The cover of Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide

Writer’s Digest Magazine recently recognized Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide by Matthew Karanian as one of the Best Reference Guides published in 2013.

The competition, which was open to all independently published books with a 2013 copyright date, cited Armenia and Karabakh for its outstanding presentation of images and text. The book was awarded Honorable Mention.

“This is a slick and professional travel guide,” wrote a judge as part of the magazine’s critique of the book. “The technique and presentation of photography is extremely impressive, as is the reference section.”

The book’s coverage of the Armenian Genocide also figured into the evaluation. The judge’s commentary on the book states, “I was a bit concerned about how the author would handle the politically sensitive subject of the Armenian Genocide of the early 20^th century. I am impressed that he plunged into it without apology but didn’t let it dominate the guidebook.”

This is the 21^st annual competition sponsored by Writer’s Digest Magazine. Winners will be featured in the March 2014 edition of the magazine.

Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Guide is available for purchase from Barnes and Noble and independent booksellers, and can be previewed at www.ArmeniaTravelGuide.com.

WATERTOWN, Mass.—“Light before Darkness: Armenians before the Genocide,” the new calendar by Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, bears witness to the diversity of Armenian life in the Ottoman Empire more than a century ago.

Light before Darkness: Armenians before the Genocide

Seventeen photographs create a journey to Van and Bitlis, Erzerum, Dikranagert, and Kharpert, as well as Sepastia, Amasia, Caesarea, Konia, and Bardizag, near Constantinople. And what stories they have to tell! The 2014 calendar, Project SAVE’s 27th, reads like a book, with detailed captions about the people and places featured.

The calendar is available for purchase at a new low price (and still lower prices when two or more are purchased). For more information, visit www.projectsave.org or call Project SAVE Archives at (617) 923-4542. To purchase online, visit ArmenianVendor.com. To purchase in-person, visit Project SAVE’s office at 65 Main St., 3rd floor, in Watertown Square during the week; the Armenian Library and Museum’s (ALMA) gift shop at the same address on weekends; or the NAASR Book Store, 395 Concord Ave. in Belmont. Give a gift of knowledge that will last the whole year through.

WATERTOWN, Mass.—For the second consecutive year, the Armenian Students’ Association of America, Inc. (ASA) sponsored a Journalism Internship Program at the Armenian Weekly offices in Watertown.

For a six-week period, Varak Ketsemanian, the second intern accepted into the program, interned at the Weekly, writing articles, conducting interviews, and assisting the editors in their tasks. (View his articles here.)

Ketsemanian received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (with a minor in history) from the American University of Beirut (AUB). His articles have appeared in the Lebanese Armenian Aztag Daily and AUB’s Outlook. Currently based in LA, he continues to regularly write articles for the Weekly.

ASA Chairman Brian Assadourian, following the Board of Trustees’ approval for the program for 2013-14, said the Association is proud to provide opportunities for qualified Armenian college and university students to gain valuable experience in the field of journalism. He went on to say that since 1910, the Association has been a leader in providing financial assistance through its scholarship grant program as well as underwriting special projects, such as the annual Poetry Contest, the Journalism Internship Program, lectures, and conferences.

Dr. Michael G. Mensoian, Trustee liaison for the internship, noted the valuable hands-on experience gained by the interns who are able to work directly with Khatchig Mouradian, editor of the Armenian Weekly, and Nanore Barsoumian, assistant editor. “Seeing the caliber of the interns that have received the ASA, Inc. Journalism Internship grants during the first two years of its existence has been very gratifying,” Mensoian said.

Last year, Lilly Torosyan became the first ASA journalism intern at the Armenian Weekly. She has continued writing for the paper (View her articles here.)

“The Armenian Weekly is grateful to the ASA for sponsoring this internship,” said Mouradian. “Thanks to this program, we have now had two bright and hard-working interns who have moved on to become regular contributors to the paper after their internship concluded. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the ASA in the coming years.”

The Armenian Students’ Association, Inc. has provided financial assistance for Armenian-American college students in the form of scholarships and internships for the past 100 years. The journalism internship will continue next summer.

To learn more about the ASA or participate in one of their educational opportunities, visit www.asainc.org.

WATERTOWN, Mass.—On Sat., Dec. 14 and Sun., Dec. 15, the newly elected Regional Executive of the Homenetmen Eastern USA held its first in-person meeting at the Homenetmen office in Watertown. Members discussed the organization’s plans for the next two years, including the 24th Navasartian Games in New York on July 4 weekend and the Hama Homenetmagan Panagoum in Armenia in 2014.

On Sat., Dec. 14 and Sun., Dec. 15, the newly elected Regional Executive of the Homenetmen Eastern USA held its first in-person meeting at the Homenetmen office in Watertown.

The newly elected members of the Regional Executive are Y. Vahe Tanashian, chairman (Washington, D.C.), Y. Sarkis Tarpinian, vice-chairman (Providence), Y. Ara Ishkhanian, secretary (Philadelphia); Y. Berg Papazian, treasurer (Chicago); Y. Mark Torossian, accountant (New Jersey); Y. Razmig Banosian, athletic director (Boston); and Y. Aram Kayserian, Scouts director (Boston). The Regional Executive was joined by Homenetmen Central Executive member Y. Hratch Mesrobian.

Their term will focus on the youth and on the future leaders of Homenetmen. A forum gathering these future leaders will take place in 2014.

WARWICK, R.I.—The Armenian Students Association of America (ASA), Inc. this month announced that it will sponsor the Armenian Poetry Project’s (APP) annual Arthur Halvajian Memorial writing competition. This is the fourth year that the ASA, Inc. has sponsored the competition named in memory of Halvajian, a longtime member and trustee of the ASA, Inc., who passed away in 2010.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28, 2014. Winners will be announced in March 2014.

“We are happy to continue our support of the Armenian Poetry Project in honor of Arthur Halvajian, who first built our relationship with the project,” said Brian Assadourian, chairman of the ASA, Inc. Board of Trustees. “We are encouraged by the hundreds of individuals, from elementary and high school students to college students and post-graduates, who participate in the competition. Their involvement shows that the Armenian community continues to value and promote creative writing, which has been a hallmark of the rich cultural tradition of the Armenian nation throughout the centuries.”

