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South Florida Armenian Community Celebrates Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Nareg Berberian’s 20th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood
South Florida Armenian Community Celebrates Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Nareg Berberian’s 20th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood
H.E. Archbishop Barsamian Ordains New Deacons at St. David Armenian Church
Boca Raton, FL – On Saturday, January 21, around 250 members of the south Florida Armenian-American community gathered in Mardigian Hall at St. David Armenian Church to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Nareg Berberian’s ordination to the Holy priesthood. The celebratory banquet was widely attended by hundreds of Florida Armenians from across the state and many religious dignitaries from around the United States.
Guests enjoyed an eloquent and entertaining banquet over a fine three-course dinner, remarks from religious dignitaries and musical performances from local Armenian talents. Presiding over the banquet was His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America in New York. Joining him was H.E. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate of the Armenian Church of America in Washington, DC, Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City, Rev. Fr. Mempre Kouzouian from Boston, Massachusets, Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfyan of St. Mary Armenian Church in Cooper City, Florida, Rev. Fr. Nerses Jebejian, and Rabbi Robert Silvers of B’nai Israel Synagogue in Boca Raton and local clergy. Taniel Koushakjian, founder of Florida Armenians (www.FLArmenians.com), served as Master of Ceremonies.
Kicking off the program was Carol Norigian, Banquet Commemorative Committee Chair, who expressed her deep appreciation to Fr. Berberian and noted his hard work and many achievements over his decade-long tenure in the south Florida parish. Norigian spoke on behalf of committee members Beatrice Babgouni, Nadia Isguzar, Maral Kazandjian, Armen Melkonian, Rose Reynolds, Claudette Sarian, Nina Stapan, and Rose Tatarian who organized the evening’s festivities. Norigian also presented Fr. Nareg with a beautiful replicable Noah’s Ark, sent by renowned Armenian artist and designer Michael Aram, for his many accomplishments at St. David Armenian Church.
Several local talents performed for the packed hall to celebrate in Hayr Sourp Berberian’s 20 years of service in the Holy priesthood. St. David ACYOA talents Alique Mazmanian and Ani Manvelyan each sang Armenian songs and Alique joined Alex Crossley for a duet. Arman Avedyan, also from St. David ACYOA, inspired the crowd with his powerful performance of the classic Armenian opera Nessun Dorma. Later in the evening, St. Mary ACYOA violinist Sage McBride beautifully performed Aram Khatchadourian’s Groong. Following was local award-winning pianist Hratch Boghossian, who brought the crowd to its feet with his spectacular performance.
Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Nareg Berberian with family and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian
Highlighting the banquet was the Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Nareg Berberian, who stated, “Today, I feel elated to have such a wonderful community, all of whom I value as my friends. It is unbelievable that 20 years have passed since my Ordination into the Holy Order of Priesthood, and ten years since you embraced me as your spiritual leader, your Pastor, here at St. David Armenian Church.” Fr. Nareg continued, “You are the Church, you are the mission, you are the ministry. Without you there would be no priesthood, without you there would be no vision. Thank you for making a positive difference in my life. God is working through each and every one of us. Let’s glorify His name and thank Him for bringing us closer to Him through the ministry of His Church.”
Fr. Nareg was also joined by his family who flew all the way from California. His niece, Joelle Awad, spoke eloquently about Fr. Nareg on behalf of his family. In addition, a special video message and film, showcasing photos of Hayr Nareg’s early life, was featured and is available below.
Concluding the banquet’s program was remarks from H.E. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church. His Eminence spoke warmly about his friendly and professional relationship with Fr. Nareg, and reflected on his many years of service, having himself ordained Hayr Nareg twenty years ago. On behalf of the Armenian Church, Archbishop Barsamian presented Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Berberian with an award for his two-decade service to God and the Armenian-American community. Archbishop Barsamian’s passionate remarks and uplifting spirit was a wonderful conclusion to the evening’s celebration.
Then, on Sunday, January 22, H.E. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian led Archishop Vicken Aykazian, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Nareg Berberian, Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Rev. Fr. Mampre Kouzouian, Rev. Fr. Nersess Jebejian and the south Florida Armenian-American community in Divine Liturgy (Holy Badarak). During Badarak, Archbishop Barsamian ordained two young St. David altar servers, Arlen Avedyan as a Deacon, and Gregory Merjian as Sub-Deacon, in the Armenian Church.
