Victoria Park & Highway 401 Tim Horton’s in Toronto

Victoria Park & Highway 401 Tim Horton’s in Toronto

Many years ago, I discovered a coffee shop nearby our Armenian Community Centre and St. Mary’s Armenian Church which is situated across the street where you can see it and right of the Highway 401 in Toronto. This particular Tim Horton’s in Toronto holds a special place in my heart. Reason being is that, I made a lot of new friends over the years and most of them are Armenian and I have met people from other cultures and walks of life.

In the past 2-3 years, I have met a lot of Armenian people who have come from Syria, Lebanon and other places and plus people who have been here in Canada for many years. These beautiful people have shared stories about how their lives were in Syria, about the walks of life and the experiences they have been through, the hardships they had to face day in and day out. I am very happy that they are here and got to meet these sweet people.

These people I have met are absolutely lovely people and we have become a close family and our Tim Hortons at 2501 Victoria Park Ave. is our home away from home. We have shared laughs, good times, also spoke about serious issues, and most importantly, the bonds we have created is and will forever be in my heart. We God Willingly will continue to share these moments together for many years to come.

Whenever I go to Victoria Park 401 Tim Horton’s, I automatically feel at home, and we spend hours there on certain nights, and our cold winters nights make it a warm, safe and happy environment. During spring and summer months, we take our coffees or beverages of choice and we go outside to talk, go to the park beside Tim Horton’s, hanging out in our cars, to enjoy the weather, the increased daylight days, and nights and we just talk and talk like we all have known each other for so many years.

Now whenever we go, the workers know us, the late night baker, Everybody knows everybody, the cars we drive and come with, and there is always somebody new that is welcome with all of us. It is very hard to leave each other and go home. Sometimes we would be there until 2-3 AM in the morning without even feeling the time go by. Time flies when you are having a good time.

This Tim Horton’s, we call it the Armenian Tim Horton’s or some people call it Tim Hortonian’s, because most of our last names end with IAN or YAN. lol. Not mine, but majority of Armenians. We call it that way is because Armenians come from the nearby Armenian Community Centre and a lot of Armenians live around the areas and some people drive from around the city to come by and enjoy. It is definitely a special place for us.

It is so important to find and feeling that sense of belonging, our place, and somewhere where everyone can relate to each other in some shape or form. Victoria Park and 401 Tim Horton’s is definitely a place where you feel welcome. Some of my friends there offer to pay for my coffee or whatever I want to get and I say no, no, but they insist and they offer me anyway, and me vise versa.

I am so happy and glad to be part of this family and I thank everyone for their welcome, respect, and their smiling faces toward me. It means so much.

I love you all and I love my VP Tim’s — The Short way to say Victoria Park Tim Hortons.

 

The Key Component to Genocide Prevention

The Armenian Genocide

101 Years
1915-2016

On April 24, 1915 the Turkish Government and the Ottoman empire committed a terrible criminal act against humanity, tried to wipe out a whole race and culture. They killed 1.5 Million Armenians, stole our precious landmarks, churches, lands, Mount Ararat, pulled the rug right under us. The blood, flesh, bones, decapitation, tears, fears, displacing people from their homes, families, with Armenians changing their Armenian names to something Turkish so that they will not be targeted and where they will feel protected from harms way. The Turkish Government still denies and lies about ever committing Genocide against the Armenians and also still fails to recognize.

We will prevail, Justice is timeless.

This is why it is imperative to spread Genocide awareness as much as we can so that history will never repeat itself again.

In 2015, we commemorated the centennial. 100 years have gone by and this year in 2016 is the 101st. After 100 years, we will still continue to spread Genocide prevention.

Recognize, Acknowledge, Awareness, Educate, Prevent.

Those are the key components to Genocide prevention.

Not just for the Armenians, but all those in the world who have had to unfortunately, deal with Genocide in other cultures, races.

We received a lot of Global recognition last year which was incredible with all the coverage, letting people know about us, being put on the map, and addressing this very important subject.

Let us utilize the same energy we had during the Armenian Genocide 100th Centennial in 2015 and bring that same drive into 2016, to be big in numbers once again during peace demonstrations, marches, vigils, and so much more.

