Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Valdai Conference in Moscow

While pointing out that skirmishes on the Artsakh-Azerbaijan border have calmed, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that progress in the Karabakh conflict resolution process has stalled and urged direct dialogue between Yerevan and Baku to advance the process, reported the Itar-Tass news agency.

”As for Nagorno-Karabakh, the situation on the line of contact has been relatively calm in recent times, with few incidents taking place that are not large scale,” said Lavrov, adding that the sides have begun the process of exchanging remains of killed soldiers and discussing mechanisms of prisoner exchanges.

“The OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs closely cooperate with the foreign ministers,” said Lavrov. “As for the situation on the ground, I can say it’s calmer than a year ago, but the political process has waned and it’s still impossible to overcome the interruption.”

Lavrov, who made the statements during a speech at the Valdai Club, a Moscow-based think tank, said that announcements made by the sides do not contribute to the creation of a positive atmosphere for the political processes.

”But we, as a co-chairing country, together with the U.S. and France, work together and jointly have a common vision on this matter. We want to find a resolution, which of course, should be found through direct talks,” said Lavrov.

Congressman Frank Pallone and Congressional staff member James Johnson with a portion of the dedicated Artsakh de-mining team at The HALO Trust in Stepanakert.

Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Pledges to Fight for Additional Artsakh Aid

STEPANAKERT– Congressional Armenian Caucus founding Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) visited with The HALO Trust Wednesday Stepanakert to review its ongoing de-mining efforts, after which he publicly reaffirmed the commitment of the Congressional Armenian Caucus to securing continued U.S. government support for this life-saving humanitarian program, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“The State Department believes, mistakenly, that the [Halo Trust de-mining] program is no longer needed, in other words, that most of the de-mining has already occurred,” Rep. Pallone told reporters following his visit. “What we learned today from The HALO Trust people is that’s not the case. There is still more work to be done. So, we are going to go back to the U.S. and stress to the State Department, when we meet with them, that there’s still more work to do.”

Congressman Pallone watches a The HALO Trust demonstration of safe de-mining practices.

Congressman Pallone and Congressional staff member James Johnson sat down with The HALO Trust to review the progress of the program and the need for continued U.S. support to complete the de-mining efforts. In August, when reports emerged that the State Department was looking to prematurely cut off funding for Artsakh de-mining, the ANCA worked with The HALO Trust and Congressional leaders in securing the support of over 100 U.S. Senators and Representatives to continue U.S. aid for this vital humanitarian program.

In June, the U.S. House adopted an amendment to the FY20 foreign aid bill, spearheaded by Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA) and supported by Representatives Pallone, Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), calling for continued U.S. assistance for de-mining and rehabilitation services in Artsakh. The ANCA is currently working with Senate leaders to include similar language in their version of the bill, which is set to reach the Senate floor in the next few weeks.

The HALO Trust’s Amasia Zargarian offering an update to Artsakh de-mining efforts to Congressman Pallone and staffer James Johnson

In addition to The HALO Trust, Rep. Pallone’s delegation also visited the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Center and met with its Director Vardan Tadevosyan, and his dedicated staff, who provide high-quality, specialized medical care each year to approximately 1,000 local and regional patients. Among those receiving treatment include patients – from Artsakh, Armenia, Russia, and Georgia – with spinal cord injuries, elderly stroke victims, and infants and children born with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and spinal bifida. The ANCA continues to advocate for expanding U.S. assistance to Artsakh to support the life-changing efforts of this center.

Rep. Pallone also met with a 50-member delegation of Adventist Health Glendale, who had arrived in Artsakh days ago on their second medical mission to the Republic, where they plan a broad range of surgeries, carried out jointly with specialists of Stepanakert’s Republican Medical Center.

Congressman Frank Pallone and Congressional staff member James Johnson take a tour of Stepanakert’s Lady Cox Rehabilitation Center with Executive Director Vardan Tadevosian.

