ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION
AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER Yerevan, Armenia IN THIS ISSUE ♦ AGBU President receives RA citizen’s passport (p. 1) ♦ AGBU President’s New Year message (p. 2) ♦ Service of blessing at the Mother See (p. 3) ♦ Dr. Arshavir Gundjian retires from AGBU Central Board (p.3) ♦ Sinan Sinanian elected vicepresident of AGBU (p. 4) ♦ Joseph Oughourlian elected to the AGBU Central Board (p. 4) ♦ AGBU partnering with Eduardo Eurnekian (p. 5)
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
AGBU PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO ARMENIA Berge Setrakian receives passport of a citizen of the Republic of Armenia President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Berge Setrakian, paid a visit to Yerevan, Armenia, from January 27-30. As part of his visit Mr. Setrakian had meetings with RA President Serzh Sargsyan, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, as well as various educational and cultural figures. He also received updates on the current process of implementation of the Union’s programs in Armenia.
♦ AGBU AVC winner of the e-content competition (p. 6) ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
On January 29, the AGBU President was received by RA PresiDelegation of “Luys” visited the dent Serzh Sargsyan. AGBU Yerevan office (p. 7) During the meeting AUA Digital Library of the parties discussed Armenian Literature (p. 7) the current and up- RA President Serzh Sargsyan presented AGBU President Berge Setrakian with a passport of a RA citizen Peter Balakian in Armenia (p. 8) coming projects of the AGBU, as well as possible future cooperation. President Sargsyan presented AGBU APO tours in Europe (p. 9) President Berge Setrakian with a passport of a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. Helping the orphanage children On the same day, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All in Gyumri (p. 9) Armenians, received Mr. Berge Setrakian at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. AGBU Yerevan Scouts visit the During the meeting the parties discussed a wide range of nation building activities of Nansen orphanage (p. 10) the AGBU in Armenian communities and the Homeland, and the cooperation between the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church and the AGBU. The progress of joint proAGBU Yerevan Scouts’ jects between the Armenian Church and the AGBU were also discussed. Welcoming New Year events (p. 10) the visit of the AGBU President to the spiritual center of Armenians, His Holiness AGBU Diaspora Youth expressed his appreciation to Mr. Berge Setrakian and to the members of the AGBU programs in Armenia (p. 11) for their devotion and support to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness AGBU Director Emeritus Barry stated that due to their endeavors, the Mother See has become more prosperous Zorthian passes away (p.12) and is able to implement numerous educational and social programs. The Pontiff of All Armenians stressed the importance of collaboration between the AGBU and the Armenian Dioceses worldwide, for the maintenance of the Armenian identity and for Armenian and Christian education. His Holiness extended his gratitude to Mr. Setrakian and his wife Mrs. Vera Setrakian, through whose generous contribution the renovation and reconstruction of the Old Pontifical Residence is currently underway. The AGBU President briefed His Holiness on numerous projects of the Union including the construction of the AGBU center in Yerevan, expressing his confidence that it would contribute to the expansion of the Union’s activities. Mr. Setrakian also talked about the condition of the Diaspora communities and the established cooperation between the AGBU and various Diocesan headquarters. On behalf of the AGBU members, Mr. Setrakian expressed filial love towards the Armenian Church and the Mr. Setrakian received by His Holiness Karekin II Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfX9a1iXzAY
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
AGBU PRESIDENT MR. BERGE SETRAKIAN’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE As we begin the year 2011 with hopeful anticipation and a resolute stand to face the many challenges these eventful and exciting times bring to us, I would like to convey to the members, benefactors, donors, and friends of the Armenian General Benevolent Union my best wishes for a peaceful, happy, healthy, and successful New Year. I am pleased to assert that the year 2010 was another benchmark for AGBU’s prominent service and contributions to our nation, through the numerous and multifaceted initiatives of our chapters, the achievements of our schools with hundreds of our graduates moving to higher education, the many and expanding activities of our AGBU President Mr. Berge Setrakian Young Professionals worldwide, and our ongoing humanitarian, social, cultural, youth and educational programs and new projects in the Diaspora, Armenia and Karabakh. The past year was also noted for AGBU’s 