WASHINGTON — On Sunday, September 23, after the divine liturgy and thanksgiving prayer for the independence of Armenia, the Parish Council of St. Mary Armenian Church and Knights and Daughters of Vartan jointly celebrated the 27th Anniversary of the Independence of Armenia.

Present were Diocesan Legate Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Rev. Hovsep Karapetyan, newly appointed Armenian Consul Arsen Mikayelyan, and embassy secretaries Lucine Shirinyan and Dickran Tumanyan.

The celebration event started with the American and Armenian anthems, the latter played on piano by the a dedicated youngster, Andre Alexanian. After the opening prayer by Karapetyan, talented youngster Hovsep Seferian recited one of his own works about Armenia.

Eric Ashbahian, representing the Parish Council, welcomed the audience and Mikayelyan.

Mikayelyan, the keynote speaker, was presented by Malvina Brown, vice matron of the Daughters of Vartan. Mikayelyan was born in 1982, in Gyumri. He has a master’s degree in political science from Yerevan State University as well as a degree from the Armenian Diplomatic Academy. He completed an Advanced Certificate Program at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Medford, Mass., through a grant from Aso Tavitian Foundation.

His experience includes working at the Public Diplomacy Department and at the Office of the Secretary General of the Armenian Foreign Ministry. From 2012 to 2015, he was posted to the Armenian Embassy in Romania.

In 2014, he received the Armenian Defense Ministry Medal of Vazgen Sargsyan for “meritorious services for the military.” He is married and has three children.

Mikayelyan started his speech by telling the story of his great-grandfather who had immigrated to the United States in 1913 from Western Armenia. His family remained behind in Kars and during the Genocide, his wife was killed. His children found shelter in the Near East Relief orphanage in Alexandropol. Two of them reunited with their father in the US in the 1920s. Mikayelyan’s grandfather remained alone in Armenia and dedicated himself to the birth of the first Armenian republic.

Mikayelyan encouraged the audience to continue their dedicated life here in Washington because he has seen today with pride youngsters prepared with high culture. He then invited his daughter, 14-year-old Garina, who sang Dzizdernak.

Afterwards Andre Alexanian played on the piano Yerevan-Erebouni and Pari Arakil, and Anais Chubukian rounded off the cultural program by playing two pieces on the violin.

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian closed the celebration by remembering the very day Armenia declared its independence, the scenery in the center of Athens, where he was at that moment, and the placement of the Tricolor among the flags of the independent countries of the world. He emphasized the need to help Armenia prosper because it is giving to us, Armenians of the Diaspora, the reason to continue living as Armenians.

The program ended with a reception hosted by the Daughters of Vartan.

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TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Lorig Charkoudian, originally from Newton, Mass., won the Democratic Primary for the Maryland House of Delegates, to represent District 20, which includes Takoma Park and Silver Spring.

Charkoudian has dedicated more than two decades to public service in Maryland. This work has taken her into schools, farms, neighborhoods, courts, prisons, small businesses, hospitals, government agencies and the Maryland State House.

She has developed programs to reduce prison recidivism, written legislation for food security and public health, worked with the courts to increase access to justice for low income people, developed programs to build community wealth, provided violence prevention services, and marched in the streets for social justice.

Her vision statement, “Join us to build a More Just and Inclusive Maryland”, has inspired dozens of volunteers to work on the campaign and over 9,000 residents to vote for her.

Charkoudian has been the driving force in the growth of Crossroads Farmers Market and the development of the Takoma Park Silver Spring Commercial Kitchen where local entrepreneurs, many of them immigrants, share the kitchen’s facilities as they develop their food-based businesses.

She credits her appreciation for the power of food as an economic engine and community builder to her Armenian upbringing.  “I grew up eating the churtmah, merjumek, dolma, taboule, and babaganoush that my grandmothers and mother made from vegetables grown in their gardens. This food fed our community and our souls, and was good for our bodies and the environment.”

Currently, Charkoudian is the executive director of Community Mediation Maryland, a non-profit organization that provides training and resources for individuals to mediate disputes within their own communities.

She has a PhD in economics from Johns Hopkins University.

Charkoudian, mother of Aline (age 15) and Raffi (age 12) who were heavily involved in her campaign, was raised in a political family. Her mother, Bethel Bilezikian Charkoudian, was active in the Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960s and currently serves on the Newton Parks and Recreation Commission, representing the commission as she also serves on the Newton Farm Commission.  Her father, Levon Charkoudian, was commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Community Affairs under Governor Sargent.

Charkoudian’s family has always had a strong presence and active involvement in the Armenian Community. Two of her grandparents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Her aunt, Arppie Charkoudian, was the International President of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS). Lorig Charkoudian herself attended the AGBU Armenian Elementary School in Watertown.

Charkoudian looks forward to the November 2018 election when she will likely be the first Armenian American to be elected to the Maryland House of Delegates.

More information about Lorig’s campaign and policy platform can be found at https://lorigd20.com

The post Lorig Charkoudian Wins House Democratic Primary in Maryland appeared first on The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

BEVERLY HILLS — An abundance of legacy and love flowed through the fitting setting of the old-world glamour Beverly Hills Hotel in a celebration banquet honoring Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, former primate of the Western Diocese, and the First Ladies of the Auxiliary on Sunday, September 23, in an event hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Diocese under the auspices of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

The theme of the afternoon, “A Legacy of Love,” recalled the strong foundation built by Hovsepian during his decades-long tenure, from 1971 until 2003, and the integral role of the Ladies Auxiliary that in unison bolstered the Western Diocese during its early life, gathering financial and spiritual support while heightening its reputation.

The cocktail hour and silent auction, proceeds of which benefited the Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Summer Camp, featured vintage photos and articles of the activities of the Western Diocese and the Ladies Auxiliary, from the first cotillion in 1972 to the Christmas reception to many other outreach activities, which cemented the presence of the Western Diocese as a leader of religious and cultural activities in the greater Los Angeles Armenian community, the traditions of which continue on to the present day.

A venerable figure in the Armenian Church hierarchy throughout his lifetime of service, Hovsepian has served Armenian communities across the globe, particularly in North America. Accessible and modest, Hovsepian commanded the respect of his flock, dedicating his life to the betterment and preservation of the Armenian Church and becoming a centerpiece to the Armenian community’s life in California for almost 50 years.

As he strengthened the Western Diocese — which consisted of a small rented office on Crenshaw Boulevard when he assumed the role of Archbishop in 1971 to the acquisition of the impressive Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank today — he worked alongside the dedicated Ladies Auxiliary (the original 12 consisting of members of various churches, including Margaret Dadourian, Hadji Haiganoush Dulgarian, Rose Ketchoyan, Sue Chortanian, Norma Sulukciyan, Mary Vartanian, Dorothy Manookian, Isabelle Davidian, Gloria Meghrigian, Hadji Perooz Frankian, Azadouhie Keotahian and Babe Simonian). Over time, the Ladies Auxiliary expanded to include many more, including a total of 40 members who continue to serve the Diocese today.

“What we are today, we can thank no one but Vatche Srpazan who took on this Diocese when it had nothing except those offices on Crenshaw Boulevard I remember going to as a kid,” said Rev. Vazken Movsesian, who developed a close relationship with Hovsepian, his “spiritual father,” from the very beginning of his pastoral journey. Accompanying him to his studies in Echmiadzin when he was a student, Hovsepian was present during many other milestones in Fr. Movsesian’s life, from ordaining him, to officiating his wedding, to baptizing his children to officiating the marriage of his children.

“Archbishop Hovsepian is the Armenian Church leader you are proud to have as your bishop,” said Movsesian. “He is a true father and whatever person and priest I am today, it is because I was inspired by Vatche Srpazan’s love for his church and for his people.”

Chair of the Ladies Auxiliary, Cindy Norian, placed the city of Los Angeles into historical context when Hovsepian arrived in the early 1970s, “a young man with lots of energy and a modern vision.” She noted that there was a modest community of Armenian-Americans, but it was about to explode with the arrival of hundreds of thousands from the Middle East, where their communities were experiencing conflict and instability.

Norian cited memorable events and accomplishments with Archbishop Hovsepian, including the Pontifical Visit of Vasken I in 1987, where 4,000 people gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center and a Liturgical Mass was held at the Hollywood Bowl, amassing aid for the 1988 earthquake in Armenia, and the many Christmas receptions and Debutante Balls.

“Vatche Srpazan was proud of what his ladies could do,” said Norian. “He would say that the ladies arrived with bags and produced banquets.”

Norian recognized the original members of the Ladies Auxiliary, some of whom were there in spirit, represented by their family members. She praised them for their decades of loving service, including former Chairs Doris Sarkisian and Lily Balian, while recognizing the “current, dynamic” Primate of the Western Diocese who presides over the Ladies Auxiliary.

Active members of the Western Diocese, Bob Simonian and Bob Barsam shared their thoughts on Archbishop Hovsepian’s legacy and their work together, touching upon his talents, ability to bring the community together and his love of the Armenian Church, his family and friends, and his two home countries of the U.S. and Armenia.

“Upon his arrival in Los Angeles, his perpetual love for the Armenian Church elevated the stature of the Western Diocese to a justifiable respectable institution,” said Simonian. “He had nothing to build from, no budget, no secretary, a rented office on Crenshaw, and a few dependable people.”