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Photo Caption 1 (L-R): Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Nareg Berberian with family and H.E. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church in New York, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate of the Armenian Church in Washington, DC
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Celebrates First Badarak Service of 2012
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Celebrates First Badark Service of 2012
Bonita Beach, Florida – On January 15, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida celebrated their first Badarak service of 2012. Over 100 parishioners from across southwest Florida were present to welcome Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar of the Armenian Church of America. Florida Armenian local Mr. Vartkes Karaian served as Godfather of the Cross during the Blessing of the Water. A delicious luleh kebab dinner followed the service where guests renewed old friendships and welcomed new parishioners to the growing Armenian community in southwest Florida.
Deacon Zaven Hartutian, The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Deacon Allan Tossoonian, and Godfather of the Cross Vartkes Karaian
The next Badarak service will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 1:00 pm. Services are held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Beach. For more information or to join our mailing list, please contact Carole at (239) 3804 or cmegh@comcast.net.
Photo caption (L-R): Deacon Zaven Hartutian, The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Deacon Allan Tossoonian, and Godfather of the Cross-Vartkes Karaian.
Campaign 2012: A Look Through the Armenian-American Lens
Campaign 2012: A Look Through the Armenian-American Lens
By Taniel Koushakjian
FLArmenians Political Contributor
We are now less than a year away from the 2012 elections and the campaign trail is already heating up. The race for the white house has catapulted various GOP candidates to the top of the mountain, only to see them tumble from its peak. So far we have seen some historic debate gaffes, incredibly bold policy proposals and unorthodox candidates try to distinguish themselves from each other, all in an effort to be the anti-Romney; the presumptive GOP nominee. But this election season is going to be unlike any other. Fresh campaign tactics, new technologies, redistricting and the latest player in the political arena, the SuperPAC, are all poised to dramatically change the way Americans vote in 2012. And these factors will impact not only the presidential race. What we see in the presidential contest will be evident in congressional races as well.
So what does this all mean for the Armenian-American community? Let’s take a look.
In congressional elections, for decades Armenian-Americans have been active in raising Armenian issues and concerns, upon which politicians compete for our vote. In recent years, the small but growing Turkish-American community has followed suit. From its peak in the 110th Congress, the Congressional Armenian Caucus boasted over 160 Members of Congress. Today it stands at 135 Members strong. At the same time, the Congressional Turkish Caucus grew its ranks from just over 60 in 2006, to 126 Members today, a 200 percent growth rate.
So far this year, 17 House Democrats and 9 House Republicans have announced their retirement or will not be seeking re-election in their present seat. The number of outright retirements can be attributed in large part to the redistricting process, a once a decade phenomenon. The announced retirement of Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), a strong leader on Armenian issues, is a prime example. Additional retirement announcements can be expected in the coming weeks.
As of this writing, the Armenian Caucus is set to lose 9 Members: Representatives Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Jerry Costello (D-IL), John Olver (D-MA), Barney Frank (D-MA) and Dale Kildee (D-MI) have all announced retirement. Congressman Kildee’s nephew, Dan Kildee, is a candidate for his uncle’s seat. In addition, three Armenian Caucus Members are running for other office: Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) is running for mayor of San Diego, Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT) is running to replace Joe Lieberman (I-CT) in the Senate and Rep. Shelly Berkeley (D-NV) is also running for the Senate. As of this writing, the Congressional Turkish Caucus is set to lose 7 Members: Reps. Mike Ross (D-AR), Dan Boren (D-OK) and Geoff Davis (R-KY) are retiring outright, while Reps. Connie Mack (R-FL), Denny Rehberg (R-MT) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) are running for the Senate. Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) is running for Governor. Mack, Flake and Pence all sit on the House Foreign Affairs Committee where they voted against the Armenian Genocide resolution in 2007 and 2010.
Redistricting has resulted in some of the above retirements, but it is also putting pro-Armenian incumbents in head-to-head battles and making re-election much more difficult for others. Looking at congressional champions of Armenian issues, Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Armenian Genocide resolution sponsor Adam Schiff (D-CA) have not been adversely affected by redistricting. However, Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Ed Royce (R-CA) and Armenian Genocide resolution sponsor Robert Dold (R-IL) are not as fortunate. Redistricting has made Dold’s seat bluer, and given his narrow victory in 2010, he is a top target for Democrats in 2012. Congressman Ed Royce has also been victimized by redistricting, putting him in a dual-incumbent battle with Armenian Caucus Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA). In New Jersey, reports indicate that Armenian Caucus Member Steven Rothman (D-NJ) has decided to challenge his colleague, fellow Armenian Caucus member Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) in the redrawn 9th Congressional district, setting up a costly dual-incumbent primary.