The Armenian Genocide – 101st Commemoration in 2016

To The Armenian Community of the World and as well as everyone,

2016 has officially arrived. It is never too early to remind and educate ourselves as well as others that this year in April on the day of the 24th, we must continue to strive to spread and raise awareness of The Armenian Genocide as it marks the 101st commemoration. Let us all continue that same energy we had for the 100th commemoration. We must not stop at 100. Recognition is the key component to prevention. No matter how many years have gone by. Never stop the peaceful demonstrations, the many events and the marching.

We must be big in numbers again all across the world to come together like how we did in 2015.  However even bigger. It speaks in volumes. We should always remember. We are still here on this earth, we have a purpose, we have a mission. It all begins with how we instill that to everyone and the importance of how crucial it is to spread Genocide prevention. Not only in Armenians, but everyone in the world who have been victims of genocide and to kill, torture and so many unspeakable, unimaginable criminal acts that we need to address.

Now, I know some people’s mentality that okay,  the 100th commemoration year of 2015 is now come and gone, next year is the 101st, it won’t matter anymore, and some people will not end up participating in Genocide peaceful demonstrations, and other events. That is what some people have told me and I was absolutely baffled and was in disbelief that some people actually said that. So, I guess the bloodshed of our ancestors and the horrific, and terrible days and years our people went through with all the suffering doesn’t matter anymore. Well, it does matter. These people’s lives were torn upside down, these children did not see life growing up because they were killed, women, men, babies all taken away, displaced, and massacred. They were also left to walk in the desert, and when they were tired and could not walk anymore, The Turks, punched, kicked, slapped and put them down to the ground and demanded them to get going and keep walking. Women were raped from Turkish soldiers too, while their children and spouses watched. We owe it to these victims, our ancestors and be there for them. Not only by just saying prayers and remembering, we must do more by going out and putting our time and effort to raise awareness. It is crucial.

We owe it to these victims, our ancestors and be there for them. Not only by just saying prayers and remembering, we must do more by going out and putting our time and effort to raise awareness. It is crucial. It is a way to pay respect and to take extra measures. I am not just talking about the Armenians, but the whole human race of the world.

The Turkish Ottoman Empire tried to destroy the whole Armenian race and wipe us all off the face of this earth, and they killed 1.5 Million Armenians and they also stole our precious land and our Mount Ararat in 1915. The Turkish Government still denies, lies, as well as make up stories that they never committed such terrible criminal acts to humanity of Armenians, and many other people in Greece as well as other places. They must admit their guilt. Justice and Recognition must be enforced.

Everything starts with how much of an impact we have and can spread around so that history never repeats itself. Where there is a will there is a way.

From:

Talin Orfali

Welcome to Canada Syrians! Thank you PM Trudeau

Dearest Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Canadian Government,

 

I am so proud of you PM and the Canadian Government for taking this positive initiative and beautiful step toward welcoming Syrians and Armenian Syrians to Canada to start a new, safe, happy, comfortable, healthy and great environment. Also for giving them new opportunities, where these people do not have to worry about the unsafe and harmful conditions that they were unfortunately stuck in. You made the impossible, possible and the smiles, the sense of relief on their faces when they landed in Canada, they can finally feel what freedom is, where they can hear peace instead of hearing bombs. You are the prime example of a true, down-to-earth and incredible leader who demonstrates selflessness, who is keeping promises you made during your Prime Minister Campaign, who shines to us and the world and remind us that we can trust and have faith again in Canadian politics and we can depend on you. God bless you PM, Your family, Canada’s Family and our country. I am proud and honoured to be Canadian and I love you Canada!

 

Welcome to Canada Syrians and Syrian Armenians!

With Love Always,

A Proud and Happy Canadian

Talin Orfali

Conan O’Brien Takes Assistant Sona Movsesian to Armenia

Dear Conan O’Brien, Sona Movsesian, Team Coco, and Crew,

I would just like to say thank you to you all for making the trip to my homeland Armenia and for taking Sona Movsesian who had never been to Armenia. That is such an incredible and beautiful gesture that you made for Sona and that flair was definitely felt throughout the Armenian community of the world. Not every boss in the world would do those beautiful and thoughtful things for their friends/workers and that there tells a lot about a person’s character and personality and Conan, I have a tremendous amount of respect for you and your crew, not only because you took Sona to Armenia, but you as a person who demonstrates quality, who is dedicated, and put your employees first. That is a rare occurrence.