From those humble beginnings, the Diocese went on to purchase a property on North Vine Street in Hollywood to acquiring the property in Burbank, which is now home to the Diocesan Headquarters. Simonian noted that under Hovsepian’s leadership, the Armenian Churches and Schools more than doubled, an endowment was established, stewardship and programming increased, as did the role of the Western Diocese in religious and ecumenical circles.

“Our stature and stability of the Western Diocese was ensured by Vatche Srpazan,” said Simonian, who noted that Hovsepian re-established the camp program, setting new standards and establishing order. “Today the camp is dedicated in his honor and the children who now attend will one day become the backbone and leaders of the Western Diocese.”

Bob Barsam painted a portrait of Hovsepian both inside and outside of his canonical activities as someone who loved sports and outdoor activities while “working under his capable leadership in the expansion of the Western Diocese.”

“He has a keen interest in identifying individuals from the community for the benefit of the Diocese,” said Barsam. “I want to express my gratitude to you Srpazan for being part of the growth and advancement of the Western Diocese.”

Following a musical performance by Karin Mushegain, Hovsepian’s nephew, Vartan Hovsepian, along with his three children, Vanna, Vatche and Zaven, presented a short recitation in Armenian. Hovsepian elaborated on the afternoon’s theme, highlighting that there are two types of legacies, one that is created and one that is continued, pointing out that his uncle did both, “creating a vibrant and loving atmosphere for our community and also continuing the legacy of his parents, who need to be remembered because they laid the foundation.”

He noted that love is described by sacrifice and that his uncle is the embodiment of sacrificing “for the Armenian Church and for our family.”

“His sacrifices were born out of love and as a family we appreciate all he has done for us because his guidance, dedication and love have enriched all of our lives,” said Hovsepian. “He  always taught us to serve a call greater than ourselves.”

In his remarks, Derderian recalled his first meeting with Archbishop Hovsepian while at a meeting in Holy Echmiadzin with the late Catholicos of All Armenians Vasken I, recalling it as a “historic day.”

“He was strong, outgoing and mesmerizing,” said Archbishop Derderian, who noted that Archbishop Hovsepian was present during his ordination as Bishop in 1990 in Etchmiadzin.

“God Bless you and your unwavering determination for all of your accomplishments and my heartfelt gratitude,” concluded Archbishop Derderian as he invited Archbishop Hovsepian to share his thoughts.

Recognizing his family members in attendance, Hovsepian elaborated on the significance of being close to the Armenian Church “because God is the source of our energy and we get our strength from God.”

His forthright remarks traced his first days in the “wilderness” of Los Angeles and the office on Crenshaw, where he remained for two years while galvanizing the community and taking a “giant step forward with the Grace of God and dedicated people” to purchase the Vine Street property in Hollywood, establishing a respectable Diocese. He continuously guided the Armenian faithful in the West, as it grew from 50,000 to half a million, and created a legacy that bridged together a strong community with a permanent Diocesan Headquarters, doing it all “with love.”

“I couldn’t have done it alone,” said Hovsepian. “We did it all together.”

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NEW YORK — The meeting of the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the members of the Supreme Council of the Ramkavar Azatakan party (ADL) took place in New York on September 26.

The ADL delegation included Vartan Nazerian, chairperson of the Supreme Council, members, Dr. Arshavir Gundjian, writer and publicist Hagop Vartivarian  and Kevork Marashlian.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the political changes that have taken place in Armenia recently, as well as the recent reforms in the country.

In the conversation with Pashinyan, the ADL delegates talked about the implementation of a more comprehensive policy by the party in the motherland.

Priorities concerning Armenia-Diaspora stronger cooperation were also discussed.

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By Florence Avakian

NEW YORK — It was an afternoon of great anticipation on Wednesday, September 26, as New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral awaited the arrival of Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

As he mounted the steps to the cathedral plaza with his entourage trailing him, including Armenia’s Ambassador to the US Grigor Hovhannissian and Secret Service agents, Pashinyan was greeted with cheers from the small crowd of Diocesan staffers and local friends who had turned out for the prime minister’s impromptu visit.

Greeting him at the entry to the cathedral was the visiting Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, accompanied by Diocesan Primate the Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan. Also on hand were the former Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Legate in Washington D.C. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Vicar General Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian, and Diocesan Director of Ministries Very Rev. Mesrop Parsamyan.

The prime minister, reflecting his reputation as a “man of the people,” was casually garbed in a sweater and jeans, and warmly smiled as he looked up at the carving of St. Vartan above the large bronze doors before entering the sanctuary.

The Diocesan Primate guided him around the cathedral, and welcomed him and the Vehapar. Speaking in Armenian with obvious emotion, he said in his formal remarks: “St. Vartan Cathedral is your home, because it is the home of every Armenian soul that enters the orbit of this great city.”

“When the Armenian immigrants first planted roots in the United States, their first order of business was to build churches. They built this place in the same spirit,” Findikyan said.

He went on: “As I stand here now, I feel that God has indeed listened to our prayers. He has granted us peace and security in the wake of the Genocide. He has restored our homeland to governance by our own people. He has steered us towards a greater recognition of justice and dignity for all our countrymen.”

The Primate concluded with gratitude: “Vehapar Der, Prime Minister Pashinyan, we pray for our Republic, we pray for our people, we pray for you, that God may guide you so that you may guide our people through this season of change in our national life, and lead our Republic to a bright new day for every Armenian.”

Catholicos Karekin II, who had accompanied the Prime Minister during the grand opening of the monumental exhibit on Armenia at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, had also been present at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday night, where the prime minster gave an address outlining the foreign policy challenges facing the Armenian republic.

The catholicos thanked Pashinyan for visiting the cathedral, and uttered an affecting prayer for the success and prosperity of Armenia, before leading the attendees in reciting the Hayr Mer.

Pashinyan offered brief remarks in Armenian, expressing thanks to the Catholicos and Primate, and appreciation for the welcome he was accorded. He noted that the Armenian people had expectations from the republic’s leaders to promote greater prosperity and justice; and he affirmed that his government intended to work to meet those expectations for all of Armenia’s citizens.

The post Primate Welcomes Armenia’s Prime Minister and Catholicos to Cathedral appeared first on The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

WASHINGTON – David Steele Bohigian is a man on a mission, constantly traveling to countries around the globe to promote American values and business investment, along with the free market economic system. On September 18, he briefed members of the Armenian community and various organizations and agencies dealing with US-Armenia trade issues on his recent visit to Armenia as second in command of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) of the United States. The next day he offered a follow-up interview to the Mirror-Spectator at the art deco style OPIC headquarters in Washington.

The briefing and the reception which followed was hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia. Ambassador Grigor Hovhannisian introduced Bohigian and a number of the prominent guests present. Hovhannisian provided the context for the evening when he said, “Since the early days of the Trump administration we are contemplating a shift in paradigm in the type of relationship we are building with the United States, which was previously aid-centered. We are transitioning into a partnership, a trade-centered development… It is important for us to intellectually understand what a small landlocked country like Armenia with limited resources can offer the US, what kind of partnership Armenia can offer the US. The asymmetry is tremendous. This is not a simple type of partnership. The United States is not a country by Armenian standards, it is a continent, it is a universe, so Armenia needs to find its niche and US investors need to find an area of focus, and that is where I think OPIC and some of your colleagues can come in handy.”

Bohigian started by defining OPIC’s objective as to “help advance development goals and US foreign policy in countries around the world.” He said that he thinks of OPIC as the successor of the Marshall Plan which after World War II helped rebuild the economies of Europe. OPIC provides political risk insurance and project finance and supports private equity firms. It operates under the policy guidance of the Secretary of State. Everything that it does provides a profit to the United States government, including over $250 million last year alone.

Bohigian, with his colleagues Carol Danko and John Didiuk (both present at the talk), and others, briefly visited Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan from August 13 to 17. This trip was, Bohigian said, “part of our outreach to the region to support democracy and support capitalism as opposed to state-owned enterprises.”

At present, OPIC is supporting 32 projects in the three countries of the Caucasus at a total value of over $167.8 million. Of this, the lion’s share goes to Georgia, in which OPIC currently has $138 million invested in 21 projects. It currently has $11 million invested in Azerbaijan and the same amount in Armenia. However, while Armenia has received $88 million in total in the past few decades (including an $18-million loan for the Armenia Marriott Hotel), Azerbaijan received, as of 2015, around $230 million through OPIC. Georgia has received $618 million in toto, and Uzbekistan $231 million.

The six ongoing projects in Armenia include two with the First Mortgage Company, the Microvest Short-Duration Fund LP (loans to low-income financial institutions for microfinance on-lending), Eurasia Foundation-Armenia, Armenia Marriott Hotel complex, and Chemonics International Inc. (risk insurance for technical assistance contracts). The Gazelle Fund is a seventh project not included in the above list because it is a regional investment across five countries including Armenia.

In Armenia, the OPIC delegation met with Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, Minister of Economic Development and Investments Artsvik Minasyan and members of the American Chamber of Commerce. They saw the Innovative Technology Solution Center (a public-private partnership between USAID and IBM) at Yerevan State University. They visited some first-time homebuyers who benefited from the First Mortgage Company. OPIC financing allowed First Mortgage to be able to extend the length of its loans and reduce the interest rate, making home ownership more affordable. Finally, they inaugurated the Gazelle Fund in Armenia. This is a venture capital private equity firm which previously was active in Georgia helping to support small and medium size enterprises of all sorts, including dry cleaners, bakeries, hotels and schools. Bohigian said that it would follow a similar approach in Armenia.

