U.S. HOUSE PASSES H.RES.306:
Landmark U.S. House Resolution Presses Turkey to Return Stolen Christian Churches
-- Majority Leader Eric Cantor Brought Key Religious Freedom Measure to a Floor Vote
-- Reps. Ed Royce and Howard Berman Led Bipartisan Drive for Adoption of H.Res.306
The
U.S. House of Representatives today adopted a landmark religious freedom
measure, H.Res.306, calling upon Turkey to return the Christian church
properties it stole through genocide, and to end its repression of the surviving
members of the vast Christian civilizations that once represented a majority in
the territory of the present-day Republic of Turkey, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
The measure, spearheaded by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) and Howard Berman (D-CA) was scheduled for House consideration by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, with the support of Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Ranking Member Berman, of the Foreign Affairs Committee. House Members speaking in support of the measure included Representatives Royce, Berman, Congressional Armenian Genocide Resolution lead cosponsor Adam Schiff (D-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus CoChair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Eliot Engel (D-NY). Congressional Turkey Caucus Co-Chair Ed Whitfield (R-KY) was alone in speaking out against the resolution. The measure was adopted by voice vote.
“Despite
Prime Minister Erdogan's recent claims of progress on religious freedom,
Turkey's Christian communities continue to face severe discrimination,”
explained Congressman Royce. “Today, the U.S. House of Representatives
considered and adopted my legislation, which calls upon the government of Turkey
to end religious discrimination, allow religious prayer and education, and
return stolen church property. The United States has a strong interest in
promoting religious freedom abroad.”
Rep. Berman concurred, noting that, “This important resolution calls attention to Turkey's disturbing, persistent failure to respect the ancient Christian heritage of Anatolia and to treat its Christian communities as free and equal citizens. Turkey should take immediate steps to restore all confiscated church property and allow full freedom of worship and religious education for all Christian communities."
In
July, Reps. Royce and Berman were joined by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) in
spearheading House Foreign Affairs Committee consideration of the “Return of
Churches” amendment to the State Department Authorization Bill. Their amendment
was overwhelmingly adopted by a vote of 43 to 1.
"The passage of House Resolution 306 is a great victory for religious freedom around the world, and is a turning point in the Armenian people’s fight for religious freedom. Respect for the full exercise of our civil rights is really central to who we are as Americans and central to the values and ideals that we promote all over the world. My home state of Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams on the principles of religious liberty and freedom and I am proud to co-sponsor the Resolution in that spirit,” said Congressman David Cicilline.
The text of H.Res. 306 adopted today is the same as the abridged version adopted at the committee level.
“Today's vote - over opposition from Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Erdogan and, sadly, even our own American President's Administration, - represents a powerful victory for religious freedom, and also reflects the growing American and international consensus that Turkey must - starting with the return of thousands of stolen Christian churches properties and holy sites - accept its responsibilities for the full moral and material implications of a truthful and just resolution of the Armenian Genocide," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.
Armenian Americans across the U.S. were joined by religious freedom advocates and their counterparts in the Greek, Assyrian, and Syriac communities in making thousands of phone calls to their Representatives in support of H.Res.306, following action alerts issued by the Armenian National Committee of America, American Hellenic Institute, and American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association and the American Hellenic Council.
With hours left to the scheduled vote on H.Res.306, Turkish American groups mounted a campaign to block the measure but were ultimately unsuccessful.
The ANCA will be posting full video coverage of U.S. consideration of H.Res.306 on its website at http://www.anca.org/return
You can read the complete text of
the H.Res.306 as adopted by the House here:
http://rules.house.gov/Media/
taken from the Diocesan Email Newsletter
From June 1-10, a group of 34 youth leaders from parishes
throughout the Eastern Diocese made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Led
by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the group traced the
footsteps of Jesus Christ through Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, and
Jerusalem.
Under the theme “Leadership in the Light of Our Lord,” participants
experienced the great sites of biblical history, learned about the
Armenian presence in the Holy Land, and explored ways to strengthen
their leadership roles at the parish and Diocesan levels.
The group also had the opportunity to meet with Archbishop Torkom
Manoogian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, who spoke about the
importance of remaining involved in the life of the Armenian Church.
