Sunday, June 26, 2022
No Result
View All Result
Asbarez.com
NEWSLETTER
ՀԱՅ
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Community
  • Arts & Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Music
    • Theatre
    • Critics’ Forum
  • Op-Ed
    • Editorial
    • Opinon
    • Letters
  • Columns
    • By Any Means
    • My Turn
    • Three Apples
    • Community Links
    • Critics’ Forum
    • My Name is Armen
    • Living in Armenia
  • Videos
  • Sports
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Community
  • Arts & Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Music
    • Theatre
    • Critics’ Forum
  • Op-Ed
    • Editorial
    • Opinon
    • Letters
  • Columns
    • By Any Means
    • My Turn
    • Three Apples
    • Community Links
    • Critics’ Forum
    • My Name is Armen
    • Living in Armenia
  • Videos
  • Sports
No Result
View All Result
Asbarez.com
ՀԱՅ
No Result
View All Result

I Can’t Afford To Die

by Asbarez Staff
December 11, 2009
in Columns, Heghinar's Corner
6
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

BY HEGHINAR MELKOM MELKOMIAN
Guest Columnist

Once there was and there was not…

n750250267_5482590_2763Some three years ago I was sitting in a doctor’s office – one of Armenia’s best oncologists and a very good friend of my mother – who was telling my mother how many people fail to visit a doctor because they know that they need an operation and cannot afford one. The doctor was explaining to my mother how many people in Armenia fail to pay prophylactic visits to the doctor because of financial issues or, once the doctor tells them they need an operation, patients never show up for an operation. According to him he has dealt with numerous cases when the family of the patient rushes in the sick with hemorrhaging or another grave condition – when he can no longer resist the illness or the calls of his family to undergo an operation – and they perform an immediate operation. The doctor says that their mission is to save people’s lives and they perform an operation regardless of the patient’s financial status. After the operation the doctors go to their cabinets, sit in front of their desks, and grab the phone and call; call benefactors or various foundations in an effort to find the money necessary to cover the operation costs.

I attentively listen to the doctor’s story and think about my fellow citizens who choose death in their right mind, whose lives are worth nothing in their eyes, since their life will leave nothing, but the debts their families have to cover for the operation, the hospital room and the drugs. I wonder how much an operation costs for a man who chooses death. I wonder how much death costs for a man who can no longer afford to live. According to the behavior of such people if we materialize life and death in the form of money, we will have more money if we chose life and less if death. Is that true? I began thinking and imagining and drifted away with my thoughts and only returned to planet earth by my mother’s voice when it was time to go home.

This August the only grandmother I have ever known passed away. This was the first death in our family after we moved to Armenia 19 years ago and the first one in my conscious age. My sisters and I believe this is yet another manifestation of becoming established in Armenia: having a family grave! No one in our family knew anything about organizing a funeral in Armenia and since my father wanted to conduct the funeral as soon as possible, he was running around from here to there and calling his local friends in order to understand what comes after what and how things need to be done. His friends were of course very helpful, but not entirely, since barsgahays, have different traditions when it comes to both life and death.

Four months after the death of my grandmother, our family grave expanded with the death of my mother’s first cousin who moved from Syria to Armenia two years ago. While my father was sharing his “experience” with my uncle’s sons and helping them understand the process of organizing a funeral, I also learned a thing or too. However, with two such personal experiences in my life, I still have the same unanswered question I did three years ago; I still do not know how much death costs in Armenia, i.e., how much funerals cost in Armenia. I will write down everything that needs to be done and the prices that need to be paid for a funeral. Ready? Here we go.

First of all let me give you an interesting piece of information. Did you know that three years ago the Supreme Patriarch, Catholicos of all Armenians, Garegin II announced that a funeral service could be conducted in all churches, but after many people filed complaints that they did not want to get married or baptise their children in a church where caskets were placed, the church was left with two choices: weddings and baptisms or funerals; it chose wedding and baptisms in all of its churches and funerals in only one, the Noragavit Church. In order to conduct the funeral service in other churches, the approval of the Catholicos will be necessary. But since we have the Noragavit Church guaranteed, let’s stick to it. The church is located in a village adjacent to Yerevan; some 25 minutes drive.

