Volume 74, No. 32, August 16, 2008

Calendar of events

NEW ENGLAND

AUG. 17, 2008 • ST. ASDVADZADZIN CHURCH PICNIC (WHITINSVILLE) featuring the John Berberian Ensemble. Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes officiated by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and New England area clergy. To be held on church grounds in Whitinsville, Mass. Come early; church is air-conditioned! Picnic starts at noon. For more information, call (508) 234 3677.

AUG. 24, 2008 • ARMENIAN FOOD / MUSIC FESTIVAL. Hosted by the Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe (Bradford, Mass.). Live Armenian music by the Jason Naroian Ensemble. Menu includes shish, losh, and chicken kebab dinners, kheyma, pastries, and beverages. Raffles grand prize is $1,000. Air-conditioned hall. Ball fields and hiking trails. Bring your own lawn chairs. From 12-6 p.m. at the American Legion Farm, 1314 Main St. in Haverhill, Mass. (Take Rte. 495 to exit 51B onto Rte. 125 N.) For more information, call (978) 372-9227.

AUG. 31, 2008 • ‘A DAY IN ARMENIA.’ Designed to make participants feel as though they are spending an idyllic day in a sunny town square in the “old country.” Activities include live music and dancing, traditional hot meals and bakery items, cooking and dance demonstrations, an Armenian boutique of imported gift items, cultural displays, and a children’s carnival, all surrounding the “Armenia Cafe,” a courtyard filled with small tables set with tavloo and checkers boards, serving coffee and desserts. Held rain or shine. Admission and parking are free. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 2427 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield. For more information, call Lisa at (413) 596-9959.

SEPT. 6, 2008 • HAMAZKAYIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT. Featuring the Yulia Musayelyan Quartet and MUSANER performing folk music from Armenia, as well as the Balkans and Argentina. Organized in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students, seniors, and those under 18). To reserve, call (617) 775-4633. At the Arsenal Center for the Arts, Charles Mosesian Theater, 321 Arsenal St. in Watertown, Mass.

SEPT. 7, 2008 • CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT with Emil Altschuler (violin) and Aaron Larget-Caplan (classical guitar) performing pieces by Paganini, Piazzolla, Rodrigo, and De Falla. Hosted by the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA). Begins at 4 p.m. in ALMA’s Bedoukian Hall, 65 Main St. in Watertown, Mass. For tickets ($15), call (617) 926-2562 or email info@almainc.org.

SEPT 7, 2008 • ST. GREGORY’S ANNUAL PICNIC / FESTIVAL. Featuring Mal Barsamian, Bruce Jigarjian, Bob Arzigian, and Jay Baronian. Hosted by the St. Gregory Armenian Church of Merrimack Valley. From 12-6 p.m. at the American Legion grounds, Rt. 125, Haverhill, Mass. Moonwalk and baseball fields for the kids; air-conditioned hall; 50/50 raffles. Come and taste the best Armenian food and pastries in New England! Bring your lawn chairs and spend an enjoyable day with family and friends.

SEPT. 9, 2008 • ‘MY NATION’: “The Trails and Trials of an Armenian Repatriate.” Video lecture and book presentation by Arsineh Khachikian. Sponsored by the ANC of Central Massachusetts and the AYF Worcester Chapter. Born and raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Arsineh Khachikian grew up studying graphic design, photography, and the Armenian community. She moved to Armenia in 2006 where she co-founded Deem Communications, a marketing and advertising agency, and served as creative director and partner. With a passion for photography, she continues to share her work with the world. “A lifetime spent searching for my own identity led me to the discovery of history in the making. Underneath each rock I turned lay more rocks, revealing the story of a people undefined in a modern age: Armenians. This book explores the scope of a people who constantly resist assimilation, defy expectations of failure, and triumph in the face of their own doubt. This is the story of my life and my nation through the lens of my camera, my eyes.” At 6:30 p.m. in the Saxe Room of the Worcester Public Library (Main Branch). Free and open to the public. Refreshments and book signing to follow. For more information, contact George Aghjayan by calling (508) 856-9565 or emailing gaghjayan@hotmail.com.

SEPT. 13, 2008 • ‘A CULTURAL EVENING.’ Presented by the Armenian Independent Broadcasting of Boston. Featuring renowned artists Noune Avedissian, Hovik Krikorian, and Andranik Mouradian. Begins at 7:30 p.m. at the First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave. in Belmont. Reception to follow. To purchase tickets ($20), call (617) 926-6268.