86th General Assembly in Buenos Aires, which highlighted our Armenia-centered expanding programs including the American University of Armenia, the Armenian Virtual College, various summer activities and our efforts at harnessing the potential of our youth to our Union’s mission of service. With the welcome emergence of newly organized diasporan communities and the establishment of new chapters, it is necessary for us to extend our resources to new constituencies. This implies enlisting the capabilities of our established western chapters calling on them to become self sufficient and contributing entities to lend support to the organization’s global initiatives. Dozens of new graduates from our summer internship programs of New York, Paris, Yerevan and most recently Moscow joined the ranks of young professionals whose groups continue to expand especially in Europe where our district committee intensified its efforts in collaboration with our Nubarian Library and various political and scientific institutions to bring key Armenian issues to the forefront at international influential forums. Numerous networking corporate and social events were organized by the Young Professionals Groups. Their substantive contributions to programs in Armenia were noteworthy. Our various mentorship and social programs have been expended to reach an ever increasing number of individuals. Our scholarship program, through its focus, supported hundreds of promising talents in performing arts, competitive scholarly and professional endeavor, and among others, priesthood and public service. We shall continue deploying our resources more and more toward such initiatives that cultivate our future leadership and promote outstanding role models in our global communities. The Armenian Virtual College continued to expand its offerings and outreach with a growing enrollment and a diverse menu of language and cultural themes offered to schools and students in distant corners of the world. Guided by a clear mission, we have set our sight on the future and are diligently directing our efforts toward the youth and the fundamental historical tenets of our national existence – our Homeland, Living Culture, and our Mother Church. AGBU’s strong and illustrious path over the past decades inspires us to face the future with confidence. Let us all join hands to make the year 2011 a year of significance for our Great Union. With Best Wishes
Berge Setrakian AGBU President
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January 1, 2011
AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
SERVICE OF BLESSING AT THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
BERGE AND VERA SETRAKIAN SPONSOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE OLD PONTIFICAL RESIDENCE On December 27, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over blessing service of the old Pontifical Residence for the commencement of its reconstruction and renovation. It was last reconstructed in 1958 during the reign of His Holiness Vasken I of blessed memory. The old Pontifical Residence is being remodeled through the generosity of the benefactors of the Mother See, Mr. Berge Setrakian, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and his wife Mrs. Vera Setrakian. At the conclusion of the service, the Armenian Pontiff reflected on the scope of the reconstruction project. Layers and structures from different periods have been discovered, dating back to the 7-9th centuries and 12-13th centuries. His Holiness stated that they would be preserved intact, and the old Pontifical Residence would sustain its historicalarchitectural composition. After reconstruction the old Pontifical Residence will be opened as a Museum. Dormitories would also be built in the southService of blessing at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin western part of the historical building. Following a joint prayer, His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian read the commemorative plaque in honor of the occasion which stated in part, "We extend our Pontifical appreciation to the Church-devoted and nation-loving children, who bring their assistance to the reconstruction and building activities of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – the sacred spiritual center of Armenia. May the Omnipotent God bless the benefactors and grant success to their Church-building and nation-devoted endeavors. Amen". His Holiness placed the commemoration plaque in the foundation of the building asking that God protect Holy Etchmiadzin, and grant zeal to the members of the Brotherhood to effectively continue their sacred mission with honor for the welfare of the Armenian nation. Present for the ceremony were His Eminence Archbishop Tatev Sargsian, His Grace Paren Avetikian, His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See, His Grace Bishop Artak Tigranian, Dean of the Monasteries, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukian, Director of the Inter Church Department of the Mother See, Members of the Brotherhood and government officials.