You have no idea on how much we Armenians appreciate all that you have done and continue to do. Now, a lot more people know about us and that is something that I/We will forever be grateful for.

It is so awesome on how the #ConanArmenia show was presented to the world. Thank you for adding humor into the show, which made me laugh hysterically. I have watched the episode at least 10 times by now, if not more. I just cannot get enough of it. Sona is a beautiful person who is so full of life and I would love to meet you Conan and Sona someday and tell you in person.

As the show was airing, I was sending out live tweets and explaining to what was going on and I was so excited about it. I must have sent hundreds of #ConanArmenia hashtags throughout the world.

On behalf of all the Armenians in the world including myself, thank you for introducing Armenia our homeland to your viewers and fans, thank you for taking the time to travel thousands of miles to be with Armenians, getting to know and embrace our culture, language, heritage, making Armenian friends, putting us on the map and as well as addressing an important and integral part of our history about The Armenian Genocide, for saying the word Genocide, visiting the Genocide memorial with Sona in the end of the show really put a sweet and touching tribute and for recognizing what had happened to 1.5 Million Armenians who were displaced, massacred in 1915, and for letting people know about it.

When Sona was explaining about her family and what had happened in the village we lost of Sepastia which is now in Turkish lands, really made me all the more emotional as I am sure the Armenian community of the world. I started to cry too with Sona and I felt her feelings about it.

Again, we cannot thank you enough for doing this. We love you Conan, we love you Sona, and may you all have continued success with your show in Los Angeles or wherever life takes you.

Sincerely,

Talin Orfali
talinorfali.wordpress.com

Why Deny Genocide?

As we are born into this world, we all come from different backgrounds, cultures, heritage, and religions. A lot of people in this world have been affected/effected by some sort of Genocide, War, and have lost our ancestors, loved ones, prominent important figures, have lost homes, villages, towns, and lands due to violent hate crimes which revolve around the jealousy of ones religion. With that being said, I always ask this question? Why deny Genocide? why hide the truth from the world and not recognize and admit wrong-doing? Race and culture discrimination should never be an issue and we should all respect each other. I do not see anything wrong with that.

As an Armenian myself, we have suffered 100 years of denial from the Turkish Ottoman Empire who tried to wipe out our Armenian’s and Armenia with 1.5 Million murdered in the hands of the Turks, but never succeed from April 24, 1915 until 1923. We just recently commemorated the centennial and it still hurts us in many ways that we cannot describe. What hurts the most is that we are being lied to day in and day out by the Turkish groups and the government. So, why deny? I think these nations who have not yet recognized the Armenian Genocide and other Genocides that have happened and are still happening now should be the bigger person’s and to make this world a better place, to make peace in the world and move forward.

I thank the countries and states of USA who have acknowledged and recognized the Armenian Genocide. I really appreciate that so much. To some better late then never. Prevention is always key and that is a huge step forward to a better tomorrow.

The further nations that have not recognized Genocide, the further problems arise and to prevent from such terrible criminal acts to humanity to happen again. Why not take the extra measures and actually make this world a better place for us all, to love each other, to live and let others live their lives happily, healthy and create memories with their loved ones. It is not fair for people to lose loved ones to crime and hate with senseless deaths that could be prevented. These leaders of the world should just recognize especially President Obama of United States as he promised us. He should not have said anything to us Armenians that he will be recognizing the Armenian genocide or else we would not have been so hurt and betrayed, but he did and that is just something that we cannot bare. He has been president for almost the whole 2 terms, and we really thought he would change his ways on the 100th commemoration, but he failed to do so. Why doesn’t he live up to his promise? I think he should be the bigger person and do it for the sake of humanity and for the sake of prevention of future genocides to occur. He would have left the end of his presidency on good terms, but unfortunately that is not the case.

