The 100th Armenian Genocide Commemoration – 2015

The 100th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide is just 6 and a half Months away. Annually on April 24, we gather together in Canada’s Capital Ottawa in the Province of Ontario and we commemorate the Armenian Genocide. The Turkish Ottoman empire and Government is responsible for murdering and massacre of 1.5 Million Armenian’s in 1915 as well as stealing our precious and beautiful land as well as Mount Ararat which will always be Armenia’s.

The Turkish Government to this very day still denies that they ever did commit a Genocide, which is why we need to spread the word as much as possible. 2015 will be the 100th Commemoration. Where ever you are and will be, however you will commemorate, it is important to come together with other Armenian’s and venture out in the public eye, and in public places to voice ourselves and make this a global recognition. Our efforts need to be taken out of our Armenian communities and churches and solely head to Embassies, Consulates, organize public marches in the metropolitan areas of your city where it is densely populated with visible signs, banners, and our Armenia Flag.

Canada Has recognized the Armenian Genocide and we thank Canada so much as other Countries as well who have recognized. It is only a matter of time until the world comes together to raise awareness and recognition, on not only the Armenian genocide, but all other genocides and terrible acts of humanity throughout the world.
We need to spread the word out to everyone. In Canada, we will be heading to Ottawa, Canada in front of the Canadian Parliament, followed by a march to the Turkish Embassy. April 24, 2015. Usually we begin at 12 noon until everyone arrives in Ottawa from buses from Ontario and Quebec from Cambridge, Toronto, Montreal, Laval, and abroad. For up to date information, bus departure times and other questions, please see your Local Canadian Armenian Community Centre Organization to obtain more information.
Also the information will be posted here as well once we get more news soon. In the meantime it is important to spread awareness as much as possible. Social Media is a huge way to raise awareness. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the 100th Centennial in Ottawa, please contact me. Also if you want to do your own research about the Armenian Genocide and what happened, You can Google, or search on Facebook, Twitter or wherever in social media.

99th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide to Take Place in Ottawa, Canada – April 24th, 2014

The 99th Anniversary on the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide is quickly approaching next month on April 24th, 2014. To Canadian-Armenian community and more, Lets make our attendance in Ottawa, Ontario Canada in front of the Parliament Hill, The March to The Turkish Embassy a successful one with thousands of people, Lets crowd and fill the park by the Turkish Embassy, lets make the march there a huge one. Lets stand tall, voice ourselves even louder.

We need to get out there in the public eye and raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide. Not just getting together in Armenian Community Centres to commemorate, but must take a stand outside Like of course Ottawa, Queens Park, and in front of the Media eyes, gain as much Television, Social Media Awareness, get these news casters to the scene, get us on Television, and make us well known. That is how we are going to let people know what happened. We have many Armenians in Media. Lets get this Rolling…. I have never seen our Ottawa commemorations air on our TV’s and Broadcasting Corporation Channels. Something must be done about that.

The Turkish Ottoman Empire Killed 1.5 Million Armenians, and tried to wipe us all off from the Earth on April 24, 1915, but could not succeed. They also stole our lands and our Mountain Ararat – Also Known as Mount Ararat.

Please make prior arrangements from now to attend the commemoration. It is important and something we all should participate in and do our best. Lets help each other and join each others hands and lets go to OTTAWA, CANADA. Canada’s Capital….

Please see your local Cambridge, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval and other Armenian communities to gain more information on Buses, and times, so on and so forth. Lets make this year a big number in attendance. We can do this.

Armenian Heritage Night – Air Canada Centre – An Unforgettable Evening

On Sunday February 23rd, 2014, Almost 1000 Armenians embarked to The Air Canada Centre in Downtown Toronto for an unforgettable and memorable evening to celebrate Armenian Heritage. This was the 2nd Annual event. The doors opened to Air Canada Centre at 5pm, and everyone started going in. At 5:30Pm The Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s, Sassoun Dance Ensemble performed at Centre court of a traditional Armenian Dance for thousands of people who were non-Armenian and for Armenians. A few minutes before the Game started between Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, A lady came and sang the National Anthems for both USA and Canada. The tip off and game started at 6pm and went well into almost 9pm.