DR. ARSHAVIR GUNDJIAN RETIRES FROM AGBU CENTRAL BOARD The AGBU Central Office announces the retirement of Dr. Arshavir Gundjian as a Member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors. A resident of Montreal, Dr. Gundjian has served as a devoted Central Board member for over 35 years and was serving as vice president during the last years of his membership on the central administrative body of the world's largest Armenian nonprofit organization. The retirement of Dr. Gundjian is the result of the provision of the AGBU bylaws which mandates retirement of Central Board members upon reaching the age of 75. During the 86th General Assembly this past October in Buenos Aires, AGBU President Berge Setrakian paid tribute to Dr. Gundjian's lifelong service, commitment, and dedication to the global Armenian community and his service to AGBU in particular. He emphasized the prominent role played by Dr. Gundjian in Montreal's Armenian community, including the establishment and the organization of a number of its key Institutions, including the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, the AGBU Alex Manoogian Day School in Montreal, the Abaka weekly newspaper, and the Tekeyan Cultural Association in Canada. Setrakian further added that he is confident that Dr. Gundjian will continue providing his services to AGBU, and he paid special tribute to his wife, Nadya, for her dedication and support over the years.
Dr. Arshavir Gundjian retires from AGBU Central Board
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
SINAN SINANIAN ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT OF ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION AGBU Central Office announces the election of Sinan Sinanian as the new vice president of the world's largest Armenian nonprofit organization. A prominent member of the Armenian-American community of Southern California, Sinan Sinanian is a lifelong member of the organization who has served through the years in various capacities. He is the coowner of Sinanian Developments, Inc., which is engaged in general contracting, project planning, and construction management services in California's most dynamic markets. Born in Zahle, Lebanon, and a graduate of the American University of Beirut, Sinanian has been a resident of California since 1983. He has served as chairman of the board of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park, California since 1991, and the following year he was first elected to the AGBU Central Board of Directors. He also sits on the boards of the AGBU-funded American University of Armenia, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, and the Ararat Home of Los Angeles. Sinanian, a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Angele, and their two children, Tamar and Serge. Sinan Sinanian elected Vice President of AGBU
JOSEPH OUGHOURLIAN ELECTED TO THE CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION The Central Office of the Armenian General Benevolent Union announces the election of the newest member of its Central Board of Directors, Joseph Oughourlian of New York. A managing partner, co-founder, and chief executive officer of Amber Capital Investment Management, an eventdriven hedge fund, Joseph Oughourlian was welcomed to the Central Board by AGBU President Berge Setrakian at the 86th General Assembly in Buenos Aires this past October. Prior to managing Amber Capital, Oughourlian headed the Equity Arbitrage Proprietary Trading Desk at Société Général from 1997 to 2001 and was an analyst on the desk from 1994 to 1997. He earned his MBA from HEC Paris School of Business in 1994, and he also holds a Master's in Economics from the University of La Sorbonne, Paris. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Oughourlian currently resides in Manhattan with his wife, Jenny, and three children, Jean, Alice, and Julien. Joseph Oughourlian elected to the AGBU Central Board
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
AGBU PARTNERING WITH EDUARDO EURNEKIAN FOR “ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD” PROJECT IN NKR On January 26, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR), Mr. Ara Harutyunyan and a worldrenowned Argentinean-Armenian entrepreneur, Mr. Eduardo Eurnekian signed a memorandum of understanding, launching the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) program in Karabakh. The program will be implemented in partnership with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization, and the government of NKR. This program is aimed at providing laptop computers to elementary schools in Karabakh and connecting them to the Internet through wireless networks to be installed in all the schools of Karabakh. OLPC is an educational program developed at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in Boston, Massachusetts. OLPC develops state of the art laptop computers, which are equipped with advanced educational software for students in developing countries. “The world community sees Nagorno Karabakh Eduardo Eurnekian and NKR Prime Minister Ara Harutyunian within the context of war and regional conflict. signed a memorandum of understanding People fail to take note of the children who are born and live there. These children are entitled to the universal right of education and access to information” said Mr. Eurnekian. “Through OLPC, I intend to bridge the gap and give the children of NKR the opportunity to receive the best education the world has to offer” Mr. Eurnekian continued. Mr. Eurnekian has asked the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) to assist in the implementation of the project. AGBU has undertaken the responsibility of providing the necessary on-the-ground support to ensure the success of the OLPC project. “We are here to bring our experience in education and innovative technology to make this program complete. Together with Mr. Eurnekian we will bring this program to fruition”, said Mr. Yervant Zorian, member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors, during the official signing ceremony. In addition to being a member of AGBU's governing body, Zorian is a Silicon Valley-based executive in the hi-tech industry with extensive experience in online education, including the chairmanship of AGBU's Armenian Virtual College. The Government of NKR has welcomed Mr. Eurnekian’s initiative with great excitement and incorporated the OLPC program in its educational system. The Government has also committed to make telecommunications interconnection available in all schools, in order to enhance the educational impact of the OLPC program. During his meeting with Mr. Harutyuanyan before signing the Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. Eurnekian emphasized that it is the obligation of the world community to make sure that all children in the world have access to education and information. He further emphasized that Armenians around the world, individually or through organizations, must contribute to the cause of educating the future generations of the nation.