The Armenian Poetry Project, led by Lola Koundakjian, is a research and documentation site of 19^th-21^st-century Armenian poets and poetry. Whether it is through its website/blog, Facebook, or iTunes presence, which features podcasts of recited works, the APP brings together writers from all walks of life across the world.

All residents of the United States and Canada are invited to submit their work, in English or Armenian (preferred), for the competition. Entries should be e-mailed to ArmenianPoetryProject@gmail.com, with the subject heading “Halvajian ASA/APP Poetry competition.” Individuals may only submit one poem for the competition.

The competition groups submissions into three categories: students (ages 12-17), college age (ages 18-22), and adult (ages 23 and older). A top prize will be awarded for each of the categories in the amounts of $50 (students), $100 (college age), and $250 (adult).

Each poem must be accompanied by the author’s full name, age, home address and telephone number, school name, and sponsoring teacher’s telephone number. Those in the college age category need not include a sponsoring teacher. Those in the adult category need not include school information.

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

To learn more about the Armenian Poetry Project, visit http://armenian-poetry.blogspot.com.

PEABODY, Mass.—Activists of the ANC-Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts had a successful meeting with Congressman John Tierney of the sixth district of the commonwealth on Monday, Dec. 16 in his district office in Peabody.

Congressman John Tierney (D-MA-6) with ANC of Merrimack Valley activists Anahid Mardiros, Tom Vartabedian, Joe Dagdigian, Saro Khachikian, Ani Babaian, and Dr. Ara Jeknavorian.

Activists Tom Vartabedian and Joe Dagdigian, as well as constituents Saro Khachikian, Ani Babaian, and Anahid Mardiros, brought forth a number of local and national issues concerning Armenian-Americans, which included the Armenian Genocide resolution, U.S. aid to Armenia, and the dire situation in Syria.

“I was pleased to meet with members of the Armenian National Committee this week to discuss the ongoing challenges that the Armenian community is experiencing. As a member of both the Congressional Armenian Caucus and the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, I remain committed to urging U.S. support for Armenia and its people and appreciate the ANC’s commitment to the same,” said Congressman John Tierney.

“Congressman Tierney has been a longtime supporter of our cause and our meeting confirmed his continued dedication and work for the betterment of Armenia and its people,” noted Ara Jeknavorian, ANC of Merrimack Valley co-chairman. “We appreciate his work as a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus and we look forward to working with him in the near future on a number of issues.”

In addition to thanking Rep. Tierney for co-sponsoring House Resolution 227, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, the group discussed the current status of Nagorno-Karabakh. “We alerted the Congressman about the continued Azerbaijani military buildup and threats to use force to resolve the status of Nargorno-Karabagh,” said Jeknavorian. “Rep. Tierney has visited the region in the past, so it was important for us that he is aware of the ongoing struggles that our brothers and sisters continue to face.”

The group also spoke about the upcoming initiatives and activities in the district including the implementation of genocide education classes at Peabody High School. “It is critical that we make every effort to teach our future generations about human rights issues and crimes against humanity, especially the history of our people,” said long-time activist Tom Vartabedian. “We are approaching the eve of the 100th anniversary of our genocide, and as part of our awareness activities, genocide education should be at the forefront.”

In preparation of the 100th anniversary of the genocide, the ANC of Merrimack Valley is working to display an exhibit commemorating the genocide at a world-renown museum or local university. “Congressman Tierney has indicated his strong support for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the genocide, both in Washington and locally, as well as his active participation with the Armenian caucus,” explained Jeknavorian. “We look forward to working closely with Rep. Tierney as well as Rep. Nikki Tsongas of the third district on these projects.”

Rep. Tierney has been serving the northern shores of Massachusetts, home to a large Armenian population, since 1997. Growing up in Salem, Mass., he created strong ties with the Armenian people at a young age and continued to educate himself about Armenian history from Armenian friends. Congressman Tierney continues to lend his support and attendance to the annual Armenian Genocide commemoration ceremony in Peabody, which was established by former mayor Peter Torigian.

Carnegie Hall Event Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Spitak Earthquake

NEW YORK—An unexpected combination of Armenian folk songs, classical compositions, and Spanish lyrics all came together seamlessly at this year’s AGBU New York Special Events Committee (NYSEC) Performing Artists in Concert. The sixth annual event, held on Dec. 7, drew hundreds of guests to the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall to commemorate the earthquake that devastated Armenia 25 years ago.

The evening’s program featured a number of well-known Armenian composers, as well as original pieces prepared especially for the NYSEC concert. Making its world premiere was Tomás Barreiro’s “Rossignol Mecanique,” a variation of “The Death of the Nightingale,” which won Barreiro the AGBU 2012 Sayat Nova International Composition Competition and earned him the prize to showcase his work at Carnegie Hall. The duduk, mezzo-soprano, oboe, piano, and string trio brought the composition to life.

Before taking the conductor’s stand, Barreiro, a Mexico City native, commented on the Sayat Nova poetry that influenced him. He also expressed his gratitude to the AGBU, stating, “I have participated in a number of competitions and never before found such an amazing group of people. I cannot claim Armenian roots, but the AGBU Sayat Nova International Composition Competition introduced me to the vibrant Armenian community and its incredibly rich musical heritage, which continue to inspire me.”

“Rossignol Mecanique” was one of the concert’s many works to combine Armenian traditional music and more contemporary sounds. Maxime Aulio’s “Odes Arméniennes,” which also debuted at the NYSEC event, rearranged four of Sayat Nova’s poems. “Tagh to Resurrection” by Tigran Mansurian incorporated medieval melodies while replicating an audio recording of Komitas. The audience also enjoyed “Impromptu” and “Verhoush” by the late Alexander Arutiunian and Edward Mirzoyan, respectively, as well as famous pieces by Aram Khachaturian in honor of the 110th anniversary of his birth.