This was Bohigian’s second trip to Armenia. In 2008 he went as an official of the US Department of Commerce. Bohigian related his first impression of his present trip: “When you are in Republic Square, I will tell you, there is no better energy anywhere in the world today. I have traveled to 50 countries in the world, I have been to Times Square more times than I can count, but the energy in Republic Square, the sense of optimism, is truly palpable. We want to be able to support that freedom, that energy, that democracy with the youth. It was midnight on a Monday night and it was more crowded than you will find in Dupont Circle, and more energy than you will find in Times Square. It was really wonderful.”

He hopes that Americans, including members of the Armenian-American community, will invest more capital in Armenia, after the recent political changes there. He said, “We think that the Velvet Revolution has given us an opportunity to work more closely to really support what I think of as a fulcrum of freedom. We want to support the Armenian people in their pro-democratic and pro-capitalist reforms so they are able to develop their own economy as the ambassador was saying, with the private sector.” This support will not be through aid but through economic partnership and relations.

He noted later that evening that “When we talked about priorities with the ministries and the prime minister’s office there, the longer the meeting went on, the more priorities and the more ideas we had, which is a wonderful problem to have.”

There are two important conditions that Bohigian told government officials in Armenia had to be realized in order to get more investments there: more legislative anti-corruption measures insuring transparency in the marketplace and more political certainty, meaning getting past the parliamentary elections, which Bohigian hoped would be early next year. This would allow an elected government to be able to put its own platform into place.

During the question session of the presentation, Bohigian avoided making any direct comparisons between Armenia and the other countries he visited. OPIC International Project Finance Director John Didiuk reported that their recent trip led to a number of project leads. He added in more detail after the event that these leads concerned renewable energy, education, IT, hotels outside the capital and on-lending projects, where OPIC would make a loan or lending to an Armenian bank, investment fund or special purpose vehicle, with US connections, which would in turn use that money (“on-lend”) to make loans to small and medium size enterprises in Armenia. Gazelle Finance and First Mortgage are examples of existing on-lending projects in Armenia.

Bohigian told the audience that this is the most opportune time to promote Armenia economically due to all the attention it has been getting after the revolution. He said, “I think if you want to create a wave of investment, the eyes of the world are on Armenia now, whether that is the New York Times travel section, or the Wall Street Journal talking about the political revolution. So if you can capitalize on that attention in a positive way, then you will be able to catalyze investment on a scale that no government is going to do in the 21^st century. When we look at the needs around the world, there are no combination of governments that can meet those. It is going to be the private sector. That is how I think a 21^st century Marshall Plan happens: a country like Armenia attracts investment, which in turn has a virtuous cycle creating more entrepreneurship and more investment.”

In an interview the day after the briefing at the Armenian Embassy, Bohigian expanded on some points and spoke about his own background. His grandfather was born in 1910 in the village of Darman, 200 miles east of Ankara, in the Kghi district of Erzerum. Bohigian recalled a break-a-leg story about his grandfather, with the twist that it was the horse of the messenger sent to inform neighboring villages of the birth of a son that broke its leg. This was considered good luck, Bohigian wryly related, maybe because it was not the baby that was hurt.

Bohigian’s grandfather hid in a barn in 1915 while his village was destroyed by Turks. He left at the age of five with his mother, traveling across Asia to escape to Pennsylvania. He eventually settled in St. Louis, where he became a dry cleaner. Bohigian’s father George became an ophthalmologist, and as such has been to the Republic of Armenia a number of times as part of the Armenian Eyecare Project. Dr. Bohigian speaks some Armenian and he and his sister attend the Armenian church in Belleville regularly. David confessed that he himself has been unsuccessful at learning Armenian.

Bohigian said that growing up, he was interested in two things: student government and being an entrepreneur. He said, “I think that from a young age, those two strains have been an important part of my career, and journalism was a way to make sure that I can communicate those ideas.” Indeed, he ended up with a journalism degree from Washington and Lee University and afterwards earned a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1995. Bohigian said, “Law was a way to sharpen those tools and thinking, but I really didn’t expect to become a lawyer and wasn’t a lawyer.”

After law school, he came to Washington to work for Speaker Newt Gingrich in his first 100 days. Bohigian exclaimed, “that was an amazing time in US policy!” Then he moved to a venture capital firm. He said, “Throughout my career, I have gone back and forth from helping to grow businesses to policy roles.”

After he sold a venture capital firm he founded, VenCatalyst, to the Pasadena-based Idea Lab in 2000, he moved to Los Angeles, New York and then London. In London he was asked by George W. Bush administration in 2002 to join the Commerce Department, where he held a number of positions, including Director of Policy and Strategic Planning, covering, as he said, everything from economics to the census to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which itself handles everything from salmon to weather.

He moved into a trade role as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance, where he worked to ensure that there is a level playing field for US businesses when they compete overseas. It was in this role that he visited Armenia, and 50 other countries around the world, to talk about economic reforms.

He left Commerce in 2009 to start an energy efficiency fund, E2 Capital Partners, to help retrofit buildings with energy efficient equipment, which Bohigian called “a good way to do well and to do good.” He moved from there into the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates based in Connecticut and then in 2013 started his own firm, Pluribus Ventures, which was doing impact investing as well as advising financial services firms.

At the end of November 2016, he was appointed to President Donald Trump’s Commerce Department transition team. In February 2017 he became a special adviser to the US Treasury Department, and in early August 2017, was confirmed by the Senate in his OPIC post.

When asked the day after his event whether he might eventually go directly into politics, Bohigian replied: “This is the best of all my other jobs combined. Honestly, to be able to work on economic policy on behalf of the US government, I think is in alignment with my values, abilities and skills. I think what is important about the executive branch is that you can focus where you can most have value. If you are in the judicial branch, you see the cases that come before you. If you are in the legislative branch, you see the legislation that comes before you. Here, I feel like the Overseas Private Investment Corporation has a chance to shape foreign policy, in the way we can be forward leaning and be able to help direct investment to the places that need it most to advance foreign policy and development goals. That is why I love this job in the executive branch.”

He said that his work focuses primarily on catalyzing private sector capital to create prosperity in low and middle income countries. For example, in the northern triangle of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, OPIC tries to improve economic conditions to reduce emigration to the US.

Bohigian partially sidestepped questions both at the event at the embassy and later at his office as to the problems that Russia might create in Armenia for OPIC and US efforts to encourage economic and political change and realignment due to strong Russian control of many sectors of Armenia’s economy and its predominant military and political presence in the region. He commented that the Marshall Plan after World War II showed the success of the American approach compared to Soviet attempts to dominate Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain. He added that the people of Armenia have chosen democracy for themselves and their economy has grown, so that its “entrepreneurs are committed citizens, who are pushing not just democratic reforms but also economic reforms that I think lead to pro-growth opportunity societies in a way that is very difficult to counter from any sort of state-directed investment program or political program.”

At the briefing, Bohigian answered a question about the future of OPIC. He said at this time last year, OPIC was going to be eliminated, as it was seen as aid, but the Trump administration has made a 180-degree turn on this position and now is backing the expansion of the development finance approach. It supported legislation, the Build Act, to effectively double its size and give it new authorities. This bill passed the House of Representatives but must now get through the Senate. One of its foreign policy goals is to counter Chinese attempts to restructure global trade routes.

When asked the next day how the fate of this legislation would affect future OPIC projects in Armenia, Bohigian said that as current legislation allows OPIC to operate in 90 countries with a $23-billion portfolio, which can be expanded by 6 billion dollars, “we are not slowing down. We will continue to invest. We hope to expand our operations in places that are supporting additional investment. We hope Armenia is one of those places.” If the new legislation passes the portfolio could be expanded up to $60 billion and new authorities would be given, such as the ability to invest equity.

[This article will have a video component on Mr. Bohigian’s speech added by October 8, if not earlier]

The post Bohigian Discusses Journey from Commerce to OPIC to Role in Armenia appeared first on The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

WATERTOWN — On Monday, November 5, there will be a St. James Armenian Church Men’s Club dinner meeting at the St. James Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center. The speaker will be writer, editor, political cartoonist, and book publicist Lucine Kasbarian.

In her presentation, Kasbarian will discuss the origins of political cartoons; the use of humor or sarcasm to diffuse difficult topics; how hot-button issues have been/are being raised by Armenian and non-Armenian cartoonists; and why she began cartooning. She will present illustrated excerpts of her works. She has been involved in book, magazine, newspaper and online publishing for more than 30 years.

Kasbarian was born into an Armenian family of teachers, musicians, writers, artists and activists and in which the arts, humor and politics shared equal stage.  She has been involved in the New York-New Jersey Armenian community from an early age. She graduated from the New York University School of Journalism with minors in political science and studio art. She pursued graduate studies at New York’s School of Visual Arts.

As a cartoonist, her intention is to spotlight realities about the Armenian condition that do not receive adequate coverage in global media; and to drive her points home in absurd or paradoxical ways by drawing from history, popular culture and personal experience.

She will present illustrated excerpts of her works. Following questions and answers, she will sign copies of her new book, Perspectives from Exile, which will be available for purchase.