From left: Dr. Yervant Zorian, Ara Harutyunian, Vahe Yacoubian and Eduardo Eurnekian
“Today, I intend to plant the seeds of an international effort to integrate the children of NKR in the world community. They deserve to receive proper education and access to the world of information. I thank the AGBU for accepting my invitation to join the project. I hope that together, we will be able to achieve success in NKR and expand the project to Armenia with the support of the organization’s global network”, stated Mr. Eurnekian.
For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFWPpDjqgDU&NR=1
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE WINNER OF THE 5TH ALL-ARMENIAN E-CONTENT COMPETITION AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) was among the winners of the 5th All-Armenian e-content competition held in Yerevan from November 25 to December 25. The winners were announced during a festive award ceremony on December 30th. A total of 320 applications were submitted to the 5th All-Armenian e-content competition dedicated to the 500th anniversary of book-printing in Armenia. AVC was named the best institution to provide electronic education and won in “e-Education” category. The purpose of the competition was to discover and highlight the achievements of Armenia in the sphere of electronic content in 2009-2010. The event is considered to be another effective tool to encourage the presentation of Armenia’s e-content products and achievements internationally. The 2010 competition was the fifth in a row. The first e-content competition was organized in 2003. AGBU AVC among the winners of the e-content pan-Armenian competition
As in the past, this year’s competition was also held in the following 8 nominations as defined by WSA (World Summit Award) procedure: e-Learning & Education, eScience & Technology, e-Culture & Heritage, e-Entertainment & Games, e-Business & Commerce, e-Government & Institutions, e-Health & Environment and e-Involvement & Participation. The prize fund equal to 10,000 USD was confirmed by the sponsors. The top 16 participants with highest points received monetary awards – the top eight received 300,000 AMD, while the following eight received 150,000 AMD. Besides, the best two winners within each category were granted an opportunity to participate in the most prestigious multimedia world competition of World Summit Award. The following websites were announced winners in their respective categories: • e-education: Armenian Virtual College (www.avc-agbu.org) • e-entertainment: Armenian Entertainment Guide (www.bravo.am) • e-business: Armenian National Auto portal (www.auto.am) • e-culture: Sergei Paradjanov Museum (www.parajanovmuseum.am) • e-government: Armenian Development Agency (www.ada.am) • e-involvement: Armenian Online Pavilion at Shanghai World Expo 2010 (www.expo.cn) • e-healthcare: Armenian Health and Medical portal (www.doctors.am) “My congratulations to the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the Armenian Virtual College for bringing this unique project to life. AVC won in the e-content competition for its uniqueness and the exceptional approach to reaching their main objective - making Armenian education available to everyone in the world through the internet”, said Garegin Chugaszian, Director of “Electronic Content” association. “Through the internet we offer Armenian education to all the Armenians in the world and to everyone interested in an Armenian education. During the 1,5 years of its existence the AVC courses in Armenian language, history and culture have had more than 1000 students. It seems like the internet was created especially for Armenians to collect people from all over the world in one place”, said Dr. Yervant Zorian, founder and president of AVC and AGBU Central Board member. “Armenian Virtual College expands the geography of its student base and enriches the courses with every new academic term. Thanks to hard and persistent work the path that we have chosen successfully develops”, said Varujan Masarajian, Chairman of the AVC local committee, who was also present at the award ceremony. This competition will help reveal and evaluate the potential of Armenia in the sphere of information technologies. The 5th pan-Armenian e-content competition was organized by the Armenian Fund for Information Technologies and the Armenian Association of Electronic Content. Page 6
www.avc-agbu.org
AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