The young concert performers are carrying on the legacy of Khachaturian and other Armenian masters as they pursue their own careers with support from the AGBU Scholarship Program. Each member of the international ensemble has received an AGBU Performing Arts Fellowship: Pierre Bedrossian (oboe, duduk, and English horn); Ani Kalayjian (cello); Henrik Karapetyan (violin and viola); Solange Merdinian (mezzo-soprano); Nazig Tchakarian (violin); Varta Tchakarian (piano); and Adam Tendler (piano). With the AGBU’s funding, they have trained at some of the world’s top-ranking institutions, including the Yerevan State Komitas Conservatory, the Juilliard School of Music, the National Music Conservatory of Paris, and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

The concert’s artistic director, Nazig Tchakarian, who partnered with AGBU Performing Arts Department Director Hayk Arsenyan, said, “It was a pleasure to have collaborated with such dedicated and talented artists. After months of preparation, and a great week of rehearsing, it was rewarding to see everything come together so beautifully. I was very pleased to be able to give back to the AGBU after all the organization has done for me over the years, and am thankful to the AGBU and NYSEC for making this evening such a tremendous success.”

The sixth annual AGBU Performing Artists in Concert was co-chaired by Nila Festekjian and Sossy Setrakian and organized by AGBU NYSEC. This year, generous supporters of the NYSEC concert donated more than $50,000, which will help sustain AGBU’s performing arts initiatives worldwide.

The AGBU Performing Arts Fellowship Program offers grants to full-time undergraduate and graduate students of Armenian descent worldwide who are pursuing their study in the field of performing arts. To make a contribution to sustain and support the enhancement of future Armenian musicians, contact the AGBU at (212) 319-6383 or scholarship@agbu.org.

Established in 2012, the AGBU Performing Arts Department (PAD) connects young Armenian artists worldwide and introduces Armenian art to diverse audiences. In its pilot year, PAD launched the Musical Armenia Program, an annual summer initiative that brings artists from around the world to Armenia to explore the country’s musical heritage. To learn more about PAD, visit www.agbu.org/program/culture. The AGBU Sayat Nova International Composition Competition is organized biennially by AGBU Paris. To learn more about the 2014 competition, visit http://sayatnovaeng.agbueurope.org.

Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) joins Reps. Schiff and Sherman in Condemning Latest Azerbaijani Murder of Armenian Soldier Hrant Poghosyan

WASHINGTON—Members of Congress continue to express alarm at Azerbaijan’s most recent military attack across the Armenian border, which have made Armenian soldier Hrant Poghosyan Azerbaijan’s latest casualty, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev coincided with the Azerbaijani killing of soldier Hrant Poghosyan near the village of Berd in Armenia’s Davoush region.

The response, to date, from the Obama Administration and OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, currently travelling in the Caucasus region, has been delayed, muted and off-target, limited only to generic references to border violence “undermin[ing] prospects for peace.”

“Our Administration, which is represented as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, should be clear in condemning the murder of Hrant Poghosyan, breaking, as it must, from its pattern of pretend parity in response to each and every new Azerbaijani attack,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “The OSCE Minsk Group’s artificial even-handedness is inexcusable, and only emboldens Baku, which has made a cruel and dangerous habit of cross-border killings during visits by international mediators.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Central Valley Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) noted that he was “appalled to learn of yet another murder of an Armenian soldier in an unprovoked attack by Azerbaijani troops against Armenian forces. This tragic bloodshed follows the Azerbaijani government’s heroic treatment of Ramil Safarov – the Azerbaijani military officer who savagely killed an Armenian solider. Azerbaijan, its military, and the perpetrator of this heinous crime must be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice.”

Costa’s comments follow statements issued earlier this week by the Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) condemning the attack.

“Azerbaijan has yet again shown that it is not serious about establishing peaceful relations with Armenia and Artsakh. Despite the request for a ceasefire during the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Azeri forces have killed an Armenian solider, Hrant Poghosyan. The shooting was unprovoked and Armenian forces have respected the request for a ceasefire,” explained Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Rep. Schiff echoed those concerns and called attention to Azerbaijan’s ongoing use of violence to resolve the Karbakah conflict. “One need only look at the sick display of adulation that greeted Ramil Safarov—the Azerbaijani military officer who beheaded an Armenian colleague during a NATO Partnership for Peace exercise—to see how the Azeri government has glorified this violence. Rather than prison, Safarov was paraded through the streets and given a new house and a promotion. Baku’s newest murderer will not be brought to justice until the international community insists on an end to these atrocities.”

On December 19th, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a press release referencing, in general terms, the border violence that led to Poghosyan’s murder. According to the release, “the Co-Chairs noted that recent violence on the border undermines prospects for peace. They encouraged the sides to refrain from further actions that could increase tensions, and to work to maintain an atmosphere conducive to progress at the negotiating table.” The complete press release is available at: http://www.osce.org/mg/109865

On December 15th, Armenian soldier Hrant Poghosyan was shot by Azerbaijani snipers while serving at defensive positions near his home town of Berd, located in the Tavoush region. The killing coincided with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs visit with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

By Haig Der Manuelian

As of Christmas Eve, Santa Claus bestowed upon the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) its new name, “Armenian Museum of America, Inc.,” in recognition of its meteoric rise as a major museum. The important words “Armenian” and “America” remain in the title because our museum is for all and belongs to all. With this change, this institution will be known for its uniquely distinct role as the largest Armenian museum outside of Armenia. We will continue to enhance the holdings of our adjunct research library named for the late Mesrop Boyajian.

The Armenian Museum of America

In 1971, the Armenian Library and Museum of America, Inc. was formed with nothing but a dream. We were amazed at the spectacular 3,000-year Armenian culture, forged on an anvil of tragedy which, against all odds, our ancestors developed, nurtured, and protected despite countless invasions, ravages, and destruction by barbaric forces from all sides, and even despite the Armenian Genocide. Those of us involved then saw our mission to honor our ancestors and the victims of the genocide by creating a permanent, living memorial library and museum. At that time, we expected significant acquisitions mostly for our intended library, while hoping against hope for a modest number of artifacts. For that reason, when we decided on a name for our organization, the word “Library” preceded the word “Museum.”

Because we wanted our institution to belong to all, our fledgling organization was called the Armenian Library and Museum of America, instead of bearing the name of one or more major contributors. Eventually, we incorporated it as a non-profit organization qualified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a public charity. First, however, we had the presence of mind to detour, partly from our ultimate mission, during our first few years, to focus on recording the oral histories of hundreds of survivors of the Armenian Genocide before they all left us.

