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
SCHOOLS
AND CLASSES
--- St Stephen’s
Armenian Saturday School –
Watertown,
MA
--- Erebuni Armenian Saturday school – Belmont, MA
--- Armenian Sisters' Academy - Lexington,
MA
--- NAASR Center adult Armenian language – Belmont, MA
--- Holy Trinity Armenian Sunday School 617-842-6552 – Cambridge, MA
--- Mesrob Mashdotz Institute Adult Armenian Language Classes - Watertown, MA
617-489-5984.or send an Email to anniechekijian@msn.com
--- The AGBU Armenian Virtual College
--- Erebouni Dance School
and Ensemble of Hamazkayin-Boston - Watertown,
MA
--- Holy Translators Armenian Sunday School - Framingham, MA
Seta Abrahamian at seta@abrahamian.info
--- We Shall Dance – Watertown, MA
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn the most popular Armenian and Greek line, folk and party style dances taught by a professional instructor from Armenia. Join us for a free Open Hour on January 12, 2012
ON
GOING
--- Exhibit of Paintings, Photography & Ceramics
By Sossy Nercessian, LAU [Lebanese American University] Alumna
Nov. 18 through Dec. 17
Cameras Inc. Showroom -- 860 Mass Ave. Arlington, MA
Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm.
Mondays & Sundays, closed
--- Jazz w/John Baboian
--- Boston area Armenian radio: Saturday’s 2:30-4:00 p.m. WUNR 1600 AM – see more
--- Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston Celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Brattle Street, September 2011 – September 2012
September 2011 begins a year-long celebration for Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston as it celebrates 50 years on Brattle Street in Cambridge. Special events have been planned throughout the year to which a cordial invitation is extended to the community to participate. See Schedule of Events and plan to join us. For further information, please contact the Holy Trinity Church Office, 617-354-0632, or email office@htaac.org
--- Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Av., Watertown, MA
1. ADULTS BIBLE STUDY (in English) meets every 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the church hall. Currently the topic of study is: "Stations in the Gospel According to Mark"
2. ARMENIAN BIBLE STUDY (in Armenian) meets every 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11:00 am in the church hall. Currently the topic of study is: "the Book of Psalms."
--- ALMA EXHIBITS: 65 Main Street, Watertown, MA- 617.926.2562 –
info@almainc.org - Website: www.almainc.org
() YOUSUF KARSH PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT– see details
() Martin Barooshian Exhibit: Pointillism to Surrealism
Ongoing: October 2, 2011 – January 20, 2012
3rd Floor Gallery - Free and open to the public
() One World Classrooms Presents: “My Culture,
My World Exhibit”
Children’s
Art from Armenian and Around the World
Ongoing:
September 24 – December 31, 2011
3rd Floor Gallery – Free and Open to the public
--- Gallery Z - PROVIDENCE, RI
Preserving and promoting artists rights in the world, Sirarpi Heghinian Walzer -Founder/Director
SERVICES
--- Teachers and tutors
* Lori Ajamian, M.Ed-Tutoring, www.teacherweb.com/MA/tutoringsuccess/LoriAjamianMEd
*
Noune teaches/trains voice -for singing and speaking -children
and adults ages 7 & up
* Siranoush teaches violin to all ages
* Math -college & high-school- in English, Armenian and Russian
- SAT, GRE, GMAT quantitative sections by Veronika
--- Workshops
* Karoun Chrkoudian – Karoun Yoga – Springfield, MA
--- Invitation to join Email groups and lists
* Armenian Business Network of New England
* Armenian Heritage Park E-News
* Armenian Academic Association email group
* Armenian Studies email group
* Armenian Library and Museum of America mailing list
* Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston mailing list
* Amaras Art Alliance mailing list
* Armenian Dramatic Art Alliance mailing list
* Armenian Tree Project mailing list
E V
E N T S.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
“The Bells-- From Poe to Sardarabad,” with Prof. James Russell of Harvard University
Dr. Russell explores the symbolism of bells in poetry from Edgar Allan Poe to Armenian poets Rupen Sevag, Yeghishe Charents, Paruyr Sevak, and the bells of the Sardarabad monument in Armenia
Watertown, MA.