“Congressman Pallone, always at the forefront of advancing U.S.-Artsakh relations, is living out his legislative priorities – traveling to Artsakh, breaking down barriers to bilateral ties, challenging Azerbaijani aggression, and securing funding for de-mining and other pressing humanitarian needs,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “His visit, and those that will follow, underscore the urgency of passing H.Res.190 – which would not only facilitate much needed direct dialogue but also help create the conditions for peace by calling for Artsakh’s long overdue return to the OSCE talks.”

Congressman Pallone arrived in Artsakh on October 1st, accompanied by Nagorno Karabakh Republic Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan, and several members of the Armenian Parliament. He met with Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan, Foreign Minister Massis Mayilian, National Assembly Chairman Ashot Ghulyan, and key Parliamentary leaders. He also traveled to Shushi, where he visited the Artsakh Army’s battalion headquarters, Ghazanchetsots Armenian Church, and the Artsakh Carpet Factory.

Congressman Pallone answers questions by reporters from Artsakh Press, Aparaj and other local and Armenia news agencies in Stepanakert.

Congressman Pallone told reporters that his purpose in traveling to Artsakh is three-fold:

1. To end U.S. government efforts to block travel and communication with Artsakh;
2. To review the security situation in Artsakh first-hand, given Congressional concerns over recent reports of an allocation of over $100 million in military assistance to Azerbaijan;
3. To explore ways to help reinvigorate the OSCE Minsk Group mediated Artsakh peace process.

“The U.S. needs to be more involved in Artsakh and to not have these advisories sent to the American people saying don’t come here, don’t communicate with anyone here,” Rep. Pallone told reporters.

After two days in Artsakh, Rep. Pallone returned to Armenia, where he will take part in a trip planned as part of an ongoing Parliamentary exchange program between the U.S. and Armenia.

Representatives Speier and Judy Chu (D-CA) are scheduled to visit Artsakh over the next several days.

Representatives of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative met Pope Francis during a visit to the Vatican

A delegation from the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative on Wednesday received a special blessing from Pope Francis during their visit to the Vatican. The visit was part of a wider trip from the group to Rome, during which a series of meetings with Vatican and community leaders was held.

The trip to the Vatican was attended by Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan, the Co-Founders of the Aurora Forum and noted social entrepreneurs, as well as by the three previous Laureates of the annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity: Tom Catena, Marguerite Barankitse and Kyaw Hla Aung. In addition, the group also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to the Holy See.

During their conversation with Pope Francis, the group sought his blessing for the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative as it continues its global efforts in combating poverty, improving healthcare, and providing education to vulnerable communities. Likewise, the group also highlighted the Initiative’s newly launched fund-raising drive, the #AraratChallenge, which aims to inspire others to join the Aurora mission by sharing stories of personal gratitude, making donations, and getting involved with humanitarian causes.

Commenting on the meeting with Pope Francis, Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the Aurora Forum, said: “We are honored to have received a special blessing from His Holiness earlier this morning. Driven by our commitment to spreading our message of Gratitude in Action and to maximizing its impact, it is important that we build closer relationships with religious, governmental, private sector and cultural leaders from across the world. Today’s meetings at the Vatican have allowed us to highlight the vital work being done globally by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and the need for greater collaboration as we expand these efforts in the long-term.”

Remarking on the audience with Pope Francis, Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the Aurora Forum, said: “Today’s meetings with His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Cardinal Parolin were an opportune time to take stock and reflect on the impact the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has had globally since its founding. However, our work has only just begun. We look forward to discussing new challenges and opportunities that humanity faces at the inaugural Aurora Forum later this month in Yerevan.”

Founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is a globally-focused organization, which seeks to empower modern-day saviors to offer life and hope to those in urgent need of basic humanitarian aid anywhere in the world and thus continue the cycle of giving internationally.

