HAMAZKAYIN OF NEW YORK SCREENS ZAREH TJEKNAVORIAN’S DOCUMENTARY FILM “ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE”

On Sunday, January 27, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., at the Pashalian Hall of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral the New York chapter of Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society organized the screening of the documentary film “Enemy of the People: Armenians Look Back at the Stalin Terror” directed and produced by Zareh Tjeknavorian.

Dr. Ara Caprielian, chairman of Hamazkayin of New York, began the program with his welcoming remarks, during which he expressed his gratitude to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian for making the Pashalian Hall available gratis for such cultural events. Then, he introduced Zareh Tjeknavorian to the audience. Tjeknavorian was born in Fargo, ND, but grew up in a cosmopolitan international environment due to his father, composer and conductor Loris Tjeknavorian’s tours in various countries. Zareh lived in San Francisco, Iran, London, Germany, Paris, New York City, and Armenia. He graduated from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University in 1992, with a bachelor’s degree in film and television production.

“Enemy of the People,” narrated by Eric Bogosian, is Tjeknavorian’s most widely-known documentary film, which depicts Stalinist oppression in Armenia. In fact, National Geographic Magazine recommended it as one of three must-see films about Armenia, along with “The Color of Pomegranates” by Sergei Parajanov and “Ararat” by Atom Egoyan.

At the conclusion of the program, Dr. Ara Caprielian invited Fr. Mesrob Lakissian to the podium to make the closing remarks. Fr. Mesrob expressed his pleasure at seeing such a poignant film, congratulated Zareh Tjeknavorian on his accomplishment, and presented him with a beautifully crafted miniature replica of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Monument erected in Antelias. He also praised Dr. Caprielian and the rest of the Hamazkayin board members for organizing this significant function. And, in response to Dr. Caprielian’s expression of gratitude for making the Pashalian Hall available gratis for such events, Fr. Mesrob said, *“We renovated the Pashalian Hall for that very same purpose. Anytime you organize a cultural event, the hall is yours. This is also your cultural
home.”

Rev. Mesrob Lakissian presented Zareh Tjeknavorian with a miniature replica of the Armenian Genocide Monument erected in Antelias
Rev. Mesrob Lakissian presented Zareh Tjeknavorian with a miniature replica of the Armenian Genocide Monument erected in Antelias
Der Mesrob and Zareh Tjeknavorian with members of Hamazkayin
Der Mesrob and Zareh Tjeknavorian with members of Hamazkayin

FIRST DAY OF THE ST. ILLUMINATOR’S SATURDAY SCHOOL

The all new academic program for the Saturday school of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York, began last Saturday to a rousing welcome by students and parents. The school, which meets every Saturday from 9:45 am to 1 pm, will continue through May 18. Classes are held at the Armenian Center in Woodside, New York.

Armenian music, laughter, and balloons filled the halls and classrooms of the school as the organizing committee registered students and showed them the renovated classrooms. Parents and children filled the school’s main hall, to hear Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral and acting principal of the school, offer an opening prayer and words of welcome.

Following a reception for students and parents, the children were introduced to the teachers and then participated in special opening day activities that had been planned by the organizing committee.

The classrooms and hallways of the school were refurbished and the committee’s goal is to provide the students with a safe and happy place to learn and grow with their Armenian friends. Part of the opening day activities included the students leaving their handprints on the wall near the entrance. The children were given a choice of paint color in which they dipped their hands and with great joy left their imprint on the wall.

Students enjoyed first day activities in their classrooms and then the older students invited the younger students to watch their presentation of a short skit in Armenian about a little turtle that helps his friends when they need help.
Der Mesrob expressed thanks to the organizing committee and the parents for an inspiring opening day and the beginning of a successful academic year.

Registration is still open. Forms can be obtained at satarmenianschool@gmail.com or at www.stilluminators.org. Copies are also available at the Cathedral office.

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CHRISTMAS AT THE NEW YORK ARMENIAN HOME

Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian and Deacon Shant Kazanjian visited the residents of the New York Armenian Home, in Flushing, New York on January 10. After a beautiful Armenian Christmas service, Der Hayr and Dn. Shant sang some songs for the residents. Der Hayr presented each of the residents with beautiful scarves from Armenia. The residents were very glad to be remembered and gratefully accepted the gifts.

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NEW YORK AREA YOUTH RAISE $2,000 FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF

Two thousand dollars was raised by five Armenian youth organizations during their 8th annual Thanksgiving party for the Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief. A check was presented to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and a member of the Prelacy’s Religious Council, who accepted the check and expressed gratitude on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan.

The five organizations are: AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York; Armenian Network, Greater New York Region; New York Armenian Students Association; AYF-YOARF New Jersey Arsen Chapter; and AYF-YOARF, New York Hyortik Chapter.

Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian accepts a check of $2,000 from Raffi Hovsepian of the New York Armenian Students Association, for Syrian Armenian relief. The money was raised at a Thanksgiving party of five youth organizations in the NY metro area.
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian accepts a check of $2,000 from Raffi Hovsepian of the New York Armenian Students Association, for Syrian Armenian relief. The money was raised at a Thanksgiving party of five youth organizations in the NY metro area.

CONSECRATION OF NEW PAINTING AND DOORS AT CATHEDRAL

The consecration of the new painting and new front doors for the St. Illuminator’s Cathedral by Archbishop Oshagan took place on Sunday, January 6, following Christmas services.

The impressive new doors were sponsored by Mr. Ardashes Bedrosian. The Cathedral has undergone a major renovation and transformation during the past few years. The new doors and the new painting are the most recent projects to be completed.

“Crucifixion” painting is donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Agajian in loving memory of their sister Ani Agajian-Gralian. Painter: Rudik Petrosian
“Crucifixion” painting is donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Agajian in loving memory of their sister Ani Agajian-Gralian.
Painter: Rudik Petrosian

Oshagan Srpazan is blessing Mr. Ardashes Bedrosian, the sponsor of the new front doors
Oshagan Srpazan is blessing Mr. Ardashes Bedrosian, the sponsor of the new front doors

From left to right: Viken Najarian, Tony Vartanian, Ardashes Bedrosian, Archbishop Oshagan, Der Mesrob, Michael Yetemian, Antranig Vartanian, Christopher Hufcut (North Jersey Door Center) and Hovannes Bakalian
From left to right: Viken Najarian, Tony Vartanian, Ardashes Bedrosian, Archbishop Oshagan, Der Mesrob, Michael Yetemian, Antranig Vartanian, Christopher Hufcut (North Jersey Door Center) and Hovannes Bakalian
Rev. Mesrob Lakissian, Mr. Ardashes Bedrosian, Mr. Jerry Agajian and Mr. Rudik Petrosian
Rev. Mesrob Lakissian, Mr. Ardashes Bedrosian, Mr. Jerry Agajian and Mr. Rudik Petrosian
  Archbishop Choloyan consecrates the painting of Crucifixion
Archbishop Choloyan consecrates the painting of Crucifixion