The Article «Կը Խօսի՞ս Հայերէն», Written By Mr. Daniel Zeitounian, Continues to be Debated

Mr. Mihran Jizmejian (Canada) wrote...
Dear Friends:


I have been enjoying reading the articles published in the Armenian Evangelical Church - Chanitz Youth.


The Armenian language problem, be it reading, writing or speaking in the Western world and the Diaspora is becoming extremely difficult. The question is, can we fight against assimilation? If yes, for how long?
Yes, may be we can put up a strong fight through our educational systems in our schools, but what is the persentage of the children who attend Armenian private schools? Speaking for Canada and specifically Toronto, I can say that out of an Armenian population of more or less 25,000, we have a maximum of 400 students in our two private schools. To make matters worse, the students in the mentioned schools more readily communicate in the english language than Armenian.


What is the solution to keep our armenianness in the Diaspora. It is not easy. The process of educating armenianness must start at home, parents must be the first teachers and also the role models for their children and must work hard to instill in the children the pride of being an Armenian.

Armenian Evangelical P. & E. Torosian Intermediate School - Archive #1


In this photo: Shahe Guluzian, Ani Havounjian, Raffi Terzian, Lousin Tahanian, Raffi Gajoian, Eliz Avedikian, Vera Andonian, Serop Karaian, Lena Avakian, Salpy Allozian, Ani Darakjian, vazken Darakjian,  Ani Baboghlanian, Ani Nordikian, Ovsana Kasbarian, Vahe Poladian, Gary Kejelian, Maro Giragosian, Dzovig Minasian, Raffi Tahanian, Dzovig Marmarian, Hovhannes G. Svadjian, Ani Maldjian,  
Mrs. Ovsana, Mr. Hovsep, Mrs Takvorian(principal), Mr. Nazaret, Mrs. Sella

Our Partners/Sponsors in Ministry

Haigazian University
Haigazian University is a liberal arts institution of higher learning which operates on the United States model of higher education using English as the language of instruction. Its purpose is to provide quality education in a Christian environment where academic freedom and the search and dissemination of truth are predominant. It seeks to empower students both for leadership positions and as professionals to serve in the Armenian and non-Armenian Lebanese communities as well as in the Middle East.



P. & E. Torosian School
Torosian is a neighborhood school. Most of the students live a walking distance from school. The school implements the Lebanese Government Curriculum in Kindergarten, Elementary and Intermediate levels. The school's mission is to educate the Armenian new generation with Christian, Armenian, sound and decent education. Mrs. Seta Karageozian is the principal of the school.




Armenian Evangelical Christian Endeavor Union
The Armenian Evangelical Christian Endeavor Union of Syria and Lebanon (Armenian: Լիբանանի և Սուրիոյ Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիներու Քրիստոնէական Ջանից Միութիւն) is the youth organization that is affiliated with the World Christian Endeavor Union and the Christian Endeavor International. The Armenian Evangelical CE Union mostly coordinates with the youth ministries of local churches and at the same time it runs two summer camp sites (Monte Verdi-Lebanon and Kessab-Syria) where various groups (Children, Teenage, Youth and Young couples) organize their summer camps and conferences.




Howard Karageuzian Foundation
The Howard Karageuzian (HK) Commamorative Corporation was founded in New York in 1921 by Mr. and Mrs. Mihran and Zabel Karageuzians in memory of their son Howard who died of malaria while only 14.





Ջանասէր
Chanaser, the bimonthly magazine, is published by the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East.

Owner: Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
Publisher: U.A.E.C.N.E. Publications Committee



Bible Bookshop
The Christian store for gifts, Bibles, and Christian books. Whoever likes to gift a nice present can find suitable gifts for suitable prices with quality products. The store is located next to the Armenian Brotherhood Church, in Armenia Street.





Soulahian Super Store
The store where you will find your needs met; whether you need kitchen equipments, or gifts that you need to buy, or toys, ornaments for your salon, or electrical equipments... The store is located near Shamlian Tatigian High School, in Bourj Hammoud, Sin el Fil Roadway.





Peter's Brass
Established in 1951 as a family business: Peter's Brass is one of the major firms in the awards, gifts and sign industry in Lebanon today.
Character and expression is the result of much given attention to the fine artistic and technical details.
Combined with modern technology and traditional hand finish, they cast the events of today into living history.





Kardashian Printing Services
Kardashian Printing Services, the one-stop place for all your paper/paperless publication needs. Kardashian Printing Services is a commercial printing company based in the Industrial City in Bouchrieh, Lebanon.





