Turks in Canada ‘celebrate’ Armenian Genocide

 April 25, 2013 - 11:28 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The annual Armenian Genocide Memorial Day protest in front of the Turkish embassy was met with 50 Turkish-Canadian counter-protesters denying the well-established actuality of the Armenian Genocide.
The group quickly turned to singing and jubilant chanting at the face of the Armenians, reported the Armenian Youth Federation of Canada.
Further to this shameful act, the group was clearly attempting to incite a confrontation with their Armenian counterparts to undermine the annual gathering. Repeated name calling and general insults towards the Armenians could be heard from across the barrier. The Armenian group chose to ignore this immature and reprehensible behavior and kept their focus on the Turkish embassy demanding an end to the Turkish government's denial campaign around the world and acknowledge the dark chapter from its past.
The Armenian Genocide is the first modern genocide of the 20th century, during which an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Empire leadership in an attempt to get rid of its Christian minority. Countless internaional organizations, scholars (such as the International Association of Genocide Scholars) and 22 countries have formally recognized these massacres during World War One as Genocide. The Canadian parliament passed a motion in 2004 acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and condemned these crimes against humanity.
Police officers present were questioned about the Turkish group's permit to gather and answered that the Turkish group had applied for a barbeque party permit in the park.
Afterwards, the Turkish group was invited into the Turkish embassy by ambassador Tuncay Babali. In an attempt to undermine Canada's domestic policies, the ambassador recently held an interview with the Canadian Press indicating that Turkey will limit economic developments with Canada unless the government reverses its position on the Armenian Genocide.

Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation.

Edele Hovnanian for the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation formally announced  that her parents,  Hirair and Anna Hovnanian, will be conveying assets estimated to be worth over $500 million, to the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation.
Their Foundation was formally established in 1986 and states as its mission “funding for charitable, educational, religious, scientific, literary purposes, with a primary focus to assist Armenian communities world-wide by gifts, grants, contribution and program related investments.”
When fully endowed, it will be the largest private foundation in history dedicated primarily to Armenians. The Foundation’s board, comprised of the Hovnanian’s five children and his three oldest grandchildren, will be required to distribute an estimated $25 million dollars annually. This extraordinary gift, the culmination of a lifetime of giving, is a fitting legacy to an extraordinary couple and their inspirational lives.
Mr. Hovnanian is known as one of the innovators of the concept of large scale adult communities of single family homes located on individual lots. Tens of thousands of  homes have been built by Mr. Hovnanian,  and his business activities have diversified to include the development and construction of health care facilities, major retail centers, office complexes, rental apartments and a 7000 acre mining operation.
As soon as his success began, so began the Hovnanian’s lifetime of philanthropy. In 1972 he was one of the founders of the Armenian Assembly of America, and he currently serves as Chairman of the Assembly’s Board of Trustees. Hirair is also a founding member of the Hayastan All Armenian Fund which was founded in the early 90’s, as well as the founder of ANI, the Armenian National Institute, in 1997.
To date, his charitable contributions exceed over $50 million. The Foundation currently distributes about $3 million per year to charities worldwide

Resilience Echoes Throughout Times Square for 98th Commemoration

Among the thousands of tourists and native New Yorkers who crisscrossed through the bustling and overflowing streets of Times Square on Sunday afternoon, April 21, there were only three individuals whose universal message of human suffering and injustice mattered most.

Armenian Genocide survivors (L-R) Perouz Kaloustian, Arshalouis Dadir, and Charlotte Kechejian (Photo by Harry Koundakjian)

Surrounded by dazzling billboards, scores of people, and looming skyscrapers, Perouz Kaloustian, Arshalouis Dadir, and Charlotte Kechejian stood out as the survivors of one of the most catastrophic events in world history. The three women, a century old, sat in the front row of the 98^th Armenian Genocide Commemoration, huddled underneath blankets and braving the cold so they could be present in Times Square as living proof to the assembled crowd that numbered in the several thousands.
But the survivors were also there to inspire. Standing just a few feet away were the disciplined and earnest Homenetmen Scouts, standing at attention in their crisp uniforms and taking turns holding the flags of the United States, Armenia, and Artsakh (Karabagh) throughout the program. The close proximity of these two generations—those who survived to tell the story, and those who will continue the memory—culminated in a silent promise of never forgetting. This emerged as the theme of the afternoon as politicians and guest speakers promised the survivors that their struggles and stories would continue to live on.