The Armenian Students Association, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto, Sassoun Dance Ensemble, ARS, and other Armenian Organizations came together to plan this incredible night.  Thank you to everyone who assisted in the planning, and organizing with The Air Canada Centre so that we too Can have a Heritage Night. I was counting the days and hours until I went to the game and to the Armenian Night. It was something I had wanted to go to Last year, but was unable to. I was lucky enough to attend this year.

It was an incredible, memorable night that brought Armenians closer together to a huge Venue to enjoy the Basketball Game, to enjoy seeing Armenian Heritage on the bulletins and the Jumbo Tron at the ACC. The energy of the arena and people were felt, the crowd cheered on, everyone was having a great time, and really enjoyed the whole game from beginning to the end. The Raptors were not doing too well in the beginning, but then stepped up to the game after half time. The 4th Quarter got really exciting. It felt great to see Armenian everywhere, Armenian Flags waving in the audience, Hearing Armenians talking in our Language everywhere. It was pretty cool.

The Toronto Raptors won that night 105-90. If the Raptors Score more than 100 points in a game and win, the crowd at the ACC Gets a Free Pizza slice at Pizza Pizza across Toronto and the GTA locations. For those who printed tickets, had to get their tickets stamped by the officials at ACC, but original tickets did not need to. At the end of the night not only did we celebrate the Raptors win, we got a free pizza, and we Armenians had a blast. I cannot wait until I go to next years Armenian Heritage Night. Thank you Air Canada Centre.

 

Merry Armenian Christmas — Orthodox Christmas

Armenia

Armenians celebrate Christmas (surb tsnunt, Սուրբ Ծնունդ, meaning “saint birth”) on January 6 as a public holiday in Armenia. It also coincides with the Epiphany. Traditionally, Armenians fast during the week leading up to Christmas. Devout Armenians may even refrain from food for the three days leading up to the Christmas Eve, in order to receive the Eucharist on a “pure” stomach. Christmas Eve is particularly rich in traditions. Families gather for the Christmas Eve dinner (khetum, Խթում), which generally consists of: rice, fish, nevik (նուիկ, a vegetable dish of green chard and chick peas), and yogurt/wheat soup (tanabur, թանապուր). Dessert includes dried fruits and nuts, including rojik, which consists of whole shelled walnuts threaded on a string and encased in grape jelly, bastukh (a paper-like confection of grape jelly, cornstarch, and flour), etc. This lighter menu is designed to ease the stomach off the week-long fast and prepare it for the rather more substantial Christmas Day dinner. Children take presents of fruits, nuts, and other candies to older relatives.

It is frequently asked as to why Armenians do not celebrate Christmas on December 25 with the rest of the world. Obviously, the exact date of Christ’s birth has not been historically established—it is not recorded in the Gospels. However, historically, all Christian churches celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6 until the fourth century. According to Roman Catholic sources, the date was changed from January 6 to December 25 in order to override a pagan feast dedicated to the birth of the Sun which was celebrated on December 25. At the time Christians used to continue their observance of these pagan festivities. In order to undermine and subdue this pagan practice, the church hierarchy designated December 25 as the official date of Christmas and January 6 as the feast of Epiphany. However, Armenia was not affected by this change for the simple fact that there were no such pagan practices in Armenia, on that date, and the fact that the Armenian Church was not a satellite of the Roman Church. Thus, remaining faithful to the traditions of their forefathers, Armenians have continued to celebrate Christmas on January 6 until today.^[42]

In addition to the Christmas tree (tonatsar, Տօնածառ), Armenians (particularly in the Middle East) also erect the Nativity scene. Christmas in the Armenian tradition is a purely religious affair. Santa Claus does not visit the nice Armenian children on Christmas, but rather on New Year’s Eve. The idea of Santa Claus existed before the Soviet Union and he was named kaghand papik (Կաղանդ Պապիկ), but the Soviet Union had a great impact even on Santa Claus. Now he goes by the more secular name of Grandfather Winter (dzmerr papik, Ձմեռ Պապիկ).