DELEGATION OF “LUYS” FOUNDATION VISITED THE AGBU ARMENIAN REPRESENTATION The delegation of the “Luys” foundation, headed by Executive Director Jacqueline Karaaslanian, visited the AGBU Armenian Representation on February 3. AGBU Armenian Representation Director Ashot Ghazarian and Jacqueline Karaaslanian discussed the educational programs of the two organizations. Karaaslanian talked about the mission and the goals of the “Luys” foundation. Other members of the AGBU and “Luys” foundation were also present at the meeting. The guests also got acquainted with the programs carried out by AGBU in Armenia including the activities of the Armenian Virtual College - AGBU’s newest learning institute. Prospects of future cooperation between AGBU and “Luys” foundation were also discussed during the meeting. Delegation of the “Luys” foundation at AGBU Armenian Representation “Luys” foundation was established in 2009 by the joint initiative of RA President Serzh Sargsyan and RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan. It provides financial aid to Armenian students to receive higher education in the best universities of the world.
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA DIGITAL LIBRARY OF ARMENIAN LITERATURE The new website of the American University of Armenia Digital Library of Armenian Literature (www.digilib.am) was officially launched during the January 26 presentation at the AUA “Alex and Marie Manoogian” hall. The “Digital Library of Armenian Literature” was founded in 1999. The digitization and the online access to Armenian texts gives a new life to Armenian Studies. The use of information technologies helped create specific and professional Armenological databases available to everyone. The library will also contain books published in the Diaspora. The new website and its structure were presented by the founder and the academic director of Digilib Merujan Karapetyan, and Technical Manager Hovaness Kizoghian, who mentioned a number of important innovations and upgrades in their work since 1999. The Library now contains approximately 2000 works of about 650 authors. The Armenian Digital Library is a database of Armenian texts in the worldwide digital libraries’ system. It is also a great opportunity to use the Classical, New and Modern rich literature of one of the oldest nations in the world. The Library consists of three major sections: - 5th-18th centuries Armenian Classical Literature -1850-2000 literary monuments of Western Armenian and Diaspora Literature - Armenian Studies ———————————————————————— The American University of Armenia Corporation (AUAC) is registered as a non-profit organization in the United States and as the American University of Armenia Fund (AUAF) in From left: Garegin Chugaszian, Harutyun Armenian, Armenia. The American University of Armenia (AUA) is affiliMerujan Karapetian and Hovaness Kizoghian ated through AUAC with the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support from the AGBU, USAID and private donors, AUA offers instruction leading to the Master’s degree in eight graduate programs. AUA is accredited in the US. By the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, one of seven regional accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information about AUA visit www.aua.am.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
PETER BALAKIAN IN ARMENIA AGBU continues its support of the renowned writer International conference on Armenian Genocide held in Yerevan on December 14-15, 2010, brought to Armenia the famous Armenian-American writer, poet, public and political activist Peter Balakian. The conference entitled “The Crime of Genocide: Prevention, Condemnation and Elimination of Consequences” was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia in cooperation with the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.
Participants of the conference hosted by His Holiness Karekin II
Prominent genocide scholars from about 20 countries participated in the conference including Yves Ternon (France), Leandro Despouy (Argentine), Israel Charny (Israel), Donna-Lee Frieze (Australia), William Schabas (Ireland), François Roelants du Vivier (Belgium), Taner Akcam (USA-Germany), Richard Hovhannisian, (USA) Tessa Hofmann (Germany), Ayman Abdel Aziz Salama (Egypt), Frank Chalk (Canada), Matthias Bjørnlund (Denmark), Mohammed Rifat (Egypt), Theofanis Malkidis (Greece), Ruben Safrastyan (Armenia), Enzo Maria Le Fevre (Italy/Hungary), Tetsushi Ogata (Japan), Dickran Kouymjian (USA-France), Anthonie Holslag (Netherlands) , Armen Marsoobian (USA), Peter Balakian (USA), Wa’il Nicholas Khair (Lebanon) and Seda Parsamyan (Armenia).