The program will start at 6:15 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7 p.m.

The Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, Keljik Hall, is located at 465 Mt. Auburn St.

For additional information call the St. James Church office.

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The newly formed Zoravik collective invites the public to an informal talk and discussion with Hrag Papazian on Sunday, October 14, 7 to 8.30 p.m. at Outpost 186 here.

In his talk, titled “Looking for a Contemporary Armenian Left: Nor Zartonk as a Model,” Papazian will present the Istanbul-based activist group Nor Zartonk as an Armenian movement with a universal progressive agenda that could serve as a model for Armenians throughout the world. His talk will also draw parallels with Armenia, the inequalities and injustice within, and the recent political transformations.

Papazian is PhD candidate at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on the Armenians of Turkey. He is currently based in Yerevan.

Over the last decade, the Istanbul-based activist group Nor Zartonk was one of the few truly Leftist Armenian political organizations, if not the only one. Although currently less active, it was a successful example of intense intersectional activism, with its focus on not only minority rights and historical justice for Armenians, but also social, economic, environmental justice, and gender equality. In this talk Papazian will not only argue that Armenian and trans-Armenian activisms can be compatible today, as proven by Nor Zartonk, but also make a case for the necessity of Leftist/Progressive activism both in the diaspora and Armenia, especially in light of the recent developments in Yerevan.

Zoravik (“in solidarity”) is a Boston-based Armenian activist collective that promotes new avenues for political and grassroots organizing and project-based engagement for progressives. Formed in the wake of the Velvet Revolution, the group seeks to mobilize the political, cultural, and social institutions of the diaspora to support and encourage transformative efforts in Armenian communities worldwide.

The venue is located at 186 1/2 (rear) Hampshire St., Cambridge.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/zoravik or email zoravik@gmail.com.

The post Hrag Papazian to Speak at Inaugural Zoravik Event appeared first on The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

By Seta. A. Buchter

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston and Parish Council of Holy Trinity Armenian Church announce that Nancy Kasarjian and Carol Krikorian will be honored on Sunday, October 28, as “Parishioners of the Year,” at the 57th Anniversary Celebration of the Consecration of Holy Trinity Church on Brattle Street. Both Nancy and Carol will be retiring after 30 years each of dedicated service to the Holy Trinity parish. The afternoon’s program and catered Reception will be held following Church Services, in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall of the church complex at 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge.

The morning will begin with the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian who will offer special prayers for the departed souls of the faithful who worked and built Holy Trinity Armenian Church at its present site in Cambridge.

“This time around, saying ‘Thank you’ just doesn’t convey enough,” states Kouzouian. “How do you thank two people who individually and collectively have shown limitless devotion to their church, so much so, that their home lives and their professional lives, have blended into one over time? The Holy Trinity Armenian Church has been blessed for 30 years by the dedication of Nancy Kasarjian and Carol Krikorian. These two selfless parishioners have been integral and key members of our church staff. Their footprints can be found in all corners of parish life. Both Nancy and Carol are among the most unwavering fibers of parish life here in Cambridge. We, as a parish, have benefitted from their work-ethnic, sense of duty, and caring hearts since the late 1980’s. They have led by their professional example and moved our church office forward with Faith, Hope, and Love as their guiding beacon. On their retirement from our office staff, our parish will place upon them an honor long over-due, that of ‘Parishioners of the Year.’ Bestowing this honor upon them together is most befitting — as it was together that they accomplished so much over the years. Side-by-side they worked together, they innovated, they created and they shaped the Holy Trinity office into a place that made us all proud to call our own. I look forward to all our parishioners and friends joining us on Sunday, October 28, for a befitting reception in their honor. I hope you join me in thanking them for their devotion to all of us as a parish.”

Nancy Kasarjian

Almost 29 years ago, Kasarjian assumed the role of executive director which was a newly created position by the Parish Council. At the time, the Parish Council needed someone to assist with property management, church rentals, maintenance and managing the growing office staff in addition to the many church events such as banquets, bazaars, festivals, receptions and other special occasions. She had just completed six years on the Parish Council, including three years as chairman. The move to executive director seemed like a natural progression. During her almost three decades in the position, Kasarjian has provided guidance, support, encouragement, and mentoring as she tirelessly carried out her parish responsibilities.

In 2016, she was elected as a Diocesan Delegate. She co-chaired, with her niece Janice Dorian, the annual Diocesan Assembly that Holy Trinity Church hosted in 2011.

The Armenian Church has always been a natural part of Kasarjian’s life. She was raised in St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Irvington, NJ (presently in Livingston, NJ) where she first met Fr. Mampre A. Kouzouian who became pastor of St. Mary’s. In 1960, Nancy moved to Boston and married Dr. Parnag Hagop Kasarjian in 1961. Holy Trinity Church was where they raised their children, Steven, Arlene and Linda.

Under Fr. Mampre Kouzouian’s tutelage, Kasarjian learned a great deal about the Armenian Church and it was Fr. Mampre who gave her the confidence and encouragement to fulfill her role as executive director.

Fr. Vasken Kouzouian arrived in 2002 bringing with him a new energy and spirit to the Holy Trinity parish, and together new chapters were fulfilled in parish life.

For Kasarjian, Holy Trinity Church has been her home away from home. She is deeply grateful to her husband, Jack, for his patience and willingness to endure; to her son, Steven; daughters Arlene and her husband Dean, and Linda and her partner, Renard; and her grandchildren Ani, Aram and Sona.

She is looking forward to retirement after almost three decades, but is forever grateful for the opportunity to serve her Church in a meaningful way.

Carol Krikorian

In July 1988, when Carol Krikorian agreed to “temporarily help out” when the church secretary, the late Rose Mamishian, was going on an extended vacation, little did she realize that help would extend to 30 years. Realizing the enormous workload and when the December 1988 earthquake in Armenia struck, Krikorian knew she couldn’t leave. Once on board, she never looked back even though her commute time from and to her home in Southborough grew to over an hour. She has served as secretary to the pastor for both Fr. Mampre A. Kouzouian and then for Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian. She has been responsible for the Church publication, Dajar, the weekly Sunday Bulletin, invitations, programs, booklets, flyers and personalized notes of thanks for the Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament, the Trinity Christmas Bazaar, the Erevan Choral Society as well as for all major fundraising events. Krikorian states that she is proud to have been the first to have a computer in the office, starting out working on the MS-DOS system; no Windows, no mouse, all keyboard and self-taught.

Krikorian has been a parishioner of Holy Trinity since 1965, when she married Gregory Krikorian, deacon and Diocesan delegate of the Church and himself a “Parishioner of the Year” in 2013. She is a faithful, devoted attendee of church services every Sunday.

Krikorian served on the committee for the recent celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Fr. Mampre A. Kouzouian’s Ordination to the Priesthood, as well as the committee for his 40th Anniversary in 1998. Other notable committees included the 2011 Diocesan Assembly hosted by Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Holy Trinity’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 2011-2012, and the 2014 committee to celebrate Fr. Vasken Kouzouian’s 20th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. She served in the Sunday School for 28 years, 13 as a teacher and 15 as a substitute. Over the decades, she has been a constant volunteer at the Trinity Family Festival and Trinity Christmas Bazaar.

Krikorian was born and grew up in Woonsocket, RI; she is the daughter of the late Rinaldo and Nevia Pierannunzi and sister of Anthony Pierannunzi and his wife, Marcia. Carol and Dn. Gregory met at the US Army Natick Laboratories where they both worked. They have two children, Lisa and her husband, Scott Wentzell of N. Yarmouth, Maine, and Gregory and his wife, Lisa Krikorian of Westford, Mass., and five grandchildren, Scotty Wentzell and Ella, Luke, Ruby and Blake Krikorian.

On October 28 as the church community honors Kasarjian and Krikorian upon their retirement, it will also honor Parish Council members Susan K. Derderian, Stephan Hovnanian, Catherine R. Minassian and Alexandra Tashjian.

The deadline for purchasing tickets is October 19. There will be no tickets at the door.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Holy Trinity Church Office, emailing office@htaac.org, or logging onto www.htaac.org/calendar/event/588/.

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GLENDALE (Glendale News-Press) — A sign for Artsakh Avenue — formerly a stretch of Maryland Avenue — was unveiled Tuesday, October 2, during a street naming ceremony hosted by the city of Glendale.

The event drew officials from near and far: All five Glendale City Council members were present, in addition to state Sen. Anthony Portantino and Robert Avetisyan, a US representative for Artsakh, which is a contested republic between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

In June, the City Council voted 4-0 to rename a two-block section of Maryland Avenue, between Wilson Avenue and Harvard Street, to Artsakh Avenue.

During the decision-making process, Councilman Ara Najarian said it was overdue to have a street referencing the city’s large Armenian-American community.

Approval of the name change followed months of heated debate between stakeholders including business owners, Glendale residents and Unified Young Armenians, a group of activists who proposed the name change in February.

To address business owners’ concerns that the name change will adversely affect them, the city set aside $1,000 for each of the 131 businesses on the two-block portion of the street to help cover costs of reprinting materials with new addresses.

Businesses can apply for the money as a grant.