The pilgrimage was made possible through the generosity of Mr. Aso
Tavitian, who joined the group for part of the program. Also
accompanying the pilgrims was the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of New
York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral; Oscar Tatosian, chair of the
Diocesan Council; and Dr. Nicole Vartanian, senior advisor for policy
and program development at Hunter College.
MENK is a free online calendar of
events and a weekly email notification
system covering the Armenian communities of
Saturday, September 8, 2012 Picnic of Armenian Church of Holy Translators
Saturday, September 8, 2012, 9:00
AM
Registration and First Day of Classes at St. Stephen’s
ACEC-
Nursery through High School- Classical (Mesrobian)
Spelling
Special Program for- English Speaking
Students
See
flyer
Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 9:30AM to 1PM
Registration and classes begin at
Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church- 402 Broadway
Reading, writing, history, literature, music and dance and Armenian as a Second Language classes for information call church office at 831-6399.
September 9, 2012 ~ 12:00 noon-5:00 PM
Trinity Family
Festival
Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater
Church Grounds-
Join us with your family for an afternoon of delicious
Armenian food – Shish, Losh, Chicken and Kevork’s Doener Kebab and more,
take-out available; Armenian music by the Greg Krikorian Ensemble featuring Greg
Krikorian, oud & vocals, George Righellis, guitar & vocals, Stephan
Hovnanian, clarinet, Charles Dermenjian, dumbeg and Michael Sabounjian,
keyboard; Moon Walk for kids; fun activities for children and families beginning
at 1:30 p.m. including the watermelon-eating contest, three-legged race, sack
race, face painting and other family fun; fellowship and more. Blessing of the Madagh, 4:00 PM followed
by the raffle drawing for cash prizes
Don’t forget to bring your tavloo board!
For
further information, please contact the Holy Trinity Church Office at
617.354.0632, email office@htaac.org , or log onto www.htaac.org
Sunday, September 9, 2012 Picnic of
Saint Gregory Armenian –
Sunday September 9, 2012 ~ noon-2pm
Armenian National Committee of Rhode Island "Meet the Candidates" Picnic
Sts. Vartanantz Church-- 402 Broadway
Contact: Stephen Elmasian at stephenelmasian@yahoo.com
Monday, September 10, 2012 - 6:15PM
Zack Minasian, Administrative Assistant to Boston Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine will be the speaker at the joint dinner meeting of the St. James Armenian Church Men’s Club and the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Men’s Club. The topic will be “A Baseball Life “.
St. James Armenian Church Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center-Keljik Hall
The social hour starts with Mezza at 6:15PM Followed by a complete losh kebab and kheyma dinner at 7:00 P.M, $12 per person.
Ladies Welcome
Tuesday, September 11,
2012
Armenian Church of Our Saviour 19th Annual Golf
Tournament
Hopkinton Country Club -
Registration 9 AM, Shotgun Start 10
AM
Silent Auction and
Raffle
Golfer Fee - $175 includes: golf, cart, driving range,
lunch, dinner, contests, and prizes
Hole Sponsor and Event Book Opportunities
Available
Contact Jay Kapur at jkapur@aimtek.com or the
Church Office at 508-756-2931
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 7 PM
Armenian Business Network (ABN) Networking Event
Karoun Restaurant-
Complimentary Appetizers and Cash Bar
No fee for this event
RSVP to arlette.yegumians@gmail.com by September 7, with your business category/interest/industry
Friday, September 14, 2012 at 6:30 PM
Armenian Relief Society "ANI" Chapter presents "Opera Providence"
Featuring Noune' Karapetian, soprano and Edgar Brutyan, tenor
Performing selections from Armen Tigranian's Opera "Anoush" and other surprises
Fundraiser to Benefit
Metacomet Country Club-
$50.00
Hors d'oeuvres, Salad, Pasta and Turkey Carving Stations, Cheese and Crackers, Cash Bar, Dessert, Coffee and Tea
For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Esther Kalajian at 401-595-7991 kkala@cox.net or Linda, lkamajian@aol.com
Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 - 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Symposium on “The Armenians and the Book”
In conjunction with the exhibit held at
Open to the Public Free of Charge
See Program details
Saturday, September 15, 2012
St. James Armenian Church
First Day of Classes / Registration!
Registration at 9 AM
Classes begin for students at 9:30 a.m. Classes are held every Saturday from 9:30 am -12:30 pm.
