nest “are not ownerless or unidentified. They belong in the first place to the Armenian community in Lebanon and to the Lebanese at large, as a heritage, and constitute authentic witnesses of the calvary of the Armenians who found refuge in Lebanon.”

Nicol Hall – St. Kayane Chapel

Since the zoning and building laws in Lebanon do not allow for any more permanent structures to be erected on this plot, the plan will appropriate the 1921 Nicol Hall, which was built by the orphans, and either demolish it or use it as the main building for the resort. It will also house a restaurant and a boutique hotel, according to the architectural plans reviewed by some of its critics.

Nicol Hall – Kayane Chapel

Khedeshian claimed that Nicol Hall has long been a dining hall that only recently was being used as a church. However, some Byblos residents say that the hall has two sections: The Danish hall, which was used as an auditorium by the orphans and later by the residents, and the St. Kayane Chapel, which has served as the only place of worship for Armenians in Byblos since prior to the 1950’s. In fact, the structure is recognized as a church in the Real Estate Certificate and Cadastral Survey of 1949.

The questions that have been raised seem to be: How ethical is it for a religious institution to lease land of such historical and cultural value for a luxury beach resort? And should the fate of a building that dates back to the early 1900’s, that was used as a church and as a school facility by those saved from the genocide, be turned into a resort or a restaurant?

The petition calls for the preservation of the St. Kayane Chapel because the current plan, if carried out, will erase an important part of Armenian history, memory, and patrimony in Byblos.

Issues of Transparency

The interview with Khedeshian, although it aimed to clarify the so-called “fallacies” that have been circulating in the media, did not clarify important details about the project.

Bird’s Nest Cemetery (Photo: Vartan Avakian)

No clear report has yet been given regarding the type and scope of the project, although Khedeshian stated that the Bird’s Nest Committee had issued announcements detailing each and every plan the institution foresees for the site.

The committee did not circulate a map of the leased area or clarify the number of years it will be leased, the type of deal made between the institution and the investor, and how the institution stands to profit from the project.

When asked about what it will gain from this “profitable project,” Khedeshian simply said that a new church, worth $1 million, will be built on the upper part of the plot, and a few structures will be renovated.

Opponents to this development say that such a project should be openly discussed in a town hall-style meeting with the presence of community members, as well as professionals in the fields of architecture, heritage, urban planning, and archeology. And that it is the right of every Armenian and Lebanese at large to question the proposed project, especially as it includes plans that so significantly affect the cemetery.

Real profits vs. Real Losses

Plot Overview

The fact that the institution would like to use its empty land to cover its expenses may seem reasonable to many, including some of the opponents of the beach resort project. Khedeshian argued that the cost of maintaining the property has increased, and that the financial flow from external sources has dried up. If the plan succeeds, she said, the developer would offer $1 million to construct a new church on site. She insisted that no structures would be demolished.

Yet, there needs to be a proper understanding of the history of the site, proper respect shown to its many components, an appreciation and preservation of the value each carries, and consideration of its meaning to the people, insist opponents of the plan.

One recurring question that they are asking is: What would the institution lose if the cemetery were to remain in place, at the edge of the plot, and an investment that respects the historical and national heritage of Bird’s Nest is designed for the rest of the land?

Although the Bird’s Nest Committee has repeatedly stated that the relocation of the graves is within the scope of another project—that of bringing them closer to the resting place of Maria Jacobsen—opponents fear that it is largely motivated by the desire to make way for the new seafront development, as a resort adjacent to a cemetery might not be too appealing for vacationers.

“The 33 graves are history’s witnesses in the face of humanity that will convey their powerful message only if kept in their natural state. They should not be subject to any change,” said architect and urbanist Arpi Mangassarian, adding that with a little landscaping, the site could become an important destination for visitors of Byblos and Lebanon.

* The Directorate General of Antiquities refused an early plan to develop the section of the plot adjacent to the archeological site and has identified it as an archeological buffer zone. The 4,000 square meters where the cemetery is situated is in the buffer zone of a World Heritage Site.

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Megerdich “Mike” Megerdichian was born on June 23, 1957, in Springfield, Mass., to the late Antranig and Mariam Mkrtschjan. The second of three siblings, he followed sister Varteni and was later joined by younger brother John.

Megerdich ‘Mike’ Megerdichian (1957-2015)

The Mkrtschjan family was very devoted to the Armenian community, and this was evident in all aspects of their lives. Megerdich and John would take Armenian-language lessons from their uncle who was an accomplished language teacher. The family was active in the St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Indian Orchard and all its related organizations. It was in “the Orchard” that Megerdich began his lifelong involvement with the Armenian community including the church, Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutiun.

While devoting his time to the local community, the AYF Convention nominated and elected Megerdich to serve on its Central Executive in Boston. It was here that he ably served his national community and where, most importantly, he met his future wife and life partner, Sandra Varadian. The couple married in 1980 and was blessed with three children, Antranig, Melkon, and Ani. In 2013, Antranig and his wife Melineh blessed them with a grandson, Ara.

In his early years, Megerdich served the St. Gregory Church as an acolyte and later was ordained as a deacon. As a young adult, he worked in the restaurant business. He later had the calling to further devote himself to the church and attended the Armenian Theological Seminary at Antelias, Lebanon, to pursue religious studies. Upon his arrival in Lebanon during the civil war, Catholicos Khoren I of blessed memory, who admired Megerdich’s determination and devotion, praised him by saying, “while much of the population is trying to flee the country, it’s commendable that you came to study with us.”

After graduating from the seminary, Megerdich continued his religious education with Rev. Torkom Hagopian at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown, Mass. In 1982, he was ordained as Reverend Khatchig and assigned to serve at Holy Cross Armenian Church in Troy, N.Y.

In 1998, he and Sandra moved the family to Rhode Island to be closer to their families. Megerdich completed a degree in business and had a career in finance with Bank of America and H&R Block.

Megerdich loved his family, friends, and community. His compassion and dedication to helping others was his mission in life. Keeping an overnight vigil at the side of his father-in-law’s casket at Sts. Vartanantz to honor Mal’s memory was a testament of his devotion to his family.

The Providence “Kristapor” Gomideh was a passion of Megerdich’s, and where he enjoyed serving the community and participating with his family. He had the pleasure of serving with his wife Sandra, brother John and sister-in-law Taline, children Anto, Melkon, and Ani, and niece Nareh. During this past year, a very proud moment for Megerdich was serving as Godfather to his daughter Ani, niece Nareh, and Hrag Arakelian on the occasion of their induction to the ranks of the Dashnaktsutiun.