On December 15, 20 participants of the international conference on the Armenian Genocide were received by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Welcoming the visit of the scientists to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness encouraged and stressed the importance of their mission in the recognition efforts of the Armenian Genocide. The meeting concluded with a prayer. The participants visited the Museums of the Mother See and toured the spiritual treasures of the Armenian nation. During a meeting at the Writers Union of Armenia on December 16, famous writer Peter Balakian presented the books he published in the United States in the past several years including “Sad Days of Light”, a collection of poems translated into Armenian. On the evening of the same day, Balakian was the guest speaker at the AUA Alex and Marie Manoogian Hall to present “Armenian Golgotha”, memoirs of Bishop Grigoris Balakian, Peter’s granduncle, which the writer has translated and published together with co-writer Aris Sevag, Assistant Editor of the “AGBU News” magazine. Bishop Grigoris Balakian was one of the 250 representatives of intelligentsia arrested on April 24, 1915, and one of the few who managed to survive. “This book has raised much interest not only in US, but almost everywhere in the world, London, Jerusalem, Toronto, etc”, said Balakian. §Today for Ankara the Armenian Balakian’s first visit to Armenia was initiated Genocide is an issue to deny rather by the Armenian General Benevolent Union than to accept¦, Peter Balakian six years ago to participate in the presentation of the Armenian translation of his “Black Dog of Fate”. The book was translated by Artem Harutyunian with the sponsorship of AGBU. With AGBU’s continuous support over the years Balakian also published his “The Burning Tigris” and “Armenian Golgotha”. Author of eight books Balakian has won a number of prestigious awards. In 2004, “The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America’s response” was a New York Times “Notable Book”. In 1998, Balakian’s “Black Dog of Fate” was named “Book of the Year” by the LA Times. Peter Balakian presenting the “Armenian Golgotha” at AUA “I have brought my “Black Dog of Fate” with two additional chapters about Der Zor. When I went to the desert a film was shot and it started with a scene of bringing skeletons of Armenians out from the desert sands. This is an essential addition to the book”, said Balakian. The film was shown on US and UK TV and it soon will be shown in Armenia too.
Last year Balakian published “Ziggurat”, a book of poems reflecting the author’s thoughts and feelings about the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York on September 1, 2001. Page 8
AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
ARMENIAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ON TOUR IN GERMANY AND SLOVAKIA Invited by the famous German Arts Concert agency, the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra was on tour in Germany and Slovakia on November 27-30. The first two concerts took place in Frankfurt’s famous “Alte oper” on November 28. Tickets for both concerts were sold out long before the start. Excerpts from Aram Khachatrian’s “Spartacus” ballet, Carl Maria von Weber’s concert for clarinet and orchestra (clarinet solo by Sabine Grofmeier), Borodin’s “Polowitz dances” and Dvorak’s “New World” 9th symphony were performed by the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Eduard Topchjan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the APO. In its November 30th issue German “Frankfurter neue presse” magazine published an article about the concert expressing its admiration for the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, its conductor Eduard Topchjan and “the Caucasian country with rich musical heritage”. Two days later, on November 30, the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra performed in Bratislava’s “Reduta” hall. The concert program included Aram Khachatrian’s violin concerto (soloist Anush Nikoghosian), Shostakovich’s 5th symphony and excerpts from Khachatrian’s “Spartacus” ballet. Over the years the 85-year-old Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra has been headed by such prominent figures as Al. Spendiarian, K. Sarajian, O. Durian, V. Gergiyev, L. Tjeknavorian and others. And only beginning in 1989 the APO started touring in different countries including USA, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, APO performing at the famous “Reduta”, Bratislava Great Britain, etc. Topchjan was appointed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the APO in 2000 and since then the orchestra has successfully toured in Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, France, Japan, etc. Answering a question about the lack of Armenian composers’ works in the orchestra’s touring repertoire Maestro Topchjan said, “We were planning to perform Avet Terterian’s 3rd symphony this time, but the concert program is approved by the inviting party. The APO performs in famous halls in different countries and the audience mainly consists of people who have season tickets, which means that the concert program is formed about a year ahead based on and taking into consideration the other orchestras’ repertoires performing in their country during the year and the audience’s demand”. Concert season of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra is sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union.