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NEW YORK — On October 3, President Armen Sarkissian of Armenia was given the 25th annual John Edwin Mroz Global Statesman Award of the East-West Institute at the New York Athletic Club. Sarkissian is vice president of the East-West Institute. Mroz was the founder of the Institute, which continues to attempt to lessen tensions between the East and the West.

Previous winners of the Mroz award include President George H. W. Bush in 1995, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in 1999, British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2005, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in 2008, and Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee Hwa.

Master of ceremonies Reena Ninan invited Ross Perot Jr., the chairman of the institute, to welcome the guests. Afterwards, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America Fr. Daniel Findikyan gave a prayer.

Philanthropist Aso Tavitian, who played a large role in organizing this event together with Berge Setrakian of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, was the keynote speaker. Prof. Vartan Gregorian gave a concise historical overview of the political life of the region.

Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. presented Sarkissian with the award. Perot said, “We are honored to hand the John Edwin Mroz Global Statesman Award to the representative of Armenia, His Excellency Armen Sarkissian for his long-lasting career and achievements in statesmanship as well for considerable contribution to global development. The selection of the President of the Republic of Armenia has come to augment his vast experience in the areas of Physics, private sector, and state administration. In the times, when Armenia is going through the period of great changes, Sarkissian was entrusted with ensuring stability and creation of a new vision for his country which, we are confident, he will lead towards a more democratic and prosperous future. The EastWest Institute is committed to the development of innovative and creative solutions to solve current problems and get ready for the future challenges. Individuals like Sarkissian make our efforts possible.”

In accepting the award, Sarkissian declared, “It is a great honor for me to represent my nation and my state here. I really have a dream or vision for the future and that dream or vision includes also the fact or reality that we are facing, i.e. where this world is moving to.

“If the 20th century was the century of natural resources, and, based on that, political and other powers, the 21st century is going to be different. … The 21st century is the century of research, development, new technologies. The 21st century is the century when it will be done and ruled by new ideas, by new research, by those who are quick, by those who are young …. That will be the 21st century. The politics will be run differently.”

Sarkissian continued: “And I do truly believe that the 21st century is a century for Armenia. That’s why I think we will be victorious. I am happy to belong to the Armenian nation, a small state but a global nation, a nation of the 21st century. There are not many of us, that sort of nation. But I do believe that small states but global nations that have the global connectivity, that can accumulate and build their country for the first time, it’s the future, and I do believe that the institutes like the East-West are going to be one of the leaders of the 21st century.”

Armenian organizations represented at the event included the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Diocese, and the Armenian Missionary Association of America.

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By Michael Melkonian

Special to the Mirror-Spectator

LOS ANGELES — On September 23, the fourth annual Bridge of Health Guyn (Color) Gala was held at the Great Caesar Banquet Hall in Tujunga. People from all backgrounds, many of them young adults, and from across the country, congregated with the goal of raising awareness and funds to benefit children in Armenia battling cancer. Guests included the city of Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan, film actor Ken Davitian, and writer and publisher of the California Courier, Harut Sassounian.

Master of Ceremonies Tatevik Ekezian kicked off the gala with her the opening remarks as she provided an overview of the Bridge of Health organization and its mission of helping pediatric cancer patients at various stages of need including diagnostic, recovery, and drug funding. This non-profit organization is the link which connects pediatric cancer patients in Armenia with the financial means necessary for optimal care and recovery.

Ekezian then introduced the opening entertainers of the evening’s program. Comedians Mary Basmadjian and Michael Passion entertained the assembled with jokes and impersonations while drawing roaring laughter from the audience. Guests dined as the internationally acclaimed virtuoso guitarist Vahagni serenaded them with classical music.

The Armenia Chapter President of the Bridge of Health, Anahit Barseghyan, was then called upon to speak. Barseghyan shared her emotional story as she described receiving the news that her young son had developed cancer and her gratitude to the Bridge of Health for coming into their lives and funding the treatments which eventually cured him.

A video of one of the Bridge of Health supported facilities in Armenia showed young cancer patients as they were laughing and being entertained by superheroes and Disney princesses, all the while continuing to receive treatment on the arduous road to recovery.

Robert Agaverdian, president and founder of Bridge of Health and the clinical director of Medical, Surgical and Telemetry Units at Pacifica Hospital, was then asked by the master of ceremonies to speak. Agaverdian reflected, “What inspired me to get involved with organizations such as Bridge of Health came from my college years, when I saw a picture of a young Armenian child fighting for his life and was very moved.  I then raised money through my fraternity to help the child get through the many expensive cancer treatments. This got me to create Bridge of Health with a few other people, which is dedicated to helping as many children in Armenia as possible to fight cancer.” Agaverdian spoke about the Bridge of Health’s many achievements, including how the organization has helped more than 120 children in Armenia battle cancer, in which many were able to beat cancer completely and are alive and well today.

Agaverdian’s moving speech was then followed by acclaimed Armenian singer Armen Aloyan and whose songs brought the guests to the dance floor.  The dancing continued with the performance of Sam Babayan and The Dirty Diamond Band, a crowd favorite who performs at packed Los Angeles venues including the House of Blues, the Viper Room and the Troubadour.

Meline Aleksanyan, a medical committee member, then spoke about how the Bridge of Health established a cancer registry in Armenia, the first of its kind in the country. This was then followed by yet another artistic component, poet Lilit Malkhasyan, who recited several of her works.

Every cent of the money raised, according to the Bridge of Health team, will go to children in Armenia, which in turn, helped make this event not only memorable, but meaningful.

To learn more about the organization, visit https://www.bridgeofhealth.org/

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WASHINGTON — Philanthropist and artist Anna Hamparian Hovnanian died recently.

She was born February 24, 1929 in Hoboken NJ, the only child of Hambartsum Hamparian and Virginia Achemian. Her father had been a professor in Kharpert, Western Armenia, where he had lost his first wife and son, who were slaughtered by the Turks during the Armenian Genocide.

Hambartsum Hamparian escaped to France and served in the French Legionary. From France he immigrated to the United States. He met Virginia, who had immigrated from Aleppo (Haleb),  Syria; they married, and had one child-Anna.

They soon after settled in Queens, New York, where Anna was raised. Her father worked long hours in a small factory, and while always affectionate towards Anna, carried with him always the sadness of his lost family. Anna carries a special memory of her father carrying her on his shoulder through the streets so she would get sleepy, and holding her up to see the new invention of the television, displayed in shop windows.

Anna, from a young age, leaned towards the arts, and would pass time sitting at their apartment window sketching what she saw below. She recalls her childhood as loving, but quiet and lonely, and she vowed to herself she would marry for true love and have a lively happy household filled with lots of children and laughter. This was to be her destiny.

Anna was a diligent student and while attending high school would take a subway to Manhattan, to work in the hat department of Macy’s, where she would model the hats. Her love of Manhattan began and would continue throughout her life. Her beauty and elegant style was clear at this point and despite her humble position, was always fashionably dressed, sewing her own clothes after studying the latest fashions from the best New York stores.

Anna graduated from high school and then received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Thereafter, she worked in Manhattan, first at Chase Manhattan Bank, and later for many years at Proctor and Gamble. On one occasion during a morning subway commute, dressed chicly as usual, the subway attendant commented on her youthful elegance and said, “Miss, you are not meant to ride the subway.” This, too, would be her destiny.

In addition to friends she had met through school and work, she spent time with a small group of Armenian friends, whom she met after she had joined the Armenia Dance Group of the AGBU. It was these friends who had invited her one weekend to join them in Asbury Park for a dance, where the Vosbikian band was playing. It was there she met Hirair Hovnanian, whose father had also escaped the Genocide, first settling in Kirkuk, Iraq, then in Baghdad, Iraq, and later immigrating to the United States. Hirair arrived in the United States in 1951, and stayed initially with his second cousins, the Vosbikian family. He later got an apartment and attended Villanova University, working four jobs to put himself through school. Hirair has always expressed his gratitude to the Vosbikian family for the welcome they gave him when he first arrived in US.

Hirair and Anna were married February 11, 1956. Their marriage started with humble beginnings. They got a small apartment in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and as Hirair was completing his education at Villanova University to graduate in the spring, Anna got a part-time job at a leather factory making saddles. Anna was especially grateful for the kindness and love of Lily Vosbikian Hovnanian, who had married Hirair’s brother Jirair, and she became the sister Anna never had. After graduation, with his engineering degree in hand, the couple settled in Bridgeport, Conn., where Hirair was employed by the Connecticut Turnpike Authority. Early homes in Connecticut were small walk up apartments with no kitchens, so the cooking had to be done in the bathroom.

Memorial Day 1958, was a life-changing day for the young couple, as that was the day that Hirair decided, with Anna’s full encouragement, that he would start his own enterprise in large-scale real estate development. They moved to Toms River, NJ, to another modest apartment behind a supermarket, and in 1958 their first child Siran was born. Within the next six years they would have four more children. Anna had promised Hirair a son, and after three more girls, Edele, Tanya and Leela, Armen was born in 1964. During this time Hirair was working during the day, and on evenings and weekends would oversee his growing real estate business. The young couple worked hard, with Anna home raising five young children and Hirair working almost 24 hours a day.

Throughout his life Hirair has consistently credited Anna’s unwavering fortitude and determination, her total confidence and loyalty, as the inspiration for his grand endeavors, tremendous risks, and monumental success. At home, she took full responsibility for their children and was the ideal mother, loving yet firm. Even with the full responsibilities as wife and mother, Anna never let go of her artistic talents, drawing and painting when she could, the life around her; her family, the field behind their house, or a bowl of fruit on the kitchen table.