Also speaking on the meeting, Tom Catena, Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the 2017 Laureate of the annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, added: “Since joining the Aurora community in 2017, it’s been a privilege to see first-hand the incredible work being done by our organization all around the world. As a Catholic Missionary, it was an honor to meet His Holiness Pope Francis during this visit. I’m incredibly excited for the Aurora Forum later this month, during which we’ll be sharing ideas on such work with leaders in various industries from all across the world. It is by collaborating with thought leaders and experts, as well as the contributions and support of grass-roots individuals and organizations, that we can continue our work in the long-term.”

In less than two weeks’ time, the inaugural Aurora Forum will take place in Yerevan, Armenia from October 14 to 21. The Forum will bring together the world’s leading authorities and thought leaders on social, scientific-technological, educational, and humanitarian innovation. Through the Forum, this network of remarkable individuals aims to drive practical action and change relating to some of the world’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

The week-long series of activities will provide an opportunity for thought leaders to compare best practices, lessons learned and, in some cases, disruptive thinking around issues ranging from infrastructure challenges to healthcare breakthroughs to women’s empowerment. The October 2019 Aurora Forum events will be held across Armenia with major events in cities from north to south.

A bust of Charles Aznavour, by sculptor Alice Melikian

In 1964, artist Alice Melikian created a bust of Charles Aznavour in honor of his first visit to Armenia. Recently, the sculpture was gifted to Paris’ City Hall by Armenia’s Aznavour Foundation.

The bust will be erected in Paris – Aznavour’s birthplace – in honor of the legendary singer, who passed away at the age of 94, on October 1, 2018.

The Aznavour Foundation communicated it’s appreciation for the erection of the bust, which they believe “will enable residents and visitors of the French capital city to feel Aznavour’s ‘presence.’”

A co-founder of the Aznavour Foundation, Nicola Aznanour – Charles’ son – delivered remarks at a ceremony celebrating the gifting of the bust in Paris. The event was organized on the occasion of the first anniversary of Aznavour’s passing.

“Charles Aznavour is closely tied with Paris, and the foundation is sincerely grateful to the Paris City Hall for this event and the great readiness and support in installing the bust in the future,” noted Nicola Aznavour.

In May, a memorial plaque was installed, in Paris, at the apartment building that the Aznavour’s first inhabited.

A statue of Charles Aznavour is scheduled to be erected in Paris in the coming months.

His Holiness Karekin II honored Dr. Garo Tertzakian with the St. Sahak-St. Mesrob medal

Dr. Garo Tertzakian, a long-time Orange County community activist and an ardent supporter of advancing Armenia’s healthcare system, was awarded the St. Sahak and St, Mesrop medal by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians during a ceremony Monday at the Holy See of Etchmiadzin .

Tertzakian was awarded Etchmiadzin’s highest honor for his more than three-decade service to Armenia, where he has spearheaded projects to advance Armenia’s healthcare system, especially his efforts to elevate the practice of urology in Armenia, which was outdated, before some of his key initiatives were put into practice.

Opening remarks at the awarding ceremony were made by Rev. Paruyr Avetisyan, Director of Etchmiadzin’s inter-faith department. Remarks were also presented by the Arthur Grabsky, Chief Urologist of Izmirlian Medical Center in Yerevan and the President of the Urologists’ Association in Armenia, who reflected on the Tertzakian’s many accomplishments and outline his service to Armenia.

After the singing of the “Etchmidzin I Hore” hymn, Bisho Moushegh Babayan, the administrative director of Holy Etchmiadzin, read the pontifical encyclical.

From l to r: Dr. Garo Tertzakian, His Holiness Karekin II, Sylvie Tertzakian

“For many years, you have used your medical skills with devotion and care to restore the health of your community. For more than three decades, you have served by providing exemplary assistance toward the development of healthcare in our Homeland, particularly in the advancement of the field of urology, by initiating exchange programs with medical professionals and the introduction of new technologies. It is greatly commendable that you continuously impart your knowledge and skills to young medical professionals through organizing training courses. We happily affirm that for more than a decade you have cooperated with the Izmirlian Medical Center, ensuring the advancement of the medical center by providing new laser equipment to provide the best care for patients,” read a portion of the encyclical.