Peoples lives have been cut short due to crimes and violent behavior. Those women, men, children, their families ripped apart, promising futures that were ahead of those came to an unfortunate halt. It is not only disgusting, but horrible as well. It is something so unimaginable. The blood, tears, starvation, violence, stabbing, shooting, severing heads, dismembering bodies, skeletons that flooded our soil, the human remains in our streets of our villages, the smell of death, and decomposing bodies, malnutrition, being left homeless, the cries of the innocent. Why? It does not make sense to me to this day why these things have to happen?

There is always a choice and unfortunately some people and leaders make the wrong choices that impact the rest of us. Stop the killing, stop genocides and make the future brighter and better for us all. Violence, Genocide and wars are definitely not the answer. Lets all stand against these terrible atrocities, to spread love, cheer, positivity around the world and to stop denying the Armenian and other Genocides. Lets all hold each others hands and stand together and create a new humanity of happiness, good health and prosperity.

Our Responsibility of Genocide Recognition Across the World

In the past couple of months I have been asking certain individuals if they are going to be attending the Ottawa, Canada Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration on April 24, 2015 from everywhere? As well as people across the world to participate in their local Genocide Centennial Events.

The response was, I went many times, some said I am not going to go, because nothing is changing and what is the point?

My response to them was, 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred, displaced from their homes, families destroyed, valuables and memories all gone, our lands were stolen, our landmarks and Mount Ararat was taken from us from Turks, and they are saying what is the point? Some are saying they are not going to go? You are not willing to sacrifice some of your time in memory of your ancestors?

Well, this is the kind of attitude and negativity that is not welcome. I get very angry when some people say those things. This is especially for those who cannot just sit and do nothing about it. Be true to your heritage, be Proud of who you are, We need to be about it, This is our Armenia, This is our Armenians, This is our Heritage, Culture and our being and existence in the world. We need to stand up against Genocide denial, we need to form unity and we have that important responsibility to prioritize, take a stand and join together to combat denial, to raise awareness. We need to take care of each other, and help each other out. This is including all races, cultures..

In the past month or so, we have gotten so much media coverage, the world knows about us now, and non-Armenians are always discussing us now. It does not matter if you are Armenian or not. This issue of Genocide is universal. All that matters is that all genocides combined that have happened needs awareness, needs recognition and we need to work hard and make sure that Genocide is never repeated. We are responsible for taking care of our Human Identity, Existence and everything else. There is no excuse and no reason in the world, that we cannot take time out of our lives and protect our every being. This is not just us, but everyone.

We have advanced so much in the world right now and this is such an awesome thing to see Armenia, Armenians and the Genocide getting so much media attention. Millions and Millions of people know about us now and that is something so incredible. Thank you to Mrs. Amal and MR. George Clooney, the Kardashians, Kanye West, Pope Francis, Countries that have recognized the Armenian Genocide, those who are on the verge of doing so, and US States that have also. Thank you to everyone who supports us and who took a stand against Genocide. That is what its all about. Love and take care of each other. Nothing is more beautiful than love, support, friendships, and unity. God bless us all and prevent from genocides from ever happening again.

Thank you Kardashian West Family and Pope Francis

What an incredible week it has been for us Armenians around the world. The Kardashian/West family made a memorable trip to Armenia which we will never forget, They also visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial to lay flowers and pay their respects to the 1.5 Million Armenians that were killed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire and our lands stolen from us, Kim then found out an elderly woman wanted to meet her, so she went and met up with her and gave her a hug. That was very nice of you Kim, Then we see that Kanye West performed in a concert for free, and then jumps into Swan Lake in Yerevan, then Pope Francis Recognizes and uses the word and term “Genocide” in his mass, then followed by Armenian Church songs and prayers.

This is huge recognition that we all needed and it was a long time coming, but we got it. With Millions and Millions of people around the world know our country of Armenia now, know who we are, know about The Armenian Genocide which occurred on April 24, 1915 and with almost 10 days to go until the Genocide’s 100th Centennial, this really made a big difference.