The most prominent tete-a-tete battle to result from redistricting has put two pro-Armenian (and pro-Israel) incumbents in the same district: House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Howard Berman (D-CA) and House Foreign Affairs member Brad Sherman (D-CA), both champions on Armenian issues. Rep. Sherman has a decades-long record on Armenian issues, particularly the Armenian Genocide. Congressman Berman has a similarly strong record and as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in 2010, ensured the successful passage of H. Res. 252, the Armenian Genocide resolution. Berman is the favorite in the race, having ratcheted up over 30 endorsements, and enjoys the backing of three SuperPACs. A product of the 2010 Citizens United vs. FEC Supreme Court ruling, SuperPACs are independent expenditure only committee’s that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money.
In addition to working with our friends in Congress, electing Armenian-Americans is long overdue. This year we saw a new face emerge, Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian who sought the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional district. Although unsuccessful, he was able to garner 22% of the vote in the primary, no small feat. As of this writing, only one Armenian-American has officially filed papers to run for Congress, while another is preparing to jump in: David Krikorian and Danny Tarkanian, respectively.
David Krikorian is no stranger to Armenians, having unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH) in 2008 and 2010. Schmidt, the top recipient of Turkish PAC money, filed a complaint against Krikorian with the Ohio Elections Commission (OEC) after Krikorian accused her of taking Turkish “blood money” on campaign advertisements in the 2010 race. The OEC ruled in Schmidt’s favor. However, following the election, the House Ethics Committee began an investigation into the free legal services provided to Rep. Schmidt by the Turkish American Legal Defense Fund and the Turkish Coalition of American. Although the House Ethics Committee found no wrong doing on Schmidt’s part, she was ordered to repay the $500,000 legal bill and amend her financial forms to reflect this in-kind contribution. According to a December report in Roll Call, Schmidt “has yet to amend her financial disclosures or begin repaying the debt.”
Danny Tarkanian, the son of former University of Las Vegas basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, is preparing to run in the new 4th district of Nevada. According to a December poll by the conservative Pubic Opinion Strategies, Tarkanian overwhelmingly leads his primary challenger (73% to 9%) and when matched up with the Democratic front-runner, he holds an 11-point advantage. Tarkanian has not officially filed and has stated that he will announce his intentions in January.
Turning to the presidential race, we have President Obama, whose record on Armenian issues is not unfamiliar. Obama deserves acknowledgement for his audacity to speak about the Armenian Genocide inside the Turkish Parliament, something no U.S President has ever dared, and for overseeing the signing of historic Protocols by Turkey and Armenia. However, his broken promise of employing the proper term, Armenian Genocide, in the annual April 24 statement, as well his policies toward Azerbaijan, from disproportionate military funding to Ambassador Bryza’s recess appointment, leaves many Armenian-Americans skeptical.
Looking at the GOP field today, we have two front-runners: Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. Neither can be viewed as favorable through the Armenian-American lens. During President Bill Clinton’s second term, then-Speaker Gingrich built a leadership team that consisted of Dick Armey, Robert Livingston, and Dennis Hastert; all of who went on to lobby on behalf of Turkey against U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide. Turning to Mitt Romney, it was positive to see pro-Armenian officials, such as former Senator Robert Dole (R-KS), Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) and former Congresswoman Susan Molinari (R-NY), endorse Romney for the GOP nomination. However, from a legislative standpoint, it is cause for concern that Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) is his Congressional liaison. In 2007, Blunt, then-House Republic Whip, was appointed by President Bush to the Foreign Affairs Committee the day before a vote on the Armenian Genocide resolution, in order to whip his Republican colleagues to vote against the bill. Recently, Senator Blunt won a top post, securing his position within the Republican Senate leadership, and is working to rake up Congressional support for Romney.
It’s definitely too early to say what is going to happen between now and November 6, especially in the race to the White House. While the focus is on the Republican primaries, Democrats are activating their grassroots in what is likely to become one of the nastiest and most expensive campaign seasons ever. In politics, anything is possible and there is certainly a long road ahead. In the meantime, it is critical that Armenian-Americans know where our elected officials stand, with whom they are associated, and their record in support or opposition to Armenian issues.
Taniel Koushakjian is an independent political commentator for Florida Armenians. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and is currently enrolled at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management in Washington, D.C.
This article originally appeared in Massis Post.
*Correction: An earlier version mistakenly referenced Dan Kildee as his uncle, current Rep. Dale Kildee and misattributed Ranking Member Howard Berman’s 30 endorsements to his challenger Rep. Brad Sherman.
Updated January 9 at 6:00 pm.
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