CREDITS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_worldwide

Dedicated to Primate Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan – A True Leader

I would like to introduce to you someone who is very dear to me in my heart and in my life, I would like to talk about someone who many of us in the world who love and appreciate him and his name is Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan of whom is our Canada Armenian Church Leader.  Please note when I say Srpazan that’s the Armenian word for Bishop.

Now, this past week, something unfair happened that there were elections of having another leader lead our Armenian Church Diocese Head in Canada, and the location of our head church office is in Montreal, Outremont, Quebec. The election was indeed a setup and a lot of people are against what happened, a petition is going around, and many people are quite upset about what happened and how the way things transpired. Most of the people are calling this a misjudgment and not making a great decision for our Armenian church of Canada with good intentions and I myself and others do not believe this election was done in a fair manner and things we done beforehand to alter the numbers. Something suspicious and fishy is going on and we want to get to the bottom of this and we want answers. Anyway,

in 2003 when I met Srpazan Bagrat Galstanyan, I knew right away I would love him and he became someone who I consider family to me. Srpazan has taught me so many things about life and his words, his speeches, the meetings I was in with him in ACYOC (Armenian Church Youth Organization of Canada), Kingston, Mississauga, traveling to Vancouver for our Sports Weekend in 2005, Going to Montreal/Laval sports weekends, Camping trips, and so many more memories. Srpazan Bagrat Galstanyan is someone who is very special and dear to me and the loss of him being our Srpazan and our leader has hit me so hard and it is hurting me beyond anything else. It is far worse than someone hitting me with a bat, but that does not even compare to the pain this is causing me and this has been on my mind since I heard about this on Monday Morning. I cried so hard, I cried so hard inside too, my tears rolled down my cheeks, and I am so angry!

Srpazan was there for me at my toughest moments when I was bullied, picked on because I was different and I went to events where I felt alone and left out, but Srpazan came to my rescue and he spoke to me, made me feel better about myself, and he gave me advice, he opened his heart to me. I will never forget that for the rest of my life. Srpazan was there for me when nobody else really was, I met many friends in Montreal because of Srpazan, and I was introduced to a whole new world and I was so excited to go to Montreal all the time and to see my friends. Srpazan after knew me by my first name, and he remembered what we discussed, he was always asking me how I am and how I am doing since we talked. THAT THERE TO ME SAID IT ALL! I knew I would love and trust him forever and I always will forever. He gave me the energy, he gave me something in my life that will always remain with me forever. He smiled at me always, and always excited to see me, shaking my hand, blessing my head with his hand. It was a great feeling!

I cannot stomach it To see him being treated unfairly, betrayed by his clergyman who he thought were his friends, who he thought were with him and support him and in a disgusting way his clergyman had to vote against him and on what grounds? This is unbelievable! and having these elections. What is this? A political race? Is this some kind of JOB race? I want Srpazan back, I want this whole bogus election to be void.

The true meaning of being Christian, and being a servant of God is to reach out to people in a personal level, to inspire, to help, to guide, to do great work for the community, to dedicate his/herself without asking for material things. I love Srpazan Bagrat so much! He will always be special to me and I Just want him back! Is that so hard to ask? This is betrayal.

Here is the Facebook page. Help and support us by getting him Back to stay with us, and there are pictures, videos, and links about him if you want to know more about our leader who is selfless, kind, spiritual, dedicated, caring, loving, humorous and so many more great qualities about him.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/STAY-WITH-US-Bishop-Bagrat-Galstanyan/401752986606195

The Petition: — Please sign and share with your friends and family. Thank you!

http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/bishop-bagrat-galstanyan-not-to-ratify-the-decision-made-to-replace-bishop-galstanyan?utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition

Thanks for reading about our lovely leader. Lets keep him here and lets bring him back to lead Canadian Armenians for a brighter future ahead.