He was very proud of his wife and three children. Megerdich would recount each of their accomplishments and the faith he had in them.

His faith in God and love for people never wavered during his illness. While in hospice, he offered his prayers for those who visited him. His message to visitors during his final weeks was, “I am at peace when I am listening to Armenian hymns (sharagans) and am in the presence of the ARF Coat of Arms (zeenaneshan), and the Armenian tri-color flag (yerakouyn troshag).”

Megerdich will be missed by every life that he touched and his legacy will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

His funeral was held on July 14 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, R.I., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. in Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway in Providence. Burial will be at North Burial Ground in Providence. Memorial donations may be made to “Sts. Vartanantz Church Endowment Fund” or “ARF Kristapor Gomideh” at 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909. Please visit the website and share memories at www.WoodlawnGattone.com.

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A special concert in honor of the late Maestro Aram Gharabekian’s 60^th birthday will take place on July 19 at the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan.

The concert, organized by the Gharabekian family, will feature performances by renowned musicians Sergey Khachatryan, Federico Mondelci, Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi, Suren Bagratuni, Armen Babakhanian, Svetlana Navasardyan, Arsen Ter-Tatshatyan, Tigran Hamasyan and the Armenian Little Singers Artistic Director, Maestro Tigran Hekekyan.

A special concert in honor of the late Maestro Aram Gharabekian’s 60th birthday will take place on July 19 at the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan

The proceeds from the concert will help obtain musical instruments for the newly built concert hall in Shushi.

Tickets are on sale at ticket booths of the Opera and Ballet Theatre, toms.am, tomsarkgh.am, VIP Arts Service and Artbridge. For information please contact (374) 91 53 57 58.

Born in Iran in 1955, Gharabekian moved to the U.S. at a young age and studied composition and piano. He graduated from the New England Conservatory with a Master’s degree in Composition, and continued his postgraduate studies in Musical Phenomenology at Mainz University in Germany.  He studied conducting with Franco Ferrara in Italy, and was one of a few pupils of the legendary conductor Sergiu Celibidache. He was also granted a fellowship to study composition and conducting under Jacob Druckman and Leonard Bernstein at Tanglewood Music Center.

Gharabekian has commissioned and premiered several works by American and non-American composers.  His concert recordings have been broadcast on National Public Radio, and he has made numerous recordings for Ukrainian, Croatian, and Armenian Radio and Television, Boston’s WBZ-Television, WBUR, WGBH and WCRB FM radio stations in Boston, WNYC FM in New York, the Voice of America in Washington, and Bayerischer Rundfunk in Munich.

The recipient of the 1989 Lucien Wulsin Performance Award for the best concert performance aired on America’s National Public Radio, Gharabekian was also awarded the 1988 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Award for Adventuresome Programming.

He was twice honored by the Harvard Musical Association’s “Best Performance Award” and his performances have been singled out as “Best of 1985, 1989, 1990, and 1991″ by the Boston Globe.

He is the recipient of the Presidential Medal for his contributions to the arts in Armenia.

Maestro Gharabekian died unexpectedly on Jan. 10, 2014, in Los Angeles at the age of 58.

For more detailed information about the concert, please contact Elina Sahakyan at elina@tpg.am or visit the Facebook event.

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YEREVAN—With the aim of helping boost computer literacy in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh) schools, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s Cypriot affiliate has initiated and sponsored the establishment of computer classrooms at five secondary schools in the Karvachar area, by donating six computer systems as well as computer furniture to each of the schools. The government of Artsakh has given the project additional support by funding the complete renovation of the computer classrooms.

The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s Cypriot affiliate has initiated and sponsored the establishment of computer classrooms at five secondary schools in the Karvachar area

The beneficiaries of the project are the William Saroyan School (city of Karvachar), J. Jlavyan School (Nor Verin Shen village), S. Erumyans School (Nor Brajur village), V. Nazaryan School (Nor Getashen village), and P. Ghevondyan School (Yeghegnut village). The five schools have a total of close to 300 students. As Zhora Sargsyan, principal of the P. Ghevondyan School, stated, today it would be hard to imagine the life of children and teenagers without computers, especially at school.

Sebouh Tavitian, the chair of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s Cypriot affiliate, said he’s delighted that the small Armenian community of Cyprus was able to help enhance the learning experience of Artsakh schoolchildren. “I’m sure they will take good care of their new computers and enjoy using them to broaden their knowledge and skills,” Tavitian stated.

The beneficiaries of the project are the William Saroyan School (city of Karvachar), J. Jlavyan School (Nor Verin Shen village), S. Erumyans School (Nor Brajur village), V. Nazaryan School (Nor Getashen village), and P. Ghevondyan School (Yeghegnut village).

The Hayastan All Armenian Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1992 with the aim of facilitating humanitarian assistance and infrastructure development in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. The fund has 25 affiliates worldwide.

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On June 20, AMAA Life Member Dr. Chris Tashjian visited the Central Military Hospital of the Republic of Armenia (RA). He was joined by Harout Nercessian, AMAA’s representative in Armenia; fellow philanthropists Dr. Vartkes and Mary Najarian; Davit Tonoyan, the deputy minister of the Republic of Armenia’s Defense Ministry; A. Abreamov, the first deputy chief of the General Staff; Colonel A. Asadouryan, the chief of the Clinic of the Central Military Hospital; and Ruzanna Khatchaturyan, the president of the Armenian Association of Military Doctors and wife of the RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan.

(L-R) Dr. Chris Tashjian; Lusine Ohanyan, AMAA Armenia external relations coordinator; Harout Nercessian, staff member to Davit Tonoyan; and Davit Tonoyan

The Central Military Hospital of the RA, located in Yerevan, provides advanced healthcare to servicemen and their families. All guests promised that donations of medical equipment to the Military Hospital would continue.

Tashjian had secured the transport of electronically controlled beds and medical equipment (valued at $300,000) to Armenia, while the AMAA saw that the beds and equipment were received and delivered to the hospital.The group viewed various departments in the hospital, checked the newly donated beds and equipment, and spoke with military patients who are undergoing treatment there.

(L-R) Lusine Ohanyan, Dr. Chris Tashjian, Harout Nercessian, Col. Kamavor Khatchaturyan, Dr. Vartkes Najarian, and Ruzanna Khatchaturyan
Picture 3: One of the donated hospital beds

One of the donated hospital beds

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NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.—Take it from Harold Paragamian. You’re never too old to get an education.