Thank you to Pope Francis, The Kardashians/West families, and all those across the world that helped us raise awareness and also acknowledging us and our beautiful Country of Armenia which made Kanye West smile and made him feel like home. That is something that is so incredible. What a great feeling. I am blown away by it all and how we were trending on Social Media and so many NON-ARMENIANS which have been tweeting, hashtagging, instagraming, and more. That is whats important for people to know about us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Forget Me Not Flower – In Memory of The Centennial Armenian Genocide

This month of April 24, 2015 will mark the Centennial of The Armenian Genocide of which occurred 100 years ago in the year 1915. The Republic of Armenia has issued a symbol and emblem presenting the memory of 1.5 Million Armenians who were massacred and killed by Ottoman empire of Turkey. This forget-me-not-flower expresses eternal remembrance, also that evokes the past, the present and the future experiences of our Armenian people. This year the theme is forget-me-not, and this flower is the official emblem worldwide to observe this as the 100th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The following describes the meaning behind the flower and what it symbolizes:
THE FUTURE:
The five petals represent the five continents
where survivors of the Armenian Genocide found a new home.
The dark purple color is meant to recall the priestly vestments of
the Armenian Church—which has been, is, and will remain at the
heart of the Armenian Christian identity.

THE PRESENT:
The light purple petals represents the unity
of Armenian communities across the world—all of whom stand
together in this 100th year of remembrance.

ETERNITY:
The twelve trapezoids represent the twelve pillars
of the Dzidzernagapert Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan,
Armenia. The yellow color represents light, creativity, and hope.

THE PAST:
The black center represents the sufferings of 1915,
and the dark aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.

***for the Month of April, I will be putting Armenian Genocide banners on my Facebook and will be explaining more about the Armenian Genocide, how Turkish Ottoman Empire Failed to wipe us all out from the earth, as well as introducing to you talented and incredible artists, and more in our Armenian Community which have inspired us and lifted us all up.***

For more of a visual understanding and to see the emblem of Forget-Me-Not-Flower visit http://www.YouTube.com/EasterndDocese

Some more Armenian Genocide Centennial Websites and Links of Interest.

http://armeniangenocide100.org/en/materials/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100th_anniversary_of_the_Armenian_Genocide

http://genocidecentennial.ca/canada-and-the-armenian-genocide/

http://repatarmenia.org/eng/forget-me-not-to-symbolize-centenary-of-armenian-genocide/

http://www.armeniansgenocide.am/en/news/15

http://www.accc.org.uk/video-explaining-the-forget-me-not-flower-symbol-of-the-armenian-genocide/

Thank you.

100th Centennial of The Armenian Genocide – Genocide Prevention

Will you be Canada’s Capital in Ottawa, Ontario on April 24, 2015?
100 years
Parliament Hill to March to the Turkish Embassy.

The Armenian Genocide Centennial
April 24 1915 – April 24, 2015

It is important that we raise as much awareness as possible, not only in attending Ottawa for the Armenian Genocide commemoration, but everywhere in the world in many communities. The Armenian Genocide began on April 24, 1915 where the Turkish Ottoman empire tried to wipe out all Armenians, they massacred and killed 1.5 million Armenians as well as stealing our lands, displacing people from their homes, stealing our Mount Ararat where Noah’s Arc took its final resting place. We must continue to spread awareness.

Social Media is a powerful tool which can transmit information instantly. raise awareness here on Facebook, re-tweets, re-blogs, go to twitter, tumblr, WordPress, create more Armenian websites, other social media outlets, go to newspapers, newscasters, broadcasters, educate NON-Armenians about the Armenian Genocide and to spread the word to finally make genocide history, not only in Armenians, but Genocide as a whole to prevent it in our world.

I am not just stating about The Armenian Genocide, but the genocides that have happened around the world and those it has affected. We’ve asked Google to doodle in Memory of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015. Hopefully they will honor our wish. It is not the sole purpose of advertising, but to prove a point, to spread to the word and users of Google to stand up against these criminal acts and take it to those high up in authority across the world to put their foot down and do something good for the world and to leave a great legacy instead of being cruel to people.

It does not matter the culture, race, religion we are all in, if people have to fight for religion, then its not a religion, it is cowardly and disgusting. One thing I detest is racism, discrimination. In the end we are all the same. colour, religion, and different beliefs should not be an issue in our world, but unfortunately it is still going, ignorance is still on the rise and without spreading the word out, the world will keep going backwards. Let us eliminate Genocide, Crimes, Wars and senseless killings in our world and focus mainly on to better life by being more helpful, positive, happy, spreading love, joy, smiles and beauty around the world.

