Jackie Speier is on the road to Capitol Hill - Armenian Reporter

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B8 The Armenian Reporter | February 9, 2008CommunityArt Gala benefits school buildings in Armeniam Story starts on page B1to secure the educational needs ofschoolchildren throughout Armenia,thereby helping secure a betterfuture for generations to come.“The politicians in Armenia todayare not the future of Armenia,” saidBob Der Matoian, the Knights’Grand Commander. Claiming in asweeping generalization that “theyare the old Soviet mentality,” headded, “The children in the schoolsare the real Armenia.”Showcasing the works of art<strong>is</strong>tssuch as Norma Yaglijian and ZarmineAghazarian, as well as studentsthroughout the Bay Area andArmenia, the 9 to 1 Art Gala ra<strong>is</strong>edfunds for the construction of twomore Armenian schools, which willcost roughly $320,000 each.A solid partnershipToday, aligned with the WorldBank and the Armenian Social InvestmentFund, the Knights andDaughters of Vartan has developeda system which, accordingto the organization’s credo, servesthe “religious, cultural, educational,and charitable needs of the Armenianpeople.” It’s called the 9 to1 project, a partnership where theWorld Bank guarantees to grant$9 for every $1 donated by Armeniancommunities in the UnitedStates and Canada. To date, theKnights and Daughters of Vartanhas implemented the constructionand renovation of 165 schoolsin Armenia. It has ra<strong>is</strong>ed over $1.5million through events such asthe Art Gala. With funds matchedby the World Bank, a total of$15,000,000 has been transferredto the Armenian Social InvestmentFund. The members of thegroup proudly say that 100 percentof the funds goes directly tothe people of Armenia.Vicky Palengian, a Daughterof Vartan and gala attendee, said,“Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> my organization. I believein it. Helping the children … ra<strong>is</strong>ingmoney for the education of ouryoung people that will be the futureof Armenia … that <strong>is</strong> great, andthat <strong>is</strong> where our help <strong>is</strong> needed,and that <strong>is</strong> why it’s important tome.” Her enthusiasm <strong>is</strong> shared bythousands of advocates of the organization’ssocial and educationalprojects. “It doesn’t matter whereyou’re from or what type of Armenianyou are,” Mr. Der Matoiansaid. “The Knights and Daughtersof Vartan <strong>is</strong> the magart [curd] inthe yogurt. We bring all Armenianstogether. It doesn’t matter whatyour political beliefs are; th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>n’tabout politics, th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> about education.”The Knights and Daughtersof Vartan was establ<strong>is</strong>hed in theyears following the ArmenianGenocide to support the recoveryand growth of Armenian culture,religion, and education. The organizationprides itself on beingnonsectarian, nondenominational,and nonpolitical.As one of the featured art<strong>is</strong>tsat the Art Gala and a supporterof the organization, ZarmineAghazarian believes that buildingand strengthening educationalinstitutions <strong>is</strong> crucial for ensuringthe success of future generationsof young Armenians. “I’m hereto promote, and make money forArmenia,” she said. “I’m from Armeniamyself… so th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> a goodcause.”Another of the Art Gala’s featuredart<strong>is</strong>ts, Norma Yaglijian, wasresponsible for setting up an art<strong>is</strong>texchange project in Armenia. “TheKnights of Vartan asked me to beon the committee to help with theart projects they proposed to theschools of Armenia,” she explained.A supporter of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan making a bid toward an artpiece from a child in Armenia. Photo: Alexandra Bezdikian.“The organization gave us moneyto purchase art materials such aspaint, pencils, and brushes, andsend them to five different schoolsin Armenia.”The unforgettable Art Gala concludedwith good old-fashionedArmenian song and dance. Inaddition to the many wonderfulpieces of art and tapestry thatFresno’s Holy Trinity Church marks 107th anniversarywere sold during the event, bothAghazarian and Yaglijian weresuccessful in helping ra<strong>is</strong>e hundredsof dollars by auctioning offtheir work.Once again, with the gift of educationprovided by the Knights andDaughters of Vartan, the childrenof Armenia will have much to celebrate.fPrelate celebratesdivine liturgy andordains acolytesFRESNO, Calif.7 – On