Harold Paragamian, 91, displays the liberal arts degree he received from Merrimack College, North Andover. (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

At an age when most people are infirmed or simply biding their time, this 91-year-old Methuen resident made it a point to graduate from Merrimack College with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.

Not only was Paragamian at the top of the 2015 graduating class in years, but he ranks up there as the oldest known grad in years, maybe ever.

It took him 25 years to achieve the goal, right after earning an associate’s degree from the same institution.

He wasn’t required to attend the commencement; instead, he was presented his degree by Dr. Christopher Hopey during a private ceremony inside the President’s Office with close friends looking on.

Paragamian was overwhelmed with pride and emotion.

“I never won a lottery or a vacation,” he said. “Those that did probably couldn’t boast of a college degree at my age. I dedicate the honor to my parents, who always encouraged me to make the most of my time and not be idle.”

Call it serendipity. Paragamian was attending a Christmas party last December at Merrimack College and struck up a conversation with Kathleen St. Hilaire, associate director of alumni.

Paragamian was taking courses all along but fell three credits short. Word got quickly to the president, who came over and put his hand on Paragamian’s shoulder.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” Dr. Hopey told the man. “We’ll make it happen.”

Thus, Paragamian made up the credits with a community service project that sent him to area high schools lecturing to students about World War II. His was a story that may not have appeared in textbooks. A similar talk he gave at Kiwanis Club was equally mesmerizing.

Harold Paragamian when he was in the U.S. Army during the 1940’s

Beneath the surface is a humble U.S. Army veteran who spent 14 months in the European Theater at places like Normandy and the Rhineland, earning four campaign stars and several anxious moments during his tour. For an 18-year-old enlistee out of high school, the experience was a daunting one.

“You wondered if you would ever come out of it alive,” he recalled. “There were some bitter days. Not only was it devastating to see your own men killed, it was also painful to see Germans die. The human element is very close to me.”

So was his military service, which spanned four decades as a civil service employee working in the Army Post Exchange at Fort Devens, Ayer, whether as a forklift operator or sales advocate before retiring in 1995.

“Through the grace of God, I have much to be thankful for,” he adds. “I count my blessings all the time. World War II veterans are dying every day. Hopefully, I can still make a small difference.”

Well, Paragamian did just that in 2001, following the terrorist attacks of September 11. He returned to Normandy to retrace his military roots. After taking a 25-minute train trip to St. Leu la Foret, he stood on the same streets where he once faced German gunfire.

He marveled at how much the town had changed from the time he helped liberate it with other members of the 113^th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. Without realizing it, he returned to a hero’s welcome.

“It brought back a flood of memories,” he recalled. “Strangers there greeted me with open arms and treated me like royalty. I had dreamed of visiting the town for many years. My age was not a factor. It was a mission I was determined to take.”

Not knowing where to go, Paragamian turned to a man on the street and explained his situation. The stranger quickly escorted him to the mayor’s office and explained who Paragamian was and what he was doing here.

As soon as the introduction was made, the mayor broke into a huge smile and had pictures taken in front of a World War II memorial.

In return, Paragamian gave the town official some of the shoulder patches he had worn on his army uniform. Upon his return home, he sent the town’s church a donation to express his gratitude for escaping the conflict—seven decades ago.

Pursuing his degrees was no easy matter. A job 32 miles away from home often met with a harried schedule. Rush home, grab a sandwich, and off to Merrimack. Paragamian was determined to get a college education. The bachelor’s was his coup de grace.

Paragamian still enjoys keeping in shape with walks and tends to a model train collection that takes him to auctions and hobby shops. As for the degree, no need to worry about getting a job. He’ll display it with pride and finally rest on his laurels.

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YEREVAN—In recent months, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund provided apartments to many homeless families in Gyumri, Armenia. Through a program launched in 2014, the fund purchased 17 apartments; 12 families have already moved into their new homes. The apartments are completely renovated and furnished, and feature all modern amenities, including appliances.

In recent months, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund provided apartments to many homeless families in Gyumri, Armenia

The apartments were acquired with proceeds from a special telethon that was held jointly by the fund and the ARTN Shant Television station on Sept. 7, 2014. Contributions toward the purchase of the apartments were made by benefactors Antranik Baghdassarian, Vahe Karapetian, Haro Jordan, Haig Keledjian, and Samvel Balasanyan, as well as ARTN Shant Television. Through the initiative of Gilbert Moumdjian, the chairman of the fund’s German affiliate, the German-Armenian community also made contributions, which were used to provide homes to the families of Anna Sargsyan and Ruzanna Yeghogyan, both single mothers.

All of the program’s beneficiaries once lived in ramshackle huts, metal containers, or rooms in rundown, structurally unsound dormitories

All of the program’s beneficiaries once lived in ramshackle huts, metal containers, or rooms in rundown, structurally unsound dormitories, often without access to gas, water, or electricity service. Today many of these families have become owners of clean, fully equipped apartments, where they can raise their children with dignity and in comfortable surroundings.

Previously, beneficiaries often lived without access to gas, water, or electricity service

“I’ve always done all I could so that my children wouldn’t go hungry, but couldn’t even dream of having a home one day,” Yeghogyan said tearfully.

On June 28, 2015, a second special telethon was held by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and ARTN Shant Television, with proceeds to be used for the purchase of additional apartments in the coming months. “Providing homeless Gyumri families with apartments will be an ongoing program,” said Ara Vardanyan, the executive director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

On June 28, 2015, a second special telethon was held by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and ARTN Shant Television, with proceeds to be used for the purchase of additional apartments in the coming months

‘Providing homeless Gyumri families with apartments will be an ongoing program,’ said Ara Vardanyan, the executive director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund

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WATERTOWN, Mass.—On Thurs., July 30, at 6:30 p.m., the Armenian Museum of America will present a program and book release by noted Canadian-Armenian photographer Hrair Hawk Khatcherian.

Cover of 100: 1915-2015

His latest work titled, 100: 1915-2015, includes more than 1,000 photographs and is a visual record of the rich Armenian cultural heritage that has survived and flourished. Beginning with Mt. Ararat and the story of Noah’s ark, the book reflects the rise and fall of Armenian kingdoms, the establishment and ebbing of Armenian communities in Armenia and in foreign lands, and the current status of Armenians today.