Catholicos Karekin II conferred the honor to Tertzakian and awarded the medal to him.

Tertzakian, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Sylvie, as well as close friends and colleagues expressed his gratitude, emphasizing that this event served as a testament to the Armenia-Diaspora cooperation in the field of medicine. Tertzakian also stressed that he has always been given the opportunity to invest his efforts in the development of urology in Armenia. The recipient expressed his gratitude to the Catholicos for the great honor.

Dr. Garo Tertzakian addressed attendees, expressing his gratitude

In his remarks, the Catholicos said that he has known Garo Tertzakian for many years and is aware of his patriotic endeavors. He added that Tertzakian was able to demonstrate his love toward the Homeland by bringing useful and practical knowledge to medical professionals.

At the conclusion of the event, after conveying congratulations and best wishes to the Tertzakians, Karekin II offered prayers for the well-being and prosperity of Tertzakian family, urging them to continue their patriotic deeds for the advancement of the homeland.

Vahram Shemmassian, head of CSUN’s Armenia Studies Program, which received an $2.1 million anonymous gift. Photo by Lee Choo

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.(CSUN Today)–California State University, Northridge has received an anonymous $2.1 million gift to support its Armenian Studies Program and special collection holdings.

The gift establishes an endowed directorship in Armenian Studies in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures in CSUN’s College of Humanities, as well as supports the efforts of the special collections and archives unit of the Oviatt Library to maintain the archives and artifacts of the collection accompanying the generous contribution.

“While the donor chooses to remain anonymous, the impact of a generous gift like this will not be unnoticed,” said CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison. “The gift will touch so many lives. CSUN educates more Armenian students than any other university in the world outside of Yerevan, Armenia. This gift will strengthen an already strong program that provides a foundation of knowledge about Armenian culture and the impact Armenians and Armenian Americans have, not just in California, but throughout the world.”

Vahram Shemmassian, head of CSUN’s Armenia Studies Program, hailed the gift “as a true treasure that will enrich young minds and spark further interest in collective Armenian life, particularly in the last 100 years that have witnessed unimaginable tribulations, as well as revival like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”

CSUN’s Vice President for Advancement Robert Gunsalus called the anonymous gift a “generous confirmation of the important role CSUN plays in the community at large and in the Armenian community specifically.”

“CSUN students graduate with an education that empowers them to become change makers, not just in their communities, but in California, the nation and the world,” he said.

CSUN’s Armenian Studies Program, established in 1983, promotes the study of the language and culture of Armenia and Armenians, and helps prepare the next generation of scholars in the field. The program offers students support, workshops, public lectures, and outreach programs. Through their work, faculty, staff, and students in the program strive to contribute to the scholarly analysis and understanding of the challenges the Armenian people have faced at home, in the Near East and the Caucasus, and in the Diaspora.

Additionally, the program has launched, in partnership with the Liberal Studies Program’s Integrated Teacher Education Program, an effort to prepare future public and private school educators who have the skills to teach Armenian culture and language.

Among the holdings of the Oviatt Library’s special collections are archives of Armenian families that date back to the pre-World War I Ottoman period, including letters, books, artifacts, clothes, and jewelry. A number of the archival materials chronicle the Armenian Genocide and the Armenian immigrant experience in Los Angeles. Once the archives are processed and ready for viewing, they will be available to the public.

Shemmassian said the anonymous gift ensures that future generations will learn about the Armenian Genocide, and the role of Armenian Americans in Los Angeles and the Southland played in establishing the second largest Armenian community in the diaspora, after that of Russia.

FRESNO—This month, Fresno’s historic Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church is hosting their annual food bazaar. This year’s bazaar, which will feature authentic Armenian cuisine, will be held on Friday, October 4. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 8 p.m.

This year’s menu features Shish Kebab and Chicken Kebab. Meals include pilaf, Yalanchi (stuffed grape leaves), summer salad, bread, and Armenian pastries.