In 1996, Dr. James Russell, the Mashdots Professor of Armenian Studies at Harvard University, and a scholar of very high note, described ALMA’s collections: “Over all, it is perhaps the most important Armenian museum collection after the Armenian State Historical Museum in Yerevan and the collections of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Israel.” By then, our museum was a shining beacon and its holdings had multiplied beyond our wildest expectations: It included the major eclectic collections from the Bedoukian Families, numerous inscribed Armenian rugs from the late Arthur T. Gregorian, and Kutahya tiles from the Karabians, among so many other gifts generously donated to build our collections.

That was 17 years ago. Since 1996, our holdings have multiplied dramatically. Just in the past four years alone, we have acquired the Yousuf Karsh Collection of photographic portraiture, post-Soviet Armenian paintings from the famed Norton Dodge Collection, the Berj Garabedian Metal Arts Collection, the Almasian Family Map Collection, and numerous other accessions. Our holdings now exceed 20,000 objects and are buttressed and enhanced by our ever-growing Mesrop Boyajian Research Library, now with over 27,000 titles.

In addition, the museum has created various travel exhibits for display anywhere in the U.S. Our three major travel exhibits are “Who Are the Armenians,” the “Gamavor Exhibit,” and the “The Ongoing Armenian Genocide: Death, Denial & Desecration.” The Gamavor Exhibit is currently being translated and will be shown in France. We are proud that our travel Genocide Exhibit was shown primarily in various non-Armenian sites including an eight-month showing at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, the third largest such museum in the United States. The Holocaust Museum is now seeking to develop its own permanent Armenian Genocide exhibit.

Our Armenian Museum belongs to all of us, Armenian or not, because its realization is attributable to the tremendous support from so many in so many various ways.

We urge everyone to continue their support, whether financial or in the form of donations of artifacts or books, or volunteering, or in any other way.

Santa Claus will never forget us. Will you?

Haig Der Manuelian is chairman of the Board at the Armenian Library and Museum of America.

WATERTOWN, Mass.—On Mon., Jan. 6, Judith A. Saryan, a vice president of Eaton Vance Management and the portfolio manager on Eaton Vance’s large-cap core/equity income team, will speak about “Wealth Management” at the dinner meeting of the St. James Armenian Church Men’s Club.

Judith A. Saryan

Before joining Eaton Vance in March 1999, Saryan was a portfolio manager and equity analyst for State Street Global Advisors. During her 18 years there, her principal research specialties were the telecommunications, consumer nondurables, and utilities industries. Prior to her tenure at State Street Global Advisors, she was affiliated with Colonial Management for more than three years, and was the utilities analyst and assistant portfolio manager of Colonial Tax-Managed Trust, a tax-managed utilities fund.

Saryan earned her degree in economics from Wellesley College and spent a year overseas studying developmental economics and comparative economic systems. She is a CFA charterholder.

Her commentary has appeared in Barron’s Online, the Boston Herald, CBS MarketWatch, Dow Jones, Financial Planning, the International Herald-Tribune, Investor’s Business Daily, Reuters, SmartMoney, the Tampa Tribune, and the Wall Street Journal, and she has been featured on CNBC and CNNfn.

The social hour begins at 6:15 p.m. with mezza, followed by a complete losh kebab and kheyma dinner at 7 p.m., for $14 per person. The dinner meeting will be held at the St. James Armenian Church Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center – Keljik Hall, 465 Mount Auburn St., in Watertown. Ladies are welcome.

YEREVAN (Asbarez)—The pro-government majority in the Armenian parliament ratified on Dec. 23 a highly controversial gas agreement with Russia in a vote which was denounced as invalid by Armenia’s leading opposition forces and sparked fresh street protests.

The deal, which critics consider a serious blow to Armenia’s sovereignty, was backed by 77 members of the 131-seat National Assembly mainly representing President Serge Sarkisian’s Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). Just before the vote, deputies from the three opposition parties represented in the assembly as well as the opposition-leaning Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) walked out of the main parliament auditorium in protest.

The pro-government lawmakers decided to vote by hand, instead of using the customary electronic voting system, after it emerged that some of them had their plastic magnetic cards taken away by one of their outspoken opposition colleagues, Zaruhi Postanjian of the Zharangutyun (Heritage) party.

The parliament minority leaders seized upon this fact to declare the vote null and void. In a joint statement, they cited the National Assembly’s statutes stipulating that if the electronic system is not used votes should be counted by a special parliamentary commission. They argued that the vote count was done instead by parliament speaker Hovik Abrahamian and his two deputies.

“The treaty has not been ratified,” read the statement signed by Postanjian, BHK’s Naira Zohrabian, Levon Zurabian, the parliamentary leader of the Armenian National Congress (HAK), and Armen Rustamian of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

“The Russian Federation, the outside world must be aware that the agreement has not been ratified,” Nikol Pashinian, another opposition deputy not affiliated with any of these four parties, told RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am).

“If anybody transfers any assets of the Republic of Armenia to somebody else on the basis of this non-ratified agreement, we will deal with that somebody in a proper manner,” warned Pashinian.

The deal in question, which was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Armenia, formalizes the sale of the Armenian government’s 20 percent share in the domestic gas distribution network to Russia’s Gazprom monopoly. In return, Gazprom will write off a $300 million debt, which the government has incurred as a result of secretly subsidizing the price of Russian natural gas supplied to Armenia since 2011.

More important, the deal stipulates that the current and future Armenian governments cannot raise taxes or make any other changes in the regulatory environment for the Gazprom-owned network until January 2044. The Armenian side is also obliged to ensure that domestic gas tariffs in the country are high enough for Gazprom to recoup 9 percent of its capital investments in the network annually.

These unprecedented privileges have prompted vehement objections from opposition members and anti-government activists opposed to Armenia’s planned accession to a Russian-led customs union. Hundreds of them demonstrated outside the parliament building in Yerevan on Dec. 23.

By Anahid M. Ugurlayan

On Dec. 8, a sold-out crowd gathered at Almayass Restaurant in New York City for a fundraiser luncheon hosted by the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) New York “Mayr” Chapter. More than $5,000 was raised in support of the ARS’s “Warm Home” Program, which provides fuel to help Syrian-Armenian families heat their homes during the winter months.