Hawk is the author of 12 other books on art and photography. His latest book, the culmination of more than 40 years of labor, is dedicated to the 100^th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The book examines the role of Armenians around the world, and the waxing and waning of their churches and communities into the 21^st century. Through images of locations, buildings, and artifacts, he tells the stories of these ancient peoples. When communities flourish, they build new churches; when communities wane, the churches are abandoned and the congregation disappears. Hawk also examines the transformation of old churches, either by renovation or by reuse for different functions.

The event will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Adele & Haig Der Manuelian Galleries, 3^rd floor, on 65 Main St. in Watertown. Hawk will provide a slide presentation about the new book, and will have copies available for sale at the presentation. Light refreshments will be served. It is free and open to the public.

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Electricity was in the air as more than 200 people streamed into the Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) on June 26 to hear the acclaimed Huyser Music Ensemble.

Among the guests present was the dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian; the Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian; and the Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan.

Electricity was in the air as more than 200 people streamed into the Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) on June 26 to hear the acclaimed Huyser Music Ensemble

Nostalgia and remembrance were the themes of the evening, conveyed in the heartfelt opening song “Horovel,” arranged by the legendary Komitas Vartabed. The singers came onto the stage one by one, including artistic director and guitarist Harout Barsoumian, who arranged and orchestrated all of the songs; musical director Karine Barsoumian; lead vocalists Maria Barsoumian and Diran Jebejian; and guitarist and vocalist Ara Yegoryan.

Warm memories and praises to Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan were present in several songs, including in a composition by Raffi Altounian, a jazzy number by composer Arno Babajanian, and a ballad by Armen Mardakunian expressing the romantic message that Yerevan will always persist.

The performance continued with a soul-stirring “Asumen Te,” a song of longing by Khachatur Avetisyan with lyrics by Armenia’s revered poetess Silva Kaputikyan dedicated to her husband, poet Hovhanness Shiraz. It was sung passionately by Maria Barsoumian.

Diran Jebejian beautifully interpreted the love song “Arevig” by Konstantin Orbelyan. Instrumental solos were offered by violinist Diana Vasilyan (playing Aram Khachaturian’s lush and melodic “Waltz”), and pianist Harout Barsoumian (offering a dynamic “Ashkharums” by Sayat Nova).

Several compositions dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide took center stage. “Moot Jamer” (Dark Hours) with words by Vahan Tekeyan, and “Home” with music (two guitars, percussion, and violin) for both pieces by Harout Barsoumian, honored the hero Soghomon Tehlirian, and were originally featured in the well-received play mounted in New York, “All Rise. The Court Is in Session.”

Also dedicated to the genocide was the heartbreaking “Oureyir, Asdvadz?” (Where Were You, God?) with music and lyrics by Arthur Meschian, sung with great feeling by the group. The song gave the profound message that God gives us hope and strength in the darkest hours. A different aspect of the milestone was seen in “Abrelou Abril,” with its message that even on this 100th anniversary, the scars of the genocide are still raw.

The contemplative pieces continued with “Mardigi Yerk” (music by Ashot Satyan and words by G. Saryan), relating the hope of a freedom-fighter on the battlefield to see his mother and home. And “Caravan”—sung poignantly by Karine Barsoumian, with music and lyrics by Avedik Isahakyan—symbolized Armenians around the world marching together across the desert, hoping to see their home.

A special request from the audience changed the meditative mood with the modern, jazzy instrumental of “Cafe Mocha” by Jesse Cook.

The final selection, “Millions of Lives” by Karen Margaryan, received its world premiere at this event. A tribute to the Centennial, it foretold the bright hope for future generations, and featured a group of youngsters coming on stage as living symbols.

A standing ovation by the audience resulted in several curtain calls, wherein the performers delivered an encore of patriotic songs, which was greeted with thunderous cheering.

The Huyser Music Ensemble was created in 2010 under the auspices of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Cathedral in New York. Staying true to its name—“huyser” is the Armenian word for “hopes”—the group is “committed to serving as the beacon for staying true to the Armenian culture, and promoting the rich musical history of the Armenian nation.”

The concert was sponsored by New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, and though it had been planned to take place on the cathedral plaza under the stars, the threat of rain moved the concert indoors. To prepare for the change, the cathedral and ensemble crew worked feverishly for more than two hours to prepare the indoor stage; their efforts resulted in a truly engaging and professional presentation.

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WATERTOWN—The Armenian Museum of America concluded its 10^th annual Spring Sports Raffle with great style and success, bringing in contributions that exceeded last year’s. The ticket sales will help the museum continue its mission to showcase the rich Armenian history through exhibitions and programs.

Sports announcer Bob Lobel (second from right) celebrates with Armenian Museum trustees and raffle winners at the 2015 Sports Raffle Drawing.

This year’s sports raffle fundraiser also marks the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. To commemorate this significant time in Armenian history, and in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian Museum will donate five percent of all proceeds to the Near East Foundation, an organization that was established in response to the Armenian Genocide. This donation will help various initiatives, including education and poverty reduction in rural Armenia.

The annual Spring Sports Raffle concluded with a lively party and reception for the participants, who enjoyed the Fenway-style menu of hotdogs, pizza, popcorn, and beverages. Sports celebrity Bob Lobel drew the winning tickets. Prizes included a Grand Prize of 22 seats in the Fenway Park Luxury Box, as well as 10 other sets of tickets to see such favorites as the Patriots, the Bruins, the Celtics, and more Red Sox games

Winners

Grand Prize Winner: Joy Renjilian-Burgy

2^nd Prize Winner: David Aykanian

3^rd Prize Winner: Roger Dilbarian

4^th Prize Winner: Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian

5^th Prize Winner: Ed Shooshanian

6^th Prize Winner: Philip J. Notopoulos

7^th Prize Winner: Gregory Adamian

8^th Prize Winner: Arakel Almasian

9^th Prize Winner: Dan Hausmann

10^th Prize Winner: Harold Partamian

Special Prize Drawing Winner: Richard Yanofsky

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By Hovsep Dagdigian

About a year ago I published an article on the scenic village of Ayrk in Gegharkunik province, which I visited with my friend Vova. Our vehicle at that time was incapable of traversing the hilly, unpaved roads to the nearby villages of Verin Shorzha and Nerkin Shorzha. This year, with access to an appropriate vehicle, we made it to these two villages.