To register or for more information and inquiries, please call Superintendent Marina Minasian at 978-663-1755 or e-mail amindra@wmconnect.com
Saturday, September 15, 2012 - 8:30 pm-12 midnight
Classic Groove - Smooth Jazz, Blues, R&B, Funk, Rock & Roll
Featuring:
Steven Tashjian (Clarinet,Tenor, Alto/Soprano Sax) Paul Dillon (Drums, Percussion, Vocals)
Ross Hahn (Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Vocals) Ed “Face” Korman (Keyboard and Vocals)
Featured Vocalist: Susan Jeffrey
Biagio Ristorante & Bar-- 123 Moody Street, (781) 891.0100, biagiowaltham@gmail.com
For further information, please call: Steven Tashjian at 617-930-6105
Visit www.classicgroove.net -- Also myspace.com/classicgroove
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Blessing of the
Morning Service 8:30AM
Divine Liturgy 10AM
Also First Day of Classes for St. James Armenian Church Sunday School (ages 5-18) and Sunday Sprouts (ages 2-5 (pre-Sunday School only))
For more information or to register for Sunday School, please call Marsha Alabachian, Superintendent at 781-848-4726.
For more information on Sunday Sprouts, please contact Director Jennifer Ostayan at info@sthagop.com
The Annual Homecoming Sunday School lunch (including an Indoor Field Day!) will be held in Keljik Hall immediately following Divine Liturgy.
Monday, September 17, 2012 at 6:30PM
St. James Armenian Church –
St. Mesrob Mashdotz Adult Armenian Language Classes
The first class and registration - St. James' Charles
Mosesian Cultural and
For information call Annie Chekijian at
617-489-5984.
Monday, September 17, 2012
10:30-11:45 Registration
12:00 Shot Gun Start
6:00 Dinner & Awards, Auction and Raffles
For info call Walter at 781-891-7249 or Astor at 781-326-5764
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 7AM
Labyrinth Guild of New England walks on the Labyrinth at
All welcome
Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 6:30 PM
Journey to Historic
Illustrated Talk by Edward and Mary Ann Kazanjian www.HyeTravelers.com
Memorial Hall Library
Event is open to the public
Presented by the Knights of Vartan
See flyer
Friday, September 21, 2012
Getting Curiosity to Mars: A Presentation About ‘Curiosity'
A lecture by two Armenian Engeeners working on the Mars project
Details to follow soon
Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 7 PM
The Dudukner Ensemble Performance
St. James Armenian Church Cultural Committee and Amaras Art Alliance proudly present The Dudukner Ensemble (a prime assembly of Armenian traditional instrumentalists, performing Armenian sacred and folk music and songs).
St. James' Charles Mosesian Cultural and
Donation: $20, Students and Senior Citizens: $15
For tickets go online or call the Church Office: 617-923-8860 or Artemis Minassian 617-930-0181
Reception to follow
See flyer
.
Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 10AM to 2PM
First “Walk of Life” Walkathon in support of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Starting point: ACEC-
10 to 11 AM – registrationa and checkin
11 AM Walk starts -- walk is about 2.2 miles
Registration fee is $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12
End point: Faire on the Square festival, Behind the Town Hall
Watch for ABMDR table at the faire
Sponsored by the ABMDR New England Support Group
For details and to register as an individual or to form a team / join a team click here
Questions and comments or to become a Sponsor please call 617-331-0426
Saturday, September 22, 2012 ~ 7pm – 11:30 pm
Rev. Fr. Haroutiun (Randy) Dagley & Yeretsgin Patty (Sarkisian) Dagley Armenian Memorial Dance to benefit the Dagley Children, Sona & Sarkis
Holy Trinity Armenian Church,
Donation $ 35- Checks payable to Dagley Children Memorial Fund,
c/o RMA,
Friday, September 21 through Sunday, September 30, 2012
Doudukner Ensemble of
Featuring Armenian spiritual and folk
music/songs
With three New England Performances organized
by:
Saturday, September 22, -
Sunday, September 23, - Trumbull, CT Holy - Ascension Armenian Church –
see flyer
Wednesday, September 26, - Providence, RI -
And four Performances outside of
Friday September 21, - St. Leon, NJ - St. Leon Armenian Church see
flyer
Friday September 28, -
Saturday September 29, -
Sunday September 30, -
All performances are co-sponsored by Amaras Art
Alliance
Details to follow
Sunday, September 23, 2012 12:30
PM
12th Annual Gala Concert & Dinner of the Greater
Under the Direction of Maestro Konstantin Petrossian,
Composer & Conductor
Soloist: Edgar Brutyan,
Tenor
Accompanied by Karina Avanesov,
Piano
Featuring
"Arevig" Dance Group
Choreographers: Alin Sarkisian & Ani
Yaghmourian
Armenian Church of Our Savoiur Cultural Center-
Tickets for Dinner & Concert: Adults $ 25, Children's
$ 12
Tickets will not be sold at the
door.