Kindness Always Matters In The World

Today, when I was out, I saw a quote that really hit me close to my heart and there are a few things I always believe in and to me they are the most important, but what strikes out is the one about kindness, and today’s quote I saw was “Kindness Matters”. It always does and its something I have always been taught since I was a child to always be kind to others, and always do great things and not expect anything in return. I truly believe that when you do kind things and be kind to others, it is something that God will see and you will be rewarded with great things in life and you will go places. I know sometimes that is hard to believe when you do good things for others, and sometimes they don’t appreciate it and you keep getting used and used like crazy, but always know that whatever you do, its something great that you have accomplished. In this world were only here for a limited time and the time spent on this earth is short lived, so live life wonderfully with being kind and fruitful. It is important to reach out without asking anything in return. All good deeds do not go unnoticed. You may feel it at times, but to be honest, it does not. God sees it, the Angels in heaven see it and you see it.

In the last couple of weeks, Bible Study started again at my Armenian Church and I am ever so grateful it started. It gives me an opportunity to go out and reflect amongst other people who attend the bible studies, and it gives me time to listen and interact with the priest and others about kindness, about the importance of being fruitful, and someone who reaches out to others. Bible studies teaches me a lot of things about life, the spiritual life, and about the modern society we all live in now, the priests tells us so many stories of his life, and what he’s encountered recently and he tells us things that empower me and probably to others as well. Kindness is something that I have always been fond of, and it is something that has embedded into my life and without the proper upbringing of my immediate family and relatives, and the community I live in, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I want to thank so many people in my life for giving me that poise and that life to get out there and do great things, attend bible studies, and attend important events and retreats that are educational to the mind, body, soul, spirit and the heart. It is important to cleanse our souls, to be kind, to be respectful to others.

No matter who anyone is, colour, race, ethnicity, orientation, big, small, tall, short, blonde hair, brown hair, black hair. I doesn’t matter. Were all one body and were all on this earth to serve a purpose in this life. We were all chosen and it doesn’t matter what you do, the ultimate thing that does matter in this world is kindness. Do it and you will be amazed on how it changes your life for the better. When you wake up every morning, Kindness should be on your agenda everyday. Use it and share it around. You will be surprised on how great your day will be. Have a wonderful day.

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking. How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready-made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready-made products. Sometimes you see ready-made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra-large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love the presentation. Even if it’s just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love the presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!

Happy Easter Everyone! Wishing You The Best

Hello everyone, I am going to keep this short and sweet today as Today for some people it is Easter and I’d like to wish you all a happy Easter and wish you all the best. Many blessings to all of you. Thank you for your continued support in reading, and engaging into my blog. It is much appreciated. What are your Easter traditions? What do you cook for Easter? Is there anything in Particular that you and your friends or family do during Easter time? In My Family we get together for dinner, then we have egg cracking contests, distribute Chocolate, and then we usually pray and Thank the Lord for all that he has done for us.

Remember, it is not just about the Chocolates, Bunny Rabbits, Eggs, and the Pretty colours of Easter, it is about our Jesus Christ who sacrificed his life for us all and his love for us and he was crucified on the Cross. Today, Jesus Rose, and he is watching for all of us, but Easter may mean different things to different people and that is all okay too. What are you most Thankful for when it comes to Easter time? Being with Family and Friends is the most important and coming together during days like this is something great. It should always be that way right?

Well, I am going to keep this short today, so I wish you all the best and have a blessed and joyful day.

Kindness Always Matters In This World All The Time

Today, when I was out, I saw a quote that really hit me close to my heart and there are a few things I always believe in and to me they are the most important, but what strikes out is the one about kindness, and today’s quote I saw was “Kindness Matters”. It always does and its something I have always been taught since I was a child to always be kind to others, and always do great things and not expect anything in return. I truly believe that when you do kind things and be kind to others, it is something that God will see and you will be rewarded with great things in life and you will go places. I know sometimes that is hard to believe when you do good things for others, and sometimes they don’t appreciate it and you keep getting used and used like crazy, but always know that whatever you do, its something great that you have accomplished. In this world were only here for a limited time and the time spent on this earth is short-lived, so live life wonderfully with being kind and fruitful. It is important to reach out without asking anything in return. All good deeds do not go unnoticed. You may feel it at times, but to be honest, it does not. God sees it, the Angels in heaven see it and you see it.