High Bar
High Bar Dance group provides the ultimate new ideas for all kinds of cultural dances, varying from Armenian to Lebanese, Gulf, Greek, Modern, Latin, Spanish, Gipsy, and much more!
The aim of the group is to highlight the different cultural dances during wedding ceremonies, with affordable prices that best serve the couple.

The Alpha Course Studied in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church's Chanitz

The Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church's Chanitz committee decided to have the internationally known Alpha Course to be studied during their Bible Study sessions. And indeed it is being a blessing to the youth. The session starts with sandwich/salad and a time for fellowship, after which we watch the video presentation by Pastor Nicky Gumble, and then we distribute into three groups and discuss the subject presented.

The presentations cover the basic knowledge of the Christian faith, such as:
-Who is Jesus,
-Why did Jesus Die,
-How Can I Be Sure of My Faith,
-Why and How Do I Pray,
-Who is the Holy Spirit,
-How Can I Resist Evil
...

Alpha Course: The Alpha course is a course on the basics of the Christian faith, described as "an opportunity to explore the meaning of life".[1] Alpha courses are currently being run in churches, homes, workplaces, prisons, universities and a wide variety of other locations. The course is being run around the world by all major Christian denominations.
Source: Wikipedia











6th General Assembly of the Fellowship of the Middle East Evangelical Churches

Final Communiqué

6th General Assembly

Fellowship of the Middle East Evangelical Churches

(Anglican-Lutheran-Reformed)

Under the theme “…and we are his house if we hold firm the confidence, and pride the belongs to hope”, the 6th General Assembly of the Fellowship of the Middle East Evangelical Churches (FMEEC), consisting of Anglican & Lutheran & Reformed Churches, met at the conference center in Bethanya, Harissa – Lebanon, January 11-13, 2010.

Leaders & representatives of the Evangelical Churches (Anglican-Lutheran-Reformed) from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine (& the Holy Land), Egypt, Sudan,Iran, Iraq, & Kuwait, & the President of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Churches in Syria & Lebanon attended the meeting, as well as representatives of partner churches & church related organizations from the Middle East, Europe, & North America.

Following the opening daily devotions the Assembly listened to a theme centered Bible Study, presented by Rev. Dr. Makram Najeeb (Synod of the Nile) & Rev. Dr. Janette Wooton (Evangelical Church – UK).

In his opening word to the Assembly, Bishop Munib Younan (Head of the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Jordan & the Holy Land), referred to the painful events the Evangelical churches in the area are facing; at which all the attendees expressed their solidarity with the Christians in the Middle East, especially in Palestine, Iraq, Iran, & the Sudan. They expressed their sorrow for what happened lately in Naja’ Hamaadi, in Egypt, & spent a moment of silence honoring the victims thereof, praying for their families & the sister Church in Egypt, and sent to H. H. Shnouda III a message expressing their condolences & solidarity.

The General Secretary, Mrs. Rosangela Jarjour, presented her report, covering all aspects of FMEEC’s activities for the last 5 years, touching on many other very important issues, on top of which was the effective Christian & Evangelical Presence in the M. E., and the challenges hereto, now & in the future. The Assembly also listened to live testimonies from its Churches in the region, especially so from the Churches of the Sudan, Iran, & Iraq.

The Assembly also listened to, and reviewed the reports of the various Programs, such Christian Education Program, Women’s Program, programs serving Iran & Iraq, FMEEC’s church - related schools Program, & Theology Program. The prominent issue was Ordination of Women in FMEEC Churches; and the Assembly, after elaborate & in-depth deliberations, approved the historical recommendation of supporting women ordination to Ministry in FMEEC’s Churches, and called upon its member Churches to carry out this decision for the advancement of the Oriental Evangelical Christian testimony, and to ascertain the full role of women in the Ministry in Church & Society. The Assembly also voted to welcome the Presbyterian Synod of Iraq a new member in FMEEC. Other actions included amendments to the Constitution.

In accordance with the Constitution the Assembly elected for the new Term Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki (Synod of the Nile) as President, Rev. Dr. Habeeb Badr (Lebanese National Evangelical Union) as Vice-President, & renewed for Mrs. Rosangela Jarjour as General Secretary. A new Executive Committee was elected, consisting of: Bishop Muneeb Younan (Palestine), Rev. Fadi Dagher & Rev. Megrdich Karagoezian (Lebanon), Rev. Hilmi Qaades (Egypt), & Arch-Deacon Lou’ay Haddad (Jordan).