The crown on Times Square

A staunch supporter of Armenians and one of the earliest and most consistent backers of the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the U.S. Congress, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) once again exhibited his unwavering commitment to the Armenians and to the recognition of the genocide.
“We promise that even when the last survivor is gone, we’ll keep the memory of the Armenian Genocide alive because it’s our duty,” said Schumer as his voice reverberated through Times Square to thunderous applause. “We come here to tell the world, to tell Turkey, to tell everyone, that you cannot deny the genocide.”
Schumer reiterated his commitment to the Armenian Genocide Resolution in Congress and to the significance of its passing.
“Every time a genocide occurs we say never again. But if we cannot remember those in the past, we might not be able to prevent those in the future. … The candle of truth always burns brighter than lies,” he concluded, adding Armenian spirit to his words by proclaiming, “Getze Hayasdan!” (Long live Armenia!).
New York City Comptroller John Liu, who has consistently appeared at the Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Times Square since his days as a New York City councilman, has been a strong advocate for recognition of the Armenian Genocide. “This is a fact of history that has to be accounted for and confessed to,” said Liu. “Only then can we move forward.”
Drawing on his own background as an Asian-American who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of five, Liu spoke of his long-time contact with the Armenian community in Flushing, Queens, where he and his family settled. Growing up in Flushing, he said he learned of the Armenians and became involved in the community there, even visiting the New York Armenian Home, which has served as a residence for survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
“I’m hoping action is taken by sending a strong message here in New York City and around world that the Armenian Genocide will not be forgotten,” said Liu.
Peter Koutoujian, the sheriff of Middlesex County in Massachusetts and a former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, delivered meaningful remarks tinged with emotion as he reflected on those killed and injured during the recent bombing of the Boston Marathon Koutoujian was an instrumental figure in the capture of the perpetrators. He tied in the innocence that was lost in the senseless tragedy to the innocence lost during the Armenian Genocide almost 100 years ago. He referred to the difficult journey of his own grandparents, Abraham and Zarouhi Koutoujian, who fled their home in Marash during the genocide.
Koutoujian noted that he learned of patriotism for his country and his people from his family, who sought refuge from religious persecution in the U.S.  “We have to pass on the lessons of patriotism and perseverance,” he said. “It’s been my life’s work to bring recognition to the Armenian Genocide.” Koutoujian’s patriotism and perseverance served as the impetus for the resolution he passed 12 years ago that brought the Armenian Heritage Park into existence in the heart of Boston.
“Together we can stand Boston strong, New York strong, and Armenian strong,” Koutoujian concluded, enlivening the audience with his engaging and compassionate words.
In his remarks, Dr. Dennis Papazian, professor emeritus of history at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and former grand commander of the Knights of Vartan, said that there had been no need for recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the past because survivors and diplomats, such as U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry Morgenthau, Sr., had served as witnesses to the atrocities of the genocide.
Papazian spoke of the compelling amount of published evidence on the genocide, including a collection of news reporting by the New York Times during that time and a book citing the numeration of Armenians expelled from each town, city, and village in the Ottoman Empire. He noted that aside from factual evidence, prominent people have been stepping forward to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Sheriff Peter Koutoujian

“Times have changed and there’s reason for hope,” said Papazian. “There have been acknowledgments of the Armenian Genocide by Turkish scholars and public figures.” One influential individual who has not only accepted the reality of the Armenian Genocide, but also published a book about it, is journalist Hasan Cemal, the grandson of Cemal Pasha, who was one of the architects of the genocide. “We are winning the battle and we will continue to win,” said Papazian.
The positivism of Papazian’s words rang true in Times Square as thousands gathered in solidarity, in particular the Armenian youth, who were a strong presence this year. Wearing black tee shirts with red and white print that read, “Our Wounds Are Still Open, 1915,” draping themselves in the Armenian flag, and holding signs demanding that Turkey and U.S. recognize the Armenian Genocide, they proved to the survivors—and to the world—that they will not falter in the responsibility they have inherited for worldwide recognition.
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of Armenian Church of America (Eastern), gave the invocation and the Very Rev. Vazken Karayan, pastor of the Holy Cross Armenian Church in New Jersey, representing Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), delivered the benediction. Other clergy in attendance included Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy and Fr. Thomas Garabedian representing Bishop Mikael Mouradian of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the co-sponsors of the commemoration were Natalie Gabrielian (AGBU), Alex Karapetian (Armenian Assembly), Dr. Vagheenag Tarpinian (ADL), and Gary Sinanian (Armenian Council of America). Arpi Candan spoke on behalf of the Grand District Representatives of the Daughters of Vartan.
The winners of this year’s Knights of Vartan essay contest were announced at the program: Artur Minasyan, first place (University of North Carolina, Charlotte), Ariana Ferraro, second place (Mount Saint Charles Academy), and Christopher Markosian, third place (Bergen County Academies).
Ania Avsharian and Nairi Kaprielian, under the direction of Maestro Vagharshag Ohanyan, sang the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, as well as “God Bless America.” The Armenian Radio Hour of New Jersey, under the direction of Dr. Vartan Abdo, streamed the event live in video format worldwide, reaching over 20,000 people, with the assistance of his dedicated volunteer staff.

Dr. Mary Papazian, serving as MC (Photo by Harry Koundakjian)

The 98th Armenian Genocide commemoration in Times Square was organized by the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and was co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian National Committee of America, the ADL-Ramgavars, and the Armenian Council of America. Participating organizations included the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Presbyterian Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, the Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, and numerous Armenian youth organizations, including the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, the Armenian Youth Federation, the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Homenetmen Scouts, Hamazkayin Cultural Association, Noyan Tapan of Brooklyn, N.Y., Rutgers University Armenian Club, Columbia University Armenian Club, and the Armenian Students Association.
Hirant Gulian was chairman of the organizing committee, and co-chair was Dr. Dennis R. Papazian, academic advisor. Dr. Mary Papazian, the president of Southern Connecticut State University, and Armen McOmber, New Jersey attorney, served as MCs.