In 1972, with Hirair’s financial success well on its way, the family moved to an oceanfront mansion in Deal, where the children continued their education and went on to top universities. Hirair and Anna enjoyed the fruits of their hard work and success, with world travels and entertaining at their beautiful home.

Their anniversaries were often celebrated in grand style. For their 40th anniversary they flew over 50 family and friends to the Bahamas for a weekend celebration, a 48-hour party, everyone sharing in the joy of their happy marriage.

In 1992, they moved to a large estate on the Navesink River in New Jersey, and there Anna created a full artist’s studio in a cottage on the property on the water’s edge. With her children grown and the time now available to her, she embarked on the most prolific phase of her artistic career. When she could, Anna always preferred to paint outdoors, as is reflected by her many landscapes. She continued her world travels with Hirair, often to Armenia, and had the opportunity to visit the studios of the artists she admired, including Rafael Atoian, Hagop Hagopian and Jansem, who once painted their portraits. Anna would often go on artistic retreats with her dearest friend, Charlene Onanian, to Rockport, Mass. where Charlene had a small seaside cottage. During this period Anna produced many seascapes and landscapes. As the years past, Hirair and Anna became the proud grandparents of five grandchildren, whom Anna showered with love, as she did her own children.

In 1999 Hirair and Anna moved to Armenia, to a magnificent home which Hirair had built.

Anna Hovnanian had a personal exhibition of paintings on July 18, 2012 in Yerevan, Armenia.

She was a Life Trustee of the Armenian Assembly, but did much more than support the organization. She and her husband were the gracious hosts, and entertained at their beautiful house, which was always filled with Armenian music and dancing. During the early years of the Assembly’s summer internship program in Washington, DC, now called the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program, Anna and Hirair hosted the numerous intern classes in their New Jersey home for a weekend filled with activities with as many as 30 to 40 college-age students at a time. Assembly intern alumni still have fond memories of their time with the Hovnanians during their participation in the summer internship program, and speak affectionately about Anna.

Hirair also spoke to others at the Assembly about Anna’s unwavering fortitude and determination, as well as her total confidence and loyalty, and credited her as the inspiration for his life’s work and passion for Armenia and the betterment of the Armenian people. Like Hirair, Anna looked to foster the next generation of Armenian leaders. Her dedication to young people is evident through her work within the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation, where Anna hoped to encourage and develop the artistic talent and higher education of the Armenian youth through scholarships and grants to various organizations and students. She was a major force with the Foundation, and helped shape many lives.

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YEREVAN — The Knights of Vartan Back to the Homeland third mission trip to Armenia took place September 16-22, during which the Grand Commander, Dr. Gary Zamanigian, along with members in leadership positions met the President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian on September 18th.

During the meeting Zamanigian presented the history and mission of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan in Armenia and in the United States of America. The organization has been involved with supporting many projects in Armenia since its independence which include renovation and/or building of schools, kindergartens, community centers and homes for low income families; in addition grants are given to scholars which enable them to do research. Also the Knights and Daughters of Vartan support orphans in borderline regions.

The members expressed how most of their families have been living in the United States of America for two or three generations, as a result of the Armenian Genocide in 1915, but that their hearts always belong to Armenia.

The president expressed his readiness to support any program which contributes to the benefit and prosperity of Armenia.

In addition, the members met with the United States Ambassador to Armenia Richard M. Mills, Jr. and USAID Armenia Mission Director Deborah Grieser.

During the meeting Zamanigian presented the history and mission of the Knights and Daughters of  Vartan in Armenia and the US.

The organization has been involved with supporting many projects in Armenia since its independence which include renovation and/or building of schools, kindergartens, community centers and homes for low income families; in addition grants are given to scholars which enable them to do research. Also the Knights and Daughters of Vartan support orphans in borderline regions.

The US Ambassador informed the group of the many projects the United States has been supporting in Armenia and that the current emphasis is on: Agriculture, IT and Tourism. The Knights and Daughters of Vartan thanked the US Embassy for the support they have provided to the Armenian people and discussed possible future joint projects.

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BAYSIDE, N.Y. — Sunday, September 30, was an amazing and historic day – not just for the Armenians of Holy Martyrs, but for all Armenians. The dream to have a street co-named for Armenians in Bayside became a reality.

The day began with an Episcopal Badarak, celebrated by Abp. Khajag Barsamian (former Primate of the Armenian Diocese of America, Eastern), representing Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan. Following the Badarak, the choir members, deacons and parishioners filled the church plaza to capacity (and overflowed into the street) while the children of the three schools — Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School, Holy Martyrs Armenian Language School and Sunday School — assembled on the church steps. With much excitement, the children sang Hayr Mer, and the American and Armenian national anthems, waving flags and beaming with excitement.

Councilman Barry Grodenchik, who was instrumental in getting the approval for “Armenia Way,” served as master of ceremonies for the day. The celebratory program began with congratulatory remarks by Barsamian and Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church, who were both visibly excited and moved by the sheer number of people who had turned out for the occasion. Barsamian declared the day a “blessed” one, marking the journey of Armenians to the shores of the United States and making use of the opportunities in their new homeland to become good citizens.

Armenian-Americans settled in Queens more than 60 years ago. Armenians love Queens and Queens has now given back to the Armenian community with a permanent sign. Malkhasyan, who was beaming, boldly told the hundreds in attendance that “this street sign, however, will have no importance if we do not fill our church with active members.” The cheers that erupted was a great indicator of the energy present in the Holy Martyrs community.

Local politicians who also spoke words of congratulations during the ceremony included US Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) who complimented the church for maintaining a “stellar” relationship with the community, adding that she is a proud member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows), Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Flushing).

Following the speeches, Councilman Barry Grodenchik stood in front of the church doors and unveiled a duplicate “Armenia Way” sign to loud cheers. He then gifted the sign to Malkhasyan, who, with much pride and joy, lifted the sign up for all to see. The crowd of excited parishioners and friends then walked around the church complex to the corner of 210th Street and Horace Harding Expressway for the official unveiling. With cameras and video rolling, Grodenchik, Barsamian and Malkhasyan pulled on the rope together and the beautiful “Armenia Way” sign was unveiled.

“Armenia Way” is the first street named for Armenians in New York City. The ceremony on September 30 was filled with much pride and joy for the entire Armenian community, as the day also coincided almost exactly to the 60th anniversary of the consecration of Holy Martyrs (September 28, 1958). Following the unveiling of the street sign a celebratory fellowship, which was standing-room-only, took place in Kalustyan Hall. Remarks by Aram Ciamician (Parish Council Chairman), Dr. Lynn Cetin (60th Anniversary Co-Chair) and Rabbi Menashe Bovit (a dear friend of the Armenian community) highlighted the significance of the day’s event. A cake cutting ceremony concluded the historic day’s festivities.

• Lynn T. Cetin MD

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By Steve Gabey, Wendy Burch and Elizabeth Espinosa

GLENDALE (KTLA) — A meeting was held Monday, October 8, after video posted online showed what appeared to be dozens of students involved in a melee at Hoover High School in Glendale last week.

Students involved in the fight — described by concerned parents as racially motived — were reportedly kept in separate rooms on Monday and speaking to counselors in “restorative circles.”

Police were called when the brawl broke out last Wednesday on the upper quad on campus at Hoover.

Parents told KTLA their kids say there is racial tension on campus between Armenian students — said to be the largest ethnic group in the school — and football players, who are mostly black, Latino, and other ethnicities.

“I know a lot of the students are very stressed and they can’t concentrate, and they don’t want to be at school. And what are we supposed to do?” parent Iris Lopez asked. “Our kids are supposed to go to school to get an education, not to worry about getting in a fight or getting jumped.”

Tensions boiled over into violence after an incident involving a special needs student who attempted to hug an Armenian student, parents said. At that point, they say, the Armenian student refused and supposedly spit at the special needs student.

Football players then became involved in a fight with Armenian students. Some parents say the spitting never took place.

The tension apparently didn’t end there.

A screenshot of a Snapchat message shared with KTLA read “whoever’s not Armenian we’re going to shoot.” Parents said that message circulated Thursday night, yet they were not informed by school administrators until Friday, one hour after classes had begun.

Parents met with school administrators on Monday to address the violence and threats. One parent said they feel that there is not enough security at the school.

District Superintendent Winfred Roberson Jr. issued a statement Monday afternoon, saying unsubstantiated rumors were heightening anxiety and fear in the campus community.

“Speculation about any motives and triggers for this altercation are very premature,” the statement reads in part. “The district is still gathering all of the facts and interviewing witnesses to the incident to determine exactly how and why this occurred.”

Roberson also said “adult supervision” on the campus has been increased to “maintain order.” KTLA spoke to a security guard on site Monday, who said she doesn’t generally work there, but the school has hired extra security because of the incident.

The students involved have been disciplined, Roberson added, noting that the “entire football team was not suspended or disciplined.” However, the superintendent said he could not go into the specifics of the repercussions or which students were involved.

According to parents, multiple students were suspended.

District officials are continuing to investigate the fight.