SEPT. 14, 2008 • ARS BENEFIT CONCERT. The acclaimed Armenian a cappella folk trio, Zulal, performs in a benefit concert held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the ARS, established in 1910 in New York City. Other musicians include Harry Bedrossian, Leon Janikian, Ken Kalajian, and Charles Kalajian performing traditional and classical music. Zulal’s members arrange and perform traditional Armenian folk songs in intricate three-part harmonies that pay homage to Armenia’s musical history while moving rural-based traditions into the contemporary realm. Zulal was nominated for “Best Folk/World Song” at the 2004 Annual Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards and “Best Folk/World Album” at the 2005 Annual Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards. Zulal was honored to receive two awards in 2005: “Best Traditional Vocal” and “Best Newcomer” at the 2005 7th Annual Armenian Music Awards. Begins at 3 p.m. in Sapinsley Hall at Rhode Island College, Providence, R.I. For tickets or reservations, call Joyce Yeremian at (401) 354-8770 or email info@arsprovidence.org. Donations are $35 for adults, $25 for students under 18. For more information on Zulal, visit www.zulal.org.

SEPT. & OCT., 2008 • SAYAT NOVA DANCE CO. Performances on Sept. 14 in the Peabody International Festival in Peabody, Mass. and at Portland High School in Portland, Maine; on Oct. 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, Mass. For more information, visit www.sayatnova.com or call (617) 923-4455.

SEPT. 21, 2008 • ‘THE MORGENTHAU STORY.’ The New England premiere of the documentary film by Apo Torosyan. Organized by the ANC of Merrimack Valley to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the New Republic of Armenia. Begins at 1 p.m. at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, Mass. Complementary dinner in memory of Abraham Jeknavorian, lifelong member of the Lowell ARF. For more information, see article on p. 5.

SEPT. 26-28, 2008 • PRELACY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND WORKSHOP. For college students or professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 looking for a way to connect with their church and learn more about their Armenian spiritual heritage. At the St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in Charlton, Mass. “Linked In” sessions include “The History of the Armenian Church/Prelacy in the U.S.” by Dr. Hratch Zadoian; “The Language of Gratitude in Badarak” by Dr. George Leylegian; “Christianity in the 21st Century” by Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian; “Mission and the Armenian Church” by Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian; and “Badarak Workshop” by Nayiri Baljian Bell. Small group discussions, Bible study, and worship throughout the weekend.For more information or to view the agenda, visit armenianprelacy.org/linkedin.htm or email linkedin@armenianprelacy.org.

OCT. 10-12, 2008 • AYF 75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA WEEKEND. At the Hyatt Regency in Boston. Fri., Oct. 10—Alumni and AYF gathering. Featuring the Artsakh Band from Philadelphia and a live DJ to take us into the early morning hours. Sat., Oct. 11—Gala Banquet and Dance. Under the Auspices of the Armenian Prelacy of Eastern USA. Full-course dinner and program. Kef music by John Berberian, Mal Barsamian, Michael Gostanian, Ara Dinkjian, Bruce Gigarjian, and Steve Megerdichian. Armenian patriotic performance to highlight today’s young and talented AYF members. Sun., Oct. 12—Farewell Brunch hosted by the Central Hai Tahd Committee and briefing on current events and activism. For more information on the weekend’s activities, tickets, and hotel information, email ayf75@ayf.org.

OCTOBER 18, 2008 • PROVIDENCE HMEM DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA. Featuring Onnik Dinkjian on vocals with Ara Dinkjian on Oud, Carnig Mikhitarian on Clarinet, Bruce Gigarjian on Guitar and Jay Baronian on Dumbeg. Cocktails and mezza at 7 PM, Dance begins at 9 PM at the Greek Orthodox Annunciation Church at 175 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, RI. Contact Sarkis Tarpinian, Jr. at (401) 942-0105 or sasoun8@verizon.net to reserve tables of 10. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for children under 16 (children under 5 are free), HMEM Scouts and Athletes, and AYF Jrs and Srs. Dance admission after 10 PM is $25

NOV. 15, 2008 • 3RD ANNUAL ARS DINNER/DANCE. Hosted by the Suzan Terzian ARS Chapter of Fairfield, Conn. At the Villa Bianca in Seymour, Conn. To reserve tickets, contact Sonia Gulbenk by calling (203) 332-0332 or emailing sgulbenk@gmail.com.

NOV. 29, 2008 • AYF KEF: BOSTON 2008. Presented by the Greater Boston “Nejdeh” AYF Chapter. Featuring the All-Stars: Onnik Dinkjian, Hachig Kazarian, John Berberian, Bruce Gigarjian, and Jason Naroian. In Watertown, Mass.