Names of Lost Armenian Villages Read in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square

By Ayse Gunaysu // Posted on April 25, 2013 in Featured, Headline, News // 0 Comments //  Email //  Print

It’s April 24, 2013. In Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul. People have gathered in front of the Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum which, in 1915, served as the Central Prison that held Armenian intellectuals kept before they were sent to their deaths. But something very unusual is happening. From a loudspeaker, people hear some Armenian names of places. The names of lost Armenian villages. The voice says: “Vaspuragan province… Avants… Lezk… Shahbaghi… Akhzia… Shoushants… Kouroubash… Gentanants… Pertag… Dzevestan… Ardamed… Tarman… Vosgepag…”

Names of destroyed Armenian villages

There are big panels on the wall, showing these names and the provinces or districts they are connected to. People come and take photographs. I recognize some of them; Armenians from abroad with a delegation are visiting Istanbul for the commemoration activities, taking photographs of these names from a certain province. I guess these are the provinces of their ancestors.
Eren Keskin starts to speak as the volume of the sound and voices goes down.
“These names you are hearing now are the names of the Armenian villages in Asia Minor before 1915, together with the provinces and districts they belong to—a total of 2,300 settlements. In fact, they are more in number. The work to compile the names of all the Armenian settlements before the genocide is still under way. Our guest, Historian Ara Sarafian, the director of the Gomidas Institute based in London, will give more details of this work.
“The names you listen to now, constitute the solid proof of the genocide. The Armenian communities living in these villages were annihilated. They changed the names. Some of them were wiped off the map altogether; some became the home of others. “We wanted our ears to hear these names. We wanted them to penetrate deep into our souls. Here, on these panels, you can see them. You can come closer and read them one by one. These are lost Armenian communities. We want the Turkish people to remember and never forget these names.”
Then the volume rises again, and we listen to the names of the lost villages for another five minutes.

Commemoration in Taksim

When death becomes a salvation
Keskin continues, “The genocide put an end to the social existence of Armenians and other Christian peoples of what is now Turkey by exterminating not only their lives but also their institutions, cultural and social organizations, their historical heritage, their civilizations, even the traces of their mere existence.
“Genocide is not only the massacres. Genocide is also dehumanizing people by putting them in circumstances where death becomes a salvation, something they crave to put an end to their suffering. But genocide is not only condemning people to inhuman conditions. It as also an enormous plunder, a wide-scale robbery of the wealth created by generations through skillful and hard work.
“And the Genocide still goes on. It continues through its denial. It goes on with the audacious, shameless lies told to people’s faces. It continues with the hatred and hostility that targets Armenians and other non-Muslims in Turkey. It continues by terrorizing Armenians in Samatya with brutal attacks on old Armenian women, the children of genocide survivors. It continues through an environment that doesn’t allow Armenians to feel safe in Turkey. This fact was dramatically demonstrated with what happened to Sevag Şahin Balıkçı, who was shot dead in Batman, Turkey, while he was serving the Turkish Armed Forces, on April 24, 2011, the day of the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, and the day the court ruled that his death was an accident.
“We, the human rights defenders, repeat one more time: Officially recognize the genocide! This is a call to the government of the Republic of Turkey, as well as the Turkish public. Return the property seized during and after the genocide to the descendants of the owners. Compensate all of the material and immaterial damage done. Recognize the rights of Armenians scattered all around the world—their legitimate right to their homeland.
“Without recognition of the genocide, without confronting the crimes committed, no peace, no real democracy, no justice can ever be attained in this country.
“Refusal to recognize the genocide is a confirmation of the possibility of new genocides.
Therefore we once more demand that the Turkish authorities put an end to the denial of genocide! We want JUSTICE to be served!”
Ara Sarafian then speaks in Armenian, with simultaneous translation to Turkish by a young Armenian, a member of the Nor Zartonk socialist Armenian group. He talks about the futility of denialism in the face of bare facts, about the growth in the number of people joining the genocide commemoration events in Turkey, about his visit to Diyarbakir and his interviews with the local people—how truthful many of them were about the genocide, how one of them talked about his grandfather who participated in the massacres.