We can make this world a more beautiful and peaceful place. It is all in our hands. We make it or break it. So lets get going and Lets make it!

Armenian Memorial Faith Build – Habitat for Humanity – The Armenian Genocide Centennial

100 Youth for 100 Years.
In dedication to the Armenian Genocide 1915-2015
of the 1.5 Million Armenians that were killed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

About the Event and the Armenian Memorial Faith Build:
In the Words from The Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS)

This project will commemorate the Armenian Genocide Centennial by giving back to our community and help build homes for the less fortunate. It will be our way of giving thanks to Canada for its help to Armenians during and after the Genocide.

In 2006, the Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS), Holy Trinity Armenian Church, started a collaborative and first of its kind initiative with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area called the “Armenian Memorial Faith Build” which annually has commemorated the Armenian Genocide while making a difference in our local communities. Since we started this initiative, over 130 participants raised over $14,000 for HFH(Habitat for Humanity) Toronto.

Once again, we are preparing for a Memorial Build in April 2015. This year being the Centennial year of the Armenian Genocide, we are targeting 100 youth to participate over a period of 2 Saturdays to take part in the build. This initiative will be part of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Events.

We hope you will join us and be a part of this milestone. We need to remember and honour those who perished 100 years ago in the first genocide of the 20th Century.

Where? The 960 Brimley Road Project (960 Brimley Rd Toronto, ON M1P 3E9)
When? Saturday March 28, 2015 OR Saturday April 11, 2015
e-mail contactus@afsstoronto.ca or call Sareen 416-431-5549
Requirements: Age 16+, Registration/Pledge Forms available
Included: Free Habitat t-shirt, lunch, snacks, a great sense of satisfaction!

Construction skills NOT required

Great for Resume and High School Community Service Hours.

————————————————————————————————————

This will be a fulfilling experience, as well as meeting new people, giving back to the community and  honouring the memory of the Armenian Genocide.

Links of Interest:

Website: http://www.afsstoronto.org/

Click on the Armenian Family Support Services Facebook Page: For photos and more. https://www.facebook.com/TorontoAFSS?fref=nf

Click on the Event Page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1549221768670559/

Creator of the Armenian Alphabet – St. Mesrob Mashtots

In 362 A.D in Taron, St. Mesrob Mashtots was born and passed away in February of 440 A.D. St. Mesrob Mashtots was a theologian in Armenians, Hymnologist, as well as a linguist. In Our Armenian culture, he is best known as for inventing and creating the 38 Letter Armenian Alphabet in 405 A.D. It was an incredible step to increasing, strengthening and establishing a bond between the Armenian Statehood, Armenians Living in the empire of Byzantine and the Armenian kingdom. It also created a sense of identity and difference in the world that prospered into a beautiful language with creating words, where we are now able to read, write, speak and express ourselves in our Armenian communities, churches, in our homes, and in our day-to-day lives.

In Armenia, we have a Library called the “Madenataran“, where his Statue and the Armenian Alphabet beside him sits, and where the most important books, scriptures and important parts of our Armenian Heritage sits in the museum within the Madenataran. In 2005 Armenian Alphabet turned 1600 years old, where then as a celebration a field with all the Letters in the Alphabet was created by the Mt Aragats.

St. Mesrob Mashtots also created the Albanian, and Georgian Alphabets.

St. Mesrob came from a village in “Hatzetgatz Kyough” (HATS-EH-GATS KYOO-GH), and passed away in Vagharshapat (Vagh-are-shahpat), then he was laid to rest in the town of Oshakan. To this very day many tourists and visitors to Armenia, visit his tomb in the church to pay homage and respects to the creator. St. Mesrob Mashtots spent most of his life devoted to Christianity, and to spread the word of God. He is known to be a big icon in the world and prominent individual, which inspired many people in the Global world history and still does to this day from hearing about his biography, what he accomplished which changed our Armenian identity and put a positive and beautiful impact in our world.