I called the Ararat Diocese in order to understand how much the service officially costs, since I was a bit confused while comparing the prices paid for my grandmother’s and my uncle’s liturgy. I was told that there is no fixed sum, since the church is not a market and believers pay as much as they can afford to and after I told them what had happened to us, I was asked very politely to fill in a complaint. However, right now I simply want to share the experience. During my grandmothers liturgy the priest of the church asked for about $100, but for my uncle’s liturgy he asked for about $50. Judging by what? I do not know. But since my intentions are not to criticize, but rather to shed light on the issue, I will leave my comments for my dear diary.

Ok, so now you have the church sorted out, it’s time to visit the burial bureau to receive a plot. According to the RA law about “Organizing funerals and operating cemeteries and crematoriums” the maximum size for a plot allocated for organizing a family cemetery is 12 square meters, which is allocated free of charge; if the size of the plot exceeds the above mentioned size, it is allocated at a cost set by the RA Government. However, at the bureau you suddenly encounter a set of issues, such as “there are no more available plots”, or “we can suggest this plot that costs about $600”, but it is a plot for only one in an almost unreachable spot.

To cut a long story short, they offer a 12 square meters plot for about $1000 for my grandmother and one for about $800 for my uncle. Bottom line, it is free of charge, but if you want one you have to pay for it. Now don’t think of calling them and asking for the price of a plot because I assure you they will answer in a somewhat annoyed and surprised tone that it is free of charge. Now, let’s see what else might be needed. Oh, I almost forgot the casket. This is also optional, there are caskets as low as about $100 and others at about $2000. By the same above-mentioned law all caskets should be transported by hearse and renting one can cost from about $40 to $300, depending on the model of the car.

Did you manage to do the math? No? Well neither did I because there are no fixed sums and so an average funeral without any luxuries (the most expensive casket or vehicle), can cost between 1000 to 2000 US dollars.

Today, some three years after my mother’s conversation with the doctor, after the death of my grandmother and my mother’s cousin I sit in front of my laptop and imagine this scenario: the ambulance rushes in a man who has previously been diagnosed with, say, cancer and he has internal bleeding now, because he couldn’t afford an operation suggested by the doctor years ago. The doctor recognizes him at once and tells his wife, “We are taking him to the operating theater immediately”, the wife responds, “But doctor, we cannot afford an operation”, the doctor says, “Well if we do not perform an operation right now, he will die”, the wife looks directly into the doctor’s eyes and says, “But doctor, we cannot afford a funeral.”

Now I realize that ‘How much does a funeral cost in Armenia or, is death more expensive than life’ are not questions generated as a result of my fantasy alone. I believe this is truly a very serious issue in Armenia. If you think I am exaggerating and that 1000 or 2000 US dollars are not worth such a long story, let me remind you that in detailed analysis, part
ly based on government statistics, the World Bank estimated that the proportion of Armenians living below the official poverty line reached 28.4 percent in the second quarter of this year. Now imagine living in Armenia, earning the minimum state salary which is about $80 and learning that you need an operation or else you will die, what will you choose? No, tell me, “Can you afford to live or to die?”

And three apples fell from heaven: one for the storyteller, one for him who made him tell it, and one for you the reader.

Tags: ageanythingapprovalAraratArmeniaAugustbaptisebehaviorbenefactorsbitcabinetscallcannotcatholicosChurchcitizensColumnistcomplaintconditioncoursecousindeathdebtsdesksdiaryDiocesedoctordoctorsdrugsEarthefforteverythingexperiencefamilyfatherfellowformfoundationsfriendfrontfuneralGaregingood friendgrandmothergrave conditionguestguest columnistHEGHINARhomehospitalillnessinformationissuelifelife and deathliturgymanmanifestationmarketMELKOMMELKOMIANmindmissionmoneymotherNoragavitnothingOctoberofficeoncologistsoneoperationorderpatientPatriarchphonepieceplanetplanet earthpriestprocessquestionroomServicestatusstorysumSupremeSyriathingtimetime to go homeUnclevillagevoiceweddingwonderyerevan
Asbarez Staff

Asbarez Staff

Next Post

Tales of Winter

Comments 6

  1. Haro says:
    13 years ago

    This is a great article, it reminds me of Molliere, and there was another well known Armenian play writer, I have forgotten were I read about the drama and who the writer was, but it was an Armenian book I read (that much I remember). In the play at several points the dead person is between Earth and Haven, and he suffers complaining: “If it was so difficult to die, I would rather lived…”
    Asbarez should post more article from authors like Heghinar. It would be great if such articles are also translated into Armenian.