For tickets and reservation please call: Elizabeth Orsi
(508) 865 9432
Reservation deadline September 17,
2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
St. James Armenian Church –
Reception in Honor of
Following Divine Liturgy at Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center- Keljik Hall
All are welcome
Thursday September 27, 2012 at 6:30pm
Surf, Turf and Cigar Evening
Proudly Hosted By the Knights of Vartan - Ararat Lodge
Proceeds to Benefit the St. Stephens Armenian School Expansion
$135.00 Donation Includes Filet Mignon & Lobster Clam Bake Dinner,
Open Bar and Cigar Gift Bag
Evening Includes a Silent and Live Auction with Special Celebrity Hostesses
Reservations Required-Tables Available-Limited Availability
** No ticket sales at the door **
RSVP: Jirair 617-513-5315 | Armen 617-319-5574 | Argishti 781-820-4860
All Major Credit Cards Accepted - Reservations transferrable but non-refundable
Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 7:30PM
St. James Armenian Church- Watertown- Book Club
New Selections (Summer Doubleheader): Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent, and The Late Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow.
All are welcome.
RSVP to Yn. Natasha Aljalian at aljalian@comcast.net or 617.923.8990
Light refreshments.
St. James Armene and Veronica Tarvezian Hall,
Friday, September 28, 2012
St. James Armenian Church –
Join us for the first Hye Cafe after the summer break! Enjoy fellowship and delicious kebab, falafel, and more! Reservations for parties of six or more may be made by calling the church office at (617) 923-8860. St. James' Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA.
Friday September 28, 2012 at 7:30 PM
MUSANER- 5th Anniversary and CD Pre-Release Party
The Regattabar
Tickets $16
"Played by some of the best of the
-
The
Friday, September 28, 2012, at 8:00
The Smyrna Catastrophe, 1922-2012 - an illustrated lecture
By Prof. Richard G. Hovannisian
Introduction by Prof. Simon Payaslian, who holds the
Kenosian Chair at
First Armenian Church, Nahigian Fellowship Hall
--
Sponsored by The First Armenian Church of Belmont, MA,
the Charles K. and Elisabeth M. Kenosian Chair in Modern Armenian History and
Literature at
For more information about this event contact NAASR at 617-489-1610 or hq@naasr.org or First Armenian Church at 617-484-4779 or office@facbelmont.org
Read more
Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 7pm
The
Gotham Hall
Featuring entertainment program, friends, food, drinks and much more
And celebrating 20 years of the joint accomplishments of all Armenians from around the world
For info please visit www.armeniafundusa.org or call 212-689-5307.
More event details to follow
Saturday, September 29,
2012
The 120th Anniversary Celebration Banquet of the First
Armenian Church
The Oakley Country
Club
See
the flyer for details
Saturday September 29, 2012, 4:30-7pm
Ararat Armenian Congregational
Annual Shish Kebab Supper
Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Armenian Library and
Free admission for one day only will be grant visitors who present a Museum Day Live! Ticket
(to download on www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday )
One ticket is permitted per household, per email address
The Program is launched by the Smithsonian Magazine to encourage learning and the spread of knowledge nationwide. This year’s Museum Day Live! is expected to attract close to 400,000 participants nationwide.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
HOLY TRINITY 50TH ANNIVERSARY GRAND FINALE BANQUET
Following Church Services
Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall
Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater
Details to follow
Monday, October 1, 2012
St. Stephen's Armenian preschool's Mayrig & Me Fall
session starts in
A music & movement program for children 18 months to 2 year 9 months. To register call the preschool office @ 617-923-0501 or e-mail morchanian@ssaes.org
For more information visit us on the web at www.ssaes.org
October 12 and 13, 2012 10AM to 9PM
St. James Armenian Church Annual Bazaar
St James -465 Mt. Auburn St -
Armenian Food, Delicacies and Pastries! Booths and
vendors! Raffles, incluing the $100 Raffle, Super Raffle, and $2 Raffle.
