Chanasser (Ջանասէր) May-Jun 2008 Issue

Բովանդակութիւն՝
  • Տօնական... Խմբագրութիւն
  • «Կը Յիշեմ...»... Հրայր Ճէպէճեան
  • Հայ Աւետարանական Համաշխարհային Խորհուրդի (ՀԱՀԽ) Ծնունդն ու Զարգացումը... Վեր. Դոկտ. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեան
  • Հայաստանի Հանրապետութեան 90-Ամեակի Առթիւ... Վեր. Դոկտ. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեան
  • Ի՞նչ է Քրիստոնէական Աստուածաբանութիւնը... Եօրկըն Մոլթմանն
  • Կրօնական Դաստիրակութեան Առանցնայատկութիւնները... Դոկտ. Գէորք Խրլոբեան
  • Ինչեր Կրնան Ընել Տարեց Մայրերը... Արփի Միսաքեան
  • Հակակրօնական ու ՀակԱստուածեան Նոր Արշաւը... Վեր. Պարգեւ Ն. Տարագճեան
  • «Իմ Տեսանկիւնէ» - Հեղինակ՝ Վեր. Դոկտ. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեան... Վեր. Պարգեւ Ն. Տարագճեան
  • Խենթին Երազը... Րաֆֆի
Սեփականատէր՝ Մերձաւոր Արեւելքի Հայ Աւետ. Եկեղեցիներու Միութիւն
Հրատարակիչ՝ Մ.Ա.Հ.Ա.Ե. Միութեան Հրատարակչական Մարմին
Owner: Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
Publisher: U.A.E.C.N.E. Publications Committee

Haigazian University Celebrates its Founders' Day

Haigazian University honored Minister of Culture Mr. Tammam Salam for his contributions to the enrichment of society, during its Founders' Day celebration, on October 13, 2008, in the presence of the President of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches of the Near East, Rev. Meguerdich Karagoezian, Minister Jean Oghassabian, Armenian Ambassador Roupen Kharazian, foreign embassies representatives, Board members, faculty, staff and students.

(L to R): Rev. Greg Lee-Parker, Dr. Arda Ekmekji, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, Mr. Tammam Salam, Rev. Robert Sarkissian.

After the processional march, and the Lebanese National Anthem, the ceremony started with the invocation offered by the new Campus Minister, Rev. Greg Lee-Parker, followed by a power point presentation, "Tribute to the Founders", delivered by the Dean of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Arda Ekmekji,
Ekmekji highlighted the factors which led to the foundation of the University 53 years ago, and the founding institutions, the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches of the Near East (UAECNE), and the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA). Ekmekji proudly announced that on its 54th year, Haigazian University stepped into a new phase of development and growth, by signing a historic partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to finance scholarships, as well as by starting the refurbishment project of the recently acquired heritage building which will end by early 2010.

As an annual tradition, Student Life Director, Antranik Dakessian presented Student of the Year 2008, Mr. Antranig Ketchejian who confidently invited the students to "seize the day, and live their lives the way it's meant to be lived."
Ketchedjian called upon the students to derive through the legacy of the Founders, their powerful ideals of choice, responsibility and belief.
Ketchejian concluded by saying that university life could be lived to its utmost, by "giving equal weight, time, and dedication to the academic and the social life at the university."

After a short musical interlude, a piano duet, "Sabre Dance" of Aram Khatchadourian, graciously performed by the Panjarian sisters, Loucine and Tsoler, the President of the University, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian delivered an inspiring speech "On Profit and Culture".

Haidostian highlighted the two major characteristics of Haigazian University: its "not-for -profit" and "intercultural" aspect.
Haidostian considered that one of the challenges of Haigazian University, is its "not-for -profit" aspect, and eventually its need of resources to continue and develop and serve. He reiterated the fact that profit at Haigazian is determined by "the degree of edification, harmony, dialogue, selflessness, goodness, creativity, balance, and wisdom that we can conceive in our midst. It is in the image of a loving God that we live out."
Haidostian also introduced the notion of "culture" at Haigazian University, referring back to the founding of the institution "as an intercultural enterprise, Armenians from Lebanon and the USA, envisioning a dynamic partnership."
"All fine culture is fundamentally intercultural. Intercultural does not mean lack of culture or diluted culture or confused culture. Rather it means good communication, learning, and sharing", Haidostian concluded.

Guest of Honor, Minister of Culture, Mr. Tammam Salam addressed the audience by expressing his pride and gratitude of being a Haigazian student.
Salam considered that the main element in the Founders' vision was "a call to undergo a revolution of values, shifting from a thing-oriented society, to a person-oriented society." In the same context, Salam explained how the term "capacity building" is no more used. Instead it is been replaced by "capacity replenishment" and "capacity replacement".
Salam extended his commitment, as a minister of culture to provide Haigazian University and similar ones, with his support in promoting national awareness, so that the University becomes "a place of hope, of excitement, of discovery, a campus that is characterized by a sense of promise and pride, purpose and accomplishment".

