Events Archives

ANCA-Sponsored Conference on Christians in the Middle East prioritizes justice for the Armenian Genocide

November 2, 2017 By administrator

In Defense of Christians (IDC) 2017 Summit, Aram Hamparian and U.S. VP. Mike Pence

Hundreds of Christian leaders, international religious freedom advocates, and human rights defenders held over 400 Congressional meetings calling on legislators to reject Turkey’s Armenian Genocide gag-rule and draw upon the lessons of this crime in preventing renewed atrocities against Christians and other at-risk religious minorities across the Middle East.
The advocates were gathered for In Defense of Christians (IDC) 2017 Summit, “American Leadership and Securing the Future of Christians in the Middle East,” cosponsored by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), The Philos Project, and The Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD).
The meetings, which included Christian clergy of many denominations and supporters of diverse nationalities and creeds, focused on the summit’s five-pronged advocacy agenda, including support of H.Res.220, a bipartisan measure seeks to apply the lessons of the Armenian Genocide in preventing new atrocities across the Middle East, as well as efforts to advance: security and stability in Lebanon; emergency relief for victims of genocide in Iraq and Syria; allies and accountability in the Middle East; and, legal punishment for ISIS, al-Qaeda and other perpetrators of genocide.

A highlight of the IDC 2017 Summit was the announcement that the U.S. will open a new channel of direct U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance, administered by faith-based groups and other non-government organizations, to help persecuted Christians and other at-risk Middle East populations. The policy shift, long sought by the ANCA, IDC and a broad range of coalition partners and Congressional allies was announced Wednesday evening by Vice-President Mike Pence at the IDC 2017 National Advocacy Summit Fourth Annual Solidarity Dinner.
“We will no longer rely on the United Nations alone to assist persecuted Christians and minorities in the wake of genocide and the atrocities of terrorist groups,” announced Vice-President Pence. “The United States will work hand-in-hand from this day forward with faith-based groups and private organizations to help those who are persecuted for their faith. […] We stand with those who suffer for their faith because that’s what Americans have always done, because the common bond of our humanity demands a strong response.”
His Beatitude Moran Mor Bechara Boutros al-Rai, the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East and His Beatitude John Yazigi, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East had traveled from the Middle East to offer first-hand accounts of the plight of Christians in the region. Armenian faith leaders at the conference included His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Eastern USA, Rev. Berdj Jambazian, Minister of Union of the Armenian Evangelical Church of North America and Mr. Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director and CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of America.

Burbank: GagruleLive coverage of His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II celebrate Divine Liturgy “Video”

October 30, 2017 By administrator

Burbank, CA. His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II celebrate Divine Liturgy Sunday, October 29, 10:30 a.m. at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, 3325 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91504 at the St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank. hundreds attended,

hundreds of worshippers attended. also small group of protesters

His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II will celebrate Divine Liturgy at the St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank.

October 29, 2017 By administrator

LOS ANGELES—A Pontifical Celebration of the Divine Liturgy is scheduled for Sunday, October 29, 10:30 a.m. at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, 3325 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91504

His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians arrived in Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon bringing Pontifical blessings to more than one million Armenians living in the Western United States, reported the Diocese on its website.

He was greeted by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Diocesan Council Chair and the reverend clergy. Accompanying His Holiness were high-ranking clergy from the Holy See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Ecumenical Director and the Diocesan Legate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and ecumenical guests.

Greeting His Holiness, Arch. Derederian said “We once again welcome the Pontiff of the Armenian people to the largest Armenian community outside of the Republic of Armenia. The pontifical blessings will surely inspire and strengthen us as we renew our commitment to serving Christ, our Lord and the Armenian Apostolic Church.”

The official welcoming ceremony to the Western Diocese will take place Thursday, 26 Oct, at 7 p.m. at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, 3325 N. Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank, which will also feature vespers.

A Pontifical Celebration of the Divine Liturgy is scheduled for Sunday, October 29, 10:30 a.m. at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral,

“The Last Inhabitant” to close the Scandinavian Film Festival

October 28, 2017 By administrator

“The Last Inhabitant” by Armenian filmmaker Jivan Avetisyan will be screened on October 28 to close the Scandinavian International Film Festival. To remind, the movie won awards at the film festival, taking “The Best Feature” and “The Best Actor” nominations.

A co-production of five countries, the movie is based on Tsovinar Khachatryan’s short story “Gyurjevan’s Last Inhabitant”. Masis Baghdasaryan is the co-writer of the script. Music, performed by Hover Chamber Choir and the National Philharmonic Orchestra is written by Serj Tankian. “The Last Inhabitant” was filmed in Khachmach village, Artsakh.

The film cast features renowned actors from Iran, Lithuania, Greece, USA, Russia and Armenia.
The “The Last Inhabitant’s” international promotion started with screening at the Venice Production Bridge of the Venice International Film Festival in Italy. The Armenian premiere took place in the scope of the 13th edition of the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (GAIFF).