As a concluding expression of Oneness, all the participants joined in a celebrative worship service in the Presbyterian Church in Rabieh, during which a concelebration of the Eucharist was administered by leading clergy of the Lutheran & Reformed Member Churches, ascertaining the historical agreement these Churches achieved in 2006, known as the Amman Declaration. This Declaration, which was co-signed by seven Churches, states a mutual recognition between them, in regard to Eucharist, Baptism, & Church Ministries.

After concluding all actions of the Assembly, a delegation from member Churches, led by Rev Dr Salim Sahiouny (President of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Churches in Syria & Lebanon), paid a visit to H. E. Michael Suleiman, President of the Republic, conveying the regards of their Churches, and wishing him the success & Lebanon Peace & Prosperity.

General Secretariat Beirut 15/1/2010

The Derian Armenological Library Friends Present: The Armenian Book - 2009 Publications



Beirut, January 22, 2010- On the occasion of UNESCO’s declaration, “Beirut World Book Capital for 2009”, the friends of Haigazian University’s Derian Armenological Library organized a celebratory evening entitled “The Armenian Book - 2009 Publications”.
The event, which took place on Friday, January 22, 2010, in the University Auditorium, opened with the welcoming word of the University Librarian, Ms. Sonia Sislian, who acknowledged that, many prominent Lebanese Armenian intellectuals, as well as recent young Armenian authors, brought their part in the 2009 publications.
Keynote speaker, Director of the Khatcher Kaloustian Educational Center, Mr. Garo Hovannessian, pointed out clearly that Armenia or the Armenian spirit exists, wherever there are Armenians, Armenian writers and poets, and Armenian books. “In this respect, the Derian Library is considered an Armenia in itself”, Hovannessian said.
He noted that in today’s difficult circumstances, publishing Armenian books is considered as a heroic act, which requires an equivalent attention and appreciation. “The Armenian culture should have a global vision that embodies other cultures’ positive values without succumbing to it”, Hovannessian added.
He concluded his speech by wishing this celebratory event to turn into an annual tradition especially that the Armenian culture and heritage are on the edge of celebrating the 500 years of the printed Armenian book.
After a short musical interlude, a piano piece, “Spring” of Gomidas, skillfully performed by student Palig Ladoyan, and a poem “The Armenian Book” of Jack S. Hagopian, gracefully recited by student Shoghig Hovsepian, University President, Rev. Dr. Haidostian expressed his words of thanks and gratitude to all the authors, appreciating their unwavering efforts to publish Armenian books.
The event concluded with the presentation of special recognition certificates to the authors and the representatives of editorial committees. The recipients were, Kevork Apelian, Barouyr Aghbashian, Father Hovsep Topalian, Sona Khedechian-Dzarouguian, Levon Djermaguian, Mesrob Hayouni, Aline Hagopian, Shahantoukhd, Zani Shahinian-Mesrobian, Father Krikor Chifchian, Aram Sepedjian, Bebo Simonian, Boghos Snabian, Loussig Somounjian- Afarian, Anahid Doniguian, Yervant Pamboukian, Yervant Kassouny, Salpi Kurkjian-Tashjian, Father Varant Kortmossian, Aghavni Festekjian, Antranig Dakessian from the Haigazian Armenological Review team , and Garo Hovannessian from the HASG Armenological Yearbook team.
The ceremony ended with cutting a celebratory cake.

Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director

The Article «Կը Խօսի՞ս Հայերէն», Written By Mr. Daniel Zeitounian, Debated

You can find the article, «Կը Խօսի՞ս Հայերէն» at the following link: http://www.chanitz.org/2010/01/blog-post_03.html


Below are the comments that this article received:

Վեր. Նշան Պագալեան (Ա.Մ.Ն.) գրեց...
Գնահատելի է հեղինակին մտահոգութիւնները հայերէն լեզուին գործածութեան մասին, թէպէտ իր յօդուածը հայերէնի թարգմանուած է ուրիշ լեզուէ մը...