HELPING THE CHILDREN OF THE GYUMRI F. NANSEN ORPHANAGE PHASE 2 A fundraising evening to help the children of the Gyumri F. Nansen orphanage was organized recently at the initiative of Dr. Chuck Hajinian and with the participation of representatives of the Armenian community of Wisconsin and AGBU friends. Pillows, sheets and other bed clothing for the orphanage children were purchased with part of the 6,000 USD raised during the evening by about 60 guests, who committed themselves to continuing the fundraising event in favor of the Homeland. On November 12, the AGBU Armenian Representation personnel visited Gyumri and handed over the purchased goods to the orphanage. The administration and children of the orphanage expressed their gratitude to our Armenian-American compatriots and the AGBU. In phase 2 of the project, with the rest of the raised Sports shoes and tracksuits to the F. Nansen orphanage children funds, sports shoes and tracksuits were purchased for each of the children at the same orphanage. With previously received list of sizes for each child, the AGBU Armenian Representation personnel once again visited the orphanage on December 21 and delivered the goods in festive bags to the 69 children of the orphanage as early Christmas presents from the Friends of AGBU. Page 9
AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
MEMBERS OF THE AGBU YEREVAN SCOUT MOVEMENT HELP THE CHILDREN OF GYUMRI In November 2010, members of the AGBU Yerevan Scout group initiated a charitable project to help the children of the Gyumri F. Nansen orphanage and of poor and needy families living in Gyumri. Together with “Noyemi” NGO and “Fridtjof Nansen” foundation of Armenia the AGBU scouts announced a charitable gift drive to collect clothes, shoes and toys for the Gyumri children. Through AGBU’s worldwide network representatives of the Armenian community of USA and Syria also participated in the gift drive. On December 5, two days before the 22nd anniversary of the 1988 horrendous earthquake, the AGBU Yerevan Scouts, headed by the Scout Council and the Executive Secretary of the AGBU-AYA Lebanon Kevork Santourian, arrived in Gyumri and visited the Gyumri F. Nansen orphanage and several families AGBU Yerevan Scouts visited the Nansen orphanage in Gyumri living in temporary metal cabins. All the collected presents were distributed to the children to remind them that they are not alone and that there are people in the world who care about them. The meeting with the orphanage children passed in a very friendly atmosphere. The scouts stayed for the whole day, had lunch together and watched the beautiful art program full of singing, dancing and recitation prepared by the orphanage children. For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YryzIy4-i1Y
NEW YEAR’S EVENTS OF THE ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION YEREVAN SCOUT GROUP The traditional New Year’s gala dinner of the AGBU Yerevan Scout movement took place on December 25. Organized by the AGBU Scout Council, this year’s event was unique since it was held at “home” - in the AGBU Hall in the center of Yerevan. Much care was taken to make sure the evening was entertaining and unforgettable. AGBU Yerevan Scout group, scout leaders and members of the scout council, AGBU members and guests participated in the New Year’s gala full of unforgettable moments and interesting surprises. Through a raffle many participants of the evening won New Year’s gifts provided by the sponsors of the gala dinner. Donations were made to the scout movement, which, at AGBU Yerevan Scout Council Head Karen Tirarian’s suggestion, will be used for charitable purposes. On December 26, the members of the AGBU Yerevan Scout movement held a festive New Year’s party at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU Arabkir Youth Center in Yerevan. The event was organized by the AGBU Scout leaders for the younger generation of the AGBU Scout movement of Yerevan. It started with the traditional flag ceremony.
AGBU Yerevan Scouts’ New Year’s celebration at Arabkir Children’s Center
A happy atmosphere reigned at the Youth Center from early morning until late in the evening with a lot of dancing, singing, interesting games and food. The culmination of the event was the arrival of Santa Claus, who brought Christmas presents to the children.