A scene from the luncheon

Anais Tcholakian, the chapter chairperson, welcomed the guests and thanked them for supporting the Society’s ongoing relief efforts to Syria’s Armenians. She also thanked chapter members for organizing the luncheon; Voice of Armenians TV for their coverage of the luncheon; and Almayass’s owner, Varak Alexanian, its manager, Mario Arakelian, and the entire staff for their gracious hospitality and support of the ARS.

Guests observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the 25^th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Armenia that claimed more than 25,000 victims, as well as in memory of His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, former Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern), on the 10^th anniversary of his passing.

Vicken Tarpinian performs

Houri Geudelekian, a member of the “Mayr” Chapter and ARS UN Coordinator, talked about the ARS’s mission—since 1910—to serve the humanitarian, educational, and cultural needs of the Armenian people throughout the world and its work as a non-governmental organization (NGO) at the UN. She lauded members’ immediate response to relief efforts for the civil war in Syria, as well as victims for natural disasters worldwide, most recently the Typhoon Haiyan. She also noted that 10 percent of the luncheon proceeds would be donated to Typhoon Haiyan relief.

Following Geudelekian’s remarks, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, delivered the invocation. He said he admired the work of the ARS and thanked attendees for their support of Syria’s Armenians.

More than $5,000 was raised in support of the ARS’s “Warm Home” Program.

Guests were regaled by a surprise performance by renowned singer Vicken Tarpinian, and danced to the latest Armenian music courtesy of DJ Khajag. No luncheon could be complete without a raffle, and this year’s raffle included many novelty items.

For more information about the ARS, visit www.ars1910.org.

GYUMRI, Armenia—Just prior to Christmas in 2012, the Poghosyan family’s makeshift home—commonly known as a “domik”—caught fire and burned down. Homeless and struggling from their loss, the parents and their six children moved into yet another domik. The Paros Foundation, through its “Purchase a Home” project—part of its 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity—launched an effort to solve the Poghosyan family’s housing needs. In early December 2013, the family was presented with keys to their new apartment thanks to the generous sponsorship of California donors, who simply want to be referred to as Nejde and Lilit.

The Poghosyan family

“We first met the Poghosyan family during the implementation of our Gyumri Winter Rescue project in January 2013,” said Peter Abajian, the executive director of the Paros Foundation. “It was hard to imagine what this family had gone through, and we quickly committed to figuring out what we could do to help.”

Learning of the plight of the Poghosyan family and wanting to help, Nejde and Lilit committed to the necessary funds, and the search for a new apartment for the Poghosyan family began. Within several weeks, the transaction was complete and the family moved into their new apartment.

Throughout the process, the Paros Foundation’s Gyumri partner, Vahan Tumasyan, the executive director of the Shirak Center, worked closely with Paros’s Armenia-based staff and spearheaded the effort to identify and help relocate the family.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses to allow 100 percent of sponsor contributions to be allocated towards the purchase of the Poghosyan family’s home.

Today, almost 4,000 families in Gyumri—Armenia’s second largest city—still live in unsafe and extreme conditions, often taking shelter in dilapidated buildings and in the rusted remains of overseas shipping containers. Some, left homeless following the 1988 Spitak earthquake, and others, simple victims of extreme poverty, are left with little alternative than to live in these inhuman conditions.

The Paros Foundation and the Poghosyan family express their deepest appreciation to Nejde and Lilit for making this miracle happen. The Paros Foundation remains committed to helping alleviate this human suffering through its “Purchase a Home” project. To sponsor this or another Paros 100 for 100 project, visit www.parosfoundation.org. To view a short video of the Poghosyan family’s story, visit www.parosfoundation.org/purchaseahomeII.

Meets St. Louis and Illinois Area Armenian-American Community

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—The Genocide Education Project (GenEd) presented a training workshop for high school history teachers at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) conference, held in St. Louis from Nov. 22-24.community-gened (1Y)

GenEd representatives Sara Cohan (left of banner) and Roxanne Makasdjian (right) with St. Louis area community members

GenEd’s education director, Sara Cohan, led a conference workshop titled, “The Psychology of Genocide,” which explored the social forces and personal psychology that can lead to extreme acts of cruelty, as well as to heroic acts of compassion, during a genocide.

Approximately 50 social studies teachers participated in the workshop. They learned about the key psychological concepts that apply to the actions of individuals leading to and during genocide. Examples from the Armenian Genocide and other genocides were examined, and participants received instructional materials to use in their classrooms.

“It was gratifying to have such a strong turnout and positive response from all the teachers we met,” said Cohan.

She was joined by GenEd Board member Roxanne Makasdjian, and together distributed Armenian Genocide teaching materials to hundreds of educators visiting GenEd’s information booth. They also displayed the resources found at the organization’s “cyber” teaching library, www.TeachGenocide.com.

“I think the teaching materials will really help me give my students a better understanding of the Armenian Genocide,” said teacher Leah Jardine of Kansas. “I can use the videos and lessons based on personal stories, instead of just lecturing to them.”

While in St. Louis, Makasdjian and Cohan also attended the St. Louis Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) “Antranig” Chapter dance, where they introduced GenEd’s work to community members. Members of the local AYF and ANC chapters, and their supporters, also generously contributed to GenEd’s efforts.

The Genocide Education Project is a non-partisan, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) educational organization that assists educators in teaching about human rights and genocide, particularly the Armenian Genocide, by developing and distributing instructional materials, providing access to

teaching resources, and organizing educational workshops. For more information about the Genocide Education Project, go to www.GenocideEducation.org.

Dear Editor:

It was with great pleasure that I read my friend Antranig Kasbarian’s article, adapted from an ARF Day speech delivered in Detroit earlier this month which I, unfortunately, missed due to prior out-of-town commitments. Had I been present it could have been a lively debate in viva voce, but we can do the same with the pen rather than our voices.