The three villages—Ayrk, Verin (Upper) Shorzha, and Nerkin (Lower) Shorzha—are above the tree line at about 7,000 feet altitude in the mountains south-east of Lake Sevan. Verin and Nerkin Shorzha are accessible via an unpaved road, with only scant hints of remaining Soviet-era asphalt, from Vartenis to Ayrk and then to the two Shorzhas. Beyond Ayrk the roads are hilly, traversing valleys cut by streams with abundant wild flowers along the side of the road.

Verin Shorzha

We drove to Verin Shorzha in foothills of the local mountains passing a river running through a gorge with beautiful stone cliffs. Verin Shorzha is nestled in a fold in the mountains with cattle grazing on the floor of the adjacent valley. There used to be a church or chapel in the village 35-40 years ago, but the villagers remembered nothing of this. There is, on the slope of the valley, a khatchkar where villagers go to pray and light candles. This may have been the site of the church or chapel that is now completely gone. Only a handful of village “residents” remain here year around; most go to Russia and return to the village in the summer. We met one woman with her grandchild who attends school in Vartenis, over two hours away; there is no school in Verin Shorzha. You don’t see a lot of kids playing here.

On the road to Verin Shorzha

The village economy is based on raising livestock (sheep and cattle) and crops that can withstand severe winters, such as wheat and potatoes. Villagers complain that they get only 100 dram (approximately $0.20) for a liter of milk, less than the price of a liter of water. Ten liters of milk are used to make one kilogram of cheese, which sells for 2,500-3,000 tram (approximately $5.20-6.20) in the retail markets. Similar markups exist for the meat they produce and sell. But the villages do not benefit from these retail prices.

Part of Verin Shorzha in the valley

We met a shepherd tending his sheep. His three sons are in Russia. He is attached to the land, but thinks maybe he’ll sell his sheep and go live with his sons. But then, he thought, “This place is beautiful. What would I do in Russia?” A man we met, very well read and articulate, praised the Armenian people. He said Armenians are intelligent, hard-working, honest, and innovative. But, he added, the 5-10 percent that run the government are making conditions in Armenia worse and are not taking actions to better the nation. He did not see how things could change for the better.

There are burned out houses here that belonged to Azeris before the Karabagh War. I was told that this was originally a completely Armenian village (as it is once again). Azeris moved in around 1928, left, then came back. They left again during the recent war.

Villager in Verin Shorzha

As we were leaving the village a man flagged us down. He was about 40 or so and was naturally curious about who we were, as no one visits this village! I asked him about the winters here. Winters are severe with a lot of snow. “Does the government plow the roads?” I asked. “We never see the government,” he replied. The village mayor has a tractor, he plows the road. The villagers proposed building a small hydroelectric station on the river here, but the government rejected their proposal. I don’t know the reason. Perhaps it was not economically viable, or perhaps there were technical difficulties.

This place is astonishingly beautiful, with verdant green fields, amazing flowers, invigorating air, and wonderful people who deserve a better life.

Scenery on the way from Verin Shorzha to Nerkin Shorzha

Nerkin Shorzha

Driving to Nerkin Shorzha we once again traversed beautiful scenery, bright wild flowers, and beautiful rock formations. This village, too, is very small. In it is the foundation of a church dating perhaps to the 10^th or 12^th century, no one knows for sure. A few years ago the villagers built an attractive wooden church upon the old foundation. A woman who looks after the church showed us the few remaining stones from the old church that were inserted into the wall of the rebuilt church and placed next to the altar. Also incorporated into the church were a few old tombstones. There seemed to be a few more children in this village. I don’t know if they live here year round or are visiting for the summer.

Approach to Nerkin Shorzha

Possibilities

It seemed to my friend Vova and me that perhaps the villagers could process their own milk into cheese and profit from the value added. If they were to try this, I don’t know what political or economic forces they would have to contend with. This area also seems suitable for a small hotel or rest house. The scenery is wonderful and the cool air invigorating. There appears to be little or no social life here. Perhaps a small community center with an internet room, maybe a small theatre with a large screen TV for showing movies, and clubs for chess and outdoor activities such as horseback riding and hiking would help make the village attractive for visitors seeking a break from the traffic and heat of Yerevan’s summers.

Nerkin Shorzha

Within the three neighboring villages there are no trees for lumber or fuel. Sources of energy are cow manure, which the villagers dry and then use for fuel, and electricity. Electric rates are due to go up shortly, placing an increased financial burden on Armenia’s people and especially on Armenia’s poor. The rate increase has sparked protests throughout Armenia.

When visiting such sites one is inspired by the beauty of our land, and the friendliness and hospitality of the people. One is similarly incensed by the apparent indifference or inability of the government and other organizations to help improve these people’s lives. While the roads in Yerevan are paved over and over again and more flowers are planted along Yerevan’s streets, many of Armenia’s villages appear to be forgotten. Armenia is more than its capital. People in Armenia’s small villages are strong and resilient. They can deal with adversity. What they find difficult to deal with is the apparent indifference to their isolation and the difficulties they face. Eliminating the sense of isolation of such villages, whether perceived or actual, is important. Such beautiful villages should be on tourist agendas. Such places are a part of the Armenian reality and must be embraced.

Church, Nerkin Shorzha

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As a result of its significant growth and expanded activities, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) is seeking an Executive Director to help ensure the 60-year-old association’s long-term efforts to meet the challenges of advancing Armenian studies.

Executive Director functions have long been shared among NAASR’s Executive Committee, Board, and esteemed Director of Academic Affairs Marc Mamigonian. The Executive Director will work to fulfill NAASR’s mission in collaboration with them and to serve NAASR’s membership nationally and internationally as the association continues to evolve.

To apply, see the full job announcement on idealist.org or bridgespan.org.

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ANCA-ER Banquet Comes to the Midwest First Time since its Inception

DETROIT, Mich.—Armenian Americans throughout the Eastern U.S.—especially from the Midwest—will be joining together to celebrate a year of civic activism at the 9th annual Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Eastern Region Banquet, to be held on Sat., Nov. 14, in Detroit.

ANCA-ER Banquet comes to the Midwest first time since its inception

“After eight years of successful events hosted in our East Coast communities, we look forward to bringing the ANCA-ER Banquet to the Midwest first time in its history. The banquet will spotlight our grassroots activism and the expansion of a broad range of ANCA-ER projects,” said ANCA Eastern Region Chairman Steve Mesrobian. “Our banquet committee is working hard to organize an unforgettable evening dedicated to the committed and passionate community advocates who work tirelessly day and night organizing Armenian Genocide Centennial commemorations, Baku and Sumgait pogrom vigils, fighting for Artsakh’s freedom and much more.”