Purchase your $100 Raffle Ticket early to be entered into an extra $500 early
bird drawing at the September Hye Cafe! Kidzone including pumpkin decorating,
games, clown/balloon animals, and more! St. James' Charles Mosesian Cultural and
Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Please contact Co-Chairs Nancy Kassabian at (781) 322-0029 or Sandy Raphalian at (781) 762-6465.
October 12-19, 2012
Pontifical Visit of HIs Holiness
Visit to Churches of
October 13-15, 2012 -- Visit St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church,
Sunday, October
14th 10am-
Sunday, October
14th--
The Royal Sonesta,
4pm cocktails, 5 pm Dinner & Program
Details to Follow
Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 3PM
Sayat Nova Dance Company performs "Journey Through Time"
Presented by Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic
Tickets are $35.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 12 and under.
Call Varsenig Cotter at 508-852-3328 or Janis Arvanigian at 508-754-1039
Wednesday, October 17 at 7AM
Labyrinth Guild of New England walks on the Labyrinth at
All welcome
Friday, October 19, 2012 at 7:00 PM
Journey to Historic
By Edward and Mary Ann Kazanjian www.HyeTravelers.com
Sts Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church Egavian Cultural
Center
Event is open to the public
Organized by the Women’s Guild of Sts Sahag and
See flyer
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Erebuni Armenian School "Zangakner" Ensemble performance
Time and location TBA
Details will follow
Saturday, October 20, 2012 ~ 12 noon - 8 pm
First Armenian Church in
See flyer for details
Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 1 PM
An exhibition commemorating the500th anniversary of the first printed Armenian book
St. James Armenian Church
See flyer
Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 7pm
K. George and Carolann S. Najarian Endowed Lecture on Human Rights
Speaker: Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian, Founding Director, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel (1992-1994) and the Syrian Arab Republic (1988-1991)
Faneuil Hall,
An endowed public program of the
Free and open to the public
Saturday October 27, 2012
A.W.W.A. Annual Luncheon Auction
11 am - Silent Auction & Bidding
Door Prizes for early bird bidding
Visa & MasterCard accepted
$50 per person
Contact - awwaauction@gmail.com
Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 2 PM
Screening of “Voyage to Amasia”
Award-winning documentary film by Eric Hachikian and Randy Bell
Studio Cinema,
Sponsored by the Armenian Library and Museum of
See trailer
Friday, November 9, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00pm
Wine and beer tastgin
Advance Paid Tickets $35/pp- (Must be purchased by October 30)
Door price tickets $40/pp
For Reservations Contact: Carol Hildebrand at (978) 618-6982
Email: stsvwinetasting@gmail.com
Organized by
See flyer
Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11, 2012
Inga and Anush Arshakian
The sensational Armenian folk singing duo sisters
Saturday, November 10 - Felician College,
Lodi,
Sunday,
November 11- Watertown High School, Watertown, MA- see flyer
Organized by Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society
More details to follow
Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11, 2012
Armenian Fest at the
Organized by Sts. Vartanantz Armenian
Saturday 1 PM to 9 PM and Sunday, 12 noon to 8 PM
Full Armenian menu and pastries, hourly raffles, silent
auction table, gift baskets, arts and crafts, live Armenian music and
Don't miss this
For information, email Joyce at joycey41@cox.net
Saturday, November 10, 2010 at 7:30pm
Dance to Benefit Mer Doon, “Our Home” Residence for Young
Women
Featuring Nune Yesayan and Richard Hagopian & Ensemble
St. James Charles Mosesian Cultural &
For tickets call 617 256 5358
Sponsored by Friends of Mer Doon: Peter G. Babigian & Mark E. Kashgegian
See flyer
Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1,
2012
Trinity Christmas
Bazaar
Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston- Charles
and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall-
Friday, 3:00 pm – 9:00
pm
Saturday, 10:00 am-7:00
pm
Details will follow
For further information, please call the Holy
Trinity Church Office, 617-354-0632, or email, office@htaac.org.
January 12-through-19, 2013
Armenian Heritage Cruise- 16th Anniversary Celebration
On Board of one of the best ships in MSC Cruises- POESIA
Sailing From Port Everglades
See flyer for details