“This was a serious situation and the district is taking it very seriously,” Roberson said. “GUSD is working collaboratively with all responsible stakeholders to address the underlying circumstances and perceptions that may have contributed to the incident.”

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By Arto Khrimian

FOREST HILLS, N.Y. – New York City has become an important cultural center for Diaspora Armenians for more than 50 years thanks to its vibrant Armenian community with cultural organizations and private elementary and language schools. The Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills had been a notable participant among other organizations in their efforts to enrich our cultural and social life.

The Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills (ACCFH) — a non-political, non-religious, and non-profit organization — was founded in 1971 to foster Armenian culture in the Greater New York community, through such activities as lectures, literary events, educational classes, theatrical presentations, student talent shows, and social functions.

The founders were Dr. Sureyya (Suren) Naci Arkun, Ania Gross, Angel Hovagimian, Kevork Kahveciyan, George Mouradian, Vartkes Ovanesian, Hagop Puskul, Arshag Sahakian, Levon Tatevossian, and Aram Vartanian.

The presidents of the Executive Committee in chronological order were Arshag Sahakian, Levon Tatevossian, Hrant Saruhan, Frank Kabarajian, Josephine Bebirian, and Sirpuhi Mark.

In addition to the above, the following individuals on the Executive Committee of the ACCFH at different terms had made substantial contribution to elevate the organization to its heights: Seda Terzian, Baruyr Tezel, Onnik Nevruzian, Alis Kahveciyan, Silva Celiksu [Terjanian], Toros Celiksu, Hilda Biosyan [Sheshetian], Ayda Kabarajian, Walter Bebirian, Zabel Khrimian, and Arto Khrimian.

During its active years, the ACCFH organized both culturally and socially meaningful events such as theatrical productions in Armenian based on the works of Hagop Baronyan and Yervant Odyan; scholarly book presentations — the one by Sona Tingir was memorable in its scope; concerts of classical Armenian and European music, among which soprano Ruthann Turekian Drewitz’s was the most riveting; English language classes for new immigrants taught skillfully by Josephine Bebirian were also an introduction to American culture; and talent shows of poetry recitation, playing musical instruments, singing and dancing by the students of the Armenian schools in our Greater New York area enlivened the cultural life of our community.

The Paregentan, a dinner-dance masquerade party, had been a celebrated annual event for the ACCFH for many years. In addition to the Armenian music and dance, the “Quadrille Dance” conducted by Baruyr Tezel was considered the trademark of the ACCFH Paregentan event.

The ACCFH also collaborated with its sister institutions in organizing literary, musical, celebratory, commemorative events. Among the many renowned figures who were either honored or participated in those events, the following names stand out: Archbishop. Shnork Kalustyan, Archbishop Karekin II Kazanciyan, Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan, Archbishop Sahan Sivaciyan, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, Prof. Abraham Terian, Zahrad, Rober Haddejian, Zareh Khrakhouni, Vahakn Dadrian, Yves Ternon, Israel Charny, Peter Balakian, Aris Sevag, Berc Araz, Sahan Arzruni, Vartan and Silva Gomigyan, Agop Hacikyan, Gabriel Basmajian, Nourhan Ouzunian, Hrant Dink, Rakel Dink, Herand Markarian, Hagop Vartivarian, Osheen Keshishian, Carla Garapedian, Ara Kalaydjian and Zakariya Mildanoglu.

Those collaborative events were mostly organized under the auspices of Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and facilitated by the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of the Diocese of the Armenian Church through its directors Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, Aram Arkun, and Rachel Goshgarian. The collaborating organizations generally consisted of the Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills, Constantinople Armenian Relief Society (CARS), Esayan-Getronagan Alumni of New York, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Center of New York, Hye Doun – Armenian American Support and Educational Center, Tekeyan Cultural Association of NY and NJ, and Tibrevank Alumni of New York.

The ACCFH was one of the pioneers among its sister organizations in philanthropy. The ACCFH donated $2000 to the St. Sarkis Armenian Church for its reconstruction at Douglaston after the fire in 1985; $2000 to the Earthquake Relief for Armenia through the Armenian Diocese in 1988; $2000 to the Emergency Fund – Food for Armenia through the Armenian Diocese in 1992; $500 to the Gandzasar Theological Center in Artsakh in 1995; $2000 to the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul for earthquake relief in 1999; frequently rented the Kalustyan Hall of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs for its events to provide income to the Church; made donations to the Holy Martyrs Day School, Holy Martyrs Armenian Language School, St. Illuminator’s Armenian School, and St. Sarkis Armenian Saturday School.

The ACCFH remained dormant in recent years after contributing to the vibrant cultural and social life of the community in Queens for more than 40 years. The main reasons for this decline were the migration and the loss of its members and friends.

In compliance with the by-laws of the ACCFH, the Board of Trustees was formed to dissolve the organization in May 2018. The members of the ACCFH Board of Trustees included Dn. Frank Kabarajian (chairman), Arto Khrimian, Toros Celiksu, Hilda Biosyan-Sheshetian, and Zabel Khrimian; in addition, Silva Celiksu Terjanian, Walter P. Bebirian, and Medeia Mark (representing Sirpuhi Mark) as advisors.

The Trustees adhered to the guidelines stipulated in its by-laws for the dissolution of the ACCFH. After careful and exhaustive consideration of appropriate distribution options of its total funds, the Trustees recommended and the members approved the following decision:

The Trustees and members decided to make individual donations to the ACCFH to increase the total of the funds to above $10,000, so that it would be transferred as a lump-sum to the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School for the establishment of an ACCFH Endowment Fund.

The rationale for the choice of the school was that the children or grandchildren of some of the ACCFH members had been the students of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School throughout the existence of the organization, it would be appropriate to choose the said school to donate the total funds.

In the judgment of the ACCFH Trustees and the participating members, this is an important event for our community as well as for the HMADS family to feel proud. First, our community through the ACCFH is invigorating our new generation to uphold our language and culture. Second, the HMADS has been chosen as an exemplary Armenian School deserving the honor of receiving this symbolic inheritance of our cultural heritage to impart to its students….

The Trustees of the ACCFH and the Board of the HMADS reached an agreement reflecting their shared purpose, and the first paragraph of their joint statement reads: “The Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills (ACCFH) and the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) jointly confirm that, as its final dissolution according to its by-laws, the ACCFH will transfer its total funds of about $10,000 to the HMADS for the purpose of establishing the ACCFH Endowment Fund, the interests or dividends of which to be distributed annually to a deserving 5th-Grade student — in addition, to one 4th-grade and one 3rd–grade students at the discretion of the Principal and the Board if the generated income is sufficient—as the Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills — Excellence in Armenian Award.”

The signatories of the agreement comprise Frank Kabarajian and Arto Khrimian from ACCFH; Bruce Ashbahian, Hovannes Malikyan, and Seta Tavitian-Megherian from HMADS. Arek Nisanyan, a member of the HMADS Board, acted as a liaison throughout the process. The transaction was finalized when Frank Kabarajian and Arto Khrimian signed the agreement and presented the ACCFH check to Seta Tavitian-Megherian (school principal) and Mina Hovsepian (treasurer) of the HMADS — thus the ACCFH dissolved — on  September 28, 2018.

This endowment fund will perpetually honor the memory and the principles of the Armenian Cultural Center of Forest Hills’s founders and members, while inspiring our new generation of students to uphold our culture and language through the only and the exemplary Armenian elementary school in New York.

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NEW YORK – On October 11, the executive of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater New York Chapter visited Mher Margaryan, Armenia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, to congratulate him on his appointment to the post this August. Prior to the appointment, he served one year as deputy permanent representative at the UN Mission of Armenia, under Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, who now is Armenia’s foreign minister.

The Tekeyan delegation promised to continue to collaborating with the UN Mission in the same manner as with all the previous UN representatives.

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COLLEGE STATION, Tex. – On October 18, the Texas Commission on Holocaust and Genocide (TCHG) held its quarterly meeting at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas. The purpose of the meeting was to begin the process of making an exception to the TCHG policy that currently educates and informs Texans about genocides that are officially recognized by the Federal Government. It was noted in the prepared statement delivered by Mihran Aroian that on May 19, 2017 the Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 191, titled “Recognizing the Armenian Genocide,” thus making Texas the 46th state in the U.S. to officially classify and commemorate the 1915-1923 annihilation of Ottoman Turkey’s indigenous Armenian Christian community as genocide.

Prior to the meeting, a letter was sent to the Commissioners signed by the leaders of the four Armenian community parishes in Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio). Mihran Aroian presented prepared remarks on behalf of the Armenians present at the commission hearing with the purpose of getting the Commission to hold a discussion and vote on including the Armenian genocide in the educational materials that the TCHG provides to all Texans. The Commission agreed to discuss and vote on the Armenian genocide at the next quarterly meeting on January 17, 2019.

By gaining the support of the TCHG, this will include the Armenian Genocide in TCHG publications and seminars and be a positive step towards greater recognition by the Texas Education Agency which is responsible for all public schools in Texas.

Participants on October 18 included Karen Aroian, Mihran Aroian, Raffi Caloustian, Cynthia Chisolm, John Nichols, Levoun Ohan, Tatevik Sekhposyan and Anna Yeritsyan. We also want to thank the following individuals for helping to prepare us for the hearing: Bryan Ardouny (Armenian Assembly), Peter Balakian, Natalie Gabrelian (Armenian General Benevolent Union), Roxanne Makasdjian (Genocide Education Project) and Marc Mamigonian (National Association for Armenian Studies and Research).