In the last couple of weeks, Bible Study started again at my Armenian Church and I am ever so grateful it started. It gives me an opportunity to go out and reflect amongst other people who attend the bible studies, and it gives me time to listen and interact with the priest and others about kindness, about the importance of being fruitful, and someone who reaches out to others. Bible studies teaches me a lot of things about life, the spiritual life, and about the modern society we all live in now, the priests tells us so many stories of his life, and what he’s encountered recently and he tells us things that empower me and probably to others as well. Kindness is something that I have always been fond of, and it is something that has embedded into my life and without the proper upbringing of my immediate family and relatives, and the community I live in, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I want to thank so many people in my life for giving me that poise and that life to get out there and do great things, attend bible studies, and attend important events and retreats that are educational to the mind, body, soul, spirit and the heart. It is important to cleanse our souls, to be kind, to be respectful to others.

No matter who anyone is, colour, race, ethnicity, orientation, big, small, tall, short, blonde hair, brown hair, black hair. I doesn’t matter. Were all one body and were all on this earth to serve a purpose in this life. We were all chosen and it doesn’t matter what you do, the ultimate thing that does matter in this world is kindness. Do it and you will be amazed on how it changes your life for the better. When you wake up every morning, Kindness should be on your agenda everyday. Use it and share it around. You will be surprised on how great your day will be. Have a wonderful day.

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking. How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love-making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready-made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready-made products. Sometimes you see ready-made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra-large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love the presentation. Even if it’s just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love the presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!

My Motherland & Beautiful Armenia & Its History

Today, I am going to talk to you about My Motherland and Beautiful Armenia.  Armenia is located between Europe and Asia. We have an incredible history of people and things. Our Alphabet has 38 letters and it was invented by one of our great inventors Mesrob Mashtotz (MES-ROB, MASH-TOTZ). We have a library called Madenataran and our important books of history are kept there and a statue of our Mesrob Mashtotz is just outside. Our very first Pontiff/Pope of Armenia was St Gregory the Illuminator, in Armenian we say (Sourp Krikor Lousavorich). He was falsely imprisoned in a hole for 13 years under this church called Khor Virab (KHO-R VEERAB), and from this Church Monastery you can see the Mount Ararat which was once Armenia’s Property and I still think to this day it is still ours. It is where the Noah’s Arc came to rest. Mount Ararat was stolen from Armenia and it’s lands from the Turkish Government. in April 24, 1915, The Armenian Genocide happened and 1.5 Million Armenians were killed and massacred by the Turkish Ottoman Empire, and which they stole our lands and property. Since then we have commemorated and paid our respects to those brutally murdered in Armenian Communities around the world. In Armenia we have the Armenian Genocide Memorial, and its called Dzidzernagapert (D-ZID-ZER-NAGA-PERT). Every year on April 24th, All of Armenia’s Schools, Workplaces would be closed and everyone would go to the Memorial to place flowers all around the Eternal Flame which has never stopped. The Turkish government still fails to recognize their crimes against Armenia and its been an ongoing struggle for the Armenians, but we sure will not give up and we will continue to protest every year until justice is served for our people who’s lives we lost. I have friends whose families in the past have been through the Genocide. There are still Survivors to this day, but Very few left in the world. Armenia’s Capital city is Yerevan. It is located in the heart of Armenia.

Our Armenia flag has 3 colours, Red, Blue and Orange. Armenia has so many different types of produce and food. Armenia’s national fruit is the Apricot (Dziran) (D-ZEE-RAN), and as well as the Pomegranate. We also have the freshest Cherries, Grapes and Watermelons.  Armenia has a beautiful lake called Sevan. I remember going there a couple of times, to swim and take in the beauty of Armenia. We have incredible monasteries and churches such as St Etchmiadzin, St Mary, Haghardzin, St Hripsime, Garni, Geghard, Saghmosavank, and so much more. We have incredible Cafes, and restaurants, we have incredible fashion stores, Armenian Cognac and different types of Liquor Factories, Kotayk Beer, Coca Cola Bottles written in Armenian letters, Wonderful tasting Ice creams. Armenia is beyond rich in History.