ALMA- 65 Main St-- 617-926-2562 or info@almainc.org
7:30 p.m.
Open to the public, free of charge.
Reception and refreshments follow the program
.
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Sunday, December 18, 2011
Holiday Dance Performance and Breakfast
Lexington, MA
Armenian Sisters' Academy-- 20 Pelham Road-- 781-861-8303
10:00 AM
$20.00 Adults
$15.00 Kids under the age of 10
Ticket Price Includes: Delicious Full Breakfast, Admission to Dance Performance, Kids' holiday Arts & Crafts, Photo with Santa, and Special Gift, Extra
A toe-tapping, hand-clapping, magical celebration with swinging holiday music and inspiring choreography ...
Featuring the Legacy Dance Company, the Dance Inn Youth Intensive and About Time Tap & Jazz companies, with special appearances by Legacy alumni and faculty members.
For Reservations and Payments made after December 8, add $5.00 to each ticket.
Tickets can be purchased by sending a check to the Armenian Sisters' Academy at the above address.
Your prompt payment is appreciated.
Space is Limited.
.
.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Christmas Family Luncheon
Hosted by the St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School
Watertown, MA
ACEC – 47 Nichols Ave
12:30 pm
Featuring Authentic Armenian Pulled Beef
Adults: $25* / Children: $15*
Price includes Meal, Dessert, Live Entertainment, Visit from Santa and gifts for all!
Tickets are pre-sold and full tables are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis by contacting:
Dayana Mieses Chavushian 617-642-0392 or daya2222@gmail.com
Christine Kahvejian 617.335.1159 or misskeeko@gmail.com
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian
Church
“Silent
Night, Holy Night”
Christmas
Concert with special performances by The Choir of Saint Ephraim Syriac Orthodox
Church also featuring The Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island and The Junior Choir
of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, and
Soloists
Providence, RI
Sanctuary of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church
7:00 P.M.
Refreshments following concert
Donations greatly appreciated
Organized by the Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and
Mesrob Armenian Church
.
.
Saturday December 31, 2011
Join the Armenian Society of Boston in welcoming the NEW YEAR!!
Entertainment by Ashot Logian & Hayasa Band from New York
Natick, MA
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1360 Worcester Street,
7:00 PM
For further information visit our website www.armeniansocietyofboston.org
For tickets call Arpie Dilan 781-891-3220 or 617-600-8234
.
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Saturday, December 31 at 8:00pm - Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 2:00am
New Year's Eve Dinner-Dance
Featuring:
Hovhannes Shahbazian & his band
Watertown, MA
Armenian Cultural & Education Center-- 47 Nichols Avenue
Tickets are $75 for adults; $35 for children 12 and under
For tickets, please call:
Naz Kupelian - (781) 676-7791, (781) 638-2624
Hilda Avedissian - (617) 688-5107
Talin Terzian - (617) 458-2799
Nazo Aroyan - (617) 279-7331
Kevork Boyajian - (617) 921-1415
Organized by the ARF Boston «Sardarabad» Gomideh's Social
Committee
.
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Saturday, December 31, 2011
St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley New Year’s Gala
Music by Richard Berberian, Mal Barsamian, Bruce Girgarjian, and Ron Tutunjian
Andover, MA
Wyndham Hotel
[Block of discounted rooms
available]
8:30 pm. $75 per person includes mezze and the famous Midnight Soujouk & Eggs Full Breakfast Buffet and Desserts
For info/reserve call the office, 978-685-5038 or Christine Kourkounian (508)878-4199
Music with Richard Berberian, Oud & Vocals ~ Mal Barsamian, Clarinet ~ Bruce Gigarjian, Guitar and Ron Tutunjian, Dumbeg
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Saturday, December 31, 2011
Dance into the New Year
The Knights of Vartan presents: Koko Pilavjian and his Band
Lexington, MA
Armenian Sisters' Academy-- 20 Pelham Road
8:30 PM
International Music Mix Provided by "DJ Shant"
Separate Kids DJ, Activities, and Prizes Provided by "Mr. DJ"
Toast To 2012 with Champagne, Appetizers, Full Course Dinner, Party Favors and More.