Without St. Mesrob, we would not have our alphabet, our ability to read, write and communicate with the words and our beautiful language that exists in our world. This is an example of how Turkey failed to wipe Armenians off the face of this earth during the April 24, 1915, Armenian Genocide, because to this day we continue to speak, read and write our beautiful Armenian Language. Thank you to St. Mesrob Mashtots for giving us our identity. We Armenians are forever grateful and we are so blessed to have you in our life and your legacy will live on within our hearts forever.

Links of Interest:

click this link to see the Armenian Alphabet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_alphabet

click this link to see the Madenataran Library in Armenia – http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Matenadaran

100 Years, 100 Reasons – Armenians Are Still Here – 1915-2015

This year in 2015 on April 24th, It will be Armenian Genocide’s 100 Year Commemoration.
The Turkish Ottoman Empire failed to wipe Armenians off the Earth and here are 100 reasons why Turkey Failed. #TurkeyFailed

1. We can Still read Armenian
2. We can still speak Armenian
3. We have 38 letters in the Armenian Alphabet
4. We are the first Adopter of Christianity in 301 A.D.
5. Our Flag is Red, Blue and Orange
6. Armenians have been Around for thousands of years and will be here forever
7. We can still write in Armenian
8. We are few in the world, but will always remain Armenian
9. We have the first church built named “Sourp Etchmiadzin”
10. We have a beautiful Country
11. The Apricot, Grapes, Pomegranates are fruits of our Nation

12. William Saroyan’s Quote “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.”

13. Our Armenia Capital is Yerevan
14. We can sing Armenian Songs
15. We can pray in Armenian
16. We have many churches across the world
17. We have many Armenian Community Centres across the world
18. 13 Million Armenians are living around the world
19. Armenia became independent in 1991 from the Soviet Union
20. St Gregory the Illuminator was our first Catholicos
21. We have Armenian Inventors, Innovators
22. We have So many Armenian Singers and Performers
23. Armenians are great at Chess
24. Mesrob Mashtotz, Creator of the Armenian Alphabet
25. Vartan Mamigonian – year 451 Vartanantz
26. Sassountzi Tavit – David of Sassoun
27. We have beautiful Armenian Scripture
28. Armenians have the rarest and most beautiful books in Madenataran – Library in Armenia
29. We have Khor Virap Church
30. Mount Ararat will always be ours even though The Turkish Ottoman Empire took it away from us
31. Hagop Oshakan, novelist, literary critic
32. Atom Egoyan who is a film director, producer
33. Isabel Bayrakdarian/Serouj Kradjian — Armenian Pianist, Singer
34. Cher Sarkissian — Singer “Cher”
35. Daniel Varoujan, lyric poet
36. Vahan Tekeyan, poet, political leader
37. Arshile Gorky, abstract painter
38. Hovhannes Shiraz, nationalistic poet
39. Paruyr Sevak, Eastern Armenian poet
40. Tigran the Great — Dikran
41. Charles Aznavour – Armenian singer
42. Kirk Kirkorian – Businessman and MGM Owner
43. Kev Orkian — actor, musician & comedian
44. Eric Bogosian, playwright and performance artist
45. Ken Davitian, actor
46. Robert Zildjian, founder of Sabian Cymbals
47. We have delicious Foods
48. Armenians have the best coffee
49. Andre Agassi — Tennis Player
50. Geghard Church
51. Garni Temple
52. Republic Square of Yerevan
53. Lake Sevan
54. Zvartnots Airport and Cathedral
55. St. Hripsime Church
56. Tatev Monastery
57. The Yerevan Opera House
58. Erebuni Museum
59. Sardarabad
60. Gyumri
61. Kohar Music School – Kohar Music
62. Shushi
63. Nagorna Gharabagh – Artsakh
64. The Armenian Dram — Armenia Money Currency
65. Dilijan
66. Talin City
67. Oshagan
68. Armenian Alphabet Field
69. Mamig Dadig Statue
70. Noravank Church
71. Beautiful Hills and Mountains
72. Our DOOF Kar — Our Armenia Rock
73. Rich and beautiful Agriculture
74. Hayasdan is Armenia
75. We have beautiful and rich history, that will always remain part of us
76. Armenians are Forever
77. We have Armenians in Sports
78. Jermuk Falls
79. Ararat Cognac
80. Yeraplur
81. Akhtamar
82. Armenian Cross Rocks — Khatchkars
83. The Gate to Armenia is Always Open – Welcome!
84. Mayr Hayasdan Statue — Mother of Armenia statue with a Sword
85. Beautiful Roads leading to beautiful cities and towns of Armenia
86. beautiful trees and nature
87. the skies, the ground, Armenia is natural
88. Armenian Communities of the world Come together to commemorate the Armenian Genocide
89. We Armenians get together in our communities
90. Armenians enjoy parties and get togethers
91. Ararat the Movie
92. My Uncle Rafael Movie
93. Musa Dagh
94. We feel great when we hear someone speaking Armenian in a store and just hear our beautiful language spoken
95. Armenian Folk dances are beautiful
96. Armenian Patriotic and National Songs are touching
97. Wedding attendances are large
98. Our Armenian Identity is special
99. Our hearts, minds, souls, body, physically, mentally and emotionally will always be Armenian
100. After all that we have been through from the Armenian Genocide and beyond, we are still here and will be forever.