When I was a child., I began to learn a lot about my culture, heritage, history, Alphabet, to learn how to speak it, to read and write Armenian, my parents sent me to Armenian Saturday School. When I graduated grade 8 in 1999, and it was the first year from the Armenian Saturday school trip that we embarked on a trip to our Motherland Armenia on July 21st, 1999. We flew with Air Canada to Paris, France Charles De Gaule Airport, where we toured Paris for a good 10 hours, then we headed back to the Airport to take Armenian Airlines (Which is now Armavia) right to our Motherland Armenia. I will never forget the feeling when I landed on Armenia’s Soil. I kissed the ground and I felt so different being there. All around me are Armenian Letters, Armenian Speaking people, and everything I learned in school came right before my eyes. It was an incredible journey and experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it. At times when I was in Armenia, I felt very homesick with my first time taking a trip without my parents as beforehand all the traveling was done with my parents. My cousins also had come with me and it was a great experience. To this day, I still remember everything so fresh in my mind ,and everything was incredible. After Armenia, we took Armenian Airlines to Frankfurt Germany, where we were there for 6 hours. Then we flew Lufthansa back to Toronto, Canada where our families were waiting anxiously for us in the waiting area of the Airport.

I had arrived to Toronto, but my luggage was left behind in Germany. I had so many things and souvenirs I had packed in my luggage and I got so upset. About a few days later, my luggage was found and later brought back to Toronto on another flight. All my things were safe and nothing was broken thankfully because I had packed them very well and I had already become an experienced and good packer. I have kept my boarding passes, tickets and everything from my Armenia trip and I have created a Special Armenia box with everything in it. Later than I began to join Armenian clubs, youth committees and trying to do everything I can to keep my Heritage alive and to this day, I still do. I love being Armenian and I am a proud to be one. If you have the chance and if your making travel plans, make sure Armenia is on your list. In terms of getting a visitors Visa, you can get it right from Armenia’s Airport called Zvartnotz. You do not need any special vaccinations, shots to enter Armenia. It is very safe and clean. Armenia people are so friendly and helpful and they will accommodate your every need.. Visit Armenia. Its beautiful. for more information and if you want to know more, search the internet and you will find photos, history, background and so much more.

Shunoragalem (SHEN-ORA-GAL-EM) in Armenian means Thank you.

The Joyful Moments Of Cooking and How Much I Love It

In my life, one of the most joyful and satisfaction I receive is when I cook, bake and enjoy my time in the kitchen with all my favourite kitchen appliances that make my cooking a lot more enjoyable and fun at the same time. I was 8 years old and I remember cooking rice for the very first time. It was the best feeling in the world when my mom taught me how to wash it and cook it. Now with my mom’s supervision she watched me as I cooked and she said, great job and it was my first time doing it. I got so excited. From then on, I started cooking a lot for my family and then as soon as I turned 14 years old, I did not need supervision anymore, and I could do everything on my own. I learned how to make lasagna, chicken soup, and other different types of food since I was 10 years old. When I turned 20 years old, I began to take over the kitchen and I would tell my mom to go relax, and I told her I got this. So now without my mom being in the kitchen, I do all sorts of dishes, I bake cakes, cupcakes, I make cookies, jello, home-made ice cream, fruit platters, salads, I marinate meats, I make meatballs, Ravioli, Armenian and Middle Eastern Dishes, I make my famous Chilli, different types of breakfast, dips, sauces, and everything, Among other delicious things that my family, and who comes over to my house, that always want seconds and even thirds sometimes. I sometimes think, I should have made extra, but I love it when there is no left overs.  I love making everything from scratch. I seldom go and buy ready made easy stuff, I enjoy making it all on my own. The best way to make it and you know exactly what is going into your food without all the added calories and ready made products. Sometimes you see ready made pasta, and lasagna trays from the grocery store, I never even touch those. I make mine fresh. You never know how long those things have stayed like that. I’d rather do it myself and it is a lot more fun that way.