Over the past months, the film was screened in Lebanon, the US, Russia, Iran, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, with new screenings scheduled for the coming future.

To remind, the film depicts the life in an Armenian village, evicted in the result of the Karabakh conflict. Abgar, the main character, stays behind all alone in a gradually shrinking enemy ring. He is waiting for his daughter, who has become a witness to her husband’s murder by an angry mob and was hospitalized with a mental disorder. An Azerbaijani named Ibrahim, for finding and bringing Abgar’s daughter, suggest that he work on the construction of a mosque. A few days later, Ibrahim finds the girl, named Yurga, in one of the psychiatric hospitals of Baku and brings her to Abgar.

Americana hosts private screening of Armenian Genocide documentary “Architects of Denial,”

October 28, 2017 By administrator

television host Montel Williams

Despite controversy over mall officials initially refusing to display an advertisement for the Armenian Genocide documentary “Architects of Denial,” local officials and others joined one of the film’s producers Tuesday night for a private screening at the Americana at Brand, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The documentary uses expert testimony and survivor experiences to explore genocides throughout history and how continued denial of the Armenian Genocide contributes to future atrocities.

The screening was organized by the Glendale chapter of the Armenian National Committee of America.

The film is produced by actor Dean Cain and television host Montel Williams, the latter of whom spoke before the film started to the more than 200 audience members packed into a screening room at Pacific Theatres.

Williams said he was “embarrassed” to admit that when he was asked to participate in the project, he had not heard of the Armenian Genocide, and the film should be used as an education tool in schools.

“The Armenian Genocide and its denial for over 100 years is, I think, solely the reason why the world ignores the other genocides that have continued to take place, [and] those that are taking place right now that we hear about and read about and we hear whispers of because the world’s not talking,” he said.

Williams said all the money generated from movie sales will be donated to “Armenian causes” such as the Armenian National Committee of America.

Also in attendance were members of the Glendale City Council, state Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) and state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge).

Portantino, who joined the effort early to get the Americana to reverse its original rejection of the film’s advertisement, spoke briefly after the screening.

“It is tragic that we don’t have recognition when it’s appropriate,” Portantino said, according to a statement. “The role of the activist is to make government officials do better … so let’s continue to fight for recognition [of the Armenian Genocide] and to do the right thing.”

Kim Kardashian Wore the Ultimate LWD to Her Belated Armenian-Style Birthday Celebration

October 27, 2017 By administrator

Kim Kardashian West is taking it back to her roots for a belated birthday bash.

On Thursday night, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, who officially rang in her special day on Saturday, proved that one weekend of festivities just doesn’t cut it, as she continued to fete the milestone days later.

Stepping out with her sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, as well as momager, Kris Jenner, and hubby, Kanye West, the Kar-Jenner klan rang in the momentous occasion at Carousel Restaurant in Los Angeles for a big Armenian-style family dinner.

The 37-year-old flaunted her enviable curves in a white minidress paired with a long leather blazer, strappy sandals, and a slick platinum ponytail. Inside the restaurant, the mom-to-be was gifted a white birthday cake topped with elaborate flower icing and, of course, a sultry photo of herself.

As an Arabic song plays in the background and the guests sing along, the half-Armenian reality star can be heard gushing in one of her Snapchats, “Armenian style! Oh yes! That’s so cute.”

UCLA: Interculturalism and the integration of Syrian-Armenian refugees lecture by Gabriella Djerrahian

October 26, 2017 By administrator

Gabriella Djerrahian (Concordia University, Montreal)

The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law

Interculturalism and the integration of Syrian-Armenian refugees to Montreal, Quebec A lecture by Gabriella Djerrahian (Concordia University, Montreal)

In the wake of the civil war in Syria, over a thousand Syrian-Armenians arrived to Montreal, Quebec as refugees privately sponsored by Hay Doun, a non-for profit founded by volunteers from the local Armenian community. As the latest wave of arrivals weaved into the tapestry of Montreal’s long-established Armenian community, religious and cultural organizations as well as two Armenian schools mobilized their efforts to answer the needs of Syrian-Armenian newcomers. In this talk, anthropologist Gabriella Djerrahian provides an overview of the sponsorship program and explores some of the challenges concerning the arrival, settlement and integration of Syrian-Armenians to the city. Unlike immigrants who choose to live in other Canadian provinces where English is the main language, integration to Quebec requires learning French and becoming familiar with its history and political struggles. By tracing the intercultural, social and relational premise of a French learning program devised for these refugees, Djerrahian explores how Syrian-Armenians are making their way in Québécois society and the local Armenian community we well.

RSVP Here

Cost : Free and open to the public

Sponsors: Center for Near Eastern Studies; The Promise Institute for Human Rights; The Richard G. Hovannisian Chair in Modern Armenian History

Members of Congress and Administration Praise Armenia’s Progress at 26th Independence Day Celebration on Capitol Hill

October 26, 2017 By administrator

Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Board Member Joyce Stein, Public Affairs Associate Danielle Saroyan, Co-Chair Van Krikorian, Board Member Oscar Tatosian, and Joe Stein

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, and the Congressional Wine Caucus, in partnership with the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) and Armenian National Committee of America, hosted a reception on Capitol Hill celebrating Armenia’s 26th Independence Day and the Silver Jubilee of United States-Armenia diplomatic relations. The event was sponsored by the Armenian Assembly.