DEC. 31, 2008 • NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER/DANCE (PROVIDENCE). Organized by the ARF “Kristapor” Gomideh. Featuring Harry Bedrossian (oud and vocals), Carnig Mikhitarian (clarinet), Jason Naroian (dumbeg and vocals), and Bruce Gigarjian (guitar). Also featuring DJ Rootz. Begins at 7 p.m., with mezze and shish kebab dinner. Dance begins at 9 p.m. At the Greek Orthodox Annunciation Church, 175 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, R.I. To reserve tickets ($50 for dinner and dance; $25 for dance only) or tables of 10, contact Steve Mesrobian by calling (774) 215-0293 or emailing smesrobian@yahoo.com.

MID-ATLANTIC

AUG. 17, 2008 • STS. VARTANANTZ ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC and Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony. From 1-5 p.m. at Dunkerhook Park, off Paramus Road, in Paramus, N.J. All are welcome to enjoy delicious foods and desserts, music, and a playground for the kids!

SEPT. 12, 2008 • COMEDIAN KEV ORKIAN from London performs his raucous one-man piano comedy show at the 2nd Annual ANCA-ER pre-banquet fall social. Doors open at 8 p.m at the Grand Hyatt in New York City. Bar party to follow at Lea Wine Bar & Lounge, 230 Park Ave. For tickets, visit www.anca.org/erbanquet or call (201) 233-9809.

SEPT.13, 2008 • ANCA-ER ANNUAL BANQUET. At the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. Details to follow. Save the date! For more information, email erbanquet@anca.org.

SEPT. 17, 2008 • CAPITOL HILL EVENT ON ARTSAKH INDEPENDENCE. Organized by the Embassy of Armenia and the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) in cooperation with the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and Armenian-American organizations. Featuring Members of Congress, Mark Geragos, diplomats and community leaders. From 5-8 p.m. on Capitol Hill, the Gold Room (Rayburn HOB #2168), in Washington, D.C. For more information, contact the Embassy of Armenia by calling (202) 319-1976 or emailing armembassyevent@speakeasy.net; or the NKR Office by calling (202) 223-4330 or emailing office@nkrusa.org.

SEPT. 21, 2008 • INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION. Organized by the ARF Dro Gomideh-New Jersey. Featuring guest speaker Ara Papian, the former Ambassador of Armenia to Canada, who will speak on “The Legal Basis for the Armenian Demands.” Begins at 3 p.m. at the Dwight-Englewood School Auditorium in Englewood, N.J.

SEPT. 25, 2008 • STS. VARTANANTZ 6TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING. Lunch, dinner, golf, and more. At the River Vale Country Club. Shotgun starts at 12:45 p.m. For reservations or more information, call Mark Alashaian at (201) 483-3200, Rich Krikorian at (201) 664-6885, Sarkis Shirinian at (201) 307-0825, or the church office at (201) 943-2950.

SEPT. 27, 2008 • SAYAT NOVA DANCE CO. Presented by the Women’s Guild of St. Mary in celebration of Armenian independence. Begins at 7:30 p.m. at the George Washington University Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St., Washington, D.C. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45 and a share of the proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity Armenia. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at (301) 808-6900 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

SEPT. 27, 2008 • HAROUT PAMBOUKJIAN CONCERT. In celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Homenetmen. Sponsored by the Homenetmen Eastern Region Executive. Organized by the Homenetmen of New Jersey. At the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, N.J. For tickets ($90) or for more information, call Silva Takvorian at (201) 779-6744; Anto Darakjian at (201) 410-0582; Zareh Haroutunian at (201) 684-0824; or Raffi Yacoubian at (201) 233-1935.

SEPT. 28, 2008 • PIANIST SAHAN ARZRUNI and friends present “Ins and Outs: Armenian composers of Asia Minor” in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the Surp Prgich Armenian National Hospital in Istanbul. Begins at 3 p.m. at Merkin Hall, 129 W 67 St. in New York City. For tickets, call either the Merkin box office at (212) 501-3330, Arto at (718) 937-7660, or Araxie at (201) 227-9615.

OCT. 3-5, 2008 • JAG. The AYF’s annual Junior Athletic Games (JAG) will be held in Philadelphia this year. For more information, email cjc@ayf.org. More details to come.

MARCH 28, 2009 • ARS CENTENNIAL GALA BANQUET at the Yale Club, 50 Vanderbilt Ave. at 44th St. in New York. Cocktails from 7-8:30 p.m.; dinner from 8:30-12; premium open bar throughout the night. Donation: $250 per person.