January27, the Holy Trinity Armenian ApostolicChurch in Fresno celebratedits 107th anniversary with DivineLiturgy and a banquet held underthe auspices of H<strong>is</strong> Eminence Archb<strong>is</strong>hopMoushegh Mardirossian,Prelate of the Western Diocese ofthe Armenian Apostolic Church ofAmerica, and hosted by the par<strong>is</strong>hBoard of Trustees.In the morning the Prelate celebratedDivine Liturgy, duringwhich he ordained six acolytes– Menas Ar<strong>is</strong>ian, Nshan Bagdasarian,Brent Hamparzoomian,Brandon Hamparzoomian, TylerShegerian, and Garen Zanontian– and one stole bearer, ArmenBedrosian.The Prelate began h<strong>is</strong> sermon bycongratulating the par<strong>is</strong>h on its107th anniversary. He then congratulatedRev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanianon h<strong>is</strong> 10th anniversary offaithful service to the Holy TrinityChurch and 15th anniversaryof priesthood. During the sermon,the Prelate acknowledged the SundaySchool students, who were inattendance not only to witnessthe ordination of their peers, butto hear the message specifically directedto them. The Prelate offeredwords of encouragement and commendationto the Sunday Schoolstudents and teachers alike fortheir commitment to the advancementof the church.H<strong>is</strong> Eminence then providedan articulate explanation of theupcoming commemoration of St.Vartan and continued h<strong>is</strong> messageby presenting the Gospel. He concludedh<strong>is</strong> message by commemoratingthe William Saroyan centennialwith a tribute to composer,conductor, and music instructorKrikor Prof-Kalfayan on h<strong>is</strong> 135thbirthday.In honor of the memory of Prof-Kalfayan, the choir sang a numberof hymns arranged by the musician.Hasmig Aaronian, a former studentof Prof-Kalfayan, performed herteacher’s arrangement of Der Voghormya.Award-winning sopranoAnahid Nercessyan also sang duringthe church service. In addition,junior members of the church choirwere featured during the Liturgy.Community banquetFollowing church services, the107th annual banquet took placein the church hall. Over 400 gueststook part in the festivities. Jeff Tanielian,chair of the Board of Trusteesand the event’s msster of ceremonies,invited Rev. Fr. Gosdanianto offer the invocation, after whichLeft: Abp.MousheghMardirossianordains acolytesas Fr. VahanGosdanian andDn. Mark Shirinass<strong>is</strong>t. Below left:Rev. Fr. VahanGosdanian withthe Prelate.Below right: ThePrelate honoringJack Gahvejian.Lauren Sarabian sang a beautifulrendition of The Star-Spangled Bannerand Angele Ohannessian gavean exqu<strong>is</strong>ite vocal performance ofArmenia’s national anthem.After lunch, which was preparedby the par<strong>is</strong>h Men’s Society, ExecutiveCouncilmember VaroujanDer Simonian paid tribute to Saroyanand Prof-Kalfayan on theirrespective anniversaries and readfrom Saroyan’s book Don’t Go, ButIf You Must, Say Hello to Everybody.The reading highlighted Saroyan’swords about Prof-Kalfayan and incorporated<strong>is</strong>sues that directly affectedthe Armenian community atthe time as well as Saroyan’s interactionwith Kalfayan.Der Simonian then invited sopranoAnahid Nercessyan and accompl<strong>is</strong>hedorgan<strong>is</strong>t Naira Shahsouvarianto perform a musicaltribute to Prof-Kalfayan, which incorporatedfive selections arrangedby the musician.Following these performances,Mary Alice Kaloostian presentedRev. Fr. Gosdanian with a myriadof letters of recognition by governmentofficials, including GovernorArnold Schwarzenegger, proclaimingh<strong>is</strong> 10 years of devotedservice to the Holy Trinity Churchand 15 years of priesthood. Kaloostianalso presented a framed Resolution<strong>is</strong>sued by the California Leg<strong>is</strong>latureand signed by Senator DaveCogdill. Next to be invited to thepodium was Church Admin<strong>is</strong>tratorNazik Ar<strong>is</strong>ian, who presented adetailed biography of Rev. Fr. Gosdanian.Afterwards Ar<strong>is</strong>ian and Tanielianpresented the Reverend withan engraved clock on behalf of theChurch as a token of appreciation.Following the presentation ofawards, three par<strong>is</strong>hioners, GladysJamgotchian, Mary Hokokian,and Haig Barret Arakelian, weregiven the Annual Service Award fortheir dedication and vast contributionsto the par<strong>is</strong>h.The program continued withLadies’ Auxiliary member JaneGamoian, Trinity Guild memberAlma Margosian, and vice chairof the Board of Trustees LevonBaladjanian offering their congratulatoryremarks to Rev. Fr.Gosdanian, and on