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HOLLYWOOD — The 21st Annual Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF), being held at Hollywood’s historic Egyptian Theatre from November 2 to 4, has announced the lineup of 46 films from 17 countries being screened this year. Arpa IFF will once again highlight a diverse range of films that explore themes such as genocide, war, feminism, family dynamics, environmentalism, music, art, adoption, intersectional identities, and LGBTQ issues.

Honorees this year include: Edward James Olmos – Lifetime Achievement Award; Academy Award-nominated actor/producer (“Stand and Deliver,” “American Me,” “Selena,” “Miami Vice,” “The Burning Season,” Battlestar Galactica,” “Mayans MC”).

The Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 4.

Receiving the Icon Award will be television legend Ed Asner, who has won 7 Emmy Awards (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Lou Grant” and “Roots”).

Natalie Qasabian will receive the Rising Star Award. She is a Producer (“Searching,” “All About Nina,” “Rainbow Time,” “Take Me,” “Duck Butter” and “Join the Club”).

Sveva Alviti will receive the Career Achievement Award. The Italian actress has starred in “Dalida,” “Dangerous Lies Vol. 1” and “The Bouncer.”

Opening night on Friday, November 2 will kick off with a special reception and screening of “Monday Nights at Seven,” a love story about a single father who is struggling unsuccessfully to let go of his past. The film stars Edward James Olmos, Marty Sader, past Arpa IFF award recipient Mary Apick and mixed martial arts legend Anderson Silva. A special ceremony honoring Edward James Olmos with a Lifetime Achievement Award will follow the screening of the film. Olmos, currently starring in the television series Mayans M.C., has played iconic roles both in film and television, receiving Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for “Stand and Deliver” (1988).

Saturday evening’s centerpiece program and reception will showcase two films — “Yeva,” Armenia’s foreign language film Oscar submission last year, as well as “Diverted Eden,” written and directed by Prince Baghdasarian. “Yeva,” an Armenian-Iranian co-production, is set against the backdrop of the long-running conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). Director Anahid Abad tells the story of a young woman named Yeva who escapes her influential in-laws with her daughter, after her husband’s tragic death and takes refuge in one of the villages of Karabakh. Yeva, accused of murdering her husband, is a complete stranger in this village and is obliged to live her daily life in disguise.

“Diverted Eden,” winner of the Audience Award at this year’s Sedona International Film Festival, is the story of a war hero who takes matters into his own hands after his young daughter is kidnapped, as detectives unravel the mystery surrounding the unusual crime. Bagdasarian’s debut feature “Abstraction” (2013) starring Ken Davitian and Korrina Rico won the Audience Award at Arpa IFF that same year.

Among the films to be shown on Saturday will be:

• “The Song of the Sway Lake” (USA), an intriguing family drama about a young record collector and his friend who go to his family’s lake house to claim a valuable jazz recording, upon his father’s suicide. While he is there, encounters with his estranged grandmother and a neighbor dredge up years of family suffering.
• “River of Gold” (documentary) (USA) – a disturbing account of the apocalyptic destruction of Peru’s Amazon rainforest in the pursuit of illegally mined gold. The acclaimed documentary is narrated by Academy Award winners Sissy Spacek and Herbie Hancock.
• “Six Musicians and the City” (documentary)(Russia) – Filmmaker Tatiana Daniliyants showcases 6 amazing musicians based in Yerevan, each with their own unique story and musical genre. Between East and West, between strong traditions and today’s innovations, between the nostalgic melodies of duduk and the beat of modern jazz, is the city of Yerevan. Among the six participants of this film are Arto Tuncboyaciyan and Jivan Gasparyan.
• “The Girl in the Show” (documentary) (USA) — a poignant retrospective of comediennes, exploring the ways in which women’s comedy and women’s liberation have evolved together. The Girl in the Show brilliantly explores how comedy and feminism have grown hand in hand to give women a stronger voice in the ongoing fight for equality.
• “Nowhere” (feature) (Canada) – Serbian filmmaker Predrag Velinovic tells the story of three inseparable friends who graduate together and develop a relationship balancing on a thin line between friendship and love.
• “Modern American Artists” (documentary) (USA) – Rockstar/Guitarist Peter DiStefano of the band Porno for Pyros explores his local city of Los Angeles in search of local artists to collaborate with. Peter’s journey takes you on a day in the life of a modern American artist as he interacts with painter Michael Gorman and child prodigy Alice Asmar with whom he creates original works.
• “Betty: They Say I’m Different” (documentary) (USA) – creatively blending documentary, animation and nonfiction techniques, this movie traces the life of Funk Queen Betty Davis who arrived on the 70’s scene to break boundaries for women with her daring personality, iconic fashion and outrageous funk music. The wife of jazz legend Miles Davis, Betty was a feminist pioneer, inspiring and intimidating in a manner like no woman before. After years of trying, the elusive Betty who vanished overnight, finally allowed the filmmakers to creatively tell her story based on their conversations.
• “Dorbeen” (short) (India)- based on the life of two street children in India and their pursuit of happiness in the little things in life that most adults are unaware of or choose to ignore.
• “Echo” (short) (Serbia) – a young boy spends a day with his father, whom he only occasionally sees, in nature, with the game of calling Echo. After a great emotional charge that the play and the presence of his father create in him, he returns to his mother’s house, where there is no place for such outbursts of “irrational” attitudes towards the world.
• “Genesis” (short) (Iran) – a fantasy short film with a critical point of view about the situation in Syria.
• “What War?” (short) (USA) – a non-Armenian photojournalist’s exclusive footage from the Velvet Revolution that unfolded in Armenia in the spring of this year.

A Look into Some of Sunday’s Film Screenings:

• “The Pursuit” (short) (USA) – a first generation Armenian-American single mother still struggling with her cultural identity. She tries to conform with her family’s and culture’s expectations but feels that she is stuck in the middle of the Armenian and American cultures. When she discovers her daughter has similar ambitions to be in the arts as she once had, she is forced to self-reflect. Lucy must decide whether or not she will stand up for her daughter, and vicariously for herself, or will succumb to the ever-present familial pressures.
• “In Vino” (feature) (USA) – it’s a special night for the Buoitton Family. Charles and Linda, extremely wealthy couple, invite their closest friends and family members to dinner. Before dinner is served Charles raises the glass for a toast to his family and falls face forward on his plate dead. Linda confesses that she had poisoned him and she had poisoned everyone in the room to get the money. The guests have one choice: Kill one person among them and take the blame for both murders to get the antidote or… DIE in one hour. What follows is a hysterical exchange between the overstressed members of the group who, in an attempt to establish who should die and who should be the killer, reveal all the skeletons in the closet they have been hiding from each-other for years.
• “Under the Walnut Tree” (short) (USA) – a young boy has been displaced during the massacre of his people and his family. After wandering alone for days, he is ready to give up but fights to continue to safety. His struggle for survival ends when he finds his mother singing to a lifeless body. Loosely based on the true story of Shahan Natalie, who survived the Hamidian Massacres (also known as the Armenian Massacres) which were the precursor to the Armenian Genocide.
• “My New Year” (short) (Armenia) – Based on childhood memories of the devastating 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia. A father and his two young children are left homeless, grieving the loss of their mother and wife. After painful quest to find her body and give her a proper burial, by New Year’s Eve, the family is settled in a trailer near the wreckage of their home. The father for the sake of his children struggles to find the strength and heart to live on.
• “American Mirror-Intimations of Immortality” (documentary) (USA) – Oscar-winning screen icon Susan Sarandon and Armenian painter Tigran Tsitoghdzyan discuss how the apparently in conflict values of beauty and aging are perceived in our modern society dominated by social media, as he limns her portrait during a timeless sitting session. With this film the director sets in motion his theory on poetics of cinematic art, by creating the sense memories of an artist in a non-linear, challenging story-telling scheme.
• “Taniel” (short) (UK) – Film Noir images, prophetic verse, and narration by Sean Bean tell the story of Taniel Varoujan, one of the most majestic poets of the 20th century. At the age of 31, he was lost under the vast shadow of the murder of a race, in what became known as the Armenian Genocide.
• “Side by Side” Out of a Korean Orphanage and Into the World” (doc) – an international journey through the personal memories and experiences of abandonment, relinquishment, orphanages, aging out, and inter-country adoption from South Korea.
• “I Promises Her Life” (short) (Canada) – On the day of her daughter’s funeral, a grieving Armenian-American mother defies a centuries-old ritual and tests the limits of tradition as she walks the thin line between death and afterlife.
• “Little Fiel” (short doc) (USA) – Artist Fiel dos Santos grew up during the 16-year-long civil war in his home country of Mozambique. The only one of his family to never have shot a gun, today he makes art out of guns to commemorate the lives lost.
• “Homeless” (short) (Armenia) – a 9-year old Syrian-Armenian girl discovers her father’s plans of leaving their beloved homeland.

The 21st Annual Arpa International Film Festival will close with a special Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 4 at the Egyptian Theatre, with Ed Asner, Natalie Qasabian and Sveva Alviti being honored.

For tickets (Individual Screenings, All-Access Passes, Day Passes) and a full schedule of this year’s film screenings, visit www.arpafilmfestival.com.

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