‘Sayfo’ commemorated publicly for first time
It was the first time that Sayfo, the Assyrian Genocide, was mentioned in the commemorations in Turkey, and that an Assyrian, a representative of the Sweden Assyrian Youth Federation, gave a speech, too. Referring to the ongoing “peace process” in Turkey to put an end to the war between the Turkish Army and the PKK, he said: “To our dismay, these crimes against humanity committed against the ancient peoples of Anatolia have always been denied by all governments to this day. It is clear that the pursuit of peace at the present will be futile without facing the past. A state of peace based on faith and religion will hang like Damocles’ sword on different peoples, just as in the events of the past. Truly establishing peace in these lands will be possible not by the denial of the crimes against humanity committed against the ancient peoples of Anatolia, but by facing them. The establishment of peace will have meaning when it is built not on common faith but on human values.” His speech was translated to the Assyrian language by his colleague. It was the first time the Assyrian language was heard by the people gathered for a commemoration of the genocide.
The co-chair of the Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party’s Istanbul Organization then gave a speech, recognizing the Kurds’ involvement in the genocide. “I, as a Kurd and a Kurdish politician, apologize again and again to Armenians and Assyrians for the role played by the Kurds in the genocide,” he said.
After a speech by another Kurd, the owner of the Peri Publishing House, which published a book about Antranig Pasha, said he condemned those Kurds who cooperated with the central government and took part in the massacres and the plunder of Armenian property.
Nor Zartonk’s press statement was also read aloud by a young Armenian, a member of the group.
An international delegation had also come to Istanbul this year within the framework of the program jointly developed by the Turkish group “Say Stop to Racism and Nationalism” (DurDe), the European Grassroots Anti-Racist Movement (EGAM), and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). The president of EGAM, Benjamin Abtan gave a short speech expressing the group’s solidarity in the struggle against denialism in Turkey.
Following the commemoration, the delegation and the participants of the event visited the Sisli Armenian Cemetery and the grave of Sevag Şahin Balıkçı.
Before the commemoration at the Sultanahmet Square, Ara Sarafian, accompanied by others, had visited the grave of Ali Faik Bey (Ozansoy), the governor of Kütahya who had refused to obey the central government’s deportation orders and had protected the Armenian community there.
At 6:30 p.m., DurDe’s commemoration took place in Taksim Square. The crowd was bigger in Taksim—numbering about 1,000—as compared to Sultanahment, where there were about 200. Armenian music played throughout the event, excerpts were read from the memoirs of a number of Armenian intellectuals who were arrested on April 24, 1915, and a press release was read out condemning the genocide.

Commemoration in Diyarbakir
Diyarbakir is the only city in Turkey that officially and publicly recognizes the Armenian Genocide. “Both the conference hosted by the Diyarbakir Bar Association and the commemoration organized by the municipality under the leadership of Mayor Osman Baydemir were very impressive and fruitful,” said Sarafian. The commemoration took place on the bridge over the Tigris River where the Diyarbakir Armenians were massacred. Participants threw flowers into the river in the memory of the victims. Sarafian was deeply moved not only by the sincere willingness of the municipality, first and foremost Mayor Baydemir, but also by the readiness local Kurds to accept the truth. “We should not take for granted Osman Baydemir’s promise of wide open doors to Armenians, and should develop new ways of strengthening these ties with Diyarbakir and turn this potential into reality,” he said.

Resilience echoes through Times Square at genocide memorial

Resilience echoes through Times Square at genocide memorial

by Taleen Babayan
Published: Monday April 22, 2013

Survivors, from left: Perouz Kaloustian, Arshalouis Dadir and Charlotte Kechejian. Taleen Babayan

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"We are winning the battle and we will continue to win," said Dr. Papazian.
The positivism of Dr. Papazian's words rang true in Times Square as thousands gathered in solidarity, in particular the Armenian youth, who were a strong presence this year. Wearing black tee shirts with red and white print that stated, "Our Wounds Are Still Open, 1915," draping themselves in the Armenian flag and holding signs demanding Turkey and U.S. recognize the Armenian Genocide, they proved to the survivors - and to the world - that they will not falter in the responsibility they have inherited for worldwide recognition.
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of Armenian Church of America (Eastern), gave the invocation and the Very Rev. Vazken Karayan, pastor of the Holy Cross Armenian Church in New Jersey, representing Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), delivered the benediction. Other clergy in attendance included Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy and Fr. Thomas Garabedian representing Bishop Mikael Mouradian of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the co-sponsors of the commemoration were Natalie Gabrielian (AGBU), Alex Karapetian (Armenian Assembly), Dr. Vagheenag Tarpinian (ADL) and Gary Sinanian (Armenian Council of America). Arpi Candan spoke on behalf of the Grand District Representatives of the Daughters of Vartan.
The winners of this year's Knights of Vartan essay contest were announced at the program: Artur Minasyan, 1st place (University of North Carolina, Charlotte NC resident), Ariana Ferraro, 2nd place (Mount Saint Charles Academy, Franklin, MA resident), and Christopher Markosian, 3rd place (Bergen County Academies, Ridgefield, NJ resident).
Ms. Ania Avsharian and Nairi Kaprielian, under the direction of Maestro Vagharshag Ohanyan, sang the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, as well as "God Bless America."
The Armenian Radio Hour of New Jersey, under the direction of Dr. Vartan Abdo, streamed the event live in video format worldwide, reaching over 20,000 people, with the assistance of his dedicated volunteer staff.
The 98th Armenian Genocide commemoration in Times Square was organized by the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and was co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian National Committee of America, the ADL-Ramgavars, and the Armenian Council of America. Participating organizations included the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Presbyterian Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, the Armenian Catholic Eparchy for US and Canada and numerous Armenian youth organizations, including the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, the Armenian Youth Federation, the Tekeyan Cultural Association, Homenetmen Scouts, Hamazkayin Cultural Association, Noyan Tapan of Brooklyn, NY, Rutgers University Armenian Club, Columbia University Armenian Club and the Armenian Students Association.
Hirant Gulian was chairman of the organizing committee, and co-chair was Dr. Dennis R. Papazian, academic advisor. Dr. Mary Papazian, President of Southern Connecticut State University and Armen McOmber, New Jersey attorney, served as MCs.Winners Announced for the Armenian Genocide
For more information please visit http://april24timessquare.com, www.kofv.org, www.april24nyc.org, www.armenianradionj.net, www.theforgotten.org, www.armenian-genocide.org, www.twentyvoices.com.

