The new decade, like no other, will bring significant turning points for Armenians, and our ability to confront the challenges has the promise to elevate our potential as a nation.

Once again we find ourselves at the threshold of a new year and preparing to celebrate the Glorious Birth and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. What better way to begin the season than to take a moment and contemplate with gratitude all that Almighty God has granted us, and reflect on the truly profound meaning of the “Great and Marvelous Mystery”, the Birth of our Savior.

Zaruhi has been laid to rest, but her death has raised fundamental questions concerning human rights and gender equality of women in Armenia. It is a poor response by those who claim women are treated no differently in Armenia compared to other countries. How can we justify our probable shortcomings by citing similar shortcomings common to other countries? Doing so would set a very low standard by which to evaluate the value system and future goals of Armenia.

Winding down this year’s centenary celebrations, the ARS Central Executive Board concluded the yearlong festivities with a series of functions that began on Oct. 6 in Syria and continued, starting on the 12th of the same month, with events in Armenia and Artsakh, organized by the ARS Central Executive and the ARS entities of Syria, Armenia, and Artsakh.

You press the record button on your camera, and through the viewfinder you see the relic, an ancient spear bathing in golden light. You zoom in, pushing past its glass casing, and you realize you are inches away from the object that Christ felt tearing open his body.

The following is a speech given by Mrs Hilda Choboyan, the President of the Armenian National Committee of Europe, during the “Three Genocides One Strategy” conference in Athens (September-17-18-19).

It‘s my last week. I have become restless for reasons unknown. By saying unknown I don’t literally mean unknown, but, you know, I don’t know which one of many reasons is stirring my emotions. I sleep very lightly and wake up very early – characteristic that would never have described me in the past. The New Year is literally around the corner and I still have so much to do, to at least feel like I did something, or achieved something in 2010. But all my attempts fail, just as they have done over the last 12 months.

Hard to believe, but for the first nine months of the past year, Armenian theater in Southern California practically did not exist. It seemed as if all its key producers – aside from the Ardavazt Theater Company, which revived a pair of one-acts – had decided to stage … their own disappearance. Indeed, finding an Armenian play proved about as likely as encountering a unicorn.

On December 3, artisans from throughout Armenia showcased and sold their products at a Christmas bazaar organized by Homeland Handicrafts. The bazaar, held at the office of the Armenian Volunteer Corps, featured products made by Armenian artisans, some developed with the assistance of Homeland Handicrafts.

Supporters of the Children of Armenia Fund gathered for the organization’s seventh annual gala on December 16, held at the spectacular Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The nearly 300 guests in attendance enthusiastically demonstrated their continuing commitment to COAF’s cause, raising more than $1.5 million which will go to support the second phase of renovation of a school in the village of Miasnikian as well as ongoing programs in education, health and economic development in the ten villages in which COAF has worked over the past six years.

The Los Angeles Mission provides help, hope, and opportunity to those in need. On December 14 Ararat Charter School’s third graders took a trip to the LA Mission to serve food to and lift the spirits of the homeless. There is no better way to spend this holiday season than to give to those in need. Giving doesn’t equate to money alone. One can donate time and support, pass on a kind gesture or word and still be giving someone something they desperately need. The students at Ararat Charter School did just that.

“All my life, I thought of Mount Ararat as sort of a mother figure with its kind, loving, and gentle presence. As you climb this mountain, it proves to be unkind and more challenging with each step upward. Ararat makes you feel insignificant yet majestic with each step you take to reach the summit.”

The Armenians of Jerusalem form one of the oldest Armenian communities outside of Armenia. The Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem may be one of the most Armenian places in the world, too.

Two years ago I had a request from the Editor of upcoming “Encyclopedia of World Calligraphy” to contribute to the edition by drawing samples of Armenian script. When I asked what exactly would this request imply I was told that they needed all four major scripts executed with sequence of strokes ( i.e. the direction of writing). For over three month I have spent nights drawing letters, digging out anything I could find on my bookshelf, only to discover that calligraphy as discipline was a rare find in the rich legacy of Armenian culture. How come, I said to myself, how could it be that we have so little written about it? We have studies of paleography (science of writing) but practically nothing on calligraphy (art of writing).