Afterwards, President Haidostian along with Vice-Chair of the Board, Rev. Robert Sarkissian presented the minister a plaque of appreciation for his endeavors to the enrichment of society.

The program concluded with everyone singing the University's Alma Mater.

Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director

An Iraqi Armenian teen shows the way to a new life

Source: UNHCR

YEREVAN, Armenia, October 30 (UNHCR) – Mariam Sargis has spent most of her life in Iraq, but the teenager is now getting an unexpected chance to discover the land and language of her ancestors. And the 14-year-old is thriving; setting an example to her family, her community and other refugees with her enthusiasm.

Mariam left Baghdad in 2004 with her father, Sargis, mother, Najva, and younger brother Minas. They were among hundreds of members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the world's oldest Christian communities, to flee Iraq to escape mounting sectarian violence in recent years. The majority, including Mariam's parents, were born in the Middle East nation.

About 1,000 Iraqi Armenians have been granted refugee or temporary asylum status in Armenia over the past four years. They live in rented houses in the capital, Yerevan, or in the provinces of Kotayk and Ararat.

Most possess limited financial resources and are in urgent need of material assistance. They also find it hard to communicate in an unfamiliar language and a major struggle to make ends meet in an alien land.

"Despite the fact that most Iraqis are of Armenian descent, they only understand Western Armenian [the modern dialect spoken by much of the Armenian diaspora], and, as a result, they face difficulties finding proper employment," noted Bushra Halepota, UNHCR's representative in Armenia.

The UN refugee agency, working through its local implementing partner, Mission Armenia, has been helping the most vulnerable families and promoting local integration of the refugees. But despite this helping hand, some – especially the older generation – are finding it hard to adjust.

Mariam, with her positive outlook and determination to integrate and succeed, is setting an example to her peers and proving that, with a bit of will and effort, they can manage and also look to the future with confidence. Inspired by both small and big achievements, she is taking firm steps forward.

The outgoing teenager has enthusiastically embraced vocational training and Armenian-language classes funded by UNHCR. And whenever she finds things hard-going she just remembers how bad things were in Iraq.

"When my mother starts complaining, I say, 'But we are safe here, Mum, cheer up,'" Mariam said. "Here in Armenia, I sleep peacefully and have good dreams again. I'm finally free of painful memories."

She wasn't so upbeat when she first arrived here two years ago to what must have seemed like a bleak future. Everything from the weather to the language and the people seemed so different, and even menacing – she remembers feeling scared a lot of the time.

But before long the family came under the wing of UNHCR and Mission Armenia, which in mid-2007 launched the assistance and integration programme for the vulnerable Iraqi refugee families in Armenia. Mariam was found a place in school and she seized the opportunity to make new friends, expand her knowledge, and learn the Armenian language and culture.

"I would never have thought the Armenian language could be so different from mine; so rich and beautiful," she said. "My Armenian language learning experience was unforgettable. I seem to have gone through my childhood again, had another first teacher, another community, another life."

She is now studying to be a hair stylist, which will allow her to earn a living once she has finished the course. "The classes are so beneficial and enjoyable. I am inspired by this opportunity," said Mariam, adding that her chosen profession would also serve as an excellent opportunity to meet new people.

Her skills should help her family stay above water during the current hard times; her father used to own a food business in Iraq, but has only managed to find odd jobs in Armenia and is having difficulty paying the rent after using up most of the money he made from selling the family house in Baghdad.

Mariam is so selfless, she gives the credit to others for her happiness in Armenia. "I am thankful to all of the people around me who were so tolerant and caring; my neighbours, my teachers, and my friends," she said. "Thanks to the big support of UNHCR, I now believe in my strength and feel secure."

But she is the one who should be thanked, for making the most of her new life and setting an example to so many others.

By Anahit Hayrapetyan
In Yerevan, Armenia

A Visitor from the US Army

On 1 October, 2008, Ms. Lucy DerGarabedian gave Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Chanitz a visit and shared a message from the Bible relevant to the youth life. She then took questions, that were so many, about her work. She is in fact a major in the US Army, and she works as a chaplain.
Ms. Lucy DerGarabedian's family church is the Armenian Evangelical Ashrafieh Church and she has studied in NEST (Near East School of Theology), after which she moved to the US.



Fighting among Greek and Armenian monks at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem


Israeli police have had to restore order at one of Christianity's holiest sites after a mass brawl broke out between monks in Jerusalem's Old City.

Fighting erupted between Greek Orthodox and Armenian monks at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Christ's crucifixion.

Two monks from each side were detained as dozens of worshippers traded kicks and punches at the shrine, said police.

Trouble flared as Armenians prepared to mark the annual Feast of the Cross.

Shocked pilgrims looked on as decorations and tapestries were toppled during Sunday's clash.

Dressed in the vestments of the Greek Orthodox and Armenian denominations, rival monks threw punches and anything they could lay their hands on.

The Greeks blamed the Armenians for not recognising their rights inside the holy site, while the Armenians said the Greeks had violated one of their traditional ceremonies.

An Armenian clergyman said the Greek clergy had tried to place one of their monks inside the Edicule, an ancient structure which is said to encase the tomb of Jesus.