MID-WEST

AUG. 28-SEPT. 1, 2008 • AYF-YOARF 75th ANNIVERSARY OLYMPICS IN DETROIT. Thurs., Aug. 28—Pre-Olympics party with music by DJ ESSO. Fri., Aug. 29—AYF/Alumni golf tournament (Dearborn Country Club); swim meet (Northville High School); Detroit’s famous Alumni Party with Armenian music by the Johnites/Ara Topouzian and guest musicians; and the AYF Dance featuring Harout Pamboukjian and His Band from California. Sat., Aug. 30—Tennis (Dearborn High School); softball games/picnic (Levagood Park); Armenian music by the Ara Topouzian Ensemble; and the 75th reunion dinner banquet with Armenian music by the All-Stars (Onnik, Hachig, John, Bruce, and Ara), the Nigosian Band, and Aravod. Sun., Aug. 31—Track and field (Harrison High School); Sunday Night Grand Ball with Armenian music by the All-Stars; and Hook-Up immediately following the Grand Ball with music by Aravod and DJ ESSO. Mon., Sept. 1—Farewell picnic (Armenian Community Center) with music by the Nigosian Band. For more information on the weekend and Hye Pass, 75th anniversary tickets, and the Ad Book, visit www.ayf.org/olympics. To reserve a room at the Hyatt Regency-Dearborn, call 1-800-233-1234 and ask for the AYF rate ($119/night).

OCT. 16-19, 2008 • ‘THE ARMENIAN APOCALYPTIC TRADITION.’ Second international conference by the Armenian Studies Programs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. (The first conference was organized by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and took place in Jerusalem in 2007.) The Ann Arbor conference will highlight the Armenian Apocalyptic tradition, and in a comparative context, in both literature and the arts. Scholars from Armenia, Europe, and the U.S. will discuss eschatological and millennial themes, visions and prophecies, maledictions and revelations, origins and apocrypha, and related topics. Papers will highlight apocalyptic themes common to the Syriac, Byzantine, Coptic, Ethiopic, Slavonic, Georgian and Armenian traditions, or comparative aspects of one or more of these traditions. The proceedings will be published as a volume in English. Professor Kevork B. Bardakjian is the main convener of the conference. Open to the public. For more information, contact Gloria Caudill by calling (734) 763-0622 or emailing gcaudill@umich.edu.

INTERNATIONAL

SEPT. 18-OCT. 2, 2009 • RENEWAL OF FAITH PILGRIMAGE TO ARMENIA. On the occasion of the Blessing of Holy Chrism (Muron) and the 17th anniversary of Armenian independence. Trip highlights include the Blessing of the Holy Chrism; a private audience with Catholicos Karekin II; a private tour of Holy Etchmiadzin; tours of historic churches and monasteries; a Karabakh excursion; Vesper services; and a faith renewal seminar. Organized by the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. For more information, call the Diocesan office at (818) 558-7474 or email renewfaith2008@gmail.com.

SEPT. 30-OCT. 14, 2008 • ARMENIAN HERITAGE TOURS. Sites include Yerevan, Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, Haghbat, Sanahin, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Echmiadzin Cathedral, Sardarabad, Tzaghkadzor, Garni, Geghart and many more. Departing from Washington, D.C. or New York. Includes stays at the Marriott Armenia Hotel. From $2,430 + tax per person based on double occupancy. Optional excursion to Karabagh (3 days, 2 nights) for $300. For more information, contact Maro Asatoorian by calling (301) 340-1011; emailing asatoorian@msn.com; or visiting www.acaaarmeniantours.com.

OCT. 25, 2008 • AYF REUNION DANCE. Presented by the ARFYOC Toronto ‘Simon Zavarian’ Chapter AYF Alumni in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the AYF. Music by Hachig Kazarian, John Berberian, Onnik Dinkjian, Kenny Kalajian, and Jason Naroian. At the Armenian Community Centre, 45 Hallcrown Place in Toronto, Canada. For tickets, call Lucille Hamparian at (416) 424-3161. To reserve a room at the Radisson (55 Hallcrown Place), call (416) 493-7000.

JAN. 11-18, 2009 • ARMENIAN HERITAGE CRUISE XII. Sails from Ft. Lauderdale to Western Caribbean new ports of Conzumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize, Central America; and Grand Cayman Island. Prices from $813. For information, call TravelGroup International at 1-866-447-0750. On the Eastcoast, call Antranik Boudakian at (718) 575-0142 or visit www.armenianheritage cruise.com.