    Reply
  2. Albert G says:
    13 years ago

    We’re so obsessed with getting the Armenian Genocide recognized in diaspora while people of Armenia are being killed everyday by social injustice. Do I think genocide recognition is less important? Absolutely NOT! However, I see some of us living a good life in U.S.A. and not caring about fixing the social issues in Armenia. Some of us are obsessed with Genocide recognition and “nothing else matters”!

    Reply
  3. Sevan says:
    13 years ago

    Good job Hegho jan!

    Reply
  4. Nanor says:
    13 years ago

    Ահավոր է, մանավանդ երբ կանգնացրել ես թվերի առաջ էլ ավել է սևանում ամեն ինչ, իսկ եթե գումարես հոգեհացը, կամ` յոթը…? բա քառասունքը…?

    Reply
  5. Kayane Antreassian says:
    13 years ago

    this is very very educational hegh, an issue that I’ve never thought about before, a true eye opener. Although operations and funerals are expensive matter everywhere, it was heartbreaking to realize that for citizens with such a high rate of poverty this is just unbearable.
    So what happens to those who’s families can’t afford to spend that much to bury them?

    Reply
  6. James says:
    12 years ago

    Dear HEGHINAR MELKOM MELKOMIAN,
    My wife’s father recently died and we rushed back to Yerevan to make the funeral arrangements and I can endorse your column and add that the traditions that accompany a funeral(if you have the money) soon add up. from the mortuary to the church to the church service, to the cementry to the ground, to the after burial meal in all we were charged $10,000!
    Now I don’t speak Armenian but in our time of grief I think we were ripped off good time.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Nanor Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Homenetmen Returns to LACC with Epic Musical Performances for 45th Navasartian Games

Homenetmen Returns to LACC with Epic Musical Performances for 45th Navasartian Games

1 day ago
8 Artists to be Featured in ‘Dreams in Deixis’ Exhibition at Tufenkian Gallery

8 Artists to be Featured in ‘Dreams in Deixis’ Exhibition at Tufenkian Gallery

2 days ago

Connect with us

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

© 2021 Asbarez | All Rights Reserved | Powered By MSDN Solutions Inc.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Community
  • Arts & Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Music
    • Theatre
    • Critics’ Forum
  • Op-Ed
    • Editorial
    • Opinon
    • Letters
  • Columns
    • By Any Means
    • My Turn
    • Three Apples
    • Community Links
    • Critics’ Forum
    • My Name is Armen
    • Living in Armenia
  • Videos
  • Sports

© 2021 Asbarez | All Rights Reserved | Powered By MSDN Solutions Inc.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes

Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.

Online Dictionary

    Readable Experience

    Content Scaling
    Default
    Text Magnifier
    Readable Font
    Dyslexia Friendly
    Highlight Titles
    Highlight Links
    Font Sizing
    Default
    Line Height
    Default
    Letter Spacing
    Default
    Left Aligned
    Center Aligned
    Right Aligned

    Visually Pleasing Experience

    Dark Contrast
    Light Contrast
    Monochrome
    High Contrast
    High Saturation
    Low Saturation
    Adjust Text Colors
    Adjust Title Colors
    Adjust Background Colors

    Easy Orientation

    Mute Sounds
    Hide Images
    Virtual Keyboard
    Reading Guide
    Stop Animations
    Reading Mask
    Highlight Hover
    Highlight Focus
    Big Dark Cursor
    Big Light Cursor
    Navigation Keys

    Asbarez.com Accessibility Statement

    Accessibility Statement

    • asbarez.com
    • June 26, 2022

    Compliance status

    We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

    To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

    This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

    Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

    If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email

    Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

    Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

    1. Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

      These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

    2. Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.

      Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

    Disability profiles supported in our website

    • Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
    • Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
    • Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
    • ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
    • Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
    • Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

    Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

    1. Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
    2. Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.
    3. Animations – epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
    4. Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
    5. Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
    6. Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
    7. Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

    Browser and assistive technology compatibility

    We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers), both for Windows and for MAC users.

    Notes, comments, and feedback

    Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs, there may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to