Genocide Commemorated in Diyarbakir for First Time

This report was filed by the  Armenian Weekly’s Diyarbakir correspondent, Gulisor Akkum.
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (A.W.)—A large crowd gathered at the Diyarbakir Metropolitan Municipality Theater on April 23 to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

A scene from the commemoration

The event, commemorating the 98^th anniversary of the destruction of the Armenian community in the city, was organized by the Diyarbakir Bar Association (DBA) and the Diyarbakir Municipality, and featured a panel discussion with historian Ara Sarafian and the head of the DBA, Tahir Elci.
In his opening remarks, Elci noted that as Armenian intellectuals and community leaders were being rounded up in Istanbul on April 24, 1915 and during the weeks that followed, a similar process unfolded in Diyarbakir.
Stressing Kurdish participation in the genocide in Diyarbakir, Elci said that confronting the reality of the genocide by Kurds today is inevitable. Moreover, he argued that Kurds should support Armenians in the struggle against the state’s ideology and denialism.
“We grew up with the stories of our grandparents about the massacres of the Armenians. Denialist discourse does not withstand legal and historic scrutiny,” he said.

Throwing flowers in the Tigris (Photo by Sona Tatoyan)

“Today, we commemorate the genocide in Diyarbakir for the first time. This is a very important day for us. We bow respectfully before the memory of our Armenian brothers who were murdered in 1915, and condemn the genocide,” Elci concluded.
Sarafian focused on the process of the destruction of the Armenians in Diyarbakir in 1915. He noted that he had come to Diyarbakir to conduct research on the genocide, and that locals had been very helpful.
After the meeting, members of the audience headed to the banks of the Tigris River and threw flowers in the water in memory of the Armenians killed there during the genocide

Catholicoses Urge Turkey to Return Confiscated Armenian Churches

Below is the full text of the joint statement issued on April 24, 2013 by Catholicos Karekin II and Catholicos Aram I, urging Turkey to return confiscated Armenian churches and church assets.

Sourp Khatch Church in Akhtamar, Van (Photo by Khatchig Mouradian)

In 2015, Armenians in the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh, and the Armenian Diaspora will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire.
In 1915, more than 1.5 million Armenians became victims of genocide. The survivors on the roads of exile found shelter in Eastern Armenia, the present-day Republic of Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, and other Arab nations, and in a number of other countries of the world.
The genocide victims and the internally displaced people who lived under the jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire in Western Armenia, Cilicia, and other regions of the Ottoman Empire, along with their own personal estates, also lost estates and holdings owned by the church–including churches, sanctuaries, and monasteries; religious, educational, and charitable institutional centers; treasures of cultural and religious value, cross-stones (khatchkars), illuminated manuscripts, icons and other items of value; and holdings owned by the state of Turkey under the classification of “abandoned estates.”
Now, 98 years after the genocide the present Turkish nation, as the successor of the Ottoman Empire, not only denies that its predecessors plotted and committed the genocide, but also continues its anti-Armenian policy, still retaining confiscated church estates and properties, and the religious and cultural treasures of the Armenian people.
Therefore, we call on the Republic of Turkey and demand the following:
to recognize the Armenian Genocide;
to fully compensate the Armenians who suffered losses and the violation of their human and national rights; and
to immediately return the Armenian churches, monasteries, church properties, and spiritual and cultural treasures to the Armenian people as their rightful owner.
Remembering the victims of the Armenian Genocide with prayers, we condemn any violation against God-given life, human dignity, and the peaceful coexistence of people  “For God is not the God of discord, but of peace ” (Corinthians  14.33), and has called on people for love, solidarity, and cooperation.
With gratitude we honor all nations and peoples who gave shelter to the Armenians displaced by genocide, and showed compassion and brotherly love for the dispersed and exiled Armenians.
The Armenian nation will also be eternally grateful to all the nations that, guided by the principles of humanity and justice, have condemned and officially recognized the Armenian Genocide.
On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we must put all of our efforts into action to realize the demands of the Armenian nation for the sake of justice and the defense of the rights of all Armenians.
HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II,
SUPREME PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I,
CATHOLICOS OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA

WATCH: Schiff Makes Remarks in Armenian Marking Genocide Anniversary

WASHINGTON–On Wednesday Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the lead sponsor of the Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress, delivered his remarks in Armenian on the House Floor to honor the more than one and a half million Armenian men, women and children who were murdered by the Ottoman government.
In a historic first in the Congress, Representative Schiff said in his Armenian address, “I speak to you from the floor of the House of Representatives in the language of your grandparents and your great grandparents – the language they used to speak of their hopes, their dreams, their lives and their loves in the years before 1915 … I speak to you in the language of sons who watched their fathers murdered … I speak to you in the language of the girls begging the gendarmes for mercy …”
“My Armenian friends, here and around the world, today on the 98th anniversary of the [genocide day], I speak to you from the floor of the House of Representatives in the language of your grandparents and your great grandparents – the language they used to speak of their hopes, their dreams, their lives and their loves in the years before 1915.
“Throughout the Ottoman Empire, tens of thousands were to be killed outright.
“I speak to you in the language of the sons who watched their fathers’ murdered.
“Women were raped by the thousands.
“I speak to you in the language of the girls begging the gendarmes for mercy.
“Families were force marched through desert heat as the Ottoman government sought to destroy a people.
“I speak you in the language of the children begging for a drop of water.
“By the time it was over in 1923, more than 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children were dead.  It was the first genocide of the 20th Century.
“I speak to you in the language of the mothers who died with their babies in their arms.
“A nation was scattered around the world…  To the Middle East, to Europe and to America.
“I speak to you in the language of the survivors who came to America for freedom and made a new life
“For almost a century, Turkey has denied the genocide.  In the face of overwhelming evidence – much of it from American diplomats and journalists – Ankara has denied that the genocide ever happened.  They want the world to forget.
“I speak to you in the language of those who were lost.  Their voices drift across the decades – begging us to remember.
“I am not a descendant of the fallen, but I speak to you in their beautiful language because on this day, we are all Armenian.  And not just on this day.  Whenever we speak out against mass murder, whenever we refuse to be cowed into silence, we are all Armenian.
“For many years I have sat with you and listened – to the stories of those who were lost in the genocide and those who survived.
“I speak to you in their language to thank you for sharing your history with me.  And I speak to you from this place, this House, because Americans have always shown the courage to look horror in the eye and speak its name, and I look forward to the day when its leaders will do the same.
“And because I know that day will come.  May it come soon, so the last of the survivors may hear its awesome sound.
“May God hear our voices.
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  I yield back.”

Knesset Marks Turks' Genocide of Armenians

Knesset Marks Turks' Genocide of Armenians

MK Rivlin: "We cannot ignore the catastrophes of others because of diplomatic considerations."

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By Arutz Sheva

First Publish: 4/23/2013, 11:22 AM

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan

AFP/File

The Knesset will hold a ceremony to mark the memory of the Turkish genocide of Armenians, almost 100 years ago, on Tuesday.
MK Reuven Rivlin (Likud) said before the ceremony that he believes that "as human beings and as Jews, we must not ignore the catastrophe of another nation for any reason, including diplomatic considerations, important as they may be."
"We will mark the annual memorial day for the massacre of the Armenian people regardless of the relations with today's Turkey, which is an ally."
Turkey is highly displeased with the Knesset's decision to mark the day, as relations between the countries continue to be tense, despite a recent rapprochement brokered by U.S. President Barack Obama.
The genocide of the Armenians took place in the course of World War 1, and it is generally estimated that between 1 and 1.5 million Armenians were murdered, making up about one third of the entire Armenian people.
The massacre began when about 250 Armenian leaders in Istanbul were shot to death, on orders from the Turkish government. Later on, men, women and children were put to death on a daily basis in various ways, including forced marches that ended in their death from exhaustion, cold and hunger. Women and children were placed on boats and drowned at sea, or crucified. There is also evidence that children were put to death with poison gas in schools that were converted to death camps.
Turkey has consistently denied responsibility for the genocide, which is sometimes referred to as the Armenian Holocaust. Various events devoted to the subject, which were supposed to be held at the Knesset, were cancelled in recent years because of Turkish pressure.

Remember, Remind, and Reclaim: Guidelines for the Genocide Centennial

Harut Sassounian

BY HARUT SASSOUNIAN
Armenian communities around the world are gearing up for the Centennial of the Genocide on April 24, 2015, by coordinating their commemorative plans at the local, regional, and international levels.
A Pan-Armenian Centennial Committee was established in Armenia two years ago consisting of the leadership of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh (Karabagh), heads of religious denominations, and representatives of major Armenian political, charitable, and cultural organizations. Local committees have also been formed throughout the Diaspora. As reported earlier, the international committee of Armenian Genocide experts met in Yerevan last month to recommend specific projects to be adopted by the Pan-Armenian Centennial Committee during its May 30 meeting.
On April 6, the Centennial Committees of eight Middle Eastern countries (Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran represented by committees in Tehran, Esfahan, and Tabriz,) met in Beirut to coordinate their plans on a regional basis. Also attending was Hayk Demoyan, Secretary of the Pan-Armenian Centennial Committee in Armenia.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, presided over the meeting and gave a timely keynote address outlining the principles that should guide the regional committees in planning for the Centennial. Aram Vehapar succinctly formulated the objectives in three key Armenian words: “Hishel, Hishetsnel, yev Bahanchel” [To Remember, To Remind, and To Reclaim].
His Holiness went on to explain: “for 100 years, we stressed the remembrance of the Genocide. We lit candles, organized commemorative evenings, and published books. These important activities will imbue our youth with the sacred testament and souls of our martyrs. Yet, we should not singly focus on this subject. For 100 years, we reminded people through demonstrations, lobbying, and raising our voices. We aim to continue
these activities with different approaches. However, it is imperative that we stress our demands for restitution.”
The Vehapar reminded the attendees about the international conference organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia a year ago with the theme: “From Recognition to Restitution,” with the participation of international legal experts. “We need legal experts in order to present, defend, and pursue our claims appropriately in international courts,” the Catholicos stated.
Aram I went on to suggest a division of labor between the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora: “We should work in unison. Our approaches and emphasis could be different from one another; and sometimes they must be different! Let’s not forget that Armenia is a state, and the Diaspora is a diaspora. Neither the state nor the diaspora can speak on each other’s behalf. Each has its own unique voice and function. But, there should be intra-Armenian harmony and coordination. In other words, we should plan and work with a common purpose, holding on firmly to our demands for restitution.”
The Catholicos then urged Armenians to include the far-flung regions of Africa, the Far East, and South America within the scope of the Centennial activities. Turning to the Middle East, Aram I made three important points:
1. The pursuit of the Armenian Cause in the Islamic world requires a special approach, because Turkey is a Muslim state.
2. Turkey’s ever-increasing and penetrating influence in the region is a serious problem. “In my meetings with leaders of countries in the region, I always tell them: ‘you have kept your doors very wide open in front of Turkey. The day will come when you will recognize your mistake. Turkey uses different masks.’ Therefore, we must be alert as the genocidaire is closely following our steps. We will not retreat and will not weaken in the face of Turkish meddling.”
3) Genocide is not an event that belongs to the past. The Diaspora is a consequence of the Genocide, and in a sense, it is still continuing.
Catholicos Aram I concluded by categorizing the Armenian efforts for recognition and restitution into three dimensions: historical, political, and legal. “The time has come, without ignoring the first two, to place a clear priority on the legal aspect. In this regard, we have a massive amount of work to accomplish,” he stated.
Significantly, Hayk Demoyan, Secretary of the Pan-Armenian Centennial Committee, also speaking at the regional meeting in Beirut, noted: “We know that we cannot undo some of the consequences of the Armenian Genocide, such as the lost lives and destroyed churches, nevertheless, the major consequence is the loss of the territories!”