I remember a time when I invited my whole group of friends over for Armenian Style Ravioli Called (Mante, Manti, Mantuh, Mantee, However they spell it), and the whole extra large pot finished amongst everyone and to this day, they want my Armenian Style Ravioli, but that day will come again when I will invite them over.  I remember a time when I cooked for over 20-25 people and all on my own. I had over 4 or 5 different dishes with salads, meats, and rice. It was a lot of fun although it was very hard to take it all on myself, but I made sure that the flavours were perfect and that everyone enjoyed it and they sure did. I love taking on big tasks on my own. Although it is great to receive help too, but I like taking on challenges and doing things on my own. especially when it comes to cooking. I don’t know, but I have become a perfectionist in the kitchen and I just love things to be cooked evenly, the sizes and I love presentation. Even if its just for my family on a regular dinner night. I just love presentation. I get the joys and satisfaction when doing so.

When I go grocery shopping, I also donate food to the less fortunate, and I put food in the food bank boxes that are put in front of grocery stores or in certain shelters, at my church they have food banks and I put a few non-perishable food items in the box. I love donating food to them. Knowing that a family out there who is less fortunate and needy is fed, that also makes me happy and that also makes me feel great that someone doesn’t have to go to bed hungry at night. It feels great to donate.

Food is my specialty and knowing that my family enjoys it and knowing that I made this with my love and care is what it important to me. I don’t cook because I have to everyday and I don’t cook for the sake of it, I actually love doing what I do and making sure my family is fed with the best possible nutrition.  Happy Cooking everyone!

That Beautiful Feeling When You Are In High Demand – Especially At My Community Center

In 2002, When I officially joined committees around the church and in the Armenian Community Center and did a lot of volunteer work since then, I started to write articles and my first one was about a camping trip we went to in 2003 and the first palm Sunday luncheon I participated in. Everyone came to enjoy and love my work and Soon I became a communications director and secretary for most of the committees I was part of, mostly to do with the youth. Then in 2007, I joined the world of attending Bible Studies twice a week in different churches with different priests. Then the priests knew about my writing and my commitment to the church, with communications, e-mailing people with updates, handling tasks, and just doing what I love to do with helping the community. Then recently since I have been going to Bible study a lot more, in front of everyone, my priest would announce to everyone that I do a great job with promoting the Bible Studies going on and I told him that everyone needs to promote going to bible study who attends and telling friends and family about it. He said yes I agree with you, but you are the Facebook Social Media queen and you really help us achieve things in our bible study and getting people to attend. Now a lot of people have been going to the bible studies because of my advertising. It is such a great feeling when you are in demand everywhere and people think highly of you when you are in a group or something. It felt totally great and that put a new perspective on my life and things I look forward to in the future. I thank the priest for praising me to everyone in the bible studies and I am so eternally grateful for the opportunities he has given me and put his trust on me, and that is something I will never forget. As long as I am not being used, then that is all that counts basically. Although sometimes he puts me on the spot about this subject and he shares things about me, but I know he does that in a good way and that is great. He has known me for many years now, and he knows he can count on me for anything. I have also told him, you can always count on me with everything. I am always here and put the needs of my family, friends, supporters, church, priest and everyone else who matters to me most. I know that they would never abuse my demand. I am thankful I came this far and that is a great thing to celebrate and that is a beautiful feeling I will never forget. Thank you to those who believe in me and who doesn’t take me for granted. I love you all.

 

What I Did To Move on From People Who Bullied Me. How I Overcame It.

When I was a Child going to school, I wasn’t so lucky with a normal social life where people bullied me, and made fun of me terribly much day in and day out and I do not even want to mention the things I was called because I was different, looked different and because I was being myself no matter what others say, but as time went by and as I went to do other things in my life after my school life, I overcame and moved on from that phase of my life. I realized, that this bullying was a temporary part of my life and I know that things will get better, and it has quite substantially and I am so glad that part of my life is over and how I overcame bullies and all those terrible feelings is something that was a miracle. Something triggered into my mind that I decided to put a barrier against my bullies and I moved forward with my life. I now don’t see any of them anymore and that I am so happy about. Anyway, Here are ways I overcame bullying and what I did for myself to move on and get going to a better life without the bullies, and they are the following:

— I spoke to my parents, other family members, teachers, the principal, the guidance Councillor.