The banquet, sponsored by the ANCA Eastern Region Endowment Fund, will begin with an elegant cocktail reception and silent auction at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and awards ceremony at 6 p.m. The event will take place in the heart of Detroit at the prestigious The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel located at 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit.

ANCA-ER board member and banquet committee co-chair Dr. Hovig Kouyoumdjian noted, “The Armenian Cause has propelled and gained new dimensions of joining the efforts of Armenians from the entire world. Hosting the 9th Armenian National Committee of America-Eastern Region banquet in the Midwest region, and especially Detroit, is a clear message of renewed determination and persistent progress to face the next challenges of the Armenian nation.”

This year’s theme for the banquet is moving beyond the centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, recognizing all the success attained as part of this grand effort and focusing on the work that still lies ahead to achieve full and just resolution for this international crime. “Yesterday, today, and beyond our work continues,” said ANCA-ER board member Tsoleen Sarian. “Building upon the knowledge and experience of the past century, we look ahead to redoubling our efforts to advocate for the Armenian Cause. Our march to justice carries on.”

Award recipients for the 2015 ANCA Eastern Region Annual Banquet will be announced in the coming days. Additional information is available at: http://www.anca.org/erbanquet. The hashtag #ERbanquet will be used in the social media for posts, pictures, and announcements.

For details on hotel reservations call 1-800-241-3333 and reference the name “ANCA” to get the reduced rate of $149/night for the rooms.

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

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METHUEN, Mass.—Better late than never.

That’s how John and Margaret Bedrosian view the coveted award that was presented posthumously to their son who was killed while serving in Vietnam on Nov. 14, 1969.

Margaret Bedrosian holds the Medal of Liberty belatedly awarded to her son, David, who died in Vietnam while serving with the U. S. Army. (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

In what was an emotional moment for the family, the U.S. Army awarded the Medal of Liberty to David Bedrosian during a special exercise with many looking on.

The fact it was 46 years later only made it more emotional for Margaret Bedrosian, who was joined by members of her family at the ceremony. Her son was merely 19 when he died in a freak motor vehicle accident while serving as a specialist.

A monsoon had struck Quon Loi and Bedrosian had disembarked from a fork lift, only to be struck by his own vehicle as visibility had been impaired due to the torrential rain.

The funeral that followed will long be remembered as one of the biggest military gatherings Lawrence, Mass., has ever seen. The American flag that covered her son’s casket was folded by an honor guard and presented to Margaret at the gravesite.

Four years ago, the military finally caught up to the victim with a shrine inside the City Hall foyer, where others like him have been remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice.

And now, four years after that, comes the Medal of Liberty. To describe the Bedrosians as an ultimate military family would be putting it mildly. John served with the Armed Forces during World War II, while David’s grandfather was also a veteran.

“A lot of people go into Town Hall every day,” Margaret said. “They see my son’s picture and remember the cause he served. He died with a patriotic heart. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my son.”

The medal is given to an individual killed in action or in a designated area while serving in the line of duty.

“I still have his letters from Vietnam,” said David’s sister, Linda Buonanno, whose children also attended the ritual. “Words cannot express the gratitude I have for this moment, despite the decades that have passed. I wish the wars would stop so families everywhere can have their children back. No country is worth the lives that are being taken.”

As a young teenager growing up in the streets of nearby Lawrence, David Peter John Bedrosian was everyone’s best friend.

He helped out his peers whenever the going got tough, ran errands for the elderly, helped neighbors in distress, and befriended the nuns at a nearby convent.

Whenever the Sisters of Holy Rosary Church needed a helping hand bundling clothes and food for the indigent, David was at their beckoning call.

The Bedrosians were at work when news of their son’s death arrived. They rushed home to find an army chaplain at their door and feared the worse. The news came two months before David was scheduled for discharge. He had already sent some of his belongings home.

If you were to drive by Maple Street in Lawrence, you would see a street sign bearing David Bedrosian’s name. That’s where the family lived prior to their move to Methuen.

He served his Holy Cross Armenian Church as an acolyte, delivered newspapers, and enjoyed playing sports with his friends. Some of his best times were spent fishing with his dad.

In high school, he was recognized as a model student who yearned to become an architect in his professional life. He had planned to attend Wentworth Institute in Boston when the war was gaining force.

He put his education on hold and enlisted in the army before the possibility of being drafted. David wanted to serve America on his own terms.

Six months later, on Palm Sunday, he got shipped to Vietnam and was assigned to the infantry where he played a significant role of supplying weapons to the troops.

Now, the Bedrosians can take comfort in knowing that the military has given their son a long-awaited tribute and his rightful place of honor with other fallen personnel.

David’s name also appears on the Vietnam Wall of Honor with 58,000 other victims, together with another namesake—a lieutenant who was killed while serving with the U.S. Air Force. No relation, other than the Armenian connection.

“David’s alive in our hearts, never dead,” added Margaret. “Even the great grandchildren hear about him. In our mind, David has never left home.”

The post Army Medal Awarded to Vietnam Victim—46 Years Later! appeared first on Armenian Weekly.

Thirty-two years after five young Armenian men gave their lives in the “Lisbon Five” operation, Armenians around the world—from Beirut to L.A. to Boston—held commemoration events and requiem services in their memory.

A scene from the commemoration in Lebanon (Photo: Aztag – Talar Alyemezian)

On July 27, 1983, Sarkis Aprahamian, Setrag Adjemian, Vatche Daghlian, Ara Kuhrjlian, and Simon Yahniyan chose to give their lives to what they called a “sacrifice to the altar of freedom.”

On July 26 in Lebanon, their birthplace, a commemoration event drew a large crowd to the Bourdj Hammoud cemetery. Titled “From Nemesis to Lisbon, from Lisbon to a United Armenia,” the event allowed participants to pay respects to the legacy of the Lisbon Five. A requiem service led by Primate Shahe Panossian followed.

A commemoration event on July 26 drew a large crowd to the Bourdj Hammoud cemetery, where mourners lit candles and placed flowerson the men’s graves (Photo: Aztag – Talar Alyemezian)

Hagop Pakradouni, a member of Lebanon’s Parliament and chair of Lebanon’s Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Central Committee, delivered the evening’s keynote address, in which he stressed that the Lisbon Five operation was the act of impassioned youth who yearned for justice in the face of continued injustice.