behalf of theirrespective organizations presentedthe proceeds of their extensivefundra<strong>is</strong>ing projects during thepast year to the church.The next item on the banquetagenda was the Super Drawing,which was a new fundra<strong>is</strong>ing venue.Closing remarks were deliveredby the Prelate, who again congratulatedthe par<strong>is</strong>h and Rev. Fr. Gosdanian,presenting him with a pectoralcross. The Prelate also congratulatedthe par<strong>is</strong>h for celebrating theachievements of Saroyan and Prof-Kalfayan as well as acknowledgedthe six acolytes on their ordinationand Armen Bedrosian for beingelevated to stole bearer. Armen’smother, Rosie Bedrosian, donateda beautiful hand-crafted cross tothe church on th<strong>is</strong> happy occasion.The Prelate also honored JackGahvejian for h<strong>is</strong> nearly 70 yearsof service to the church and h<strong>is</strong> diligentand devoted commitment tochurch activities in h<strong>is</strong> capacity asa representative to the ExecutiveCouncil.The banquet concluded with thePrelate’s benediction and the collectivesinging of Giligia. f
The Armenian Reporter | February 9, 2008CommunityBuilt on the rock of faithArizona’s Armeniancommunity willsoon have its ownchurchB9by Fr. Zacharia Saribekyanand Suzie GrigoriansSCOTTSDALE, Ariz.7 – On January27, the Armenian communityof Arizona celebrated the 50th anniversaryof its formation with a luncheonfollowing the Divine Liturgy.The event was held under the auspicesof H<strong>is</strong> Eminence Archb<strong>is</strong>hopHovnan Derderian, Primate ofthe Western Diocese of the ArmenianApostolic Church of NorthAmerica, with the blessing of Rev.Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Priestof the Armenian Apostolic Churchof Arizona. The luncheon was organizedby the Par<strong>is</strong>h Council andvariious Church organizations.Over 300 par<strong>is</strong>hioners were inattendance. They included theguests of honor, s<strong>is</strong>ters MargaretHosepian, Atlanta Hosepian,and Jane Hosepian Carriell, whohave donated land valued at over $3million for the ex<strong>is</strong>ting hall and futurechurch. During the luncheon,approximately $250,000 was ra<strong>is</strong>edfor the Building Fund. Constructionon the church will begin in thenext few months.Although local newspapers havereported that Armenians have residedin the Valley of the Sun sincethe late 1800s, it was in 1957 thatthey held their first official gathering,marking the beginning of aflour<strong>is</strong>hing community.Some of the first families whosettled here were the Mehagians,Chakmakians, Injasoulians, Morr<strong>is</strong>ons,Hosepians, and Shirinians.The first clergyman to v<strong>is</strong>itth<strong>is</strong> community was Archb<strong>is</strong>hopTorkom Manoogian, currentlyserving as Patriarch of Jerusalem,who celebrated the first HolyMass at the Hosepians’ residencein 1963. During the Divine Liturgy,a symbolic fundra<strong>is</strong>ing took placein the form of par<strong>is</strong>hioners’ pocketchange being collected as seeds forfuture endeavors.Over 300 par<strong>is</strong>hioners participated in the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Armenian community of Arizona.Photos: Carl Kuehn.Volunteers waiting for the par<strong>is</strong>hioners.On October 16, 1963, the Stateof Arizona acknowledged the ex<strong>is</strong>tenceof the Armenian ApostolicChurch of Arizona. A few years later,during the v<strong>is</strong>it of Archb<strong>is</strong>hopVatche Hovsepian, the Hosepianfamily was in search of a land tobuild the Armenian church on.After considering many locations,they came across a vacant propertyon Cholla Street in Scottsdale.While the Hosepians and theArchb<strong>is</strong>hop were contemplatingthe possibility of the site, an eagleflew over the land. It was, literally,a sign from above. Archb<strong>is</strong>hopHovsepian sighed and said, “Th<strong>is</strong>vacant lot will be where we willbuild the first Armenian Church inArizona.” Subsequently the Hosepianfamily graciously donated theblessed lot to the Armenian community.In the following years, the Par<strong>is</strong>hCouncil and church organizations,with support from severalbenefactors, diligently plannedMarge Injasoulian, founding memberof the community 50 years agoAbp. Hovnan Derderian, flanked by Margaret Hosepian (2nd from r.), Jane Hosepian Carriell (c.), Atlanta Hosepian (3rdfrom l.) and members of the Hosepian family, cutting the 50th anniversary cake.and built the presence complex ofcommunity structures. The ArmenianChurch Cultural Center, whichhouses the Melikian Hall, was builtin 1992. Alongside the hall, the Alexand Marie Manoogian classroomswere establ<strong>is</strong>hed. Later on, the Nikitand Eleanora Ordjanian library wascompleted.fVartanantz commemoration in Fresno features Debbie Poochigianby Nyrie KarkazianFRESNO, Calif.7 – On January31, one of the most epic battles ofArmenian h<strong>is</strong>tory was celebrated inFresno, at St. Gregory the IlluminatorArmenian Church of Fowler.The Vartanantz commemoration,held by the Knights of Vartan YepradTahlij (Lodge), included theholy liturgy followed by a receptionin the church hall with featuredspeaker Debbie Poochigian.