For Tickets Call Nageeb (617) 480-3700
$65.00 Adults
$30.00 Children 12/under
Limited VIP seating available, Table of 10 Guests, $800.00
Confirm Your Reservation by Sending a Payment Today.
Make checks Payable to: Knights of Vartan.
Mail checks to: Nageeb Diarbakerly
c/o Knights of Vartan
P.O. Box 79213
Waverly, MA 02479
.
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Saturday January 7, 2012
AGBU YP Boston's Annual Christmas Party
Cambridge, MA
Nubar -- Sheraton Commander Hotel9pm-1am
9 – 1:30 AM
$20 in advance only
Click here to pay now via PayPal
Includes appetizers, music, great company & the opportunity to support the AGBU Children's Centers!
1 complimentary drink for the first 50 people to arrive
.
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Saturday January 7, 2012
Traditional Annual Christmas Dance of HOMENETMEN
Boston
Watertown, MA
St Stephen’s Armeian Church
7:30-12:00pm
Featuring Zareh Kasbarian and his band from Washington
DC
Donation $35 kids under 13
$20
For tickets please call salpi 781-330-9695 Marlene
617-947-1536 or Kevork 617-921-1415
(Limited seats)https://www.facebook.com/events/102480929870250/?mid=54
.
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Saturday, January 14, 2012
Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston-- Second Annual Winter Ball--18 and older
Hosted by the Holy Trinity ACYOA Seniors
Cambridge, MA
Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall-- 145 Brattle Street
8:00 p.m [Doors open at 7:30 p.m.]
Donation is $35; $40 after December 31; $25 for ages 18-24 (with ID)
A DJ Raffi Event featuring music from all decades, plus traditional Armenian favorites
Donation includes hot and cold mezzes buffet. Semi-formal attire; Cash Bar
For reservations: Church Office, 617.354.0632 or email office@htaac.org . Tables of 8 to 10 may be reserved with advance payment received by January 9, 2012. For further information, contact Yn. Arpi Kouzouian, Youth Director, youth@htaac.org
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Saturday, January 21, 2012
Armenian Missionary Association presents jazz sensation Grace Kelly in Concert
Lexington, MA
National Heritage Museum- 33 Marrett Road
Cocktails at 6:30, concert at 8pm
Tickets $35, $20 with student ID
Proceeds to benefit the Avedisian School in Armenia
Info: AMAA at 201.265.2607, Jeanmarie Papelian at 781.904.2700 or visit www.gracekellymusic.com or www.amaa.org
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Sunday January 29, 2012
Celebrating the 90th birthday of Composer Edward Mirzoyan
A musical evening
Sponsored by Amaras Art Alliance
Details to follow
.
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Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Bowl Party at the AGBU
Hosted by the New England District
Watertown, MA
AGBU Center - 247 Mt. Auburn Street
Starting at 5pm
For more info please call 617-926-1373.
.
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Sunday, February 5, 2012
Poppet Show – direct from Armenia
In Armenian and English
Location TBA
Organized by Erebuni Armenian School and Amaras Art Alliance
Details to follow
.
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Lexington, MA
30th Anniversary Gala
Boston, MA
Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
Details to follow
.
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Saturday, July 14, 2012
A Hye Summer Night VI Dance
Featuring: Hachig Kazarian
Richard Hagopian
Kenneth Kalajian
Jason Naroian
Cranston, RI
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
175 Oaklawn Avenue,
8:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Price: $35.00 Adults, $15.00 Children 16 and under-- LIMITED SEATING
For tickets and information: Joyce Bagdasarian ~ 401-434-4467 or Joyce Yeremian ~ 401-354-8770
Organized by Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies' Guild/ARS Ani Chapter of Providence, RI