Պիտի ուզէի կարդալ նաեւ Հայ Աւետ. առաջնորդներու եւ մտաւորականներու համոզումները ե՛ւ անոնց ծրագիրները հայերէն լեզուի նահանջին մասին մե՛ր եկեղեցիներէն եւ դպրոցներէն ներս: Միթէ՞ բան մը չեն գրած անոր մասին, կամ մտահոգ չեն այդ նիւթով: Կամ արդեօ՞ք մե՛նք հայերէն գիրք ու պարբերական չենք կարդար այլեւս, որպէս զի տեսնենք թէ ինչ գրած ու ըսած են շատո՜նց:


Ամէն մէկս ընելիք ունինք, հոգ չէ թէ որքան համեստ: Դժգոհութեամբ նկատեցի (այս «պլոկ»ի նկարներուն մէջ) երկու տարի առաջուայ Ք.Ջ. երիտասարդաց կամ պատանեաց համագումարի առաջնորդներուն համար յատուկ պատրաստուած շապիկները՝ որոնց վրայ անգլերէ՛ն տառեր միայն կ'երեւէին: Մե՛նք ենք հարցը, եւ մե՛նք պիտի ըլլանք լուծումը՝ մեր գոյատեւման խնդիրին համար:


Կամ արդեօ՞ք ինչպէս յօդուածին մէջ յիշուեցաւ (սխալմամբ, բայց շատ ճիշդ)՝ մեր գործածած լեզուն իսկապէս «սպաններէն» է:


A Commenter (requested not to be named) wrote...
I do not understand or comprehend the concern of those who want to preserve their native language.


Preserving one's faith has nothing to do with preserving one's language. God will not judge one whether he speaks Armenian, English or Spanish.


The world is headed towards globalization and fusion of languages and cultures whether we like or not.


I have yet to hear or read a convincing point of view on this topic.


Raffi (administrator) գրեց...
Գնահատելի է Ամերիկահայ երիտասարդի մը մտահոգութիւնները, մանաւանդ ի մտի ունենալով այն իրականութիւնը որ շատ հազուագիւտ են այն անձերը որոնք Ամերիկեան դպրոցները աւարտելով կարողացած են պահել հայերէն խօսիլն ու գրելը:
Այս յօդուածը, թարգմանուած ըլլալով հանդերձ, տենչ մը կը ներկայացնէ՝ հայերէնի պահպանման, մանաւանդ եկեղեցիէն ներս:
Սակայն, պատմութեան գիրքերէն կ՛ուզեմ մէջբերել հետեւեալը, քաղուած Ամերիկացի ուսուցչուհիի յուշատետրէն.-
« Tarsus markets are cosmopolitan. You can find a dozen races rubbing elbows there. The predominating four are Turks, Arab Fellahin, Armenians and Greeks. There is a babel of these four tongues. One hears also Russian, Persian, Hindustani and Italian. We manage with French in Mersina, but it is little spoken in Tarsus. The Turkish language rules in inter-racial transactions. Armenians must use this language. Educated Armenians struggle valiantly to maintain the two surviving elements of national identity: the church and the language. But oddly enough the mother-tongue of the average Armenian is Turkish. Greek has a strong hold upon the Greeks here. It is something like the tenacious hold of the French language in Canada. The Fellahin speak a form of Arabic, but are too ignorant to care whether they make themselves understood or not.» The Red Rugs of Tarsus, 1917.
Հետաքրքրական է որ արդէն իսկ հայերէնի գործածութիւնը եւ պահպանումը հարց էր 20-րդ դարուն: Բայց աւելի հետաքրքրական է Յոյներուն կարչիլը իրենց լեզուին: Այս իրականութիւնները իրարու հակասական կը թուին, եւ հարցումը .- Ինչո՞ւ Յոյները զօրաւոր կարչած էին իրենց լեզուին, իսկ հայերը ոչ այնքան զօրաւոր:


Գալով դժգոհութեանդ Վեր. Նշան, այդ շապիկները մանուկներու համագումարի՝ առաջնորդներու խումբին դեղին շապիկներն էին: Ըստ երեւոյթին հոս լատինատար շապիկներ կը հագնին բայց հայերէն կը խօսին, իսկ այլուր հայատառ շապիկներ կը հագնին, բայց օտար լեզուներ կը գործածէն: Բայց տեսնենք որքան Արեւմտահայերէնը պաշտպանող բերդը պիտի կարենայ դիմանալ եւ գոյատեւել:


Ես պիտի վերջացնեմ, իմ՝ Թորոսեան Վարժարանի Անգլերէնի ուսուցիչիս խրատով, որ մեզի փոխանցեց երբ 9-րդ կարգի աշակերտներ էինք .-
«Տիրապետեցէք երկու լեզուներուն, անգլերէնին եւ հայերէնին: Երբ անգլերէն կը խօսիս, լման անգլերէն խօսիր, եւ երբ հայերէն կը խօսիս, լման հայերէն խօսիր, առանց խառնելու անգլերէնը հայերէնով, կամ հայերէնը անգլերէնով:»