At that time, he explained, Armenia and Artsakh still lived under Turkish and Azerbaijani threats. Even today, Turkey continues to practice a policy aimed at the extermination of the Armenians, he said.

On behalf of the organizing committee, Meghri Babigian spoke about the memory of the Lisbon Five, and expressed her hope that such events lead to a renewed commitment by the younger generation to continue the Armenian demands for justice.

At the conclusion of the event, the family members of the Lisbon Five were given commemorative plaques.

The post Armenians Remember Lisbon Five appeared first on Armenian Weekly.

BEREA, Ohio—Loris Ohannes Chobanian is professor emeritus and a composer-in-residence at Baldwin Wallace (BW) University, and her composition “Der Voghormia” (Lord Have Mercy) for chorus, piano, and timpani was premiered on March 22 by “BW Singers”—conducted by Maestro Marc Weagraff, with Debra Comodeca, piano, and Josh Ryan, timpani—at the BW Conservatory Gamble Auditorium. The capacity audience included a significant presence from Cleveland area Armenians and members of the Saint Gregory of Narek Armenian Church together with Pastor Father Hratch Sargsyan.

Loris Ohannes Chobanian

Prior to the premiere, Weagraff expressed his appreciation for Chobanian’s “Der Voghormia” and urged the public to read the program notes, which read: “The prayer Der Voghormia was composed for the Armenian Church in Baghdad. Today’s performance is the U.S. premiere. Historic Armenia is located in the Mount Ararat plateau. Tigranes the Great (140-55 B.C.) was emperor of Armenia under whom the country became the strongest state east of the Roman Republic. Christianity was introduced to Armenia by apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew. Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official Religion in the year AD 301. The date April 24, 2015 is the centennial of April 24, 1915 in which the Ottoman Turkish Muslims unleashed their massacres of the Armenians in the Armenian Genocide, the first Genocide of the Twentieth Century. The composer’s mother and grandmother were victims of the Armenian Genocide. The prayer “Der Voghormia” also proclaims to implore peace to the world. The Timpani are placed at the balcony and respond to the prayer from above.”

The BW Singers’ pronunciation of the Armenian text was impressively authentic. The composer had met with the singers and dwelled on articulating the proper Armenian pronunciation. The singers seemed to love the composition. The response to the prayer from the powerful timpani made an unbelievable out of worldly impact. It was not clear where the sound of the timpani was coming from. The music of “Der Voghormia” will be available to Armenian churches throughout the United States.

Loris Ohannes Chobanian was born to Armenian parents in Mosul, Iraq. He was introduced to serious music at an early age. His father Ohannes Chobanian, an oil engineer and an amateur musician, was a versatile performer on the piano, the flute, and the violin. His favorite composers were Mozart and Komitas. At the age of 5, he composed an operetta “O, Loris!” which he sang in the city of Kirkuk. The elder Chobanian conducted the orchestra; he often organized plays and concerts for the Armenian communities in Mosul and Kirkuk. As an engineer he was also instrumental in bringing electricity to the city of Mosul.

In the 1950’s, Loris Chobanian performed the classical guitar regularly on Baghdad Television. After 1960, he performed on TV in Louisiana and in Michigan. Chobanian was instrumental in establishing the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory Guitar and Composition programs, as well as the Focus Contemporary Music Festival. He also established the position of the Baldwin Wallace composer-in-residence. In 1973, as the first ASTA Guitar Division chairman, he organized the ASTA Guitar Convention that brought together U.S. university and college guitar teachers for the first time. The convention led to the establishment of the Guitar Foundation of America and became the model that has been replicated by the annual GFA Conventions.

A winner of the Cleveland Arts Prize, Chobanian has also taught at the Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Akron. An expert conductor, he often conducts his own compositions as guest composer with university, high school, and professional orchestras. In July 2015, he will attend the Music Festival in Strasbourg, France, where his composition “FANTASIA” will be performed by the Trio Bel Canto.

On March 15, Chobanian’s composition “Visage for Flute and Piano” was performed by Sean Gabriel, flute, and Debra Comadeca, piano, at the Cleveland Composer’s Guild concert. The composition made a strong impact and was very well received by the audience. “Visage” expresses the condition where a face seen many years earlier cannot be easily recalled. Musical motives represent the diverse facial features encountered.

New compositions that will be premiered next year include “SPARKS: Sinfonia for Marimba and Piano and Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra.” In “SPARKS,” the composer has elevated the marimba to function as a truly expressive artistic medium. In five sections the composition creates contrasts using sounds reminiscent of bird calls and the resonance of calm sea waves. Professors Josh Ryan, marimba, and Robert Mayerovtch, piano, will present the world premiere. “Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra,” which will also be premiered next year, was composed especially for bassoonist Renee Anthony Dee, 1977 graduate of Baldwin Wallace Conservatory. According to the composer, “The bassoon’s upper register has a beautiful quality, but it does not project as well as that of the lower register, which can be assertive and powerful. As a result, the orchestra parts can easily cover the upper melodic themes of the bassoon. Historically there have been many concertos for different instruments with heavy orchestral parts that would cover the themes of the solo instrument. In such cases the conductor often has to readjust the instrumentation to solve the problem.”

“… In the second and third movements motives from Armenian and Kurdish folk music, respectively, are introduced as part of the thematic development. However, at no time do the thematic folk materials introduced represent complete melodies.”

On May 8, Chobanian conducted his “Spaceflight for Orchestra” with the BW Senior Youth Orchestra. The composition describes the sensation, the excitement, and the feeling of the spaceflight experience. Being in orbit and in outer space gives the traveler a perspective unlike anything that can be felt on Earth. Inspecting Earth from a very fresh vintage point introduces visual details that were previously unimaginable. Above all, the composition is meant to delight the performer as well as the listening public.

The post Chobanian Premieres ‘Der Voghormia’ appeared first on Armenian Weekly.

The Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Associations of North America are launching ArtLinks, the first youth forum to link a range of renowned Armenian artists with young Armenians interested in art and the heritage of their culture.

ArtLinks will occur in a workshop environment, in order to create a dialogue between established and aspiring artists. The workshops will be led by internationally recognized figures with varied backgrounds in creative literature, music, theater, cinema, journalism, and social media.

ArtLinks 2015 will take place during the three-day weekend of Aug. 27-30, at Your Own Inn, in Jewett, New York. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the artists at formal sessions as well as informal meetings. The workshops will be moderated by Khatchig Mouradian. Participating speakers will include photographer-journalist Scout Tufankjian, film director Eric Nazarian, stage and film actor and author Eric Bogosian, and writer Aline Ohanesian.