— I decided not to let negativity overpower my life anymore and I decided to pull the plug on negativity and think positively,

— I believed in myself, and I knew it was a temporary time where I was going through a phase and I knew things got better.

— I joined in my church community, and they took well care of me and I made a lot of friends there.

— After all those years went by, I did volunteer work at Daily bread food bank(Boxing Food for the Needy), Children’s Aid(Wrapping Christmas Toys For Kids In Need), Saturday and Sunday School (For The Children), Joined Family Support Services, Habitat For Humanity(Helping build, paint homes for the needy), and joining committees around my church.

— We set up a party to do fundraising for Children’s Aid around Christmas time.

— Every Friday nights now, I have met an incredible group of people throughout the church and we all got together and now we go out to different places and we have great times, and create memories, and travel with each other.

— I met great people whom I can call my best friends, and I never gave up on finding people, I always made the conscious effort to never lose my way and to move forward in life.

— I knew things would get better for me, and I knew how to move on with life after being bullied.

— I always asked for help and I got the help and I am eternally grateful to all those who have helped me win these battles.

— I never gave up and I overcame the worst days of my life and I replaced it with the best days of my life which is happening in the present times of my life.

This is how I overcame my bullies, and now I am happy, positive, and I feel great, and better than before. It will happen to you too whoever is being bullied right now unfortunately. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and I am behind you and I am by your side, I am here to listen, to give advice, and to show you the way to a new life without these bullies, that has made us so vulnerable in our lives. You have no idea how special you are in your own way, and how important you are to your family, you have a lot of people who care about you, and you do have a place in this earth and you have come here for a reason, you were born a winner and you will overcome it, like I did. Never give up on anything, and always know that you do serve a purpose on this earth. Smile, be happy, and always know that you always have people to confide into. You may not know it or feel it, but someone is always there for you.

I love you, and I want the best for all.

Kindness Always Matters In This World

Today, when I was out, I saw a quote that really hit me close to my heart and there are a few things I always believe in and to me they are the most important, but what strikes out is the one about kindness, and today’s quote I saw was “Kindness Matters”. It always does and its something I have always been taught since I was a child to always be kind to others, and always do great things and not expect anything in return. I truly believe that when you do kind things and be kind to others, it is something that God will see and you will be rewarded with great things in life and you will go places. I know sometimes that is hard to believe when you do good things for others, and sometimes they don’t appreciate it and you keep getting used and used like crazy, but always know that whatever you do, its something great that you have accomplished. In this world were only here for a limited time and the time spent on this earth is short lived, so live life wonderfully with being kind and fruitful. It is important to reach out without asking anything in return. All good deeds do not go unnoticed. You may feel it at times, but to be honest, it does not. God sees it, the Angels in heaven see it and you see it.

In the last couple of weeks, Bible Study started again at my Armenian Church and I am ever so grateful it started. It gives me an opportunity to go out and reflect amongst other people who attend the bible studies, and it gives me time to listen and interact with the priest and others about kindness, about the importance of being fruitful, and someone who reaches out to others. Bible studies teaches me a lot of things about life, the spiritual life, and about the modern society we all live in now, the priests tells us so many stories of his life, and what he’s encountered recently and he tells us things that empower me and probably to others as well. Kindness is something that I have always been fond of, and it is something that has embedded into my life and without the proper upbringing of my immediate family and relatives, and the community I live in, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I want to thank so many people in my life for giving me that poise and that life to get out there and do great things, attend bible studies, and attend important events and retreats that are educational to the mind, body, soul, spirit and the heart. It is important to cleanse our souls, to be kind, to be respectful to others.

No matter who anyone is, colour, race, ethnicity, orientation, big, small, tall, short, blonde hair, brown hair, black hair. I doesn’t matter. Were all one body and were all on this earth to serve a purpose in this life. We were all chosen and it doesn’t matter what you do, the ultimate thing that does matter in this world is kindness. Do it and you will be amazed on how it changes your life for the better. When you wake up every morning, Kindness should be on your agenda everyday. Use it and share it around. You will be surprised on how great your day will be. Have a wonderful day.