Armenian monument finds home in Riverfront Park , Troy, N.Y.

Armenian monument finds home in Riverfront Park , Troy, N.Y. Sunday, April 7, 2013

Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian blesses the new Armenian Heritage Monument at a dedication ceremony in Troy's Riverfront park on Sunday, April 7, 2013

The dedication ceremony of the new Armenian Heritage Monument in Troy's Riverfront park on Sunday, April 7, 2013

The dedication ceremony of the new Armenian Heritage Monument in Troy's Riverfront park on Sunday, April 7, 2013

TROY — On a plot of land behind the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Riverfront Park, local officials and members of the Armenian community gathered Sunday to dedicate a monument recognizing Armenians killed during the Armenian genocide, and the survivors whose descendants settled in the Capital District.

Before the granite monument erected at the site, Father Stephanos Doudoukjian of the St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Watervliet asked that God have mercy on the souls of the Armenian nation's “myriad of martyrs who were executed in 1915 during the genocide in Western Armenia, Syria and other places.”

The genocide, committed by the Ottoman Empire at the onset of and after World War I to eliminate the minority Armenians, took two phases.

The first involved the decimation of the able-bodied male populace through forced labor and massacres, followed by a period where the women, children, and the elderly were sent on death marches to the Syrian Desert. Due to the extent of the killings, the breadth of genocide is hard to encompass, but it is estimated that between 1 million and 1.5 million Armenians were killed.

• The survivors that fled during and after the genocide constitute the majority of the Armenian diaspora, some of whom settled in the Capital District. In the intervening years, the immigrants set up businesses and founded three Armenian churches, becoming integral parts of the local community. There are now roughly 2,000 Armenians living and working in the area.
  
  It has been a long and winding road for the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, the fraternal Armenian organization that has spear-headed the effort, and Ralph Enokian, co-chair of the Capital District Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument Committee.
  
  “We started this project, this venture, this trip some eight years ago,” said Enokian.
  
  The project was proposed to the city council, who authorized a resolution to allow for the erection of the monument, but did not designate an intended site. The committee was originally interested in Riverfront Park, but due to delays in selecting a site within the park, they began looking at other parks including Beman and Frear. However, the committee could not find a site as fitting as Riverfront Park.
  
  Hopes for a riverside monument grew with the monument's inclusion in the park's preliminary plans, laid out in 2010. However, when the current city administration, led by Mayor Lou Rosamilia, proposed moving the monument's site, they met strong resistance from the Armenian community. Continued...