Participants must submit an application and pay a participation fee. The number of participants will be limited in order to ensure the success of the workshops. The application form can be downloaded from www.hamazkayin.com/artlinks. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 20, along with a payment of USD $150, which includes three-day lodging and all meals.

For more information, visit our page at www.hamazkayin.com/artlinks, or write to artlinks@hamazkayin.com.

This program is sponsored by the Regional Executives of Eastern USA, Western USA, and Canada.

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In July, the HALO Trust dispatched their first all-female team of de-miners to the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (NKR/Artsakh).

“Having successfully deployed female de-miners in many countries, we felt that the time was right to try this in Nagorno-Karabagh,” Yuri Shahramanyan, the manager of HALO’s mine clearance program in the NKR, said to the Armenian Weekly. “Society in Nagorno-Karabagh is conservative and the clearance of mines is laborious work that is perceived as being dangerous; it is thus generally considered to be work suitable for men.”

In July, the HALO Trust dispatched their first all-female team of de-miners to the NKR

According to HALO, “Nagorno-Karabakh has one of the world’s highest per capita rates of accidents caused by mines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war (ERW).”

HALO Nagorno Karabagh (NK) currently employs 129 national staff, 11 of whom are women. Since 2000, HALO NK has cleared 417 minefields and 480 sites contaminated with cluster munitions. From 1992-94, mine-laying took place in Nagorno-Karabagh by both Azerbaijani and Armenian forces, resulting in the presence of thousands of mines. HALO is currently the only organization working to clear mines and dispose of unexploded ordnance (UXO)—explosive weapons that did not explode upon employment but that still pose a risk of detonation.

In addition to helping clear minefields, HALO educates communities on the dangers of trespassing into minefields, and works with the NK Rescue Service by coordinating its clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal activities across the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic.

With the current level of funding, minefields in Nagorno Karabagh may be cleared within two to three years. However, funding is low for this operation and the funds that are raised often have territorial restrictions placed upon them, which Shahramanyan says “are linked to NK’s unrecognized status and its currently controlled territories.”

Funds provided by government donors are only able to be used within the boundaries of Nagorno-Karabagh. “Future progress is very much dependent on funding,” he says. “The more resources are available, the sooner all remaining minefields and cluster munitions sites will be cleared, preventing numerous mine and UXO accidents that are waiting to happen.”

According to Shahramanyan, the all-female de-mining team is now clearing minefields surrounding their own villages in the Kashatagh region. It is common for HALO to recruit from the local communities and families affected by the mines. The recruits help conduct minefield surveys and support organizing Mine Risk Education sessions in their communities, Shahramanyan explains. However, HALO does not always seek to specifically recruit women for their teams. In the future, HALO will state clearly their desire for both men and women. If this measure fails to produce female applicants, Shahramanyan says, they “will consider further targeted recruitment.”

By N. Kalajian

A new Preventive Dentistry Program, embraced by students at the Yerevan State Medical University’s Therapeutic and Family Dentistry Department, has had a busy and productive year according to Karina Matevosyan, MA, RDH, an accomplished and experienced clinician. She worked for years at a dental practice in Cambridge, Mass., and relocated to Yerevan to spearhead the new project and instruct non-surgical periodontology to future dentists. This initiative is supported with funding from Greater Boston area donors, and a grant from the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Association (CYSCA); Matevosyan is a member of the Board of Directors of CYSCA.

Karina Matevosyan

Last year, generous donors and CYSCA raised funds to procure sets of dental instruments for the university students to complete the practical component of their studies. After going through the shipping and customs process, all of the donated dental equipment for use in the university program was formally received in a special ceremony on Feb. 4, 2015. Among the guests was David Gevorkyan, director of foreign relations in the Mayor’s Office at Yerevan City Hall. The university website covered the special event hosted by Michael Narimamyan, the university rector, and Lazar Yessayan, dean of the Dental Department and chief dentist of Armenia.

During this past year, a talk show on Channel 2 television in Yerevan featured Matevosyan and Dr. Majinyan, a dentist. The program educated the public on proper oral care and credit was given to CYSCA and donors for their contributions to this new initiative.

Matevosyan was assigned to teach the ordinators, post-graduate students, from the Therapeutic and Family Stomatology Department. She instructed 10 students (4 men and 6 women) from different regions of Armenia, who plan to practice what they learned back in their home regions.

The first semester consisted of strictly theoretical classes. “I worked hard to squeeze a five-year program into one semester, by choosing to teach only material unknown to the students, for example marketing, ergonomics, and doctor-patient relationships. Students also completed two semester-end projects: first, they had to familiarize themselves, and make a presentation, on locally available dental merchandise; and second, visit a grade school or kindergarten and educate the children on proper oral hygiene and oral diseases,” reported Matevosyan.

The practical application of dental hygiene was the main focus of the second semester. Using a mannequin, the students were introduced to all dental hygiene instruments and skills.

Throughout both semesters, teachers and professors from the other dental departments in the university showed an interest in preventive dentistry. During the second semester, she began to instruct eight other professors on proper scaling techniques.

By the end of second semester, the students were able to practice on each other. “Practicing on each other and working on a mannequin was new to these students,” shared Matevosyan. “Usually, the students would observe a professor working with a patient and rarely got the chance to actually practice their skills. As a result, most of them graduate without any actual practice. So these new ‘practice’ sessions gave them the experience that will benefit them and their future practice.” In fact, a mannequin is so essential that CYSCA will be procuring a second one that will give even more students’ further opportunities for practice.

The 2015 fall semester starts this September. The Dental Department has decided that Matevosyan should deliver her lectures on hygiene theory during the third, fourth, and fifth years of the program so that the students can focus on practicing skills during their last year. The students that Matevosyan worked with this past year will finally have the chance to practice on real patients during the fall semester, before they graduate in December.

“I am very happy and proud of this group of students. They will graduate with the proper knowledge and skills to practice non-surgical periodontology,” shared their enthusiastic instructor. Hired as a foreign specialist, Matevosyan’s contract can be renewed every year, but she hopes to find a local professor in Armenia to teach the courses should she return to the United States in the future.

To find out more about this ground-breaking program, or to make donations, contact CYSCA by e-mailing info@cysca.org or writing to P.O. Box 382591, Cambridge, MA 02238.