After expanding on the historical and traditional lines the ARF has followed since its inception, Dr. Kasbarian arrives at his conclusions by extolling the three pillars he considers the most important for his party as follows:

1) A commitment to Armenia’s sovereignty. This is a delusional and misleading statement as it continues the “old” ARF adherence to a “free and independent Armenia.” Yes, this could have been a slogan that gathered diasporans and native Armenians around the flag, and was the raison d’etre of the ARF itself, but it’s become totally obsolete since Armenia’s official independence in 1991. So, with independence, the ARF’s main cause of existence vanished. Therefore, suggesting the party’s commitment to “Armenia’s sovereignty” is an oxymoron.

2) Pursuit of the Armenian Cause. Since the above pillar has become obsolete, the ARF has needed another rallying point to maintain its existence, and they chose the Hai Tahd or recognition of the Armenian Genocide. A worthy cause and one close to every Armenian’s heart. The question, however, is very simple: If the ARF has been trying so hard to influence governments through lobbying, international claims, and even armed struggle, where is this much-desired recognition? They have been trying to get this since 1923 or even 1965 and today, 98 or even some 50 years later we have no results. So, I would submit that maybe all Armenian organizations and/or political parties, including the ARF, are doing something wrong! Time to change the approach for better performance and results, I say.

3) Armenopreservation (Hayabahbanum). Keeping the Armenian language alive through schools, cultural events, and a very strong affiliation with the Armenian Church is what the ARF has done to maintain the preservation of Armenian-ness. How successful has the ARF been in this endeavor with the youth? Has the ARF reached out to sons and daughters of mixed marriage Armenians, or culturally hybrid-Armenians who do not speak their mother tongue or know anything about Armenian history and have thus been left outside the Armenian “family”? Or is it that the Armenian Church has been so successful in attracting the youth with its rigid orthodoxy, that has helped the ARF? Becoming an Armenian does not, certainly, mean you have to become an ARF member (or “soldier”), does it now?

The ARF that Dr. Kasbarian is talking about is what he knows to be a “revolutionary” organization despite the fact that armed revolutionary acts like the ARF’s event with the Ottoman Bank belongs to Armenian legends of the past. The ARF’s military-organization-type party with its “Central Bureau” (that, again, is a name that belongs to the Soviet era of the Politburo) is not something today’s youth can accept very easily without the necessary transparency.

Finally, the claim that “the ARF by its nature embraces a diverse whole” is unequivocally totalitarian in its meaning. In other words, despite the diversity of opinions and beliefs, diverse type of Armenians and the globality of today’s Armenian communities, the ARF should always be the central and all-encompassing organization to lead Armenians to their objectives, which are still ill-defined within the ARF itself!

I don’t think there is any reasonable Armenian in the world today who does not accept the ARF’s tremendous contributions to the development of our nation, identity, language, and culture, particularly in the diaspora. As we approach the beginning of a new year, however, maybe it is time for all of us and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation itself to engage in some real self-criticism and decide to change approaches and its mindset, or else become yet another failed attempt to control and direct a continuously better educated, free-thinking, intellectually demanding and creative generation of young Armenians.

Sincerely,
Miran P. Sarkissian

Miran P. Sarkissian is an international business consultant currently operating between Brussels and Detroit/Miami Beach while traveling around the world on corporate assignments. He has written numerous articles for a variety of publications.

LONDON—The London Book Fair will be held from April 8-10, 2014, and will again include the Armenian Pavilion stand, organized with the support of the Armenian Embassy in London and the Armenian Community Council of the United Kingdom.

The London Book Fair will be held from April 8-10, 2014, and will again include the Armenian Pavilion stand

The Armenian Pavilion first participated in the London Book Fair in 2013, and featured a rich collection of books on art, history, literature, children’s themes, and religion. Publishers from both the Homeland and the Armenian Diaspora introduced their books alongside authors Rouben Galichian, Noune Sarkisian, and Nouritsa Matossian. The stand also featured a unique Facsimile copy (reprint) of the 16^th-century “Urbatagirk” by the first Armenian publisher, Hagop Meghapart, presented by the publishing house Edit Print.

The official opening of the Armenian Pavilion on the first day was attended by sponsors and honorable guests. The stand was very well attended by visitors to the fair who approached the stand with a spirit of excitement, inquiry, and curiosity (in part, perhaps, because of the offerings of Grand Candy Chocolates and Ararat Brandy, sponsored by both companies). It is due to this success that the community has decided to repeat the event in 2014, and has already secured the space in Hall 2 at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in Central London.

What makes the idea of the book fair so unique is the presentation of publishers and authors from Armenia and the diaspora on the same stand—which perfectly fits the Armenians as a nation and dispersed people. Diasporan publishers and authors would normally have their books displayed on stands of their respective countries and/or publishing houses; however, by applying this formula, these very same publishers, while still listed under their respective flags, would display their books in the Armenian Pavilion, giving them more concentrated exposure and a wider variety of opportunities.

Prior to registering the Armenian Pavilion, for example, Lebanon showed only one exhibitor. Hamazkayin Publishing and the Catholicosate of Cilicia Printing House increased Lebanon’s listing to three in 2013, but both books were displayed at the Armenian Pavilion stand. This was also the case for U.S. and UK authors and publishers. Were it not for the Armenian Pavilion, Armenia, too, would not have been represented at the book fair.

Coincidently, the market focus of the London Book Fair 2013 was Turkey. Armenian participation did nevertheless take place, and books on the Armenian Genocide were on display. “Turkey in all its colors,” as branded by the fair, did not present authors from Turkey’s minority communities—namely Greek, Kurdish, and Armenian authors. Talks were held during the event on how minority literature, its publishing, and translation were hampered by Turkey’s state policy.

The London Book Fair was a powerful experience for all those who were involved in its organization, as well as for the exhibitors. It provided a solid platform for the publishers, agents, booksellers, and authors to establish links, long-term partnerships, and business connections. It was also an opportunity for Armenians to present their literary heritage and legacy to the UK and the world.

Exhibiting is free to qualifying participants, who will be asked to exhibit at a fair held by the UK-Armenian community immediately after the end of the London Book Fair. For more information, e-mail armenian.pavilion@gmail.com.