Special guests who attended the event are U.S. State Department Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Bridget Brink, U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe Dale Tasharski, Adjutant General of Kansas Major General Lee E. Tafanelli, U.S. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Ambassador Andrew Schofer, former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans (2004-2006), Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Grigor Hovhannissian, Artsakh Permanent Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan, Greek Ambassador to the U.S. Haris Lalacos, Georgian Ambassador to the U.S. David Bakradze, Kazakhstan Ambassador to the U.S. Erzhan Kazykhanov, including other Ambassadors and diplomats, St. Mary Armenian Church Reverend Father Hovsep Karapetyan, and Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) Executive Director Zaven Khanjian, as well as Armenian Assembly Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian and Board Members Oscar Tatosian and Joyce Stein.

“As we celebrate diplomatic relations between the United States and Armenia, we are honored to have top diplomats who represent our country, both here in the United States to Armenia, and from Armenia to the United States,” Assembly Co-Chair Barsamian said.

Ambassador Hovhannissian welcomed guests, and stated: “We are celebrating our thriving relationship with the United States, a reliable friend and partner that helped Armenia face formidable odds as our country 26 years ago embarked on a nation building mission and embraced the family of freedom loving nations.” He continued: “We celebrate these milestones at the U.S. Congress, in recognition of the leadership role that Congress and its Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues played in fostering and cementing the reestablished relations between our nations. In this jubilee year, we were fortunate to host a large Congressional delegation to Armenia to see the fruits of our cooperation.”

State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Brink, expressing her appreciation for the strong partnership between the U.S. and Armenia, generously credited her longtime working relations with the leadership of the Armenian Assembly. “This year, Armenia celebrates twenty six years of independence. In this time, it is quite remarkable how much progress has been made. We all remember all too well the difficult years immediately after independence. But in a relatively short period of time, Armenia has modernized its economy and has become a tech hub in the region, created a vibrant political system that allows space for civil society, and has built a strong, enduring partnership with the United States, of which I am deeply proud,” she said.

Armenian Genocide film takes Best Feature Doc award in Glendale

October 24, 2017 By administrator

Glendale resident Levon Parian took home the Best Feature Documentary award for “” at the Glendale International Film Festival, which wrapped on Sunday, October 22, The Los Angeles Times reports.

The doc, set during the Armenian Genocide, detailed Parian’s grandfather’s escape from the Ottoman Calvary and his ultimate rescue of 1,000 Armenians.

The film was based on Parian’s book and directed by Marta Houske.

All awards included a “Certificate of Recognition” from the California State Legislature signed by state Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale).

As reported earlier, Best Actress and Best Actor awards went to Charlene Rose of Sherman Oaks and Mikael Sharafyan of Glendale for the film “The Bride from Vegas” which also won Best Feature Film. It was directed by Artur Levonovich Babayan.

Armenian “Dreamcatcher” snatches wild win in Bellator debut

October 21, 2017 By administrator

Competing inside the Bellator cage for the first time, middleweight veteran Gegard Mousasi used timely grappling to survive the aggressive striking of Alexander Shlemenko and win a unanimous decision in the main event of Bellator 185 on Friday at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn, MMA Fighting says.

It was Mousasi’s first fight since April, when he defeated Chris Weidman by second-round TKO at UFC 210. The stoic Dutchman took his talents to the Bellator cage where he found himself matched up with Shlemenko, a former champion who gave him everything he could handle.

In Round 1, an overhand left from Shlemenko caused Mousasi’s eye to swell up badly, prompting Mousasi to take the action to the mat and hunt for a rear-naked choke. Though Shlemenko was able to avoid the submission, he was also unable to capitalize on the damage that he did to Mousasi.

After a doctor’s examination, Mousasi was cleared to fight on and Round 2 told a similar story to the first period as Mousasi stalked Shlemenko while defending against the Russian’s spinning techniques. “The Dreamcatcher” was able to end the round in back control once more, which was enough to keep him ahead on the scorecards.

That lead was essential in the final frame, which was clearly won by Shlemenko. He poured it on, avoiding Mousasi’s takedown attempts while capitalizing on the limited vision of his opponent. It was not the highlight finish that Mousasi was looking for, but he was able to withstand the closing onslaught and make it to the judges’ scorecards, with all three rewarding him the fight 29-28.

It was the 43rd professional win for Mousasi who was competing in his 51st fight. He has now won six straight dating back to September 2015. On the other side, Shlemenko sees his career record fall to 56-10 (with one no-contest).

MMA Fighting. Bellator 185 results: Gegard Mousasi wins close decision over Alexander Shlemenko in Bellator debut