 

There are so many other reasons.

God bless Armenia and Armenians!

Because, Turkey Failed – The Armenian Genocide 100 Year Centennial

Hashtag and Keep this going #TurkeyFailed

– We can still say our Armenian Alphabet, Because TurkeyFailed
– We can still hold our Armenia Flag high up in the air, Because TurkeyFailed
– We can still talk in our Armenian Language, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have beautiful and rich history, that will always remain part of us, Because TurkeyFailed
– Red Blue Orange, Because TurkeyFailed
– We are still here, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have our Armenian Landmarks, Churches, Community Centres, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have the greatest innovators, celebrities, musical artists, artists, and many other talents, Because TurkeyFailed
– We will always have Mount Ararat and it will be returned to us once again, Because TurkeyFailed
– Turkish Ottoman Empire wiped out more than 1.5 Million Armenians, But were still here, Because TurkeyFailed
– More than 13 Million Armenians around the world, Because TurkeyFailed
– Armenians are Forever, Because TurkeyFailed
– 100 years later, we are still here, Because TurkeyFailed

April 24, 1915, Because, TurkeyFailed

 

The Armenian Genocide Centennial

100 Years

Letter of Appreciation to Mrs. Amal Clooney – Human Rights Lawyer

Dear Mrs Amal Clooney,

It is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to bring up one of the biggest Crimes of the 20th century and more specifically about The Armenian Genocide which took place on April 24, 1915. The Turkish Ottoman Empire committed this crime against Armenians and tried to wipe Armenians off the face of the earth with Ethnic cleansing which they did not succeed. 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred, our lands were stolen, Mount Ararat was stolen from us and Thanks to you for addressing this matter to make this globally well known. I opened up the Toronto Star this morning and I happened to see the Article about You and about the Armenian Genocide, Freedom of Speech and human rights.

We Armenians in our communities across the world cannot thank you enough for your efforts. We love you and we are so proud of you for standing up to end this denial of The Armenian Genocide, to recognize, to support us and having our backs. It takes a lot of guts and I applaud you for it, and as I am sure a lot of us do. Thank you again Amal. It means so much to us. God bless you always. Mr. George Clooney definitely knows how to pick em. Love you both so much! I hope to meet you someday and offer my thanks to you in person. Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Talin Orfali

Articles in relative to Mrs. Amal Clooney’s Representing Eloquently about The Armenians, Human Rights, Freedom of Speech and the Armenian Genocide:

Horizon Weekly
http://www.horizonweekly.ca/news/details/60540

Time Magazine – Online Edition
http://time.com/3687958/amal-clooney-turkey-armenian-genocide/

Daily Mail UK
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2929573/Amal-Clooney-takes-genocide-denying-politician-Human-rights-lawyer-leads-fight-Turkish-MP-prosecuted-calling-death-1-5-million-Armenians-international-lie.html

Thank you to Mrs. Amal Clooney for taking the stand to stand up for Armenians and Representing The Armenian Genocide.