LONDON—Beginning in January 2014, a series of productions—including “Armania: A journey through Armenian folksong, dance and poetry”—will mark the inaugural season at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Founded by the American actor and director, Sam Wanamake, Shakespeare’s Globe in London is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse built in 1599, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. January 2014 will see the opening of the Globe’s new indoor Jacobean theatre, the Wanamaker Playhouse.

The Dudukner Ensemble from Armenia

“Armania” will be performed in this groundbreaking theater on April 13-14, 2014, and will feature the Dudukner Ensemble and the Chilingiran Quartet. Below, the performance curator and director, Seta White, tells us how this opportunity came about.

* * *

Some months ago Bill Barclay, music director at Shakespeare’s Globe, contacted me to come up with an idea to bring Armenian music to this Jacobean stage. I’d met Bill through his involvement in “Salon Mashup,” a production I had conceived and directed in the winter of 2013 for the Armenian Institute in London, an organization dedicated to making Armenian history and culture a living experience.

“Salon Mashup” had brought together more than 40 artists to collaborate on works around the themes of displacement and regeneration, focusing on the Armenian experience of loss and resettlement. Over 3 evenings, 13 performances took place in our labyrinth venue of basement tunnels at London’s Shoreditch Town Hall. One of these was an excerpt from “Deported / a dream play” by Boston-based playwright Joyce Van Dyke, and directed by Bill Barclay. The response to “Salon Mashup” was overwhelming, and performance evenings filled the venue to capacity.

Levon Chilingirian visiting the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Bill had also had contact with Armenians in the UK when the Globe brought Armenia’s Sundukyan National Academic Theatre to London to perform “King John” in May 2012 as part of the Globe to Globe World Shakespeare Festival. Bill wanted to tap into this energy and excitement for Armenian culture again.

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, named after its founder, was part of Wanamaker’s vision and extended beyond the now familiar and iconic “wooden-O”, the Globe itself. Some years after the original Globe had been built, Shakespeare’s acting troupe also leased a smaller indoor playhouse that served as their winter house. So Wanamaker incorporated an indoor Jacobean theatre into his blueprint of the theatre complex. When Shakespeare’s Globe opened in 1997, the indoor theatre was left as a shell. Now, 17 years later, it will at last fulfill its purpose.

The Playhouse is based on a set of drawings discovered in the late 1960’s in Worcester College, Oxford. Dated 1660, they are the earliest known and most comprehensive designs for an indoor Jacobean theatre in existence. They have been attributed to the English architect and scholar, John Webb, protégé of the renowned architect Indigo Jones.

Candlelit and timber-framed, the theatre has pit seating and a musicians’ gallery above the stage. This beautiful interior will be the setting for plays, operas, and concerts. Being an indoor theatre, it will also enable productions to play at the Globe throughout the year.

“Armania,” playing in April, will celebrate the work of great Armenian poets and composers from medieval times to the present day. My vision is to ground Armenian music and performance in the genre of Jacobean theatre and, through the poetry, explore the powerful influence of Shakespeare in Armenian literature.

Instruments have been chosen to reflect the Jacobean period, and costume, poetry, and song will all play an important part in delivering this style of theatre. Musicians and artists from both the UK and Armenia will be brought together to collaborate for the concert. The Dudukner Ensemble, including some members that played with “King John,” will be joining us from Armenia.

Levon Chilingirian, a violinist and the founder of the Chilingiran Quartet, is Armania’s music director and has put together a rich and varied repertoire. Levon himself will be playing, alongside prize-winning cellist Alexander Chaushian, harpist and singer Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian (who is currently composer in residence at Handel House), and soprano Tereza Gevorgyan (the acclaimed star of the recent London Armenian Opera’s production of “Anoush”).

Over the last few years in my work, I have focused very much on exploring Armenian arts and culture on a professional platform in the UK and abroad. This began with a project where I undertook research and development in Armenia to bring into contemporary theater the well-known Armenian play “Namus” by Alexander Shirvanzade. I directed the first UK performance of “Anoush” with London Armenian Opera, and am currently directing the Armenian comic opera, “Garineh.” I am also working on an exciting project with the British Council Armenia and Candoco Dance Company to establish Armenia’s first inclusive (disabled and non-disabled) dance company.

I am, therefore, truly delighted to have this platform to bring Armenian music and culture to Shakespeare’s Globe, and thrilled that it will be a part of this wonderful season in this incredible new theatre.

“Armania: A journey through Armenian folksong, dance, and poetry” will be on at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, in association with the Armenian Institute, on April 13 and 14, 2014. To book, visit www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on/sam-wanamaker-playhouse/armania. To learn more about the Armenian Institute, visit www.armenianinstitute.org.uk.

SAN DIEGO, Calif.—During the six years it took to create her new cookbook, titled Armenian Vegan, Dikranouhi Kirazian insisted on telling no one about her project.

During the six years it took to create her new cookbook, titled Armenian Vegan, Dikranouhi Kirazian insisted on telling no one about her project.

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” she said. And it was. When she finally revealed and released the book in December, family and friends alike were so excited to hear of the book that they have started cooking out of it and buying it for friends, Armenian and non-Armenian alike.

But Kirazian’s desire to write the book was to leave a legacy—to honor her mother, grandmother, and aunts who taught her so much about authentic Armenian cooking, and also to help future generations keep the heritage alive.

“It’s for my children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, so that they will always remember,” she said.

With the help of her husband George, an author and editor, Dikranouhi meticulously prepared and wrote more than 200 pure vegan recipes using no animal products, taking pictures along the way.

The recipes include appetizers, entrees, salads, soups, desserts, breakfast items, pickles, sauces, and drinks. Vegan versions of favorite Armenian recipes like yalanchi, mante, lamajoun, pilaf, stuffed vegetables, paklava, hummus, eech, and many others are included, alongside many completely new recipes.

“Our Armenian food is very healthy. A lot of it is already vegan, but I created my own dishes as well,” she says.

Kirazian points out that for those who cannot quite make the leap to vegan eating, most all of the recipes can be made with meat if desired.

Armenian Vegan is published and available on CreateSpace at www.createspace.com/4554831 and on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1494365189/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1494365189&linkCode=as2&tag=hairenik-20. It is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArmenianVeganCookbook. The Twitter handle is @ArmenianVegan. For more information, visit www.armenianvegan.com.