“Our men’s and ladies society get together and work endless hours to prepare and cook all the foods that will be served at both lunch and dinner,” said event chairperson, Evelyn Hamamjian. “Everything served, including dessert, is homemade at the church.”

Meals are available through dine-in, drive-thru, and takeout. Doors open at 10 a.m. A country store will feature frozen and baked items for sale, and vendors will be selling handmade and vintage items. Tickets for a 50/50 raffle will also be sold.

“Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest churches in Fresno and funds raised help with the upkeep of the church and its community,” Hamamjian said.

The church is located at 2226 Ventura Ave, Fresno, CA 93721, on the corner of Ventura and M Street in Old Armenian Town. The sanctuary was built in 1914 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

“This year, during the bazaar, we will be offering tours of the church,” Hamamjian said. The tours will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 7 to 8 p.m.

Live Armenian music will be provided by Mark Ohanesian & Friends from 7 to 10 p.m.

From l to r: Alice, George and Khachig Kachigians

ALICE, GEORGE AND KHACHIG KACHIGIANS

On the 40th day of the passing of George Kachigian and in memory of Alice and George Kachigians, a memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Holy Cross Cathedral, 900 W. Lincoln Ave., Montebello.

The memorial service is requested by the friends of Alice, Khachig and George Kachigians.

Khachig Kachigian and his family were instrumental in building many institutions in the Los Angeles community, starting with the Armenian Center on Venice Blvd in the 60s, and continuing with AYF Camp in the 70s.

Please come to honor their memory and remember their lives and contributions.

Participants of the first-ever Armenian Genealogy Conference in Watertown, MA

GLENDALE—Finding “lost” Armenian relatives a century after the genocide is a daunting task. Genealogical research turns out to be an accessible means for everyday folk to achieve this end.

A small group of dedicated Armenians have been organizing conferences to train people on how to dig into their ancestry.

Three conferences have been held so far in Watertown, MA (2016), Detroit, MI (2017), and Mahwah, NJ (2018). The response to these events has been overwhelming, with so many individuals interested that some could not be accommodated. Hundreds of Armenians have become armed with the tools to trace their ancestry through research and DNA technology

For the first time, from November 15 to 17, Armenians on the West Coast will have the opportunity share in the excitement their East Coast compatriots have experienced. Organizers have reported a demand from people living in communities in the Western United States. Working with them, the Western Armenia Committee has put together this opportunity for individuals in southern [and central] California.

Arrangements are being finalized and details will be released in the coming weeks in regard to registration, hotel availability for conference participants and sponsors, and more.

Participants of the 46th annual AYF Western U.S. Convention

GLENDALE—The Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States held its 46th annual convention last month. Delegates from 11 chapters convened at AYF Camp for a three-day conference to review the events, programs, and initiatives of the past year and to set the groundwork for the activities and goals of the new fiscal year. The convention took place from Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15.

Representatives from the ARF Central Committee, AYF Juniors Central Committee, AYF Camp Management Board of Directors, AYF Eastern Region Central Executive and AYF Canada Central Executive participated in the conference.

The convention discussed topics of interest including increasing membership involvement, strengthening community ties and activism, building a stronger foundation for the Armenian youth, and strengthening the bonds and bridge with the homeland through various projects and initiatives. The AYF-WUS Convention reaffirmed the organization’s core values – committing to its key role in the political and cultural activities of the Armenian nation. The convention concluded with the election of the new Central Executive. The elected body will consist of the following members: Hakop Hajibekyan, Aram Manoukian, Alique Cherchian, Abraham Iskajyan, Hasmik Burushyan, Aram Boghossian and Chris Simonian.

Speaking on behalf of the newly elected Central Executive, Cherchian said, “We look forward to continuing the AYF’s legacy of pioneering innovative and fruitful activism both in our local communities in the diaspora and in the homeland; to empower and support our membership and encourage new ideas. The AYF always stands ready for the Armenian Cause and to unite our community as a whole. We are ready to get back to work in starting this new fiscal year.”

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and the most influential Armenian-American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness among Armenian-American youth.