"What is happening here is a violation of status quo. The Greeks have tried so many times to put their monk inside the tomb but they don't have the right to when the Armenians are celebrating the feast," he said.

The Armenians had been preparing to commemorate the 4th Century discovery of the cross believed to have been used to crucify Jesus.

A Greek clergyman said: "We protested peacefully, we stood here in the middle and we claimed that we shall not leave the procession finished unless they leave our guardian be inside. This didn't happen and in that moment the police interfered."

Six Christian sects share control of the ancient church and the BBC's Wyre Davies in Jerusalem says confrontations between them are not uncommon, but rarely descend into violence.

Source: BBC

The only reaction on the media I found is by Gibrahayer Editor in Chief, Mr. Simon Aynedjian. Below is his editorial:
The brawl between Greek Orthodox and Armenian Orthodox clergy over rituals and traditions is an unnecessary spot in the existing brotherly relations between Greeks and Armenians across the globe.
Although these relations over time can withstand much more than a punch-up between priests, they undermine the carefully and patiently knitted political and cultural ties between Armenians and Greeks, in Cyprus, Greece and in our Diasporas.
The priests in Jerusalem should think carefully before throwing the next punch, because with every punch, alliances are battered, friendships are strained and ties monopolised.
When our "spiritual brothers" were busy throwing punches, Armenia was welcoming Cyprus Parliament President, an Armenian by race.
When our "spiritual brothers" were busy cursing each other in the holiest of places, the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus, was opening the doors of Saint George Church, so that Armenians, in the constantly-growing Armenian community of Paphos could have their ceremony, honour their dead and practise their faith in an environment of religious tolerance and brotherly love.
When our "spiritual brothers" prepare to throw the next punch let them think that in other countries of the Eastern Mediterranean - not too far away from Jerusalem - a political, religious and ethnic web linking Armenians and Greeks is desperately trying to hold on to national values and true threats by real enemies that carry the same name.
Therefore, dear "spiritual brothers" next time you prepare to take the next punch... BEWARE... You are not alone in the ring.

Simon Aynedjian - Gibrahayer e-magazine

Emails and Messages

Lola Koundakjian (New York): While commenting on the Armenian Unicode section: "These are some of the best step by step descriptions on how to add/write Armenian in Unicode. Well done!"

Arpi Shnorhokian, Sarian (USA): "I thank God for the Tchanitsagans continuing this beautiful God Glorifying endeavor. I was an active tchanitsagan for many years until I moved from Beirut. I am still in heart one until I move to Heaven. Thank you for sending this blog to me. You enriched my life and fill me with Joy. May God Bless you and your work.
A tchanitsagan strengthened by prayer, Arpi Shnorhokian, Sarian"

Rev. Vartkes Kassouni (Orange, California): "Thank you for providing the Armenian Evangelical community worldwide with a very informative and creative communication link. I become very oprimistic about our youth when I read and see your work. It is a refreshing change from the "same old, same old" stuff we get from our other publication outlets."

Rosangela Jarjour (Cyprus): "Every time I connect with your website, I am more amazed and encouraged that the church is alive! God bless you and your valuable ministry. Keep on!!"

Salpy Degirmendjian (Lebanon): "God bless you and strenghten you in your fight."

Silva Seropian (France): "Thank you very much for sending me news about your church."

Nanor Mikayelian (USA): "nice articles , good job."

Armenian Night, in Kchag Cafe

On 28 September, 2008, all the Armenian Evangelical families, Chanitzagans, and youth were present for the Armenian Night in Kchag.
The Armenian Evangelical Anjar Church youth opened up the event with traditional and folklore Armenian dances, after which Hagop Keloukian and Sero Keloukian presented Armenian pieces with duduks and dhol. Then the Sipan Dance Ensemble, of Shamlian-Tatikian School, performed.
Later on, the youth and Chanitzagans, filled with excitement with the presence of the Armenian spirit, together decided to dance traditional Armenian dances and enjoyed their cultural and traditional Armenian heritage.


Left: friends and youth visiting from Salt and Light group and Armenian Brotherhood Church
Right: Anjar youth


Duduks and dhol


Left: Ara Khederian and Raffi Gumushian from Armenian Evangelical Marash Church Chanitz Youth
Right: Families and friends from the Armenian Brotherhood Church


Sarine Artinian, from Shamlian-Tatikian dance group




Shamlian-Tatikian Sipan dance group performing (Kevork Bayrakdarian, Shahe Demirjian, Sako Magarian and Hagop Akbasharian)


Families from the various Armenian Evangelical Churches in Lebanon.


Anjar dance group performing


Left: Badveli Hrayr Cholakian, the principal of Shamlian-Tatikian Secondary School


Families and friends from the Armenian Evangelical Churches






Left pic: Miss Sona Nashian (in green jacket), past principal of Ashrefieh Central High School, one of the seniors who loves Kchag.




Friends of Kchag and families who love Kchag. Also Miss Sonia Sisslian, past principal of Ashrafieh Central High School present in the left picture.