AGBU Yerevan Scout movement was established in 2008. Nowadays, it has more than 150 members, who hold weekly meetings in the AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Arabkir Children’s Center.
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
AGBU ANNOUNCES THE START OF DIASPORA YOUTH PROGRAMS IN ARMENIA AND MOSCOW FOR SUMMER 2011 “ANTRANIK” SCOUT CAMP Age: 13-18 Dates: July - August, 2011 Deadline: March 15, 2011 Price: 100 USD (air travel not included) For more information please contact: New York Kevork Santourian Tel: +212 319 6383 +374 10 512251 Fax: +212 319 6507 +961 3 375 224 E-mail: youth@agbu.org E-mail: Website: www.agbu.org antranik.agbulb@yahoo.com
“DISCOVER ARMENIA” YOUTH TRIP Age: 15-18 Dates: August 6 - 25, 2011 Deadline: March 15, 2011 Price: 895 euro (air travel not included) For more information please contact: New York Hermine Duzian Tel: +212 319 6383 +374 10 512251 Fax: +212 319 6507 +374 93 683173 E-mail: youth@agbu.org +33 6 76 485873 Website: www.agbu.org E-mail: hduzian@agbueurope.org
YEREVAN SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Age: 19-25 Dates: June 25 - August 5, 2011 Deadline: March 15, 2011 Price: 1800 USD (air travel not included) Scholarships available For more information please contact: New York Yerevan Tel: +212 319 6383 Anna Aghajanian Fax: +212 319 6507 +374 10 512251 E-mail: ysip@agbu.org ysip@agbu.am Website: www.agbu.org/ysip
MOSCOW SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Age: 19-25 Dates: June 25 - August 5, 2011 Deadline: March 15, 2011 Price: 2200 USD (air travel not included) Scholarships available For more information please contact: New York Moscow Tel: +212 319 6383 Angela Sargsyan Fax: +212 319 6507 +374 10 512251 E-mail: msip@agbu.org +791 52 282232 Website: www.agbu.org/msip msip@agbu.am
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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011
AGBU DIRECTOR EMERITUS BARRY ZORTHIAN PASSES AWAY On December 30, 2010, longtime AGBU leader Barry Zorthian, 90, passed away at a Washington, DC-area hospital. Often described as a colorful US diplomat, he was a committed member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). Zorthian served as a member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors beginning in 1970; when he retired from the position a few decades later, he was given the title of Director Emeritus for his dedicated service. Born in 1920 to Armenian parents in Kutahya, Turkey, Zorthian immigrated to the United States of America with his family and settled in New Haven, Connecticut, where he went on to attend Yale University. Upon graduation in 1941, he served as a Marine Corps artillery officer in the Second World War. After a postwar position with CBS Radio, Zorthian spent 13 years with the Voice of America, during which time he reported on the Korean War. In 1964, he was chosen to run the Joint US Public Affairs Office and given the diplomatic rank of minister a year later, serving as press media advisor to three United States ambassadors to South Vietnam. AGBU Director Emeritus Barry Zorthian and his wife Margaret Aylaian Zorthian
In 1968, he began a career in the private sector and worked for 12 years as president of Time Life Broadcast and Cable until moving on to other positions.
Zorthian's wife of 62 years, Margaret Aylaian Zorthian, died in July 2010, and he is survived by two sons, Greg and Steven, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Please be advised that in the event of any full or partial reference or citation of the texts above AGBU Armenia Newsletter must be mentioned. All rights reserved. Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six continents.
ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION NEW YORK 55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1112 Phone: 212 319 6383 Fax: 212 319 6507 E-mail: agbuny@agbu.org Website: www.agbu.org
PREPARED BY AGBU ARMENIAN REPRESENTATION
YEREVAN 9 Alex Manoogian Street, Yerevan, Armenia Phone: (374 10) 51-22-51 Fax: (374 10) 51-22-52 E-mail: agbuarm@agbu.am Website: www.agbu.am Page 12