armeniancalendar.com

SARFA ARt Exhibit Fundraising Art Exhibit for Armenians of Syria Thursday, April 11, 2013 7 PM A fundraising art exhibition in support of Armenians of Syria will be held at the Zorayan Museum at the Western Diocese. Details... Deleyaman in Concert Deleyaman in Concert Friday, April 12, Saturday April 13 and Sunday April 14 2013 8PM Deleyaman Live at the Luna Playhouse for three dates only. Details... Apr 12, 2013 Tribute to the Legends~Songs of our Fathers Experienced Liars Vahik's Experienced Liars - Last Show Sunday, April 14, 2013 7PM WE CONNECTIONS Presents "PORTSARU STAKHOSNER" Experienced Liars AFTER 15 SOLD OUT SHOWS OF HILARIOUS COMEDY PLAY "HONEST LIARS" WE ARE COMING BACK WITH ANOTHER WITTY AND EVEN FUNNIER PLAY. Details... ANCA-WR Annual Advocacy Day ANCA-WR Annual Adovcacy Day Monday, April 15, 2013 9AM-5PM It is that time of the year again! The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) will be hosting their annual Advocacy Day on Monday, April 15, 2013. Details... Rite of Passage RITE OF PASSAGE Friday, April 19, 2013 8PM Episodes of transition, movement from one state of being to another, are inherent to any journey. This past year for Lark has been one such transition, and appropriately Lark's Geghard Choir welcomes you to a concert exploring this theme through the works of three formidable artists! Details... Benefit Concert for Relief Fund The Benefit Concert for the Syrian Armenians Relief Fund Saturday, April 20, 2013 7:30 PM Performing artists Yeghishe Manucharyan, Tenor Victoria Avetisyan, mezzo-soprano Knarik Nerkararyan, soprano Levon Chilingirian, violin Lilit Karapetian-Shougarian, piano Ara Sarkissian, composer/piano Participating Details... Festival of Books Abril Bookstore at the LA Times Festival of Books Saturday, April 20-21, 2013 10am-5pm Join ABRIL BOOKSTORE for its 14th consecutive year at The LA TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS on the campus of USC, April 20-21 www.latimes.com/festivalofbooks BOOTH #148. Details... Armenian Genocide Events East San Fernando Valley Armenian Genocide Commemoration Tuesday, April 16, 2013 7:30 PM ORPHANS OF THE GENOCIDE PUBLIC SCREENING Wednesday, April 17, 2013 7:30pm Repatriation as Ramification of the Genocide: Post-WWII Soviet Armenia Thursday, April 18, 2013 6 PM ORPHANS OF THE GENOCIDE PRIEMIERE IN FRESNO Thursday, April 18, 2013 7:00pm "The Armenian Genocide on the Battlefields of Archaeology" Thursday, April 18, 2013 7:30 pm "The Armenians of Turkey after the Genocide." Sunday, April 21, 2013 10 am Pursuit of Justice: Armenian Genocide Commemoration Requiem Service Sunday, April 21, 2013 2:00PM Commemorative event for the victims of the Armenian Genocide Sunday, April 21, 2013 5:00 p.m. Armenian Genocide Sunday, April 21, 2013 6:00 p.m. 12th Annual Armenian Genocide Assembly Monday, April 22, 2013 7:00 p.m. Pursuit of Justice: 98th Anniversary, Armenian Genocide Commemoration Event Wednesday, April 24, 2013 7:30PM April 24th Protest at Turkish Consulate Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4 PM NEAR EAST RELIEF AND THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE Sunday, April 28, 2013 4pm A Musical Tribute Armenian Composers of the Ottoman Empire: A Musical Tribute in Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Thursday, April 25, 2013 7:30 PM AGBU Performing Arts Department in collaboration with Columbia University Armenian Society, The Armenian Center at Columbia University & AGBU University Outreach presents ARMENIAN COMPOSERS OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE. Details... The Armenian World "The Armenian World" Fundraising Dinner Dance Friday, April 26, 2013 8:00 PM Documenting The Armenian in America and Canada was done by 2012, Next is the remaining of the World by 2015. Limited Space of 150 People. Tickets are $100 When you leave the event you will receive a gift bag of $200 Value. Details... Academic Conference Independence and Beyond: In Search of a New Armenian Diaspora, Post 1991 Saturday, April 27, 2013 9:30AM-5:30PM ARF Western Region US, with the co-sponsorship of the USC Armenian Studies Institute and the Armenian Review, announces a one-day, international, academic conference to examine the impact of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Details... Patand (The Hostage) Patand (The Hostage) by Khoren Aramouni & a Song Recital Sunday, May 5, 2013 6 pm An evenig of song recital by Soseh Keshishian, accompanied by Ara Dabandjian followed by one final performance of Khoren Aramouni's contemporary and relevant play Patand Details... Ballistic Comedy Show ARA BASIL & MAZ JOBRANI @ THE COMEDY STORE!!! Wednesday, May 8, 2013 8PM ARA BASIL AND MAZ JOBRANI TOGETHER AGAIN AT THE WORLD FAMOUS COMEDY STORE. FEATURING THE KILLER MIXES OF DJ HYE FX! PLUS OTHER COMEDIANS. SPECIAL MIDWEEK FUN!! PURCHASE TICKETS EARLY AS THIS SHOW ALWAYS SELLS OUT!!!! Details... The Big Bad Armo Show! The Big Bad Armo Show Saturday, May 18, 2013 6:30 PM The Show features Lory Tatoulian and her Company. She has preformed throughout the State with great reviews. "Very funny show". Details... The 3E Event! The 3E Event Saturday, June 15, 2013 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Learning to love ourselves is both a psychological and spiritual journey. Join us and tap into the amazing powers of female collaboration to: EVOKE Passion EMBRACE Femininity EVOLVE Spiritually Boost your feminine powers and invigorate your relationships. Details... Pavlo and Band! PAVLO and Band: An Evening of World Class Musicans and Dancers Sunday, June 23, 2013 7:00 PM PAVLO and Band return to The Ford Amphitheater with their unique & electrifying blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern & Caribbean music & rhythms. Local favorites VIZA will be the evenings special guest. Also appearing will be up & coming vocalist HEIBERT. Details... Engelbert Humperdinck Live In Concert! ©2013 ArmenCal | Glendale, CA 91205

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