YEREVAN—Armenia Tree Project (ATP) has recently completed its ninth year of reforestation with the planting of another 174,267 tree seedlings in northern Armenia, bringing the total number of trees planted to 230,451 in 2013. The additional 56,000 trees were planted by ATP’s flagship Community Tree Planting program.

ATP employs dozens of people at its three nurseries. These two men are hard at work at the Mirak Family Reforestation Nursery in Margahovit where hundreds of thousands of trees are under cultivation

ATP was founded by Armenian-American philanthropist Carolyn Mugar, and the organization has now planted a total of 4,455,869 trees since 1994.

“We’re extremely proud of this result,” noted ATP Yerevan Director Areg Maghakian. “Our work is planting trees, and we’ve done that with more than four million in the ground, but it’s also about people. ATP is creating green jobs in Armenia and connecting our programs with supporters all over the world. It’s a truly grassroots effort that will pay huge dividends in the future.”

With help from a substantial grant from Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2012, ATP began planting a new 20-hectare (nearly 50-acre) forest site in the town of Koghes in Lori. In the spring, several thousand pine seedlings were added to the existing oak, ash, apple, and pear trees to finalize the forest planting.

In the summer, seasonal workers were hired to maintain the sites reforested by ATP. “Because it was such a fertile year, some sites had to be maintained twice as the grass had been growing so quickly,” Maghakian emphasized.

In the fall, dozens of local villagers helped replant tree seedlings in a new forest being established in Tsaghkaber. The planting of this site in Lori was supported by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU) of the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW as part of its International Climate Protection Initiative. The project was implemented by WWF Germany, WWF Caucasus, and WWF Armenia in cooperation with the Ministry of Nature Protection, the Ministry of Agriculture, and ATP.

ATP has collaborated with a number of other organizations over the past year. This summer, ATP organized a special tour for local media and organizations in the environmental sector. The tour included ATP’s Mirak Family Reforestation Nursery, where more than half a million tree seedlings are being nurtured, along with the nearby Hrant Dink Memorial Forest and a new forest being established in the town of Katnajur. Yerevan-based Deem Communications participated in several events with ATP this year, including planting trees at a kindergarten in Margahovit.

ATP has also collaborated with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF), an organization that aims to nurture sustainable development initiatives in rural parts of Armenia. ATP employees in Margahovit discovered Samvel, a talented woodworker who was unemployed because he is wheelchair-bound, and introduced him to HDIF, which now sells his unique, handmade crafts.

ATP’s newest initiative, announced this fall in collaboration with Sosé and Allen’s Legacy Foundation, is the Sosé Thomassian and Allen Yekikian Memorial Forest. The young couple, who had strong ties both in Armenia and the diaspora, lost their lives in a tragic car accident in May 2013.

“Our goal is to create a living tribute to our dear friends. We’re also incorporating social media into this campaign,” said Maghakian. “For every new ‘Like’ of ATP’s Facebook page, five trees will be planted in the memorial forest. We hope the effort will attract at least 10,000 ‘Likes’ in order to plant 50,000 trees and raise awareness of ATP’s mission.”

The municipality of Stepanavan has agreed to lease 73 hectares (more than 180 acres) of land to ATP for 25 years, and 25 percent of that land will be allocated to the Sosé and Allen Memorial Forest, where planting will commence in the spring of 2014.

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

The 80^th Annual AYF-YOARF Eastern Region Convention was held from Dec. 26-30, 2013, in Westborough, Mass. About 40 Senior AYF members from the Eastern Region attended to evaluate the current state of the organization, reflect on the past year, and plan for the future. The members’ thoughtfulness and knowledge was both inspiring and motivating as we worked numerous hours to improve the organization.

Worcester AYF Hosts 80th Annual Convention

The Convention was hosted by the Worcester “Aram” AYF Chapter. The chapter’s hospitality helped to create a productive environment. On Saturday night, the members of the AYF Worcester chapter and their parents hosted a delicious dinner. The community also graciously allowed us to use their church for the Saturday night portion of our meeting. We are grateful for the work that the Worcester community put into welcoming us and helping to make our Convention excellent.

The Convention also included guests from other organizations who were invited to speak and report on their activities. Baron David Hamparian, Camp Haiastan’s executive director, discussed how to increase communication and involvement with the AYF at Camp, specifically in developing a curriculum for the Armenian school sessions. Heather Krafian of the Cambridge ARS spoke about how the youth may become involved in ARS programs and cited the many educational opportunities available. Tamar Kanarian represented the ANCA Eastern Region and called on the youth to help with their political initiatives. Ken Topalian reported for the Olympic Governing Body, seeking AYF input on many issues, and Aram Kayserian spoke on behalf of Homenetmen for increased communication between the two organizations.

Former AYF Central Executive member Stepanos Keshishian reported for the AYF Western Region as its executive director. Levon Attarian represented the ARF Eastern Region Central Committee and discussed plans as we approach the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

One of the greatest differences from past Conventions was the delegates’ discussion of international issues and the Eastern Region’s position within them. Previously, the Eastern Region had focused much of its efforts locally. With many AYF members traveling to Yerevan, Javakhk, Artsakh, and Western Armenia over the past year, we were equipped to discuss the state of the AYF and other efforts internationally. Many members learned from each other and want to deepen their knowledge of these issues.

With the 100^th anniversary of the genocide approaching, the main topic of discussion was how the AYF can be involved in these plans. We decided the “Call to Action” for 2014 would be Western Armenia and “The Centennial” in 2015. We will spend the year planning for the local, regional, national, and international events to take place next year in 2015, with the intention of uniting all Armenians and our supporters across the world for this monumental event.

The final task of the Convention was to elect a new Central Executive. The newly elected CE is comprised of Michelle Hagopian and Stephen Hagopian from the Granite City “Antranig” Chapter; Raffi Varjabedian and Raffi Yaboujian from the Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter; and U. Dalita Getzoyan, Garo Tashian, and Andrew Bagdasarian from the Providence “Varantian” Chapter.

As we begin 2014, the Central Executive of the Eastern Region is confident that our members will be more active and conscientious of the world around them in the coming year. We look forward to what our members will accomplish as we prepare for the future.