“Vasen Kr<strong>is</strong>tosi yev hayreniats [forthe sake of Chr<strong>is</strong>t and our nation],”proclaimed Poochigian in her speech.She spoke of Vartan and what shecalled “the most gruesome and hardfoughtbattle of early times to keepthe Armenian faith.”Poochigian, who <strong>is</strong> running forsuperv<strong>is</strong>or of Fresno’s Fifth D<strong>is</strong>trict,described the night before thebattle of Avarayr and how it wasrecorded that a holy badarak (Mass)service was held. The service wassaid to have been followed by communionand the rest of the nightwas spent in prayer.“I fight and die with honor andto remain faithful to Chr<strong>is</strong>t regardlessof our plight,” said Poochigian,quoting the great Vartan Mamikonian.Commander of the Armenianforces, Mamikonian led the res<strong>is</strong>tanceagainst the Persians, whodemanded that Armenia convertto Zoroastrian<strong>is</strong>m. The officialArmenian response was: “Fromth<strong>is</strong> faith [Chr<strong>is</strong>tianity] no onecan shake us, neither angels normen; neither sword, nor fire, norwater, nor any, nor all horrid tortures…”Armenia’s resolve led to thebattle of Avarayr on May 26, 451,with the 66,000-strong ArmeniaCandidate DebbiePoochigianspeaking atthe Vartanantzcommemoration.army facing a Persian force thatoutnumbered it four to one. It<strong>is</strong> said that Avarayr was the firsteverbattle waged for religiousfreedom.The Armenians fought fiercely,and although they lost 1,036 men,including the heroic Vartan, thatday, Persia ultimately failed toforce Armenia to convert to Zoroastrian<strong>is</strong>m.By 484, after yearsof guerrilla warfare led by VahanMamikonian, Vartan’s nephew, thePersians finally relinqu<strong>is</strong>hed andacknowledged Armenia’s right toreligious freedom.Poochigian said that the Armenianpeople did not say that theywere fighting for their land andnation, but rather for Chr<strong>is</strong>t andthe nation. To illustrate her point,she referred to a scene in themovie The Princess Bride, where a“mostly dead” man <strong>is</strong> taken to ahealer. As efforts are made to revivehim and there <strong>is</strong> amazementas to what it <strong>is</strong> that keeps himhanging on to h<strong>is</strong> last strand oflife, he says, with h<strong>is</strong> last breath,“True love.”The true love that the man heldon to so dearly was the sameforce which Vartan and h<strong>is</strong> soldiersgrasped with all their might,Poochigian explained. They foughtand died for their true love ofChr<strong>is</strong>t.“Debbie did an excellent jobspeaking about Vartan,” saidCharlie Basmajian, a member ofthe Knights of Vartan VartanantzCommittee.The holy badarak service was performedby a succession of pastorsfrom all the Armenian churchesin the area including Rev. Fr. VartanKasparian, Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian,Rev. Ara Guekezian, Rev.Vahan Gostanian, Rev. Fr. ArshenAivazian, Rev. Fr. Kevork Arakelian,and Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian fromHoly Echmiadzin in Armenia.Poochigian’s speech was followedby a program of piano performancesby Ovanes Arakelyan and GianehArakelyan.“Th<strong>is</strong> was a very successful Vartanantzcelebration,” said MichaelDevejian, chairman of the Knightsof Vartan Vartanantz Committee.“Over 300 people attended. We areproud of the Knights and Daughtersof Vartan and we are gratefulto our forefathers Vartan Mamikonianand h<strong>is</strong> men, who sacrificedtheir lives for us to keep our Chr<strong>is</strong>tianfaith.”fHOUSE FOR SALEGLENDALE (91206 area)Charming house for sale by owner.Near Chevy Chase and Glenoaks.It has 1431 sq. ft.,with 2 bedrooms/2 baths largeliving room w/gas fireplace;formal dining room w/frenchdoors leading to outsidepatio and large backyard.2 car garage; hardwood flrs.$639,000. Carolyn.323 665-7002.No agents pls.
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